suggestion as to similar forms in literature. Since several of the poems are semi-historical in character, the historic basis has been carefully pointed out, and hints given for further pursuit of the subjects treated. Words, though obsolete or archaic, are not explained when the dictionary account is sufficient. The brief sketches of the authors are necessarily limited to the main facts of their literary life; but even these are capable of disclosing how pure and admirable is the spirit in which these elder American poets have wrought, how high an ideal has been before them, and with what grace and beauty their lives have reinforced their poems! Surely, the poets have given America no greater gift than their own characters and lofty lives. H. E. S. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. EVANGELINE. PAGE Solemnly down the street came the parish priest." Frontispiece 66 Firmly builded with rafters of oak." 18 "There at the door they stood, with wondering eyes 21 "Came in their holiday dresses the blithe Acadian 66 peasants." Suddenly rose from the south a light." "Then in his place, at the prow of the boat, rose one of the oarsmen." "He blew a blast." . "Evangeline, kneeling beside him." THE COURTSHIP OF MILES STANDISH. "Near him was seated John Alden, his friend and 105 "Till he beheld the lights in the seven houses of Plym "Busy with breaking the glebe, and mowing the grass in 159 |