DRAWN BY RICHARD WESTALL RA. ENGRAVED BY J. H. ROBINSON; PUBLISHED BY JOHN SHARPE, PICCADILLY. OCT. 1.1817. THE TASK BOOK III. THE GARDEN. Self-recollection, and reproof.-Address to domestic happiness.-Some account of myself.-The vanity of many of their pursuits, who are reputed wise.-Justification of my censures.-Divine illumination necessary to the most expert philosopher.-The question, What is truth? answered by other questions.-Domestic happiness addressed again.-Few lovers of the country.-My tame hare.Occupations of a retired gentleman in his garden.--Pruning.— Framing-Greenhouse.-Sowing of flower seeds.-The country preferable to the town even in the winter.-Reasons why it is deserted at that season.-Ruinous effects of gaming and of expensive improvement.-Book concludes with an apostrophe to the metropolis. As He cherups brisk his ear-erecting steed, And winds his way with pleasure and with ease; So I, designing other themes, and call'd T' adorn the Sofa with eulogium due, To tell its slumbers, and to paint its dreams, Since pulpits fail, and sounding boards reflect Most part an empty ineffectual sound, What chance that I, to fame so little known, Is ofttimes proof of wisdom, when the fault Domestic happiness, thou only bliss Of Paradise, that has surviv'd the fall! Though few now taste thee unimpair'd and pure, Or too incautious, to preserve thy sweets In all our crowded streets; and senates seem Than to release th' adultress from her bond. |