ARGUMENT of the FIRST BOOK. Hiftorical deduction of feats, from the fool to the Sofa.A School-boy's ramble.-A walk in the country.The fcene defcribed.- Rural founds as well as fights delightful.-Another walk.-Miftake, concerning the charms of folitude, corrected.-Colonades commended.-Alcove and the view from it.-The Wildernefs.-The Grove.-The Thresher.-The neceffity and the benefits of exercife.-The works of nature Juperior to and in fome inflances inimitable by art.The wearifomeness of what is commonly called a life of pleafure.-Change of scene sometimes expedient. A common defcribed, and the chara&er of crazy Kate introduced.-Gipfies.-The bleffings of civilized life. That flate moft favourable to virtue.-The South Sea Islanders compaffionated, but chiefly Omai.His prefent ftate of mind sup ofed.— Civilized life friendly to virtue, but not great cities.—Great cities, and London in particular, allowed their due praise, but cenfured.-Fete Champetre.-The book concludes with a reflection on the fatal effects of dissipation and effeminacy upon our public measures. ISING the SOFA. I who lately fang Truth, Hope and Charity *, and touch'd with awe The folemn chords, and with a trembling hand, Save their own painted skins, our fires had none. VOL. II. * See vol. i. B Or V. The Winter Morning Walk 149. VI. The Winter Walk at Noon 189 An Epistle to Jofeph Hill, Esq. |