Front matter
LIBKAEY
BUEEATJ OF EDUCATION
6—1132
Preface
In preparing this reading-book, the first aim of the compiler was, to select passages suited to interest the youthful mind, and to furnish scope for effective reading. Care has also been taken that the sentiments expressed should have a practical bearing, and be of a pure and exalted tone. Pieces distinguished for force and beauty of thought have been preferred to those recom¬ mended merely by style.
A subordinate, but not less favorite design, is to furnish exer¬ cises in reading which may, likewise, serve as a study in litera¬ ture. The national grouping, the biographical sketches and the chronological order, are intended to favor this object. It is believed that literature, and the history of literature, are more important branches of elementary education, and deserve a more prominent place in our schools, than most of the political histo¬ ries so much in use, which are chiefly occupied with the intrigues of rulers, with wars, conquests and national convul¬ sions. That which is moral, intellectual and spiritual, would seem to merit greater attention than the movements of brute force, and the struggles for self-aggrandizement.
It is not pretended that historical completeness has been pre¬ served. Some worthy authors have been omitted because they were already familiarly known ; and others, for the simple rea¬ son, that the limits of the book did not allow space for them.
The compiler has drawn largely upon the older classics, partly because very fev,’ of the young people of the day are supposed
VI
PREFACE.
to be acquainted with them, and partly from a desire that they should become interested in that description of literature, and that writings celebrated for simplicity, naturalness and pathos, might serve as models for their own compositions.
Extracts are given from about one hundred and fifty authors, their dates ranging mainly within the last four hundred years. The selection from each is necessarily short. But it is thought this circumstance will give additional interest to the work, as a series of reading-lessons, especially as each passage is accom¬ panied wdth an introduction to the author.
It is hoped that those who use these exercises may receive some just ideas and useful suggestions from a careful perusal of the remarks upon the art of reading. Questions, by the teacher, upon the dates and other facts relating to the authors, might prove a valuable exercise.
The volume contains many pieces suitable for declamation.
For the family, and for the general reader, as well as for the youthful student, it may be found to comprise much that is pleasing and attractive. A. Hall.
Brooklyn Female Academy^
August^ 1850.
PAGE
Introduction, . 12
L ENGLISH LITERATURE.
Epitaph of Lady Eudora Vennome, . 25
Floating Legends, . 25
A Poet’s Praise of his Lady, . 26
Robert Fabian, . 28
The Deposition of King Vortigern, . • . 28
Sir Thomas More, . 29
The Utopian Idea of Pleasure, . 29
Hugh Latimer, . 31
Hasty Judgment, . . • . 31
Cause and Effect, . 32
God wills all to live in the Order ordained, . 33
George Oavendish, . 34
King Henry’s Visits to Wolsey’s House, . 34
Thomas Wilson, . 37
Simplicity of Style recommended, . 37
Richard Edwards, . 38
The Falling out of Faithful Friends, the Renewing of Love, .... 38
Floating Legends, . ^ . 39
Roger Ascham, . 39
The Schoolmaster, . 39
Sir Walter Raleigh, . 40
Letter to his Wife, . 41
Edmund Spenser, . 42
Una and the Red Cross Knight, . 43
William Shakspeare, . 45
Love Scene, by Night, in a Garden, . 46
A Moonlight Night, with Fine Music, . 52
Oueen Mab, . 53
Sir Henry Wotton, . 55
A Farewell to the Vanities of the World, . 55
Sir John Davies, . 55
The Dancing of the Air, . 56
Reasons for the Soul’s Immortality, . 57
Ben Jonson, . ~. . 58
Advice to a Reckless Youth, . 61
Joseph Hall, . 61
On a Red-breast coming into his Chamber, . 62
On Hearing Music by Night, . 62
Richard Barnfield, . . 63
Address to the Nightingale, . 63
Thomas Heywood, . 64
Shipwreck by Drink, . 64
Lady Elizabeth Carew, . 66
Revenge of Injuries, . 66
Philip Massinger, . 67
A Midnight Scene, . 67
VIII
Contents
' PAGE
Compassion for Misfortune, . 68
Unequal Love, . T'O
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