Spelling, Language, Grammar, Composition, Literature. Reed's Word Lessons-A Complete Speller. Kellogg's Text-Book on English Literature. In the preparation of this series the authors have had one object clearly view-to so develop the study of the English language as tc present a complete, progressive course, from the Spelling-Book to the study of English Literature. The troublesome contradictions which arise in using books arranged by different authors on these subjects, and which require much time for explanation in the school-room, wil be avoided by the use of the above “ Complete Course." Teachers are earnestly invited to examine these books. CLARK & MAYNARD, Publishers, 771 Broadway, New York. PREFACE. IN preparing this edition of the first book of Milton's Paradise Lost for the use of higher schools, and advanced students generally, I have made free use of the works of others, but I have refrained from giving my authorities, except where I could feel pretty certain that I had found the original source of the criticism or annotation, whether that met with my approval or dissent. I was led to this course, not by any wish to ignore the labours of my predecessors, but by the example of the editor of the Clarendon Press Edition, who frequently attributes to Keightley, to whom he owes so much, remarks which I discovered in the writings of critics who wrote a hundred and fifty years ago. Passages from Scripture I have quoted in full when Milton seems to have drawn his facts or expressions directly therefrom, but I have given a mere reference when there seemed to be only a similarity of ideas, or where the passage in question might serve to illustrate the meaning of the text. Had space permitted, I should have followed the same rule with the classic, and other parallels, but I have been compelled to content myself with simple references, unless, as in the case of Martial, Seneca, &c., they are not always at hand; or where the whole point of the allusion hangs on a very few words; these I have not translated, assuming on the part of my readers an acquaintance with Greek and Latin; while in the case of the Italian poets, the existing English metrical translations are sadly inadequate, and so free as to fail entirely to do justice to the originals, the study of which I would gladly encourage among all who can appreciate the higher order of poetry. I have given a few passages in full from that quaint old book, Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy, not referred to in other editions of Milton, though there can be little doubt but that Milton was familiar with it, and it alone will give an idea of the views then prevalent on the subject of demonology, while the work itself is not within reach of every student. For the introductory notice on the genius and character of Milton as a poet I am greatly indebted to the Lectures on the British Poets, by the American Professor Henry Read, a man of exquisite taste and far less known in this country than he deserves; and for the observations on the character of Milton's Satan, to Hazlitt's Lectures on the English Poets; but for the suggestion of the two possible modes in which the subject of the Fall could have been treated, so as to form the basis of an epic, and the reasons which led Milton to choose the one in preference to the other, I alone am responsible, whether it approve itself to my readers' judgment or not. I regret that I have not had an opportunity of consulting Prof. Masson's writings, but trust that the student will find in this small book much that may help him to a full comprehension and enjoyment of the noblest uninspired poem the world has ever seen. LONDON, November, 1879. EDWARD F. WILLOUGHBY. PARADISE LOST. LIFE OF MILTON. JOHN MILTON, the father of the poet, belonged to a good old county family, but having early embraced republican and puritan opinions was disinherited and repudiated by his relations. Thrown on his own resources for a living he came to London, where he set up as a money scrivener, or as we should now say a bill discounter and money lender, amassing a moderate fortune. He had been educated at Christ Church, Oxford, and the unfavourable nature of his business never suppressed his love of literature; he was also passionately fond of music, excelling both as a performer and composer. Our poet was born in Bread Street, London, on the 9th of December, 1608, and from childhood showed that he inherited the stern and lofty spirit, and the devotion to literature, poetry, and music which marked the character of his father, but in an even higher degree. His education was begun at home with the assistance of private tutors, among whom was a Dr. Young, afterwards pastor of an English church at Hamburg. He was next sent to St. Paul's School, then under the mastership of Dr. Gill, where from his twelfth year he was accustomed to study till midnight, a habit to which was doubtless owing his subsequent loss of sight. In his seventeenth year, already a good classical scholar and master of Italian, if not of other languages, he entered at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he remained for seven years, graduating B.A. in 1628-9, and M.A. in 1632. Notwithstanding certain scruples, his father had designed him for holy orders, as is proved by MSS. of Milton's preserved at Trinity College; but his antipathy to prelacy, strengthened by the teaching of his old tutor Young, was too strong, and he retired to the house at Horton, near |