THE TASK. BOOK III. THE GARDEN ARGUMENT OF THE THIRD BOOK. Self-recollection, and reproof-Address to domestic hap piness-Some account of myself-The vanity of many of their pursuits, who are reputed wise-Justification of my censures--Divine 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 seasonRuinous effects of gaming and of expensive improvement-Book concludes with an apostrophe to the metropolis. As one, who long in thickets and in brakes Entangled, winds now this way and now that His devious course uncertain, seeking home; Or, having long in miry ways been foil'd And so e discomfited, from slough to slough If chance at length he find a greensward smooth Since pulpits fail, and sounding boards reflec My languid limbs; when summer sears the plains; Or, when rough winter rages, on the soft And shelter'd Sofa, while the nitrous air Feeds a blue flame, and makes a cheerful hearth; There, undisturb'd by Folly, and appriz'd For thou art meek and constant, hating change In all our crowded streets; and senates seem Than to release the adult'ress from her bond. Th' adult'ress! what a theme for angry verse! What provocation to th' indignant heart. |