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 cor rected. Colonnades commended.-Alcove, and the view from it.-The wilderness.-The groveThe thresher.-The necessity and the benefits of exercise. The works of nature superior to, and in some instances inimitable by, art.-The weari someness 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 posed.-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. sup 4. THE TASK. BOOK I. THE SOFA. ISING the Sofa. I, who lately sang Truth, Hope, and Charity,* and touch'd with awe The theme though humble, yet august and proud As yet black breeches were not; satin smooth, Or velvet soft, or plush with shaggy pile: The hardy chief upon the rugged rock Wash'd by the sea, or on the gravelly bank Thrown up by wintry torrents roaring loud, Fearless of wrong, reposed his wearied strength. Those barbarous ages past, succeeded next The birth-day of Invention; weak at first, Dull in design, and clumsy to perform. Joint-stools were then created; on three legs Upborne they stood. Three legs upholding firm A massy slab, in fashion square or round. On such a stool immortal Alfred sat, And sway'd the sceptre of his infant realms: 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, With base materials, sat on well-tann'd hides, If cushion might be call'd, what harder seem'd |