ILLUSTRATIONS. THE TASK. Book I. THE SOFA.-Headpiece . "the repose the Sofa yields." THE TASK. Book II. THE TIMEPIECE.-Headpiece "a lodge in some vast wilderness." THE TASK. Book III. THE GARDEN.-Headpiece. THE TASK. Book IV. THE WINTER EVENING.-Head "News from all nations lumbering at his back." ""Tis morning; and the Sun, with ruddy orb Ascending, fires the horizon." 103 106 113 119 123 The Poultry Yard Vignette. THE TASK. Book VI. THE WINTER WALK AT NOON. Headpiece. "The Squirrel, flippant, pert, and full of play." Page . 126 € 151 ARGUMENT. Mistake Historical deduction of seats, from the stool to the Sofa. A school-boy's ramble. A walk in the country. The scene described. Rural sounds as well as sights delightful. Another walk. concerning the charms of solitude corrected. Colonnades commended. Alcove, and the view from it. The Wilderness. The Grove. The Thresher. The necessity and the benefits of exercise. The works of nature superior to, and, in some instances, inimitable by, art. The wearisomeness of what is commonly called a life of pleasure. Change of scene sometimes expedient. A common described, and the character of crazy Kate introduced. Gipsies. The blessings of civilized life. That state most favourable to virtue. The South Sea islanders compassionated, but chiefly Omai. His present state of mind supposed. Civilized life friendly to virtue, but not great cities. Great cities, and London in particular, allowed their due praise, but censured. Fête champêtre. The book concludes with a reflection on the fatal effects of dissipation and effeminacy upon our public measures. I SING the Sofa. I, who lately sang Truth, Hope, and Charity, and touch'd with awe Time was, when clothing sumptuous or for use, B 2 |