selected for this purpose-say Virgil or Ovid-and the boy is plunged into an apparently interminable series of Hexameters or Elegiacs, from which he sees no prospect of relief. The length of the work, ás book after book is painfully drudged through, often produces a feeling scarcely distinguishable from despair. And these selections are put forth in the hope that they may prove a relief to the boy who might otherwise be overwhelmed by such a feeling: he can here see the end from the beginning; each extract contains some sketch complete in itself; and, while the sense has naturally determined the length of each, it is hoped that there is not one which is too long to be approached with confidence, and committed to memory with tolerable ease. It is true that some selections of this kind have already been put forth those from Ovid by Macleane are a notable instance; but the compiler ventures to doubt whether in a similar compendious form so wide a field has been traversed. It will be seen that almost every poet of the best period of Latin literature is in some measure represented; and though it is admitted that the selection is limited and might with advantage be extended, yet still it is thought that the passages are sufficiently characteristic to give an intelligent high-form boy some insight into the genius of the Author. Even, however, if similar ground has already been taken, it is perhaps not too much to say that the track has not been worn away by frequent use. Compared with the myriad productions of this kind in English and other modern languages, there is no reasonable proportion of such works in Greek and Latin: selections from English poets are as numerous as the publishers by whom they are issued, while the compiler of this little book will not be surprised if he supplies a want-a want at least which he himself has experienced. GRAMMAR SCHOOL, DROGHEDA, November, 1878. NOTE.-That, in the Table of Contents, the Authors are II. In Lines addressed to Aristius Fuscus, the Poet de- scribes the protection which the gods afford to the III. A Song of Triumph on the Defeat of Cleopatra 42 VIII. The Praises of the Claudian Family in general, and of Claudius Drusus Nero in particular. IX. Horace invites Phyllis to a feast on the birthday of XI. The Inconsistency of Mankind. Every one thinks his neighbour's lot better than his own XIII. The Tyranny of Avarice over the mind compared to I. A ludicrous account of the presentation to Nero of an PAGE II. Virtue alone is true nobility. III. The Vanity of Human Affairs exemplified in the fate IV. The Simplicity of early times contrasted with the II. The Priestess of Apollo under the god's Inspiration MARTIAL- I. Money bestowed on friends never perishes: expended II. The Poet dissuades Marianus from bequeathing money I. The Anniversary of the Death of Julius Cæsar II. The Founding of Rome. The Death of Remus III. The Reduction of Chaos to order IV. Phȧéton, having obtained from Apollo a promise that he would grant him whatever favour he might demand, requests permission to drive the chariot of the Sun for one day. His Father dissuades him, V. The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe. They agree to meet at the Tomb of Ninus, where Thisbe, arriving first, is frightened by a Lioness, and hides in a cave. She drops her scarf, which the Lioness smears with blood. Pyramus coming afterwards thinks Thisbe has been devoured, and kills him- self with his sword. Thisbe comes from her |