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at length, we beg the reader to believe that the absence in the one case and the deficiency in the other are not due to our want of appreciation, but to such causes as these: the want of space, restrictions of copyright, the indecisive position of several recent writers, or the difficulty of finding material suitable for quotation in pages intended for a wide circle of readers of both

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We presume to entitle the present volume the "Golden Book," because it contains the "golden verses of our best poets, and, moreover, possesses some features which, we think, will recommend it to the youthful critic.

1. For instance, the extracts have been made with the view of exhibiting, so far as possible, the different sides of the genius of the poet which they profess to illustrate.

2. They are neither exclusively didactical nor exclusively narrative in character. In truth, every branch of poetry is represented, from the sonorous majesty of the epic to the graceful freedom of the ballad.

3. The Marginal Quotations, it is hoped, will prove of great value. If committed to memory, they will furnish the student with pleasant food for the fancy and suggestive matter for reflection. Each quotation is, literally, a "pearl of price," which will shine with an undying lustre as long as our language endures. Most of them inculcate, in melodious words or pithy phraseology, some truth well worthy of being borne in mind. Others are remarkable for their felicity of expression or imagery. And, at all times, they will serve to "point a moral” or “adorn a tale;" to refresh the mind with agreeable recollections of favourite poets, just as the dried flower or leaf reminds the traveller of landscapes which have delighted him in bygone

PREFACE.

years. Among these quotations will be found a large number of lines and phrases which have engraven themselves on the popular memory, are familiar in our ears as household words, and constantly recur in our everyday literature in the shape of allusion or reference.

4. To the selections from each poet is prefixed a brief biographical notice, founded upon the best and latest authorities, and including a list of all his best-known works. In the case of poets still living, these notices are purposedly rendered as concise as possible.

5. The opinions of our most eminent critics are freely introduced in illustration of, or comment upon, the various passages we have quoted. We trust this will be found an useful and interesting feature. We have also prepared, at no inconsiderable cost of time and labour, a Table of Critical and Biographical Authorities, which will direct the student in his studies to the best and trust-worthiest guides, and assist him in forming a right estimate of the special excellencies or defects of our modern poets.

We may be permitted to say, in conclusion, that the compilation of this volume has been a labour of love, and that the utmost care has been taken to render it worthy of the position it desires to hold as the "Golden Book." It does not profess to be a "Corpus Poetarum," but, by judicious selection, to aid and encourage the reader in acquiring a comprehensive view of the wealth, variety, and characteristics of the poetical literature of the present century. We are well aware of the merits of Mr. Palgrave's "Golden Treasury," and of Archbishop Trench's "Household Book of English Poetry," to say nothing of other and still more ambitious compilations. We

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have no pretensions to usurp the place of any of these, but would venture to hope that our own little volume has some distinctive features which may obtain for it the approval of the critic and the patronage of the student.

May the reader be able to say, as we can most truly and unaffectedly say, that "poetry has been to him 'its own exceeding great reward;' has soothed his afflictions; has multiplied and refined his enjoyments; has endeared solitude; and has given him the habit of wishing to discover the good and the beautiful in all that meets and surrounds him."

W. H. DAVENPORT ADAMS.

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THE Editor desires to express his acknowledgments to the various Publishers and Authors through whose courtesy he has been enabled to enrich the present volume with so many pv right pieces; among others, to Messrs. Macmillan, F. Ellis, Arnold, Browning, Allingham, Dr. Bennett, B. W. Procter, Strahan, Tennyson, the Rev. Canon Kingsley, G. Maci mall, Gerald Massey, and the Archbishop of Dublin. If in any case he has overlooked the claim of Author or Publisher, he trusts to be excused, since every care has been exercised to respect the legal rights of all parties.

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have no pretensions to usurp the place of any of these, but would venture to hope that our own little volume has some distinctive features which may obtain for it the approval of the critic and the patronage of the student.

May the reader be able to say, as we can most truly and unaffectedly say, that "poetry has been to him 'its own exceeding great reward;' has soothed his afflictions; has multiplied and refined his enjoyments; has endeared solitude; and has given him the habit of wishing to discover the good and the beautiful in all that meets and surrounds him."

W. H. DAVENPORT ADAMS.

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