PREFACE. In adding another to the numerous Poetical Selections which have already appeared for the use of schools and young persons, the Compiler feels that he is called upon to explain the motives that have induced him to intrude himself on the notice of the public. He would, therefore, briefly state, that in the course of his practice, as an instructor of youth, he has often been led to consider, notwithstanding the popularity several Selections have obtained, that a work, which, while it did not exclude those favourite passages already familiar to general readers, and esteemed as choice subjects for Elocutionary Exercises, at the same time embraced some of the most valuable specimens of our living poets, was still a desideratum. For though the productions of the most admired writers of our age may be read, and appreciated by many, yet from their almost entire omission from our Class-Book Collections, it can hardly be considered that they are nearly as extensively circulated as they deserve. This is more especially the case with the Poems of Thomas Campbell, Esq., and James Montgomery, Esq., from which, it may be observed, many selections appear in the present volume. Justly entitled as these gifted individuals are to the rare praise of have ing written “No line, which dying, they need wish to blot,” the Compiler has not the vanity to believe that his encomiums can add to their already-acquired Fame; yet, as he has presumed to make such copious Extracts from their Writings, with the view of inducing young persons to seek an acquaintance with the whole of their works, he cannot omit to tender them his best acknowledgments; and to the former especially he would add his heartfelt thanks, for the condescending manner in which he was pleased to accept the proffered dedication of this little work. Though the Compiler's first design was to supply, what appeared to him a deficiency in school books, and thus furnish his own pupils with the Beauties of English Poetry in every variety of style that might be useful in forming their literary taste; yet he submits the result of his labours to the public, cherishing a hope, that, from the gradational plan pursued, and the suitability of the Pieces for the purpose of Recitation, this Compilation will be found to meet the wants of those Tutors who prefer the use of one Selection to more; while by others it may be deemed no unacceptable Companion to those Class Books already in use. He would add, in conclusion, that while he has aimed to collect together a Nosegay of the choicest flowers, culled from many a garden, and has plucked here and there a few simples for the sake of variety, he trusts the most scrutinizing eye will detect no poison lurking beneath. Dane John Academy, Canterbury, Aug. 1st, 1838. INDEX. Page Man was made to Mourn 74 149 St. Philip Neri and the 61 156 87 | BYRON. 94 Page 76 mortality of the Soul 245 36 41 66 155 160 173 194 217 269 281 AD Address to the Deity. 189 256 320 60 The Gladiator nacherib 38 20 CAMPBELL. Lord Ullin's Daughter 13 68 95 111 118 127 Scene in Argsleshire 153 154 287 316 85 202 117 . Page Page Gay. 163 The Hare and many Friends 9 The Poet and the Rose 12 The Eagle and the Assem- 108 21 The Sick Man & the Angel 28 The Two wls and the Sparrow . : 37 291 43 The Butterfly and the Snail 57 The Turkey and the Ant. 62 90 The Painter who pleased Nobody and Every-body 115 80 GIFFORD. Farewell to Anna's Grave 106 The Country Clergyman 64 The Village Schoolmaster 83 247 141 The Miseries of the Poor & the Luxury of the Rich 159 26 GRAY. 53 An Elegy, written in a Country Churchyard 241 71 HEBER. 104 115 Lamentation over Palestine 232 105 109 | HEMANS. 205 89 223 The Voice of Spring 234 125 The Palm Tree 128 312 The Treasures of the Deep 182 HERVEY. 101 299 Hogg. 146 215 The Marriage of Young Kennedy and Matilda 191 80 HOME. Douglas's Account of Him. self. 199 208 Douglas's Account of the 237 Heavenly Minstrel. 186 | Howitt. 166 . 98 . |
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