William Hayley

William Hayley
William Hayley (1745–1820) was an English writer, best known for his biography of poet William Cowper, titled "The Life and Letters of William Cowper" (1803). He was also a poet and essayist, although his works, such as "The Triumphs of Temper" (1781), were more popular during his lifetime than they are today. Hayley was a close friend of several key figures in English literature, including Cowper and the artist William Blake, whom he supported. Despite his literary efforts, his work is often regarded as overly sentimental and has largely faded from prominence.

Author's Books:


THE DOG. BALLAD THE FIRST.   Of all the speechless friends of man    The faithful dog I deem  Deserving from the human clan    The tenderest esteem:   This feeling creature form'd to love,    To watch, and to defend,  Was given to man by powers above,    A guardian, and a friend!   I sing, of all e'er known to live    The truest friend canine;  And glory if my... more...

THE FEAR OF DEATH. Thou! whose superior, and aspiring mindCan leave the weakness of thy sex behind;Above its follies, and its fears can rise,Quit the low earth, and gain the distant skies:Whom strength of soul and innocence have taughtTo think of death, nor shudder at the thought;Say! whence the dread, that can alike engageVain thoughtless youth, and deep-reflecting age;Can shake the feeble, and appal... more...

THE EULOGIES OF HOWARD It was my chance to be conversing with a Friend of the benevolent and indefatigable HOWARD, when our country was first afflicted with the public intelligence of his death. After our first expression of surprize and sorrow, we naturally fell into serious and affectionate reflections on the gentle character and sublime pursuits of the deceased. On these articles we had no... more...