The attention of the reader is further called to two marked features of the Cyclopædia: 1. The italic letters a, b, c, d, etc. These refer to corresponding letters in the page, and enable any person to locate the proper passage with the least possible delay. 2. The asterisk* indicates that the quotation is from Shakespeare, and this will also save time and trouble. The selections from that master of English thought and language are much more numerous than in any other volume of this character. It will be observed that no one standard of English orthography or composition has been followed. Each author's peculiarities have been respected, as this seemed to be the only safe way to avoid almost insuperable difficulties. In Shakespeare, Knight's text has been adopted, with some slight and seemingly justifiable variations, and in nearly all cases the latest edition of each of the several authors has been taken. The name "Shakespeare" has been given as it has been written for nearly three hundred years. When antiquarians and critics unite upon another orthography, we will use it in a future edition. A few quotations have been purposely retained under more than one head, where they seemed especially adapted to do double duty, and might be of actual service. In the many thousands of others these would hardly be noticed, even by the persevering critic, without this reference. For other things that may be discovered as actual faults-for sins of commission or omission-the editors beg kindly indulgence. With care and assiduity they have aimed at perfection-but to attain it, in the first edition of a work of this size, is next to an impossibility. Thanks to those friends whose valuable aid has been a constant joy and sustaining power, through these long years of anxious labor. Their names would be gratefully mentioned, but for the reason that they are so numerous. The value to be set upon the work itself will determine our own and their honor. NEW YORK, December, 1881. NOTE.-Readers who seek merely for quotations of a general character will find them A.. ABILITY. Men who undertake considerable things, even in a regular way, ought to give us ground to presume ability. h. BURKE Reflections on the Revolution in France. As we advance in life, we learn the limits of our abilities. i. FROUDE -Short Studies on Great Every person is responsible for all the good within the scope of his abilities, and for no more, and none can tell whose sphere is the largest. J. GAIL HAMILTON --Country Living and Conjugal.affection To lighten what thou suffer'st, and appease Thy mind with what amends is in my power-— Though late, yet in some part to recompense My rash but more unfortunate misdeed. k. MILTON Samson Agonistes. Line 75. Whose skill was almost as great as his honesty; had it stretched so far, would have made nature immortal, and death should have play for lack of work. 1. All's Well That Ends Well. Act I. Line 313. n. |