...subjects calculated to amuse and instruct the domestic circle, it seems to respond to Cowper'a lines — ' Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round, And while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn Throws up a steamy column,...

...them all; I burn to set th' imprison'd wranglers free, And give them voice and utt'rance once again. Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round, And, while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn Throws up a steamy column,...

...und seinen aufmerksamen Zuhörern aus der Zeitung vorliest, welche der Postbote hineingeworfen hat. Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the eurtains, wheel the sofa round, And while the bubbling and loud hissing um Throws up a steamy column,...

...held a place on the sideboard of the wealthier classes from about the middle of the 18th century'.96 Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round, And, while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn Throws up a steamy column,...

...then in secret sin. But for love of sheer domesticity, look at this picture of a cosy evening at home: Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round, And, while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn Throws up a steamy column,...

...countryside. The post arrived, the newspaper was read and the family settled down for their pastimes: Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round, And while the bubbling and loud hissing urn Throws up a steamy column,...

...of security a cup of tea evokes must be that by William Cowper, an insecure though reputable poet. Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round; And while the bubbling and loud hissing urn Throws up a steamy column,...

...clearly lost out to the stimulating but calming and comforting effects of the beverage and its rituals: Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round, And while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn Throws up a steamy column,...

...Garden' I. 686 31 Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sola round, And, while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn Throws up a steamy column, and the cups, That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each, So let us welcome peaceful evening in. The Tusk 1 1 78...

...once in the country he was glad of his cozy spot where he coined the oft-quoted lines that follow: Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round, And while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn Throws up a steamy column,...