tain. It is hoped that this general acknowledgment of the liberties that have been taken, where objections like these were to be removed, will be rightly received. The introductory matter is much of it compiled from the best authorities, and no other merit is claimed for it than that of careful appropriation. The translations from the Greek, Latin, and French, have, with two or three exceptions, been made expressly for this work. The present volume will be found fuller in the department of dialogues, humorous pieces, &c., than The Standard Speaker; while the latter will be found very full, if not complete, in the department of Senatorial eloquence. Indeed, the number of great masterpieces, like those of Chatham, Patrick Henry, Webster, Grattan, Shiel, Mirabeau, &c., in this department, is limited, as every compiler must admit. The debates in the present volume are a new feature, and will be found interesting exercises for school exhibitions. In his selection of pieces, the compiler has had regard chiefly to their effective declamatory character. Many works passing under the name of Speakers might more properly be called Readers, because the pieces, though interesting, and having the attraction of novelty, are not suitable for an expressive and animated delivery from the Speaker's stage. It is believed that this objection is avoided in the Standard Series of Speakers. I. Mental Capacities of the Sexes, ANONYMOUS, An Orator's First Speech, True Courage, The Beautiful, . Saul before his last Battle, On the Death of Sheridan, Address to the Ocean, The Gladiator,. 134 |