William Cowper: Famous Rabbit Lover

William Cowper was the most widely read poet in 18th century England. He was born is 1731 and died in 1800. One of his ballads "The Diversity of John Gilpin" was sung all over England. He has been called one the the greatest letter writers in the English language. A collection of his letters was published in two volumes as recently as 1970. He collaborated in writing hymns known as the "Olney Hymns" with John Newton (well-known for his hymn "Amazing Grace"). Among them was "Light Shining out of Darkness" with the opening lines familiar to us all: "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps on the sea, And rides upon the storm".

William Cowper was once engaged to be married, and on two other occasions was almost engaged. But another truly great love of his life was his three house hares, Puss, Bess and Tiney. Some throughout history have kept house rabbits and hares but none so famous as Cowper. He was a man who loved rural life, and the subjects of his poetry were of things in nature such as rivers, sunsets, haystacks, and rows of hedges. It was natural for him to include his three hares in his poetry and letters, even writing articles in the prestigous "Gentleman's Magazine" about them.

Being a good carpender, William Cowper constructed apartments for his three hares. He went to great lengths to learn all he could about the proper care of his three little friends and the best diet for them. Having battled depression all his life, Puss, Bess and Tiney were a real comfort and strength for him, especially Puss who had become so tame. He even wrote about him in his famous poem "The Task". In Book III of that work in the section "The Garden", he describes his close relationship with Puss by saying, "If I survive thee, I will dig thy grave; And , when I place thee in it, sighing, say, 'I know at least one hare that had a friend' ".

Cowper did out live his beloved Puss and wrote about him in his "Eulogy For Another":
                                                                     "This also lies in death
                                                                       Who all of nine years lived
                                                                       Puss.
                                                                       Stop a little while
                                                                       You who are going to pass on
                                                                       And reflect on yourseld also -
                                                                       This neither hunting dog
                                                                      Nor lead missile
                                                                        Nor Trap
                                                                        Nor violent storm
                                                                        Killed Still he is dead -
                                                                        And I will die".

Scholars and intellectuals of today may scoff at William Cowper's affection for his hares, but we who have bunny-shaped hearts know exactly what he was communicating (as does any true pet lover). Cowper may not be as well known today as the 19th century Romantic poets such as Woodswoth, Coleridge, or Robert Burns, but it was Cowper's poetry that inspired and paved the way for these famous Romantic poets.