late this diseased action; and had Cowper found at Hun ingdon, the employment and the society, which he at last after the departure of Mr. Newton, found at Olney and Weston. he might, perchance, nave eacaped many years of THE TASK BOOK I THE SOFA. ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST BOOK. Bistorical deduction of seats, from the Stool to the SofaA Schoolboy's ramble-A walk in the country-The scene described-Rural sounds as well as sights delightful-Another walk-Mistake concerning the charme of solitude corrected-Colonnades commended-Alcove, and the view from it-The wilderness-The groveThe thresher-The necessity and benefit of exerciseThe 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 compassionate, 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 effemi nacy upon our public measures I SING the Sofa. I, who lately sang Th' occasion-for the fair commands the song. Improv'd the simple plan; riade three legs four, |