Careful Words

drudgery (n.)

Who first invented work, and bound the free

And holiday-rejoicing spirit down

   .   .   .   .   .   .

To that dry drudgery at the desk's dead wood?

   .   .   .   .   .   .

Sabbathless Satan!

Charles Lamb (1775-1834): Work.

A servant with this clause

Makes drudgery divine;

Who sweeps a room as for Thy laws

Makes that and th' action fine.

George Herbert (1593-1632): The Elixir.