ADVERTISEMENT. The history of the following production is briefly this: A lady, fond of blank verse, demanded a poem of that kind from the author, and gave him the Sofa for a subject. He obeyed; and, having much leisure, connected another subject with it; and pursuing the train of thought, to which his situation and turn of mind led him, brought forth at length, instead of the trifle which he at first intended, a serious affair-a Volume. In the Poem on the subject of Education, he would be very sorry to stand suspected of having aimed his censure at any particular school. His objections are such, as naturally apply themselves to schools in general. If there were not, as for the most part there is, wilful neglect in those who manage them, and an omission even of such discipline as they are susceptible of, the objects are yet too numerous for minute attention; and the aching hearts of ten thousand parents, mourning under the bitterest of all disappointments, attest the truth of the allegation. His quarrel therefore is with the mischief at large, and not with any particular instance of it.. THE TASK, in Six Books... ... ... Page. Book I. The Sofa.............? ini28 III. The Garden............ 57 IV. The Winter Evening...... 86 Epistle to Joseph Hill, Esq................. 182 Tirocinium : or, a Review of Schools........ 187 Translation of Prior's Chloe ard Euphelia.... To the Rev. Mr. Newton.......... 220 The Faithful Friend.......... .... 226 Norfolk.. ......................... 238 Friendship wi 243 The Argument. A School-boy's ramble. A walk in the country...The I sing the Sofa. I who lately sang See Poems, vol. i. |