tration of the text will not be without some value. They consist chiefly of etymological hints, and notices of the principles of alteration in the forms of words in the same or different languages; of comparison of the grammatical conditions of the English language in successive ages; of notices conceived to be suggestive of the manner in which the inner spirit of an author might be illustrated in catechetical examination; of parallelism of thought and expression in writers; and of simple suggestions and references respecting the geography, mythology, or history, alluded to in the text.

The compiler has again to thank the authors and proprietors of copyright works, for the liberality with which he has been permitted to avail himself of the riches of our recent writers. He has also to express his gratitude for the leniency and kindly spirit with which the defects of the work have been noticed, and for the frankuess with which any merit it may be supposed to possess has been acknowledged.

Considerable corrections have been made upon this edition, and it is hoped that the volume will be rendered still more worthy of public patronage. The compiler will have his ambition satisfied, if, in these utilitarian days, he has in any humble manner been successful in contributing to direct a discriminating taste in the cultivation and relish of a literature which exerts so powerful an influence over the human heart and intellect, and which is so intimately associated with the purest glory of our country, and with the progress of mankind.

CONTENTS.

ON THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF ENGLISH POETRY

Page xix

I. FOURTEENTH CENTURY.-This and the two preceding centuries con-

stitute the age of Romances in Verse and Prose, of the Provençal and Nor-
man-French literature; of the development of Italian literature-of rhymed
"Chronicle Histories"-of " Miracle" plays-and of the completion of the
form of the English language, as distinguished from Anglo-Saxon.-Reforma-
tion movement begun by John Wycliffe.

SOVEREIGNS:-England, Edward I., II., III., Richard II.; Scotland,

Robert Bruce, David II., Robert II., III.

II. FIFTEENTH CENTURY.-An age barren in English Poetry,-exhibiting
a great partiality for classical legends, especially those of Theseus, of Troy,
and of Alexander the Great. The fifteenth century is distinguished by
eminent Scottish Poets, both in the commencement and in the conclusion.
A partiality displayed for allegorical poems founded on Italian models, and
on those of the preceding century; dramatic " Moralities ;"-" Revival of
Learning."-Printing introduced into England by Caxton in 1471.
SOVEREIGNS.-England, Henry IV., V., VI., Edward IV., V., Richard III.,
Henry VII.; Scotland, James I., II., III., IV.

III. SIXTEENTH CENTURY.-Progress of the Revival of Learning.-The

age is remarkable for great sovereigns on the European thrones; e g. Charles

V., Emperor of Germany and King of Spain, Francis I. of France, Pope

Leo X., Henry VIII., and Elizabeth of England, Mary of Scots, Henry IV.

of France, Pope Sixtus V.-Completion of the structure of the English lan-
guage; increased Italian influence on English literature; theological poetry
of Edward VI.'s reign; development of the English drama.

SOVEREIGNS.-England, Henry VII., Henry VIII., Edward VI., Mary,
Elizabeth; Scotland, James IV,, James V., Mary, James VI., I. of England.

IV. SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.-Decay of the drama ;-" Metaphysical"

poetry-literature of the Cavalier and Puritan parties;-French influence

in the literature of the reign of Charles II. ;-Rhymed Plays ;-perfection

of the structure of the language by Dryden;-age of the great Theology

of England ;-Revolution, 1688.

BRITISH SOVEREIGNS.-James I., Charles I. (Commonwealth, Protectorate

of the Cromwells), Charles II., James II., William III., and Mary.