From reveries so airy, from the toil of dropping buckets into empty wells, and growing old in drawing nothing up

From reveries so airy, from the toil of dropping buckets into empty wells, and growing old in drawing nothing up

William Cowper was an English poet and hymnodist who lived during the 18th century. He is best known for his works that reflect his struggles with mental illness and his deep religious faith. One of his most famous lines comes from his poem "The Task," where he writes, "From reveries so airy, from the toil of dropping buckets into empty wells, and growing old in drawing nothing up."

This line captures the essence of Cowper's own struggles with depression and despair. Cowper suffered from severe bouts of mental illness throughout his life, which often left him feeling isolated and hopeless. The image of dropping buckets into empty wells speaks to the futility and frustration of his efforts to find meaning and purpose in his life. Despite his best efforts, he often felt like he was drawing up nothing but emptiness and despair.

Cowper's struggles with mental illness also influenced his religious beliefs. He believed that his suffering was a test from God, and that he needed to endure it with faith and patience. This belief is reflected in the line "growing old in drawing nothing up," which suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance of his fate.

Despite his struggles, Cowper's poetry is filled with beauty and grace. His deep love of nature and his keen observations of the world around him are evident in his works. He found solace in the natural world, and often turned to it for comfort and inspiration.