And suffocates the breath at ev'ry turn. 820 Profusion breeds them; and the cause itself And the land stank-so nuin'rous was the fry. 832 Self-recollection, and reproof.—Address to domestic happiness.-Some account of myself.-The vanity of many of their pursuits, who are reputed wise.-Justification of my censures.-Dicine illumination necessary to the most expert philosopher.—The question, What is truth? answered by other questions.-Domestic happiness addressed again. - Few lovers of the country.—My tame hare.-Occupations of a retired gentleman in his garden.-Pruning.—Framing.-Greenhouse.-Sowing of flower seeds.-The country preferable to the town even in the winter.-Reasons why it is deserted at that season.-Ruinous effects of gaming and of expensive improvement.-Book concludes with an apostrophe to the metropolis. THE TASK. As BOOK III. THE GARDEN. one, who long in thickets and in brakes Entangled winds now this way and now that His devious course uncertain, seeking home; If chance at length he find a greensward smooth He cherups brisk his car-erecting steed, And winds his way with pleasure and with case; So I, designing other themes, and call'd T'adorn the Sofa with eulogium due, To tell it's slumbers, and to paint it's dreams, 11 Have rambled wide. In country, city, seat Long held, and scarcely disengag'd at last. Courageous and refresh'd for future toil, Since pulpits fail, and sounding boards reflect Nor conversant with men or manners much, 20 Where chance may throw me beneath elm or vine, My languid limbs, when summer scars the plains; Or, when rough winter rages, on the soft And shelter'd Sofa, while the nitrous air 31 |