ADVERTISEMENT. THE history of the following production is briefly this: A lady, fond of blank verse, demanded a poem of that kind from the author, and gave him the SOFA for a subject. He obeyed; and, having much leisure, connected another.subject with it; and pursuing the train of thought, to which is situation and turn of mind led him, brought forth at length, instead of the trifle which he at first intended, a serious affair-a Volume. BOOK I. THE SOFA. The Argument. Historical deduction of seats, from the stool to the So, fa.-A School-boy'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 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 blessing 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.-Fete champetre.-The book concludes with a reflection on the fatal effects of dissipation and effeminacy upon our public measures. I SING the Sofa. I who lately sang Truth, Hope, and Charity*, and touched with awe * See Poems, vol. i. The solemn chords, and with a trembling hand, Time was, when clothing sumptuous or for use, And swayed the sceptre of his infant realms: Improved the simple plan; made three legs four, |