Round Thurlow's head in early youth, <br />And in his sportive days, <br />Fair science poured the light of truth, <br />And genius shed his rays. <br /> <br />See! with united wonder, cried <br />The experienced and the sage, <br />Ambition in a boy supplied <br />With all the skill of age. <br /> <br />Discernment, eloquence, and grace <br />Proclaim him born to sway <br />The balance in the highest place, <br />And bear the palm away. <br /> <br />The praise bestowed was just and wise; <br />He sprang impetuous forth, <br />Secure of conquest, where the prize <br />Attends the superior worth. <br /> <br />So the best courser on the plain <br />Ere yet he starts is known, <br />And does but at the goal obtain <br />What all had deemed his own.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/on-the-promotion-of-edward-thurlow-esq-to-the-lord-high-chancellorship-of-england/
