Poems -Cowper, William (Volume 2) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1818. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE TASK. THE SOFA. I Sivg the Sofa. I, who lately sang Truth, Hope, and Charity*, and touched with awe The solemn chords, and with a trembling hand, Escaped with pain from that adventurous flight, Now seek repose upon an humbler theme; The theme, though humble, yet august and proud The occasion--for the fair commands the song. 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, Or velvet soft, or plush with shaggy pile: * See Poemj, ral. i. VOL. II. - The hardy chief upon the rugged rock / Washed by the sea, or on the gravelly bank Thrown up by wintry torrents roaring loud, Fearless of wrong, reposed his weary strength, Those barbarous ages past, succeeded next The birthday of Invention; weak at first. Dull in design, and clumsy to perform. Joint-stools were then created; on three legs Upborne they stood. Three legs upholding firm. A massy slab, in fashion square or round. On such a stool immortal Alfred sat, And swayed the sceptre of his infant realms: And such in ancient halls and mansions drear May still be seen; but perforated sore, And drilled in holes, the solid oak is found, By worms voracious eating through and througb. At length a generation more refined Improved the simple plan; made three legs four, Gave them a twisted form vermicular, And o'er the seat, with plenteous wadding stuffed, Induced a splendid cover, green and blue, Yellow and red, of tapestry richly wrought And woven close, or needlework sublime. There might ye see the piony spread wide, The full-blown rose, the shepherd and his las;-, Lapdog and lambkin with black staring eyes, And parrots with twin cherries in their beak. Now eame the cane from India, smooth and bright With Nature's ...