The Task (poem)

"United yet divided, twain at once: So sit two kings of Brentford on one throne."

"The nurse sleeps sweetly, hired to watch the sick, Whom snoring she disturbs."

"Nor rural sights alone, but rural sounds, Exhilarate the spirit, and restore The tone of languid nature."

"The earth was made so various, that the mind Of desultory man, studious of change And pleased with novelty, might be indulged."

"Doing good, Disinterested good, is not our trade."

"Oh for a lodge in some vast wilderness, Some boundless contiguity of shade, Where rumor of oppression and deceit, Of unsuccessful or successful war, Might never reach me more."

"Mountains interposed Make enemies of nations, who had else Like kindred drops, been mingled into one."

"We have no slaves at home. ─ Then why abroad?"

"I would not have a slave to till my ground, To carry me, to fan me while I sleep And tremble when I wake, for all the wealth That sinews bought and sold have ever earnd."

"Slaves cannot breathe in England; if their lungs Receive our air, that moment they are free! They touch our country, and their shackles fall."

"England, with all thy faults, I love thee still— My country! and, while yet a nook is left Where English minds and manners may be found, Shall be constrained to love thee."

"I sing the Sofa. I, who lately sang Truth, Hope, and Charity, and touchd with awe The solemn chords, and with a trembling hand, Escapd with pain from that adventrous flight, Now seek repose upon an humbler theme."