Representative narratives

Front matter

I li

REPRESENTATIVE NARRATIVES

BY

Preface

The compiler of this volume realizes that there would seem to be little excuse for adding to the number of similar collections already in existence; and yet he has brought the following pages together in response to the demands of the classroom. Other compilations are based largely on the historical development of the short-story or upon the various characteristics of the short-story as a distinct literary type. The purpose of this volume is to present types of narrative structure, without regard to the problem of literary evolution. The matter of setting, of characterization, of plot, of dialogue has been the fundamental consideration guiding the choice of specimens.

The introductions to the individual selections are intentionally brief, and indicate merely the principal qualities for which they have been found useful as illustrative types. It is hardly necessary to add that each narrative may serve other purposes than those indicated in the preliminary paragraphs.

In the proper place acknowledgment is made to the various publishing houses that have courteously permitted the use of copyrighted material.

Carroll Lewis Maxcy

Williams College

williamstown, massachusetts

March, 1914

Contents

Landor's Cottage . . . >^^The Wheat Pit ....

/ N-<i-^APPINESS ~.^

^C-^ Of a Mirror and a Bell .

II Banners yellow, glorious, golden

On its roof did float and flow (This — all this — was in the olden

Time long ago) ; And every gentle air that dallied.

In that sweet day, Along the ramparts plumed and pallid,

A winged odor went away.

Ill

Wanderers in that happy valley

Through two luminous windows saw Spirits moving musically

To a lute's well-tuned law.

Round about a throne, where sitting

(Porphyrogene!) In state his glory well befitting.

The ruler of the realm was seen.

IV And all with pearl and ruby glowing

Was the fair palace door.

Through which came flowing, flowing, flowing

And sparkling evermore, A troop of Echoes, whose sweet duty

Was but to sing.

In voices of surpassing beauty.

The wit and wisdom of their king.

But evil things, in robes of sorrow. Assailed the monarch's high estate.

(Ah, let us mourn, for never morrow Shall dawn upon him, desolate!)

And, round about his home, the glory

That l)hished and bloomed Is but a dim-remembered story

Of the old time entombed.