ideas and expressions which set him apart from many of his contemporaries including Cavalier poet Sir John Suckling and John Dryden Mastery of Language Johnson appreciates Cowley's command of the English language Cowley's skillful use of words and ability to manipulate language effectively are notable strengths Johnson highlights that Cowley s diction is refined and his phrasing elegant His diction contributes to the beauty of his poetry We find Cowley s excellent use of language in his poems The Tree of Knowledge and Reason Variety of Works Cowley s versatility is another strength that Johnson notes Cowley wrote in various forms and genres from lyrical poems and epics to essays and odes Abraham Cowley's Miscellanies is a collection of shorter poems encompassing many themes and styles Published in various editions throughout the th century this collection includes lyrical poems epigrams and short pieces that showcase Cowley's versatility as a poet Intellectual Depth According to Johnson Cowley is the last influential metaphysical poet Dr Johnson undoubtedly accepts that metaphysical poets are highly learned and intellectual All of Cowley's writings are a specimen of his deep knowledge and intellectual excellence but his elegies are special for his intellectual excellence On the Death of Mr Crashaw and An Elegy on the Death of the Dean of St Paul's Dr John Donne are Cowley s powerful elegies Evergreen Love Poet The Mistress is a collection of Cowley s love poems written between and and published in The poems of this collection have lively wit and abundant knowledge This collection showcases Cowley's wit ingenuity and emotional depth and is considered one of his most significant works According to Dr Sprat these poems truly bear the joyful flow of knowledge Limitations Overuse of Conceits Johnson criticizes Cowley for his excessive use of conceits which are elaborate and often far-fetched metaphors or similes Johnson feels that Cowley s overuse of them makes his poetry sometimes seem forced and unnatural Johnson evaluates conceit in the following manner The most heterogeneous ideas are yoked by violence together nature and art are ransacked for illustrations comparisons and allusions Thus Johnson evaluates the metaphysical poets who are responsible for the dissociation of sensibility Further Johnson says that nothing can be more disgusting than a narrative decorated with conceits and Davideis the unfinished epic of Cowley abounds in conceits Lack of Emotional Touch Another limitation Johnson identifies is the lack of emotional warmth in Cowley s poetry Johnson argues that Cowley s intellectual approach often comes at the expense of genuine emotional expression It creates dissociation of sensibility Complexity and Obscurity Johnson points out that Cowley s inclination for complex and obscure ideas can make his poetry difficult to understand This complexity can be off-putting to readers who may struggle to grasp the meaning behind Cowley s elaborate metaphors and intellectual musings Imitation over Originality Johnson observes that while Cowley was highly inventive he also relied heavily on imitating classical models and other poets This reliance on imitation can sometimes make Cowley s work feel derivative rather than original Wrapping up these limitations according to Johnson sometimes prevent Cowley from achieving the full potential of his poetic genius Despite these criticisms Cowley remains a significant and influential figure in English literature He is respected for his contributions and his distinct poetic voice