William Cowper on Furniture

“Necessity invented stools, Convenience next suggested elbow-chairs, And Luxury the accomplish'd Sofa last.”

“Joint-stools were then created; on three legs Upborne they stood. Three legs upholding firm A massy slab, in fashion square or round. On such a stool immortal Alfred sat.”

“Ingenious Fancy, never better pleased Than when employ'd t' accommodate the fair, Heard the sweet moan of pity, and devised The soft settee; one elbow at each end, And in the midst an elbow it received, United yet divided, twain at once.”