With intellects bemaz'd in endless doubt, But runs the road of wisdom. Thou hast built Then skilful most when most severely judg'd. Gods such as guilt makes welcome; gods that sleep, Amus'd spectators of this bustling stage. Thee we reject, unable to abide Thy purity, till pure as thou art pure, Made such by thee, we love thee for that cause For which we shunn'd and hated thee before. A voice is heard, that mortal ears hear not, ARGUMENT OF THE SIXTH BOOK. Bells at a distance.-Their effect.-A fine noon in winter.-A sheltered walk.-Meditation better than books.-Our familiarity with the course of nature makes it appear less wonderful than it is.-The transformation that spring effects in a shrub bery described.-A mistake concerning the course of nature corrected.-God maintains it by an unremitted act.-The amusements fashionable at this hour of the day reproved.Animals happy, a delightful sight.-Origin of cruelty to ani. mals.-That it is a great crime proved from Scripture.-That proof illustrated by a tale.-A line drawn between the lawful and unlawful destruction of them.-Their good and useful properties insisted on.-Apology for the encomiums bestowed by the author on animals.-Instances of man's extravagant praise of man.-The groans of the creation shall have an end.. -A view taken of the restoration of all things.-An invocation and an invitation of Him who shall bring it to pass.-The retired man vindicated from the charge of uselessness.-Conclusion. THE TASK. BOOK VI. THE WINTER WALK AT NOON. THERE is in souls a sympathy with sounds, In cadence sweet, now dying all away, |