rar< o V •- "> °o "'.To' ,0 ** • ^ ♦ y\ \lsK' /% *°"->* v V • c°V-* ,"t°x. - N f >_ * *<\m^~° * y +*. '-way** >y :. ^** •■ s*°k • i V :M^ ♦*,«; ♦* «F ^ -.m^/ . V > "-^G*/ ^ * o^<* V %' *> • J ;< •^ OUTLINES OF 'i ii i: WORLD'S BEST LITERATURE CONTAINING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF 133 AUTHORS, 1,500 CHOICE EXTRACTS FROM THEIR PRODUCTIONS. BY B. -F. BUNTS: lEIR/TOUST, Superintendent Tyrone Schools. LANCASTER, PA. INQUIRER PRINTING AND PUBLISHING ('<». 1886. PREFACE. The word "Outlines" in the name of this volume is meant to embrace the lending literary representatives of all ages, with the titles of their principal productions, and choice selections from their writings. It comprises short, unencumbered sketches of the lives and labors of the most popular men and women of Sacred, Grecian, Roman, English, Scottish, Irish, French, German, and American Literature. Parents and teachers have awakened to the fact that too little attention is given to this subject; students are graduated from our common schools and colleges with a sur- prisingly limited acquaintance with the world's authors and their works. But aside from the indispensable information to a cultured mind that may be derived from the pursuit of this branch, educators everywhere are beginning to advocate the study of literature and the committing and reciting of choice extracts as the best means by which a good command of elegant language may be acquired. Since the establishing of " Author's Day" by Prof. Geo. J. Luckey, Superintendent of the Pittsburg schools, there have been earnest demands from all parts of the country, where the benefits of the scheme have been realized, for a book suitably adapted to impart literary culture, and to incite our scholars to read more eagerly the highest and most commendable literature. It is hoped that this book will supply that want, and that the beautiful gems which its casket contains will stimulate a searching for others. It is intended to require students to become familiar with a brief bio- graphy of each writer, his contemporaries and the thought-gems given, and to glean other extracts from the works of each. The authors are arranged according to time of birth, so that it will not be difficult to select those who were co-laborers at different stages since the age of Shakespeare, before whose time the world seldom had more than one great literary light shining during the same period. Hoping that our collection of brilliant thoughts and sparkling pearls may foster a new enthusiasm in this interesting study, the author asks for the w r ork a careful exam- ination. Hollidaysburg, Pa., July 18, 1883. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1882, By B. FRANK PINKERTON, In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. CONTENTS. PAGE Introduction. Literature defined ; how divided and sub-di- vided; beginning of English literature; translators of the Bible ; first printer, etc. 5 Sacred Literature. Job . . 1 Moses 1 David 8 Solomon 9 Isaiah 9 Confucius 10 St. Paul 10 Grecian Literature. Homer 11 Hesiod 11 Sappho 12 jEschylus 12 Sophocles 13 Herodotus 13 Euripides 13 Aristophanes 14 Plato 14 Aristotle 15 Plutarch 15 Roman Literature. Marcus Tullius Cicero 16 Lucretius, 17 Caius Sallust . . . .' 17 Publius Virgil 17 Quintus Horace 18 Titus Livy 18 Lucius Seneca 19 Caius Tacitus 19 Alighieri Dante 19 English Literature. Geoffrey Chaucer 20 Sir Walter Raleigh 21 Edmund Spenser. .' 21 Robert Southwell 22 Sir Philip Sidney 22 ( PAOI English Litkbatdbs. — Conk Francis Bacon 23 William Shakespeare 23 Ben Jonson 24 Thomas Fuller 25 • John Milton 25 Samuel Butler 20 Jeremy Taylor 27 John Bunyan 27 John Dryden 28 John Locke 28 Daniel De Foe 29 Jonathan Swift 29 Joseph Addison 30 Edward Young 31 George Berkeley 31 John Gay 32 Alexander Pope 32 James Thomson -33 Samuel Johnson 34 David Hume 34 Thomas Gray 35 William Collins 35 Oliver Goldsmith 3G Edmund Burke 36 William Cowper 37 James Beattie 38 Hannah More 38 Richard Brinsley Sheridan 39 Robert Burns 39 Joanna Baillie 40 Maria Edge worth 40 Mrs. Amelia Opie 11 William Wordsworth -11 Sir Walter Scott 42 Sidney Smith James Montgomery '■■ ' Samuel Taylor Coleridge M Robert Southey Charles Lamb ill) CONTENTS. TACK EKGLI8B LITERATURE. — Continued. Thomas Campbell 46 Charles Caleb Colton it Thomas Moore 47 James 11. Leigh Hunt 48 George Gordon Byron 48 Percy B. Shelley 49 Mrs. Felicia llomans 50 Thomas Carlyle 50 Thomas Hood 51 Thomas Babington Macaulay 52 Douglas Jerrold 52 Sir Edward Lytton Buhver 53 Elizabeth Barrett Browning 53 Caroline E. S. Norton 54 Lord Alfred Tennyson 54 William Makepeace Thackeray 55 Charles Dickens 56 Charles Mackay 57 John Ruskin 57 Charles Kingsley 58 John Tyndall 58 George Eliot 59 Rev. Charles H. Spurgeon 59 Jean Ingelow 60 French Literature. Francois la Rochefoucauld 61 Jean de la Fontaine 62 Blaise Pascal ... • 62 Jean Jacques Rousseau 62 German Literature. Christopher M. Wieland 63 Johann Wolfgang Goethe 63 Johann C. F. Schiller. 64 PAGE German Literature. — Continued. Johann Paul Friederich Richter .... 65 American Literature. Benjamin Franklin 66 George Washington 66 Thomas Jefferson 67 Daniel Webster 68 Washington Irving. 68 James Fennimore Cooper 69 Fitz-Greene Halleck 70 Lydia H. Sigourney 70 Edward Everett 71 William Cullen Bryant ........ 71 George Bancroft 72 Ralph Waldo Emerson 73 , Nathaniel Hawthorne 73 Nathaniel Parker Willis 74 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 75 John Greenleaf Whittier 76 Oliver Wendell Holmes 77 Edgar Allan Poe 78 Horace Greeley 79 Harriet Beecher Stowe 79 Henry Ward Beecher 80 John Godfrey Saxe 81 Henry W. Shaw 81 James Russell Lowell 82 Joseph Gilbert Holland 83 Alice Cary 83 Thomas Buchanan Read 84 Bayard Taylor 85 Phoebe Cary 85 James Abram Garfield 86 INTRODUCTION Literati re 1ms been defined as thought expressed in writing; as the thought of thinking souls; as the immortality of speech; as a nation's history in its subtlest form; as the revelation of mind ; as the great engine which moves the feelings of a people; as comprising the written productions of all nations in all ages; and as the written thoughts and feelings of intelligent men and women, arranged in a way that will give pleasure to the reader. We add to these comprehensive definitions: Literature is the reflection of an illuminated mind. Its two large divisions are Poetry and Prose. The former includes only such writings as are in verse, are the product of a creative imagination, and are designed to give pleasure ; the latter, in order to be called literature, must have style and character, and be written with curious care. The different kinds of poetry are epic, dramatic, lyric, narrative, descriptive, didactic, elegiac, pastoral, and humorous; the varieties of prose are letters, reviews, travels, history, fiction, essays, discourses, etc. These subdivis- ions are all defined in Hart's Rhetoric, and in the large dictionaries. Three examples for each kind of poetry are given : Epic — Homer's Iliad, Virgil's ^Eneid, and Milton's Paradise Lost. Dramatic — Shakespeare's Plays, Ben Jonson's Fall of Catiline, and Joanna Baillie's De Montfort. Lyric — Dryden's Alexander's Feast, Mrs. Hemans' The Return, and Lowell's Commemorative Ode. Narrative — Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Scott's Lady of the Lake, and Cowper's Task. Descriptive — Thomson's Sea- sons, Bryant's Forest Hymn, and Montgomery's Greenland. Didactic — Pope's Essay on Man, Young's Night Thoughts, and Keats' Hyperion. Elegiac — Gray's Elegy, Tennyson's In Memoriam, and Willis' Death of Absalom. Pastoral — Whittier's Snow Bound, Spenser's Faery Queen, and Byron's Haidee: Humorous — Hood's John Trot, Holmes' One Hoss Shay, and Carleton's Editor's Guests. The World's Best Litera- ture is divided into Sacred, Grecian, Roman, English, French, German, and Ameri- can, with Job, Homer, Cicero, Chaucer, La Rochefoucauld, Wieland, and Franklin. a> their respective leaders. 'Tis true that English poetry really began with Caedmon, 070 A. D., and prose about thirty years after with the Venerable Bede; and that King Alfred was called the " Father of English Literature;" but their writings were so frag- mentary and unimportant when compared with later periods that Chaucer is properly (v) INTRODUCTION. entitled to be placed first on the list. The English authors borrowed their rhymes, meter, and accent from the French. Their first translator of the Bible was Aelfric, followed by Wydiffe, Tvndale and James I. Their first printer was "William Caxton* England has had sixteen Poets Laureate: Spenser, Daniel, Jonson, Davenant, Dry- den, Shadwell, Tate, Rowe, Kusden, Gibber, Whitehead, Warton, Rye, Southey, Wordsworth, Tennyson. America's first or colonial .period produced only theological literature, for the most part fugitive and controversial; Newman, Williams, Mather, Mayhew, D wight, Elliot, Witherspoon, Hopkins, Edwards, and Styles, were the main contributors. Benjamin Franklin is taken as the first, for reasons given in his biog- raphy in this book. Outlines of Literature. SACRED LITERATURE. Of the forty writers who contributed to our Bible, only six have been selected for this book, and of all authors of other sacred works, only one is found on these p:t_ It is to be hoped that readers will be stimulated to make further investigations in the precious mines of sacred literature. While studying this, make a practice of select- ing passages from the Bible to read or recite in connection with each lesson. JOB. " The most patient of all human beings " — whom we believe to have written the oldest literary production in the world — the book of Job — is supposed to have lived from about 2000 to 1400 B. C, in the land of Uz, east of Palestine. While there is considerable diversity of opinion as to the authorship, time, etc., of this part of the Bible, the conclusions reached by those most competent to judge, are that the pious, patient, distinguished patriarch wrote it himself, about twenty- nine years before the Exodus from Egypt. This wonderful Book exhibits the loftiest style of Oriental poetry and is full of sub- lime thoughts and deeply impressive senti- ments. GEMS— [From (he Book of Job.] 1. The price of wisdom is above rubies. 2.. All that a man hath will he give for his life. 3. Mao is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward. 4. Great men are not always wise; neither do the aged understand judgment. 5. The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom ; and to depart from evil is understanding. G. Wisdom cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. 7. We are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow. 8. The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment. PARAPHRASES. 9. Though trouble springs not from the dust, Nor sorrow from the ground ; Yet ills on ills, by heaven's decree, In man's estate are found. As sparks in close succession rise So man, the child of woe, Is doomed to endless cares and toils Through all his life below. 10. But with ray God I leave my cause ; From him I seek relief; To him, in confidence of prayer, Unbosom all my grief. Unnumbered are his wondrous works, Unsearchable his ways ; 'Tis his the mourning soul to cheer, The bowed down to raise. 11. The mighty flood that rolls alonp Its torrents to the main, Can ne'er recall its waters lost From that abyss again. So days and years and ages past, Descending down to night, Can henceforth never more return Back to the gates of light. MOSES, " The meekest man the world ever had," the son of Amram and Joehebed — was born in Egypt about 1571, and died 1451 1>. C. According to the best .authorities, he wrote the Book of Genesis during the first eight} >f his life, and the re- mainder of the Pentateuch in his last forty years. Bishop Gray tells US that the books are written in pure Hebrew, (7) :5;>, and died 975 B. C. His writings covered a wide range in the natural sciences, as well as in philosophy and morals, and contain pithy, religious, moral and practical sayings. The Pro- verbs diti'er from the Psalms; the latter being devotional throughout, constituting a great array of prayers and praises; the former, instead of embracing a collection of forms of divine worship, are composed of sharp ethical precepts about practical life. The Psalms form a poetical prayer-book; the Proverbs a poetical moral philosophy. Solomon wrote, besides the Proverbs, several of the Psalms, and a thousand songs. GEMS— [From his Writings.] 1. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. 2. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul. 3. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 4. Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, instruction, and understanding. 5. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 6. Better is a handful with quietness, than both hands full with vexation of spirit. 7. A stone is heavy, and the sand is weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. 8. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. 9. Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out; so w r here there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 10. Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine in- crease; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. PARAPHRASES, 1 1. Better to weep with those who weep, And share tin- afflicted smart Than mix with tool- iii giddy joys That cheal and wound the heart. 12. As long as lite it- term extends, Hope's blest dominion never 61 t while the lamp holds out to hum. The greatest sinner may return. 13. happy is the man who hears Instruction's warning voice: And who celestial wisdom makes His early, only choice ; For she has treasures greater far Than east or west unfold; And her rewards more precious are Than all their stores of gold. 14. For soon the shades of grief shall cloud The sunshine of thy days ; And cares and toils, in endless round, Encompass all thy ways. Soon shall thy heart the woes of age In mournful groans deplore, And sadly muse on former joys, That now return no more. ISAIAH, " The prince of all the prophets," flourished between 810 and 698 B. C. In the ar- rangement of the prophetical books, Isaiah is placed first in consequence of the great importance of his predictions, the sublime character of his writings, and their extent. His prophecies, which, with few exceptions, are poetical in form, con- tain some of the most majestic passages in the whole range of literature. GEMS. 1. Learn to do well. 2. Seek ye the Lord wiiile he may be found ; call ye upon him while he is near. 3. Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight. 4. Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which satislieth not? 5. Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink ; that continue until night till wine inflame them. 6. Let the wicked forsake his ways, and the unrighteous man his thoughts : and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon hi in. 10 OUTLINES OF LITERATURE. PARAPHRASES. 7. Among the nations he shall judge ; His judgments truth shall guide; His sceptre shall protect the just, And quel] the sinner's pride. No Btrife shall rage, nor hostile feuds Di8turfa those peaceful years ; To plowshares men shall beat their swords, To pruning-hooks their spears. 8. Let him who pines with piercing cold By thee be warmed and clad ; Be thine the blissful task to make The downcast mourner glad. Then bright as morning shall come forth, In peace and joy, thy days ; And glory from the Lord above Shall shine on all thy ways. CONFUCIUS, " The sagely ancient teacher of righteous- ness " — was born in China, January 19, 551 B. C, died November 7, 479. Hav- ing been highly educated for the vocation of teacher, he entered upon his work at the age of twenty-two. His remarkable work and religious influence, as well as his classical books, must be studied to be appreciated. For more than twenty cen- turies, his precepts have been taught in the schools of China. They teach respect for learning, filial piety, and lofty princi- ples of conduct. Among his works are, Books of Changes, History, Poetry and Analects. GEMS— [From his Precepts.] 1. The cautious seldom err. 2. When you transgress, fear not to re- turn. 3. When anger rises, think of the con- sequences. 4. Do not only learn wise sayings, but practice them. 5. The accomplished man must have sincere thoughts. 6. Filial piety must be stamped on the minds of the young. 7. To see what is right, and not to do it, is want of courage. 8. That which I wish another not to do to me, I must not do to him. 9. Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous. 10. Perfect obedience to one's parents will secure the greatest blessings of the future. 11. It is not a shame to stumble and fall, but it is disgraceful to lie still until some one picks you up. 12. Good government obtains when those who are near are made happy, and those far off are attracted. 13. The wheel of fortune turns inces- santly round, and who can say within him- self, I shall to-day be uppermost? 14. When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to confess your ignorance — is knowledge. 15. The expectations of life depend upon diligence; and the mechanic that would be perfect in his work, must first sharpen his tools. ST. PAUL, " The most zealous of all Christ's Teach- ers," was born at Tarsus, March 16, 5 A. D., and was beheaded September 19, 66 A. D. He was about thirty years of age when converted; from which time he de- voted all the powers of his ardent and energetic mind to the defence and propa- gation of the Gospel. He wrote fourteen of the letters or Epistles in the New Tes- tament, and entered into them with en- ergy, enthusiasm, vigor of argument, full- ness of learning, utter sweetness and kindness of heart, and inexhaustible and unfailing piety. Indeed, they everywhere bear the stamp of the great and original mind of the apostle, as purified, elevated, and sustained by the influence of the Holy Spirit. He wrote all the Epistles from Romans to Hebrews inclusive. GEMS— [From his Epistles.\ 1. Touch not, taste not, handle not. 2. Abstain from all appearance of evil. 3. The love of money is the root of all evil. 4. Let not the sun go down upon your wrath. 5. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 6. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 7. Let no corrupt communication pro- ceed out of your mouth. 8. Every one of us shall give an ac- count of himself to God. GRECIAN LITERATURE. 11 9. Re not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. 10. It* it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 11. Charity [love] suffereth Long and is kind; charity envieth not ; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. PABAPHRA8E L2. Lots sutlers long ; lore envies not ; Bnl love is ever kind : sin- sever boaeteth of herself. Nor prondlj lifts the mind, Love harbors no suspicions thought, Is patient u> the bad ; Grieved when she hear.-, of -ins and crimes. And in the truth is glad GRECIAN LITERATURE. Eleven authors have been chosen to represent Greece in this book There are many others whose lives and works should be carefully studied by inquiring minds. 10. Pray, for all men require aid from on high. 11. In the struggle of life, look above that which is mean. 12. Would you gain the confidence of men, uncover none of your faults. 13. Asked and unasked, thy blessings give, Lord! The evil, though we ask it, from us ward. 14. Of the many things hidden from the knowledge of man, nothing is more HOMER, " The Father of Song," the renowned Greek writer who gave epic poetry its first impulse — was born, it is supposed, in Smyrna, about 900 B. C. The place and the time of his birth, and even his parent- age, was a subject of great controversy among the Greeks, and will undoubtedly always remain involved in darkness. We know from his writings that he traveled in many countries, but whether in the course of his wanderings he became af- flicted with total blindness is a disputed question. Has not Anthon truly said that the character of Homer's composition seems rather to suppose him all eye than destitute of sight? His Iliad, consisting of 24 books concerning the Trojan war, and the Odyssey, of 24 books recounting the adventures of Ulysses, are his great productions. He also wrote Hymns, Epi- grams, etc. GEMS. 1. Wine leads to folly. 2. Victory changes oft her side. 3. The force of union conquers all. 4. Too much rest itself becomes a pain. 5. To sorrow 7 without ceasing is wrong. 6. Even the fool is wise after the event. 7. Nothing so adorns the face as cheer- fulness. 8. Who love too much, hate in the like extreme. 9. Shame greatly hurts or greatly helps mankind. unintelligible than the human heart. 15. Yet come it will, the day decreed by fates ; (How my heart trembles while my tongue relates !) The day when thou, imperial Troy, must bend, And see thy warriors fall, thy glorious end. HESIOD, " The singer on the mountain side," one of the earliest Greek poets — was born in Boeotia about 735 B. C. Herodotus re- garded Homer and Hesiod contemporaries, but most modern critics assume that the latter lived over a century after the for- mer. This poet, in his poems, describes himself as tending flocks on the mountain side ; hence we infer that he belonged to a humble station, and was engaged in rural pursuits. While he ranks far below Homer as an author, his style, neverthe- ess, exhibits enthusiasm, and even rises to sublimity. We must respect him for the pure morality of his teachings. I lis prin- cipal works are Works and Days, Theog- ony, and Shield of Hercules. L2 OUTLINES OF LITERATURE. GEMS. 1. Justice is a virgin pure. 2. Emulation is good for mortals. 3. The idler never shall his garner fill. 4. Idleness, not labor, is disgraceful. 5. The procrastinator lias ever to con- tend with loss. 0. The best treasure among men is a frugal tongue. 7. The road to vice is broad and easy; that of virtue difficult, long, and steep. 8. Wrong, if he yield to its abhorred control, Shall pierce like iron to the poor man's soul. 9. Know then this awful truth : it is not given To elude the wisdom of omniscient heaven. 10. How richer he who dines on herbs with health Of heart, than knaves with all their wines and wealth. 11. We quaff the wine, we join the dance, Nor think of future joy or sorrow ; Yet fates decree that all must die, And come it might before to-morrow. SAPPHO, ''The Lesbian Nightingale," was born on the island of Lesbos, about 610 B. C, and died in 550. She was remarkably gifted with poetic genius, and her produc- tions have received unbounded praise. Her lyric poems formed the greater part of her works, besides which she composed a large number of hymeneal songs. The only regret is that but few fragments of her poetry survive — barely enough to fur- nish a sample of the surpassing beauty of the whole, and yet sufficient to show how simple, tender, brilliant, and musical was Sappho's verse. She left nine books of love lays, elegies, bridal songs, etc hymns to Venus and to Cupid. GEMS. 1. The living soul of beauty sends That on which happiness depends. 2. Through orchard plots, with fragrance crowned, The clear, cold fountain murmuring- flows; And forest leaves, with rustling sound, Invite to soft repose. 3. The stars that round the beauteous moon Attendant wait, cast into shade Their inefficient lustres, soon As she, in full-orbed majesty arrayed, Her silver radiance showers Upon this world of ours. 4. Did Jove a queen of flowers decree, The rose the queen of flowers should be ; Of flowers, the eye ; of plants, the gem ; The meadow's blush ; earth's diadem ; Glory of colors on the gaze Lightening in its beauty's blaze. 5. Celestial visitant, once more Thy needful presence I implore! In pity come and easy my grief, Bring my distempered soul relief; Favor thy suppliant's hidden fires, And give me all my heart's desires. ^SCHYLUS, "The Father of Tragedy," was born in Attica in 525, died 456 B. C. He com- menced to write at an early age, for before he was twenty -five, he made his appearance as a competitor for the prize of tragedy. The style of his productions is bold, ener- getic, sublime; full of gorgeous imagery and magnificent expressions, such as become the elevated character of his dramas, and the ideas he wished to express. The Greeks justly regarded him as the father of tragedy. This poet met his death in a very singular way; an eagle mistaking his bald head for a stone, let a tortoise fall upon it to break the shell, which resulted fatally to iEschylus. He wrote Women of Etna, Persse, Seven against Thebes, Prometheus, Agamemnon, Suppliants, The Persians, etc. GEMS. 1. He hears but half that hears one part only. 2. To know and to conjecture differ widely. 3. To be without evil thoughts is God's best gift. 4. What men think they want often leads to ruin. 5. A wise man in the company -of the ignorant, is like a shield in the hands of a court fool. 6. Discover what is true, and practice what is good, if you desire the confidence of others. 1. Happy the man whose life Is spent in friendship's calm security. 8. The tongue of slander is too prompt With wanton malice to wound the stranger. GRECIAN LITERATURE. 18 0. Be it mine to draw ::i wisdom's fount. purr M it lo* That calm Of soul which virtue only knows. 10. How ea>y when tilt' loot is DOt entangled In misery's thorny maze, to ^ivc monitions And precepts to the afflicted. 1 1. Sad eha>QCel Thy wit slips Prom its firm footing when Deeded most, Like souk- unlearned leech who many healed. Hut. being Sick himself from all his store Cannot cull out one medicinal drug. SOPHOCLES, M A skilled musician and famous drama- tist," was born near Athens 495 and died 406 B. C. To both of the two leading branches of Greek education — music and gymnastics — he was carefully trained, and in both he gained the prize of a garland. He soon appeared as a successful drama- tist : and the best critics, both ancient and modern, concede to him perfection as nearly as is conceivable in that species of poetry. His works .bring to the heart of the careful reader, terror, pity, admira- tion, sympathy and self-application. This aged poet of ninety years met his death by choking upon a grape. He wrote no less than 113 plays, among which are Ajax, Antigone, Electra, King CEdipus, and Trachinian "Women. GEMS. 1. Quick resolves are unsafe. 2. What good man is not his own friend ? 2. In a just cause, the weak subdue the strong. 4. Clamorous sorrow wastes itself in sound. 5. To exert his power in doing good is man's most glorious task. 6. The happiness of our lives depends upon the quality of our thoughts. 7. Good luck have thou ! And may the powers on high Guard thy path better than they guarded mine ! 8. From hence the lesson draw. To reckon no man happy till ye see The closing day ; until he pass the bourn Which severs life from death, unscathed by woe. 9 "9. Who feels no ills. Should, therefore, fear them, and when for- tune smiles. Be donbly cautions, lest destruction Kern- him. and he fall unpitied. 1(». But who can penetrate man's K thoughts, The quality and temper of his soul, Till by high office put to frequent proof, And execution of the la* HERODOTUS, "The Father of History," was born at Halicarnassne 184, died 405 B. C. In the true sense of the term, he was the earliest Greek historian, and one of the greatest travelers and most careful observers of the world. With a simplicity which charac- terizes his entire works Herodotus makes no display of the extent of his travels; and he is so free from the ordinary vanity of travelers, that, instead of acting a promi- nent part in his narrative, he seldom ap- pears in it at all. The whole structure of his history bears a strong resemblance to a grand epic poem. His history is divided into nine books, called Nine Muses, be- cause " The Muses to Herodotus one day came, nine of them, and dined ; And in return, their host to pay, left each a book behind." GEMS. 1. Think wisely and unceasingly. 2. Rash haste ever goes before a fall. 3. The god loves to cut down all tow- ering things. 4. Travel and observation are useful companions together. 5. The hardest lesson man has to learn is his own insignificance. 6. Men are dependent on circumstances, not circumstances on men. 7. Those who are guided by reason are generally successful in their plans. 8. You have learned by experience how much better it is to be envied than pitied. 9. Self-restraint brings blessings, not seen at the moment perhaps, yet found out in due time. 10. He who fears to speak the truth be- cause it may endanger the reputation of a friend, lacks honesty of purpose. EURIPIDES, '■ Whose tongue took no oath and whose mind was unsworn," was born at Salamis 480, died 40G B. C. Early in life he de- 14 OUTLINES OF LITERATURE. voted himself with marked interest to philosophy and literature; at eighteen, he began to write tragedy, and continued to exhibit plays until the year 408. He was held in high estimation by Cicero and Quintilian, the latter of whom said: "Eu- ripides is worthy of being compared with the most eloquent pleaders of the forum and the greatest writers of his time." He surpassed his contemporaries in delineating character, and in the portraiture of woman stands second to no poet,ancient or modern. xSo less than seventy-five plays are ac- corded to him ; among them : Medea, Sup- plices, Iphigenia, Helena, Orestes, the Trojan Women, and Ion. GEMS. 1. The Deity helps him who helps him- self. 2. To form devices quick is woman's wit. 3. Temperance is the noblest gift of heaven. 4. Death's a debt that all mortals must pay. 5. In darkness a runaway has mighty strength. 6. Every man should lift his own cart out of the mire before he goes to help his neighbor. 7. Gold has much greater power over men than ten thousand arguments can produce. 8. His worth shines forth the brightest, who in hope always confides ; the abject soul despairs. 9. There is a time when not to build too much on our wisdom is agreeable; But then there is a time when to exert our judgment is of use. 10. Blest is the man who, escaped the stormy seas, The welcome harbor gains ; And blest is he who, now at ease, Sees with success his weary labors crowned. ARISTOPHANES, "The Father of Comedy," was born in Athens 444, died 380 B. C. The chief characteristics of his poetry seem to have been the liveliness of his fancy, and the power which he possessed of imparting its mages to his audience ; his comedies are of the highest historical interest, contain- ing, as they do, an admirable series of caricatures on the leading men of the day. The merits of Aristophanes as a poet and a humorist cannot be fully understood without an actual study of his works. No flights were too bold for the range of his fancy — animals of every kind are pressed into his service: frogs chant choruses; a dog is tried for stealing a cheese ; and an iambic verse is composed of the squealing of a pig. His works are : Birds, Wasps, Frogs, Clouds, The Women in Assembly, Peace, Knights, etc. GEMS. 1. Poverty is a sister of beggary. 2. Old men are boys twice over. 3. To fear death is a great folly. 4. Indolence is the mother of poverty, o. Diligence is the father of success and thrift. 6. The only power that scorns our gifts is death. 7. Don't hope for great success unless you strive for it. 8. Evil events from evil causes spring, And what you suffer flows from what you've done. 9. That's the great thinking-school of our new philosophers ; There live the men who teach that heaven around us Is a vast oven, and we the charcoal in it. And they teach too — for a consideration, mind — To plead a cause and win it, right or wrong. PLATO, The renowned philosopher and mathema- tician, was born in Athens 429, died 347 B. C. His personal qualities from boy- hood were marked and striking — healthy and robust physical constitution. Enter- taining the most lively conviction that he was called to continue the work begun by his renowned preceptor, Socrates, he everywhere, following that illustrious ex- ample, sought and found opportunities for awakening and guiding the youth, and aiding in developing the germs of knowl- edge in them. His philosophical merits are of the highest order, and his writings have always been admired as a model for acuteness and depth. Among his works are, Meno, Crito, Phaedo, Hippias, Re- public, Alcibiades, and Symposium. GRECIAN LITERATURE. 15 (,i:ms. 1 . Conquer every passion. 2. Let DO mail speak evil of another. 8. Wisdom is the true and unalloyed coin. 1. Self-COnquesI is the greatest of vic- tories. '). Dngoverned boys are the most fero- cious of animals. 6. A drunkard is unprofitable for any kind of good service. 7. There is nothing so delightful as the hearing or the speaking of the truth. 8. It is proper to leave abundance of modesty rather than gold to children. 9. Wisdom herself we cannot see, or terrible had been the loves she had in- spired. 10. Better to be unknown than un- taught ; for ignorance is the root of mis- fortune. 11. Those are profane who think that nothing exists except what they can grasp with their hands. 12. Let a man be of good cheer about his soul, who has cast away the pleasures and . ornaments of the body as alien to him, and has followed after the pleasures of knowledge in this life. ARISTOTLE, " The intellect of Plato's school," was born in Thracia in 384, died 322 B. C. Inheriting his father's literary tastes, he early manifested an inclination for the in- vestigation of nature, a desire which is perceived throughout his whole life. His teacher, Plato, said, " Aristotle has an unfathomable mind ; there is nothing too great or too small for his observation, nothing which his understanding cannot grasp." He not only mastered all the sciences of the day, but he created new works. Every student should give this great philosopher's life and works a careful study. He wrote Logic, Science of the Mind, History of Philosophy, Categories, Metaphysics, Meteorology, Politics, The Heavens, etc. GEMS. 1. All flatterers are mercenary. 2. Self-contradiction is harmful. 3. A good man must be a lover of him- self. •1. The beginning ii -aid to he half the whole. ."». Mathrinaiies is the best strengthener of the mind. G. No one loves a man whom he. has learned to fear. 7. We ought rather to pay a debt to a creditor than give to a companion. 8. Education and morals will be found to be almost the whole that goes to make a good man. 9. When men are friends, there is no need of justice, But when they are just, they still need friendship. 10. One swallow does not make a spring, nor yet one fine day ; so also neither does one day make a man blessed and happy. 11. The old have a tenderness to pity, but not on the same principle with the young ; for the latter are thus disposed from their love of human nature, the for- mer from their imbecility. PLUTARCH, "The great biographer of antiquity," was born in Boeotia, March 11, 50 A. D., died December 29, 120. He was a great lec- turer and writer, and his name was immor- talized through his parallel lives of forty- six Greeks and Romans arranged in pairs ; each pair contains the life of a Greek and a Roman, and is followed by a comparison of the two men. He was a profound phil- osopher and biographer, and rightly con- ceived the work of the latter, as his biogra- phy is true portraiture. His reflections are neither impertinent nor trifling; his sound good sense is always there; his hon- esty of purpose is transparent ; his love for humanity warms the whole. Plutarch's Lives and his Moralia are extensively read everywhere. GEMS. 1. Dead men do not bite. 2. To borrow and not to return is theft. 3. What one does not need is dear at a penny. 4. When two discourse, if the one's anjjer rise, The man who lets the contest fall is wise. 5. What does better become wisdom than to discern what is worthy the living? G. Often while we are delighted with 16 or TUNES OF LITERATURE. the work, we regard the workman with contempt. 7. The meaner the office you sustain, the greater the compliment you pay to the public. 8. The giving riches and honors to a wicked man is like giving strong wine to him that hath a fever. 9. Lamentation is the only musician that always, like a screech owl, alights and sits on the roof of an angry man. 10. Demosthenes, to make himself a master in rhetoric, applied all the facul- ties he had, natural or acquired, wholly that way. ROMAN LITERATURE. This part of our book comprises nine brilliant lights: Cicero, Lucretius, Sallust, Virgil, Horace, Livy, Seneca, Tacitus, and one Italian author, Dante. Many others produced works that are worthy of careful perusal. MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO, " Who really loved his country," was born near Rome, January 2, 106, died December 7, 43 B. C. He was thoroughly educated under the most ac- complished teachers of the age in which he lived, and soon was one of the ablest lawyers at the Roman bar. Though he excelled chiefly in oratory, he has left us, besides 59 orations, a number of philo- sophical treatises, essays and letters. His style is often exuberant, for he cultivated the flowers of rhetoric. Lie sketched character with a powerful pen, and through all his works flows a current of mingled majesty and sweetness. Some of his works are On Glory, Laws, Friendship, Officers, Old Age, Nature of the Gods, Philippics. GEMS. 1. Justice gives every man his due. 2. The memory of a well spent life is everlasting. 3. The chief recommendation comes from modesty. 4. Whatever you do, you should do with your might. 5. Knowledge is the natural food of the understanding. 6. Let death come when it will, I am prepared to meet it. 7. One man is more useful in one thing, another in another. 8. Cultivation is as necessary to the mind as food to the body. 9. Any man may err, but no one but a fool will persevere in error. 10. Nor does past time ever return, nor can it be discovered what is to follow. 11. An evil at its birth is easily crushed, but it grows and strengthens by endur- ance. 12. Piety, just as much as the other virtues, cannot exist in outward show and empty feignings. 13. Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed. 14. If the things spoken of possess nobleness, there will be derived from that nobleness a certain splendor of diction. 15. My precept to all who build is that the owner should be an ornament to the house, and not the house to the owner. 16. Is it not better to die a thousand deaths than not to be able to live in one's own country without guards of armed men? 17. He is worthy of honor who willeth the good of every man ; and he is much un- worthy thereof who seeketh his own profit and oppresseth others. 18. The contemplation of celestial things will make a man both speak and think more sublimely and magnificently when he descends to human affairs. 19. What so kingly, so liberal, so mu- nificent, as to give assistance to the sup- pliant, to raise the afflicted, to bestow security, and to deliver from danger? ROMAN LITERATURE. 17 20. Spring represents the time of youth, And gives promise of* the future fruits; the remaining seasons an- intended for pluck- ing and gathering those fruits. LUCRETIUS, ,k Italy's Painter of Mature and Worshiper of it," was born in Italy April '2D, 95, died September 17, 55 B. C. His short life seems to* have been one of deep thought tinged with sadness, and from his poetry we may infer his indifference to all things transient, alike to social enjoyments and the boisterous political sea that surged around him. No ancient writer excelled him in the description of nature, with which he must have held frequent con- verse. The style of Lucretius is not uni- formly harmonious; some of his verses lack polish, and he inclines to antique forms ; yet his poetry is dignified, lumin- ous, and animated. He wrote, On the Nature of Things, The Dread of Death, Variety in Nature. GEMS. 1. We are all sprung from heavenly seeds. 2. The ring on the finger is worn thin by constant use. 3. Since the sand will not endure, Build on the rock which is secure. 4. What of horror dwells there in death? Can there be elsewhere slumber half so sound? 5. The unheeded omen of a life of ills, With mournful cries the joyful mansion fills. 6. We see that the mind strengthens with the body, and with the body grows old. 7. Weigh well with judgment ; what seems true, hold fast; gird thyself against what is false. 8. By desiring thus The past once more, the present thou ab- horr'st, And life flies on imperfect, unenjoyed, And death untimely meets thee, ere thy soul, Cloyed with the banquet, is prepared to rise. CAIUS SALLUST, "The unsurpassed delineator of charac- ter," was born in Italy, January 16, 86, died October 31, 34 B. C. Tie was a good historian and Caesar*! contemporary. While quite young be turned his attention to literature, and soon became a master hand in delineating character ami portray- ing feelings. Condensation without ob- scurity is the crowning excellence of his writings. Sallust in his productions alh-ets the moralist, and throughout hi> works is as loud in the praises of virtue, ;t> in his life he was careless of her interests. The Jugurthine War, History of Rome, and Conspiracy of Catiline, are among his writings. GEMS. 1. Fear closes the ear of the mind. 2. False praise pinches the conscience. 3. Every one is the architect of his own fortune. 4. The mind is the leader and director of the life of mortals. 5. All those things for which men plough, build, or sail, obey virtue. 6. In grief and miseries, death is a re- spite from sorrows, not a punishment. 7. To have the same likes and dislikes, this in a word is firm friendship. 8. The endowments of the mind form the only illustrious and lasting possession. 9. Advise well before you begin, and when you have maturely considered, then act with promptitude. 10. In my opinion, he only may be truly said to live and enjoy his being, who is engaged in some laudable pursuit, and acquires a name by some illustrious action, or useful art. PUBLIUS VIRGIL, " Italy's Milton," was born in the village of Andes, October 15, 70, died January 8, 19 B. C. He is styled Rome's greatest poet, and worthily did he sustain this reputation, for not only his pastoral poems were master-pieces, but his great epic was far superior to anything that had been written in his native land. It p08S( tenderness, grace, elegance, rhythmical perfection, brilliancy of description, and wonderful beauty. " Virgil was the pride of his countrymen, who, with a pardona- ble national vanity, pronounced him su- perior to Homer." His works are the TEneid, The Georgics, and Eclogues. is OUTLINES OF LITERATURE. . ME 1. We are not able to accomplish all things. _. Love conquers all things, and to love let us yield. 3. Endure, and preserve yourselves for prosperous times. 4. Accursed thirst for gold! what dost thou not drive mortal breasts to do? 5. Whatever shall happen, every kind of fortune is to be overcome by patient endurance. 6. The approach of an enemy quickens us to duty: let us remember that we have enemies about us at all times. T. Mj life is lived, and I have played The part that fortune gave ; And now I pass, a queenly shade, Majestic to the grave. 8. To all that breathe is fixed the appointed date; Life is but short, and circumscribed by fate ; : Tis virtue's work by fame to stretch the span, Whose scanty limit bounds the days of man. QUINTUS HORACE, "Rome's superior lyric poet," was born at Venusia, Italy, December 8, 65, died No- vember 27, 8 B. C. He studied a num- ber of years at Rome, and then went to Athens to finish his education. He was a genial, frank, warm-hearted companion of Virgil. His poems have been read for nineteen centuries with extreme pleasure ; they contain moral beauty and sublimity with singular impressiveness; they bear the ripe fruits of his experience, and are full of wise reflections which do credit to his knowledge of men and manners. Stu- dents should read his Odes, Epistles, and Art of Poetry. GEMS. 1. Use is the law of language. 2. Avoid inquiring what is about to be to-morrow. 3. To die for one's native land is sweet and glorious. 4. The man of firm and noble soul No factious clamors can control. 5. The increase of wealth ever brings with it care And hungry ambition for more. 6. False praise can charm, unreal shame con- trol Whom, but a vicious or a sickly soul ? 7. The cask will long retain the flavor of that with which it was first filled. , 54, died September 15, 1 1 8 A. D. Jle WtLi a suc- cessful orator and one of the greatest of Roman historians J he gave his attention very early in life to literature, and soon was foremost among prose writers. At the age of 45 he sent forth his " Agricola," an admirable biography of his father-in- law — "the hero of a hundred lights." It is particularly valuable for the light it casts on the history of Britain, and the influence of Roman institutions. All his works seemed to lead the minds of the people towards higher degrees of advance- ment. Among them are Agricola, Ger- mania, Histories, Annals, and Decline of Eloquence. GEMS. 1. Everything unknown is magnified. 2. There will be vices as long as there are men. 3. Traitors are odious even to those whom they benefit. 4. Cast away all things that keep you from being manly. 5. When the state is most corrupt, the laws are most numerous. 6. Good temper, like a sunny day, sheds a brightness over everything. 7. It is a peculiarity of the human mind to hate one whom you have injured. 8. When men are full of envy they dis- parage everything, whether it be good or bad. 9. A bitter jest, when the satire comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp sting behind. 10. The dearest gems lie deepest in the earth or the ocean, and are found only by toil and perseverance. ALIGHIERI DANTE, " The most brilliant star among Italian poets," was born in Florence, October 10, 1 265, died June 7, 1321. Before arriving at the age of 20, he was raised to high positions in the government of his own city, through his profound learning and &0 OUTLINES OF LITERATURE. sound judgment He began writing while yet a boy. and awakened B universal inter- est in the literature of the day by his at- tractive manner of presenting ideas and re-producing many of the popular features of Virgil's time in Rome. He is plaeed among the great lights of the world's Goethe, speare, broetne, Longfellow. Beatrice, The Prince of Verona He wrote Purga- tory, Paradise, etc. GEMS. 1. Delay has always been unfortunate to those who are ready. 2. Fame is not won on downy plumes nor under canopies. 3. faithful conscience, delicately clean, How doth a little failing wound thee sore. 4. Stand firm as any tower which never shakes its top whatever wind may blow\ ."». Three sparks — pride, envy and avarice — are those that have been kindled in all hearts. 6. There is no greater grief than in misery to turn our thoughts back to hap- pier times. 7. The customs and fashions of men change like leaves on the bough, some of which go and others come. 8. Worldly fame is nothing but a breath of wind that blows now this way, now that, and changes name as it changes sides. 9. My fancy wandered from theme to theme, till I closed my eyes with delight, and changed my meditation to a dream. 10. The heaven that rolls around cries aloud to you, while it displays its eternal beauties, and yet your eye is fixed on earth alone. ENGLISH LITERATURE. This division embraces sixty-eight of the illustrious names that sparkle among the hundreds on the pages of " Old England's Authors." It includes English, Scottish and Irish w T riters. May w T e not hope that the rich ears of " golden grain " gathered in this fertile field will incite students to glean more widely from the rich harvest awaiting earnest reapers ? In connection with each author, read and recite selections made by yourself. GEOFFREY CHAUCER, " The father of English poetry," was born in London, January 21, 1328, died Octo- ber 25, 1400. It is supposed that he was educated at Oxford, and in early life com- menced his literary career. He held many trustworthy appointments in the govern- ment, and performed his duties so well that he was highly esteemed by all the dignitaries. In his writings he displayed considerable satire w T ith a keen sense of the ludicrous, and the richest vein of comic narrative and delineation of character. His best works are Canterbury Tales (24 stories), Legend of Good Women, Complaint of Venus, Truth, Romance of the Rose, and Parliament of Birds. GEMS. 1. Patience is a high virtue Canter- bury Tales. 2. Truth is the highest thing a man may keep Franklin's Tale. 3. Nature is the vicar of the Almighty Lord Truth. 4. One ear heard it, and at the other out it went. — Canterbury Tales (Troilus). 5. Counsel well thyself, that thou other folks canst counsel — Maxims. 6. Friends ever each other must obey, If they will long hold company. Franklin's Tale. 7. Of study took he most care and heed ; Not a word spake he more than was need. Canterbury Tales (Clerk). ENGLISH LITERATI I Ml. 81 B. Wheresoever thou comest, among high or low, Keep well thy tongue and think of the (TOW. /'/. 9. So soft is flesh of mortals, thai on earth A truotl beginning doth no Longer Last Than while an oak may bring its fruit to birth. Id. 10, The busy lark, the messenger of day, Saluteth in her SOng the morrow »iay : Am! fiery Phoebus riseth up so bright That all the orient Laugheth at the sight. The Knight' a Tale. SIR WALTER RALEIGH, One of Queen Elizabeth's favorites, was born in Devonshire, England, January- Si, 1552, died October 29, 1618. He was educated amidst naval and mili- tary enterprises, and yet surpassed, in the pursuits of literature, even those of the most recluse and sedentary lives. His History, both in style and matter, is vastly superior to all the English historical pro- ductions which had previously appeared. The broad career, from the cradle to the scaffold, of this renowned scholar, warrior, statesman, and writer, well deserves the study of every one. He wrote the His- tory of the World, Advice to His Son, The Strength of Kings, Uncertainty of Human Happiness, The Skeptic, Maxims of State, The Cabinet Council, etc. GEMS. 1. Never spend anything before you have it Counsels. 2. Passions are likened best to floods and streams — Passions. 3. Friendship rather chooseth harm to itself than offereth it. — Advice to His Son. 4. Of death and judgment, heaven and hell Who oft doth think, must needs die well, The Pilgrimage. 5. No man is so assured of his honor, riches, health or life, but that he may be deprived of either, or all, the very next hour — History Preface. 6. Tell men of high condition, That rule affairs of State, Their purpose is ambition, Their practice only hate. The Lie. 7. Silence in love bewrays more woe Than words, though ne*er so witty; A beggar that is dumb, you know, May challenge double pity. The Silent Lover. His Son. 9. Even such is Time, that taket on trust Our youth, our joys, our nil we h.i And pays Hi hut with age and dttSt; And in the dark and silent gTi When we bare wandered all our ways, Shuts up the glory of our days. But from this earth, this grave, this dust, .My God shall raise me up, I trust! Hie Last Verses. EDMUND SPENSER, England's first poet-laureate, was born in East Smithfield, England, March 1, 1553, died January 13, 1591). After having ob- tained a liberal education, and special fa- vors from the queen, he found much time to devote to his choice of vocations — au- thorship. He is called the most luxuriant and melodious of all our descriptive poets; his creation of scenes and objects is infin- ite, and in free and sonorous versification he has not yet been surpassed. His lofty rhyme has a swell and cadence and a con- tinued sweetness that we can find nowhere else; only in richness of fancy and inven- tion does he fall below Shakespeare. Spen- ser wrote the Faery Queen, Tears of the Muses, Heavenly Beauty, Shepherd's Cal- endar, Astrophel, etc. GEMS. 1. All that's good is beautiful and fair. Sojinet. 2. The noblest mind the best contentment has. Faerg Queen. 3. Who will not mercy unto others give, How can he mercy ever hope to have ? Tears of the Muses — Faerg Queen. 4. Why then should I account of little pain What endless pleasures shall unto me gain? Heavenly Beauty. 5. Oh, how can beauty master the most strong, And simple truth subdue avenging wrong? Faerg Queen ( Una). 6. It is the mind that maketh good or ill, That maketh wretch or happy, rich or poor. ■■// Queen. 7. Oft when my spirit doth spread her bolder wings, In mind to mount up to the purer sky. It down is weighed with thought of earthly things, And clogged with burden of mortality. met. 22 OUTLINES OF LITERATURE. Don't lose good days that might be better spout. Don't waste long nights in pensive discon- tent. Don't speed to-day, to be put back to-mor- row. And teed on hope, to pine with fear and sorrow. Faery Queen (Una). 9. Naught is there under heaven's wide hol- lo wness, That moves more dear compassion of mind, Than beauty brought to unworthy wretch- edness Through envy's snares or fortune's freaks unkind. Id. ROBERT SOUTHWELL, " The much lamented Jesuit martyr," was born in Norfolk, England, April 4, 1560, died February 21, 1595. He was edu- cated at the English college at Douay, in Flanders, and in Rome. At the age of 24 he returned to his native country as a missionary, in which capacity he labored until he was executed for being a Romish priest. He had written many beautiful poems, which gained for him great popu- larity. They breathe a spirit of religious resignation, and are marked by beauty of thought and expression. His two longest productions were written in prison: St. Peter's Complaint and Mary Magdalene's Funeral Tears. He wrote, also, The Im- age of Death, Times Go by Turns, The Burning Babe, Content and Rich, etc. GEMS. 1. He that high growth on cedars did bestow, Gave also lowly mushrooms leave to grow. 2. We trample grass and prize the flowers of May, Yet grass is green when flowers fade away. Complaint. 3. I feel no care of coin, Well doing is my wealth ; My mind to me an empire is, While grace affordeth health. Content. 4. My ancestors are turned to clay, And many of my mates are gone ; My youngers daily drop away, And can I think to 'scape alone? No, no; 1 know that I must die, And yet my life amend not I. The Image of Death. 5. Shun delays, they breed remorse ; Take thy time, while time is lent thee ; Creeping snails have weakest force ; Fly their fault, lest thou repent thee ; Good is best when soonest wrought. Ling'ring labors come to naught. Times (Jo by Tarns. G. The sea of Fortune doth not ever flow ; She draws her favors to the lowest ebb; Her tides have equal times to come and go ; Her loom doth weave the # fine and coars- est web ; No joy so great but runneth to an end, No hap so hard but may in time amend. Not always fall of leaf, nor ever spring ; ' Not endless night, yet not eternal day ; The saddest birds a season find to sing, The roughest storm a calm may soon allay ; Thus, with succeeding turns, God tempereth all That man may hope to rise, yet fear to fall. Times Go by Turns. SIR PHILIP SIDNEY, "The warbler in poetic prose," was born in Kent, England, November 29, 1554, died October 19, 1586. During his school days at Oxford he displayed remarkable acuteness of intellect and desire for knowl- edge : and early did he become an author. His best efforts in literature have been in prose, which is of an inspiring and invig- orating character; while his poetry is of the generally cold and affected style which receives little commendation. His ro- mance of Arcadia was so generally read and admired in the reigns of Elizabeth and her successors, that in 1633 it had reached its eighth edition. His writings are Arcadia, Defense of Poesie, Aristophel and Stella, Sonnets, etc. GEMS. 1. Learned men have learnedly thought. — Arcadia. 2. Too much thinking and no doing doth consume the spirit — Id. 3. They are never alone who are ac- companied with noble thoughts — Id. 4. Oh ! make in me these civil wars to cease ; I will good tribute pay for a release. Sonnet. 5. Come, sleep, sleep, the certain knot of peace, The baiting place of wit, the balm of woe, The poor man's wealth, the prisoner's re- lease, The indifferent judge between the high and low. • Sonnet. 6. The lightsome countenance of a friend giveth such an inward decking to ENGLISH LITERATIM r. 23 the house where it lodgeth, as proudest palaces have cause to envy the gilding. — Letter. 7. Where onee reason hath so niueh overmastered passion, as that the mind hath a free desire to do well, the inward light each man hath, in itself is as good as a philosopher's hook. — Arcadia* FRANCIS BACON, "England's philosophical mind," was born in London, January 23, 1561, died April 9, 1626. He was a graduate from the University at an earlier age than that at which most people repair thereto. While vet a boy he was plunged into the midst of diplomatic business. Thence he passed to the study of a technical system of law, and soon reached the highest post in his profession. lie took an active part in Parliament and was adviser of the crown. The founding of a new philosophy was only the amusement of his leisure ; he is best known to the people by his essays on all subjects. His Novum Organum and De Augmentis exhibit his extraordinary mind in the highest perfection. Among his other productions are New Atlantic, Praise of Knowledge, Wisdom of the An- cients, History of Henry VII. GEMS. 1 . Knowledge is power Essays. 2. Virtue is like a rich stone, best plain set. — Essays. 3. Books must follow sciences, and not sciences books Id. 4. Read, not to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider. — Id. 5. The world's a bubble, and the life of man, Less than a span. Verses [The World). 6. No pleasure is comparable to the standing on the vantage ground of truth. — Essay (Truth). 7. The virtue of prosperity is temper- ance ; the virtue of adversity is forti- tude. 8. As threshing separates the corn from the chaff, so does affliction purify virtue. — Id. 9. Virtue is like precious odors, most fragrant when they are incensed or crushed. — Essay {Adversity). 10. Reading maketh a full man; con- ference, a readj man; and writin-j. an ex- art man. — Bstap (Sfn>/ies). 1 1. There is no vice that doth so cover a man with shame, as to be found false and perfidious — Id. 12. A man that is young in years may be old in hours, if lie have lost no time ; but that happeneth randy. — Euayt. 13. Some books are only to be read in parts; others, to be read, but not curi- ously ; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention. — Essay (Studies). 14. That which is past is gone and ir- revocable, and wise men have enough to do with things present and to come ; there- fore those do but trifle with themselves who labor in past matters Essays. 15. If a man write little he had need have a great memory; if he confer little, he had need have a present wit ; and if he read a little, he had need have much cunning, to seem to know that he doth not Essays. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, "The greatest poet ever lived," was born in Stratford-on-Avon, England, April 23, 1564, died April 23, 1616. It is supposed that he received his education in the vil- lage school at home, and that he assisted his father (who was a wool dealer and glover), until, at the age of 25, he went to London and soon became one of the pro- prietors of Blackfriars Theatre. Here he wrote plays and acted on. the stage until 1603, when he returned to Stratford, built a handsome house, and lived quietly, hav- ing the friendship and respect of his neigh- bors until he died. A greater dramatist and poet never lived. Besides many poems, he wrote thirty-seven dramas — tragedies, comedies, and histories. Among the first are Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet; second, Merchant of Venice, As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing, Merry Wives of Windsor; third, Julius Csesar, Kings Henry IV. and V., Richard II. and III., John, etc. GEMS. 1. Brevity is the soul of wit Hamlet. 2. Strong reasons make strong actions — King John. 24 OUTLINES OF LITERATURE. 3. Ingratitude La a marble-hearted fiend. — King Lear, ■1. Sweel mercy is nobility's true badge. — 7)' tits Andronieus. 5. 'Tis the mind that makes the body rich. — Taming of the S/nnr. (>. Flowers are like the pleasures of the ■world. 7. Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice. — Hamlet. 8. What stronger breastplate than a heart untainted? — King Henry VI. 9. Oh, how wretched is that poor man that hangs on princes' favors King Henry VIII. 10. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings. Julius Csesar. 11. Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge the wing wherewith we fly to heaven King Henry VI. 12. Be just and fear not, Let all the ends thou aimst at be thy God's, Thy country's and truth's. King Henry VIII. 13. Life, every man holds dear; but the dear man Holds honor far more precious dear than life. Pericles. 14. The quality of mercy is not strained ; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. Merchant of Venice. 15. Neither a borrower nor a lender be : For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. Hamlet. 16. Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head. As You Like It. 17. Our doubts are traitors, And make us lose the good we oft might win By fearing to attempt. Measure for Measure. 18. Ambition is like a circle on the water, Which never ceases to enlarge itself, 'Till by broad spreading it disperse to naught. King Henry VI. 19. To thine own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. . Hamlet. 20. Who steals my purse steals trash ; But he that filches from me my good name, Robs me of that which not enriches him, And makes me poor indeed. Othello. 21. There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which, taken at the flood, leads on to for- tune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. Julius Csesar. 22. how much more doth beauty beauteous seem By that sweet ornament which truth doth givel The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem For that sweet odor which doth in it live. Sonnet. 23. To gild refined gold, to paint the lily, To throw a perfume on the violet, To smooth the ice, or add another hue Unto the rainbow, or with taper light To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish, Is wasteful and ridiculous excess. King John. 24. The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together; our virtues would be proud if our faults whipped them not; and our crimes would despair if they were not cherished by our virtues. — All's Well That Ends Well. 25. This is the state of man ; to-day he puts forth The tender leaves of hope, to-morrow blos- soms, And bears his blushing honors thick upon him ; The third day comes a frost, a killing frost — And, when he thinks, good easy man, full surely His greatness is a-ripening — nips his root, . And then he falls. King Henry VIII. BEN JONSON, England's third Poet-Laureate (Samuel Daniel w r as the second) was born in West- minster, December 20, 1573, died August 6, 1637. His poems and plays are numerous, of a varied character, exhibit- ing delicacy of fancy, fine feeling, wit, observation, judgment, memory, learning, and other intellectual excellencies which distinguished him. " Rare Ben Jonson " had great facility of expression, and an intimate acquaintance with the phenom- ena of inanimate nature, and the charac- teristic features of English landscape, as displayed in his lines on Penshurst» Among his works are the Silent Woman, The Forest, The Vision of Delight, Every Man in his Humor, Shakespeare, Volpone, Cynthia. ENr.USH LITERATURE. t.KMS, I. Nothing is lasting that is feigned. — Every Man in his Humor. •2. Virtue is the safest helmet, tin* most Becure defence. — Id. ;;. Learn to be wise and practice how- to thrive Every Man in his Humor. ■1. Do not spend your coin on every bauble yon fancy. — Every Man in his Humor. .'>. It behooves the high, for their own sake, to do things worthily. — Maxims. 6. (Jive me a look, give me a face, That makes simplicity a grace. The Silent Woman. 7. He knows not his own strength, that hath not met adversity Maxims. 8. No man is so wise but lie may easily err, if he take no other counsel but his own. — Id. 9. True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in the worth and choice Every Man in his Humor. 10. Language most show T s a man ; no glass renders a man's form or likeness so true as his speech. — Id. 11. What honest man will either fear his own, Or else will hurt another's reputation ? Id. 12. In small proportions we just beauties see: And in short measures life may perfect be. The Forest. 13. Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss within the cup, And I'll not ask for wine. Id. THOMAS FULLER, "The earliest pulpit author," was born in Northampton, England, January 27, 1608, died August 15, 1661. He received his education at Cambridge, where he won the highest university honors. He pub- lished his first poem when he was 23 years of age; it produced such a favorable im- pression that he felt encouraged to write more; and all through life — in the field, as a soldier, or in the pulpit — he improved his leisure time in collecting materials for his future productions. The style of all his writings is extremely quaint and idiom- atic, in short and simple sentences, ami singularly free from the pedantry of his time. He wrote David's Sin, Worthies of England, Good Thoughts in Bad Times, Good Thought! in Worae Times, Holy and Profane State, etc. GEMS— [.frOffl ftis Aji/iorisms.] 1. Overburden not thy memory, to make so faithful a servant a -lave. — Rules. 2. Fancy runs most furiously when a guilty conscience pursue- it. — Id. .'!. If vou do not wish to trade with the devil, keep out of his shop. — Aphorisms. 4. (let the language, without which key thou shalt unlock little of moment. — Id. '). Lose not thine own for want of ask- ing for it ; 'twill get thee no thanks. — Id. 6. Moderation is the silken string run- ning through the pearl chain of all virtues. —Id. 7. It is dangerous to gather flowers that grow on the banks of the pit, for fear of falling in Id. 8. Let friendship creep gently to a height; if it rush to it, it may soon run itself out of breath — Id. 9. Goods acquired by industry prove commonly more lasting than lands by des- cent Id. 10. Recreation is the breathing of the soul, which otherwise would be stifled with continual business — Id. 11. A guilty conscience is like a whirl- pool, drawing in all to itself, which would otherwise pass by — Id. 12. He that spends all his life in sport is like one who wears nothing but fringes and eats nothing but sauces. — Id. 13. Know that, next to religion, noth- ing accomplished a man more than learn- ing. Learning in a lord is as a diamond in gold — Id. 14. Correction may reform a negligent boy, but cannot amend a dull one ; as all the whetting in the world cannot set a razor's edge on that which hath no steel in it Hie Good Master. JOHN MILTON, "The blind poet of Britain," was born in London, December \K L608, died Novem- ber 8, 1674. He displayed brilliant poet- ical abilities at the age of sixteen, while a student at Cambridge university. In his OUTLINES OF LITERATURE 80th year, seeking to restore his health, he traveled for fifteen months through south- ern Europe. In L 652 he became blind, after which, with his daughter as amanuensis, he wrote his greatest works — Paradise Lost, and Paradise Regained. The style ot* Milton's verse was moulded on classic models, chiefly the Greek tragedians; but his musical taste, his love of Italian liter- ature, and the lofty and solemn cast of his own mind, gave strength and harmony to the whole. His minor poems alone would have rendered his name immortal, but there still wanted his great epic to com- plete the measure of his fame and the glory of his country. Besides Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained, he wrote Eikonoklastes, Sampson Agonistes, Hymn to the Nativity, Lycidas, Comus, and Sonnets. GEMS. 1. Solitude sometimes is best society, And short retirement urges sweet return. Paradise Lost. 2. TThat in me is dark, illumine; what is low, raise and support — Paradise Lost. 3. Accuse not Nature, she hath done her part ; Do thou but thine. Paradise Lost. 4. Truth is as impossible to be soiled by any outward touch as the sunbeam The Doctrine oj Divorce. 5. The end of learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and to imitate him Areopagitica. 6. So dear to heaven is saintly chastity, That when a soul is found sincerely so A thousand liveried angels lackey her. Comus. 7. A good book is the precious life-blood of a master-spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life. — Are- opagitica. 8. Give me liberty to know, to think, to believe, and to utter freely, according to conscience, above all other liberties Id. 9. A complete education fits a man to perform justly, skillfully, and magnani- mously, all the offices of peace and war. — Id. 10. Prudence is that virtue by which we discern what is proper to be done under the various circumstances of time and place Id. 11. Fame is no plant that grows on mortal soil, Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise To scorn delights, and live laborious days. Lycidas. 12. Hail, bounteous May! that dost inspire, Mirth, and youth, and warm desire; Woods and groves are of thy dressing Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing. Thus we salute thee with our early song, And welcome thee and wish thee long. Song of May Morning, SAMUEL BUTLER, "The famous burlesque poet," was born in Strensham, England, February 13, 1612, died September 25, 1680. Having received a grammar school education, he entered the list of authors at a very early age, and soon became distinguished for felicity of versification and a profusion of wit never excelled in our literature. His greatest work was Hudibras, the best bur- lesque in the English language; the same amount of wit, shrewdness, ingenious thought, felicitous illustration, and irre- sistible drollery was never before nor since comprised in the same limits. His works are Hudibras, To his Mistress, Ele- phant in the Moon, Characters, and Mis- cellaneous Thoughts. GEMS. 1. Love is too great a happiness For wretched mortals to possess. Remains. 2. For truth is precious and divine, Too rich a pearl for carnal swine. Hudibras. 3. The truest characters of ignorance, Are vanity, pride, and arrogance. Remains. 4. To have the power to forgive, Is empire and prerogative. And 'tis in crowns a nobler gem, To grant a pardon than condemn. Hudibras. 5. In Rome no temple was so low As that of Honor, built to show How humble honor ought to be, Through there 'twas all authority. Remains. 6. There are many men who have a strong curiosity to know what is said, who have no curiosity to know what is true — Miscellaneous Thoughts. ENGLISH LITERATURE. 7. Of Night*— The Mm grew low and left the skies, I'ut down, some say, bj ladies' eyes; The moon pulled off her veil of Light, That bides ber face by day from Bight. Hudibrcu, I T Morning: — The sun has long Bince, in the lap OfTheti8, taken out his imp. And. like a lobster boiled, the morn From black to red began to turn. Jludtbras. !». In all the world there is no vice Less prone t' excess than avarice : It neither eaics for food nor clothing; Nature's content with little — that with nothing. Hudibrus. JEREMY TAYLOR, M The Theological Shakspeare," was born in Cambridge, August 31, 1613, died August 13, 1GG7. lie was educated in Cains college, and soon became a leading clergyman. A liner pattern of a Chris- tian divine than Jeremy Taylor perhaps never existed ; his learning dignified the hijrh station he at last attained. His great aim was to purity the human mind, and fit it for a more exalted destiny. While he has been called the Shakespeare of our theological literature, he had not the unity, energy, nor profound mental philosophy of the great dramatist ; but he strongly re- sembles Spenser in his prolific fancy and diction, in musical arrangement and sweet- ness of expression, and in delicious mus- ings and reveries. He wrote Liberty of Prophesying, The Life of Christ, Holy Living, Golden Grove, etc. GEMS. 1. All is well as long as the sun shines. — On Adversity. 2. Life or death, felicity or a lasting sorrow, are in the power of marriage. — On Marriage. 3. Every man is to give sentence con- cerning the state of his own soul by the precepts and rules of our Lawgiver Holy Dying. 4. Spend not your time in that which profits not, for your labor and your health, your time and your studies, are very valu- able Sermon. 5. He is not to be called a man without a wise and an adorned soul, a sold at least furnished with what if necepsarj towards his well being. — Holy hiving* <*>. The beaii of a sorrowful man, under the discourses of a wise comforter, breaks from the despairs of the grave, and the letters and chain- of sorrow. — Id. 7. Look upon pleasures not upon that side which is next the sun; lor then they paint and smile, and dress themselves up in tinsel and glass gems and counterfeit imagery. — Id. 8. Humility is like a tree, whose root. when it sets deepest in the earth, rises higher and spreads fairer, and stands surer and lasts longer, and every step of it- de- scent is like a rib of iron. — Holy Dying. JOHN BUNYAN, "The home-spun-style author," was born in Bedford, England, May 30, 1G28, died August 31, 1688. His employment at the tinker's trade, his limited advantages to secure an education, his profligacy, wick- edness, and sinful propensities generally. and then his reform, becoming a preacher and being thrown into jail, in which he made himself an illustrious name, are themes well worth the careful attention of every student. While in prison in Bed- ford, Bunyan composed several works which made him so popular that he has, by the assent of all writers and readers. been ranked with our English classics and great masters of allegory. "The tinker" wrote Pilgrim's Progress, Holy War, Abounding Grace. 1. He that is down needs fear no fall. — Pilgrim's Progress. 2. Let truth be free, to make her sallies upon thee and me — Id. 3. Man while blind doth wander, for he knoweth not the way to the city of i God Id. 4. Some things are of that nature as to make One's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache. / Apology. 5. The formalist's house is as empty ot religion as the white of an ngg is of savor. — Pilgrim's Progress. ('). In prajer it is better to have a heart without words, than words without a heart. — Id. OUTLINES OF LITKKATURE. 7. It beareth the Dame of Vanity Fair, because the town where it is kept is Lighter than vanity. — Id. He that forgeta his friend is ungrate- ful to h i in : but he that forgets his Saviour is unmerciful to himself. — Id. ;>. It' things that promise nothing do contain That bettor is than gold ; who will disdain To look that they may find it? First Apology for Pil. Prog. JOHN DRYDEN, •'The spotted author," and fifth Poet Lau- reate, was born in Oldwincle, England, September 9, 1631, died May 1, 1700. He was educated at Cambridge; began his literary career by a set of heroic stan- zas on the death of Cromwell ; wrote many poems of par excellence and much prose that gives him a fair reputation; and his satires were so favorably received that he was made poet laureate. He wrote no less than 27 dramas. Dryden was called " the spotted author" because he changed his religion so often and each time his style of writing, so that his works contain a mixture of the base and pure, of faults and virtues. Some of his productions are The Medal, The Hind and Panther, Don Sebastian, The Spanish Friar, The Rival Ladies, and 'Alexander's Feast. GEMS. 1. Men are but children of a larger growth. — All for Love. 2. When men lack teeth they begin to lack wisdom. — All for Love. 3. It is an action of virtue to make ex- amples of vicious men — Discourse on Sa- tire. 4. Enjoy the present smiling hour, And put it out of Fortune's power. Horace. 5. That gloomy outside, like a rusty chest, Contains the shining treasure of a soul. Horace. 6. The secret pleasure of a generous act. Is the great mind's great bribe. Id. 1. For little souls on little shifts rely, And coward acts of mean expedients try. The Hind and the Panther. 8. Wild ambition loves to slide, not stand, And fortune's ice prefers to virtue's land. Absalom. 9. Heaven has to all allotted,' soon or late, Some lucky revolution of their fate. Absalom and Achilophel. 10. Errors, like straws, upon the surface flow ; lie who would seek for pearls must dive be- low. All for Love. 11. No impression can be made where there is no truth for the foundation Discourse on Safin-. 12. 01) ! that I'd courage but to meet my fate, That short, dark passage to a future state. Epistles. 13. For truth has such a face and such a mien, As to be loved needs only to be seen. The Hind and the Panther. 14. Content is wealth, the riches of the mind ; And happy he who can that treasure find. Tales from Chaucer. 15. I scarcely understand my own intent; But, silk-worm like, so long within have wrought, That I am lost in my own web of thought. Miscellanies. 16. Happy the man, and happy he alone, He who can call to-day his own : He who secure within can say, To-morrow do thy worst — for I have lived to-day. Horace. 17. Three poets [Homer, Virgil, Milton.] in three distant ages born, Greece, Italy, and England did adorn ; The first in loftiness of thought surpassed, The next in majesty, in both the last. The force of nature could no further go ; To make the third she joined the former two. On Milton. JOHN # LOCKE, " England's Powerful Reasoner," was born in Bristol, England, May 29, 1632, died October 28, 1704. He was educated in Oxford, and chose the profession of medicine; w r as raised to a number of high positions in the government. This meta- physician had no superior in comprehen- siveness and originality, and is noted for his skill and logical foresight, the natural result of his habits of mathematical study. His style is simple, pure, and expressive ; as he designed even his essays for general perusal, he wrote in language intelligible to every man of common sense. Students should carefully read and reflect upon his Essay on the Human Understanding, Thoughts on Education, Reasonableness of Christianity, Conduct of the Under- standing, and Discourse on the Miracles. GEMS. 1. The chief art of learning is to at- tempt but a little at a time Essays. ENGLISH LITERATURE. 2. Nature commonly lodge* her treas- ures and jewels in rocky ground. — Id. :!. Truth, like gold, is not the lees so for being newly broughl out of the mine. — Essay. I. Let your will lead whither necessity would drive, and you will always preserve your liberty. — Essay. 5. Judging is balancing an account, and determining on which side the odds lie. — Essays. t'.. Education begins the gentleman ; but reading, good company and reflection must finish him. — Id. 7. One should not dispute with a man who, either through stupidity or shame- lessness, denies plain and visible truths — hi. 8. The eagerness and strong bent of the mind after knowledge, if not warily regu- lated, is often a hindrance to it. — Id. 9. He that sinks his vessel by overload- ing it, though it be with precious stones, will give his owner but an ill account of his voyage Essay. 10. He that will stand to pick up and examine every pebble that comes in his way, is as unlikely to return enriched and ladened with jewels, as the other that traveled full speeed Essays. DANIEL DEFOE, "The father of the English novel," was born in London, September 5, 1661, died April 24, 1731. Though remembered chiefly as a novelist, he was during thirty years a leader in the fierce partisan strife by which, under William of Orange, con- stitutional liberty was realized in England, lie has been pronounced "the most thor- ough Englishman and writer of his day;" a model of integrity, and as consistent, sincere, and brave as he was gifted. The most prominent characteristic of his fic- tions is the distinctness of the reality which he gives to them by the elaborate and precise statement of details. After an indefatigable and checkered life, he died the author of 210 books and pamphlets, among which are The New Voyage Around the World. Memoirs of a Cava- lier, Journal of a Plague, Captain Single- ton, Colonel Jack, and Robinson Crusoe. MS. 1. Necessity makes an honest man a knave. — < W. Jack. 2. When flatterer! meet, Satan go dinner. — On Flattery. :;. The middle station of Life if calcu- lated for all kinds of virtues and 'njoy- mentS Robinson < 'rnsoe. 4. ('.rent families of yesterday w« -how. And lords, whoso parent! were the Lord knows who. A < 5. 'Tis not the one whose tongue most glibly ^liilcs. That always just, the ri^ht or wrong decide?. The. Tnii- Hum Englishman. 0. It is better to have a lion at the head of an army of sheep, than a sheep at tin- head of an army of lions. — Col. Jack. 7. Wherever God erects a house of prayer, The devil always builds a chapel there; And 'twill be found upon examination. The latter has the largest congregation. The True Bom Englishman, 8. Railing sermons, exciting people to hatred and contempt of their brethren, be- cause they differ in opinions, is not the way to peace and union Religious Satire. 9. I then reflected that God, who was not only righteous but omnipotent, as he had thought fit thus to punish and afflict me, so he was able to deliver me. — Robin- son Crusoe. JONATHAN SWIFT, " The good Dean of St. Patrick's," was born in Dublin, November 20, 1G67, died October 19, 1745. After several years spent in indifference and numerous difficulties at Dublin University, he became a graduate in 169o. He occupied various ecclesiasti- cal offices until in 1713 he reached the position which gave him the title of Dean. lie is noted for originality and extraor- dinary abilities in the line of satire. He could wither with his irony and invective; excite to mirth with his wit and invention ; transport as with wonder at his marvelous powers of grotesque and ludicrous combi- nation, his knowledge of human nature, and assuming at pleasure different charac- ters and situations in life, lie wrote Gul- liver's Travels, The Tale of a Tub, Polite Conversation, Battle of the Books, Con- duct of the Allies, Directions for Servants, etc. OUTLINES OF LITERATURE. QEM& 1. Bread is the staff of life The Title of a Tub. 2, No wise man wishes to be younger. — Maxims. .*>. A nice man is a man of nasty ideas. — Thoughts* 4. To be vain is rather a mark of hu- mility than pride — Ibid. 5. The diamonds of learning lie far un- der the surface. — ibid. 6. A wise man should have money in his head, but not in his heart Battle of the Booh. 7. Common distress is a great promoter both of friendship and speculation. — Con- duct of the Allies. 8. If a man maketh me keep my dis- tance, the comfort is he keepeth his at the same time Gulliver's Travels. 9. The axe of intemperance lops off a drunkard's green boughs and leaves him a withered trunk Id. 10. Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through. — Id. 11. True wit is like the precious stone Dug from the Indian mine, Which boasts two various powers in one, To cut as well as shine. Satire. 12. 'Tis an old maxim in the schools That flattery is the food of fools , Yet now and then your men of wit ^ Will condescend to take a bit. Cadenus. 13. [Empty minds produce talkative persons.] People come faster out of church when it is almost empty, than when a crowd is at the door. — Thoughts. JOSEPH ADDISON, "The most ingenious prose writer of his age," was born in Weltshire, England, May 1, 1672, died January 17, 1719. lie was schooled at Oxford, where he dis- tinguished himself in Latin and his other studies; after which he soon reached great popularity through the fine specimens of literary workmanship which he contributed, to the Spectator, Tattler and Guardian. He wrote poetry, prose, and dramas ; and while his compositions possess finish and classic regularity, they are so cold and elaborate that the authorities of the pres- ent time do not give them place in the highest rank of literature, and yet a stu- dent who studies Addison will find a held whose exploration never ceases to be de- lightful and remunerative. He wrote Vision of Mirzah, Battle of Blenheim, Rosamond, Cato, Drummer, Freeholder, etc. GEMS. 1. Man is but a shadow, and life a dream — Cato. 2. How beautiful is death when earned by virtue! — Cato. 3. 'Tis time to sheathe the sword and spare mankind Advice. 4. Cleanliness may be defined to be the emblem of purity of mind Id. 5. 'Tis not in mortals to command success, But we'll do more ; we'll possess it. Cato. 6. Without constancy there is no love, friendship, nor virtue in the world Rosamond. ?. When vice prevails and and impious men bear sway, The post of honor is the private station. Cato. 8. Great souls by instinct to each other turn, Demand -alliance and in friendship burn. Cato. 9. There is no blessing of life that is in any way comparable to the enjoyment of a discreet and virtuous friend — Leisure Hours. 10. Of all the diversions of life, there is none so proper to fill up its empty spaces as the reading of useful and entertaining authors Id. 11. Cheerfulness banishes all anxious care and discontent, soothes and composes the passions, and keeps the soul in a per- petual calm. — From Contributions to the Spectator. 12. The unwearied sun, from day to day, Does his Creator's power display, And publishes to every land The work of an Almighty hand. Ode on Creation. 13. A cheerful temper will lighten sickness, poverty, and affliction : it will make beauty attractive, knowledge delight- ful, and wit good-natured. — Contributed to the Spectator. ENGLISH LITERATURE. 81 14. Liberty I thou go< l«l ess heavenly bright. Profuse of bliss, and pregnant with deligbtl Eternal pleasures in thy presence rei -Vinl smiling plenty leads thy wanton train. ■■ r trout 1 'tul ;i. EDWARD YOUNG, "The driver in fancy," was born in Hampshire, England, December 1, 1681, died April 1-, 1765. Little is known of his first thirty years of life, except that he was educated at Winchester and Oxford. He entered the field of literature in 1712, and soon issued satires and tragedies of vigor- ous and admirable qualities; his poems contain noble and sublime thuught-gems pregnant with fancy, wit, and felicitous combinations. His Night Thoughts have eclipsed his other works, but his satires are poems of high merit, in many pass- ages equalling Pope. Besides his Night Thoughts, he wrote Revenge, Love of Fame, The Universal Passion, The Last Day, Queen Anne, etc. GEMS. 1. Procrastination is the thief of time. — Night Thoughts. 2. A Christian is the highest style of life Ibid. 3. Faith builds a bridge across the gulf of death Night Thoughts. 4. The man is yet unborn who duly weighs an hour Id. 5. How blessings brighten as they take their flight Id. 6. Death loves a shining mark, a signal blow Id. V. The love of praise, howe'er concealed by art, Reigns more or less, and glows in every heart. Love of Fame. 8. 'Tis greatly wise to talk with our past hours, And ask them what report they bore to heaven. Night Thoughts, on Time. 9. What though we wade in wealth, or soar in fame, Earth's highest station ends in " here he lies." Night Thoughts. 10. The man who builds, and wants wherewith to pay. Provides a home from which to run away. Lovt of Fame. 11. How empty learning, ami how vain is art, But as it mends the life and guides the heart. Night Thoughts. 12. Can wealth give liai.;- . iok around ami What gaj distress, what splendid nil Whatever fortune lavishly can pour, The mind annihilates, and asks for more. l.l. 13. Think nought a trifle, though it small ap- pear ; Small sands make the mountains, ami mo- ments the year, And trifles Life. Love of Fame. l i. Can gold calm passion, or make re shine? Can we dig peace or wisdom from the mine? Wisdom to gold prefer ; for 'tis much To make our fortune than our happ Night Thoughts. 15. I wake, emerging from a sea of dreams, Tumultuous, where my wrecked, despond- ing thought From wave to wave of fancied misery At random drove, her helm of reason lost. Life, Death and Immortality (Id.) GEORGE BERKELEY, " Who possessed every virtue under heaven," was born at Dysert Castle, Eng- land, March 12, 1685, died January 14, 1753. He was educated at Trinity col- lege, Dublin, where he was distinguished for proficiency in mathematical knowledge. At the age of twenty -four he published his first work, which received such favor among scholars that he soon gave to the world another profound scientific treatise. The style of Berkeley has been greatly admired ; it is clear and unaffected, having the easy grace of the polished philosopher. His essays and treatises need to be studied to be appreciated ; among them are Theory of Vision, Passive Obedience, Human Knowledge, The Querist, A Word to the Wise, Analyst, Tar Water, etc. GEMS. 1. Industry is the natural sure way to wealth — Essay. 2. When the heart is right there is true patriotism Maxims. 3. He that would make real prog in knowledge must dedicate his age ;is well as youth at the altar of truth. — Maxim*. 4. The muse, disgusted at an age and clime Barren of every glorious theme. In distant lands now wait- a better time Producing subjects worthy fame. J'rosjxcts in America. OUTLINES OF LITERATURE. r>. The mind cannot remain empty ; if you do not put into it that which is good, it a\ ill be sure to receive that which is bad. — Opinions. 6. Westward the course of empire takes its way : The first four acts already past, A fifth shall close the drama with the day; Time's noblest offspring is the last. J'rosjiects in America. 7. Have you ever thought how much useful information could be gained in a year by devoting thirty minutes a day to the searching in good literature for choice sentences ? — . JOHN GAY, "The gay country poet," was born in Devonshire, England, May 5, 1688, died December 4, 1732. Both of his parents died before he was six years old, and be- ing in reduced circumstances, he was un- able to secure much of an education, but he began to write very early and published several of his productions before he was twenty. Pope and Swift soon became his sincere and tender friends, and often shielded Gay from injurious criticism on some of his plays He has been styled the easy, indolent, good-humored poet, who painted life in the Dutch style, low and familliar, but correctly and forcibly drawn. He wrote Rural Sports, Shep- herd's Week, The Fan, The Captives, Beggar's Opera, The Wife of Bath, Polly, Fables, etc. GEMS. 1. To friendship every burden's light. —The Fan. 2. Sweet woman is like the fair flower in its lustre. — Song. 3. Friendship, like love, is but a name, Unless to one you stint the flame. The Hare With Many Friends. 4. 'Tis thus in friendship, who depend On many, rarely find a friend. Ibid. 5. Those who in quarrels interpose, Must often wipe a bloody nose. The Mastiffs. 6. Learning by study must be won, 'Twas ne'er entailed from sire to son. Rural Sports. 7. Life is a jest, and all things show it I thought so once ; but now I know it. My Epitaph. 8. An open foe may prove a curse, Bui a pretended friend is worse. Folli,. 9. How can they say that Nature lias nothing made in vain? Why then beneath the water Should hideous rocks remain. Shepherd's Week. 10. Consider man, weigh well thy frame, The king, the beggar are the same ; Dust formed us all. Each breathes his day, Then sinks into his native clay. Melody. 11. Love is a sudden blaze which soon decays; Friendship is like the sun's eternal rays; Not daily benefits exhaust the flame ; It still is giving, and still burns the same. Id. ALEXANDER POPE, "The child satirist," was born in London, May 22, 1688, died May 30, 1744. In his twelfth year he wrote satire and de- voted himself to the enthusiastic pursuit of literature and a course of self-instruction ; before he was sixteen part of his Pastorals and Translations were written. In none of his contemporaries was there found a more potent combination of those intellec- tual qualities which mainly contribute to an author's power. His translation of Homer show^s profound mental culture and thorough, elegant scholarship. All literary students will read Pope's Essay on Man, Essay on Criticism, the Dunciad, On the Use of Riches, Characters of Women, To a Lady, and To a Lord. GEMS. 1. To err is human; to forgive divine. — Essay on Criticism. 2. Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul TTieRape of the Lock. 3. Worth makes the man, and want of it the fellow Essay on Man. 4. One science only can one genius fit ; So wide is art, so narrow human wit. Essay on Criticism. 5. Honor and shame from no condition rise; Act well your part, there all the honor lies. Essay on Man. 6. On life's vast ocean diversely we sail, Reason the card, but passion the gale. Ibid. 1. Know then thyself; presume not God to scan ; The proper studv of mankind is man. Ibid. ENGLISH LITERATURE. 88 8. Judges and senates have been bought for gold: Esteem and love were never to be sold. Ibid. 9. Tis education forms the common mind. Just :\s the twig is bent, the tree's Inclined. Euay on Morality. 10. Know then this truth, enough for man to know, Virtue ulone is happiness below. I\ss,nj on Man. 11. 'Tis with our judgments as our watches; none Are just alike, yet each believes his own. Easay on < riticwn. 12. Unblemished let me live, or die unknown: grant an honest fame, or grant me none. Windsor Forest. 13. Heaven from all creatures hides the book of Fate, All but the page prescribed, their present state. Essay on Man. 14. Years following years steal something every day; At last they steal us from ourselves away. Epistles. 15. Be thou the first true merit to befriend ; His praise is lost who waits till all commend. Essay on Criticism. 16. Who shall decide when doctors disagree, And soundest casuists doubt like you and me ? Essay on Morality. 1 7. Tli ere never was any party, faction, sect, or cabal whatsoever, in which the ig- norant were not the most violent. — Patri- otism. 13. Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, As, to be hated, needs but to be seen ; But seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace. Essay on Man. 19. Judge not of actions by their mere effect ; Dive to the center, and the cause detect; Great deeds from meanest springs may take their course, And smallest virtues from a mighty source. Miscellanies. 20. In words, as fashions, the same rule will hold; Alike fantastic, if too new or old : Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the lust to lay the old aside. Essay on Criticism. 21. Heaven, forming each on other to depend, A master, or a servant, or a friend, Bids each on other for assistance call, Till one man's weakness grows the strength of all. 22. Bope leads from gOflJ to goal. And opens Still, ami open- on hi- lOul : Till lengthened on to faith, and nnconfined, It pom- the bliSf that fills up all the mind. 2:5. A man should never be ashamed to own lie baa been in tli<- wrong-, which ifl but Baying, in other words, thai Ik- ia wiser to-day than he was yesterday. — Advice to a Coifs/it. JAMES THOMSON, " Nature's poet," was born in Ednam, England, September 11,1700, died August 27, 1748. The gift of poesy came early to him, as shown by some lines written before he was fourteen. He received his degree at Edinburgh college, and then proceeded to London to make his fortune as a poet; in this he was not disappointed, for he became remarkably popular. Thomson bad trav- eled considerably, and in his writings he never slackened in his enthusiasm, nor tired of pointing out the phenomena of nature which he had surveyed under every aspect. He wrote Castle of Indolence, Seasons, Liberty, Coriolanus, Alfred, Ed- ward and Elenora, etc. GEM*. 1. The kind impartial care of nature naught disdains Letter on Travels. 2. Base envy withers at another's joy, And hates that excellence it cannot reach. The Seasons. 3. 'Tis easier for for the generous to forgive . Than for offense to ask it. Id. 4. Delightful task ! to rear the tender thought, To teach the young idea how to shoot. Id. 5. Let no presuming railer tax Creative wisdom, as if naught was formed In vain, or not for formidable ends. Id. 6. Hail, mildly pleasing solitude, Companion of the wise and good ! Oh ! how I love with thee to walk, And listen to thy whispered talk. On Solitude. 7. I care not. Fortune, what you me deny ; You cannot rob me of free Nature's grace ; You cannot shut the windows of the sky. Through which Aurora shows her bright- ening face Oaatle of Indolence. 8. The best of men have ever loved repose; They hate to mingle in the filthy fray, Where the soul sours, and gradual rancor grows, Imbittered more from peevish day to day. Id.' 34 OUTLINES OF LITERATI'!; I-:. i>. Oh, knew he but his happiness, of men The happiest he ! who far from public race. Poop in the vale, with :i choice few retired, Drinks the pure pleasures of the rural life. The Seasons. SAMUEL JOHNSON, "A mass of genuine manhood," was born in Litchfield, England, September 18, 1709, died December 13, 1784. Even in bis childhood, the physical and intellec- tual peculiarities which afterward distin- guished the man were plainly discernible : great muscular strength, accompanied by much awkwardness and many infirmities; a kind and generous heart, with a gloomy and irritable temper. Learned men sought his company, but no one loved him ; he had an inexhaustible store of anec- dotes about the "gay and brilliant world." Dr. Johnson was noted for compiling a celebrated Dictionary of the English lan- guage. Most popular among his works are Vanity of Human Wishes, Irene, Ram- bler, Lives of the Poets, Rasselas, Vision of Theodore. GEMS. 1. He who waits to do a great deal of good at once will never do anything Saying. ' 2. Surely the equity of Providence has balanced peculiar sufferings with peculiar enjoyments — Rasselas. 3. This mournful truth is everywhere con- fessed, Slow rises worth by poverty depressed. London. 4. The two great movers of the human mind are the desire of good and the fear of evil. — Choice Thoughts. 5. The superiority of some men is merely local ; they are great because their associates are little Id. 6. How rarely reason guides the stubborn choice Rules the bold hand, or prompts the sup- pliant voice. Vanity of Human Wishes. 7. Knowledge is of two kinds: we know a subject ourselves, or we know where to find information upon it BoswelVs Life of Johnson. 8. Catch, then, oh ! catch the transient hour, Improve each moment as it flies ; Life's a short summer — man a flower; He dies — alas ! how soon he dies. Winter. 0. Hope is the chief blessing of man ; and that hope only is rational of which we arc sensible that it cannot deceive us Choice Thoughts. 10. Condemned to Hope's delusive mine, As on we toil from day to day, By sudden blasts or slow decline, Our social comforts drop away. On the death of Dr. Levett. 11. A man has no more right to say an uncivil thing than to act one ; no more right to say a rude thing to another than to knock him clown. — Choice Thoughts. 12. Hard is his lot that, here by fortune placed, Must watch the wild vicissitudes of taste ; With every meteor of caprice must play, And chase the new-blown bubble of the day. Prologue at the opening of Drury Lane Theatre. 13. A wise man will make haste to for- give, because he knows the true virtue of time, and will not suffer it to pass away in unnecessary pain Choice Thoughts. 14. The stream of time which is con- tinually washing the dissolvable fabrics of other poets, passes without injury by the adamant of Shakespeare On Shake- speare. DAVID HUME, The beloved Scottish historian and phil- osopher, was born in Edinburgh April 25, 1711, died August 25, 177G. After at- tending the university of his native city, and spending several years abroad in literary study, he wrote and published his first philosophical work; his history ap- peared somewhat later; it is acknowledged to be one of the most easy, elegant, and interesting narratives in the language. Hume's productions generally are remark- able for research, discrimination, and for elegance of style, and must be regarded as an honor to British literature. Among them are History of England, Essays, Natural History of Religion, Dialogues, Political Discourses, On Life, Trea- tises. GEMS. 1. Remove the vices and the ills follow. — Effects of Luxury. 2. I see death gradually approach with- out any anxiety or regret — Essays. 3. When the affections are. moved there ENGLISH LITERATURE. 88 is do peace for the imagination. — On Sim- plicity. 4. Virtue, like wholesome food, is l>ct- ter than poisons however corrected. — Effect* of Luxury. 5. Nothing is bo improving to the tem- per as the Btudies of the beauties, either of poetry, eloquence, music, or painting. — On Delicacy of Taste. 6. Queen Elizabeth, by the force of her mind, controlled all her more active and stronger qualities and prevented them from running into excess. — Character of Elizabeth. 7. lie is happy whose circumstances suit bis temper: but he is more excellent who can suit his temper to any circum- stances. — Essays. THOMAS GRAY, •• A poet of the sublimest of sublimity," was horn in London, November 2(5, 171G, died July 30, 1771. After completing his college education he took a twelve month's tour with Horace Walpole, through France and Italy. He then went to Cambridge and received his degree in civil law, but instead of following that profession he devoted himself to literature, 'in which he holds a high rank from the energy, splendor, and perfect finish of his poetic style. Dr. Johnson said: " Gray's Elegy abounds with images which find a mirror in every mind, and with sentiments to which every bosom returns an echo." He wrote Progress of Poesy, Ode to Ad- versity, Eton College, The Bard, Obscur- ity, Oblivion, Government, Education, Elegy in a Churchyard. GEMS. 1. Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise. — Ode to Eton College. 2. The generous spark extinct revive, Teach me to love and to forgive. Hymn on Ad certify. 3. The hues of bliss more brightly glow, Chastised by sabler tints of woe. Ode to Vicissitude 4. And many a holy text around they strew Who teach the rustic moralist to die. Elegy. 5. When we trust to the pictures that objects draw of themselves on our mind, we deceive ourselves On Traveling. 6. Bright Rupture culls, ami MAling M •in [ Wave- in tin- eye of Heaven her many col- ore 1 \vi, [ Tht !■ 7. Not all that tempts your \varnh Ami heedless hearts is lawful prize, Nor all that flitters gold. Ode on the /)>u(/( i,t : Cot. 8. Gay hope is theirs, by fancy fed, Less pleasing when D088eS8ed j The tear forgot as soon as shed, The sunshine of the brea-t. < hi, I,, Eton < blleye. 9. The meanest floweret of the vale, The simplest note that swells the gale, The common sun, the air. the skies, To him are opening paradise. The Bard. 10. To each his sufferings: all are men. Condemned alike to groan ; The feeling for another's pain, The unfeeling for his own. Ode on Eton College. 11. The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power. And all that beauty, all that wealth ere gave, Await alike the inevitable hour : — The paths of glory lead but to the grave. Elegy in a Country Churchyard. 12. Full many a gem of purest ray serene, The dark, unfathomed caves of ocean bear; Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air. Elegy. 13. Can storied urn, or animated bust. Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath ? Can honor's voice provoke the silent dust Or flattery soothe the dull cold ear of death? Elegy. 14. The thoughtless world to majesty may bow, Exalt the brave and idolize success; But more to innocence their safety owe Than Power, or Genius, e'er conspired to bless. WILLIAM COLLINS, " The ethereal bard," was born in Chi- chester, Eng., December 25, 1721, died December 17, 1759. He had received a learned education before he was twenty- two, having taken the degree of B. A., at Oxford ; then applied himself to literature, but the fine promise of his youth, his ardor and ambition, melted away under the depressing influence of disappointment in not being able to attract attention and create enthusiasm in literary circles. His poems arc small in number and amount, but they are rich in vivid imagery and OUTLINES OF LITERATURE. beautiful description. — Among them :m> Ode to Pity, Douglas, Eclogues and Pas- sions. GEMS. 1. Music I Sphere-descended maid, Friend o\ Pleasure, Wisdom's aid. The Passions. 2. Well may your hearts believe the truth I tell; Tis virtue makes the bliss where'er we dwell. Eclogue. 3. There Honor conies, a pilgrim gray, To deck the turf over the soldier's clay ; And Freedom shall awhile repair To dwell a weeping hermit there. Ode. 4. Cursed be the gold and silver which per- suade, "Weak men to follow far fatiguing trade ! The lily peace outshines the silver store, And life is dearer than the golden ore. . Eclogue. 5. How sleep the brave who sink to rest, By all their country's wishes blest ! When spring with dewy fingers cold, Returns to deck their hallowed mould, She there shail dress a sweeter sod, Than fancy's feet have ever trod. Ode. OLIVER GOLDSMITH, " The Irish poet of misfortunes," was born in Pallas, Ireland, November 16, 1728, died April 3, 1774. He was one of the most unfortunate of human beings, having undertaken many professsions, but failed in them all ; there was in his character much to love, but little to respect; his heart was soft even to weakness ; he was so generous that he quite forgot to be just. He was, in conversation, an empty, noisy, blundering rattle, yet no person everwrote with more perspicuity, vivacity and grace. Few authors possessed finer qualities of heart and of intellect, and no productions are admired more than Goldsmith's for sweetness of sentiment. He was truly a poet, a novelist, and a historian. Read his Vicar of Wakefield, The Traveller, Deserted Village, The Hermit, She Stoops to Conquer, and Histories. GEMS. 1. Man wants but little here below, Nor wants that little long. The Hermit. 2. The triumphs that on vice attend, Shall ever in confusion end. TheCaptivity. 3. To me more dear, congenial to my neart, One native charm than all the gloss of art. The Deserted Village. 4. Could Nature's bounty satisfy the breast, The sons of Italy were surely blest. The Traveller. 5. For just experience tells in every soil, That those who think must govern those who toil. Id. 6. Such is the patriot's boast, where'er we roam. His first, best country ever is at home. Id. 7. Our happiness depends much oh the temper and regulation of our mind Sayings. 8. Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall — The Hermit. 9. Modesty seldom resides in a breast that is not enriched with nobler virtues. —Id. 10. Some are born with a wooden spoon in their mouths, and some with a golden ladle Sayings. 11. In nature's simplest habits clad, Nor wealth nor power had he ; Genius and worth were all he had. But these were all to me. The Hermit. 12. What is friendship but a name, A charm that lulls to sleep ! A shade that follows wealth or fame, But leaves the wretch to weep Id. 13. Hope, like the glimmering taper's light, Adorns and cheers the way. And still, as darker grows the night, Emits a brighter ray. The Captivity. 14. Fortune is ever seen accompanying industry, and is as often trundling a wheel- barrow as lolling in a coach and six — She Stoops to Conquer. EDMUND BURKE, "An orator of mighty understanding and piercing eloquence," w. There is. however, a limit, at which borbearance ceases to be a virtue. — From a Speech. G. Fortunate man, if he live to see noth- ing that shall cloud the setting of his clay. — hi. 7. It is better to be despised for too anxious apprehension than be ruined by too confident security Id. 8. He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill ; our an- tagonist is our helper. — From an Address. 9. Vice incapacitates a man from all public duty ; it withers the powers of his understanding, and makes his mind para- lytic. — On the Sublime. 10. In history a great volume is un- rolled for our instruction, drawing the materials of future wisdom from the errors and infirmities of mankind On the Revo- lution. II. I thought ten thousands swords must have leaped from their scabbards to avenge even a look that threatened Marie Antoinette with insult Reflections on the French Revolution. 12. The elevation of the mind ought to be the principal end of all our studies; which, if they do not in some way effect, they will prove of very little service to us. — On the Sublime. WILLIAM COWPER, ''The best of English letter writers," Wa8 born in Berkhamstead, England, Novem- ber 15, 1731, died April 25, 1800. Hav- ing received a good education and bavins early lost his parents, he lived for a long time a religious recluse, shadowed by a mental gloom; he, however, recovered from this morbidness and gave to the world poems and hymns which are prolific in sparkling gems of thought. While he is not universally ranked among the great- est of poet--, yet no productions have been more favorably received and eagerly lead by admirers of glittering poetical beauties. Cowper will always hold an honorable place in literature. Students delight in perusing his John Gilpin's Ride, Alexan- der Selkirk, The Task, The Castaways, Table Talk, and his Hymns. GEMS. 1. God made the country and man made the town The Task. 2. Who gives the lilies clothing Will clothe his people too. Joy and Peace in Believing. 3. Variety is the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor. The Task. 4. An idler is a watch that wants both hands ; As useless if it goes as if it stands. Retirement. 5. Our wasted oil unprofitably burn<. Like hidden lamps in old sepulchral urns. Conversation. 6. 'Tis liberty alone that gives the flower Of fleeting life its lustre and perfume. The Task. 1. Thus happiness depends as nature shows Less on exterior things than most suppose. Table Talk. 8. Happy the man who sees a God employed In all the good or ill that checkers life. The Tank. 9. He is a free man whom the truth makes free. And all are slaves beside. The Task. 10. Some men employ their health — an ugly trick — In making known how oft they have been sick Conversation. 11. God moves is a mysterious way His wonders to perform ; He plants his footsteps in the sea. And rides upon the storm. Hymn*. 12. There's mercy in every place ; And mercy, encouraging thought! Gives even affliction a grace. And reconciles man to his lot. Alexander Selkirk. 13. Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan his work in vain : God is his own interpreter, And he will make it plain. Light Shining Out of Dark 88 OUTLINES OF LITERATURE. 14. A glory gilds the sacred page, Majestic like the sun. It gives a light to every age; It gives, but borrows none. The Light a>M Qlory of the Word. 15, Religion ! what treasure untold Resides in that heavenly word! More precious than silver or gold, Or all that this earth can afford. Alexander Selkirk. 1(3. I would not enter on my list of friends, Though graced with polished manners and line sense. Yet wanting sensibility, the man Who needlessly sets foot upon a worm. Mercy to Animals. 17. Faults in the life breed errors in the brain, And these reciprocally, those again The mind and conduct mutually imprint, And stamp their image in each other's mint. The Progress of Error. 18. My mother ! when I learned that thou wast dead, Say, wast thou conscious of the tears I shed? May I but meet thee on that peaceful shore, The parting sound shall pass my lips no more. On the Receipt of His Mother 's Picture. JAMES BEATTIE, " Scotland's brilliant author," was born in Kincardine, October 26, 1735, died Au- gust 18, 1803. Having reached great pro- ficiency in his various studies, he was elected professor of moral philosophy and logic in the Marischal College, Aberdeen, in w r hich he had been educated. He soon appeared in his true character as a poet. Beattie was a sincere lover of truth and virtue, but his ardor led him at times into intolerance, and he was too fond of court- ing the approbation of the great. His "Minstrel" was received with unbounded applause ; honors from all sources flowed in upon him ; he was admitted into dis- tinguished circles everywhere. He wrote also, Morning Landscape, Life of Im- mortality, Retirement, and Essays. GEMS. 1. A keen, penetrating look indicates thoughtfulness and spirit — Essays. 2. Who can tell how hard it is to climb The steep where Fame's proud temple shines afar ! The Minstrel. 3. Though richest hues the peacock's plumes adorn, Yet horror screams from his discordant throat. Ibid. 4. how canst thou renounce the boundless store Of charms which Nature to her votary yields ! J bid. 5. Every thought that partakes of the nature of passion has a correspondent ex- pression in the look and gesture. — Essays. 6. The assaults of discontent and doubt repel ; And let us hope, — to doubt is to rebel, — Let us exalt in hope that all shall yet be well. The Minstrel. 7. Liberal, not lavish is kind Nature's hand: Nor was perfection made for man below ; Yet all her schemes with nicest art are planned, Good counteracting ill, and gladness woe. Id. 8. Roll on, thou fair orb, and with gladness pursue The path that conducts thee to splendor again ; But man's faded glory what change shall renew ? Ah, fool ! to exult in a glory so vain. Id. HANNAH MORE, " The sweet dramatist," was born in Gloucestershire, Eng., February 2, 1745, died September 7, 1833. She commenced her literary work in early life, for at the age of sixteen she wrote and published a pastoral drama which', in a short time went through three editions, so great were its sales. Several of the tragedies pro- duced by her were acted for a number of successive nights at Drury Lane, to crowded houses. While very little of Miss More's poetry became popular, her dramas were unsurpassed by any writer of her time, and it is clear that the author might have excelled as a dramatic writer had she devoted herself to that difficult species of composition. She wrote Sir Eldred of the Bower, The Bleeding Rock, The Fatal Falsehood, Percy, Coebels in Search of a Wife, etc. GEMS. 1. A small unkindness is a great of- fence Trifles. 2. The soul on earth is an immortal guest, Compelled to starve at an unreal feast. Wisdom. 3. In men this blunder still you find, All think their little set mankind. Florio. 4. Small habits well pursued betimes, May reach the dignity of crimes. Bas Bleu. ENCJLISH LITERATURE. 39 5. Who Batten is of all mankind the Ion i he who courts tbe flattery. Fla 6. Qncontrolled ambition graspa al once, Dominion absolute and boundless wealth. Dramas. 7. To be good and disagreeable ia high treason against the royalty of virtue. — On Virtue. 8. Method is the binge of business, and there is no method without order and punctuality. — On Mr/ /tut/. 9. The keen spirit a the prompl occasion — makes the thought Start into instanl action, and at once, Plans and performs, resolves and executes. Actio /t. 10. Oh ! the joy Of young ideas painted on the mind, In the warm glowing colors fancy spreads On subjects not yet known, when all is new. And all is lovely. 11. Ah! when did wisdom covet length of days, Or seek its bliss in pleasure, wealth or praise ? No : wisdom views, with an indifferent eye, All finite joys, all blessings born to die. Wisdom. 12. One of the first lessons that should be inculcated, is that God has not sent us into this world to give us consummate happi- . but to train us to those habits which lead to it Our Happiness. RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN, " The prodigy in comedy," was born in Dublin September 30, 1751, died July 7, 1816. After receiving a good education he was admitted to the bar. and practiced law for many years. He had written nu- merous dramas before his twentieth year; and, when he was twenty-four, produced his comedy of " The Rivals," which speedily became the universal favorite it has ever since remained. Both in wit and success as a dramatist he eclipsed all his contemporaries, for no other wrote with such felicitous combination of humor and satire. In addition to the Rivals, he wrote j St Patrick's Day, The Critic, The School for Scandal, Pizarro, The Duenna, etc. GEMS. 1. Filial piety ! It is the primal bond of society — 77te Critic. 2. We serve a monarch whom we love — a God whom we adorn. — Id. ;;. 1 cannot bear to hear people attacked behind their backs. — hi. 4. Conscience has do more to do with gallantry than it has with politics. — The Dllt'ltltd. ."». To smile at the jest thai plants a thorn iii another's breast is to become a principal in the mischief. — The ( 6. The faith we follow teaches us to live in bond- of charity with all mankind, and die with hopes of bliss beyond the grave. — Id. ROBERT BURNS, " The Skakespeare of Scotland," was born in Ayrshire, January 2o, 1759, died July 22, 1790. lie commenced to compose at a very early age and acquired a consider- able relish for association of a literary na- ture; but, being a peasant born, fortune did not permit him to enjoy them in a de- gree of which he was capable. His youth- ful productions glowed with such tender- ness and pure humor that certain persons who had read the manuscript aided the poet in having a volume published. This was such a successful venture that he felt encouraged to continue until his poems were numbered by hundreds. On the whole his literary career was conspicu- ously successful, and he left not only an honored name, but enduring fruits of his genius and industry. He wrote Tarn O'Shanter, Auld Lang Syne, Highland Mary, Man Was Made to Mourn, Cotter's Saturday Night, Mountain Daisy, John Barleycorn, etc. GEMS. 1. The heart benevolent and kind, the most resembles God. — Early Poem. 2. Time but the impression stronger makes, As streams their channels deeper wear. To Mary in Heaven. 3. I despise the superstition of a fanatic, but I love the religion of a man. — Letter. 4. wad some pow'r the giftie gie us To see.oursels as other- Bee 0.8 : It wad 1'rae inony a blunder tree Qfl And foolish notion. To a Louse. 5. What is life when wanting love ? Night without a morning : Love's the cloudless Bummer sun, Nature gay adorning. Sony to a Fair One. 40 OUTLINES OF LITERATURE. -j. 8. Vain is the glory of the sky, The beauty vain of field and grove Unless, while with admiring eye We ga/.e, we also learn to love. To a Lady. 42 OUTLINES OF LITERATURE 9. The inmost heart of man it glad Partakes a lirier cheer ; Ami eyes; that cannot but be sad Lot fall a brightened tear. To Mail. 10. Blest are the moments, doubly blest. That drawn from this one hour of rest, Are with a ready heart bestowed Upon the service of our God. The Laborer's Noon. 11. ! that our lives, which flee so last, In purity were such, That not an image of the past Should fear that pencil's touch. Memory. 12. One impulse from the vernal wood, May teach you more of man, Of moral evil, and of good, Than all the sages can. The Tables Turned. 13. What is friendship ? do not trust her, Nor the vows which she has made; Diamonds dart their brightest lustre From a palsy-shaken head. Inscriptions. 14. Serene will be our days and bright, And happy will our nature be, When love is an unerring light, And joy its own security Ode to Duty. 15. Thus heavenly hope is all serene, But earthly hope, how bright soe'er Still fluctuates o'er this changing scene, As false and fleeting as 'tis fair. Ode to Immortality. 16. The wisest, happiest, of our kind are they That ever walk content with Natures way, God's goodness measuring bounty as it may. Evening Voluntaries. IT. But time hath power to soften all regrets, And prayer and thought can bring, to worst distress, Due resignation. The Excursion. 18. Be mine to follow with no timid step Where knowledge leads me : it shall be my pride That I have dared to tread this holy ground. The Prelude. 19. Small service is true service while it lasts ; Of friends, however humble spurn not one ; The daisy by the shadow that it casts, Protects the lingering dew-drop from the sun. To a Child. 20. If this great world of joy and pain Revolve in one sure track ; If Freedom, set. will rise again, And Virtue, flown, come back; Woe to the purblind crew who fill The heart with each day's care — Nor gain from past or future, skill To bear and forbear. The Warning. 21. The smoothest seas will sometimes prove To the confiding bark, untrue; And. if she trust the stars above, They can be treacherous too. But thou art true, incarnate Lord, Who didst vouchsafe for man to die ; Thy smile is sure, thy plighted word, No change can falsify. Inscriptions. SIR WALTER SCOTT, "The most famous of historical novelists," was born in Edinburgh, September 6, 1771, died September 21, 1832. After passing through the curriculum of the university in his native city he was ad- mitted to the Scottish bar and immedi- ately commenced his literary career. This admired writer of fiction illustrated so vividly the characteristics of life and character that his novels are prized not only for their indescribable charm, but also for the valuable information that may may be gleaned from them. His Waverley Novels, twenty-nine in number, have fascinated and entertained the literary world for nearly three-fourths of a cen- tury. We direct attention to his Ivanhoe, Kenilworth, Old Mortality, Heart of Mid- Lothian, Legend of Montrose, Rob Roy, The Black Dwarf, Lay of the Last Min- strel, Marmion, Lady of the Lake, and Halidon Hill. GEMS. 1. Oh, what a tangled web we weave When first we practice to deceive ! Marmion. 2. And 0! when passion rules, how rare The hours that fall to virtue's share. Rokeby. 3. Ambition breaks the ties of blood and forgets the obligation of gratitude — Waverley. 4. Tears are the softening showers which cause the seed of heaven to spring up in the human heart Id. 5. Land of my sires, what mortal hand, Can e'er untie the filial band That knits me to the ragged strand ! Lay of the Last Minstrel. 6. The hand of the reaper Takes the ears that are hoary, But the voice of the weeper Wails manhood in glory. Lady of the Lake. 7. Like the dew on the mountain, Like the foam on the river. Like the bubble on the fountain, We all go. and forever. Id. ENGLISH LITERATURE. When u man lias not a good reatOD for doing a thing, he lias one good reason for letting it alone. — W'arvrlei/. i>. Perish wealth, :o>