But runs the road of wisdom. Thou hast built, (If power she be that works but to confound) To mix her wild vagaries with thy laws. Yet thus we dote, refusing while we can Gods such as guilt makes welcome; gods that sleep, Amused spectators of this bustling stage. Thee we reject, unable to abide Thy purity, till pure as thou art pure; Made such by thee, we love thee for that cause, A voice is heard that mortal ears hear not, From thee departing they are lost, and rove THE TASK. BOOK VI. THE WINTER WALK AT NOON. ARGUMENT. BELLS at a distance. Their effect. A fine noon in winter. A sheltered walk. Meditation better than books. Our familiarity with the course of nature makes it appear less wonderful than it is. The transformation that spring effects in a shrubbery described. A mistake concerning the course of nature corrected. God maintains it by an unremitted act. The amusements fashionable at this hour of the day reproved. Animals happy, a delightful sight. Origin of cruelty to animals. That it is a great crime proved from scripture. That proof illustrated by a tale. A line drawn between the lawful and unlawful destruction of them. Their good and useful properties insisted on. Apology for the encomiums bestowed by the author on animals. Instances of man's extravagant praise of man. The groans of the creation shall have an end. A view taken of the restoration of all things. An invocation and an invitation of Him who shall bring it to pass. The retired man vindicated from the charge of uselessness. Conclusion. |