CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS WAREHOUSE, C. F. CLAY, MANAGER. London: FETTER LANE, E.C. Leipzig: F. A. BROCKHAUS. New York: G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS. [All Rights reserved.] PREFACE. A NUMBER of the poems in this book are to be found in many similar collections of historical poems, and only the limits imposed by the law of copyright have prevented the inclusion of others, such as Tennyson's Revenge. It is hoped, however, that this deficiency may be more than compensated by the presence of many less hackneyed poems, and in particular of several fine ballads, some of which have hitherto not been put before young pupils. While it must be admitted that these are not conspicuous for historical fidelity, I venture to think that their literary interest is a distinct advantage for educational purposes; and a word or two of guidance to teachers who use this book may not be out of place. Firstly, every piece is meant to be learned by heart, and half a dozen at least have tunes. Secondly, the distinctions between the "artistic" poems, the traditional ballads, and the "popular" contemporary songs, should be kept clearly in the pupil's mind. Thirdly, seeing that this mixture of styles has necessitated an arrangement by chronological order of subject-matter, each piece should be so dealt with that |