THE TASK. BOOK I. THE SOFA. Historical deduction of seats, from the stool to the sofa. -A schoolboy's ramble.-A walk in the country.—The scene described.-Rural sounds as well as sights delight. ful.-Another walk.-Mistake 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 The solemn chords, and, with a trembling hand, Escaped with pain from that adventurous flight, B Now seek repose upon an humbler theme; The theme though humble, yet august and proud The occasion for the Fair commands the song. Time was, when clothing sumptuous or for use, And sway'd the sceptre of his infant realms: Improved the simple plan; made three legs four, And o'er the seat, with plenteous wadding stuff'd, |