ADVERTISEMENT. THE history of the following production, is briefly this A lady, fond of blank verse, demanded a poci 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 Dinission even of such discipline as they are suscepti ble of, the ojects are yet too numerous for minute attention and the aching hearts of ten thousand parents, mourning under the bitteres, 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. Stanz subjoined to a Pill of Mortality for the year 1787. The same for 1788, The same for 1789, The same for 1790, The same for 1792, The same for 1793, Inscription for the tomb of Mr. Hamilton, Page 209 211 213 214 216 218 220 ib. THE TASK. BOOK I. THE SOFA. ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST BOOK. Historica. deduction of scats, 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 charins of solitude corrected-Colonnades commended-Alcove, and the view from it-The wildernessThe grove-The thresher-The necessity and benefit of exercise -The works of nature superiour 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. ISING the Sofa. I, who lately sang Truth, Hope, and Charity,* and touch'd with awe Time was, when clothing, sumptuous or for use, 5 10 |