ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST BOOK. 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 civilised life. That state most favourable to virtue. The South Sea islanders compassionated, but chiefly Omai.-His present state of mind supposed.-Civilised life friendly to virtue, but not great cities. Great cities, and London in particular, allowed their due praises, but censured.— Fête champêtre.-The book concludes with a reflection on the fatal effects of dissipation and effeminacy upon our public measures. 249 THE TASK. BOOK I. THE SOFA. 1 SING the Sofa. I, who lately sang Truth, Hope, and Charity,* and touch'd with awe Time was, when clothing sumptuous or for use, See Poems, pages 38, 74, 94. May still be seen; but perforated sore, Improved the simple plan; made three legs four, And o'er the seat, with plenteous wadding stuff'd, These for the rich; the rest, whom Fate had placed With base materials, sat on well-tann'd hides, If cushion might be call'd, what harder seem'd |