THE TASK. A POEM. IN SIX BOOKS. 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. BOOK L-THE SOFA. THE ARGUMENT. Historical deduction of seats, from the stool to the Sofa, 1-A schoolboy's ramble, 109-A walk in the country, 140-The scene described, 159Rural sounds as well as sights delightful, 181—Another walk, 210-Mistake concerning the charms of solitude corrected, 233-Colonnades commended, 252-Alcove, and the view from it, 278-The wilderness, 350The grove, 354-The thresher, 356-The necessity and the benefits of exercise, 367-The works of nature superior to, and in some instances inimitable by, art, 409—The wearisomeness of what is commonly called a life of pleasure, 462-Change of scene sometimes expedient, 506—A common described, and the character of Crazy Kate introduced, 526-Gipsies, 557-The blessings of a civilised life, 592-The state most favourable to virtue, 600-The South Sea islanders compassionated, but chiefly Omai, 620-His present state of mind supposed, 654-Civilised life friendly to virtue, but not great cities, 678-Great cities, and London in particular, allowed their due praise, but censured, 693-Fête champêtre, 739-The book concludes with a reflection on the fatal effects of dissipation and effeminacy upon our public measures, 749. I SING the SOFA. I who lately sang Truth, Hope, and Charity, and touch'd with awe The theme though humble, yet august and proud Time was, when clothing, sumptuous or for use, As yet black breeches were not; satin smooth, And sway'd the sceptre of his infant realms : With Nature's varnish; sever'd into stripes 10 20 30 40 But restless was the chair; the back erect That press'd it, and the feet hung dangling down, These for the rich the rest, whom Fate had placed With base materials, sat on well-tann'd hides, Obdurate and unyielding, glassy smooth, If cushion might be call'd what harder seem'd In Albion's happy isle. The lumber stood 44 50 60 70 |