PREFACE. I N preparing this collection of English verse, it has been the aim of the compiler to include such poems as are acknowledged to be among the best works of the authors here represented; and also to present, in one compact, inexpensive volume, a popular handbook of English Poetry, from the time of Chaucer to the present day. In the pursuance of this plan he has availed himself largely of the labor and judgment of others, in deciding what authors or selections should be included. Among the works more frequently consulted, and from which numerous extracts have been made, are the following: viz., Ward's "English Poets," Palgrave's "Golden Treasury," Mackay's "Thousand and One Gems," Beeton's "Book of Poetry," "Living English Poets," and "English Poetesses." A number of poems by authors now living brings the volume down to the latest period, and will doubtless prove of interest to many readers who have not access to the works of these writers. The biographical data are from Johnson's "Cyclopedia," Ward's "English Poets," Allibone's "Dictionary of Authors," "Men of the Time," and other reliable sources. An Index of Authors, Contents, and First Lines has been placed at the end of the volume. |