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 corrected.-Colonnades commended. -Alcove, and the view from it.-The wilderness.— The grove.-The thresher.-The necessity and the benefits of exercise.-The works of nature superior 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. THE TASK. BOOK I. THE SOFA. I SING the Sofa. I, who lately sang Truth, Hope, and Charity," and touch'd with awe Time was, when clothing sumptuous or for use, Save their own painted skins, our sires had none. As yet black breeches were not; satin smooth, 10 Or velvet soft, or plush with shaggy pile: The hardy chief upon the rugged rock Wash'd by the sea, or on the grav❜lly bank Jointstools were then created; on three legs And sway'd the sceptre of his infant realms: And such in ancient halls and mansions drear May still be seen; but perforated sore, And drill'd in holes, the solid oak is found, By worms voracious eating through and through At length a generation more refin'd Improv'd the simple plan; made three legs four, Gave them a twisted form vermicular, 30 |