iv PREFACE,

just been presented of what such a book ought tc
be, the time and labour it has cost will be amply
repaid,

Besides the advantages accruing to the taste
and moral character from an early acquaintance
with poetry, which are the greatest and most im-
portant, we must not pass over those which may
be derived from it, as a means of exercising and
strengthening the memory, and of cultivating the
graces of elocution. The attainment of these
benefits will, however, depend, in some degree,
upon the manner in which they are sought. The
following remarks, suggested by experience, may,
perhaps, be found useful.

When this book is used in schools, it is recom-
mended that the lessons selected from it be learned
simultaneously by small classes. An opportunity
is thus afforded for giving that minute attention
to the meaning and spirit of the poems, which is
an essential preparation for a just delivery, and
for which otherwise, probably no time could be
found. It would be well for the teacher, in the
first place, to read over to his pupils, with appro-
ptiate emphasis and expression, the passage to be
committed to memory, asking questions on any
words or allusions which may seem likely to occa-
sion difficulty; he will then direct them to underline