CHOICE READINGS FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTERTAINMENTS, AND FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND PUBLIC READERS WITH ELOCUTIONARY ADVICE EDITED BY ROBERT MCLEAN CUMNOCK, A.M. PROFESSOR OF RHETORIC AND ELOCUTION, TWENTY-SIXTH EDITION CHICAGO A. C. McCLURG & COMPANY 1893 PREFACE. IN this book are contained selections from a very wide range of English authorship, such as are thought to be the best suited to the purposes of Elocutionary training, and public reading and declamation. An endeavor has also been made to give such specific directions as will aid the intelligent student to acquire a just conception of their seniment. The great wrong practiced upon our youth, is that they are led to imitate an interpretation given to them by some person whom they admire, rather than to ascertain and apply the principles which govern the vocal expression of all sentiments and emotions that are conveyed by words. The great danger of such a course of training might be averted, in a measure, if every teacher of Reading were an artist; but, unfortunately, few have the time or aptitude for such high attainments. The only safe course is to ascertain the principles of vocal expression by careful observation of nature in its best moods and manifestations; and to apply the rules thus obtained to such portions of our Literature as may be easily classified with reference to the sentiment or passion they chiefly express. Great care has been exercised in excluding all selections of an inferior order of literary excellence, however popular in exciting momentary laughter or sensation, while, on the other hand, all pieces, however elegant in style, yet not adapted to the purposes of Reading and Speaking, have been rejected. |