A voice is heard, that mortal ears hear not, Till thou hast touch'd them; 'tis the voice of song, Which he that hears it with a shout repeats, ARGUMENT OF THE SIXTH BOOK, 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 insted 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 melessness.-Conclusion THE TASK. BOOK VI. THE WINTER WALK AT NOON. THERE is in souls a sympathy with sounds, VOL. II. (As in a map the voyager his course) The windings of my way through many years. It seem'd not alway short; the rugged path, When most severe, and must'ring all it's force, Whose favour, like the clouds of spring, might low'r, His shelt'ring side, and wilfully forewent |