CONTENTS. HABINGTON—The Heavens at Night.. DRYDEN (with Portrait)-Hymn to the Holy Ghost POPE (with Portrait)-The Messiah The Dying Christian to his Soul MOORE (with Portrait)-Repentance.. INTRODUCTION. THE more we study the history of the triumphs of the human mind, the more convinced we must feel that Catholicity has been the prolific parent of the sublimest works of Art, the noblest Oratory, the boldest achievements of Science, and the sweetest Poetry. In Art, what has rivalled the pencil and chisel of Italy? In Oratory, what has equalled the pulpit of France? In Science, have not the chemists of the Continent (many of them priests) led the way to some of the most brilliant discoveries? In Poetry, do Dante, Tasso, Corneille, Racine, Dryden, Pope, pale before any poet of any time? Let truth give the answer, and the intellectual supremacy of Catholicity must stand admitted. As some of the readers of this volume may not have had time to study literary biography, it will be well, perhaps, to devote a few pages to a glance at the leading points in the career of some of the authors from whose works selections have been made. GEOFFREY CHAUCER, who has been styled the "Father of English Poetry," is generally supposed to have been born in London, about the year 1328. He studied both at Oxford and Cambridge, and added to his store of knowledge by foreign travel. In Italy he made the personal acquaintance of an illustrious brother bard, the gifted Petrarch. He married a relative of the celebrated John of Gaunt, through whose friendship he obtained public employment, and was frequently sent on embassies to the Continent. His conduct gave satisfaction to his sovereign, and he was appointed Comptroller of the Customs. Having become involved in some political troubles, he had to fly to Holland for a time; but on making his submission he was restored to office. His principal work, "The Canterbury Tales," he composed in retirement at Woodstock. Chaucer died on the 25th October, 1400, and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Unfortunately, there are in the works of Chaucer many passages not suited for general perusal; but, in justice to his memory, it must not be forgotten that Chaucer expressed deep sorrow for these portions of his poems, and deplored his inability to recall and annul them. The specimen we have chosen from Chaucer for our little volume is his famous portrait of a good parish priest of England's olden Catholic time. Although the spelling has been modernized, a few ancient words remain; and the young reader will note that " ple" means example; "acombered," encumbered; and "lore," learning. The works of Chaucer are distinguished for strength and vivacity. His descriptions of natural scenery have been pronounced "fresh as a May morn." His fancy is boundless, and almost every line of his works gives evidence of powerful original genius. ensam |