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 delightful. 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. THE TASK. I BOOK I. THE SOFA. SING the Sofa. I, who lately sang Truth, Hope, and Charity", and touch'd with awe The solemn chords, and with a trembling hand, Time was, when clothing sumptuous or for use, Save their own painted skins, our sires had none. As yet black breeches were not; satin smooth, 10 Or velvet soft, or plush with shaggy pile: The hardy chief upon the rugged rock Jointstools were then created; on three legs A massy slab, in fashion square or round. On such a stool immortal Alfred sat, And sway'd the sceptre of his infant realms: And such in ancient halls and mansions drear May still be seen; but perforated sore, And drill'd in holes, the solid oak is found, By worms voracious eating through and through. At length a generation more refin'd Improv'd the simple plan; made three legs four, Gave them a twisted forin vermicular, 30 And o'er the seat, with plenteous wadding stuff'd, Induc'd a splendid cover, green and blue, Now came the cane from India smooth and bright With Nature's varnish; sever'd into stripes, 40 That interlac'd each other, these supplied Of texture firm a lattice-work, that brac'd |