PREFACE. A FIFTH READER is essentially a book of literary models. Every form of literary excellence should find representation within its pages. For the pupil it is the first extended outlook upon the rich heritage of English literature. Our language in its present form dates from the days of Shakespeare and Spenser. The field is large; the scope of this volume is necessarily restricted. Only typical selections can be given; but these, rightly studied, will be ample to fix the reading habit, to acquaint the pupil with the scope of our literature, and to create proper standards of taste. No selection has been incorporated because it is new; and no selection has been omitted because it is old. Art is dateless. Good literature is forever current, as is good art in any form. The poetry of Shakespeare and Milton is as new and as valuable as the painting of Raphael. The sole concern has been as to the excellence of the language and the richness of thought. As great variety as possible has been chosen. The pupil will find in this reader standard selections from the master writers of the language. The so-called "good old selections" have not been overlooked: and many of the more recent selections have been incorporated, to enable the pupil to judge of present-day literary work, and to appreciate the fact that the possibilities of the language are by no means exhausted. As a guide to the personality of authors and to a more extended study of their works, a brief biography is inserted in each case immediately following the first selection from the author. These sketches should be studied with care. They should also be read at the beginning of the recitation. It is well to have in connection with this work some standard treatise on literary biography accessible to the pupils. Among the many virtues made prominent in the selections |