Coming from an Augustan background, this was no easy task for Cowper, who only became satisfied that he had found 'his' style when he was an elderly man and the bulk of his poetry lay behind him. Poetic language must be, in Cowper's opinion, manly and sincere, and in a style suitable for the occasion. A poet must utilise the linguistic fashions of the day. Referring to the results of Cowper's endeavours, a contemporary critic judged Cowper's language and style to be most novel and like a magic creation. Cowper, who was a man of great feeling, felt that prose was suitable for humdrum themes but if the heart spoke or was addressed, then verse must be the means of communication.
Measure is, however, quite secondary to message.
The poet felt that contemporary versification was all embellishment and mechanical know-how and blamed Pope for this regression. Poetry must speak the language of prose. Although Cowper used most traditional verse forms throughout his career, his favourite two were the ballad and blank verse. He found both truly English and capable of expressing all the moods and manners of man. Blank verse was preferred as it freed the poet from being tied to the fetters of rhyme thus giving him greater freedom in formulating his message.