produced a few literary effusions, and was a member of a club of Westminster men called the "Nonsense Club," among his most intimate associates at which were Colman, Bonnell Thornton, and Lloyd. In 1763, through the interest of his friends, the offices of reading clerk and clerk of the committees of the House of Lords were conferred upon him; but the duties attached to them were so ill-suited to his shy and nervous temperament, that he speedily resigned them, and accepted the office of Clerk of the Journals. But, to his infinite dismay, the nomination was called in question, and he was required to present himself for examination at the bar of the house. So great was his distress at the alternative which presented itself, of either standing the examination, or, by declining the post, casting a slur upon his own reputation and the judgment of his cousin, that he even looked forward with hope to the approach of insanity, to which he had a constitutional tendency. It is but charitable to believe that its approach was nearer than he himself supposed, when we find that he actually made several abortive attempts at suicide. In the end he resigned the office on the day appointed for the examination. Shortly afterwards he became insane, and remained in that state for about eighteen months, under the care of Dr. Cotton, at St. Alban's. His madness took the distressing form of religious despondency. He believed himself irrevocably predestined to perdition. It has been needlessly supposed by some that over-wrought religious emotions were the cause of his malady. It would be more accurate to say that the religious depression, which preceded the actual development of his insanity, was but the incipient stage of it. On his recovery, in 1765, Cowper took up his residence at Huntingdon, that he might be nearer to his younger brother, the Rev. John Cowper. Here he became acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Unwin, and formed a friendship with them which was of inestimable value to him. A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE LIFE OF COWPER. vii He relinquished his solitude, and became an inmate of their house. Their intimacy was terminated only by death. Mr. Unwin died in 1767, and Cowper continued to reside with his widow, till she died in 1796. This genuine and affectionate friendship is feelingly alluded to in the "Sofa" (7. 144). Shortly after the death of Mr. Unwin, Cowper and his bereaved friend went to reside at Olney, in Buckinghamshire, of which place their valued friend, the Rev. Mr. Newton, was curate. Mr. Newton was a man of exalted and fervent piety, which exerted a happy influence upon the temperament of Cowper. The religious sentiments of the latter ripened into that earnest and unaffected Christianity which breathes through so many of his writings. To this change in his religious feelings he alludes in some exquisite lines in the "Garden.” "I was a stricken deer, that left the herd Long since. With many an arrow deep infixed With gentle force soliciting the darts, He drew them forth, and healed, and bade me live." It was at the request of Mr. Newton, that Cowper undertook to assist in the production of a volume of hymns, which was published in 1776, under the title of "The Olney Hymns." Many of the most beautiful pieces in this collection are from his pen. Before the completion of the work, however, in 1773, he again became insane, and continued so till 1776. It was by the advice of Mrs. Unwin that, on his recovery, he addressed himself with more vigour to poetical composition. A volume of miscellaneous pieces, including those on "Truth," "Hope," and" Charity," was published in 1782. This period of his life, too, was enlivened by his acquaintance with Lady Austen, towards whom, for some time, he cherished the warmest regard. It was at her suggestion that he wrote the "Task," and the "History of John Gilpin." The “Task” was published in 1785, and immediately and decisively established its author's reputation. The success which it met with encouraged him to proceed with the more laborious work of translating Homer. On this he was occupied (with an interruption in 1787 from his former affliction) until 1791. While engaged upon it, he had removed from Olney to Weston, at the suggestion of his cousin, Lady Hesketh. To his intercourse with her we are indebted for many of his most charming letters. He was, as Southey says, the best of English letter writers. The translation of Homer was his last work of importance. Insanity attacked him again in 1794, and, with occasional intervals, darkened the dast six years of his life. He died in 1800. The poems of Cowper are eminently distinguished by their freedom from affectation, manliness of thought, pathos and humour. The last-named characteristic he possessed rare degree (witness for instance, that universal favourite, the "History of John Gilpin "), and was an instance of what is by no means uncommon-the combination of humour with a tendency to profound melancholy. He did much to re-awaken a sympathy with the homely beauties of simple, natural scenery and domestic life. His enthusiastic love of nature is finely described in the "Sofa," (l. 140, &c.) In this, and in the depth and earnestness of his religious feelings, he stands in close affinity to Wordsworth, whom he equals in tenderness, and excels in humour, though far inferior in imagination, power, and philosophic depth. THE TASK. BOOK I. The Sofa. ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST BOOK. Historical Deduction of Seats from the Stool to the Sofa-A Schoolboy's Ramble-A Walk in the Country-The Scene described— Rural Sounds, as well as Sights, delightful-Another WalkMistake concerning the Charms of Solitude corrected-Colonnades commended-Alcove, and the View from it-The Wilderness-The Grove-The Thresher-The Necessity and the 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 Blessings 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-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 5 B The theme though humble, yet august and proud 10 15 20 And such in ancient halls and mansions drear May still be seen; but perforated sore, 25 And drilled in holes, the solid oak is found, By worms voracious eaten through and through. At length a generation more refined Improved the simple plan, made three legs four, 30 And o'er the seat, with plenteous wadding stuffed, 35 And parrots with twin cherries in their beak. Now came the cane from India, smooth and bright 40 |