and animation of Sheridan Knowles and the later writers. The name of Shakespeare, the bright particular star of poetry and the drama, is "conspicuous by its absence," the reason being that one of the series to which the present volume belongs is devoted exclusively to selections from his works. QUOTATIONS FROM THE BRITISH DRAMATISTS. THE VALUE OF MIRTH. Man hardly hath a richer thing Than honest mirth, the which well-spring Feeding the flowers of flourishing. THE POWER OF MUSIC. Heywood. Music has charms to soothe the savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend the knotted oak. I've read that things inanimate have moved, And, as with living souls, have been inform'd By magic numbers, and persuasive sound. Congreve. TRAGEDY AND COMEDY. Fellows both, both twins, but so unlike That in the pomps doth frown at first acquaint ance, Trouble the midst, but in the end concludes This deals with nobles, kings, and emperors, Full of great fears, great hopes, great enterprises. This other trades with men of mean condition. His projects small, small hopes, and dangers little : This gorgeous, broider'd with rich sentences; That fair, and purfled round with merriments. Both vice detect, and virtue beautify, 'v being death's mirror, and life's looking lass. Brewer. THIS WORLD. What is this world? Thy school, O misery! Our only lesson is, to learn to suffer; And he who knows not that, was born for nothing. AMBITION. Ambition is the mind's immodesty. THE TRUE WELCOME. Young. Davenant. Cheerful looks make every dish a feast, Massinger. ETERNITY. The longest time that man may live, Co-measured with the broad unbounded ocean! There is the life of man-1 Looking at which, this life is but a gust, Knowles. THE HAPPINESS OF MARRIAGE. The joys of marriage are the heaven on earth, Life's paradise, great princess, the soul's quiet, Sinews of concord, earth by immortality, Eternity of pleasures. A PHILOSOPHIC BEGGAR. Ford. Why, all good men's my means; my wit's my plough: The town's my stock, tavern's my standing house, (And all the world know there's no want:) all gentlemen That love society, love me; all purses That wit and pleasure opens, are my tenants; Every man's clothes fit me; the next fair lodging Is but my next remove; and when I please A piece is levied, and a coach prepared, |