FROM

COMPOSITION
MODELS

ENGLISH

II

BOOK

ERNEST
OF

AVTHOB

J.

"ARNOLD'S

SHILLING

"ARNOLD'S

COMPOSITION

KENNY
COMPOSITION"

ENGLISH

AND

EXERCISBS"

LONDON

ARNOLD

EDWARD
41

"

43,

MADDOX

STREET,

(All

BOND

STREET,

W.

COMPOSITION

FROM

MODELS

ENGLISH

of

(Author

"

Arnold's

Book

I.

Book

II.

LONDON:

J.

E.

By

KENNY

Shilling

For

For

EDWARD

English

Junior

Middle

Composition

Forms.

Forms.

ARNOLD.

").

PREFACE

book

THIS
of

wide

and

its

in

experience

teaching composition
of

masterly

recommended

was

K.

L.

Models"

English
the
that

and

practice,
pupil

the

1.

each

use

is directed

Attention
The

for
the

the

it

sound

by

that

one

them
own

from

systematize

to

carefully planned

are

as

actual

an

aloud
that

this

is

"

portant,
im-

most

appreciation

an

of

rhythm

so

model.

following points

and

has

his

way

made

extracts

is

imitation

and

Composition

been

the

of

Among

this

"

passage

to

of

reading

of

has

exercises

the

may

In

style.
attempt

an

in

gained

who

individual

is

prose

great writers.

several

by

Stevenson,

and

fluent

English

of

study

outcome

method

The

of the

means

the

are

class-room.

the

by

passages

been

volume

companion

language

is

developed.
2.

Great

practice

some

3.

is laid

stress

The

exercises

4.

Careful
for

the

chief

for
in

is

the

hoped
use

of

Secondary

Classes,

and

call

to

that

Pupils
Schools,

in

the

oral
be

composition,

on

the

and

for
the

the

exercise

of

pupil's

books

"

the

in

Central

and

Lower

Standards

Schools
of

in

by
the

varied

class.
the

pupil
It

week.

outline."
be

may

in

Upper

made

be

be

may

studied

texts

should

written

which

in

given daily.

suggestive,

are

preparation

is well
It

should

based

by others

on

found
Middle
and

Primary

suitable
Forms

Evening
Schools.

SENTENCE

THE

discreet

in

word

that

and

advance

several

that

it

conquest

for

and

higher
rule,

no

the

fantastic

more

incapable
alike

the

form

the

author

disclosing
the

to

there

withal,
it

to

feel

be

it
the

writes

men,

the

that

to

fluously,

be

product
will

not

sentence,
say

and

the

of

of

of

sense

of

happen
to

thing

so

the

but

of

and

the

of

soul

about

other

and

it, declaring

moment,
to

that

so

that
of

choicely,

the

of

sons

completely."
A.

you
who

man

tersely,

SIR

of

fore,
there-

having,

predominance:

felicity

to

substance

thought,

again
any

organized

submitting

happy

its

balanced,

music,

union

his

you
not

new

army

personal

or

like

not

carefully

that

happy

without

must

and

taught

subject

individuality

and

melodiousness,

being

of

as

throughout,

language,

not

in

with

yet

disappears

common,

rhythm,

most

lucid,

and

well-disciplined

not

the

order

in

which

proportioned

like

moves

the

not

justly

which

one

perspicuous;

intricacy

verbs

its

in

suppress:

method

in

sentence

clauses

nor

to

obsolete,

not

quaint,

added,

inviting

the

in

correct

and

choice

substantives,

its

nicely

venture

logical,

pleasant

in

be

could

would

sequence

so

powerful

adjectives,

its

fastidious

be

should

It

11

HELPS.

melli-

CONTENTS

I."

NARRATIVE
7AGK

THREE

Sir

FABLES

A.

Helps

....

CORONATION

THE

DISCOVERY

THE

ANNE

OF

BOLEYN

ROAST

OF

J.

PORK

FABLES

JASON

CHARGE

THE
UNDER

BELIEF

OF

VISION

THE

OF

SPIDER

THE

OF

27
.

Walter

31
35
...

Scott

40
.

W.
.

Lytton

M.

43
.

Thackeray

C.

STORM

THE

23
....

Swift

GEORGB
.

DESCRIPTION

II."

FARMER

Miller

Lord

HAROLD

21

Motley

Hugh

Sir

DOUGLAS

DEATH

L.

Dean

BEE

THE

THE

19
.

Holmes

CREATION

AND

BLACK

THE

J.
.

16

Napier

Defoe

LEYDEN.

...

....

THE

W.

O.W.

STONE

SHIPWRECK

THE

Kingsley

Sir

13
,

ALBUERA

AT

THE

Goldsmith

C.
.

HERA

AND

...

0.
.

Lamb

C.

YOUTH

FOR

Froude

A.

Two

1
.

49
.

Dickens

52
...

Various

SPRING

Writers

56
.

IN

THE

A.

DESERT
.

J.

GRASS
......

W.

KinglaTce

62
.

Busliin

66
.

CONTENTS

VI

rAoi

SUMMER

Various

PRIMROSES

M.

E.

W.

Irving

SUNDAY

LONDON

IN

NORTH

SOUTH

AND

PRAIRIB

FIRE

PILGRIM'S

OLD

LONDON

THE

GARDEN,

PROGRESS
BRIDGE

INDISPENSABLE

SURFACE

TALK

AND

GIPSY

THE

WITH

PASHA

THE

SCOTT

WALTER

to

CHARLES

DICKENS

to

MATTHEW

ARNOLD

to

DR.
THE

THOMAS

EARL

HIS

JOHNSON

SAMUEL
OF

CARLYLE

HUGH

HIS

to

W.

A-

88
93

97

103
105

.110

.114

Helps

S. Landor

118
122

Sheridan

George
A.

W.

LITTLEJOHN,

YOUNGEST

Borrow

Kinglake

SON

ESQ.

128
134
136

THE

YOUNG

146

EARL

to

142
144

....

SISTER

CHESTERFIELD
to

EPISTOLARY

IV."
SIR

80

TORS
ANCES-

HIS

SELLS

Sir

E. B.
LAVENGRO

Writers

A. Poe

E.

DIALOGUE

HANNIBAL

AND

76

...

G. Eliot

74

...

Borrow

99

Macaulay

III"

MARCELLUS

Irving

George

68

85

/. Audubon.
W.

...

Writers

Various

FLOWERS

AND

MAELSTROM

CHARLES

MILL

.DORLCOTE

THE

MOONLIGHT

BY

THE

ALHAMBRA

-THE

J. Euslcin

...

Writers

Various

WINTER

-THE

Mitford

Various

AUTUMN

Writers

HIS

or

CHESTERFIELD

SON

....

MAN
....

147
150

152

vii

CONTENTS

RHETORICAL

AND

ORATORY

V."

PROSE
PAGR

CHATHAM

BEPLY

OF

MARIE

ANTOINETTE

LORD

WHEN

ATTACKED

Edmund

....

T.

WAR
WIT

TRACES

OCEAN

BRITAIN'S

MISSION

NAPOLEON

BONAPARTE

IN

THE

OF

LADY

OUR

TEARS

OF

STORY

THE
JOAN

OF

SELKIRK

ENGLAND

Sir

....

THE

AFTER

DEATH

GOETHE

OF

DR.

HUN

THE

GREAT

THE

DRAKE

THB

OF

DOTHEBOYS

CONQUEROB

167

169

Thackeray

172
174

W.

177

.181

.187

Napier

Southey

Thackeray

Quincey

G. H.

Lewes

Gibbon

T.

M.

C. DicTcena

HALL
.

Carlyle

C.Kingsley.
W.

PITT

SQUEERS,

WILLIAM

Smith

Macaulay

FRANCIS

WILLIAM
MR.

.165

190

194
197

PORTRAITS

JOHNSON

FREDERICK
SIR

PEN

VII."
ATTILA

Phillips

Quincey

Robert

BOYHOOD

OF

NELSON
THE

W.

De

MOORE

162

Coiven

R.Qteele

ARC

JOHN

De

.161

BIOGRAPHY

ALEXANDER

OF

Miller

Hugh

Charles
.

158

Smith

Alexander

GOLDSMITH

OLIVER

Carlyle

Joseph

....

VI."

SIR

156

BurJce

Sydney

LIBRARY

WALPOLE

BY

Lord

Lytton

205

.206

206
208
208
209
209

CONTENTS

Vlll

IX."

ILLUSTRATED

FROM

THB

WORKS

EMPHASIS

OF

GREAT

WRITERS
,

232

FROM

COMPOSITION
MODELS

ENGLISH

II

BOOK

NARRATIVE

L"

Fables

Three

and

MAN

the
in

it

days

those

You

creature.

and

eyes,

like

hands
"

your

Oh,"
had

once

are

musical
"

But

said
hands

get rid of
there

we

them
some

the
make

have
the
like

of

is how

other

well

because

of

pity

are

and

nose,

your

it is that

clever

very

you

your

have

not

"

"

dog,

you

and

yours,
You

instruments,
this

and

Romans

certainly

use

What

ears.

straight,

was

dog Latin.

you

good

straight road,

the

of

each

"

man,

road

times

understood

dogs talked

the

Yes/' said

old

good

along

The

together.

the

in

was

walking

were

companions

two

"

dog

pleasantly

chatting
because

his

walk
we

who,

now

in

to

and

lose

were

streets

we

to

that

playing

men

gain
our

we

the

by

attended

upright,
came

then, that

know,
fortunate

how

even

see

us

don't

denarii.

many

Diana,

hands.
8

COMPOSITION

MODELS

ENGLISH

FROM

"

pleased with our skill in hunting,resolved to ask

We
Great Jupiter to confer some
signalboon upon us.
consulted togetheras to what
kind mistress should
our

much

for

ask
to

Some

us.

pick the

to

bones

others

us;

that

others

and

foolish

prudent

one

let

ask

us

which

now

"Our

became

old

him

hares

that

and

rabbits

as

men

is most

take

us

heard, for

was

henceforward

to

we

us

them
be

not

called

is wiser

from

away

dangerous for

prayer
paws, and

wont

are

dog said, 'Jove

to

should
be

not

be allowed

not

they tossed

before

should

we

names

should

men

clean

quite so

fleet;and
mean

said that

by

so

such

giveus.

But

than

are;

we

whatever

have

we

to have.'

suddenly
went

hands

our

four

legs.
change,

upon

dogs grumbled at this

to Jupiterthat he was
and howled
mocking us ; but Jove
replied,My good friends,I have done the best I could
bad a use
of your
as
for you ; you might hereafter make
hands
are
as
men
making of theirs,and thus in time
and
wicked
dishonest
as
become
as
they are.' We
acknowledged the wisdom of Jupiter; and so the monkey
"

Many

brother

of my

'

left to

was

be, in

form

in

as

nature, the

creature

most

resemblingman."
II

the moon
setting,
plodding his
solitarytraveller was
Libyan desert.
The

"

sun

was

Madam,
are

men

so

my
much

day long have

him
him

on

above

the

gratefulto

more

I warmed

his way,

whereas,

sister,"said the

no

yet

not

rising;and

was

weary

"

sun,

you

how

than

is it that

to

me

All

that
a

poor traveller,and guided

did I receive from
kind word

you make
your
horizon,than he breaks out
sooner

the

across

way

one

do

pale appearance
into

song

NARRATIVE

of

gratitude,celebratingyour
"Sir,

are

brother," repliedthe

my

manifest,and

too

shall be

little I

Men

love

do

can

for

them,

but to few

how

not

men

keep

their

of them.

be

to

do for

sufficiently
gratefulto
only for my gentlenessand

try

me,

that all you

care

benefits

"your

moon,

liness."
love-

your

daylight.

sweet, is known

"

take

you

in broad

seen

"What
oceans

goodness and

you,

my

but

they
loveliness,

also for my

but

great reserve."
great god of day did

The

reply,but

down

went

red

deign

not

and

make

to

into

angry

the

any

western

waters.

Ill
Pasha

The

made

of which
His
green

rested

oasis in the desert.

an

and

horse

herbage

by the fountain, the flowingwaters

his camel
the

near

cropped

fountain.

with

Their

the grass.
beautiful,"said the horse,

delight the
shadows
lay

stronglyand darkly upon

How

"

which
shows

as
can

It is well

"

one

which

the grace
little hump

on

; what

move

enough," said
with

moves

of

is that

grace, what
hardly eat for lookingat it."

moves

"

the

It has

me.

other;

the camel,

and

"

dark

form

symmetry

but look

at this

all the symmetry

then, too, it

has

it

and

that pretty

its "back"

the language of all

passing by, who knew
How
beasts, exclaimed :
good is Allah, who
gives to
its due share of vanity,so that defects seem
every creature
A

dervish

"

to their

owners

especialbeauties

and

merits !

SIR

"

ARTHUR
"

Bealmah."

HELPS.

MODELS

ENGLISH

FROM

COMPOSITION

II

"

EXERCISES.
1. Bead

the

Fables

is made

that in each
the
introduction

aloud, and

notice

interestingby
direct form of quoting speech.
2. Find the meaning of the following:
(d) Allah,
(a) Denarii.
(6) Jupiter, (c) A Pasha,
The
Latin.
(g)
Libyan desert.
(/) Diana,

narrative

more

the

case

of

the

"

(e)dog
(h) A

dervish.
3.
4.

and

words the
Express in your own
Expand the followingoutline of

supply
A

appropriate title.

an

well-fed

smart

remarked

dog

met

he
that

liked.
he

5. Write

jot

him

In

would

the

end

one

of La

the text

Use
lean

and

fable.

of each

fables,

Fontaine's

as

model.

hungry

wolf.

The

his

dog
and

appearance
the
woods.
He
quit

the wolf

exchange
originalfable to

an

not

ran

off to the

his freedom

even

entitled "How

be

woods, saying
for

treasure.

the

Tortoise

its Shell."
6. Invent

the

to

poor

"

moral

of
companion
promised the wolf good
As
caresses.
food, comfortable
shelter, and
they
many
of the dog's collar,
the marks
journeyed the wolf observed
The dog made
and inquiredwhat
lightof them,
they meant.
but was
compelled to admit that he was not free to go where
on

advised

the

"

little fables

some

drawn

from

animal

life to

teach

following:

"

than violence.
accomplishes more
brings its own
(6) Greediness
punishment,
seldom
and
together.
(c) Boasting
courage
go

(a)

Gentleness

The
On

the

London

often

Coronation

morning
citizens

of the

were

31st

of Anne
of

their staves

and
in

May, the families of the

stirringearlyin all houses.

Temple Bar to the Tower, the

the footpathswere
with gravel,
distance,and occupied on one
on
workmen, and apprentices,
constables

Boleyn

streets

were

railed off

From

fresh strewed

along the whole

side by the guilds,their
the other by the city^
officials in their gaudy uniforms, "with
the peopleto keep good
hand for to cause

NARRATIVE

order."

and

room

dressed

Cornhill

Gracechurch-

and

their fronts in scarlet and

rich

the

tapestry,and

street

had

arras

and

crimson, in

carpet-workfrom

Persia

and

the

Cheapside,to outshine her rivals,was draped even

in cloth of gold,and tissue,and velvet.
more
splendidly
sheriffs were
The
pacing up and down on their great
and all the windows
Flemish
horses,hung with liveries,
were
throngedwith ladies crowding to see the procession

East.

pass.
At

length

the

rolled back, and

Tower

under

opened, the
guns
the archway in the

grim gates
bright May

began slowlyto defile. Twelve

French
knightscame
ridingforemost in surcoats of blue
velvet with sleeves of yellow silk,their horses trappedin
blue, with white crosses
powdered on their hangings.
After them
followed a troop of English gentlemen,two
in gowns
and two, and then the Knights of the Bath,
of violet,with hoods purfledwith miniver
like doctors.'1
Next, perhaps at a little interval,the abbots passed on,
mitred, in their robes; the barons followed in crimson
velvet,the bishopsthen,and then the earls and marquises,
the dresses of each order increasingin elaborate gorgeousin pairs. Then
rode
alone
All these
came
ness.
on
Audeley, lord chancellor,and behind him the Venetian
ambassador
and the Archbishop of York ; the Archbishop
of Canterbury,and Du
Bellay,Bishop of Bayonne and
but
with
of Paris, not
now
bugle and hunting-frock,
sunshine, the long column

"

solemn
with

the

Norfolk's
of the

and

then

Lord

William

brother, Marshal

Queen's household

gold,and

Next, the lord mayor,

crozier.

in hand, and

city mace

and

arms;

stole and

with

the

van

of

Howard,

in

his coat

of

Duke

of

the

England.

succeeded
of the

Garter

The

the marshal

processionwas

officers
in scarlet

closed

by

COMPOSITION

the

of

Duke

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS

high constable,with

Suffolk,as

II

"

his silver

wand.
It is

easy matter to pictureto ourselves the blazing

in such a pageant must
trail of splendourwhich
have
no

along the

drawn

know

we

black

so

radiant

with

violet.

Yet

there

Glorious

of
it was,

the

as

unheeded.

Those

object,which

now

constable

and

there the

of eyes
lattices.

now

In

near.

shine

gazingon

were

watching

were

could

sun

the

however, it passed

spectacle was,

eyes
drew

which

smoke-grimed, themselves then

colour, gold, and crimson, and

of thousands

tens

streets

"

of the crowded

out

scene

streets, those

and

masses

it,and

upon

London

an

all for another

open

behind

space

approaching a white
which
chariot,"drawn
by two palfreysin white damask
swept the ground,a golden canopy borne above it making
the

music

with

observed
this
the
the

silver

was

bells

seen

glittering
homage
Queen of England

"

of this

waves

sea

beautiful

chariot

sat

occasion

of

the
all

plaything of the hour,

at last
borne along upon
queen
of glory,breathing the perfumed

delicacy,her honour,

"

she had
her

risked her

to
self-respect,

fair name,
win ; and

it.

won

There

the

; fortune's

of greatness which

she had

in

and

of all observers, the

incense
her

"

there

she

sat, dressed

in white

tissue robes,her fair

hair

flowing loose over her shoulders, and her temples

circled with a lightcoronet
of gold and diamonds
most
beautiful
loveliest
favoured
she
most
perhaps, as
seemed
at that hour, of all England's daughters. Alas.'
"

"

"

within

the hollow

"

round"

of that coronet

Kept death his court, and there the antick sat,

Scoffingher state and grinning at her pomp.
Allowing her a littlebreath, a little scene

NARRATIVE

monarcliize, be feared, and

To

Infusing her with self and

As

if the

Were

flesh which

vain

walled

impregnable ; and
through her castle walls

looks,

conceit,

about

brass

Bored

kill with

her

life

thus,

humoured
; and

farewell, Queen.

Fatal

than
giftof greatness ! so dangerous ever ! so more
the fountains
times when
dangerous in those tremendous
loose of the great deeps of thought; and
broken
are
nations
order

in

are

and

law

the
and

throes

of revolution

tradition

when

;
"

ancient

splittingin the social

opposing forces wrestle to and

earthquake; and as the

fro,those unhappy ones who

are

stand

above

out

the

crowd

the

and fall the victims

symbols of the struggle,
if into
of
its alternatingfortunes.
And
what
an
unsteady heart and brain, intoxicated with splendour,
chaos
should
the outward
find its way,
converting the
confusion,
image of the same
poor sillysoul into an
should
be deposed from
her high place,
if conscience
loose of passions and
box be broken
and the Pandora
sensualities and follies ; and
at length there be nothing
left of all which
man
or
woman
ought to value, save
?
hope of God's forgiveness
short years have yet to pass, and again,on
Three
a
summer
Boleyn will leave the
morning, Queen Anne
radiant
then with
of London
Tower
not
beauty on a
of coronation, but a poor wandering ghost,
gay errand
she will never
sad tragicerrand, from which
a
on
more
earth where
of an
she may
out
return, passing away
where, nevertheless,
longer, into a Presence
stay no
become

"

"

we

know

that

all is well"

for all of

us

"

therefore

and

for her.
J. A.
"

History

FROUDE.
of

England."

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

II

MODELS"

EXERCISES.
1. Bead
the most

part double

2. Find
surcoats

Bayonne

for

are

subdued

chroniclers,the extract

old

and

stole

crozier

Garter

damask

palfreys:

the

box.

Twelve

how

followed
Then

in

Opening

4. Bead

Boleyn,
observers

the marshal

closed

similar

the

Next,

by

lord
.

them
barons
earls

after

the

...

succeeded

"

came
.

the
.

procession was
Describe

Next

alone

riding foremost
passed on
bishops then, and then

knights

came

officers

is made

the list of notables

French

followed

the

mayor
and the

The

van

of the

occasion

of

...

manner

procession on

the

of Parliament.

the

describing

passage
beginning " And
..."

Wolsey making
5. Using the
Lady Jane Grey

The
THE

is

generaltone

the

3. Notice

State

sentences

"

Pandora

quotations

the

from

the

pathos of the last paragraph with its contrast.

of the following:
Guilds : arras
: liveries
particulars
hoods
with
the
Bath
miniver
of
:
purfled
Knights

and

in verse,

that

Notice

multiple,and

or

also the

Notice

one.

aloud.

the passage

in

Compose
a

at

the

as

chariot

similar

through

progress
text

the

of her

of
appearance
sat the observed

Anne
of all

describingCardinal

passage

London.

model, write

time

the

composition contrasting

coronation

Discovery of Roast

swine-herd, Ho-ti, having gone

out

and

at her

tion.
execu-

Pork
into the woods

for his
to collect mast
morning,as his manner
was,
hogs, left his cottage in the care of his eldest son Bo-bo,
of playingwith fire,
a great lubberlyboy, who, being fond
as
younkers of his age commonly are, let some
sparks
of straw, which
kindlingquickly,
escape into a bundle
over
spread the conflagration
part of their poor
every
mansion
till it was
reduced
to ashes.
Togetherwith the
cottage (a sorry antediluvian make-shift of a building,
you
think it),
what was
of much
more
importance,a fine
may
one

10

ENGLISH

FKOM

COMPOSITION

II

MODELS"

smoking rafters,armed
with retributory
cudgel,and findinghow affairs stood,
began to rain blows upon the young rogue'sshoulders,
his

when

as

thick

sire entered

amid

hailstones,which

as

the

heeded

Bo-bo

not

any

more

pleasurewhich
they had been flies. The tickling
him
he experienced in his lower regions,had rendered
quitecallous to any inconveniences he might feel in those
remote
quarters. His father might lay on, but he could
made
end
his pig,till he had fairly
not beat him from
an
sensible of his situation,
of it,when, becoming a little more
something like the followingdialogueensued :
have
"You
gracelesswhelp, what
got there
you
devouring? Is it not enough that you have burnt me
three houses with your dog'stricks,and be hanged
down
and I know
not what
be eatingfire,
to you, but you must
if

than

"

what

"

"

have

?"

got there,I say

you

do

Oh, father,the pig,the pig !

"

pig eats."
of Ho-ti tingledwith

come

and

taste how

nice the burnt

The
son,

ears

and

he cursed

himself

horror.

that

ever

he

He

cursed

should

his

beget a

burnt

pig.
Bo-bo, whose scent was
wonderfullysharpened since
raked out another pig,and fairly
rending
morning, soon
force into the
it asunder, thrust the lesser half by main
fists of Ho-ti, still shoutingout, Eat, eat, eat the burnt
barous
pig, father, only taste, 0 Lord," with such-like barcramming all the while as if he would
ejaculations,

son

that should

eat

"

"

"

choke.
Ho-ti

trembled

abominable

in every

jointwhile

thing,wavering whether

he

he

grasped the

should

not

put

monster, when,
young
done his son's,
the crackling
as it had
scorchinghis fingers,

his

and

son

to

death

applying the

for

same

an

unnatural

remedy

to

them, he in his

turn

11

NARRATIVE

tasted

of its flavour,which, make

some

he would

for

to him.

In

what

mouths

sour

pretence,proved not altogether

displeasing
conclusion (forthe manuscript here is a little
a

both father and son fairly

sat down
to the mess,
tedious),
and never
left off tillthey had despatchedall that remained
of the litter.

strictly
enjoinednot to let the secret escape,
for
have stoned them
for the neighbourswould
certainly
proving
a coupleof abominable
wretches, who could think of imwhich
God
had sent them.
the good meat
upon
observed
It was
Nevertheless,strange stories got about.
burnt down
that Ho-ti's cottage was
now
more
frequently
than
ever.
Nothing but fires from this time forward.
would
break out in broad day, others in the nightSome
time.
Bo-bo

was

often

As

the

was

to

the

food

obnoxious

about

to

begged

be

that

of

the

was

himself,which

chastisinghis

him

than

itself

produced

pronounced, when
of the

some

it,and they all handled

his father had

Evidence

assize town.

burnt

stood accused,might be handed

and

sure

so

Ho-ti

blaze ; and

indulgent to

inconsiderable

an

farrowed,

son,

At

ever.

watched, the terrible mystery discovered,

summoned
to take their trial at Pekin,
son

father and

then

more

grow

lengththey were
and

sow

remarkable, instead

more

seemed

the

to be in

of Ho-ti

house

as

in court, and
foreman

the

given,

was

of the

which

the

into the box.

He

pig,of

verdict

culprits
handled

as
it,and burnt their fingers,

done

before them, and nature

jury

Bo-bo

prompting

remedy, againstthe face of all

the facts,and the clearest charge which
judge had ever
given to the surprise of the whole court, townsfolk,
strangers,reporters,and all present without leavingthe
of consultation whatever, they brought
box, or any manner
to each

of them

the

same

"

"

in

simultaneous

verdict of Not

Guilty.

12

COMPOSITION

PROM

ENGLISH

MODELS

"

shrewd
at the
a
fellow,winked
judge, who was
the court was
manifest iniquityof the decision ; and, when
dismissed,went
privilyand bought up all the pigs that
In a few days his Lordship's
could be had for love or money.
house was
observed to be on fire. The thing
town
took wing,and now
there was
nothingto be seen but fires
Fuel and pigs grew enormously deai
in every direction.
The

all

the

over

district.

shut

up shop.
day, until it was
in

would

no

The

insurance

offices

People built slighterand

one

and

all

slighterevery

feared that the very science of architecture

Thus
this
long time be lost to the world.

firinghouses continued, till in process of time,

manuscript,a sage arose, like our Locke, who
says my
that the flesh of swine, or indeed
made
of
a
discovery,
(burnt,as they called
any other animal, might be cooked
it) without the necessityof consuming a whole house
first began the rude form of a gridiron.
to dress it. Then
in a century or two
Roasting by the stringor spitcame
later,I forgetin whose dynasty. By such slow degrees,
concludes the manuscript,do the most
useful,and seemingly
of

custom

the

most

obvious

their

arts, make

way

among

mankind.
CHARLES
"

LAMB.

Essays of Elia."

EXERCISES.
1. Head
2. Find

the passage
from
your

aloud

dictionary the meanings of the following

:
: consternation
Conflagration: antediluvian
: tenement
:
assailed : premonitory : nether : mast : retributory
barous
: callous
: bartaneous
simul: ejaculations
: inconsiderable
: farrowed
: culprits
:
: iniquity: privily
: dynasty.
words

"

3. Notice
use

of

how

the

humour

high-sounding words

and

of the

is increased

passage

phrases,e.g.

"

by

the

NARRATIVE

"

An

13
"

assailed his nostrils

odour

his

overflowed
"

nether

lip":
quite callous

cudgel :
he might

"

barbarous

": "winked
ejaculations

feel in

those

premonitory moistening
with
retributory

"armed

him

rendered

"a

remote

to any

quarters

"

at the

inconveniences
"

with

such-like

manifest

iniquity

of the decision."
4. Write

an

of the trial

account

as

given by

of the

one

jurymen

to his wife.
5. Write

by

of the

the account

Discovery

of Boast

Pork

if told

as

Bo-bo.
6. Tell the
7.

story in

Using the text

discoverythat

as

simple language

very

model,

Two

an

to

amusing

child.

young

of the

account

for food.

good

potatoes are

write

as

Fables

for Youth

time, a goose fed its young by a pond side ;

and a goose, in such circumstances, is always extremely
proud,and excessively
punctilious.If any other animal,
ONCE

upon

without

designto offend,happened to pass that

The pond, she
immediately at him.
way, the goose was
said,was hers, and she would maintain a rightin it,and
support her honour, while she had a bill to hiss,or a wing
she drove away ducks, pigs,
to flutter. In this manner
and

the least

chickens

; nay,

the

even

insidious

cat

was

to

seen

loungingmastiff,however, happened to pass

thought it no harm if he should lap a little of the
water, as he was
thirsty. The guardiangoose flew at him
like a fury,pecked at him with her beak, and flappedhim
with her feathers.
The dog grew
angry, and had twenty
times a good mind to give her a slysnap ; but suppressing
his indignation,
his master
because
was
nigh, A plague
scamper.
by, and

"

take

thee," cries he,

neither
civil :

"

for

fool !

sure

those

at least
to fight,
strengthnor weapons
that fluttering
and
hissingof thine may

who

have

should
one

be

day

14

COMPOSITION

get thine head

enemies, nor
forward

to

snapped off,but
pond,quenched

goose, and followed

Another

they

while

equally desirous
hence
they endeavour
no

will

injurethy
So saying,he went
thirst in spiteof the

to

the

fortune

to

youth is,that
none,

they are

giving nobody offence.

please all,comply with

suit themselves

of their

of

take offence from

of

also

have

to

willingto

request, attempt

neither

can

his

II

his master.

obstruction
are

it

protect thee."

ever

the

MODELS"

ENGLISH

FEOM

own,

From
every

to

every company,
like
catch every
but,
wax,

contiguous impression. By thus attempting to give

universal satisfaction,
ably
they at last find themselves miserof admirers on
: to bringthe generality
disappointed
side,it is sufficient to attempt pleasinga very few.
our
resolved to finish a
A painterof eminence
was
once
fore,
When, therepiecewhich should pleasethe whole world.
in which
his utmost
he had drawn
skill
a picture,
was
exhausted, it was exposed in the publicmarket-place,
with

directions at the bottom

with

seemed

brush, which
erroneous.

applauded;

but

criticism, marked

lay
The

for every
by, every limb

satisfied with

and

show

each, willing to
whatever

the
this trial,

he

mark

feature which
and

spectators came,

evening,when the paintercame,

universal
the whole pictureone
not stigmatizedwith
that was
not

spectatorto

his

in

general

talent

at

thought
he

was

blot
marks
next

"

At
proper.
mortified to find

not

of

singlestroke
:
disapprobation
a

day he

was

resolved

in a different manner,
and, exposing his
try them
pictureas before,desired that every spectatorwould mark
to

The people complied

approved or admired.
his picturereplete
; and the artist returning,found
of beauty : every stroke that had been
with the marks
the
character of
received
yesterdaycondemned, now
those

beauties he

15

XARBATIVE

best

the

"

please

to

way

of these, shall be

the eyes

half

one

half

the other

what

mind

Well," cries the painter,

"

approbation.

those

what

to

faults in
beauties."

GOLDSMITH.

OLIVER
The

is not

are

regarded as

"

find that

now

the world

since

says;

by

of

Citizen

the

of

World."

EXERCISES.

the

from
an

the passage
first fable ?

aloud.

1. Bead

Allegory, and
2. Use

in

sentences

stigmatized with
of beauty.
3.

Speech
4.
in

the

what

sentences

"

mortified

expose
to condemn
in other

5.

in

civil

to

Express
(a) To bring

his

skill

utmost

erroneous

the

goose

said,and

the

marks

into Indirect

said.

similar

indignation plague

drawn

Parable, and

disapprobation : replete with

Punctilious

Speech what

universal

of

mastiff

words

Find

eminence

marks

into Direct

Put

be

"

painter of

Fable,

to

example of each.
:
Excessively punctilious : the insidious
of
indignation : equally desirous
giving
contiguous impression : the generality of

:
suppressing
nobody offence : every
:

moral

well-known

one

his

admirers

the

is

between

Distinguish

name

cat

What

:
:

following and
lounging : to

obstruction

injure

to

erroneous

:
:

insidious

:
:

to the

meaning

spectators

:
:

use

them

suppress

contiguous
to

applaud

:
:
:

approbation.
the

words

same

sense

"

the

on
our
generality of admirers
side, it is
few."
attempt pleasing a very
(6) "It is with ideas as with pieces of money
; those of least
value generally circulate the best."
"

sufficient

(c)

(d)

"

"

Patience
We

retain

to

is

bitter,but

from

its fruit is sweet."

studies

only

that

which

we
practically
apply."
is to partake of it."
(e) To rejoicein the prosperity of another
6. Compose
for yourself a fable on
of the following topics,
one
then write it in the style of the text :
(a) The Fish and the Angler.
(6) The Cat and the Birds.
our

"

"

(c) The

(d)

The

Parrot

and

the

Grasshopper

Cricket.

and

the SnaiL

16

COMPOSITION

FROM

Jason

ENGLISH

and

Cheiron

AND

MODELS

"

II

Hera

sighed,and said, The eagletmust leave the

it is fledged. Will
nest
when
you go to lolcos by the
?
Then promise me
two thingsbefore you go."
sea
and Cheiron answered, Speak harshly
Jason promised,
soul whom
to no
meet, and stand by the word
you may
which you shall speak."
Jason wondered
why Cheiron asked this of him ; but
that the Centaur
and saw
he knew
was
a prophet,
things
So he promised,and leaptdown
long before they came.
"

"

the mountain, to take his fortune like

He

walls,and

summer

of

the downs

across

and

down

went

the

through the
thyme, till he

pomegranates

and

man.

arbutus
came

thickets, and
to

on

the bank

of Anauros

sat

vineyard

the olives in the

the olives roared Anauros, all

among
flood.

And

the

glen;

foaming with

woman,

all wrinkled,

and
grey, and old ; her head shook palsiedon her breast,
her hands shook palsiedon her knees ; and when
she saw
will carry me
the
Jason, she spoke whining, " Who
across

flood?"
Jason

into the flood

so

loud

mountain
while

bold and

was

and

the

roared

rains, and

underneath

like the tramp

of

ground along the

which
But

hasty,and was just going to leap

yet he thought twice before he leapt,
torrent

down, all brown

silver veined

from

the

with

melting snow
;
he could hear the boulders
rumbling
horsemen
the roll of wheels,as they
or
narrow
channel,and shook the rocks on

he stood.
the old

woman

whined

all the more,

"

am

weak

18

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS

"II

him, with great soft heifer's eyes ; with great eyes, mild
filled all the glen with light.
and awful, which
on

And

Jason

between

his

hands.

And

she

spoke,

wife

the

of Zeus.

Call

thee.

to

Immortals

thou

Jason

hast
hour

of

hid

his

face

Olympus, Hera,

done

to me,

of

need, and

will I do

so

try if the

from
off the
up, she rose
pillarof tall white cloud, and floated away

looked

mountain

the

across

the Queen

am

in the

me

knees, and

forget."

when

earth, like

"

As

on

can

And

his

fell upon

peaks,

towards

Olympus

the

holy

hill.
CHARLES

KINGSLEY.

"The

Heroes."

EXERCISES.
Eead

the

attained

the

partly by
of the

omitting some
by the sense.
"

aloud.

passage

with

mild

and

awful, which

3. Find
moaned
her

4. Give

"

Give

shone

5.

Golden

they are
poetical touches,
of

e.g. the
forehead

her

"over
"

sunset

"

with

torrent
was

great

eyes,

filled all the

order,

of

e.g.

he

man

have

boulders

the

examples

strong

other

where

the

style

Try the effect of

not strictlyrequired

"

would

never

"and."

of the

"

usual

and

smoothness

glen with light."

in a classical
Cheiron
dictionarffor particularsof :
; Anauros
; Hera
; lolcos.
; Olympus
; Zeus
similes for the following :
the sun
shone
the waters
:
the wind
her
twinkled
the
moon
:
rose
sighed :
eyes

garments

their

of

use

melting
golden clouds

of the

Centaur

also

the

snow":

woven

the

"

ands

"

veil,

2. Look

skilful

Notice

silver-veined

Notice

sentences

"

and

needed

passed."

rumbled
in

which

the

the

the olives
among
to have
been, or

This

device

parts
roared
that

is known

occur

out

Anauros
wild
as

water

of
"

he

Inversion.

instances.

Using

the

Fleece.

text

as

model, narrate

how

Jason

foamed.

torrent

obtained

the

19

NARRATIVE

The

Charge

Albuera

at

gallant line, issuingfrom the midst of the

smoke, and rapidlyseparatingitself from the confused
and broken
then
multitude, startled the enemy's masses
augmenting and pressingonwards as to an assured victory;
they wavered, hesitated,and vomiting forth a storm of
to enlarge their front, while a
fire,hastilyendeavoured
fearful discharge of grape from all their artillery
whistled
The
fusilier battalions,
through the British ranks.
struck
by the iron tempest, reeled and staggeredlike
sinking ships; but suddenly and sternlyrecovering,
they
SUCH

closed
what
In

; in vain

the crowded

columns

for the

to open

mass

then

was

seen

with

strengthand majesty the British soldier fights.

vain did Soult with voice and gesture animate
his

Frenchmen

the

their terrible enemies, and

on
a

mass

did the hardiest veterans

and
out

sacrifice their lives to

on

such

from

gain time

fair field ; in vain

did

fire indiscriminatel
and, fiercelystriving,
friends and foes, while the horsemen

itself bear
upon
the

break

up,

flaSk threatened to charge the advancing

hovering on
line.
Nothing could stop that astonishinginfantry.
burst of undisciplinedvalour, no
sudden
No
nervous
of their order; their
weakened
the stability
enthusiasm
the dark columns. in front,
bent on
flashingeyes were
their measured

tread

shook

the

ground, their

dreadful

volleys swept away the head of every formation, their

cries that
deafening shouts overpowered the dominant
broke from all parts of the tumultuous
crowd, as slowly
it was
and with a horrid carnage
pushed by the incessant
vigour of the attack to the farthest edge of the hill. In
the struggling
with
mix
vain did the French
reserves

20

COMPOSITION

FROM

to sustain

multitude

the irremediable
off like
the

rain

and

only increased

efforts

mighty mass,
headlong down

unwounded

the

the

men,

British

unconquerable

breaking
steep ;

with

discoloured

streams

hundred

II

the

went
cliff,

thousand

triumphant

their
fight,

after in

flowed

eighteen
six

of

the

confusion, and

loosened

MODELS"

ENGLISH

blood,

remnant

soldiers,stood

the fatal hill !

on

SIR
"

WILLIAM

NAPIER.

The

Peninsular

the

followingpoints :

War."

EXERCISES.

1. Bead
The

(a)

the

passage

rush

and

the

to

"

went
cliff,

(6)

of

use

fusilier

reeled

and

e.g.

tempest,

"

French

did the

In vain

No

no

(c) The

nervous

of fire
:

2. Make

3.

Construct

six

to

flashing eyes
deafening shouts."

e.g.

on

the

triumph

flank

irremediable

The

wavered,

present or past participles,e.g.

of fire,hastily endeavoured
vomiting forth a storm
fusilier battalions, struck
The
their front."
by the
reeled and staggered like sinking ships."
"

Write

short

paragraph on the
of emphasis.

Repetition as a means
5. Using the text as
of the Light Brigade."

model, write

defeat

an

with

phrases introduced

soldiers

of

account

by

hesitated,
to

and

4.

undisciplined

adjectives associated
unconquerable.

containing
"

forth

vomiting

etc.

verbs, and

sentences

their

through tiie ranks

mass,

list of nouns,
:

hovering

mighty

e.g. Battalions

words

the

whistled

horsemen

confusion

War,"

of

appropriateness
valour

"

volleys

storm

burst

their

enthusiasm

their dreadful

sudden

...

...

suited

battalions, struck

The

Soult
...

eminently

are

"The

"

staggered like sinking

off like a loosened
breaking
mighty mass,
the steep."
headlong down
adds
In
vain
did
emphasis, e.g.
repetition

iron

"

notice

vigour of the language

subject,

by the
ships
The

aloud, and

iron

enlarge
tempest,

regiment, using
of

"

The

Charge

21

NARRATIVE

the Stone

Under

in walking in the fields,come

you never,
largeflat stone, which had lain,nobody knows
DID

just where
hedge,as it

you
were,

found
all

you

not, in obedience

had

been

or

your

over
"

as

lying there

foot
a

It's done
What

or

it,with

odd

an

the

cake, when

enough by

this time

revelation,and

which

of

long,

forming a little
round
edges; and have
that told you it
to a kind of feeling
long enough, insinuated your stick
its edge and turned it
under
fingers

unpleasant surpriseto
existence

how

grass
it,close to its

your
turns
housewife
brown

across

you

what

small
had

not

she says to herself,

"

?
an

unforeseen

and

community, the very

suspected,until the
its members
produced

dismay and scattering

among
Blades
of grass
by your turning the old stone over!
flattened down, colourless,matted
together,as if they
had been bleached and ironed ; hideous crawlingcreatures,
of them
turtle-bugs
some
coleopterousor horny-shelled,
of them softer but cunningly
to call them ; some
wants
one
spread out and compressed like Lepine watches (Nature
loses a crack or a crevice,mind
never
you, or a jointin
tavern
a
bedstead, but she always has one of her flat
pattern live timekeepersto slide into it); black, glossy
crickets,with their long filaments stickingout like the
whips of four-horse stage-coaches; motionless, slug-like
horrible in their
larvae,perhaps more
creatures, young
infernal
in the
wriggle of
pulpy stillness than even
is turned and the
the stone
maturity! But no sooner
wholesome
lightof day let in upon this compressed and
blinded community of creeping things,than all of them
have
of them
which enjoy the luxury of legs and some
rush round
a good many
wildly,buttingeach other and
sudden

"

"

22

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

everythingin their way,

for underground retreats
sunlight.

and

the

will find the

year you
the stone
where
lay; the

Next
green

buttercup

beetle

the

where

nest

his

had

generalstampede
region poisoned by
a

growing tall
ground-birdbuilds
hole; the dandelion

growing there,

are

in

end

from

-n

MODELS"

grass

and

the

broad

and
her
and

fans

of

their golden disks, as

insect-angels
open and shut over
of blissful consciousness
the rhythmic waves
pulsate
being.
through their glorified
There is meaning in each of those images,the butterfly
as

well

as

the

others.

The

nature
grass is human
its colour by it. The

the

are

weaker

borne

down

is whosoever

over

found

are

puts the staff

lying incubus, no matter

serious face or a laughing one.
the coming time.
Then
shall
old

blanched
in

bleached

and

shapes which

The

error.

of all
beneath

craftybeings that thrive in darkness, and the

organisms kept helplessby it. He who turns

the stone

hues

is ancient

stone

and

broken

rise in

the sunshine.

their nests
shall

of

The

he

next

the nature

do

new-born

to the

it with

year stands for

which
had lain

its full stature

shall God's

Then

in the hearts

whether

of truth

and

native

minstrels

build
Then

humanity.

beauty Divinitytaking outlines and colour

light
the souls of men
the butterfly,
as
image of the
upon
beatified spiritrisingfrom the dust, soars
from the shell
that held a poor grub, which
found
would
have
never
wings had not the stone been lifted.
You
falsehood

"

never

"

need

without

think

you

terrible

can

turn

squirming

the horrid little populationthat dwells

over

The

Autocrat

under

of The

old

scatteringof

and

0. W.
*'

any

it.
HOLMES.

Breakfast

Table."

23

NARRATIVE

EXERCISES.

1. Bead

the

aloud.

passage

expressed with exquisitegrace

humour,

e.g.

"

infernal

in the

that

Notice

and

finish and

wriggle

of

this

with

is

Parable

quiet touches

maturity

"

"

the

of

region

poisoned by sunlight."
2. Study the following in their context, and make
sure
you
their full meaning :
Black glossy crickets,with their
understand
coaches
sticking out like the whips of four-horse stagelong filaments
in the
horrible
in their pulpy stillness than
even
: more
infernal wriggle of maturity : the wholesome
light of day : as the
of blissful consciousness
pulsate through their
rhythmic waves
build
their nests in the
shall
then
God's
minstrels
being :
glorified
hearts of a new-born
humanity : beauty Divinity taking outlines
terrible
colour
and
: a
squirming and scattering of the horrid little
population.
staff of truth : the path of duty :
The
3. Use
in sentences
:
of hunger : the fingerof scorn
the jaws of death : the pangs
: the
of fate : the pages
well of truth : the bond
of friendship: the hand
malice
line of
of
of history: a grain of comfort
: a
:
a
spice
argument : the fruit of idleness : a touch of pity : a sea of trouble.
"

"

"

"Then

4.

shall

the

blanched

and

..."

broken
Use

the

( Lie

\ Lay
5. Using
Parable

you

now

in sentences

followingverbs
lain
lay
laid
the
have

laid

text

as

heard

a
or

our

case

was

saw

plainlythat

the

not

live,and that

we

sea

"

( Kise

rose

risen

raised

raised

Eaise

model,
read

The
AND

lain

had

which

nature

write

of, and

composition on
application.

some

give its

Shipwreck
very
went

should

dismal
so

be

indeed

; for

high that the boat

drowned.
inevitably

we

all
could
As

making sail,we had none, nor, if we had, could we

at the oar
have done
anything with it: so we worked
towards
the land, though with heavy hearts, like men
going to execution; for we all knew that when the boat;
to

24

COMPOSITION

came

God

the

However,

sea.

in the most

towards

ENGLISH

the shore she would

nearer

piecesby

FROM

earnest

be

dashed

thousand

souls to

our

the wind

and

hastened

in

committed

we

manner,

the shore,we

--II

MODELS

drivingus
with

destruction

our

our

hands, pullingas well as we could towards land.

After we
had rowed, or rather driven, about a league
and a half,as we
reckoned
it,a raging wave, mountainlike,came
rollingastern of us, and plainlybade us expect
own

In a word, it took us with such fury,

the coup de grace.
that it overset
the boat at once
separatingus, as
; and

well

from

hardly to
a

say,

"

from

as

God

"

another, gave

one

for

we

all swallowed

were

time

us

up in

moment.

Nothing
I

boat

the

describe

can

felt,when

I sunk

the confusion

into the

thought which
though I swam

of

water; for

very well,yet I could not deliver myself from the waves

so as to draw
having driven me,
my breath,till that wave,
rather

or

carried

me,

vast

way

towards

on

the

shore,

and

went
back, and left me upon the
having spent itself,
land almost dry,but half dead with the water
I took in.
I had so much
presence of mind, as well as breath left,
that seeingmyself nearer
the main
land than I expected,

got upon

the

land

my

fast

as

and

feet,and
I

to make

could, before another

up again; but
impossibleto avoid it ; for I saw the

return

high
had

as

no

take

as

endeavoured

great hill,and

means

or

me

as

strength to

furious

as

contend

after

come
an

should

wave

found

soon

sea

towards

on

enemy

with ; my

it

was

me

as

which

business

hold my breath, and raise myself upon the water,

if I could ; and so, by swimming, to preserve my breathing,
and
pilotmyself towards the shore, if possible
; my
was

to

greatest concern
carry

me

now

great way

being, that
towards

the

wave,

the shore when

it would

as

it

came

on,

26

COMPOSITION

again be covered with

by a pieceof rock, and
tillthe

high
the

the

as

brought me
it went

so

me

the

as

then

the

and

away;

to hold

waves

fetched

not
next

run

hold

another

till

though

me

up

got

took,

so

which

run,

wave,

swallow

so

fast

not

were

land, I held my

nearer

yet did

"

breath, if possible,

my

the shore, that the next

near

me,

over

hold

Now,

first,
being

MODELS

water, I resolved
to

so

abated, and

wave

carry
main

the

back.

went

wave

ENGLISH

FROM

to

as

the

to

land ; where, to my great comfort, I clambered

up
down
the cliffs of the shore,and sat me
the grass,
upon

danger, and quite out of the reach of the

free from

DANIEL
"

water.

DEFOE.

Robinson

Crusoe."

EXERCISES.
1. Read

the

(a) The

aloud.

extract

realityof

intense
feel the

chief

The
the

points to

narrative

the

"

of the

notice

reader

are

"

almost

can

The

skilful
shipwrecked
introduction
of details partly accounts
for this.
the
The
of
language, nearly three-quartersof the
(b)
simplicity
words
used being of English origin.
The
sentences
are
or
chieflylong double
multiple ones
(c)
is very
containing several participialphrases. There
of
the
semicolon.
use
frequent
Like
2. Use
in sentences
:
men
: in the
going to execution
mountain-like
most
earnest
much
manner
: a
: so
raging wave,
sensations

man.

"

presence
to take

flat
of

of mind

heels

one's

to

to

well-nigh fatal

thought

3. Combine

(a)

swam

(b) The

the

breath

fury of

to hold

fast

immediate
to my
relief :
shore
sea
: the
being very
:

the

great comfort

to my

confusion

"

I could
a

vast

wave

could
breath.
my

one's

inevitably.
the followinginto multiple sentences
:
well.
could
deliver
I
not
myself
very

waves.
me

hold

not

way

on

buried

me

feel

myself

my

the

breath.

towards

myself

to

The

the

carried

waves

shore.

thirtyfeet deep
carried

I assisted

might.

draw

towards

from

swim

in

the

its

body.

own

shore.

I held

still forward

with

I
my

all

27

NARRATIVE

4. Find

from

which
not

are

high

so

dictionarythe words in the following sentence

Now
the waves
as
English origin:
were
first,
land, I held my hold till the
being nearer

your
not of

the

as

"

"

abated."

wave

5. Write

with

in

shark.

first person
narrative
a
the followingoutline :

in

itself

stream

of

adventure

man's

"

tropical river : the

: first sight of the
pursuit: strength beginning

Bathing
the

the
Use

the

on

banks

the

scenery
shark

sensations

to fail

final effort : safe at

of

fear

last.

The

Relief of Leyden

MEANTIME, the citizens had

A

of

of
out

dove

had

Shall

been

bread

rush

teeth

and

all this be
to the

"We
and

meat,

resolved

of

rescue

will tear

the

nails," was
that

and

destroyedby

long expected, shall

of

expectation.

despatchedby Boisot,informing them

of citizens accomhis preciseposition,
and a number
panied
toward
the burgomaster, at nightfall,
the tower
Hengist. "Yonder," cried the magistrate,stretching
his hand
towards
that
Lammen,
"yonder, behind

fort,are

we

wild with

grown

our

brethren

the

Spanish

friends ?

fortress to
the
be

be

made

guns,

fragments

reply, before

the

"

wrested

thousands.
or

shall

"

from

sortie,in conjunctionwith

Boisot, should

in

us."
the

against Lammen

with

our

relief,so
It

was

operations
with

the

earliest dawn.

Night descended upon the scene, a pitch-darknight,

full of anxietyto the Spaniards,
to the armada, to Leyden.
Strangesightsand sounds occurred at different moments
the anxious
A
to bewilder
sentinels.
long procession
of lightsissuing from
to flit across
the fort was
seen
the black face of the waters, in the dead of night,and

28

FROM

COMPOSITION

cap

of

MODELS"

II

the Cow-gato
city wall, between
of Burgundy, fell with a loud crash.
and
the Tower
citizens thought that the Spaniards
The
horror-struck
them
at last; the Spaniards imagined the
were
upon
indicate a' desperate sortie of
the
citizens.
noise
to
Everything was vague and mysterious.
Day dawned, at length,after the feverish night,and
the Admiral
preparedfor the assault. Within the fortress
which inspireda sickening
reigneda death-like stillness,
suspicion. Had the city,indeed, been carried in the
all
already commenced
night; had the massacre
; had
this labour been expended in vain ?
was
descried, wading breast-high
Suddenly a man
towards
the fleet,
while
through the water from Lammen
to wave
his
at the same
time, one solitaryboy was
seen
the

whole

ENGLISH

the

of the fort.

the summit

from
After

of doubt, the

happy mystery was

The
solved.
Spaniards had fled, panic-struck,during
Their positionwould
still have enabled
the darkness.
them, with firmness, to frustrate the enterpriseof the
had sent the ocean
but the hand of God, which
patriots,
and the tempest to the deliverance of Leyden, had struck
moment

with terror

her enemies

lightswhich

likewise.
had

been

moving duringthe
the lanterns of the retreating
Spaniards,and
nightwere
the boy who
was
now
waving his triumphant signal
had alone witnessed
the spectacle.
from the battlements
The

So

confident

was

him, that he had

he

in the

volunteered

seen

conclusion
at

to

daybreak

which
to

it led

go thither

all alone.
The
to

fearinga trap,hesitated
magistrates,

believe

evident.

the truth, which

soon,

Valdez, flyinghimself

for

moment

however, became
from

quite

Leyderdorp,had

29

NARRATIVE

Colonel

Borgia to retire with all his troops from

Thus, the Spaniardshad retreated at the very

ordered
Lammen.

that

moment

noise of the

The

wall,
for

alarm;

fresh

with

had

accident

laid bare

whole

side of

their entrance.

cityfor

the

an

as

they

sallied forth in the

it fell,only
believed

darkness

inspiredthem

that
aid

the

citizens

the

advancing
All obstacles being
of destruction.
"ood in the work
removed, the fleet of Boisot swept by Lammen, and
now
entered the city on the morning of the 3rd of October.
Leyden was relieved.
lined with the famishingpopulation,
The
quays were
the fleet rowed through the canals,every human
as
being
could stand coming forth to greet the preservers of
who
the city.

had

Bread

was

creatures

The

poor
wholesome

human

within

the

at
gift,

last

to

thrown

who

every

for two

food, and who

vessel among
the crowd.
had tasted no
months
had

jaws of death, snatched

bestowed.
too liberally

with
death,in the greediness

their bread ; others

thus

from

to

became

ill with

been living
literally
eagerlythe blessed
selves
Many choked themwhich they devoured
the effects of plenty

suddenly succeedingstarvation.
Admiral, steppingashore,was

welcomed

by the
processionwas
immediately
magistracy,and a solemn
formed.
citizens, wild Zealanders,
Magistrates and
children,
burgher guards, sailors,soldiers, women,
nearly every livingperson within the walls,all repaired
Boisot
without
delay to the great church, stout Admiral
The starvingand heroic city,which
leading the way.
had been so firm in its resistance to an
earthly king,
itself in humble
bent
gratitudebefore the King
now
of kings.
The

"

30

COMPOSITION

After
the

FROM

the

prayers,

ENGLISH

whole

able

of voices
it to

carry

deepened by
The hymn

full for utterance.

while

to

II

"

congregation
joined in

vast

Thousands

thanksgivinghymn.

song, but few were

for the emotion,

MODELS

its

raised

conclusion,

music, became

the

the

too

abruptly suspended.,

was

wept like children.

the multitude

J. L. MOTLEY.
"

The

Dutch

Republic."

EXERCISES.
aloud.

the passage

1. Read

within

how

Notice

graphicallythe story

fortress

reigned a death-like
The hymn was
inspireda sickening suspicion."
suspended, while the multitude wept like children."
is

"

told, e.g.

the

which

stillness,

abruptly

"

is called

(NOTE." Motley
2. Use

in

sentences

"

The

The

of

Macaulay

horror-struck

America.")
citizens

:
a
pitchnight : a desperate sortie : a death-like stillness : a sickening
the
happy
suspicion: wading breast-high through the water:
procession: the starving and
mystery : to sally forth : a solemn
heroic city : in humble
gratitude: too full for utterance : abruptly
:

"

black

suspended.
:
literally
Express more
(a) A long procession of lights was

3.

"

"

to

seen

flit

across

(6)

"

face of the waters, in the dead of night."

had
been
living within the
poor creatures

the

black
The

jaws

of

death."

(c)

"

moved

Justice

at

her

usual

Spanish

rate

in the

present

case."

(d)
(e)

"

"

Feed

Poverty
them

4.

of the

cold

Make

up

5.

Hole

by

starve

the

fever."

cradle

of all

our

great

and

men,

rocks

to manhood."

to show

sentences

following words

that

you

understand

the

meanings

"

frustrate!

Ho

precise!vague
exact

and

sits

axiom
anguish jevidentl

lupraid

/mysterious/
prevent /agony /obvious/maxim/censure/
to

Using

the text

of Calcutta."

as

Use

model, write
the

an

account

following notes

"

of

"

The

Blaok

NAKRATIVE

Nizam

Surajah Dowlah,

rich at Calcutta

grown
men

and

hot

climate

900
death

in

women

23

English
the

on

way

and

500

Dowlah

took

survived

one

after

ocean

wider

English
English
all night :

shut

up
Clive

woman

Madras

Plassey

four

Dowlah

with

months

put to

allies.

Vision

of

Creation

"

visible bound

without

sailed from
:

and drunken
:
Calcutta : 146

feet square

lightagainbrightens, it is day

THE

in

cruel

sepoys
Calcutta

Clive 's native

by

Bengal,
twenty

room

took

only

The

of

of

31

the

; and

over

horizon

an

has

expanse
become

sharper of outline than before. There is life

invertebrate,mayhap also ichthyic
great sea,

and

that

"

life; but, from

the

comparativedistance of the point of

view
occupied by the prophet,only the slow roll of its
be discerned, as they rise and
fall in long
can
waves
undulations
before a gentle gale; and what most
strongly
impresses the eye is the change which has taken place
of the
That lower stratum
in the atmosphericscenery.
heavens
occupiedin the previousvision by seethingsteam,
or
fog,is clear and transparent ; and
grey smoke-like
only in an upper region,where the previouslyinvisible
vapour of the tepidsea has thickened in the cold,do clouds
But there,in the higherstrata of the atmosphere,
appear.
they lie,thick and manifold, an upper sea of great
separatedfrom those beneath by the transparent
waves,
firmament, and, like them too, impelledin rollingmasses
has taken
A
place in
by the wind.
mighty advance
creation; but its most
conspicuousopticalsign is the
existence of a transparent atmosphere, of a firmament
"

"

stretched
above

from

out

over

the

the

waters

earth, that separates the

below.

But

darkness

waters

descends

32

for the
the

FKOM

COMPOSITION

third

time

upon

ENGLISH

the

II

MODELS"

for

seer,

the

evening and

morning have completed the second day.

Yet
again the lightrises under a canopy
has changed, and there is no
the scene

of

cloud;

longer an
The
white
surf breaks, at
of sea.
unbroken
expanse
the distant horizon, on an insulated reef,formed
mayhap
by the Silurian or Old Eed coral zoophytes ages before,
during the bygone yesterday; and beats in long lines
at hand, against a low, winding shore,
of foam, nearer
barrier of a widely-spreadcountry. For at
the seaward
the land has arisen from the deep,
the Divine command
not
inconspicuouslyand in scattered islets,as at an
earlier time, but in extensive
though flat and marshy
but

"

continents,little raised
further fiat has covered
is

above

sea-level ; and

the

yet

the great Carboniferous

them

with

of

mighty

forests of

cone-bearing
and gigantic
club-mosses,
trees, of palms, and tree-ferns,
the opener
slopes,and of great reeds clusteringby
on
the sides of quiet lakes and dark rollingrivers. There
of the thicker woods, and
is deep gloom in the recesses
marsh
or
low thick mists creep along the dank
sluggish
there is a general lighteningof the sky
But
stream.
overhead : as the day declines,a redder flush than had
hitherto lightedup the prospect falls athwart fern-covered
while the fourth
bank and long withdrawing glade. And
evening has fallen on the prophet, he becomes sensible,
and the fourth dawn
it wears
on
approaches,that yet
as
another change has taken place. The Creator has spoken,
and the stars look out from openingsof deep unclouded
blue ; and as day rises,and the planetof morning pales
flora.

The

scene

one

"

in

the

broken

cloudlets

gold,and anon
length the glorioussun

bronze
at

east, the
into

the

are

gold

arises

out

transmuted

becomes
of

the

from

fire,and
sea, and

34

MODELS

ENGLISH

FROM

COMPOSITION

field graze
in
wallows

II

"

the

plains;the
the marshes; the
rhinoceros
thick-skinned
the reeds,or plunges
squat hippopotamus rustles among
sullenlyinto the river;great herds of elephants seek
the young
their food amid
herbage of the woods; while
animals
of fiercer nature, the lion, the leopard,
and the
till the evening,or lie in
bear, harbour in deep caves
wait for their prey amid tangledthickets,or beneath some
Cattle

and

of the

beasts

on

"

"

broken

bank.

and the shadows

length,as the day wanes
lengthen,
the responsible
lord of creation,formed
in God's
man,
own
image, is introduced upon the scene, and the work
for ever
the earth.
of creation ceases
The night
upon
At

falls

"

once

another

more

morrow,

"

upon
the

in which

Sabbath

the

prospect,and
of God's

morrow

there

is

there

dawns

yet

rest, that Divine

"

creative

labour,and
which, blessed and sanctified
beyond all the days that
had gone before,has as its special
objectthe moral elevation
And
and final redemptionof man.
it no
over
eveningis
for its specialwork
representedin the record as falling,
to have been the sublime
is not yet complete. Such seems
no

"

"

of creation exhibited

panorama
The
In

more

in vision of

Shepherd who first taught the

the beginning how
the heavens

Kose

out

of chaos

old,to

chosen
and

seed,

earth

rightlyunderstood, I know
truth that militates against even
prominent of its details.

and

not

the

singlescientific

minutest

HUGH

or

least

MILLER.

EXERCISES.
aloud.
the passage
This is an
of the story of creation
contained

1. Eead
account

chapters of

the book

"

Genesis."

imaginative and
in the first and

poetic
second

35

NAREATIVE

2. Find

the meaning

stratum

of

:
seething:
zoophytes : carboniferous

Invertebrate

"

firmament

ichthyic:undulations

insulated

Silurian :
:
optical:
: luminary : zenith : species :
sublime
: chaos
: militates against: fiat.
panorama
In the higher strata of the atmosphere :
3. Use in sentences
:
the most
of cloud : mighty
conspicuous optical sign : a canopy
forests of cone-bearingtrees : great reeds clusteringby the sides of
quiet lakes : the waves, of a deeper and softer blue than before : a
garb of brighter green: shedding its mild radiance on land and
:

flora

dank

"

reed-covered

sea:
summer

the

thick

swamps:

as

insects

evening : unerring instinct : amid

woods : the squat hippopotamus : amid

sublime

panorama

the

in

the

calm

young

of

herbage

of

tangled thickets

the

of creation.

Supply appropriatenouns, then use in sentences :

parent
Comparative : atmospheric : seething: invisible : tepid : transinsulated
: optical:
: extensive
: carboniferous
: dank
:
unclouded
massive
:
:
gigantic: discordant : monstrous
:
final
: sublime.
squat : tangled : responsible: moral :
5.
The waves
dance
and
Low
thick
sparkle in the light :
mists creep along."
Find from the text other examples in which
words
used in
are
s
ense.
a figurative
6. Imagine a traveller visiting a tropicalcountry and setting
out on successive
days to study :
The
(a)
atmospheric conditions.
(") The vegetablelife.
4.

"

"

"

"

"

(c) The brute creation.

(d) The natives.
Write

in

You

tions.

imaginative prose
may

purpose.
horizon," etc.

use

E.g.

your

"There

the

actual

are

of the

words

day's observa
text if they serve

of each

breaks, at the distant

great pine woods, reed-covered swamps,"

The

"

account

an

white

surf

etc.

The
the

UPON
dwelt

Spider and

of a
highest corner
certain spider,swollen
up

by the destruction of
lay scattered before

the Bee

large window, there

to the first magnitude
infinite number
of flies,
whose spoils
like humau
the gates of his palace,

36

COMPOSITION

before the

bones
castle

after the

modern

passedseveral
might behold
which

had

sallyout
mansion

of

cave

guarded

were

ENGLISH

FROM

some

with

way

of

MODELS"

giant. The
turnpikes and

to this

avenues

all
palisadoes,
After

fortification.

had

you
to the centre, wherein

courts

you came
the constable himself

windows

frontingto

in his

each

all occasions of prey

upon
he had for some
time dwelt

or

lodgings,

own

and

avenue,

defence.

in peace

you

and

ports to
In

this

plenty,

danger to his person by swallows from above,or to

his palaceby brooms from below ; when it was
the pleasure
of fortune to conduct thither a wandering bee, to whose
a broken
curiosity
pane in the glasshad discovered itself,
and in he went, where, walking out a while, he at last
happened to alightupon one of the outward walls of the
citadel;which, yieldingto the unequal weight,
spider's
without

sunk

down

to the very foundation.

to force his passage,

and

Thrice he endeavoured
shook.

thrice the centre

spider within,, feelingthe terrible convulsion,

supposedat first that nature was approachingto her final
else that Beelzebub, with all his legions,
or
dissolution,
The

was

come

to revenge

subjectswhom
he

had
his

the death

his enemy
at

had

of many
slain and

thousands
devoured.

length valiantlyresolved

fate.

Meanwhile

the

bee

to

had

of his
ever,
How-

issue forth

acquitted
himself of his toils,
and, postedsecurelyat some
distance,
was
employed in cleansinghis wings, and disengaging
of the cobweb.
from the ragged remnants
them
By this
adventured
time the spiderwas
out, when, beholdingthe
of his fortress,
he was
chasms, the ruins,and dilapidations
and swore
like
at his wit's end; he stormed
very near
and swelled tillhe was
a madman,
ready to burst.
the bee, and wisely
At length,castinghis eye upon
from events
(forthey knew each other
gatheringcauses
and

meet

37

NARRATIVE

by sight), Is

it

"

have

Do

mend

I have

think

you

the
to

near

not

that
vengeance,
look before
you
to

do

but

to

Good
words, friend,"
repair after you ?
posed
bee, having now
pruned himself,and being disdroll ;
I'll give you my hand and word to come
"

"

kennel

your

no

picklesince
spider, if
family,never
"

it

were

teach

more;

was

born."

was

you

"

founded
con-

Sirrah,"repliedthe

for

better

in such

never

breakingan
abroad
againstan

not

to stir

and

come

with

nothing else
"

and

said

"

this litter here; could

made

you?

you," said he,

manners."

in

old custom

our

I should
enemy,
have
"I pray

said the bee, "or you'llspend your substance,

patience,"
stand in need of it all,
and, for aught I see, you may
house."
towards the repair of your
"Kogue, rogue,"
repliedthe spider, yet methinks
you should have more
"

allows
all the world
person whom
"
much
By my troth," said the
your betters."
and
to a very good jest,
comparisonwill amount

respect to

do

me

favour

to let

me

know

the

reasons

to be

bee,

"

so

the

you will
that all the

pleasedto use in so hopefula dispute." At this

the spider,
having swelled himself into the size and posture
of a disputant,
began his argument in the true spiritof
scurrilous and
controversy,with resolution to be heartily
without the least regard
reasons
angry, to urge on his own
and fullypreor
to the answers
objectionsof his opposite,
determin
in his mind againstftllconviction.
Not to disparage
myself,"said he, by the comparison
with such a rascal,what art thou but a vagabond without
world

is

"

"

house

or

home, without

stock

or

inheritance,born

to

no

of your own, but a pairof wings and a dronepossession

pipe? Your livelihood is a universal plunderupon nature ;
fields and gardens; and, for the sake of
a freebooter over
will rob a nettle as easilyas a violet. Whereas
stealing,

38
I

FROM

COMPOSITION

am

within

MODELS

ENGLISH

animal, furnished with

myself. This large castle (to show
domestic

in

hands, and

the
the

mathematics) is
materials

all built

extracted

"

native
my

with

stock

ments
improvemy

out
altogether

own

of my

person."
I am
glad,"answered the bee, to hear you grant at
least that I am
come
honestlyby my wings and my voice ;
I am
for then, it seems,
alone for my
obligedto Heaven
and my music ; and Providence
would
have
never
flights
bestowed
such giftswithout
two
on
me
designingthem
for the noblest ends.
I visit,
indeed,all the flowers and
of the field and garden,but whatever
blossoms
I collect
the least injuryto their
thence enriches myself without
beauty, their smell, or their taste. Now, for you and
your skill in architecture and other mathematics,I have
little to say: in that buildingof yours
there might,for
aught I know, have been labour and method enough ; but,
by woeful experience for us both, it is too plain the
materials are
naught; and I hope you will henceforth
take warning,and consider duration and matter, as well
You
method
and art.
boast,indeed,of being obliged
as
to no other creature, but of drawing and spinningout all
from yourself;that is to say, if we
judge of the
may
liquor in the vessel by what issues out, you possess a
good plentifulstore of dirt and poison in your breast;
lessen or
and, though I would
by no means
disparage
are
what
someyour genuine stock of either,yet I doubt you
increase of both, to a little foreign
for an
obliged,
inherent portion of dirt does not fail
assistance.
Your
of acquisitions,
by sweepings exhaled from below; and
insect furnishes you with a share of poisonto destroy
one
all to this :
another.
So that,in short,the questioncomes
whether
is the nobler being of the two, that which, by a
own

"

"

39

NARRATIVE

ing
lazycontemplationof four inches round, by an overweenpride,feeding,and engenderingon itself,producing
nothing at all but flybane and a cobweb ; or that which,
by a universal range, with long search,much study,true
judgment, and distinction of things,brings home honey

and

wax."
SWIFT.

JONATHAN
"

of the Books."

Battle

EXERCISES.
1. Bead

age,"

was

some

of

aloud.
the passage
Swift, " the greatestgenius of his
this extract brings out
of controversy, and
master
a
his chief characteristics, e.g. vigour, clearness, almost
the

2. Notice

(a) How

marshalling arguments.
followingpoints:

great skill

wit, and

savage

in

"

is

the

imagery
citadel,the fortress.

(6) The

paragraph

in

sarcasm

and
the

part

the

of the

vividness

(c) The

given

be

"

the

of the

bitterness

to the

the

3 about

spider'scastle, the
troversy,"
spiritof conmutual
revilingson

true

the bee.

spiderand

effect would

The

sustained:

narrative
feebler

much

by the

of

use

if the

story

dialogue.
told

were

in the third person throughout.

8. Use the followingidiomatic
phrases in sentences :
: to
yield to : to sink down
To sallyout : to alight upon
one's fate
forth : to meet
force one's passage
: to issue
"

wit's end

be at one's

break
: to
one's substance

word

an

do

to

one's

to cast

old

custom
anyone

to

eye upon :
to stir abroad

favour

:
:

to
to

give

one's

to

spend

to take

warning

bring home.

to

Express
(a) "Is it

4.

here
have

followingin the

the

form

of indirect

that have
vengeance,
look
before
you ?
; could not you
nothing else to do but to mend
you,

with

speech :

made
Do
and

"

this
you

litter

think

repair after

"

(b)

"

(c) "

you ?
I pray have patience,or you'llspend your substance, and,
stand in need of it all,towards
for aught I see, you may
the repair of your house."
Not

to

rascal,what
home, without
of your

comparison with such a

house
or
but a vagabond without
art thou
to
born
no
stock or inheritance,
possession
but a pair of wings and a drone-pipe?

disparage myself by

the

"

own,

40

COMPOSITION

(d) "

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS

"

TL

come
glad to hear you grant at least that I am
honestly by my wings and my voice ; for then, it seems,
alone for my
I am
flightsand my
obliged to Heaven
am

music."
in
a snail and
a worm
Imagine that a disputearises between
model
the
of
the
account
text
as
a
a
give an
garden. Using
quarrel. First make a plan and jot down the various points each

5.

mention, e.g. the

will

animal

despisethe

for his lack

worm

The

of

boast

of

his

shell and

covering.

Black

Douglas

where
very large castle,situated near
and the Teviot,joineach other.
fine rivers,the Tweed

ROXBURGH
two

snail may

was

England, the English

were
extremely desirous of retainingit,and the Scots
equallyeager to obtain possessionof it. I will tell you
within

Being

how

it

five

or

taken.

was

upon the
holidaywhich Eoman
It

of

six miles

was

night of

is called

what

a
Shrove-tide,

Catholics

paid great respect to, and

solemnized
with much
gaietyand feasting.Most of the
garrisonof Eoxburgh castle were drinkingand carousing,
the battlements
of the
but still they had set watches
on
castle,in
succeeded

Douglas
conceived

case

in
was

of any
so

many
known
to

themselves

attack ; for as the Scots had

enterprisesof the kind, and as

sudden

be

in

obliged

the
to

neighbourhood, they
keep a very strict

guard.
was
Englishwoman, the wife of one of the officers,
sittingon the battlements with her child in her arms ; and
black objects,
lookingout on the fields below,she saw some
like a herd of cattle,straggling
the foot of the wall,
near
and approaching the ditch or moat
of the castle.
She
and asked him what they
pointedthem out to the sentinel,

An

42

COMPOSITION

followed
castle

was

dare

to

assist

she

made

ENGLISH

MODELS

II

"

Douglas and Ledehouse, and the

taken.
Many of the soldiers were
put to
and the child.
Douglas protectedthe woman

up

death, but
I

FROM

say

no

more

the

about

songs

Black

Douglas.
WALTER

SIR
"Tales

of

SCOTT.

Grandfather."

EXERCISES.
the extract

1. Read
2. "An

the

Englishwoman,
the battlements

sittingon
out

aloud, and

wife

of

fields below, she saw

some
Notice in this short passage

cattle."

sentences

one

black
the

(a) Apposition :

"

of

her child in her

with

the

on

the easy

observe

"

flowingstyle.

the

officers,was
; and

arms

objects,like

looking

followingways
the

wife

of

herd
of

bining
com-

of

one

of
the

(6) Adverbial

phrase: "with her child in her arms."

One
looking out on the fields below."
(c) Participialphrase :
is by the use
of relative proof combining sentences
common
way
nouns.
Combine
the following so as to produce a passage
which
reads smoothly :
I. of Scotland
avoided his father's failingof profusion.
James
treasures
to employ on
and show.
He had no hoarded
pomp
officers."

"

"

fell into

rather

He

the

opposite fault.

He

loved

parsimonious.
to gratifythat

too

he has

Hence

in

8. Use

taste

censured

been

sentences

as

as

"

Shrove-tide

glove

a
parry
desirous

4.

stroke
of

Using

temper

with

much

covetous.

gaiety and
cattle : a jolly

carousing : like a herd of

his negligence: a heavy hand
with
rue
an
: to
tall, swarthy, strong man
give the alarm : to
: a
deadly blow : closing with the sentinel : to be

likelyto

:
:

of

He

close and

feasting : drinking and

iron

was

deavoured
endisplay.
economically as possible.

rather

Solemnized

He
and

state

respect to

to pay
the text
of

account

as

model

of Bruce's

one

to behave

expand

ill.
the

adventures.

tive
followinginto a narraSupply a title to your

narrative.
A

by English bribes to
two
:
sons,
sought
put
separated from his men:
opportunity to slay him: Bruce
attended only by a page and armed
only with a sword, though
took his page'sweapon
the page had a bow and arrow
: Bruce
trusted

near

him

and

sent

relation

of Bruce's

death

this

to

him

three traitors

induced

villain,with

his

between
Bruce
conversation
away:
the fightand triumph of Bruce.

and

the

43

NARRATIVE

of Harold

Death

The

lo, before the

proudly aloft,and shines in
eyes of the Normans, towers
the rays of the westeringsun, broidered with gold,and,
AND

in the centre

now

blazing with
King ! And

mystic
there

are

of the

enclosure

gatheredthe

had
host ; there,the heroes who
unwearied
they by the battle
"

still; and

and

yet

never

England's
the English
defeat

known

vigorous,high-hearted

"

fastened

by

thicker,and

were

chains

of
pillars

to

and carts of
waggons
barricades at which
piledlogsof timber
of iron,with

staves

the

baggage,and
William
paused aghast,and Odo
that became
not a priestly
lip.

the

of

reserve

breastworks

the

higher,and

stronger,and
wood

them

round

of

standard

the

gems,

"

"

even

Before

Gurth, and

front of the

the

standard, in

that

leaningfor rest upon his axe,

in many
places,and the blood

for he

stood

men,

Harold, the

Haco, and

Leofwine, and

tion
exclama-

stifled an

last

sorelywounded
oozed through the links of
was

his mail.

Live, Harold

Saxon

yet, and

; live

England

shall not

die!
The

English archers

of

most

them

had

served

shafts*ofthose within
the foe had

to

meanwhile

arrows

to his

and

time

had

the

pause

at

with

and

griefthat they struck

so

the

ramparts

flew fast and

barricades,and

time

no

failed

been

numerous

vanguard, and
spent

were

to breathe.

The

thick,but William

so

the
that

Norman
noted

againstthe tall breastworks

in the slaughter
they should

inflict.
He

mused

moment,

and

sent

one

of his

knights to

44

call to him

ye not, maladroUs"
shafts and bolts fall harmless
in the air
fall

"

let the

the

as

heaven!

descended

They

were

that

your
Shoot

those ozier walls ?

on

those within

on
perpendicular

of the

saints

falls

his steed,the

direct from

"

thus."

"

on

"

Duke,

thy bow, Archer,

me

he sat

as

said the

fall

arrow

vengeance

Give

the bow

"

side of his destrier.

See

"

MODELS

three of the chiefs of the archers.

at the

soon

ENGLISH

FROM

COMPOSITION

He

drew

flashed up, and

within a few feet of

arrow

in the heart of the reserve,

the standard.
that

"So;

the

giving back
The

standard

archers

rain.

withdrew.
in

It took

piercinghide
surprisethat

mark," said the Duke,

your

bow.

their bands, and

iron

be

The

order

few

moments

the

English

cap, and even

made
them

circulated
down

more

host

helm

iron

as

the

came

surprise,

by

and

through

in the

very

up

death

look
instinctively

"

came.

dull

groan
entrenchments
on
"

Now,"

shields to
or

On

while

said

hearts

many
the Norman

William,

"

they

"

ramparts.

boomed

from

the

ear.

and
guard their heads
they smite with the axe

to the

now

from

as

see

my

either

must

their

axes

are

use

their

useless

"

they fall by the shaft.

crown
alreadyresting

"

on

yonder standard !
Yet despite all,the English bear up

the

thickness

of the

of the last
the comparative smallness
palisades,
and maintained
enclosure, more
easilytherefore manned
by the small force of the survivors, defy other weapons
than those of the bow.
who
Every Norman
attempts to
scale the breastwork
is slain on the instant,and his body
cast

sinks

forth
near

under
and

the hoofs of the baffled steeds.

nearer

towards

the red horizon.

The

SUB

45

NARRATIVE

"

Courage! cries the voice of Harold, hold but till

and ye are saved.
Courage and freedom."
nightfall,
and Holy Crosse ! is the answer.
Harold
Still foiled,William
again resolves to hazard his fatal
"

"

"

"

that

marked

He

stratagem.

quarter of the

point of attack
of Harold, whose
from the providentwatch
most
remote
cheeringvoice, ever and anon, he recognisedamidst the
the
In this quarter the palisades
were
hurtlingclamour.
weakest, and the ground the least elevated ; but it was
guarded by men on whose skill with axe and shield Harold
placed the firmest reliance the Anglo-Danes of his old
Thither,then, the Duke advanced
East-Anglianearldom.
column
of his heavy-armed foot,tutored especially
a chosen
by himself in the rehearsals of his favourite ruse, and
accompanied by a band of archers ; while at the same
which

most

was

from

remote

the

enclosure

chief

"

"

himself, with his brother

time, he

on

to

which
watch

advanced
and

siderable
con-

knights under the son of the great

Beaumont, to gain the contiguouslevel heights
of

company

Eoger de

Odo, headed

stretches the little town

now

aid

and
to

terrible

the

of

"

Battle ; there
The
foot column

manoeuvre.

"

appointed spot,and after a short,close,

succeeded in making a wide breach in
conflict,
the

the breastwork.
But

that

only animates yet more

the exertions of the beleaguereddefenders,and swarming
round the breach, and pouringthrough it,line after line of
the foe drop beneath their axes.
The column
of the heavy
armed
Normans
fall back down
the slopes they give way
they turn in disorder
they retreat
they fly; but the
archers stand firm, midway on
the descent
those archers
to the English the temptation is
an
seem
easy
prey
irresistible. Long galled,
and harassed, and maddened
by
temporary

success

"

"

"

"

"

"

46

COMPOSITION

the shafts,the

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS

II

"

rush forth at the heels of the

Anglo-Danes

sweeping down to exterminate

archers,the breach that they leave gapes wide.
Forward," cries William, and he gallopstowards the

Norman
the

swordsmen, and

"

breach.
the Norman

rush

On

knights.
him

around
breach, rallying

in the

Harold

is

hearts eager to

already
replace

breastworks.

the shattered

Hold

shields!

"Close

But

fast!"

shouts

his

kingly

voice.
Before him

the steeds of Bruse

were

and

Grantmesnil.

holds over
their spears ; Haco
the breast
the shield.
Swinging aloft with both hands his axe, the
is shivered in twain by the King's
spear of Grantmesnil
his breast

At

Cloven

stroke.

Knight
But

and

stricken

to

steed

blow

skull

the
roll

from

to

sword

the

steed

bloody sward.
of De Lacy

of Haco.

With

his knee.

rolls the

the

on

guardianshield

the

down

"

The

has
of

son

lifted blades

of

and

Bruse.

broken

Sweyn is
whirling

knightschargethrough the breach.

Look up, look up, and guard thy head," cries the fatal
to the King.
voice of Haco
At that cry the King raises his flashing
Why
eyes.
halts his stride ? Why drops the axe from his hand ? As
the hissingdeath shaft. It
he raised his head, down
came
the Norman

maces

"

the

smote

He
at

lifted face ; it crushed

into the dauntless eyeball.
he fell back several yards,
reeled,he staggered,

foot of his gorgeous

standard.
With
desperate
he broke the head of the shaft,and left the barb,

the

hand

quiveringin
Gurth

the

knelt

anguish.
over

him.

"Fight on," gasped

Holy Crosse ! England

the
to

King,
the

rescue

"conceal
!

woe

"

my

death

woe

"

47

NARRATIVE

he
Eallying himself a moment,
clenched his righthand, and fell once
At

the

covered

the

body

of the

more,

simultaneous

bore

standard

the

towards

moment

same

back

King

with

to

sprang

line

feet,

corpse.
of horsemen
a

"

rush
of

heaps of

his

Saxons, and
the slain.

LORD
"

LYTTON.
Harold."

EXERCISES.
aloud and

1. Bead

the passage

(a) The

strength and
battle

the

followingpoints:
vigour appropriateto the descriptionof
notice

"

scene.

and
rapiditygiven by the use of short sentences
the use of the dash for punctuation. E.g.
They give
disorder
retreat
in
turn
they fly."
they
they
way"
On rush the Norman
Knights."
(e) The frequent change from past to present tense and vice
vivid.
E.g. Why halts
making the picture more
versa,
his
hand ?
As he
the
from
his stride ?
axe
Why drops
the hissingdeath shaft."
raised his head, down
came

(6) The

idea of

"

"

"

"

"

(d) The

choice

of

picturesque words.

stirring and

E.g. The

the iron
blazing with mystic gems : down came
clamour:
steeds:
the
hurtling
long
baffled
by the shafts : the
galled,and harassed, and maddened
hissingdeath shaft.
device
for obtaining
of Inversion
as
a
(e) The frequent use
of
this.
Point
out
examples
emphasis.
Breastworks
is
What
meant
2.
:
aghast
ramparts :
by :
entrenchments
maladroits
ozier
destrier
:
:
:
:
spent
:
:
vanguard
tutored
:
: ruse
: contiguous
stratagem : provident : hurtling: palisades
breach
: galled: exterminate
:
: beleaguered :
: manoeuvre

standard
rain:

the

"

barb:

sward:
3.
way

Express

simultaneous.
the

following

in

more

emphatic and

vigorous

"

(a) The

knights rush

Norman

(6) Although

he

was

on.

foiled William

resolves to hazard

his fatal

stratagem.
down
fall back
heavy-armed Normans
Then
the slopes. Then
they turn in
they give way.
disorder.
After that they retreat.
Finally they fly.
1 Hold fast 1
His
shields
Close
voice
shouts
(d)
kingly

(c) The

column

of the

"

"

48

COMPOSITION

(e)

rallied

He

himself

clenched

(a)

There

were

(6)

The

then

hand,

right

other

in

MODELS"

moment,

his

Express

4.

ENGLISH

FROM

words

and

the

fell

which

at

feet,

dead.

more,
:

his

to

sprang

once

sense

same

barricades

he

II

"

"

William

even

paused

aghast.
the

of

shafts

archers

English

within

the

ramparts

were

spent.

(c\

dull

from

as

groan

entrenchments

(d)

Still

the

on

foiled,

hearts

many

William

Norman

boomed

the*

ear.

resolves

again

from

to

hazard

his

fatal

stratagem.

(e)

The

Duke

advanced

5.

using

favourite

Write
the

as

Two

(b)

The

onset

(c)

The

kings

(d)
(e)

(/)

The

The

of

model

kings

(a)

rout

death
contrast

with
of

of

of

himself

by

in

his
the

heavy-armed
rehearsals

the

the

following

the

from

drawn

armies

attacking
their

defending

the

battle

up

in

battle

force.

troops.
army.

King.

between

outline,

"

their

encourage
of

column

ruse.

description

text

The

especially

tutored

foot,
his

chosen

the

victors

and

the

defeated.

array.

of

50

ENGLISH

FROM

COMPOSITION

people,gentleand simple,about
are

MODELS

whom

"

II

countless

stories

told.

undignifiedthan these stories.

Alraschid visits a subjectincog.,
the latter
When
Haroun
much
the better for the caliph's
is sure
to be very
magnificence.Old George showed no such Eoyal splendour.
sometimes
feel in
He used to give a guinea sometimes
:
ask a man
his pockets and find he had no money
: often
of his family,
hundred
a
questions:about the number
about his oats and beans, about the rent he paid for his
On one
occasion he played the part
house, and ride on.
with a string
of King Alfred, and turned a pieceof meat
When
the old woman
house.
at a cottager's
came
home,
Nothing

she found

can

paper
the

be

more

with

enclosure

an

of money,
and
Five
guineas to

note

Eoyal pencil:
buy a
but it was
kind and worthy
jack." It was not splendid,
of Farmer
George.
the King and Queen were
One
day, when
walking
they met a little boy they were always fond of
together,
and pattedthe little white head.
children,the good folk
little boy are you ?
asks the Windsor
Whose
uniform.
I am
the King's beefeater's little boy," repliedthe child.
the King said, Then kneel down, and kiss the
On which
of the beefeater
Queen's hand." But the innocent
offspring
declined this treat.
No," said he, I won't kneel,
breeches."
The
for if I do I shall spoilmy
new
thrifty
King ought to have hugged him and knightedhim on the
written

by

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

spot.

George'sadmirers wrote pages and pages of such stories

One morning, before anybody else was
about him.
up;
Gloucester
about
the King walked
town; pushed over
with her pail,who
was
scrubbing
Molly the housemaid
all the equerries
the doorstep; ran upstairsand woke
in

DESCRIPTION

their bedrooms
where
"

by

this

time,

! is this

What

then

; and

trotted

dozen

51
down

of louts

Gloucester

New

to

the

bridge,

assembled.

were

Bridge?

"

asked

our

graciousmonarch; and the people answered him, "Yes,

boys,"said he, "let us
your Majesty.""Why, then, my
After giving them
which
intellectual
have a huzzay !
home
he went
to breakfast.
gratification,
Our fathers read these simple tales with fond pleasure
;
these
small
liked
the
old man
laughed at
jokes;
very
into every
who
poked his nose
cottage ; who lived on
and boiled ; who
roast
despised your
plain wholesome
French
kickshaws; who was a true hearty old English
gentleman.
"

W.

M.

"The

THACKERAY.
Four

Georges."

EXERCISES.
1. Bead

And

direct.

and

in

this

Thackeray
"

2.

Notice

(a) Most

that the
portray human

Notice
to

language is simple
nature

as

it

is,

playful portrait
gives
King
George," because he was like a farmer
us

Farmer

and

dress,manners,

tries

he

passage

George III.,called
in

aloud.

the passage

of

tastes.

the followingpoints :
of the sentences
short.
are
"

wordlanguage is very simple; there is no gorgeous

"North
and
the
South"
painting compare
passage
(p. 85).
is a
genial playfulness running all through the
(c) There

(6) The

"

extract.
author

The

choice

very

of

words

shows

that

the

picture of a dignifiedsovereign :
giving
hat : poJced his red face : old
cocked
e.g. his enormous
to the bridge:
George : the thriftyKing : trotted down
let us have a huzzay 1
3. Find
from your dictionarythe meanings of the following :
frugal,equerries,cackled, backgammon, prosaic,incog.,beefeater,
intellectual gratification,
kickshaws.
4. From
the descriptiongiven in the text, write an
account
of the character of the King.
Ideal
such
"An
6. Write
on
an
King," using some
essay
"

is not

us

"

"

52

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS"

following: (a) Personal appearance.

(6) Mental
and
moral
(d) Eesponsibilities.(")
qualities. (c) Duties,
life.
Home
life,
Public
Amusements.
(/)
(g)
6. Use the followingin sentences
:
Stupid to a degree : I shudder to contemplate : the equerries
in waiting : the
and
concert
women
over
more
: a
prosaic
life than
this : the caliph'smagnificence : an
enclosure of
the spot : a dozen
of louts : with
fond pleasure:
: on
money
a true hearty old English gentleman.
7. Write
a
description of the character of King George III.
Prepare an outline first from historical books and use the hints
given below :
Points :
A
Good
of business : sensible : great
good man
will
of
husband
excellent
an
strength
:
:
hard-working:
to rule
in
accordance
with
his
frugal: pious: anxious
wishes
brave
tastes
honest.
:
:
:
simple
people's
Points
Obstinate
Bad
:
:
ignorant of books : not a very
did not
know
when
to yield:
good judge of character:
the

headings as

"

"

"

"

"

narrow-minded.
See

N.B."

Macaulay's

Essay:

"William

Pitt, Earl

of

Chatham."

The
IT
a

was

murky

colour

like the

confusion
colour

Storm
"

here

of the

and

smoke

there

blotted

with

from

damp fuel
remarkable
heaps,

flyingclouds tossed up into most

suggestinggreater heightsin the clouds than there were
depths below them to the bottom of the deepest hollows
in the earth, through which
the wild moon
seemed
to
plunge headlong,as if,in a dread disturbance of the laws
and
of nature, she had lost her way
were
frightened.
wind
had been
all day ; and it was
There
a
risingthen,
In another
with an
hour it
extraordinary
great sound.
had
much
increased,and the sky was more
overcast, and
"

of

blew hard.

53

DESCRIPTION

night advanced, the clouds closingin and

denselyoverspreadingthe whole sky, then very dark, it
But

came

to

on

until

the

as

blow, harder

harder.

It still increased,

scarcelyface the wind.

Many
times, in the dark part of the night (itwas thep-late in
the leaders
not short),
September,when the nights were
our

turned
in

horses

and

about, or

could

to

came

dead

serious

apprehensionthat
Sweeping gusts of rain

over.

like showers

stop in

When
had

been

sheer

when

I had

the

fain to

were

miles

out

of London

inch

it blew

the like of this,or

Ipswich very
ground since we

to

came

said

seamen

known

never

anything approachingto it. We

late,having had to fightevery
ten

be blown

came

lee walls to be got, we

or

Yarmouth

great guns, but

were

would

coach

often

were

of continuingthe struggle.
impossibility
I
day broke, it blew harder and harder.

the
in

the

we

up before this storm,

of steel ; and, at those times, when
there was

shelter of trees

any

stop ; and

of

and

"

found

cluster of

who had risen from their beds

peoplein the market-place,
in the night,fearful of falling
chimneys. Some of these,
congregatingabout the inn yard while we changed horses,
told us of great sheets of lead having been rippedoff a
which they
high church tower, and flunginto a bye-street,
Others
had to tell of country people,
then blocked up.
who had seen
coming in from neighbouringvillages,
great
ricks scattered
trees lyingtorn out of the earth,and whole
about

the roads and

fields.

in the storm, but it blew

As
which

struggledon, nearer
this mighty wind
was
more

and

the sea, its spray was

The water
upon us.

more
on

was

was

no

abatement

harder.

we

force became

Still,there

our

and

nearer

to the sea, from

blowing dead on shore,its

terrific. Long before we saw
lips,and showered salt rain

out, over

miles and miles of the

54

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS

"

flat

country adjacentto Yarmouth

; and
every sheet and
puddle lashed its banks,and had its stress of littlebreakers

settingheavilytowards

When

us.

of the sea, the waves

the
on
above
the rollingabyss, were

we

came

within

sight

horizon,caught at intervals
like

glimpses of

another

at last we
buildings.When
got
to their doors, all
into the town, the people came
out
aslant,and with streaming hair,making a wonder of the
mail that had come
through such a night.
I put up at the old inn, and went
down
to look at the
sea
along the street,which was strewn with
; staggering
sand and seaweed, and with flyingblotches of sea-foam ;
slates and tiles ; and holdingby peopleI
afraid of falling
the beach, I saw,
Coming near
met, at angry corners.
not only boatmen, but half the peopleof the town, lurking
behind
and then braving the fury
now
buildings
; some,

shore with

towers

of the storm
their

and

to look

away

to sea, and

blown

sheer out

of

tryingto get zigzagback. Joining these

whose
husbands
were
bewailingwomen
groups, I found
too much
away in herringor oyster boats,which there was
before they could
to think might have foundered
reason
old sailors were
in anywhere for safety. Grizzled
run
the people,shaking their heads, as they looked
among
from water
to another ; shipto sky,and muttering one
owners,
excited and uneasy ; children,
huddling together,
and
turbed
stout mariners, dispeeringinto older faces ; even
and anxious, levelling
their glasses
at the sea from
behind
places of shelter,as if they were
surveyingan
in

course

enemy.
The

tremendous

sea

when
itself,

I could find sufficient

of the blindingwind,
pause to look at it,in the agitation
the flying
stones and sand, and the awful noise,confounded
me.

As

the

high watery

walls

came

rollingin,and, at

55

DESCRIPTION

their
least
back
in

into surf,they looked

if the
as
highest,tumbled
As the recedingwave
would engulf{he town.
swept
with a hoarse roar, it seemed
to scoop out deep caves

the

earth.
and

beach,

as

When

some

if its purpose
white-headed

themselves

dashed

to

to

were

undermine

billows

the

thundered

piecesbefore they

on,

reached

the

land, every fragment of the late whole seemed

possessed
by the full might of its wrath, rushing to be gathered to

Undulating hills
compositionof another monster.
were
changed into valleys,undulating valleys(with a
skimming through them)
solitarystorm-bird sometimes
the

lifted up to hills ;
with a
the beach
shook

were

tumultuously rolled
shape and place,and
the ideal shore

seemed

to

fell ; the
a

see

beat

soon

another

clouds

and

shape
made, to change its
as
shape and place away ;

the horizon, with

on

and

rose

booming sound;
as

on,

shivered

of water

masses

every

its towers

flew

and

fast and

rending and upheaving of

thick ;

all nature.
DICKENS.

CHARLES
"David

ings,
build-

Copperfield."

EXERCISES.
1. Eead

the

the

passage

aloud, and

notice

how

easy

and

flowing

styleis.
2. Observe

the

followingpoints:

"

of the

description.
E.g. murky confusion : the
wild
moon
:
sweeping gusts of rain : mighty wind :
hair
cluster of people : congregating about
streaming
: a
salt rain upon
the inn-yard : showered
us, etc.
suitable similes for the following:
8. Find
wind
clouds flyingacross
the sky. (") The
The
gathering
(a)
lashingthe shore, (d) The sweeping
strength, (c) The waves
gusts of rain,
(e) A cluster of people in the market-place.
(/) The trees torn out of the earth.
(0) The street strewa
(a) The

vividness

and

(6) The

careful

choice

accuracy

of words.

"

with

sand.

56

COMPOSITION

4. Write

(a) The

FROM

of
description

MODELS

ENGLISH

the

from

storm

"

followingoutline

the clouds.
gathering darkness
sound
wind
increasing havoc
rising
the roaring waves.
peltingrain

:"

"

(6) The
(c) The

"

wrought.

"

"

and children.
(d) The terror-stricken men,
women,
(e) The floodingof the surrounding flat country.

(/)

The

scene

6. Write
go

out

to

short

of
description

the

launching

ship in distress.
Make
which
a listof appropriateadjectives

6.

the

the beach.

on

clouds

sky

lifeboat to

followingnouns
The

of

with

be used

may

"

the

the trees

moon
:

the

sea

the

wind

the

sailors

children

waves

:
:

the

rain

the

valleys.

Spring
1.
SUCH

When
And

goes before the leaf,

all the wood stands in a mist of green,
time

as

nothing perfect.
TENNYSON.

2. IN

SPRING-TIME

gladdeningsheen
Of the young
year'sfairest daughter.
that fleet o'er the springingwheat
O the shadows
0 the magic of running water !
of springis in everything,
The spirit
The banners
of springare streaming;
from the fifes of June,
We
march
to a tune
worth dreaming.
And
life's.a dream
THE

ways

are

green

with

the

W.

E. HENLET.

58

COMPOSITION

With

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS"

lavished

Lies yet

fragrance
; while the promised fruit
little embryo, unperceived

Within

its crimson

Buried

in smoke, and

folds.

Now

from

the town

sleep,and noisome damps,

Oft let me
wander
o'er the dewy fields,
Where
freshness breathes,and
dash the trembling

drops,
From

the bent

bush, as through the verdant

Of sweet-briar

hedges I

pursue

maze

walk.

my

J. THOMSON.

5. EARLY
fades the last

Now
Now

About

Now

ringsthe
distance

And

drowned

dance

The
And
On

the

flocks

are

milkier

loud and

woodland
takes

long,

lovelier hue,

yonder livingblue,
a sightless
song.

in

lark becomes

Now

of snow,

the violets blow.

roots

The

The

long streak

of quick
burgeonsevery maze
the floweringsquares, and thick

ashen

By

SPRING

lightson
whiter

or

and

lea,

the vale,

down

milky

every

winding stream

lawn

sail

distant

sea

pipes,or dives
In yonder greeninggleam, and fly
The happy birds,that change their sky
To build and brood,that live their lives

Where

now

the

seamew

59

DESCRIPTION

From

to land ; and

in my
too ; and my

land

Spring wakens
Becomes
an
April violet,
buds

And

and

blossoms

breast

regret

like the rest.

LORD

6. SONG

ON

MAY

TENNYSON.

MORNING

day'sharbinger,
brightmorning-star,
Comes
dancing from the east,and leads with her
The floweryMay, who from her green lap throws
The yellow cowslipand the paleprimrose.
Hail, bounteous
May, that dost inspire
Mirth and youth and warm
desire ;
Woods
and groves are of thy dressing,
Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing.
Thus we salute thee with our earlysong,
welcome
And
thee, and wish thee long.
Now

the

JOHN

7. MORNING
HARK

! hark

And
His
On
And
To

SONG

! the lark at heaven's

Phoebus

gate sings,

'ginsarise,

steeds to water
chaliced

MILTON.

at those

springs

flowers that lies ;

winkingMary-buds begin
ope their

golden eyes :
With everythingthat pretty is,
My lady sweet, arise !
Arise ! arise !
WILLIAM

SHAKESPEARE.

60

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

8. BREATHINGS
WHAT

wakes

And

reed-like

Thou

lark's clear

Whose

tone

the leaves
Whose

Where

spray

thy south
happy murmurs,
Tell

And

the

bright

Spring, the
Amidst
Makes
Where

And

Silent

or

glee,

joyous leaves,
copse and glade,

the
a

many

flush receives,

rosy

hath

pierced the whispery shade,

running through the grass,

thy footstepspass.

waters

"

awakener

they

too

of the

hear

hast

! thou

thy call,
burst their sleep!

their fall

rocks

from

"

fairy-peopledworld of flowers
dust hast set that glory free,

the
the

Colouring the cowslip with

And

flute,

melody, and in the forests deep,

sudden
sparklesand blue gleams betray
Their windings to the day.

flowers

Thou

wind

that

the hollows

be.

may

"

When
And

hearts

our

greet thee, Spring !

young

mute

viewless

cuckoo's

tremblings gladden
each

long been

breathing mournfulness
as

in the woods,

voices

fill the solitudes,

to

pipe,the

seems

E'en

And

Sweet

echoes, that have

bringestback,

The

SPRING

OF

thou, Spring ?

MODELS"

pencilling the wood

they

seem

Glows

"

yet each
with

mute

the sunny
anemone

to

hours,
:

thoughtfuleye
poesy.
F.

HEMANS.

DESCRIPTION

9. SPRING

61

FLOWERS
Daffodils

That

before the

come

The
But

winds

swallow

of March

with

dares,and take

beauty ;

violets dim,

the lids of Juno's eyes

Cytherea'sbreath ; pale primroses,
than

sweeter

Or
That

die unmarried,

they can behold

strength; bold oxlipsand

ere

BrightPhoebus in his
The crown-imperial
; lilies of all kinds,
The flower-de-luce being one !
WILLIAM

SHAKESPEARE.

EXERCISES.
1. Head
evidence
and

each

extract

of careful

and

aloud.

that

Notice

the

descriptions
give
as imagination

observation, as well

accurate

fancy.
2.

In extract

4, point out examples of :

(a) Alliteration. E.g. The moist meadow, the vivid verdure."
(6) Metaphor. E.g. The town buried in smoke."
3. Express more
:
literally
The
(a)
bright morning-star,day's harbinger,comes
dancing
"

"

"

"

"

from

(6)
(c)

4.

"

"

yonder livingblue
her

green

the lark becomes

lap,throws

the

The

(b) The

sightless

yellow cowslip

Winking Mary-buds begin

All nature

"

and

pale primrose."

Express

(a)

east."
in

song."
May, from
the

(d)
(e)

the

Drowned

"

smiles

to ope their
this fair morn."

on

golden eyes."

poetically:"

more

of many
birds
wind
blows
gentle

songs

are

heard

through

wood.

in the

the wood

and

the

causes

leaves to shake.

(c) In

winter

time

time
there

all nature
is colour

(d) Spring sunshine

("?)The

lark

and

loves to

seems

colourless,but

in

spring

everywhere.

spring

flyhigh

rams

up

make
into

the

the
air

flowers grow.

singing all

the

time.

(/)

pleasant perfume

'

rises from

the flowers in the

garden.

62

COMPOSITION

5. In extract

glows

ENGLISH

6, point out any

close observation
6.

FROM

MODELS

passages

which

"

show

the

poet's

of nature.

hill : the hawin your

words :
The withered
thorn
own
whitens
the
the
: the
:
:
juicy groves
flushing year
garden
of
: the liberal air : the
maze
trembling drop : the verdant

Explain

"

sheaf:
of quick
maze
hedges: brushwood
every
burgeons: day's harbinger: the cuckoo's viewless flute: chaliced
flowers : pencillingthe wood-anemone.
of sound
7. Point out any examples you
in
can
echoing sense
the language of the poems.
E.g. The cuckoo's viewless flute."
Make
8. Study extract
8.
of each
short prose
a
summary
then
stanza
the
Awakener
1
write a prose account
of
Spring,
;
9. Write
short composition on " Spring flowers,"naming a
a
and
few typical ones
describingthem
terselyin a few carefully
sweet-briar

"

"

"

chosen

words.

this

the

by
oxlips.

bold

use

10. Read
notes

"A

Note, in the text, how

of

through
which

from

Shakespeare has achieved

pale primroses;

single adjectivesviolets dim;

"

all the
can

you

extracts

afterwards

in

draw

this
up

section
an

and

make

outline essay

on

SpringWalk."

In the Desert
As

long

Desert

as

you

you
have

are
no

The
resting-place.
shrubs

stunted

days,and
pass

over

even

journeyingin the interior of the

particularpoint to make for as your
endless sands yieldnothing but small
these fail after the first two

three

or

broad plains you

that time you pass over
newly reared hills you pass through valleys

from

"

"

dug out by the last week's storm, and the hills and the
valleysare sand,sand, sand, still sand, and only sand, and
sand, and sand again.
The earth, is so samely that your eyes turn
towards
of sky. You
towards
heaven
heaven, I mean, in sense
look to the sun, for he is your taskmaster,and by him
of the work
the measure
that you have done,
you know
"

"

63

DESCRIPTION

and

the

measure

do.

He

comes

morning, and
forward

move

makes

and

no

the

that

work

you strike your tent

then, for the first hour of the
on

camel, he stands

your
know

that

the whole

while, and

veiled and
for you are
the greatness of his
upon
he

where

strides overhead,

by

to
you
in the early

day, as

at your

day's toil

the

touch

is before
him

dare

you
his

of

side,

see

you
shrouded, and

glory,but

you

near

long while,

more,

look

for

remains

when

you
for

then

you;

of

not

know

flaming

sword.
words

No

spoken, but

are

camels
for

sigh,your
sightsyou see

that
Time
your

skin
the

your

glows, your

Arabs
shoulders
the

pattern and

moan,

web

your

ache, and
of

the

silk

veils your eyes, and the glare of the outer

light.
labours on
your skin glows,your shoulders ache,
Arabs
camels
sigh,and you see the
moan,
your

same

"

pattern in the silk,and

the

glare of light
and by-and-by

same

beyond ; but conquering time marches on,

has compassed the heaven, and now
the descendingsun
softlytouches your right arm, and throws your lank
the sand rightalong on the way for Persia.
shadow
over
Then
again you look upon his face,for his power is
of flame
has
all veiled in his beauty, and the redness
become

the

redness

of

roses

; the

fair,wavy

cloud

fled in the

that

to his sightonce
more
morning now comes
on
comes
comes
burning with
blushing,
yet still comes
and clingsto his side.
blushes,yet comes
Then
The
world about
of rest.
begins your season
you is all your own, and there,where
you will,you pitch
tent ; there is no livingthing to disputeyour
your solitary
"

"

choice.
A. W.
"

KlNGLAKK.
Eothen."

64

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS

"

EXERCISES.
1. Read

(a)

the passage

The

aloud, and note the following

:
"

simplicityof the words

chosen.

vividness of the picture: the endless sands : newlyreared hills : he strides^

overhead : your
Arabs
moan
:
skin glows : your
lank^shadow : the redness of
your
flames : burning with blushes.

(6) The

(c) The

of

repetition. E.g. Sand, sand, sand, etc. : your

etc. : time
labours
moan,
on,
conquering time
marches
on
: comes
blushing,yet still comes
on, etc.
Use the followingidiomatic
phrases in sentences :
for : to pass over
to
make
:
through : to look to : to
pass
use

Arabs

2.

"

To

one's

strike
labour

on

tent

stand

to

throw

to

journey

one's

at

shadow

side

look

to

cling to

to

to

upon

pitch

to

one's

tent.
Describe

3.

with

reference

noon-day,

At

(c)

5. Write

The

"

past tense

in the
few

the

vast

(6) The

effects

desert

particularly

early morning.

earth is so

change

(6) At

of tense

samely
produced
.

shiningon

moon

flaming

an

ment
encamp-

desert.

lines

describing:
"

stretches of sand

(a) The

of the

the

descriptionof the full

of Arabs
6. Write

(a) In

sun.

effect has

What

interior

sunset.

in the

4. Write
sword."

the

to

in the

in the interior

the

produced by

of the desert.

scorchingrays

of the

sun.

close of the day.

(c) Pitching one's tent
7. Express in other words the same
sense
:
but
sands
The
endless
small
stunted shrubs.
yieldnothing
(a)
know
the measure
of the work
have
(") By the sun
you
you
at the

"

done.
where

know

(c) You

the

strides

sun

overhead, by the

touch

of

sword.

his

flaming
(d) Conquering time marches
on, and by-and-bythe descending
the
has
heaven.
sun
compassed
(e) For his (the sun's) power is all veiled in his beauty.

(/)

there, where

And

there
8. The
"

He."

Sun
If

speak

of

we
"

as

Death:

which

She," and
War:

Love:

as

Truth:

Night:

"

He

one

sentence

for each

"

tent
solitary

word.

as
we

"

Sleep: Joy:
Faith:

Nature.

Write

pitch your

will, you

no

Time:

Peace:

you

livingthing to dispute your choice.

and
is personifiedin this extract
referred to
the
which
them
of
should
following,
personify
is

Hope:

Moon:

Liberty:

Charity:

Earth:

66

ENGLISH

FROM

COMPOSITION

MODELS

"

by the blue line

hills,thymy slopes of down, overlooked
with
of lifted sea, crisplawns, all dim
early dew, or
of barred sunshine, dinted by
evening warmth
happy feet,and softeningin their fall the sound of loving
in those simplewords ; and
voices, all these are summed
smooth

in

"

these

We

all.

not

are

not

may

to the

measure

full the

land, though still

heavenlygiftin our own
of it longer,the infinite of that meadow
think
as
we
on
sweetness, Shakespeare'speculiarjoy, would
open

depth of

this

us

and

more

in the

white

you

and

follow

rise

that

meadows

the

lakes to

Go

out

slope from

of their lower

the roots

and
There, mingled with the taller gentians,
narcissus,the grass grows deep and free ; and

boughs,all
in

Swiss

in part.

it but

have

we

spring-timeamong

mountains.
the

yet

shores of the

the

as

more

over

scented

the

veiled
the

path,beneath arching
winding mountain
with blossom
pathsthat for ever droop
sweeping down
green banks and mounds
"

undulation

steep

to

the

blue

water, studded

all the air

heaps filling
look up towards the higherhills,
with fainter sweetness,
of everlasting
into
the waves
where
green roll silently
of the pines; and
the shadows
their long inlets among
we
perhaps at last know the meaning of those quiet
may
here

there with

and

new-mown
"

words
upon

of the 147th

Psalm,

"

maketh

He

the grass to grow

the mountains."
J. EUSKIN.
"

Modern

Painters."

EXERCISES.
the passage aloud
word-picture the rhythm, and
1. Bead

of the
"

words
Narrow

and

slowly,and
the

notice

musical

and

in this

magnificent
poetical character

used, e.g. :

"

sword-shaped strip of

fluted

green,"

"

little

pale

dened
stalk,feeble and flaccid," scented citron, burdark
of
the
"the
ground by that
covering
vine,"

hollow

"

67

DESCRIPTION

glorious enamel," "peaceful spears,""the walks by silent,

scented paths," etc.
2. Observe
the followingpoints :
Kuskin
is seen
in this passage,
in all his writings,as a
as
(a)
"

great moral

(6) The

use

E.g.

teacher.

made
"

Only

of
to

be cast into the

the

quotations from

be

trodden
"

oven

"

to-day,and

on

maketh

He

English

Bible.

to-morrow
to grow

grass

to

upon

the mountains."

(c) He

of alliteration.
Narrow
frequent use
E.g.
sword-shaped stripof fluted green,""/eeble and /laccid,"
citron," "/ollow
"stately jpalm and ^ine," "scented
/orth," "silent, scented paths," "pastures feeside the
makes

"

pacing ferooks,""the

blue

Zine of Zifted

sea,"

"

dim

with

early dew."
Use

the

followingin sentences :
A very little strength and a very little tallness : not a perfect
so
deeply loved, by God so highly
point neither: by man
graced : the companies of those soft, and countless, and
peaceful spears : the life of sunlight upon the world falling
and
streaks : soft banks
knolls
in emerald
of lowly hills :
to the full :
down
of
not
: we
measure
thymy slopes
may
mingled with the taller gentians : all veiled with blossom.
in the words
of the text :
4. Express the followingpassages
which
if
there
is
It
is particularly
as
nothing tfcere
(a-) seems
good or beautiful.
in these words.
All
the delightsof spring and summer
are
(b)
the
walks
There
are
by quiet, sweet-smelling paths.
There
the
in
There
is
the mid-day heat.
is the joy
rest
3.

"

"

of flocks and

(c) The

grass

grows

herds.
there
the

(d) The

freely and

white

it is

the

tall

strong and

not

narcissus

grows
among
blades of grass are
not very
and do not seem
to be a very
work.

The

deep.

and

good example

grass

gentians.
very

tall,

of Nature's

Supply other appropriate adjectiveswhich

might be used
Creditable
:
following*nouns
example : flaccid stalk :
dened
flowers : statelypalm : strong oak : scented citron : burgorgeous
silent
vine : glorious enamel
:
peaceful spears :
paths :
emerald
streaks : scorching dust : soft banks : lowly hills : thymy
slopes: crisplawns : peculiarjoy : winding path : arching boughs:
new
-mown
heaps : long inlets.
6. Express more
emphatically (Eefer to the text) :
whether
there
is any
flower, of all the gorgeous
(a) Judge
flowers that beam
is so
in summer
air, which
deeply
5.

with

the

"

"

68

FROM

COMPOSITION

loved

by man,
point of

narrow

MODELS"

ENGLISH

and

II

highly graced by God,

so

feeble

that

as

green.

well.
of all that is summed

(6) It fulfils its mission

(c) Think

There

fields."
There

and

slopes of down

thymy

are

line of lifted

blue

beside

pastures

are

soft banks

are

in those

up

the

knolls

of

pacing
lowly hills.

which

are

overlooked

There

sea.

simple words

are

crisp lawns

the
brooks.
"

There

by

which

the
are

dinted

by happy feet.
depth of this heavenly giftin our
(d)
measured
fullyby us.
short descriptionsof :
7. Write
The
grass-coveredslopes of a mountain.
(a)
(6) A singleblade of grass.
The

land

own

cannot

"

Summer
1. A

AND

is

what

Then,

so

if ever,

And

it

over

Whether

we

as

come

or
a

stir of

instinct within

warm

The

ear
we

lays.
listen,

it

it that reaches
it for

and

towers,

light,

soul in grass and flowers.

flush of life may
well be seen
to

Thrillingback

hills and

over

cowslipstartles in meadows
The buttercup catches the sun

The

And

time,

glisten
;
might,

see

And, gropingblindlyabove
Climbs

if it be in

look, or whether

Every clod feels

An

day in June
perfectdays ;
a

softlyher

hear life murmur

We

JUNE

IN

tries the earth

heaven

Then

rare

DAY

there's

To be

some

never

leaf

happy

nor

creature's

valleys;
green,
in its

chalice,

blade too

mean

palace;

little bird sits at his door in the sun,

the leaves,
Atilt like a blossom among

The

be

69

DESCRIPTION

lets his illumined

And

With
His

the

the heart

He

singsto
the nice

And

her

breast

world, and

wings,
and

nutters
to her

she

which

nest

"

is the best ?

song

the year,
of life hath ebbed

sings

high-tideof

whatever

Comes

beneath

of Nature

ear

is the

Now

it receives

in her dumb

the wide

o'errun

summer

feels the eggs

mate

And

In

deluge of

being

floodingback

with

away

ripply cheer
Into every bare inlet and creek and bay.
Now
the heart is so full that a drop o'er fills it,
wills it ;
We
God
because
are
happy now
No

how

matter

Tis

enough

We

sit in the

shut
may
That skies are

shade

breeze

our

dandelions

and

feel

green

rightwell

and

the blossoms

eyes,

but

we

swell ;

help knowing

cannot

grass is
whispering in

been,

are

up

clear and

comes

have

that the leaves

now

warm

We

The

us

the sap creeps

How

the past may

barren

for

growing

ear

our

blossoming near,
That maize has sprouted,that streams
are
flowing,
That the river is bluer than the sky,
his house
That
hard by.
the robin is plastering
if the breeze kept the good news
And
back,
That

For

other

We
And

couriers

could
hark

Warmed

are

guess

! how

with

we

it

should

by yon

clear bold
the

Tells all in his

new

wine

lack

not

heifer's

lowing"

chanticleer,
of the year,

lusty crowing
JAMES

KUSSELL

LOWELL.

70

COMPOSITION

2. A

MODELS

had

All

Veiled
The

wind

the

heaven's
had

most
more

no

lawn

glorious
eye.
strengththan this,

it blew,
leisurely

That
make

to kiss

leaf the next

one

That

it grew.

closelyby

M.

was

the end

Towards
When
The
From

cheerful afternoon,

brightand

the north

DRAYTON.

AFTERNOON

SUMMER

3. A
IT

of June,
of the sunny month
wind congregates in crowds
of the silver clouds

mountains
floating
the horizon

"

and

the stainless

Opens beyond them like eternity.

beneath the sun
All thingsrejoiced
;

sky
the

weeds,

The

and the reeds

river,and the corn-fields,

The

willow

And

DAY

SUMMER

clouds like scarfs of cobweb

Thin

"

day been from the dawn,

chequeredwas the sky,

CLEAR

To

ENGLISH

FROM

glancedin the lightbreeze

of the largertrees.
foliage

leaves that

the firm

P. B.

4. DESCRIPTIVE

OF

HOT

SHELLEY.

DAY

the rosy- (and lazy-) fingered

Aurora,
her saffron house, calls up the moist vapours

issuingfrom

her,and

she

Now

goes

veiled with

them

as

long

as

to

surround
can

; till

Phoebus, coming forth in his power, looks everythingout

of the

sky,and

holds

empire
sharp, uninterrupted

from

71

DESCRIPTION

his throne

of beams.

sweepingcuts

Now

the

beginsto

mower

make

his

slowly,and resorts oftener to the beer.

Now
the carter sleepsa-top of his load of hay, or plods
with double slouch of shoulder, looking out with
eyes
winking under his shadinghat, and with a hitch upward
of

more

side of his mouth.

one

Now, the little girlat her grandmother'scottage-door

watches

that

the coaches

by, with

go

her

hand

held

up

her sunny forehead.

Now
labourers look well resting
in their white shirts at the doors of rural inns.
Now
an
over

elm

is fine there,with

seat under

it ; and

horses drink

of the

trough,stretchingtheir yearning necks with

loosened collars;and the traveller calls for his glassof
than ten minutes ;
ale,having been without one for more
and his horse stands wincing at the flies,
giving sharp
shivers of his skin,and moving to and fro his ineffectual
docked
Miss
tail; and now
Betty Wilson, the host's
streaming forth in a flowered gown and
daughter,comes
carryingwith four of her beautiful fingersthe
ear-rings,
for which, after the traveller has drunk it,
foamingglass,
she receives with an indifferent eye, lookinganother way,
out

the lawful
Now
stand

two-pence.

grasshoppers fry,"as Dryden

"

in water, and

shoes, and

ducks

are

envied.

says.
Now

Now

cattle

boots, and

by the road-side,are thick with dust;,

in it,after issuingout of the water, into
and dogs,rolling
which theyhave been thrown to fetch sticks,
ing
scattercome
trees

horror among
the legsof the spectators. Now
who
finds he has three miles further to go in

tight shoes is in
the

sun

of the

upon

them

pretty situation.
become

with
apprentice,
pond he used to

and
intolerable;

bitterness

bathe

Now

a
a

rooms

the

fellow

pair of
with

cary's
apothe-

beyond aloes,thinks

in at school.

72

COMPOSITION

Now

FROM

MODELS

ENGLISH

"

with
a
villagepump
ladle to it,and delightto make
forbidden
a
splashand
also they make
suckers
get wet through the shoes. Now
of leather,and bathe all day long in rivers and ponds,
and
make
the
mighty fishingsfor "tittle-bats." Now
to be talkingheavily of
bee, as he hums
along,seems
the heat.
Now
doors and brick-walls are burning to the
hand; and a walled lane, with dust and broken bottles
in it,near
is a thing not to be thought of.
a
brick-field,
Now
a green
lane, on the contrary,thick- set with hedgerow
elms, and having the noise of a brook
rumbling in
is one
of the pleasantestthings in the
pebble-stone,"

boys

assemble

round

the

"

world.

Now,

in town,

another, in

rooms,

gossipstalk more
in door-ways, and

than

to

ever

of

out

one

window,

always beginning the conversation with saying that

blinds are
let down,
heat is overpowering. Now
thrown

doors

open,

and

flannel

waistcoats

the
and

left off,and

preferredto hot, and wonder

expressedwhy
and people delightto sliver
tea continues
so
refreshing,
lettuces into bowls, and apprentices
water
door-wayswith
of dust.
tin canisters that lay several atoms
Now
the water-cart, jumbling along the middle of the
of water,
out of its box
street,and joltingthe showers
fruiterers' shops and dairies
reallydoes something. Now
and ices are the only things to those who
look pleasant,
cold

meat

get them.

can

Now
make

delicate skins

are

their

sleepingcompanion
burning-glasson his hand ; and
carbonated
to be

the

; and

with

beset

gnats; and

up, with
blacksmiths

start

cobblers in their stalls almost

transplanted
; and butter
dragoons wonder whether

is too
the

easy to
Eomans

boys
playing a

are

superfeel a wish

spread;
liked

and

their

74

COMPOSITION

bathe
dust.

in:

let down:

to

6. Write

FROM

to throw

composition on
Make
a plan before

Summer."
of the ideas contained
7. Establish

The

you
in the extracts

comparison

to iGave off: to

open:
"

Beauties

begin
on

to

of

lay the
English

an

write, and

make

use

Summer.

the

between

MODELS"

ENGLISH

of Summer

season

and

Early Manhood.

Primroses
How

boldlythat superb ash-tree,with its fine silver bark,

tho

rises from
with

the

tree !

bank, and

what

hollybeside it,which

But

here

of the underwood

we
was

are

fine entrance

also deserves

it makes

to be called

in the

Ah ! only one-half
copse.
cut last year, and the other is at its

full

growth : hazel,briar,woodbine, bramble, forming one

impenetrablethicket,and almost uniting with the lower
branches

of the elms, and

oaks, and beeches,which

rise at

No foot can
regulardistances overhead.
penetrate that
dense and thorny entanglement; but there is a walk
all
round
by the side of the wide sloping bank, walk and
whose
fresh and
bank and copse carpetedwith primroses,
quisitely
exbalmy odour impregnates the very air. Oh, how
beautiful;and it is not the primroses only,
those gems
they form

of flowers,but

the

natural

mosaic

of which

ground ivy with its

tint of its purplishleaves,
lilac blossoms and the subdued
wild hyacinths,
those enamelled
those
those rich mosses,
spottedarums, and above all,those wreaths of ivy linking
all those flowers
togetherwith chains of leaves more
beautiful than blossoms, whose white veins seem
swelling
amidst the deep green or splendidbrown
it is the whole
earth that is so beautiful ! Never
surely were
primroses
a

part : that network

of

"

75

DESCRIPTION

did primroses better ^serve

such
richlyset,and never
a setting. There
they are of their own
lovelyyellow,the
hue to which
they have given a name, the exact tint of
the butterfly
that overhangs them
(the first I have seen
this year ! can springreally
be coming at last ?) sprinkled
here and there with tufts of a reddish purple,and others
so

"

of the purest white, as

accident

some

of soil affects that

strange and inscrutable operationof nature, the colouring

of flowers.
Oh, how fragrantthey are, and how pleasant
sit in this sheltered

it is to

creakingof

fine

earthly
unamong
of sounds, with this gay tapestry under
our
feet,
the wood-pigeonsflitting
from tree to tree, and mixing

and
the

the wind

to the
copse, listening
the branches, the most

deep

of love with

note

the elemental

music

Yes !

spring is coming. Wood-pigeons, butterflies,

and sweet
of the
flowers,all give tokens of the sweetest
seasons.
Spring is coming. The hazel stalks are swelling
and putting forth their pale tassels,
the satin palms with
their honeyed odours are out on the willow, and the last
liugeringwinter berries are dropping from the hawthorn,
and making way for the brightand blossomy leaves.
M.
'"

E. MITFORD.
Our

Village."

EXERCISES.
1. Bead
2.

the passage

Notice

aloud.

the

(a) The

followingpoints :
simplicityof the language.

(6) The

close observation

"

lilac blossoms
its

purplish

pale tassels

(c) "

Walk

and

of nature,
of the ground

leaves

of the

bank

spotted

hazel

stalks

ivy
arums
:

the
:

colour.

subdued
white

E.g.
tint

veins

of
the

fine silver bark.

"

carpeted with primroses :

whose
fresh and
balmy odour impregnates the very
air:"
"those
wild
enamelled
hyacinths:" with this
feet : the satin palms with their
our
gay tapestry under
odours
the
:
honeyed
brightand blossomy leaves.
"

and

especiallyof

copse

76

3. Make
this passage

select

then

trees, shrubs

liafc.of the

"v

MODELS

ENGLISH

FROM

COMPOSITION

of the

some

impenetrable, carpeted,
copse,
etc. : then write a descriptionof

"

and

flowers mentioned
important words such as

ip
:

"

penetrate, impregnates, mosaic,

A

"*

Copse in Spring."
4. Supply other suitable adjectivesin place of the following
:
superb ash-tree : fine entrance
:
impenetrable thicket : regular
distances : slopingbank : balmy odour : natural
mosaic
: purplish
"

leaves
:

sweet

rich

mosses

white

tapestry
gay
flowers.

deep

veins

note

tint

exact

pale

inscrutable

tassels

honeyed

Express more
emphatically (Keferto the text):
Primroses
were
so
(a)
richlyset.
surelynever
(6) The primroses are very fragrant,and it is very

5.

(c) The
(d) It

give signs of the sweetest

but

the natural

(e) Nobody

can

6. Describe
of the

one

colours

only the

is not

with
London

precedingpaper

in the country, and

; but

where

apparent than
London
charmed
the week

On

delicate tints

Sunday

A
a

that

I have
its

the

gems
form a

and

colour

in June.
a

of

flowers,

part.
thorny entanglement.
the
Note

flower beds
brilliant
:
"

tinge of blue, etc.

London

in

spoken of

an

EnglishSunday

effect upon
tranquillizing

is its sacred

flowers,

seasons.

they

to

sweet

are

dense

special reference
parks on a day

hues

gorgeous

of which

through

pass

of the

primroses, which

mosaic

pleasant

copse.

wood-pigeons,the butterflies,and
all

IN

"

to sit in this sheltered

in

tion
opera-

odours

influence

more

the landscape

strikingly

very heart of that great Babel,

this sacred day, the giganticmonster
is
in

the

The intolerable din and

into repose.
end.
The shops are shut.
at an
are

struggleof
The firesof

are
forgesand manufactories
extinguished; and the sun,
no
longerobscured by murky clouds of smoke, pours down
into the quiet streets.
The few
a sober,yellow radiance

pedestrianswe

meet, instead

of

hurrying forward

with

77

DESCKIPTION

anxious

countenances,

smoothed

are

from

they have put

with

their

on

wrinkles

the

their

leisurely
along;

move

of business

and

Sunday looks,and Sunday

Sunday clothes,and

in person.
the melodious
And
now

well

their brows

are

cleansed

care;

manners,

in

mind

as

as

towers

summons

issues from

their several

his mansion

the small

clangourof

the

bells from

flocks to

family of

children in the advance

church

the fold.

Forth

decent

man,
trades-

the

; then

the citizen

followed

by the grown-up daughters,

with small morocco-bound
prayer-books laid in the folds
The housemaid
looks after
of their pocket-handkerchiefs.
them from the window, admiring the fineryof the family,
and receiving,
perhaps,a nod and a smile from her young
and his

comely spouse,

mistresses,at whose

along the carriageof some

magnate of
the city,peradventurean alderman
and now
or
a
sheriff;
feet announces
the patterof many
a processionof charity
of antique cut, and each
with a
scholars,in uniforms
under his arm.
prayer-book
The ringingof bells is at an end ; the rumbling of the
carriagehas ceased ; the patteringof feet is heard no
folded in ancient churches, cramped
more
; the flocks are
of the crowded
city,where the
up in by-lanesand corners
beadle keeps watch, like the shepherd's
vigilant
dog,round
the threshold of the sanctuary. For a time everythingis
hushed ; but soon
is heard the deep,pervadingsound of
the organ, rollingand vibratingthrough the empty lanes
and courts ; and the sweet
chanting of the choir making
them resound with melody and praise. Never have I been
sensible of the sanctifying
effect of church
more
music,
I have heard it thus poured forth,like a river
than when
of joy,throughthe inmost recesses
of this great metropolis,
Now

rumbles

toilet she has assisted.

78

COMPOSITION

elevating it,as
the week

; and

it were,

MODELS"

ENGLISH

FROM

bearing the

sordid

all the

from

poor

pollutionsof
soul

world-worn

on

tide

triumphant harmony to heaven.

The
end.
The
streets
are
morning service is at an
the
again alive with
congregations returning to their
Now
comes
homes, but soon
again relapse into silence.
of

on

of

meal

to

the

There

is

Sunday dinner, which,

the

importance.

some

city tradesman,

is

leisure for social

more

Members
of the family can
now
enjoyment at the board.
are
gather together, who
separated by the laborious
be permitted
A schoolboy may
occupationsof the week.
that day to come
old friend
to the paternal home
on
; an
of the family takes
his accustomed
Sunday seat at the

board, tells

over

old with

and

stories,and rejoicesyoung

his well-known

Sunday

On

his well-known

afternoon

jokes.

city pours forth its legions

to breathe the fresh air and
enjoy the sunshine of the parks
Satirists may
and rural environs.
they please
say what
citizen on Sunday,
about the rural enjoyments of a London
there is something delightfulin beholding the
but to me
and
dusty city enabled thus
poor prisonerof the crowded
to

forth

come

green

bosom

mother's

once

of nature.

breast

the

week
He

and

throw

is like

himself

child

upon

restored

to

the

first spread out

these
they who
noble
parks and
magnificent pleasure-grounds which
this huge metropolis, have
done
least as
at
surround
for its health
much
and
pended
exmorality, as if they had
in
the
of cost
amount
hospitals,prisons, and
;

and

the

penitentiaries.
WASHINGTON

IRVING,

79

DESCRIPTION

EXERCISES.

given by

peace
short

and

of the

use

aloud, and notice the

passage
that
the
description. Observe

the

1. Read

is made
frequent use
adds
vividness
present tense

clouds

murky

of

sentences

in

2. Use

smoke

of

bells

of

melodious

to the
"

in mind

from

are

semicolon.

The

described.

obscured

sun,

well

as

church

and

rest

sentences

scenes

the

own

your
cleansed

the

the

of

that

of

sense

in

as

towers

in

by

person

uniforms

clangour
of the sanctuary
antique cut : the vigilantbeadle : the threshold
music
: to
the
relapse into silence
sanctifying effect of church
laborious
the
occupations of the week : to enjoy the sunshine
the

of

parks

of the

and

rural

environs

the

bosom

green

of nature

:
:

this

huge metropolis.
"

3.

of London

heart

very
"

churches

ancient
tide

the

In

"

and

express

to

the

figurativelanguage
literally.

more

gigantic monster

clouds

smoke

of

of

uniforms

metropolis
5.

Make

extract, then

:
:

melodious

the

antique cut
the

paternal
of

summary

it from

rewrite

the
home

the

obscured

clangour
recesses

rural

chief

this

on

passage,

the

as

inmost
:

soul

in

"

din

intolerable

the

in

folded

meaning

same

following, then
The

flocks are

world-worn

phrases having nearly the

the phrases in sentences
use

Find

4.

them

"

the
poor
heaven."

bearing

of triumphant harmony
other
Find
examples of

"

of
of

by murky
bells
this

in

great

environs.

points

mentioned

this

in

memory.

An
a
description of
Using the text as a model, write
the
Think
and
the
over
subject
Country."
English Sunday in
make
:
E.g.
a plan.
at the particular season.
(a) Nature
and
old village church
churchyard : the parsonage
:
(6) The
the churchyard
the footpath leading from
the stile,and
across
pleasant fields and along shady hedgerows.
bells.
church
The
(c)
little groups
: the
(d) The country folk on their way to church
"

6.

"

outside

(e) The

after

quiet of

Sunday

the

service.

Sunday evening:
clothes gathered about

the
the

peasantry

in

cottage doors.

their

80

MODELS

ENGLISH

FROM

COMPOSITION

"

Autumn
1. To
of mists

SEASON

of the

Close bosom-friend
him

With

they think

hath

not

run

thee oft amid

thy store

seen

seeks abroad
on

hair soft-lifted
a

by

furrow
half-reap'd
the fume

with

Drowsed

cease,

their

sittingcareless

Thy

never

has o'er-brimm'd

whoever

Sometimes

And

eaves

cottage-trees,

days will

warm

Summer

For

on

the thatch-

later flowers for the bees,

still more,

Until

Or

bless

ripenessto the core ;

swell the gourd,and plump the hazel shells
kernel ; to set budding more,
a sweet

To

Thee

moss'd

and

fillall fruit with

And

Who

to load

how

applesthe

with

bend

And

maturing sun

fruit the vines that round

With
To

fruitfulness !

mellow

and

Conspiringwith

AUTUMN

Sparesthe

next

sometimes

like

swath
a

may

clammy

cells.

find

granary floor,
the winnowing wind

asleep,
poppies,while thy hook

sound
of

and

all its twined

gleanerthou

dost

flowers ;

keep

Steady thy laden head across a brook ;

with patientlook,
Or by a cider-press,
hours by hours.
Thou watchest the last oozings,
Where
Think
While
And

the songs of Spring?

Aye, where are
not of them, thou hast thy music
too,

are

"

barred
touch

the

the

day,
soft-dying
with rosy hue ;
stubble-plains

clouds

bloom

they ?

82

all the withered

Whilst
Like

ENGLISH

FROM

COMPOSITION

pictureof

dim

looks

the drowned

II

"

drearily,

past

mind's

In the hushed

Doubtful

world

MODELS

mysteriousfar away,
ghostlythingswill steal the

what

Into that distance,grey

upon

last

the grey.
T. HOOD.

3. AUTUMN
THE

warm

The

bare

the bleak wind is wailing,

failing,
the paleflowers are dying ;
boughs are sighing,

sun

is

the year
the earth her death-bed, in a shroud
And

On

of leaves dead,

Is

The

chill rain

The

rivers

are

lying.
the nipt worm
is falling,
the thunder
swelling,

is

is

crawling,
knelling

the year ;
are
flown, and the lizards each gone
To his dwelling.
For

The

blithe swallows

Come, Months, come

away ;
Put on white, black, and grey
your lightsisters
Ye, follow the bier

Let

cold year,
green with tear

play ;

Of the dead
And

make

her

grave

on

tear.

P.

4
THERE

THE
comes,

soft

AUTUMN
from

B. SHELLEY.

BREEZE

yonder height,

repiningsound,
forest-leaves are bright,
Where
fall like flakes of light,
And
To the ground.
A

83

DESCRIPTION

It is the Autumn

breeze

That, lightlyfloating
on,
Just skims the weedy leas,
Just stirs the

glowing trees,
And

is gone.
W.

BRYANT,

CULLEN

5. AUTUMN
heralded

comest, Autumn,

THOU
With

by

the rain,

banners, by great galesincessant fanned,

Brighterthan brightestsilks of Samarcand,

And
harnessed to thy wain !
statelyoxen
Thou
standest,like imperialCharlemagne,
Upon thy bridgeof gold; thy royal hand
Outstretched

with

o'er the land,

benedictions

Blessingthe farms through all thy vast domain

Thy shield is the red harvest moon, suspended
So long beneath the heaven's o'erhangingeaves
Thy steps are by the farmer's prayers attended
flames

Like

altar shine the sheaves

an

upon

;
;

And, followingthee, in thy ovation splendid,

almoner, the wind,

Thine

scatters

golden leaves

the

H.

W.

LONGFELLOW.

Extract

No.

1, to help you

EXERCISES.
1. Head

each

2. Make

notes

writing

an

Compare
melancholy runs
the
like

sense,
a

dim

e.g.

each

on

of

account

3.

aloud

extract

"

Nature

Extracts

through
:

"

verse

Whilst

picture of the

Nos.
the

slowly.
in

in

in Autumn."

1 and

2, and

latter,and

all the

drowned

withered

past.

notice
the

world
In

that

words
the

seem

looks
hushed

strain

of

to echo

drearily,
mind's

84

COMPOSITION

II

MODELS"

ENGLISH

FROM

like silence listening

Study the following:
to silence : Shaking his languid locks all dewy bright with
that fell by night,Pearling his coronet of golden
tangled gossamer
brimmed
corn
:
:
gloats :
winged : "a love-rosary :

mysterious far away."

"

"

"

"

the drowned

"

"

"

"

past

"

"

"

"

steal."

examples of : Personification,
Alliteration,Simile, Metaphor.
(6) Using the ideas and vocabulary in this extract, write in the
Autumn."
on
present tense a descriptive
passage
and
which
Extracts
Nos.
1
2, say
(c) Compare
you prefer,and
for your preference.
give reasons
(d) Express more
poetically;
The
have filled their cells with honey,
bees
(i.)
with ripe
filled their storehouses
The ants have
(ii.)

4.

(a) Point

No.

out in Extract

"

"

corn.

have

The
(iii.)

swallows

(iv.)The

squirrellooks

has

(v.)The

flown
with

the

across

away

sea.

the store he

pleasure

on

provided,
seemed

woods

contained

though they

as

no

birds.
then form

nouns,

Earth

hills :

valleys:

forests

Wind

trees
6.

of

An
7.

Study

moon

wind

"

on

sentences
:

ing
the follow-

with

"

trunks

buds

sparrow

rain

dawn,

(fc) The bleak

"

be used

to
(a) Supply appropriateadjectives

5.

wailing. Make
:
followingnouns

this,with the
storm : evening
insects

mountains

"

hail

modelled

sentences

is

thunder

short

birds

tempest.

4, then

No.

Extract

write

in

prose

description

Breeze."

Autumn

Give a definition of this

No.
5 is a sonnet.
and
mention
some
English poets who are famous for
term,
Learn
this passage
their sonnets.
by heart. Notice ho\v
heralded
sustained
well the central idea is
:
by the rain :
thy royalhand outstretched : thy shield : thine almoner.

(a) Extract

"

(6) Point

out

examples

of

version,
Metaphor, Simile, Apostrophe, In-

Alliteration.

(c) Write

lines

few

to

show

that

you

understand

the

following:
(i.)Thou standest, like imperialCharlemagne, Upou
thy bridge of gold.
"

(ii.)Like
Thine
(iii.)

flames

upon

almoner,

an

the

altar shine

the

wind, scatters

sheaves,
the

leaves,

(iv.)Brighter than

brightestsilks

of Samarcand.

golden

85

DESCRIPTION

(d) Supply words

having nearly the

meaning
stately: wain

same

heralded : incessant
:
following:
:
royal : benedictions : vast
"

ovation

charts

modern

science

yet

never

seen

to

character

which

countries.

We

not

which

have

have
into

thrown

know

prayers

amount

any

one

the

exists

been
a

drawn

narrow

of

kind

of

which

and

gentiansgrow

on

the

by

the
space
but I have

enable
in

contrast

northern

between

up

and

the

physical
southern

but
the differences in detail,

glance

that

of the sonnet.

knowledge,
pictorial
enough to

vast

grasp
in their fulness.

to feel them

We

world

know

that broad

South

and

imagine

spectator

the substance

North
of the

expressionof

perial
im-

scatter.

in the third person

Write
("?)

THE

domain

the

as

would

we

have

enable

us

Alps, and olives

enough conceive for

the

Apennines ; but we do not

of the world's surface
ourselves that variegatedmosaic
that difference between
which a bird sees in its migration,
the stork
the district of the gentian and the olive which
and the swallow
far off,as they lean upon the sirocco
see
on

wind.
Let
the

us

for

moment

to raise ourselves

level of their

and imagine the

flight,
like an irregular
lake, and

lyingbeneath us
promontoriessleepingin
spot of thunder,
burning field,and
volcano
the

try

most

the

here and

Mediterranean
all its ancient
there

moving
grey stain of storm
here and there a fixed wreath

smoke, surrounded
part

sun

great

by

above

even

angry
the
upon
an

of white

its circle of ashes ; but for

of light,Syria and
peacefulness

86

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

Greece,Italyand Spain,laid
into

like

the sea-blue,chased,

MODELS

piecesof
as

we

stoop

bossy beaten work of mountain

glowing softlywith terraced gardens,and

nearer

to

chains,and
flowers heavy
of laurel,and

frankincense, mixed

masses
among
palm, that abate with

orange, and
shadows
the

golden pavement

them, with
with

"

their grey-green
plumy
burning of the marble rocks, and of the
ledgesof porphyry slopingunder lucent sand.
Then let us pass further towards the north,until we see
the orient colours change graduallyinto a vast belt of
rainygreen, where the pastures of Switzerland,and poplar
and
valleysof France, and dark forests of the Danube
Carpathiansstretch from the mouths of the Loire to those
of the Volga, seen
through clefts in grey swirls of raincloud and flakyveils of the mist of the brooks, spreading
low along the pasture lands : and then, farther north still,
of leaden rock
into mighty masses
to see the earth heave
and heathy moor
borderingwith a broad waste of gloomy
into
purple that belt of field and wood, and splintering
northern
the
irregularand grislyislands amid
seas,
and tormented
beaten by storm, and chilled by ice-drift,
by furious pulses of contending tide,until the roots of
the hill ravines,and the
among
wind
bites their peaks into barrenness

the last forests fail from

hunger
;

of the north

and,

at

last,the wall of ice,durable

deathlike,its white
twilight.
And, having once
the zoned

teeth

againstus

traversed

in

like iron, sets,

out

of

the

polar

thought this gradationof

iris of the earth in all its material

vastness, let

to it,and watch the parallel

nearer
change in
go down
the belt of animal life : the multitudes of swift and brilliant
us

glancein the air and sea, or tread the sands

the southern zone
zebras and spottedleopards,
; striped

creatures

of

that

8?

DESCRIPTION

glistening
serpents,and

arrayedin purpleand scarlet.

their delicacyand brilliancy
contrast
of colour,
us
swiftness of motion, with the frost-cramped
strength,
and dusky plumage of the northern
shaggy covering,

Let
and
and

birds

horse with the Shetland, the

tribes ; contrast the Arabian
tigerand leopard with the wolf and bear, the antelope
with

the elk,the

bird

gave

him

Let

of

paradisewith the osprey ; and

then submissively
acknowledging the great laws by which
the earth and all that it bears are ruled throughouttheir
being,let us not condemn, but rejoicein the expression
of his own
of the land that
rest in the statutes
by man
birth.

us

him

watch

with

reverence

he

as

by side the burning gems, and smooths with soft

that are to reflect a ceaseless
sculpturethe jasperpillars,
sunshine, and rise into a cloudless sky : but not with
let us
stand by him, when
with rough
less reverence

sets side

hurried stroke he smites

and
strength
out

of the rocks which

of the

moorland,

sea

of

animation

from

the moss
among
into the darkened
air the pile

rugged wall, instinct with work of

imagination as wild and wayward as the northern
; creations of ungainly shape and rigidlimb, but full
wolfish life ; fierce as the winds that beat,and changeful

of iron buttress
an

he has torn
heaves

and

uncouth

an

as

the clouds

and

that shade

them.

JOHN
"

EUSKIN.

The

Stones

of Venice."

the

writer

brings out

EXERCISES.
1. Read

the contrast
to

the

sense

north, cold,
effect has

aloud.
passage
north
and
between

the

"

the south

grey,

and

Notice

how

south, making the words an echo

all sunshine, warmth, and
languor ; the

strenuous.

Explain by

what

devices

this

been

produced.
followingcomparisons :
(a) Syria and Greece, Italy and Spain,
golden pavement into the sea-blue.
2. Notice

the

"

laid

like

pieces of

88

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

(6) The wall of ice,durable

(c) Instinct with work of an
the northern

as

imagination

Study the followingpassages

of the
variegated mosaic

upon
stain of storm

wind

an

that

and

beat, and

in their context

That

sirocco

wild

as

wayward

sea.

fierce as the winds

the clouds that shade them.

the

"

like iron.

(d) Creations
8.

MODELS

world's

as

"

surface

they lean

as

of thunder

spot

angry

changeful

grey

plumy palm : the ledges of porphyry sloping

under
lucent sand : flaky veils of the mist of the brooks :
the hunger of the north
wind bites their peaks into barrenness
zoned iris of the earth : the burning gems
: the
: heaves
into the darkened
air the pile of iron buttress and rugged
:

wall.
4. Contrast
the passage
the bird of

two

the

countries,

reference

creatures

of swift and

referred to in

brilliant creatures

osprey."
the

in

one

using the

far
text

north, and the other

as
model, contrast
a

(d) Physical features.

(6) Climate,
vegetablelife.
the comparisons given in Exercise
2 in connections
those employed by the author.
sentences
containing appropriatecomparisons for the
to:

and

(c) Animal
6. Use
other

multitudes

tropicalregions,and
with

them

The

detail the various

more

paradise with

5. Select

in the

in

*'

than

7. Make

following :

"

multitude

of

pillars: a receding tide :

: a lonely mountain
peak.
list
Make
of
the
8.
a
prominent words
paragraphs,then with the help of these
A

the

human

body

sentinel

in

each

of the

lists,rewrite

five
each

paragraph from
9. Name

memory.
words
opposite in

meaning

to the

following:
"

Transparent, captivity, optimism, extravagance, benedictions,

deficit, prosaic, profound, temporary, transient, emigrant,
rancid,abhor, enrich.

Winter
1. THE

COMING

preludingsof winter are

spring. In a grey December
THE

say, it is too cold to snow,

his

OF

as

WINTER

beautiful

as

those of the

day, when, as the farmers

numbed
fingerswill let fall

90

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

2. A

HAKD

IT

was

In

the

deep forests ;

winter

such

the mud

and

when

as

the fishes lie

and

ice,which

slime of the

Gather

about

as

hard

makes
lakes

warm

Among
Alas

clod

birds die

brick ; and
their children,
comfortable men

wrinkled

WINTER

Stiffened in the translucent

Even

MODELS"

when,

as

and yet feel cold

great fires,

then for the homeless

beggar old
P. B.

SHELLEY.

3. FROST
LOUD

ringsthe

frozen earth,and

hard

reflects

while,at his evening watch,

The village
dog deters the nightlythief ;

double

noise ;

heifer lows ; the distant waterfall

Swells in the breeze ; and, with the hasty tread

The

the hollow-soundingplain
traveller,
Shakes from afar. The full ethereal round,
to the view,
Infinite worlds disclosing
keen ; and, all one cope
Shines out intensely
Of starry glitter,
glows from pole to pole.
From
pole to pole the rigidinfluence falls,
Of

Through
And

the still night,incessant,heavy, strong,

seizes Nature

fast.

It freezes on,

risingo'er the droopingworld,

Lifts her pale eye unjoyous. Then appears
The various labour of the silent night :
cascade,
Prone from the drippingeave, and dumb
to roar,
idle torrents only seem
Whose
The pendent icicle ; the frost-work fair,
Till morn,

late

91

DESCRIPTION

transient hues, and

Where

fancied

rise ;
figures,

Wide-spouted o'er the hill,the frozen brook,

the morn
A livid tract,cold-gleaming
on
;
The forest bent beneath the plumy wave
;
And
by the frost refined the whiter snow,
Incrusted hard, and sounding to the tread
Of early shepherd,as he pensive seeks
His pining flock,or from the mountain
top,
Pleased with the slipperysurface,swift descends.
THOMSON.

JAMES

SONG

4. WINTER

hang by the wall,

Dick the shepherd blows his nail,
And
bears logs into the hall,
And
Tom
in pail,
frozen home
milk comes
And
be foul,
blood is nipp'dand ways
When
Then nightlysings the staringowl,
icicles

WHEN

Tu-whit
Tu-who

note,

AVhile

merry
greasy Joan

When

all aloud

"

doth

keel the pot.

the wind

doth

blow,

coughing drowns the parson'ssaw,

birds sit brooding in the snow,

And
And

And
When
Then

Marian's
roasted

nose

looks red and

crabs hiss in the bowl,

nightlysings the staringowl,

Tu-whit

Tu-who
While

raw,

merry
greasy Joan
"

note,
doth

keel the pot.

W.

SHAKESPEARE.

92

COMPOSITION

FROM

5. A
A

WINTER

Upon

The

II

SCENE
for her love

mourning
wintry bough ;

frozen wind

above,

crept on

below.

freezingstream

leaf upon the forest bare,

flower upon the ground,

There

was

No

And

MODELS"

bird sate

WIDOW

The

ENGLISH

no

little motion

in the air

Except the mill-wheel's

sound.

SHELLEY.

P. B.

"

EXERCISES.
1. Bead
the

each

following
be

ways

foul

parson's saw
2. Using

in

the

crabs

hiss in the
of

No.

ideas

that

of the
in

your

cruel

Monarch."

poor,

you

life,the
write

understand

the

Infinite
Shines

(b)

worlds

in

woods,
composition on
write

jot

etc.
"

Arrange
Winter,

few

"

full ethereal

disclosingto the

round,

view,

The
His

pining flock,or from

the

the

seeks

mountain

top,

slipperysurface, swift descends.

(c)

It freezes
Till morn,
Lifts her

late

on,

risingo'er the drooping world,

pale eye

un

joyous.

down

fields, the

the

out

with

short

5.

title and

cattle

intenselykeen.
early shepherd, as he pensive

Pleased

No.

bare

then
carefully,
following:
The

(a)

2, write

the

over

e.g., the

you,

No.

Extract

No.

of Extract

Think

insect

order, then

(A) Bead
that

to

occur

the

is here."

Extract

3.

by
nail

bowl.

Extract

winter

Study

ideas

show

keel

Now

"

"

doth

vocabulary
on

is meant
slowly. Say what
blows
The
his
:
shepherd
the pot : coughing drowns

the substance

children

5.

in prose

3. Write

other

No.

roasted

vigorous passage
4.

aloud

Joan

:
:

extract
Extract

lines to

93

DESCRIPTION

(B) Select

the

from
"

composition on

6.

the broad

ideas under

your

Frost."

Hard

in Extract

out

(a) Point

will

ideas which

make

First

effects of the frost

E.g., the
group

extract

help
a

tion.
classifica-

broad

nature, animals,

on

headings.
No. 1, parts which

to write

you

; then

man

think

you

are

beautiful.

(6) Make

notes, then

few

write

substance

the

of the

passage

in prose.

Prairie Fire

toilingfor

AFTER
weeds

and

small

shed

hour, through a wide bottom

an

of tall

erected a
grove
of the Indians,

grass, I reached the

of boughs after the manner

matted

"

before a huge fire,

which
lyingdown, was soon asleep,
awakened
the trunk of a fallen tree. I was
I built against
violence of the gale. At times it sank
by the increasing
swell again,howling
and then would
into low wailings,
After sitting
and whistlingthrough the trees.
by the fire
for a short time, I again threw myself upon my palletof
dried grass, but could not sleep. There was
something
At times,
in the sound of the wind.
dismal and thrilling
It
wild voices seemed
shriekingthrough the woodland.
and

in

was

vain

that

closed

feelingcame
my

ears

drank

and
direction,
my

sat

with

wrought

so

to

see

At

last I

an

armed

swift gust swept

sparks and cinders

There

on

my
that I
start

sat

by

stitious
super-

nothing,

saw

around

in every
for
gun-trigger,

pected
momentarily ex-

from

behind

the fire.

each

Suddenly,

off
grove, and whirled
In
direction.
instant
an

in

to flicker with
was

gazed

of

through the

fiftylittle fires shot

seemed

up
Indian

up, and

rose

hand

my

kind

and, though I

me,

sound.

in every

feelingswere

bush.

over

eyes;

my

every
their forked
a

scarcelytime

momentary
to

note

tongues in

the

for
struggle,

air,and

existence.

their birth before

they

94

PKOM

COMPOSITION

creeping up in a
lightlyalong the tops

ENGLISH

MODELS

"

taperingblaze, and leaping

of the scattered clumps of dried
In another moment
they leaped forward into the
grass.
and a waving line of brilliant flame quiveredhigh
prairie,
up in the dark atmosphere.
Another
It was
rushingalong the ravine.
gust came
announced
a cloud
nearer
by a distant moan
; as it came
shrubs
and
of dry leaves filled the air ; the slender
dry branches
snapped and
saplingsbent like weeds
crackled.
The loftyforest trees writhed, and creaked, and
groaned. The next instant the furious blast reached the
flamingprairie.Myriads and myriads of bright embers
were
flung wildly in the air : flakes of blazing grass
whirled like meteors
through the sky. The flame spread
sheet that swept over
into a vast
the prairie,
bending
forward, illuminingthe black waste which it had passed,
and shedding a red lightfar down
the deep vistas of the
ness.
forest,though all beyond the blaze was of a pitchyblackThe roaringflames drowned
the howling of
even
At each
the wind.
succeeding blast they threw long
upwards in the black sky, then flared
pyramidal streams
to bound
and seemed
forward, lightingat
horizontally,
each bound
a
new
conflagration.Leap succeeded leap;
the flames rushed on with a race-horse speed. The noise
were

tall

"

sounded

like the

tumultuous
a

roar

in

out

leaves

of the

billows

stormy
flame

"

one

ocean,

them
a

the blaze roared

hundred

black

among
feet in the

from
smoke

the

and

the

and

like

distance

some

of oaks
There

wild

about

tossed

were

Directlyin their course,

stood a large grove
the prairie,
still clingingto the branches.

glare thrown
upon
moment
passed,and
for

of fire.

sea

tree

of

the

"

was

blazing flood.

oozed

from

as

red
A

the nearest

their branches, and

air,waving

dry

if in

shot

up

triumph.

95

DESCRIPTION

effect

The

transient.

was

In

the fire had

moment

swept

It sank
through a grove coveringseveral acres.
again
into the prairie,
leaving the limbs of every tree scathed
and scorched to an
inky blackness,and shiningwith a
their branches.
In this
bright crimson light between
the lightconflagration
the landscape:
swept over
way
every

hill seemed

its

own

licked every blade

smoke, filled with

scorchingheat
cloud

burn

to

of grey
the course

funeral

pyre, and the

in the hollows.
A dark

burning embers, spread

of the flames,occasionally
over
forming not
almost
tered
ungracefulcolumns, which were
instantlyshatdifferent
by the wind, and driven in a thousand
directions.
For several hours
whole
As

horizon

the blaze continued

became

the circle extended

girdledwith
the

smaller, until they looked

around

the

flames
like

rage, and the

belt of livingfire.
to

appeared smaller and

slightgolden thread

hills.

have
been
They then must
nearlyten miles distant. At lengththe blaze disappeared,
although the purple light,that for hours illumined the
nightsky,told that the element was extending into other
regionsof the prairies.
sunrise when
I rose
It was
from my resting-place
and
resumed
a
journey. What
change ! All was waste.
my
had set upon a prairie
The sun
still clothed in its natural
of desolation. Not
garb of herbage. It rose upon a scene
not a blade of grass was
left. The
a
tall
singleweed
covered with withered
was
foliage,
grove, which at sunset
now
spread a labyrinthof scorched and naked branches
the very type of ruin.
A thin coveringof grey ashes was
sprinkledupon the ground beneath, and several largedead
the
trees, whose dried branches had caught and nourished
still blazing or
flame, were
sending up long spiresof
drawn

"

"

96

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS"

II

In

barrenness
marked
every direction,
of the flames.
It had even
worked
its course

smoke.

blast,hugging to the
The

wind

againstthe

of tall grass.

roots

still

was

the track

raging;

cinders

and

ashes

were

and whirlingabout in almost

drifting
clouds,
suffocating
sometimes
renderingit almost impossible to see for more
hundred
than one
or two
yards.
J. AUDUBON.
EXERCISES.

aloud, and notice

passage
picturesthe progress of the great fire.
1. Bead

the

the

how

vividlythe

writer

followingpoints :
with
(a) The choice of graphic words:
e.g. (i)in connection
and
the
wind : low
wailings; howling
whistling: a
Notice

2.

"

"

ing
shriekthe furious blast : wild voices seemed
in
the
woodland
connection
with
the
:
(ii)
through
forked
fire:
a
tongues: tall tapering blaze:
waving
swift

gust

"

line of brilliant

(6) The
"

of

use

Flakes

of

simile,e.g.

"

blazing

Find

flame, etc.
grass

whirled

like meteors

through

the

other

examples.
use
metaphor : e.g. My ears drank in every sound
:
cloud
of dry leaves
filled the air."
Find
other
a
examples.
(d) The skilful variation in the length of the sentences.
3. Study the followingin their context.
and
slender shrubs
saplings bent like weeds" dry
(a.)The
branches snapped and crackled.
The
loftyforest trees writhed, and creaked, and groaned.
(b)
the howling of the wind.
even
(c) The roaring flames drowned
sky."

(c) The

"

"

of

"

(d) Every hill seemed

(e) The whole horizon
Not

(/)
(g) In

to burn

became

singleweed

"

direction

every

not

its

funeral

own

girdledwith
a

blade

barrenness

of grass
marked

pyre.
belt of
was

the

livingfire.

left.

track

of

the

flames.

(4) Express
3 in

Exercise

other

Using the
guch headings as
5.

(a)

the

text

party of
tree.

the
men

contained

thoughts
words
as

in

the

in

sentences

for each.
give two ways
model, describe a prairiefire under
:

following:
making a

some

"

fire

against the trunk

of

fallen

98

the halls

time

the

Queen's

the Sierra Nevada

be

of the enchanted

until

palaceof

to the little pavilion

enjoy its varied and

summits
the snowy
of
the right,
gleam like silver clouds against

Toilette, to

would

be to lean

over

delight,

My

the parapet of the tocador,

Granada, spread out like a map

upon
its white
in deep repose, and
all buried
convents
sleeping,as it were, in the

down

gaze

below

radiance

defined.
softened, yet delicately

however, would
and

firmament, and all the outlines of the mountain

the darker
would

softened

ascended

I have

prospect. To

extensive

one

"

tale.

such

called

with

edifice reminds

Arabian
At

MODELS

ENGLISH

illuminated

are

the whole
an

FROM

COMPOSITION

me

and

palaces
moonshine.

Sometimes
from

the faint sounds

hear

lingeringin

party of dancers

some

other

I would

times

I have

heard

the dubious

of castanets

the

tones

Alameda,
of

at

guitar,

solitary
singlevoice risingfrom some
youthfulcavalier
street,and have picturedto myself some
of former
serenadinghis lady'swindow ; a gallantcustom
sadly on the decline,except in the remote
days,but now
the scenes
and villages
of Spain. Such were
that
towns
for many
about the
hour loitering
have detained
an
me
of the castle,enjoyingthat mixture
courts and balconies

and

the

notes

of reverie and

southern
I have

of

steal away
it has been almost

sensation

which

climate ; and
retired to my bed, and

waters
falling

of the fountain

been

lulled

existence

in

morning before
to sleep by the

of Lindaraxa.
WASHINGTON

IRVING.

EXERCISES.
1. Head

(a) The

the passage
elegance and

aloud, and notice

polish of

the

followingpoints:
the writing.

"

DESCRIPTION

(b) The

of phrase, e.g.
felicity
with
silver; the
tipped
and

(c) The

even

closeness
Nevada
darker
would

and
"

e.g.

in

firmament,
softened, yet delicatelydenned."
outlines

tion,
descrip-

of the

Sierra

against the

of the mountain

be

dictionary and
The

Alhambra

colonnades:

Granada

shown

right,the snowy summits

gleam like silver clouds
all the

garden."

of observation

and

"

tocador

the

would

from
your
the folio wing :
ethereal:

of the

accuracy

To

2. Find

about

The orange
and citron trees are
fountains
beams,
sparkle in the moonthe blush of the rose
is faintly
visible "
"

inhalingthe sweetness

"

99

Sierra

castanets

guitar : serenading:

reverie

encyclopaedia information
lusia:
chequered fortunes : Anda-

Nevada:

Alameda

the

parapet of the

dubious

the

of

tones

Lindaraxa.

Suggest words which might be used in the above passage

instead
of :
tempered : tipped : inhaling: chequered : elegant:
ethereal : buoyancy : enchantment
:
mouldering : radiance :
edifice : extensive : gleam : deep : faint : dubious : youthful :
: remote.
gallant: loitering
4. Describe
the following,using appropriate metaphors: the
moon
: the
garden : the fountains : the marble : the mountains
:
the clouds : the sky : the palaces.
3.

"

5. Find

the

text

e.g.

My

from

figurativesense,
Granada

all buried

in

sentences

containing words

delight would
deep repose, and

be

to

used
down

gaze

its white

in

upon

palaces

and

sleepingin the moonshine.

6. Using the text
minster
Westmodel, write a descriptionof
as
a
outline
such
the
Bridge by moonlight," using some
as
following:
(a) The risingmoon.
(") The publicbuildingsand houses,
The
river.
(c)
(d) The sounds heard.
convents

"

"

The
IN

the
nursery
than "Jack

every
favourite
the

knows
a

road

hundred
that

Pilgrim'sProgress.
"

the

straightand

in which
times.

thingswhich

he

"

Pilgrim'sProgress

has

narrow

gone

This is the
are

not

Giant-Killer."

path as
backward

is

Every

well
and

as

greater
reader

he knows
forward

highestpinnacleof genius,
should be as though they were,
"

100

"

COMPOSITION

that the

FROM

of
imaginations

ENGLISH

one

mind

MODELS

should

"

II

become

the

And
this miracle the
personalrecollections of another.
tinker has wrought. There is no
no
ascent, no declivity,
with which we are not perfectly
no
turn-stile,
resting-place,
acquainted. The wicket-gateand the desolate swamp
which separatesit from the City of Destruction, the long
line of road, as
make
it, the
straightas a rule can
house and all its fair shows, the prisonerin
Interpreter's
the iron cage, the palace,at the doors of which
armed
men
kept guard,and on the battlements of which walked
and the sepulchre,
persons clothed all in gold,the cross
the steep hill and the pleasantarbour, the statelyfront
Beautiful
of the House
by the wayside, the low green
valleyof Humiliation, rich with grass and covered with
the sightsof clur
to us
as
flocks,all are as well known
Then
to the narrow
street.
we
come
own
place where
the whole
breadth
of the
Apollyon strode right across
way, to stop the journey of Christian,and where afterwards
how
set up to testify
the pillarwas
bravelytne pilgrim
had fought the good fight. As we
advance, the valley
becomes
deeper and deeper. The shade of the precipices
The clouds gather
both sides falls blacker and blacker.
on
Doleful voices,
the clankingof chains,and the
overhead.
ness.
feet to and fro,are heard through the blackrush of many
close
The way, hardly discernible in gloom, runs
of the burning pit,which
sends forth its
by the mouth
smoke, and its hideous shapes,to
flames, its noisome
he goes on, amidst
Thence
the
terrifythe adventurer.
with the mangled bodies of those who
and pitfalls,
snares
have perishedlying in the ditch by his side. At the end
the
of the long dark valley he passes the dens in which
old giantsdwelt, amidst the bones of those whom
they
had

slain.

101

DESCRIPTION

Then

the road passes

till at length the towers

on
straight
through a waste
of a distant cityappear

the traveller ; and

multitudes

he

soon

is in the

midst

moor,

before

merable
of the innu-

of

Vanity Fair. There are the jugglers

and the apes, the shops and the puppet-shows. There are
French
Italian Kow, and
Kow, and Spanish Kow, and
British Eow, with their crowds
of buyers,sellers,
and
loungers,jabberingall the languagesof the earth.
Thence we go on
by the littlehill of the silver mine,
of lilies,
and through the meadow
along the bank of that
pleasant river which is bordered on both sides by fruit
On the left branches off the path leadingto the
trees.
horrible castle,the courtyardof which
is paved with the
the sheepfolds
skulls of pilgrims;and rightonward
are
and orchards

and

fogs and
there

arbour.

And

Mountains, the way lies through

briers of the Enchanted
Ground, and here

bed

of soft cushions

beyond

is the

flowers,the grapes, and

and

where

plainlyseen
on

the
the

sun

the

shines

no

land
songs

night

golden pavements

the other side of that black

there is

Mountains.

the Delectable

From
the

of the Delectable

and

spread under

green
of Beulah, where
the
of birds

and
and

never

day.

Thence

streets

cold river

cease,

of

over

are

pearl,
which

bridge.

journey,all the forms which cross

ill-favoured
and hobgoblins,
the pilgrims,
or overtake
giants,
and shining ones, the tall,comely,swarthy Madam
ones
Bubble, with her great purse by her side,and her fingers
with the bright
playingwith the money, the black man
Lord Hategood,
and my
vesture, Mr. Worldly Wiseman
Mr. Talkative,and Mrs. Timorous, all are actually
existing
We
follow the travellers through their
beings to us.
allegorical
progress with interest not inferior to that with
All the stages of the

102

COMPOSITION

which

we

Jeanie

Deans

ENGLISH

FROM

Elizabeth

follow
from

from

Edinburgh to

MODELS

Siberia

"

Moscow,

to

or

London.
MACAULAY.
Essay

Bunyan.

on

EXERCISES.

the

followingpoints :
clearness
of the style.

2. Notice
.

aloud.

the passage

1. Read

(a) The

"

sentence

in order

twice

There

is

need

no

read

to

its

to grasp

meaning.
here
graphic and picturesque summary
given of
book
The
Pilgrim'sProgress."
Bunyan's great
(c) The skilful variation in the length of the sentences.
(at the close of the extract)of Macaulay'a
(d) The indication
memory.
range of reading and his marvellous
the
8. Find from
dictionary
meanings of the following:
your
declivity, sepulchre, arbour, doleful, discernible, humiliation,
puppet-shows,delectable,briers,hobgoblins,ill-favoured,swarthy,
timorous, allegorical.
(b) The

"

"

4. Find

5. Bead

the

land
6.

the

Christian's

words

guide
wicket-gate to

few

jot down a
journey from

the

in your own
words the meaning of the
of genius, that
is the highest miracle

"

This

"

not

are

imaginations
"

Hence
of

are

which

of

one

the

other

there

smoke
noisome
numerable
multitudes:

pavements

that

"

the

the

personal

golden pavements

side of

that

black

and

streets

cold river

and

no

nouns
:

be

to

steep hill

hideous
horrible

be

used

with

used

the

with

pleasant arbour

book

know

the

given
doleful

shapes : mangled bodies : in'

castle:
golden
soft cushions:

bright vesture.

that you
tf it in the styleof the text
8. Select

should

"

were,

become

bridge."
appropriate adjectivesto
is

"

the

plainlyseen

Supply other
and
other
following nouns,
adjectives: desolate swamp
7.

though they

as

mind

following:
things which

of another."

pearl,on

over

be

should

recollections

(6)

to

of Beulah.

Express

(a)

voices

books

names

through

extract

describe

; then

referred to in the last

of the authors.

of the two

names

extract,and

of the

sentence

you
the

the

out

very

well, then write

using the first person

summary

plural.

108

DESCRIPTION

London

Old

Bridge

bridgeit -was ; huge and massive, and

seeminglyof great antiquity. It had an arched back, like
that of a hog, a high balustrade, and at either side, at
stone
bowers, bulking over the river,but
intervals,were
A

STRANGE

open on
bench.
all too

kind

of

the other side,and

Though
narrow

the

furnished

bridgewas

for the

concourse

wide

with
"

upon
the

semicircular

it
very wide
it. Thousands
"

was

of

pouring over
bridge. But what
beings were
chieflystruck my attention was a double row of carts and
the generalitydrawn
by horses as large as
waggons,
hard in a different direction,
each row
striving
elephants,
the
and not unfrequentlybrought to a stand-still. Oh
cracking of whips, the shouts and oaths of the carters,
the enormous
that
and the gratingof wheels upon
stones
formed
the pavement ! In fact,there was
a wild
hurlyBut,
burly upon the bridge which nearly deafened me.
if upon the bridge there was
a
confusion,below it there
confusion
confounded.
The tide,which
ten times
was
a
fast ebbing,obstructed
was
by the immense
piersof the
old bridge,
poured beneath the arches with a fall of several
feet,forming in the river below as many
whirlpoolsas
the roar
of the
arches.
there were
was
Truly tremendous
descending waters, and the bellow of the tremendous
for a time, and then cast
them
gulfs,which swallowed
from their horrid wombs.
them forth,foaming and frothing
to the highest
Slowly advancingalong the bridge,I came
of the stone
close beside one
point,and there I stood still,
human

bowers, in which, beside

fruit-stall,
sat

an

old woman,

in her
book
at her feet,and
a
pan of charcoal
hand,in which she appearedto be readingintently,There

with

104
I

FROM

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

MODELS"

arch, lookingthrough the

stood,justabove the principal

balustrade

masts, thick

left bank

the

and

spaciouswharves,

presenteditself"

that

scene

Towards

scene

at the

of the river,a

far

close,as
surmounted

and

the

as

with

such

forest of

could

eye

reach;

edifices ;
gigantic

far away, Caesar's Castle,with its White

Tower.
of
right,another forest of masts, and a maze

and

To

the

buildings,
from which, here and there,shot up to the sky chimneys
Needle
taller than Cleopatra's
vomitingforth huge wreaths
of that black smoke which forms the canopy
occasionally
of the more
than Babel city. Stretching
a gorgeous
one
before me, the troubled breast of the mighty river,and,
immediately below, the main whirlpoolof the Thames
"

"

"

"

Maelstrom

the

of the

grislypool,which,
fascinated

bulwarks

with

its

of

the

middle

arch

"

superabundance of horror,

me.

GEORGE
"

BORROW.

Lavengro."

EXERCISES.
1. Bead
the

author

the passage
has

aloud.
out

Notice

how

by his choice

vividlythe idea of tumult

and

of words

brought
Thousands
of human
bridge and in the river,e.g.
the
wild
"a
were
over
:
beings
pouring
bridge
hurly-burly upon
the bridge :
"a
the bellow
confusion ten times confounded :
"
of the
tremendous
and
foaming
gulfs:"
frothing:1' "the
troubled breast of the mighty river."
2. Find
from
dictionarythe meanings of the following
your
words
balustrade
semicircular
:
:
Antiquity,
:
concourse
:
generality: hurly-burly: frothing: intently: gigantic: edifices :
: bulwarks
: grisly
: superabundance :
vomiting : canopy : Maelstrom
both

the

on

confusion

"

"

"

"

"

"

fascinate:

maze.

3.

Suggest
following nouns:
:
hurly-burly

huge

river

"

immense

wreaths

mighty

other

:
:

black

be

appropriate adjectivesto
semicircular

bench:

smoke

grislypool.

gorgeous

canopy

with

stones:

enormous

piers : spacious wharves

used

:
:

the
wild

gigantic

edifices

troubled

breast

106

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS"

The
Are

fields between

browsed
dewy-fresh,
by deep-udder'dkine,
all about the largelime feathers low,
lime a summer
home
of murmurous
wings.

And
The

All the land in

flowerysquares,
Beneath
and equal blowing wind,
a broad
Smelt of the coming summer,
as one
largecloud
downward

Grew

to the sun,

Up
And

May

with

but all else of heaven

and
me

May

from

from

head

was

pure

verge to verge,
to heel.

ALFRED, LORD

TENNYSON

3. FLOWERS
EVERYWHERE

about

they are glowing,

Some like stars,to tell us springis born ;
Others,their blue eyes with tears o'erflowing,
Stand like Euth amid the golden corn
;
Not

alone in

And
But
In

Not

in

Spring'sarmorial bearings,
in Summer's
green-emblazonedfield,
of brave old Autumn's
arms
wearing,

the centre

shield.

of his brazen

alone in meadows

and

green

alleys,

mountain-top and by the brink

valleys,
sequesteredpoolsin woodland
the slaves of nature
Where
stoop to drink
On

Of

us

the

la the cottage of the rudest

In ancestral

Speaking of
Tell

us

peasant,

crumbling towers,
the Present,

homes, whose

the Past

unto

of the ancient

Games

of Flowers ;

107

DESCRIPTION

places,then, and in all seasons,

Flowers
expand their lightand soul-like wings,
reasons,
Teaching us, by most persuasive
akin they are to human
How
things.
In all

of

Emblems

buds

their tender

behold

We

affection,

childlike,credulous

with

And

our

own

of the

Emblems

expand ;

greatresurrection,
brightand better land.
W.

H.

4. A

FLOWER

wall,

in the crannied

FLOWER

pluck you

LONGFELLOW.

of the crannies,

out

you here, root and all,in my hand,

Little flower" but if I could understand

I hold

What

I should

what

know

all,and all in all,

and

are, root

you

God

and

man

is.
TENNYSON.

ALFKED, LORD

5. LILIES
WE

lilies fair

are

flower of

The

held

Nature
"

Lo, my

Ever

In

thoughtsof

white ! "

since then, angels

Hold
You

us

virginlight;
forth and said,

may

us

in their hands
see

them

picturestheir

where

they

sweet

stands.

take

LEIGH

HUNT.

108

FROM

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

MODELS

"

6. DAFFODILS
DAFFODILS
That
The

before the swallow

come

of March

winds

with

dares,and take

beauty.
W.

7. THE

SUNFLOWER

Sunflower

TALL
Where
"

SHAKESPEARE.

got you your disk of yellow?

the

golden sun that laughed as

To greet him king without fellow !
He passed,but his smile I kept.
Through storm and through shower
A life-long
dower."

From

M.

8. THE

EOSE,

Why
"

When

A,

sunset

thee
then

A.

from afar ;
glittering
thou art a pretty star

quite so

"

fair

In heaven

as

are
many
above thee 1

light;

dead ;

DAISY

9. THE

Not

WOODS.

is your heart so red ?

From
splendoursshed

M.

And

"

Eose,

sweet

sky was aflame with the

The crimson
paled,and the day was
But its lustre a rosebud knows,
Born that night."

SEE

leapt

EOSE

the

WOODS.

109

DESCRIPTION

like

Yet

crest
star,with glittering

in air thou
Self-poised
never
May peace come
Who

seem'st
to Ms

shall reprove

to rest ;
nest

thee !
WORDSWORTH

W.

10. MIGNONETTE

STRANGER, these little flowers

will leave them

If you

sweet

are

feet,

at your

the breeze,
Enjoying,like yourself,
kissed by butterflies and bees ;
And
But if you snap the fragile
stem
The vilest thyme outvalues them.
S. LANDOR.

W.

11. THE
GOLD

such

Through

as

the
Nor

DANDELION

thine ne'er drew

primevalhush
wrinkled

the

Spanish prow

of Indian

seas,

the lean brow

Age, to rob the lover's heart

'Tis the Spring's
which
largess,
Of

of

ease

she scatters

now

To rich and

poor alike with lavish hand,

understand
Though most hearts never

To

take it at God's

The

offered wealth

value, but pass by

with

unrewarded

eye.

J. E. LOWELL.

EXERCISES.
1. Read
2.
is the

3.

each

aloud

slowly.
Write about six lines developing the thought that "Gardening
pleasures."
purest of human
In
notice
the wealth of metaphor. E.g.
Some
Extract 8
(a)
extract

"

110

COMPOSITION

FROM

MODELS"

ENGLISH

II

with
of the flowers have their blue eyes overflowing
a list of the similes and
metaphors.

tears.'*

sentences
(6) Make
containing metaphors
(e.g. the golden corn) :
Spring : meadows

the

for

homes

towers

flowers

following
pools:

valleys:

"

Make

buds.

No. 4.
of Extract
Express in prose the substance
5. Using the thoughts expressed hi Extract
No.
5, write a
lilies as
emblems
of purity. Note
few
lines on
their use
in
in
and
their
with
association
churches,
pictures.
angels
in poeticalprose
6. Write
lines
few
a
expanding the ideas in
Extract
No. 7.
Bring out the poet's idea that the sunflower got
4.

from

its colour

the smile

of the

passing

sun.

Study Extract No. 8, then write in

descriptionof how the rose got its colour.
7.

8. In

Extract
the

Express
person

and

9 the

No.

substance

the

this passage

the

poet compares

of

first person

the

in

daisy with a
prose, using the

short
star.

first

tense.

past

(a) Study Extract No. 10, then write a few lines developing
the poet'sidea that flowers should
not be plucked, but allowed to
them.
live their life where
Nature
placed
other
Form
(6) Kissed by butterflies and bees."
poetical
"
and
in
the
caressed
use
sentences, e.g.
phrases
by
gentlebreezes,"
fanned by cooling winds."
lines on each of the following:
10. Write
a few
The
(a)
primrose as the harbinger of spring, carpeting the
9.

"

"

"

woods.

(6) The

Violet

the

as

emblem

of

humility.

(c) The Laurel as the symbol of victory.

of peace.
(d) The Olive as the emblem
(e) The pleasure we derive from flowers.

(/)

nosegay

of wild

flowers.

(g) A walk in a flower garden early in the morning.

(h) A city without gardens.
Use

of the ideas

any

or

expressionsfound

in the extracts

given

above.

Dorlcote
A

WIDE

between

plain,where
its green

rushing to
embrace.

meet

On

the

banks

it,checks

Mill

broadening Floss

to the

sea

; and

its passage
this mighty tide the

hurries

the

with
black

on

lovingtide,
an
impetuous
ships laden
"

111

DESCRIPTION

with

the fresh-scented

with rounded
sacks of
fir-planks,
seed, or with the dark glitterof coal are
oil-bearing
borne along to the town
of St. Ogg's, which
shows
its
aged,fluted red roofs and the broad gables of the wharves
the low- wooded
hill and the river brink, tinging
between
the water
with a soft purple hue
under
the transient
Far away
each hand
on
glance of this February sun.
stretch the rich pastures,and the patches of dark earth,
made
ready for the seed of broad-leaved green crops, or
touched alreadywith the tint of the tender- bladed autumnThere
is a remnant
still of the last year's
corn.
sown
golden clusters of beehive ricks risingat intervals beyond
the hedgerows ; and everywhere the hedgerows are studded
with trees : the distant ships seem
to be lifting
their masts
and
sails close among
the
stretchingtheir red-brown
of the spreadingash.
branches
Just by the red-roofed
the tributary
town
Eipple flows with a livelycurrent into
How
the Floss.
lovelythe little river is,with its dark,
like a livingcomto me
panion
changing wavelets ! It seems
while I wander
along the bank and listen to its
low, placidvoice,as to the voice of one who is deaf and
those large dipping willows.
I
loving. I remember
the stone
remember
bridge.
"

this is Dorlcote

And
two
are

in
to
to

Mill.

I must

stand

minute

or

bridge and look at it,though the clouds

in the afternoon.
and it is far on
Even
threatening,
this leafless time of departingFebruary it is pleasant
adds a charm
look at
perhaps the chill damp season
comfortable
old as
the trimly-kept,
as
dwelling-house,
here

the elms
blast.

on

the

"

and
The

little withy

chestnuts
stream

that

is brimful

and
plantation,

shelter it from
now,

and

half drowns

of the croft in front of the house.

As

the northern

high -in this

the grassy fringe
lies

I look

at

the full

112

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS"

stream, the vivid

powder
grass, the delicate bright-green
the outline of the great trunks and branches that
softening
gleam from under
with

the

bare

purple boughs,I

moistness,and envy the white ducks

their heads

far into

the

unmindful

of the awkward

drier world

above.

The

rush of the

here

water

in love

are

dipping

the

among

withes,

they make

appearance

water, and

that

am

in the

the

booming of the mill,

to heighten the
seems

bring a dreamy deafness,which

of the scene.
peacefulness
They are like a great curtain
of sound, shuttingone
out from the world
beyond. And
there is the thunder
of the huge covered
now
waggon
coming home with sacks of grain. That honest waggoner
is thinkingof his dinner gettingsadlydry in the oven
at

this late hour ; but he will not touch it tillhe has fed his
horses
the strong, submissive,meek-eyed beasts,who, I
"

fancy, are looking mild reproach at him from between

that he should crack his whip at them in
their blinkers,
that awful

manner,

as

if they needed

they,stretch their shoulders

that hint !

See how

the

slope towards the

bridge,with all the more
energy because they are so near
Look
at their grand shaggy feet that seem
home.
to
grasp the firm earth, at the patient strength of their
the heavy collar,at the mighty
under
necks, bowed
haunches
! I should like well
muscles of their struggling
their hardly-earned
feed of corn,
to hear them
neigh over
and

see

with

their moist

necks

dipping their eager nostrils

they are on the bridge,and

Now
at

them

up

freed from

in

the

down

muddy pond.
they go again

swifter pace, and the arch of the covered

at the turningbehind the trees.
Now

watch

I
the

can

turn

my eyes
unrestingwheel

towards

waggon

the mill

sending out

the harness,

its

appears
dis-

again,and
diamond
jets

114

COMPOSITION

6. Continue
on

the

this

"

Floss

done

set off his rich

OUTLINE

sheep :
contrast

gates :

no

between
:

the

that

duty

with

hair

snowy

in the noblest

year
and colour

"The

from
the

II

"

Mill
and

fashion, and

all the

ing
heighten-

snow."

Snow

"

"Christmas"

Christmas, with

the croft and

on

river-bank:
on
every
fir-trees: the rough turnip-field
:

the laurels and

on

the

the
the

old

giftsof warmth

NOTES.

slopingroof

the sunshine

his

of frost and

contrast

decorations

Fine

"

MODELS

ENGLISH

of
description

"

ruddy face,had
had

FROM

gleam
the

holly and

no

mistletoe

of familiar human

The

indoor

shadow
and
:

the
the

no

sound

outdoor

or

motion

world

the
:
fragranceof food :

warm

faces.

Maelstrom

oppositethe promontory upon whose apex we were

five or six miles out at
placed,and at a distance of some
visible a small, bleak-looking
island; or,
sea, there was
discernible through the
more
properly,its positionwas
it was
of surge in which
wilderness
enveloped. About
another of smaller size,
the land, arose
miles nearer
two
hideouslycraggy and barren, and encompassed at various
intervals by a cluster of dark rocks.

JUST

of the ocean, in the space between

the
appearance
distant island and the shore, had something very
more
unusual about it. Although,at the time, so strong a gale
The

that a brig in the remote

offing
blowing landward
double-reefed
a
trysail,and constantly
lay-to under
still there was
here
plunged her whole hull out of sight,
nothing like a regular swell, but only a short, quick,
dashingof water in every direction as well
angry, cross
was

"

in the teeth of the wind

as

otherwise.

little except in the immediate

"

island

The

Of foam

of
vicinity

in the distance,"resumed

called,by the Norwegians, Vurrgh. The

Moskoe

These

are

the true

names

there

was

the rocks.
the old man,
one

of the

is

midway is
places; but

115

DESCRIPTION

why
is

it has

either

than

more

thought necessary

been

anything?

hear

As

the old

Do

man

you

or

understand.

can

an

like the

American

perceivedthat

Do

moaning of
prairie
; and

what

you
?

"

and
vast

at

term

seamen

all,

at

any change in the water

of a loud
spoke,I became aware

upon

moment

same

them

name

see

you

sound,
graduallyincreasing"
herd of buffaloes

to

the
the

beneath
choppingcharacter of the ocean
rapidly
us, was
Even
changinginto a current, which set to the eastward.
while I gazed,this current
acquired a monstrous
velocity.
added
Each
to its speed to its headlong immoment
petuosit
In five minutes
the whole sea, as far as Yurrgh,
lashed into ungovernablefury; but it was
between
was
"

Moskoe
Here

and

the coast that the main

the vast bed

uproar held its sway.

of the waters, seamed
and scarred into

thousand

conflictingchannels, burst suddenly into

frenzied convulsion
heaving,boiling,hissing gyrating
in giganticand
innumerable
vortices,and all whirling
with a rapiditywhich
and plunging on to the eastward
elsewhere
water
never
except in precipitous
assumes,
a

"

"

descents.
In

few

another

minutes

radical

somewhat

more

more,

alteration.

smooth, and

disappeared,while

there
The
the

came

over

scene

general surface grew

one
whirlpools,
by one,
of

prodigiousstreaks

had
been
none
apparent where
streaks, at length spreading out

the

became

before.

seen

to

foam

These

great distance,

and

enteringinto combination, took unto themselves the

and seemed
to
gyratorymotion of the subsided vortices,
form the germ
of another
vast.
more
Suddenly very
definite existence,
a distinct and
suddenly this assumed
than a mile diameter.
in a circle of more
The edge of the
whirl was
representedby a broad belt of gleaming spray ;
"

"

116

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS"

of the
particleof this slipped into the mouth
terrific funnel, whose
interior,as far as the eye could
fathom
a
smooth, shining,and jet-blackwall of
it,was
water, inclined to the horizon at an angle of forty-five
round and round with a swaying
speedingdizzily
degrees,
and sweltering
motion, and sendingforth to the winds an
such as not even
appallingvoice half shriek,half roar
lifts up in its agony
the mighty cataract of Niagara ever
but

no

"

"

heaven.

to

mountain

The
rocked.

trembled

I threw

myself

herbagein

scant

excess

an

to its very

base, and the rock

face,and clung to the

upon
my
of nervous

agitation.

This," said I,at length,to the old

"

"

can

be

the great whirlpoolof the Maelstrom."

than

nothing else

this

"

man

A.

E.

Into the Maelstrom."

A Descent

"

POE.

EXERCISES.

the passage

1. Read
"

e.g.
direction "

the

sound

quick,angry, cross dashing of

lashed into ungovernable fury :
"

"

how

Notice

short,

sense,

aloud.

"

echoes

water

the

in every

burst

suddenly

frenzied convulsion
heaving, boiling,hissing gyrating in
innumerable
vortices, and all whirlingand plunging
giganticand
descents."
precipitous

into

"

"

following in

the

2. Use

of your own
:
rocks
of
the
vicinity

sentences

immediate
graduallyincreasing sound : another

of the wind

belt of
"

in the

gleaming

base

very
3.

The

the

spray

scant

interior

the

in the teeth

"

radical

mighty

cataract

alteration
of

loud
:

Niagara :

and
broad

to

its

herbage.
of the funnel

This is a
black wall of water."
with a metaphor :
took the town
(a) The enemy

was

smooth, shining,and

metaphor.

Express

the

jet-

following

"

(6) He
(c) The

died

at

an

force.

early age.

aged priest saw

church.
Several dark

by

his

congregation coming

out

of the

in the middle
of the bay.
rocks could be seen
(d)
and
caution.
with
to
act
wisely
(0)Experience helps us

117

DESCRIPTION

(/)

The

shipwrecked

had

sailor

given

all

up

of

hope

being

saved.
4.

"

moaning
This

heard
of

is

watched

The

billows

(c)

river

("?)

boat

swiftly

made

forth

the

to

sharp

'a

turn,

sea.

an

and

"

deck.

the

winds

return.

the

to

the

prairie."

simile

lord's

from

crew

American

an

with

her

for

very

sent

upon

like

sound,

increasing

following

the

swept
flowed

waters

The

the

anxiously

The
The

gradually
buffaloes

of

Express

(6)

(d)

herd

simile.

She

(a)

and

loud

vast

appalling

then

shot

voice.
off

in

its

new

direction.

(/)

Before
the

the

in

e.g.

gyrating,"

as

words
text

skimming

was

the

upon

surface

of

which

the

be

used

said

to

can

waters

are

be

the

describe

to
*'

heaving,

following

boiling,

"

hissing,

etc.

(a)

The

noise

(6)

The

sound

(c)

The

noise

(d)

The

(e)

The

6.

boat

surge.

Supply

5.

the

long

Bead

model,

of
of
of

sound
songs
an

write

of
account

waves.

the
the

of

the

wind

the

in

trees.

waterfall.

falling
birds

rain.
in

the

trees.

the

falls

description

of

of

of
them.

Niagara,

then,

using

the

text

III." DIALOGUE

Bead

NOTE."

student)
Dialogue
It

each

before

This

narrative.

reported

his

express

and

mind

own

easilydifferentiated

from

I wish

take

other

any

indirect

the

in

wishes

Cranmer.

care

such

In

character
that

way

he

is

character.

Indispensable
to make

to make

This

form.

to let each

remark.

Silence, silence, for half

Ellesmere.
Cranmer

then

personalityin

The
Cranmer.

vividness

in this section

working the exercises

the

realityto the expression of ideas.

same

and

direct

the

fellowof
use

some

that

Note

of pure
by means
by reading consecutivelyspeeches

the

be realized

may

first in

give

with
(preferably

exercises.

of

sense

possibleto

is not

the

attempting
life and

adds

aloud

extract

remark.
I

bad, Sir John.

is too

Mr.

hour.

an

am

that

sure

for every word I utter in this good company

you utter one
hundred
should
I occupy
half an
and seventy-six.Why
hour with a singleremark
?
Ellesmere.
you
few
your

say in
remarks

The

the

calculation

House,

to the

"

House

should
upon

speech generallylasted

Now, I take

is exact.

Cranmer.

for

"

that

"

Well,

wish

this

to mean
very few
yours, therefore,if I do the sum
hour.
an
a

we

shall

Have

to address

subject,"and
hour

one

three

and

one

will
rightly,

see.

I not

was

heard
a

has not
a

half?
of

remark
occupy

half

going .to say

tellingus this

great merit of Milverton's mode of

breaks off abruptlyand leaves
story is,that he never
one

very

us

io

119

DIALOGUE

If he brings his hero into trouble, he

suspense.
him out again,in the same
portionof the narrative.
I

Now,
that I
not
as

am

much

despiseme,

dull,prosaicbeing; but I

much

care

will all

daresay you

must

It does not

for fiction.

think

and

that I do

own

amuse

brings

Laugh

me.

like,but I prefera blue book to any novel.

of nativene
however, make
daughters,
imagiup for my want

My

as

you

and

know
these
they devour novels. You
serial things: they are always reading them.
Sometimes
they rush up to me and exclaim, Oh, papa, how I wish
it was
the beginningof next
I
Now
month
you know
"

"

when

certain age, one is not

it to be the beginningof next month, when
one

second
that

to

comes

third

or

they have
they can

that

of this month.

such

anxious

so

it is

only the
peoplethink

But

large balance

young
in the Bank

draw

it in

afford to

upon

for

of Life,

the

rashest

manner.

Ellesmere. I

declare

that

is

pretty financial

very

simile.
Granmer.

Thank

Sir John
you,
not exhausted
my

are
you
very
half-hour yet,and

encouraging. I have
I will proceed. Well, I venture
to suggest to these
so
dear daughtersof mine that I am
for this
not so anxious
rapidpassingaway of time, to which they reply, But oh
be killed. There
; he must
papa, he is in such difficulty
is nobody near
to save
him."
This
he
is some
fellow
"

"

"

in

novel.

Ellesmere.
concord
true

to

My

your
doctrine of

Cranmer.

Ellesmere.

dear

Cranmer,

household.

I will restore

Teach

your

peace

and

daughters the

Indispensables.

What

Why,

do

you

don't

mean,

you

know

Sir

pensables?
John, by Indis-

They

are

the

120

COMPOSITION

fellows

FROM

who, if you

ENGLISH

get rid of them

story,must reappear in another.

Now, Cranmer, you are to be
assure

it is

you

like

always

business-like

Now

is of

the

leave

me

on

novel.

assignto
are

the

I will be the

concern.

me

part of the

villain in

II

"

one

very creditable part to

the villains best. They

try and get rid of

An

at

peoplein

to the heart and

MODELS

if you can.
the ground.

s heart
Indispensable'

You
I

you.

only
pensable.
Indis-

stab

assure

me

it

you

is

quitedifferently
The desperate
wound
placed from that of any other man.
in fact the best surgical
that
treatment
was
you gave me
could be devised for a slightinternal complaint which
I
labour under ; and you will find me
as
livelyas ever in
the third volume, and
ready to unmask
your wicked
designs.
two are walking the
Or it is a dark, gusty night. We
the side of the
You
deck alone.
over
edge me
politely
vessel,and go to sleepin your hammock, feelingthat you
have
do I do ?
done
a
good stroke of business. What
I thereThe ship is only going nineteen knots an hour.
fore
easilyswim to her,and secrete myself in the stays,
chains, or the shrouds, or the dead lights,
or the main
or
of those mysterious places in a ship,which
Sir
some
all about.
There
I stick like a barnacle,
Arthur knows
and

no

use.

you

when

are

you

marriage,I
"

say

broken
Or
more

Ha

me

carry

"

I can
you.
to make
a most

into port with

just

about

shall put my
with a loud

head

tell you that

advantageous

in at the church

voice,and

the whole

door, and

affair will be

off.
you poison me.
effect upon
my

probablynot

so

much.

Bless

your
constitution

heart, poisonhas
than

ginger

no

beer"

122

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS

"

II

EXERCISES.
1. Bead

Notice

dialogue aloud

the

that

it is full of wit
little foibles.

various
2.

**

Express in the
Now, I daresay you

form

school-fellows.
of your
with one
and tilts good-humouredly against
indirect narration

of

will

all

despise

me

the
in

...

passage :
the rashest
"

manner."
3. Two

fashion

friends

the

discussingin a light-heartedand humorous

advantages and disadvantages of spending

are

relative

holidaysin England and

speakers,and write

the Continent.

on

Invent

for the

names

to take

place
imagine
points each speaker
will deal
of foreign travel, the
with, e.g. the inconveniences
frequent disappointmenton seeing objects and places which do
not come
up to one's expectations; on the other hand, the restfulof a quiet holiday in one's own
ness
country, the beauty of English
two

between

them.

an

for

is devoted

various

might let one speaker deal humorously

English seaside resorta, the sameness

the two

but

football
to

championship,the
between

the

etc.
shops and the amusements,
Two
boy friends are taking a walk

4.
enthusiast

other

dialogueyou

jot down

First

You
scenery, and so on.
with
of some
the boredom
of the

the

out

very

knows

each

in which

country. One is
little for cricket; the
the

details about

all the

cricketers,etc.

noted

boys

cares

and

cricket

in

Write

maintains

out
his

the

conversation

preference and

gently banters his friend. Do not begin to write until you have
jotteddown the points each boy will deal with. Treat the subject
and humorously.
lightly

and

Marcellus

Hannibal

Venusia,
of the Boman
army, near
of the Carthaginians and their
having falleninto an
been mortally wounded, expires in the presence
allies,and
of
Hannibal
: a Gaulish
chieftainand a surgeon are in attendance.

M. Claudius

Marcellus, in command

ambuscade

Hannibal.
Marcellus
Did

Could

Numidian

! ho ! Marcellus

he not

fortypaces"

stir his

?
fingers

give him

air

"

horseman
He

not

moves

Stand

bring

ride
"

faster ?

no

he

is dead.

wide, soldiers
water

"

halt!

"

wide,
Gather

128

DIALOGUE

those

broad

brushwood
"

have

rolled

shoulder

my

Marcellus
Eomans

his

unbrace

"

his breast rises.

they

all the

leaves, and

Loose

armour.

I fancied his eyes

back again. Who

This

rest, growing under

It

horse ?

Let

no

too

sink

into

fixed

first

on

me

presumed

to

touch

surely the

horse

him.

mount

man

his helmet

were

was

the

luxury: here

Ha

is

of

ha ! the

about

gold

"

the

charger.
Gaulish
of

Chieftain.Execrable

thief!

king under a beast's grinders!

gods hath overtaken the impure

our

the

We

Hannibal.
entered

Sound

us.

be extracted

from

the

between

rejoiceand

cannot.

Such

hear

as

how
theirs

we

Gaulish
I slew him

king :

the

endure

to

Marcellus, who

"

would

man!

awfully serene

few

and

countenance

Such

stature!

lay

thus

other enter

was

earth

And

"

And

too

the

upon
there.

man.

My party slew him

Chieftain.
myself. I claim the chain :
glory of Gaul requires it.
see

We

Hannibal.

requirehim
your

Carthage.

what

wet

plain

armour

last

conqueror

vessel off to

Borne

may

in the islands of the Blessed.

are

"

Brave

fallen.

How

glorious a form
! They also once

their blood

with

us,
"

arrow

"

"

have

we

if they
priests,

Surgeon. That
side,deep as it is. The

Send
Syracuselies before me.
is at the gates of
Say Hannibal
alone

when

vengeance
purityamong the

of

vengeance

for the

of

stood

The

will talk about

Eome, and about

will hear

golden chain

The

brave

unworthy

another

to

wear

king in
of

swear

My

take
we

it
swear

indeed

"

it

belongsto

Never

rather would

the

himself

When

will

my
she

she lose her

friend,the glory of Marcellus

it.

I think

did not

of
suspended the arms
temple, he thought such a trinket
shield he
and
of Jupiter. The
he

124

COMPOSITION

battered

FROM

"

II

he
breastplate
pierced with his
showed
to the people and to the gods;

sword, these he
wife

MODELS

the

down,

hardlyhis

ENGLISH

little children

and

this,ere his horse

saw

it.

wore

Gaulish

Hear
Chieftain.

Hannibal.

When
lead

What

me,

O Hannibal

Marcellus

! when

lies before

his life may

perhaps be recalled ?
him in triumph to Carthage? When

Greece, Asia, wait

givethee

mine

obey

to

bridle,worth

own

Content

me

When

me

I may

Italy,Sicily,
thee I I will

ten such.

Gaulish

For myself?
Chieftain.
Hannibal. For thyself.
And
these rubies
Gaulish Chieftain.

that scarlet

and

emeralds

and

"

Hannibal.

Yes, yes.

Hannibal
0 glorious
! unconquerable
Chieftain.
hero!
0 my
happy country! to have such an ally and
defender.
I swear
eternal gratitude yes, gratitude,
love,
devotion,beyond eternity.
Gaulish

"

Hannibal.

hardly ask
see

The

In
a

all treaties

longer.

Go

fix the

we

back

time:

thy station

to

"

I would

what

the surgeon
is about, and hear what he
life of Marcellus ! the triumph of Hannibal

else has the world

in it ?

and

only Home

could

thinks.
! what

these

Carthage:

follow.

Surgeon.Hardly
Marcellus. I
The

commander
Hannibal

voyage

an

die

must

of

(To

Extract

hour

Eoman

of life is left.

then!
army

The
is

no

the

Surgeon).Could

the

arrow.

gods be praised!
captive.
not

he bear

sea-

Surgeon.He expiresthat moment.

Marcellus. It painsme i extract it.
Hannibal. Marcellus,I see no expressionof pain on

125

DIALOGUE

and

your countenance,
death of an enemy

will I consent

never

Since

in ray power.

to

the

hasten

is

recovery

your

hopeless,
you say trulyyou are no captive.
that can
(To the Surgeon.)Is there nothing, man,
assuage the mortal pain ? for,suppress the signs of it as
feel it. Is there nothing to alleviate
he may, he must
and allayit ?
hast
thou
Marcellus. Hannibal, give me
thy hand
found it and broughtit me, compassion.
thy aid ;
(To the Surgeon.)Go, friend ; others want
"

several fell around

Hannibal.
while

time

me.

Kecommend

your country, 0 Marcellus,

permits it,reconciliation and peace with me,
to

in force,and
the
informingthe Senate of my superiority
of resistance.
The tablet is ready: let me
impossibility
take off this ring try to write,to sign it at least. Oh !
what satisfaction I feel at seeingyou able to rest upon the
"

elbow, and

Within

Marcellus.
brow

Minos

would

writing?
Eome

hour

an

to

say

me,

or
"

a
less,with how severe
Marcellus, is this thy

"

loses

she stillhath

one

too
more
infinitely

the

hath

lost many

such, and

left.

Afraid

in shame

she

man:

many

Hannibal.
I confess

to smile !

even

as

the

of falsehood,say you
of my countrymen.
ferocity
you

nearer

cruel.

The

are

posts

are

Numidians

the Gauls both in revenge and

requiredat a distance,and I

this ?

fortunate
Un-

occupied by Gauls,
are

in sport.

so

My

in revenge
presence

is

apprehend the barbarityof

as
other,learning,
or
one
they must do, your refusal to
execute my wishes for the common
good,and feelingthat
by this refusal you deprivethem of their country, after
absence.
so long an

126

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS

Marcellus. Hannibal, thou art not

Hannibal.

What

Marcellus. That

then ?
thou

What

mean

mayest, and

things yet to apprehend: I can

barbarityof thy soldiers is nothing to
dare be cruel.

his

the

you ?
very
have

justly,have
none.

Mine

me.

The
would

Hannibal

authoritygoes

defaced

II

dying.

many

not

"

is forced to be absent ; and

with his horse.
On this turf lies

away
the semblance
of

but

general;

Marcellus

is yet

his army.
Dost thou abdicate a power
thee by thy nation ? or wouldst thou ledge
acknow-

regulatorof

conferred

on

ib to have
than
I

become, by thy own

?
thy adversary's
have spoken too

oppresses me.
Hannibal.

much

let

sole fault,
less

me

rest

this

plenary
mantle

placedmy mantle on your head when the

first removed, and while you were
helmet
was
lying in
Let me
fold it under, and then replacethe ring.
the sun.
Marcellus. Take it,Hannibal.
It was
given me by a
who flew to me
and who covered
at Syracuse,
poor woman
it with her hair,torn off in desperationthat she had no
other giftto offer. Little thoughtI that her giftand her
How
should
be mine.
words
suddenly may the most
! Let
powerful be in the situation of the most helpless
that ring and the mantle under my head be the exchange
of guests at parting. The time may
Hannibal,
come,
whether
thou (and the gods alone know
when
as
queror
conor
conquered)mayest sit under the roof of my
thee.
In thy
children, "nd in either case it shall serve
whose pillowtheir
adverse fortune,they will remember
on
his last ; in thy prosperous (heaven grant
father breathed
shine upon
thee in some
other country)it will
it may
We
feel ourselves the most
thee to protect them.
rejoice
relieve it,although we
we
exempt from affliction when

127

DIALOGUE

then

are

is

one

that it may
befall us.
There
is not at the disposal
of either.

conscious

the most

which

thinghere

Hannibal.

What?

Marcellus.

This

Hannibal.

Whither

body.
would

be

you

lifted?

Men

are

ready.
I meant

Marcellus.
to hear

seem

rather what

My sightand
have
have

my
said,This

left it,is

no

other

thy glorywill
family.
an

My strengthis failing.I

so.

is within

senses

You

not

than

few
of

what

is without.

in confusion.

are

body, when a
more
worthy

but

Hannibal.

not

bubbles

of

thy notice

than

let thee refuse it to the

would

inquietudenot visible
Marcellus. Duty and

ask

I would
air shall
of mine

pietyof

something else.

my

perceive

till now.

Death

make

us

think

of

home

sometimes.

thoughtsof the conqueror

and of the conquered flytogether.
Marcellus. Hast thou any prisonersfrom my
escort ?
and let them
A few dying lie about
Hannibal.
lie
The remainder
I saw
at a distance,
they are Tuscans.
and but one
them
he appeared
brave man
flying,
among
Eoman
a
a
youth who turned back, though wounded.
and
dragged him away, spurringhis
They surrounded
Hannibal.

Thitherward

the

"

"

"

"

horse with

their swords.

These

Etrurians

and
tack it well
courage carefully,
put it on, but throw it off again with

Marcellus, why think

about

them

measure

togetherbefore they
lordlyease.
? or does aught else

disquietyour thoughts?
Marcellus.
I have
suppressed it long enough.
son

"

my beloved son
Hannibal.
Where

their

My

is he ? Can

it be ? Was

he with you

128

FROM

COMPOSITION

Marcellus. He

ENGLISH

would

have

MODELS

shared

fate

my

"

and

"

has

of my country ! beneficent throughoutlife to

death surpassingly
beneficent,I render you, for

Gods

not.

in

me,

the last time, thanks.

W.

SAVAGE

LANDOR.
Conversations."

"Imaginary
EXERCISES.
1. Bead

and
much

more

2.

this

is not

ornate

and

in

the

Express

it, Hannibal.

Take

fellow -students

aloud with
of your
some
passage
with
chief characters
dignity by

the

that

Notice

"

the

invest

rendering.

your

style of ordinary conversation, being

the

formal.
indirect
It

given

was

the

form
me

speech

of

which

Marcellus,
at the

is not

disposalof either."
3. What

features

brought out in this

quotations from the text.
out imaginary
4. Write
are

(a) Hannibal

and
and

(6) Marcellus

passage

Illustrate

conversations

of his

one

of Hannibal

characters

in the

his

captains after

chief

"

gloriousvictory.

subordinate

by

answer

your

between

Marcellus

and

after

temporary

retreat.
in the

Try to bring out

of the

short

an

who

are

sentences

of contrast

between

Charles
A
Enter

Picture

CHARLES

the

characters

you

formed

have

Marcellus.

of the

two

two

Roman

Make
out

of

use

the

soldiers,the

idea
one

fearless.

Surface sells his Ancestors

Room

in CHARLES

SURFACE'S

SURFACE, SIR OLIVER

and

the

and

ideas

between
imaginary conversation
battle
distance.
at
a
watching a
in the style of the text, and
bring

the other

craven,

of Hannibal

characters

5. Write

soldiers

dialogues the

House

SURFACE, MOSES,

CARELESS.

[Sir Oliver Surface is visitinghis nephew, Charles, in

character of Mr. Premium, a broker.]
in
walk
Ohas. Surf. Walk
in, gentlemen, pray
"

130

COMPOSITION

Chas.

ENGLISH

FROM

Surf. Bravo,

uncle, Sir Kichard

Careless !

Kaveline,

MODELS"

Well, here's my
marvellous

in his

He
served in
day,I assure
you.
Marlborough'swars, and got that cut over
battle of Malplaquet. What
say you,
at him

look

"

there's

II

hero ! not

cut

great-

good general
all the Duke

of

his eye at the

Mr. Premium
?
of his feathers,

out

modern

clipped captainsare, but enveloped in

a
as
regimentals,
general should be. What do

as

your
wig and
bid ?

you

Sir Oliv.

Mos.

[Asideto Moses.]Bid

Mr. Premium

Chas.

Surf. Why,

pounds, and I'm

Oliv.

Sir
uncle

Chas.

then, he

for ten

dear for

deliver

me

pounds !
"

by Kneller, in

sister of his,my
his best manner,

staff-officer.
!

his

famous

value

on

my

uncle Eichard.

"

great-auntDeborah,
and

esteemed

very
she is,you see, a shepherdess
shall have her for five pounds ten

likeness.

for ten

Very well, sir,

[Aloud.]

down

There

feedingher flock. You

"the sheep are worth the money.
Ah ! poor
Sir Oliv. [Aside.]
set such

him

at that.

is a maiden

formidable

shall have

that's not

sure

Surf. Careless,knock

Here, now,

speak.
have you speak.

Heaven
[Aside.]

Eichard

I take him

done

would

him

herself !
"

Deborah

who

woman

Five pounds
[^/owc?.]

ten

"

she's mine.
Chas.
are

now,
see,

two

that

were

Deborah!
aunt
my
sort of cousins of theirs.

down
a

Moses, these pictures

were

"

done

some

Here,
You

time ago, when

wigs,and the ladies their own hair.

head-dresses appear to have
Sir Oliv. Yes, truly,
littlelower in those days.
Chas. Surf. Well, take that couplefor the same.
Mos. 'Tis a good bargain.

beaux

Surf. Knock

wore

been

131

DIALOGUE

Chas.

Surf. Careless

is

This, now,

!
"

my mother's,a learned judge,well known

circuit. What
do you rate him at, Moses
Mos. Four guineas.

Surf. Four

wig. Mr. Premium,

his

priceof

YOTI

guineas!

for the woolsack

; do

let

have

his

knock

us

don't

you

"

the western

on

"

Chas.

grandfatherof

bid

the

me

respect

more

lordshipdown

at

fifteen.
Sir

Oliv.

By

all

means.

Care. Gone!
Chas.

Surf. And

and

Walter

and

noted

there

brothers of his,William

two

are

of parliament,
Blunt, Esquires,both members
I
speakers; and, what's very extraordinary,

believe,this is the first time

they

were

ever

bought

or

sold.
Sir Oliv. That
them

at your

indeed ! I'll take

extraordinary,
price,for the honour of parliament.

own

Care. Well
down

is very

said, little Premium

I'll knock

them

I don'tr know

what

forty.

at

Chas.

Surf. Here's

but he
relation,

was

jollyfellow

mayor

"

of Norwich

take him

at

eight

pounds.
Sir Oliv. No,

six will do for the mayor.

Chas. Surf. Come, make
it guineas,and I'll throw

the two

no

there into the

aldermen

you

bargain.

Sir Oliv.

They'remine.
Chas. Surf. Careless,knock down
the mayor
and aldermen.
in
But, plague on't ! we shall be all day retailing

this

; do

manner

little Premium
rest of the

Care.
Sir

let

deal

us

Give

me

wholesale

three hundred

what

say you,
pounds for the

family in the lump.

Ay, ay, that will be the best

Oliv. Well, well, anything to

way.
accommodate

you;

132

COMPOSITION

FKOM

But
they are mine.
always passedover.

Care. What,

ENGLISH

there is

that

MODELS

II

"

which
portrait

one

little
ill-looking

have

you

fellow

the

over

settee ?

Sir Oliv. Yes, sir,I

him

that ;

mean

though

a little fellow,by
ill-looking
any
Chas. Surf. What, that ? Oh ; that's

so

'twas done
Care.

before he went
uncle

Your

friends,Charles.
as

rogue

ever

saw

countenance

think

you

;
an

Then
is

to me,

now,

means.

uncle

my

Oliver !

be
you'll never
stern a looking
as

ing
unforgivingeye, and a disinheritinveterate knave, depend on't. Don't
an

so, little Premium

Sir Oliv.

think

to India.

Oliver!

That,

I don't

soul,sir,I do not ; I think it is

my
in the room,
dead or alive.
as honest
a lookingface as any
Oliver goes with the rest of the
But I suppose
uncle
lumber

Upon

Chas.

it !

Surf. No, hang

The

old fellow

his

picturewhile
Sir Oliv.

has

been

I've

part with

good

very
to

room

I'llnot

to

have

keep

put it in.

The rogue'smy nephew

[Aside.]

[Aloud.]But, sir,I

I'll

and

me,

Noll.

poor

taken

somehow

after all !
"

fancy to

that

picture.
Chas. Surf. I'm
have

it.

for you certainly

will not
sorry for't,
Oons, haven't you got enough of them ?

Sir Oliv.

But, sir,when
I'll

money.

[Aside.]I forgivehim everything!

[Aloud]

"

I take

give

you

whim
as

in

much

my head, I don't value

for that as for all the

rest.

Chas.
I'll not

Surf. Don't

tease

me,

part with it,and there's

broker ; I tell you

end of it.

master
an

like his
How
[Aside.]
Well, well,I have done.
[Aloud.]
Sir

Oliv.

"

father the

dog

[Aside]I

did

is !
"

not

183

DIALOGUE

such a striking
saw
perceiveit before,but I think I never
resemblance."
[Aloud.]Here is a draft for your sum.
Okas. Surf. Why, 'tis for eight hundred
pounds !
Sir Oliv. You

Surf. Zounds

Chas.

Sir Oliv. Then

that another
are

you

being so

will not

never

time.

But

go ?

! I tell you,

no

the

mind

give me

once

more.

we'll balance
difference,
hand

your

fellow, Charles

honest

an

let Sir Oliver

"

the

bargain;
beg pardon,sir,for
on

Come, Moses.

free.
"

old
fellow ! But
Surf. This is a whimsical
hark'ee,Premium, you'llprepare lodgingsfor these men.
gentleOkas.

"

Sir Oliv. Yes, yes, I'll send

Chas. Surf. But
hold; do
for them, for,I

Surf. Ay,

Chas.

Sir Oliv. You're

Chas.

Good

day

dares

call him

Let

me

odd

!
"

"

for all but

most

were

of

Oliver.

fixed

on

that ?

A
[Aside.]

dear extravagant rogue !"

Let me hear
Come, Moses.
[^IsiWe.]

two-thirds
mine

are

Ladies

more

and

[Aloud.]

"

"

pounds are

for !

they
carriages.

all but the little nabob.

!
profligate
Surf. So ! this was

see,

ancestors

day or two.
veyance
genteel con-

Surf. Peremptorily.

Sir Oliv.

Chas.

you,

own

Sir Oliv. I will,I will"

send

now

assure

to ride in their

used

them

in

for them

[Exitwith
odd

an

of these

Heaven

relations

gentlemen,your

than

most

MOSES.

fellow, indeed.

five hundred

by right. Tore
valuable

old

who

now

and

thirty

! I find one's

I took

obedient

them

and

very

servant.
grateful

[Sows ceremoniouslyto
RICHARD
"

BRINSLEY
The

School

the

pictures.

SHERIDAN.

for Scandal."

134

COMPOSITION

MODELS

ENGLISH

FROM

II

"

EXERCISES.
1. Bead

the passage
aloud, dividingthe characters
and
fellow-students
yourself. Point out which
you
humorous

most

and

passages

three
consider the
among

situations.

the

2. Write

impressions left on your mind as to the characters

of Sir Oliver Surface and his nephew as portrayed by the dramatist.
Illustrate by quotationsfrom the text.
lads are caught robbing an orchard.
8. Two
The
servant who
catches them
is a very
lads are
The
stern man.
brought before
the

of the

owner

well the

days
then

orchard, who

of

his

write

kind-hearted

Invent

boyhood.

own

in

is

dramatic

form

for these

names

account

an

and remembers

man

of the

racters,
cha-

incident.

the two boys.

bring out a difference in character between
in camp,
4. A party of Boy Scouts
are
say at Kottingdean,near
and
attack
on
are
a
neighbouring
Brighton,
preparing a night

Try

to

Give

echool camp.
an

account

to four

names

in dramatic

form

leaders and write

of the actual
and
preparations
five of the

or

of the

attack.

wandered

NOW

where, beside

intentlyon
"

"

along
thick

the

and

Lavengro

heath, till I

the

furze, sat

the red ball of the

"

I've not

"

How

"

What

seen

for

you

years."

you, brother
brings you here ?

should

"

"

brother.",
fight,

"The
"

Where

"

On

"

Any

news

"

Two

deaths, brother."

"

Who

are

the tents ?

"

the old spot,brother."

are

since

we

parted?

dead, Jasper?

"

man,

settingsun.

"

That's not you, Jasper?

Indeed, brother !

"

Gipsy

"

came

his

to

eyes

place
fixed

135

DIALOGUE

mother, brother."

"

Father

and

"

Where

they die ?
they were sent, brother."

"

Where

"

And

"

did

Herne

Mrs.

"

alive,brother."

"She's

is she

"

"

Where

"

In Yorkshire, brother."

"

What

I, as
"

is your opinionof
I sat down
beside him.

death,Mr. Petulengro?

My opinion of death, brother,is

that in the

old song
sing When

grandam

wife

neither

and

sorrow

father

"

said

as

same

heard

my

into the earth,

cast

If

him.

over

his

child, then

the

I have

dies,he is

man

child

nor

much

of Pharaoh, which

"

his wife

and

now

he

has

mother,

and

suppose ; and if he is quite alone in the world, why, then,

he is cast into the earth, and
there is an
end of the
matter."
"

"

"

"

"

"

And

?
do you think that is the end of man
There's an end of him, brother,more's the pity."
"

do you say so ?
Life is sweet, brother."

Why
Do

you
"Think

think
so?

so

"

There's

"

night
and

things; sun, moon,

things; there's likewise
sweet

sweet, brother

very
"

I would

"

You

like

wiser.
wish
"

"

"

Wish

were

to

to live for

In

gorgio which
you a Eommany
a

"

sun

to die ?

is the
Chal

and

same

you

Eommany

"

sickness,
Jasper?

There's the

wish

heath.

sweet

Life is

"

"

die,indeed

ever

the

on

would

wish to die

talk like

fool

; who

day, brother, both

stars, brother, all

wind

and

"

stars,brother."

as

talking

would
Chal

talk
would

136
"

In blindness,Jasper?

"

There's

the

wind

only feel that,I

would

go to the
make
you
brother !

tents

and

feel

what

MODELS

ENGLISH

FROM

COMPOSITION

"

the

on

"

heath, brother

; if I could

We'll

gladlylive for ever.

put on the gloves; and
sweet
a
thing it is to

now

I'll try to
be

alive,

"

GEORGE
"

BORROW.

Lavengro."

EXERCISES.
1. Bead
two

the

ways

of

looking at

speeches.
2. Learn
by
who
.

aloud

the extract

and

Death.

wish

to die ?

There's

"

contrast

between

also the extreme

Notice

heart the passage

would

the

notice

the

brevityof

night and day,brother,

"

and takes up Dairy Farming.

man
goes out to Canada
young
He returns to the mother
country after an absence of twelve
which
he
has
time
prospered and grown rich. Write
years, during
him and his aged father, in which
the younger
a
dialoguebetween
3. A

dwells

man

early difficultiesand hardships,while the father

feelingsof joy and pride in his son.

his

on

gives vent to his

4. Select

Crow,"

and

know
you
it in the form of

write

A
Pasha.
among

The

hours

well, e.g.

fable

some

Talk

Englishman

The

Fox

and

the

Dialogue.

the Pasha

with

is this,the hour

Dragoman

"

is

welcome

of his

most

blessed

coming.

The
(to the Traveller).

Pasha

pays

you his

compliments.
Traveller. Give

him

my best compliments in return,

*?nd say I'm delightedto have the honour of seeinghim.
Dragoman (to the Pasha). His Lordship,this Englishman,
Lord

of London,

Scorner

of

Ireland, Suppressorof

France, has quittedhis governments, and left his enemies

138

COMPOSITION

Traveller. About
he does !

II

MODELS"

to

get

at his views

deuce

The

?
Boughton-Soldborough

I want

but

"

ENGLISH

FROM

in relation to

the present state of the Ottoman

empire. Tell him the
Houses
of Parliament
have met, and that there has been

speech from the Throne * pledgingEngland to maintain

the integrity
of the Sultan's dominions.
Dragoman (to the Pasha). This branch of Mudcombe,
this possiblepoliceman of Bedfordshire, informs
your
Highness that in England the talkinghouses have met,
and that the integrity
of the Sultan's dominions
has been
assured for ever
and ever
by a speech from the velvet
a

chair.
Wonderful

Pasha.
whirr !
"

all

whirr!

whirr!

steam

whiz

all

by

Wonderful
!

whirr !

"

whiz ! all

houses

wheels

houses !

by

steam

wonderful

!" whiz

!
"

people!
all by

! whiz!

Traveller
mean

wheels

chair ! wonderful

wonderful
"

by

chair !

by

he, that

that

our

to the Sultan

the

Dragoman). What
whizzing? He does not

(to

Government

will

ever

does
mean

abandon

the

Pasha

say, does
their pledges
to

Excellency,but
your
wheels and by steam.

Dragoman. No,

Englishtalk by

he

the

says

exaggeration
; but say that the
Englishreallyhave carried machinery to great perfection.
Tell the Pasha (he'llbe struck with that)that whenever**
Traveller. That's

have

any
hundred
three
we

the thousand

Dragoman

speech). His
observes

to

an

disturbances

put down, even

send
miles from London, we can

to the

to

of action in

scene

few

(recoveringhis temper and

of
Excellency, this Lord
Highness, that whenever
your
1

This

was

written

in 1843.

at two

or

troops by

hours.
freedom

of

Mudcombe,
the

Irish

139

DIALOGUE

the

rebel

Indians

the

French, or

againstthe English,
whole
of soldiers and brigadesof artillery
armies
are
called Euston
dropped into a mighty chasm
Square,
and, in the bitingof a cartridge,they rise up again in
Manchester, or Dublin, or Paris, or Delhi, and utterly
of England from
exterminate
the enemies
the face of
or

the earth.
I know

Pasha.
been

I know

it
"

related
faithfully

to

The

locomotives.

have
particulars

all ; the

me,

armies

and

mind

my

of the

hends
compreride
English
upon

their horses are

of boiling caldrons, and
vapours
flaming coals ! whirr ! whirr ! all by wheels ! whiz !

the

"

! all

whiz

by

"

steam

(to his Dragoman).

Traveller

wish

to

have

the

gentleman as to the
opinionof an unprejudicedOttoman
and manufactures;
English commerce
prospects of our
just ask the Pasha to give me his views on the subject.
Pasha [(after
of
having received the communication
the Dragoman). The
like
ships of the English swarm
the whole
flies;their printed calicoes cover
earth, and
are
by the side of their swords the blades of Damascus
All India is but an item in the ledgerblades of grass.
books

the

of

ancient

with

! whiz

whiz

merchants
"

by

steam

Pasha's

Traveller. The
scimitar

my

belongingto
the

leaf of

Pasha

am

such

our

with

fellows

novel.

whirr ! all

by

are

filled

wheels

!
"

compliments the cutleryof

India Company.
right about the cutlery: I

also the East

England,and

lumber-rooms

Pasha

Dragoman. The

tried

whirr

thrones !

! all

whose

the
at

Well

officers' swords

common

Malta, and

(to the

they cut it like

Dragoman), tell the

to find that he entertains

exceedinglygratified
high opinionof our manufacturing energy,

140

COMPOSITION

but I should

FROM

like him

ENGLISH

MODELS

know, though,that

to

"

have

we

got

These
something in England besides that.
foreigners
are
always fancyingthat we have nothing but ships and
railways,and East India Companies; do just tell the

Pasha, that
and

that

even

has

been

an

and

turnip;
at

all events

rural

our

within

districts
the

evident

can

you

in the

yeoman
Pasha
true

foremost
the

and

we

about

have

our

that,

virtues

truth-telling
people,and,
faithful in the performance of
by the by, whilst you are about
are

! and

of

and
of newspapers,
but the English and
in

interest

(afterhearing the Dragoman). It is true, it

through all Feringhistan the English are
and
best; for the Eussians are drilled swine,
Germans
are
sleepingbabes, and the Italians

the servants

are

years there
culture of the

well just say, at the end, that the British

as
may
is still,
thank God ! the British yeoman.

it,you

is

Oh

in the

any
explain that

"

promises.

attention,

hundred

take

not

country that we
like the Osmanlees, are
our

last two

improvement

if he does

his

deserve

songs, and
the Greeks

God, and

cleave

to

the

are

Osmanlees

the

: for
righteousness

French

the

the

are

Osmanlees

the

are

of lies,

weavers

brothers

believe

in

together
one
only

destroy idols ;

the Koran, and

sons

so

do

God, and abominate

English worship one
graven
images, and tell the truth, and believe in a book ; and
though they drink the juiceof the grape, yet to say that
they are eaters of pork,these are lies lies born of Greeks
and nursed by Jews.
Dragoman. The Pasha compliments the English.
Traveller
Well, I've had enough of this
(rising).
the

"

Tell

the

Pasha

and
hospitality,
me

with

am

still

horses,and

more

say

greatlyobliged to
for his kindness
that

now

I must

him
in

for

his

furnishing

be off.

141

DIALOGUE

Pasha

(afterhearing the Dragoman,

the sires,and
are
divan). Proud

his

on

dams

blessed

of his prosperous
journey. May the
glidedown to the gates of the happy

him

the

swimming on
the sleep of
and

red

flame

third

that

darkness

tigers! farewell
Dragoman. The
pleasantjourney.

ten

friends

beneath

city like a boat

he sleep
! May
him

around

are

abroad

his eyes
may
red than the eyes of

are
more

"

saddle

"

So ends

his

enemies

his

through the

of Paradise

river

child, when

while

the

the

are

horses, that shall carry his Excellency to the

of the

end

standing up

and

Pasha

wishes

Excellency

your

the visit.
A.

W.

KINGLAKE.
"

Eothen."

EXERCISES.
1.

and

Read

the

skilful

the

is

compliment
"

monarchs,

disguise
:

the

for his

"

evident

an

with

one

any

:
hospitality

the

3. Continue

pay

retinue

of

the

the

salutation

any

to

Eastern

compliments : in strict
a
mere
Cockney : to

one

followers

Sultan's
to

delightful humour,
of exaggerated

love

1"

ever

Pasha's

Cf.

To

officers' swords

districts

to furnish

for

integrity of

the

maintain
rural

faithful

the

out.

brought
King, live

the

Notice

which

in

way

in sentences

2. Use

action

aloud.

passage

dominions

entertain

the

of

scene

high opinion

of

our

improvement ; a truth-telling
people :
be greatly obliged to any one
: to
images.
talk with
the Pasha, dealing with
the

horses

graven
above

following points :
(a) English farming.
(6) The bravery of English soldiers
(c) English airships.
"

4.
an
a
a

Write

an

imaginary

conversation

and

sailors.

conducted

by

means

Make
an
interpreter between
Englishman and a Chinaman.
first
the
will
deal
out
Introduce
with.
setting
plan
points you

little humour.

of

IV."

Sir W.
MUCH

reverend
on

with
seek

Littlejohn,
Esq.

SIR,

Although I have
period of life which

pleased to
over,

Hugh

to

RESPECTED

level

contented

Scott

EPISTOLARY

not

put

may

me

at

once

the
more

yours, yet I find myself already better

auditor of your age who
is usually
an

to

hear

to

the
attempt instructing

than

yet arrived

the

story repeated twenty times

same

critical hearers

more

who
are
contemporaries,
apt to objectto any
my
tale twice told. It is,therefore,probablethat had we
been

among

able to remain

of the

to

you many
than once.

have

near

to each

other, I should

stories contained

But, since this has

nothing remaining

save

read them
you may
I have in this little book

in which

to

repeated

in this book

ceased

to

put them
often

have

more

be

the case, I
in this shape,

you have a mind.

imitated one
with which
you
the collection of stories
as

as

acquainted" I mean
the History of England, and which
taken from
has been
so deservedlypopular.
As you, however, happen to be a person
of quick
it is my
to write
study, and great penetration,
purpose
little work which
not only be useful to you at the
a
may
are

well

six years, which

worship'spresent period of

age of five

or

think

life,but

be about your
may
which
not
be
may

143

EPISTOLARY

beneath

attention,either

your
of

term

graver

find

you

anything

able to make

better

perhaps

you

placed
instead

of

will

same

reach

might
And
should

till you

book, it will

that

give

what

contrive

set

you

at

get

to

reach

on

your

thing
some-

tiptoes,
Or

stool

upon

be

afterwards

who

assistance, and

some

that

that

you

wanted.

dear

and

stand
underwill

little taller.

you

you

fore,
there-

to

you

two

or

the

at

great exertion, and

grow

if he

wiser

grow

for you

year

might

farewell, my

so

When,

high shelf, by standing

as

down

old.

hard

you

will

papa

the

be

as

upon

sense

make

may

waiting

but

knows

the

matter,

consider

must

you

style or

years

little too

out

meaning, just

the

ten

even

this moment,

at

or

eight or

for

Hugh

Littlejohn.

from

better

give great pleasure

to

what

you

your

very

If

read

you

in this

affectionate

Grandfather.
W.
The

NOTE."

book

referred

to is Scott's

"

of

Tales

SCOTT.

Grandfather."

EXERCISES.

1.

Bead

the

letter

introductory passage.
My
contemporaries."
contemporary
2.

other

What

does

3.

who

sends

and

Imagine
and

Heroes,"
is

at

with

the
has

meaning

quick study,

Sir

word
this

that

he

"

word?

has

is

sending

book.

Write

writers

who

"

were

1832.
in

this

letter

is

meant

by

book

entitled

"

What

person

of

"

written
a

the

yours

two
in

mean

What

father

with

"

Auditor

boarding-school.

the

or

died

of

meaning

have
.

one

great penetration

that

Scott, who

W.

the

is

Although
Mention

"

with

What

aloud.
"

copy
the

to

his

letter

son

which

"

Humble

aged
the

twelve

father

144

COMPOSITION

Charles
lad

(The

FROM

Dickens

His

to

leaving home

was

MODELS"

ENGLISH

to

-H

Youngest Son.

join his brother

in

Australia.)

September, 1868.
I

this note

WRITE

mind, and

my

upon

to-daybecause

partingwords

from

I need

because

I want

to think

me,

of

now

you to have
and then at

tell you that I love you

am
very, very sorry in my heart to part with
and these
this life is half made
up of partings,
times.

not

It is my

few

quiet
and
dearly,
But

you.

pains must

sincere conviction
my
that you are
going to try the life for which you are best
and wildness more
suited to
fitted. I think its freedom

be

borne.

you

and

have
any experiment in a study or office would
without that trainingyou could have followed

than

been, and
no

comfort

is much

going away

your

suitable

other

wanted, until

occupation. What
has

now,

been

therefore exhort

determination

you
do whatever

to

have

you

always

set, steady,constant

persevere in
you have to do

to

pose.
pur-

thorough

a
as

well

as

when
old as you are now
do it. I was
not
so
you can
mination
I firsthad to win my food, and to do it out of this deter;

I have

and

never

never

be

advantage of any one

hard upon
peoplewho

to do

to

others

take

do not

mean

be

better for
rule laid

put
same

write

reasons,
an

you

would

Never

in any transaction,
and
in your power.
are
Try

have

them

do

you, and
It is much

to

discouragedif they fail sometimes.

you that they should fail in obeying the greatest
I
down
by our Saviour than that you should.

New

as

in it since.

slackened

Testament
and

with

easy account

among
the very

your
same

of it for you

books

for the very

hopes,that made me

when

you

were

little

146

COMPOSITION

FROM

Matthew

ENGLISH

Arnold

MODELS"

his Sister

to

Oobham, Sunday, May 25, 1879.

MY

FAN,

DEAREST

is gone to church, and I am

alone
Geist finds me
to
dull,and has begged me

Fanny Lucy
in the house.
let him
the

out

into the

garden ;

thrushes,and I hear him

invariable

girlsare

at

It has
almost

May
birds

when

resource

all out, and

and

and

had

his bark

at

pattering
upstairsto bed, his
is bored

sorrowful.

or

The

as

in

now

the chestnut

day

blossom.

day, and
or

two

I have

we

the

foliageis

shall have

never

known

the
the

strong in their

singing:I had two

blackbirds and three thrushes running about togetheron
the grass under my window
as I was
gettingup yesterday
morning,and a stock-dove has built her nest in the leaning
ivied fir-tree which you will remember, between
the house
So there is plenty of music, and the
and the stables.
in amidst it all. I am
told by the natives
cuckoo
comes
used always to build in the shrubberies
that the nightingale
of the cottage, but she has given up that good habit;
swarm.
however, all round us the nightingales
positively
dined at Effingham last night,and twice as we
drove
We
home
the man
stoppedto call our attention to the chorus
of nightingales. At
one
place,a thicket just before
almost
EffinghainCommon,
they were
entering upon
It is a great loss to the North
maddeningly beautiful.
of England not to have them; their
and the South-west
the poor
extraordinaryeffectiveness is shown
by even
people being so much interested about them, and always
so

rich

has

he

you know.
most
beautiful

Harrow,
been

he

now

knowing their

habits

and

their haunts,

I should

like to

147

EPISTOLARY

cowslipsand the nightingales

; and
live. The
it reallymust
be arranged next
year, if we
of "Wordsworth
effect of readingso much
latelyhas been
feel more
to make
me
keenly than usual the beauty of the
have

here for the

you

incidents of the natural

common

is

Now

good thing.

I wish

How

am

that

sure

Fan.

dearest

you here with us !

affectionate
Your ever
most

had

we

good-bye, my

year, and

M.

A.

EXERCISES.
1. What

and

keen

2. What

the natural
3. Write

woods

with

does
year

letter

dog

your

that

writer
Name
to

find in this

you

of Nature

the
"

one
a

is

or

friend

for company

to

letter that

it is

poet

writing ?

by

mean

Johnson

Samuel

Dr.

do

indications
observer

"

the

incidents of

common

two.

describing a walk
on
a day in June.

through

the

the Earl of Chesterfield

February 7, 1775.

MY

LOKD,
I

of

the

have

lately been

World, that

two

informed, by the proprietor

papers,

in

which

my

written by
to the public,
were
Dictionaryis recommended
be so distinguished
is an
honour,
your Lordship. To
the
to favours from
which, being very little accustomed

great, I know
to

not

how

to

receive,or in what

terms

acknowledge.
When,

your

by

well

upon some
I was
lordship,

slightencouragement, I first visited

overpowered,like the rest of mankind,

the enchantment
to wish

vainqucurde

bear
of your address, and could not forthat I might boast myself lLe vainqueurdu
la terre ; that I

might

obtain that

regardfor

148

COMPOSITION

which

would

ENGLISH

MODELS"

II

the world

ance
contending; but I found my attendlittle encouraged,that neither pride nor
modesty

saw

so

FROM

suffer

to

me

continue

it.

When

had

once

lordshipin public,I had exhausted all

pleasingwhich a retired and uncourtlyscholar
your

of

art

I had

possess.

have

pleasedto

done

all that I could ; and

his all neglected,be it ever

Seven
waited

lord, have

years, my
in your outward

rooms,

or

duringwhich time I have been

of which
it is
through difficulties,
and have brought it,at last,to the

door ;

without
or

with

assistance,one

smile of favour.

one

for I

act of

one

never

had

Such

is well

little.
I

word

treatment

of encouragement,
I did not expect,

patron before.

Love, and found

Is not

can

repulsedfrom your
pushing on my work,
useless to complain,
verge of publication,

shepherd in "Virgil" grew

The

so

man

the

passed, since

now
was

no

dressed
ad-

him

patron, my

native

lord,one

at

last

acquainted

of the rocks.
who

looks with

cern
uncon-

for life in the water, and, when

struggling
him with help? The
he has reached
ground,encumbers
notice which you have been pleasedto take of my labours,
had it been early,had been kind ; but it has been delayed
and cannot
tillI am indifferent,
enjoyit ; tillI am 8 solitary,
and cannot
impart it ; till I am known, and do not want
not to confess
it. I hope it is no very cynicalasperity,
benefit has been received,or to be
where
no
obligations
unwillingthat the public should consider me as owing
Providence
has enabled me
to do
that to a patron, which
for myself.
Having carried on my work thus far with so little
appointe
I shall not be disfavourer of learning,
to any
obligation
though I shall conclude it,if less be possible,
that
from
less ; for I have
been long awakened
with
on

man

149

EPISTOLARY

dreain

hope,in

of

much

which

boasted

once

myself with

so

exultation,

My Lord,

most
lordship's

your

Most

humble,

obedient

servant,

SAM.

JOHNSON.

NOTES.
The

Earl

of the

of Chesterfield

reign of George II.

Chesterfield
became
end

World.
1.

the

Earl

wished

the

Dictionary

conqueror
reference
to

sympathize

neglect,but

in

to

is ; not, as I
with
human

had

soon

his

patron and

to this

the

in

to those

answer

papers.
world."

to find

and

he

Now

"

know

I
who

him, a being
feelings,but a

derivinghis nature

lost his wife to whom

obscure,
Johnson

as

flattering
papers

very

expected
passions

and

poor

as

as

pose

two

leading politicians

was

of the conqueror
of the
of Virgil'sEclogues.
one

of the rocks, and

3. He

Johnson

letter is Johnson's

The

"

Love

native

with

This

2. A
what

him

of the

one

While

treated

famous,

praised

was

would
a

savage,

theirs."

from

devoted.

was

EXERCISES.
1. Read

the
the

2. Notice

(a) The
(") The
(c) The

letter aloud.

following points :

"

manly tone of the letter.

dignity of the style.
quiet severityof the reproof.
strong feelingof the writer.

(d) The
(e) The

of

use

(i)

"

irony, e.g.
had

never

"

patron before," i.e. "

patron I should

have

if I

had

accustomed

been

had
to

such

treatment."

(ii) Is
"

(/)

The

not

of

here

(g) The

of

use

had
it :

been
"

"I
...

words

as

"

kind

(This

clauses.
"I

do not

want

help ?

"

E.g. encumbers, cynical

is not

of Johnson's

E.g.

"had

indifferent

am

solitary

characteristic

other

in most

balanced

am

known
8. Give

words.

long, sonorous
asperity,exultation.
use

lord,

patron, my

cannot

impart

so

nounced
pro-

writings.)
it been
early,
cannot
enjoy
it

"

"I

am

it."

informed,
nearly equivalent in meaning to:
address, forbear, contending, modesty

proprietor,enchantment,

"

150

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

PROM

MODELS

"

encumbers,
retired, uncourtly, repulsed, unconcern,
asperity,obligation,conclude, exultation.
cynical,
Chesterfield

4. If Lord
the

he

answer

have

might

had
sent.

solitary,

repliedto the above letter,write

field's
(Bead firstthe letter of Chester-

below.)
5. Write

in your

words

own

the

followingpassages
for myself."

no
hope
(a)
cynical
Sam
Johnson."
(6) Having carried on
There
6. Express in
are
simpler language :
in
leisure
and
retirement,
operate only at
powers

"I

it is

...

:
"

"

...

"

"

intellectual

vigour deserts them

confuses, and

objection disconcerts

exertion, and

their

suffers

them

whose

speaking is past ; or
unwilling to utter
7. Make
your

careful

(Johnson's Life
of the

summary

of

time

character
been

not

of

restrains

till the

own

has

whose

merriment

bashfulness

to their

what

and

; whom

speak

to

not

attention

be recalled."

cannot

; whose

at hazard

them
and

in conversation

whose

men

makes

considered,

Dry den.)

letter,then

from

rewrite

summary.

8. A

"

grammatical
the

sentence

through
desert

many
land."

is

sentence

structure

of the

end

"

Loose

"

complete

are

is

thorny

one

in
at

reached, e.g.

course,

Periodic

"

across

sentence

which
one
"

or

The

many
is

the
more"
road

to

in

lies

success

dreary

a
one

meaning and
points before

which

stretch
the

of
full

suspended until the end of the sentence is reached, e.g.

he had
His
of speaking, when
the purpose
to make
manner
himself distinctly
Write
understood, was
energeticand forcible."
kind
then
from
the above
out examples of each
letter,
change
is

meaning
"

the

from

sentences

the

Loose

to

the

Periodic

form, and

vice

versa.

The

Earl of Chesterfield to

his Son

of yours and mine has very justlydefined

some
breedingto be, the result of much good-sense,
A

FRIEND

and
with

little self-denial for the sake

obtain

the

of others,and

indulgencefrom them.
Taking this for granted(as I think it cannot be disputed),
it is astonishing
that anybody, who
to me
has good-sense
and
good-nature (and I believe you have both), can
a

view

goodnature,
good-

to

same

151

EPISTOLARY

of it,
fail in good-breeding. As to the modes
essentially
and circumstances
indeed,they vary accordingto persons, places,
only to be acquiredby observation and
; and are
experience;but the substance of it is everywhere and
Good
manners
eternallythe same.
are, to particular
what
societies,
good morals are to societyin general;
their cement
and their security.And, as laws are enacted
to enforce good morals,or at least to prevent the ill effects
certain
of civility,
of bad
there
rules
are
so
ones;
universally
impliedand received,to enforce good manners,
And
indeed there seems
to me
and punish bad ones.
to
and punishthe crimes
be less difference,both between
ments,
than at first one
would
imagine. The immoral
who
invades another's property,is justlyhanged for
man,
who by his ill-manners,invades
it ; and the ill-bred man,
is by
and disturbs the quiet and comforts of privatelife,
consent
plaisances,
common
as justlybanished
society.Mutual com-

attentions,and sacrifices of little conveniences,

civilized
implied compact between
between
are
kings
people,as protectionand obedience
and subjects: whoever, in either case, violates that compact,
justlyforfeits all advantages arisingfrom it. For
part,I reallythink,that,next to the consciousness
my own
is the
of doing a good action,that of doing a civil one
most
pleasing; and the epithetwhich I should covet the
are

as

most,

natural

next

to

an

that

of

Aris tides

"

the

Just," would

be

that of well-bred.
EXERCISES.
1. Bead

the

letter to Lord
2. Notice

(a) The

extract

aloud

and

compare

it with

Dr.

Johnson's

Chesterfield.
the

followingpoints :

"

smoothness
double

of the

sentences.

passage

produced by

the

use

of

long

152

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

(6) The

MODELS

"

of sentences
frequent use of antithesis the balance
:
societies
".
E.g. Good
particular
good
manners,
morals, societyin general: to enforce good morals
the immoral
the ill-bred
man
punish bad ones:
mutual
civilized
man
:
complaisances
people,protection
kings and subjects.
8. Write
three paragraphs in the styleof the text to show that
Good
Breeding is the result of :
(a) Much
good-sense.
Some
(6)
good-nature.
(c) A little self-denial for the sake of others,and with a view to
obtainingthe same
indulgence from them,
in
4. Express
other words
the same
sense
:
(a) Good-breeding carries along with it a dignity that is
respected by the most petulant."
the preference
(6) " Good-breeding is benevolence in trifles,
or
others
of
of
to ourselves in the little daily occurrences
"

"

"

"

life."

(c)

"

Good-breeding shows

(d) " Good-breeding

Thomas
As

to

should

the

itself most

where

to

an

ordinary eye

least."

it appears

is surface

Christianity."

Carlyle to

books

which

you,

whom

Young
I

know

Man
so

little of,

read, there is hardly anything definite that

can

be

thing,you may be strenuouslyadvised to

keep reading. Any good book, any book that is wiser
than yourself,
will teach you something a great many
be open to
if your mind
and directly,
things,indirectly
is also good and
learn.
This old counsel of Johnson's
universallyapplicable:Bead the book you do honestly
feel a wish and a curiosity
The very wish and
to read.
indicates that you then and there are the person
curiosity
Our wishes are presentments of
likelyto get good of it.
that is a noble saying,of deep encouragemen
our
:
capabilities
to all true men.
Among all the objectsthat
said.

For

one

"

"

"

154

less visible ; there

will dwell.

or

Neither

let
travelling,

let mistakes

There
discourageyou.
by findingthat we were
manfully,to be right;
It is at bottom

so.

nor

in his studies and

man

every

to cultivate

MODELS

ENGLISH

FROM

COMPOSITION

is

choose

preciousinstruction

Our

he

where

of which
directions,
wrong
falls into many,
elsewhere

Let
wrong.
he will grow
the condition on

themselves.

him

II

"

very

man

got

try faithfully,
and

daily more
which

to be

all

walking is an

men

more

have

incessant

fallingand a catchingof ourselves before we

of all
It is emblematic
come
actuallyto the pavement.
does.
thingsa man
that it is not by
In conclusion,I will remind
you
in
becomes
that a man
books alone, or by books
chiefly,
whatsoever
all points a man.
Study to do faithfully
thing in your actual situation,there and now, you find
laid to your charge; that is your
either expressly
or tacitly
the
devour
post ; stand in it like a true soldier ; silently
situations have many
;
chagrinsof it,as all human
many
and be your aim not to quit it without doing all that it,at
A man
least,requiredof you.
perfectshimself by work
than by reading. They are a growing kind of
much
more
that can
the two
men
things;wisely,
wisely combine
do what is laid to their hand in their present
can
valiantly,
for doing other
withal
themselves
sphere,and prepare
if such lie before them.
wider things,

falling:

THOMAS

CARLYLE.

EXERCISES.
1. Head

dictionarythe meanings of the following

:
Strenuously : applicable: presentments : capabilities
:
discriminate
monition
:
:
flimsy: desultory: superficial

2. Find
words
fitful :

"

the letter aloud.

from

your

155

EPISTOLARY

specifically
sphere
3.

basis

4.

What

(a)

does

What

does

What

5.

expand
6.

How
Make
the
Write

does

reading

the

"

tacitly

chagrins

of

give

Carlyle
books

of

he

about

is

say

this

the

reading

advice

History

on

emblematic

"

his

for

give

of

books

recommendation

?
of

all

things

man

does
a

advice

Carlyle

reasons

does

(c)

Johnson's

Dr.

was

of

(6)

emblematic

withal.

illustrations

What

preliminary

"

man

of

summary
in

summary
short

(a)

The

kind

(6)

The

evils

(c)

The

benefits

(d)

"A

man

reading."

become

of

books

"

points

given

in

man

the

letter,

then

words.
:

"

like.

trashy

reading

perfects

all

advice

on

you

reading
of

the
own

your

paragraphs
of

in

himself

books.

books

on

by

History.
work

much

more

tha*?

by

ORATORY

V."

AND

Reply of Lord

RHETORICAL

Chatham

PROSE

when

attacked

by

Walpole
SIR,
"

The

honorable

atrocious

crime

of

gentleman has,

beinga

with

young

man,

which

the

such

spiritand decency,
charged upon me, I shall neither attempt to palliatenor
deny, but content myself with wishing that I may be one
follies may
of those whose
with their youth, and not
cease
who
of that number
are
ignorant in spite of experience.
Whether
as
a
youth can be imputed to any man
reproach,
flhe province of determining
I will not, sir,assume
; but
surelyage may become justlycontemptible,if the opportunities
it brings have
which
without
passed away
to prevail when
the passions
improvement, and vice seems
subsided.
The
have
the
wretch, who, after having seen
consequences

of

blunder, and

whose

thousand

stupidity,is surely
contempt, and
secure

him

from

virtue,and

ruin
crime

has

only added
object of either

insult.
as

he

that

not

has

becomes

Much

his
more,

advanced
more

grey

wicked

in

still to

obstinacy to
abhorrence
hairs

sir, is he

or

should
to

be

age, has receded

with less temptation;

for money
which
he
prostituteshimself
of his life in the
enjoy,and spends the remainder
of his country.
But
youth, sir,is not my only
accused
been
of acting a theatrical part.
; I have
who

cannot

deserves

from

abhorred, who,

age
the

continues

errors,

ORATORY

theatrical

part

RHETORICAL

either

may

157

PROSE

imply

peculiarities

some

of my
real sentiments,
adoptionof the opinionsand language of another

of gesture, or
and

AND

an

of

dissimulation

man.

In
be

the

first sense,

confuted, and

sir, the

deserves

is too

charge

only

to
trifling

be mentioned

to

to be

like every other man,

to use
despised. I am at liberty,
my
own
language; and though, perhaps, I may have some
ambition
to please the gentleman, I shall not lay myself
under any restraint,
nor
copy his diction
very solicitously
or

his

mien, however

experience. If
theatrical
but

villain ;

wealth

I shall

he

brings one

him

acted

all those

offended

neither

that

hope

zeal
nor

for the

the

occasion,

with

which

shall thing
anyalways
age, which
insolent and supercilious

of

am

heat

conviction,and

nor

with

But

part, I should

which

"

from

an

forms

themselves,

offended,I

him

such

on

borrowed

The

censure.

as

shall

punishment.

I have

any sentiments
calumniator
and

utter

age restrain my resentment

that of being
privilege,

whom

which

protectionshelter

any

deserves.

without

had

treat

scruple,trample on
and dignity entrench

but

those

man

any

shall

nor

treatment

without

by age, or modelled
by
with
shall, by charging me

behaviour, imply that

own,

my

matured

regard, sir, to
opinion,that if I
avoided

have

them
service

fear shall influence

is the
of my
me

their

ardour

of

country

to suppress.

libertyis invaded,
look in silence on public robbery. I will exert my
nor
endeavours, at whatever
hazard, to repel the aggressor,
and drag the thief to justice,
whoever
protect them
may
in their villainy,and
whoever
partake of their
may
plunder.
I will

not

sit unconcerned

while

my

158

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS

II

"

EXERCISES.
1. R.ead
that

the

as

the

aloud

passage

speaker

is

replying to

and

is

slowly

and

deliberately. Notice

attack

an

warmth

made

language
strong
great
2. Study the followingpoints :
(a) The use of antithesis : E.g. Advanced

him, the

upon

of feelingis shown.

"

from

(6) The

virtue
of

use

more

irony
"

man

young

wicked

matured

"

by

that
privilege,

E.g.

or

age

being

punishment."
8. Express the substance
passionate language. Write
for
4. Supply synonyms

The

such

with

of

"

receded

temptation.
of

crime

spiritand

insolent

in the

less

atrocious

modelled

of this

in age

decency

being

"

"

ever
how-

"

by experience :
one
and supercilious
without

speech

in less ornate

"

and

less

third person.

the

following. (Synonyms are words

same
or
same
meaning.)
to palliate
follies : reproach : contemptible : to
Atrocious
:
:
subside : obstinacy : stupidity: to abhor : ruin : to confute :
mien
mature
: to restrain : privilege
: ardour
: to
: censure
:
to suppress
of.
to
: aggressor
:
partake
defend
himself
5. A
has
to
speaker
against the following
charges :
(a) That he has been dilatoryin the discharge of his public
have

which

almost

the

the

"

duties.

(6) That

the

expenditurein his department

has been

abnormally

high,
(c) That

he has

not

been

strictlyimpartial in dealing with

his

subordinates.
Give

the

7. Make

precis,then

speech replyingto these charges.

a
precis of the given speech.
with the original.
compare

Marie
IT is

sixteen

now

or

just

to

above

your

seventeen

years

since

saw

the

dauphiness, at

Versailles;

this orb, which

she

hardly

her
delightfulvision. I saw
horizon, decorating and cheering the

touch,
the

from

Antoinette

the
of France, then
queen
and surely never
lightedon
seemed

Rewrite

more

the

like

Oh!

joy.
I have

to

what

and

revolution!

of veneration

to

be

ever

did I dream

lived to

have

that I should

from

thought
their

threatened

thousand

scabbards
her

That

gone.

ten

with

of

has

succeeded

for

ever.

such

see

in

swords

titles

to

shall

more

nation

of

leaped

look

even
avenge
insult. But the age

never

disasters

have

must

that

of

economists, and
sophisters,
and the glory of Europe is

Never,

added

carry the sharp

in that bosom ; little

her in a nation of gallantmen,

fallen upon
of honour, and of cavaliers.
men
I

elevation

that
she

must

obligedto

againstdisgraceconcealed

antidote

heart

of enthusiastic,
distant,respectful

those

love, that she should

what

when

Little did I dream

glittering

"

splendour,and

emotion

contemplate without

that fall !

and

in

sphere she just began to move

morning-star,full of life,and

elevated

159

PROSE

RHETORICAL

AND

ORATORY

chivalryis
calculators,
extinguished
behold

we

that

that proud suband

mission,
sex,
loyalty to rank
of
that dignified
obedience, that subordination
in servitude
the heart, which
itself,
kept alive, even
The
the spiritof an exalted freedom.
unbought grace
of manly
of life,
the cheap defence of nations,the nurse
It is gone,
is gone!
heroic enterprise,
sentiment
and
that chastityof honour,
that sensibility
of principle,
felt a stain like a wound, which
which
inspired courage
whatever
which
ennobled
it
whilst it mitigatedferocity,
generous

touched.
BURKE.

EDMUND

EXERCISES.
1. Bead

the

passage

aloud

and

observe

how

emphasis to the expression of his thoughts :"

(a) By the use of Inversion: E.g. "Little

the

did

author

gives

dream, etc.":

160

COMPOSITION

FROM

"never,

(6) By the

what

use

of

the

little did
nation

this

on

behold,

we

etc.":

"surely

E.g.

"

Oh

1 what

revolution!

heart, etc."

Eepetition : E.g.
dream,

II

MODELS"

orb, etc."

of Exclamation

use

and

shall

more

lighted

never

(c) By

never

ENGLISH

etc."

"

did

Little

I dream

etc."

"

never,

never

more,

"

of

gallant men
a nation, etc."
of similar
(d) By grouping together phrases and clauses
struction
con"That
that
: E.g.
loyalty
proud
generous
submission
that dignified obedience, etc." :
which
felt a
which
strain
which
inspired courage
...

"

ennobled,
the

etc."

skilful

choice

words

lighted on
E.g. " Never
this
orb
the
star
:
glittering like the morning
:
antidote
sharp
loyalty :
against disgrace : generous
submission
:
: the
proud
dignified obedience
unbought

(e) By

"

of

"

"

"

"

of life.

grace
the

Find

the

and
following words
phrases, and
sentences
of your
use
own
:
Dauphiness, veneration,
antidote, cavaliers, chivalry, sophisters, economists,
calculators,
of
of
honour, mitigated ferocity.
sensibility principle, chastity
2.

them

3.

of

meanings

in

"

Express the following

best

(6)

The

(c)

There

good

(d)

that

said

(a) He

fame

never

rod

speak
who

who

emphatic

more

wretched

that

man

after

thing
leave

can

way

"

all.

behind

him

is his

name.

Aaron's

(e) Men

was

monument

was

can

in

such
went

out

wonder-working
of

practice, or
great world.

little of this
covered

were

with

iron

tool
even

from

as

pen

before

head

since

it.

foot,

to

men

with

armed

who
ponderous lances, and men
the
mounted
horses
of
were
on
largest breed, were
sidered
conas
composing the strength of an army.
benefits
not
were
given, they were
sold,
(/) Queen Elizabeth's
and when
withdrawn.
not
once
were
they were
they
given
were

them
too with a frankness, with
an
gave
heart, with a princely dignity,with a motherly
She

which
4.
aroused
Charles

Write
in

I.

in

the

enhanced
the

their

style

mind

of

of

the
an

effusion

of

tenderness,

value.
text

an

account

eye-witnebs

of

of

the

the

feelinge

execution

of

162

COMPOSITION

Simpleton! their Governors had fallen out

of shooting one
another,had the cunning
poor blockheads

II

MODELS"

ENGLISH

FROM

and, instead

to make

these

shoot.
T. CAKLYLE.
Sartor Resartus."

"

EXERCISES.
1. Bead

the extract

(a) The

clever and
his

(6) The

use

are

the

answers

part short, frequent

most

men

as

making

to show

the Devil

can

appreciatethe meanings

you

"

work

that

e.g. Had
is,not the

emphasis,

ignores anything that

point,the author
of war.
justification

sentences

use

semicolon.

and

for

his

labour

for

interrogativeform
Busy
any quarrel?

followingwords

Toil

author

the

in which

way

of the colon

smallest

2. Form

"

of the

be said in

of the

opening question.

these

(d)

Notice

dramatic

sentences
being made

(c) The

In

aloud.

travail.

antagonist: adversary : opponent.

pick : choose : elect.
Cunning : crafty: artful : sly : subtle : wily.

Enemy
Select

Craftsman
3. Write
not

:
a

artisan

few

necessary

mechanic

paragraphs

:
"

on

workman.

:
"

Gambling
of

accompaniment

dealing only with the

artificer

sport ;

to

or

that

prove
on

"

it is

Hunting

"

side of it.

unfavourable

Wit
IT is

beautiful

has

nature

thing to

affixed to

Where

of

our

minds.

to

see

the awkward

resources

turned

into ridicule ?

ruined

body

of

Who

soldier ?

boundaries

ridiculous,and

up by the more
is the heart so

it is swallowed

soon

the

the

observe

to

that

bear

hard

could

laugh at
so

how

feelings

contrivances

is

notice

illustrious

and

Who

which

wicked

could

of the poor

the fractured,
as

to

amuse

himself

with

RHETORICAL

AND

ORATORY

infirmities

the

163

PROSE

of extreme

old age ? or to
of a perishing,

in the weakness
subjectfor humour
body ? Who is there that does not feel himself
dissolving
of the truly
disposedto overlook the little peculiarities
find

to throw

great and wise,and

they have

redeemed

to

Whenever

things,he

the

of

magnitude
Who

their talents,
thinks

ever

great and ardent hope of

our

man

of

world

of

humour

to

find that in all the great feelings

is astonished

of their nature

the

mass

aright; that they are

they are quiteas readyto
contempt the lightfool
act

and

that ridicule which

over

come

that

veil

their virtues ?

the

and

the

by

splendourof
turninginto ridicule

and

of wit
down

crumble

to

the

Temples of God

I have

by that

the

talked

of the

meddles

with

these

of mankind

always think
ready enough to laugh but
drive away with indignation
"

who

bulwarks

comes

with

the feather

of

truth, and

to beat

danger of wit; I do

not

mean

commonplace declamation
against
faculties because
they are dangerous; wit is dangerous,
eloquenceis dangerous,a talent for observation is dangerous,
and vigour for
every thing is dangerous that has efficacy
its characteristics;
nothing is safe but mediocrity. The
business is,in conductingthe understandingwell, to risk
something; to aim at unitingthings that are commonly
man
is,
incompatible. The meaning of an extraordinary
that he is eightmen,
not one
man
; that he has as much
wit

as

to

into

enter

if he had

no

sense,

and

as

much

sense

as

wit ; that his conduct is as judiciousas if he

dullest of human
beings,and his imaginationas

no

as

if he

were

with

ruined.
irretrievably
sense

and

information

But
;

when

when

if he had
the

were

brilliant

wit is

bined
com-

it is softened

benevolence,and restrained by strong principle

; when

by
it

164.

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

is in the hands

of

who

MODELS

"

it and

despiseit,
who can be witty,and something much
better than witty,
who loves honour, justice,
decency,good nature, morality,
ten thousand
and religion,
times better than wit
wit is
then a beautiful and delightful
part of our nature.
There is no more
interesting
spectaclethan to see the
a

man

can

use

"

effects of wit upon the different characters of men, than to

observe it expanding caution,relaxingdignity,
unfreezing

teaching age, and care, and pain, to smile

extortingreluctant gleams of pleasurefrom melancholy,
the pangs of grief. It is pleasantto
and charming even
and
how
it penetrates through the coldness
observe
of society,
awkwardness
nearer
graduallybringingmen
force of wine and oil,
together,and, like the combined
a shiningcountenance.
a glad heart and
givingevery man
wit like this is surelythe flavour
Genuine
and innocent
of the mind ! Man could direct his ways by plainreason,
and support his life by tasteless food ; but God has given
and laughter,and
us
wit, and flavour,and brightness,
and to
perfumes,to enliven the days of man's pilgrimage,
the burning marie."
his pained steps over
charm
coldness

"

"

"

SYDNEY

SMITH.

EXERCISES.
1. Bead

by

man

the
who

aloud.

passage
was

This

great master

noble

of wit.

written
was
passage
the wealth
Notice
of

figurative language, the

clearness of thought, the felicityof

E.g.
gleams of pleasure from
phrasing.
extorting reluctant
and
melancholy,
charming even the pangs of grief."
"

2.

Use

in

sentences

peculiarities
:

ardent

"

: benevolence
irretrievably

illustrious

mediocrity :
:

(a)

out

Simile.

contrivances

examples of

:"

infirmities

incompatible :

: reluctant
principle

dignity.
3. Point

pangs

judicious:
morality :

AND

ORATORY

(6) Metaphor.

E.g.

RHETORICAL

"who

feather

of wit

to

of truth."

the bulwarks

crumble

the

with

cornea

165

PROSE

E.g. ten thousand times better than wit."

wit
E.g. "he has as much
irretrievably
"

(c) Hyperbole.

(d) Antithesis.

ruined."

(e) Repetition.
4. Find

the

where

5. Write

in your

(a) When
(6) Some

quotation in the last line

words

own

occurs.

"

to be used.

wit is not

of the effects of wit upon

different characters

the

of

men.

6. Write
and

abuse

short rhetorical passage

on
the world without laughter.

NOTE."

(a)

"

(6)

"

(c)

"

the

the

or

ears,

"

low

silent since

been uttered ?
arid

and

streamlet
march

the

unshaded

that

remains
coral

"

silence
mantle

the

on

the
the

of snow,

Oh,
first

that hoarse
"

through

voice of Ocean,

where

began !

in mine

was

it crept

breeze,as

is stillness amid

the

has
calm

it not
of the

spring rises and no

plies its weary

no

the

long caravan
blindingglare of the sand, and the red
and again,and
the fierce sun.
But once
roar

winds

of his vassals
that

surf that

distant

desert, where

rays of
yet again,has the
sands

time

flows, and

amid

There

rainless

of the Ocean

of the

moan

(Carlyle).

man

of the

sound

neighbouringwood

never

use

"

Traces
it the

Its

Laughter, holding both his sides (Milton).

of the very privileges
of reason,
Laughter is one
being confined to the human
species" (Leigh
Hunt).
we
Laughter is the cipher-keywherewith
decipher
the whole

WAS

Laughter."

"

rocks
tall
where

"

of

Ocean

heap

up;

been
and

shells,and
underneath

there.

it is the

fish,and
enclose.

It is his
skeleton
the strong
There

is

mountain-peak, with its glittering

the pantinglungs labour to inhale

166

COMPOSITION

the

thin

bleak

bird flies, and

FROM

ENGLISH

air, where

insect

no

"

MODELS"

II

and

murmurs

no

where

the eye wanders

multitudinous
over
that lie far beneath,and vast dark forests that
hill-tops
"

sweep

to the distant

on

horizon, and

hollow

along long

and
valleyswhere the great rivers begin. And yet once
again,and yet again,has the roar of Ocean been there.
The elegies
of his more
ancient denizens we find sculptured
the crags, where they jut from beneath the ice into the
on
mist-wreath
his later beaches, stage beyond stage,
; and
terrace the descendingslopes.
Where
has the great destroyer
not been, the devourer
of continents, the blue foaming dragon,whose
vocation
"

"

it is to eat up the land ? His ice-floes have alike furrowed

the flat steppes of Siberia and the rocky flanks of Sche-

hallion,and

his nunimulites

and

fish lie embedded

in

great stones of the pyramids hewn in the times of the old

still untouched
Pharaohs, and in rocky folds of Lebanon

by the tool.
arrive

ever

chill,shall
no

more,

"

the

integrat
long as Ocean exists,there must be disdilapidation,
change; and should the time
when
motionless
the elevatoryagencies,
and
sleep within their profounddepths to awaken
and
should the sea
still continue to impel its

and

currents

would

So

to roll its

waves

"

every continent

and again,as
length disappear,
fountains of the great deep were
broken
at

"

shoreless

tumble

ocean

round

the

of

island

and

old,

"

when

up,"

globe."
HUGH

MILLER.

EXERCISBS.
1. Bead

the passage aloud

what is meant
by

slowly.

vassals, denizens,
Arid, caravan,
folds,disintegration,
vocation, steppes,flanks,nummulites, elegies,
2.

Say

"

elevatoryagencies.
dilapidation,

OKATOKY

AND

KHETOKICAL

167

PKOSE

8. Find

of :
Rhetorical
examples in this passage
question,
exclamation, metaphor, repetition,
apposition.
4. Express in other words the same
sense
:
"
The
march
amid the blinding
(a)
pliesits weary
long caravan
glareof the sand."
ancient denizens we find sculptured
(6) " The elegiesof his more
the crags, where
on
they jut from beneath the ice into
"

"

the mist-wreath."

(c)

"

His

ice-floes have

and

(d) "So
5.

"

The

to be

other

ten

they

short

the

of

moan

Nature, then

6. Write
the work

low
Form

of

alike furrowed

flanks

the flat steppes of Siberia

rocky
long as Ocean
exists, there
dilapidation,
change."

Ocean."
sounds

the

of Schehallion."

breeze

the

use

Make

"

"

be

The

disintegration,
hoarse

phrases dealing with

phrases in

rhetorical

do.

must

passage
plan first

the

voice

sights

of
and

sentences.

on

"

Winds,"

dealingwith

containing the

chief

points

dealt

of the
with, e.g. winds as denuding agents, as purifiers
atmosphere, as assistants in the fertilization of plants,etc.

Britain's Mission
ENGLAND
whose

is not

so

many
united

square

roods of land, but

nation

in love of soil and race, by mutual

peopleare
sympathy and tradition,by character and institutions. It
of individuals merely bound
is not a fortuitous concourse
towards
each other,and for the
to keep the peace
over
their own
selfish objects,
and crying outside
rest following
their own
or
cottage,counting-house,
country, Let everything
Our country is something more
take its course."
than the mere
workshop of the world, a manufactory for
and a market
for cheap goods. We
are
flashyclothing,
pledged to each other as citizens of a great nationality,
and by solidarity
of life. We
owe
a duty to ourselves,to
and to our country, and also to our generation
our
families,
have grown
and to the future.
We
great,not merely by
and the fertility
the extent of our possessions
of our soil,
"

168
but
and

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS

II

"

by the preservationof our liberties and the energy

of our people. The present generationis
enterprise

the outcome

of centuries of effort.

The

and interwoven,laced
historyof England is woven
and interlaced with the historyof Europe and the world
for a thousand
Wherever
libertyhas struggled
years.
it has suffered in vain, there our
wherever
or
successfully,
affairs
sympathieshave gone. There is nothingin human
that can
Wealth
be foreignto us.
almost
beyond the
dreams
of avarice,territorial possessions,
and education
Power, to the
bring with them heavy responsibilities.
of it, is duty. Unto
whom
much
is
very last particle
given,of him much will be required.
As

have

we

look

inherited,so

can

our

national resolves.

the

fumes

gold and

the

on
slightingly

one

But

have

we

if

transmit.

to

results which

ever

nation, drunk

of power and
an
wealth, makes
material pleasure,
prefersriches to

to courage,

selfish

enjoyment to

rest

upon
with

apotheosisof

duty,comfort

heroic effort and

it sinks in the respect of others,and

No

sacrifice,

loses the

first and

effort. Great work demands

strongestincentive to human
and great effort is the life and soul both of
great effort,
individuals

and

nations.

for these
contend, therefore,

principles the integrityof the Empire, and the

and the duty of England to play her
interest,the right,
part in the great battle of the world, as did our illustrious
ancestors, the forerunners of European freedom.
two

"

JOSEPH

COWEN.

(From

Speech.)

EXERCISES.
the passage
aloud.
Notice the effect of

1. Bead

ideals.

paragraph summing

up

what

Notice
a

has

short
gone

the

and

loftytone

sentence

at

before.

E.g.

the
"

The

the high
end of a

present

170

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS"

II

Fortune played
Through this pantomime of his policy,
the clown to his caprices.At his touch,crowns
crumbled,
beggarsreigned,systems vanished, the wildest theories
the

took

colour

of his whim, and

and

all that

was

of

drama.

Even

of

victory

"

was

venerable,

novel, changed placeswith the rapidity

apparent defeat assumed

the appearance
confirmed
his destiny

his

flightfrom Egypt
itself only elevated him to Empire.
if his fortune was
great,his genius was
"

ruin
But

; decision

cendant
the

all that

flashed

to decide

same

trans-

his councils ; and it was

to perform. To inferior intellects,

and

upon

his combinations

his plans
appearedperfectly
impossible,
perfectlyimpracticable;but, in his hands, simplicity
their development,and success
marked
vindicated their
adoption. His person partookthe character of his mind
if the one
never
yieldedin the cabinet,the other never
"

bent in the field.

surmount

not

whether

and

Nature

had

no

obstacles

that

he

did

that he did not spurn ;

space no opposition
amid
Alpine rocks,Arabian sands, or polar

"

proof againstperil.The whole continent

of Europe trembled
at beholding the audacityof his
designs and the miracle of their execution. Scepticism
bowed
to the prodigiesof his performance; romance
the air of history;nor
there aught too
assumed
was
incredible
for belief,or
fanciful
for expectation,
too
snows,

when

he seemed

the

world

subaltern

of Corsica

waving his
her most
ancient capitals.All the
imperialflag over
visions of antiquitybecame
templation;
commonplaces in his conhis people nations
his
were
kings were
outposts; and he disposed of courts, and crowns, and
the
cabinets,as if they were
camps, and churches, and
pieceson a chess-board.
saw

"

Cradled

in

the

camp,

he

was

to the

last hour

the

ORATORY

darlingof

the

cabinet,he

never

and

army:

forsook

all his soldiers not

useless,and

RHETORICAL

AND

whether
a

friend

in the

their first

forgot

or

abandoned

one

171

PROSE

Of

favour..

him, till affection

for the

was
stipulation

the

or

camp

was

safety of

their favourite.

They knew well that if he was lavish of

them he was
prodigalof himself ; and that if he exposed
them
with
to perilhe repaid them
plunder. For the
soldier he subsidized everybody; to the people he made
even
pridepay tribute. The victorious veteran glittered
with his gains; and the capital,
gorgeous with the spoils
of art,became
the miniature
metropolisof the universe.
That
he

has

he has done
been

the

much

originof good,there

learn from
may
their noblest,is the

taughtby him that

againstwhich they have
are

would

rise upon
that if ambition

can

also

the

that

just as little.
him that their safest study,as well
interest of the people; the people
there is no despotismso stupendous

Kings
as

evil there is little doubt

not

ruins

is

; and

resource

is

of both, he

to those who

living lesson
raise them from the lowest station,
it
can
prostratethem from the highest.
a

CHAKLES

PHILLIPS.

EXERCISES.
1. Bead

the

aloud.

passage

Notice

that

although this

is

\ '-*"-'

stirringpiece of rhetorical
a

little over-florid

visions

of

of being \
prose, yet it has the blemish
in
statement.
"All
the I
exaggerated
E.g.

and

antiquity became

commonplaces in his contemplation;

his people nations were
his outposts."
kings were
2. Find examples of the followingin the text :
the
(a) Antithesis.
E.g. "Even
apparent defeat assumed
of
a
victory."
appearance
(6) Paradox.
E.g. Euin itself only elevated him to Empire."
and
(c) Alliteration. E.g. He disposed of courts, and crowns,
"

"

"

"

camps,
a

and

/riend

or

churches, and cabinets

/orgot a /avour

"

"

'*

He

never

/orsook

172

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS

(d) Metaphor. E.g. "Fortune

played the
caprices."
Simile.
(e)
E.g. " He disposedof courts
the

pieces on

"

captivity: wise

temporary failure
5.

his

Write

his touch
in

optimism:

careful

they

were

crumbled."

crowns

to

meaning

Apparent

"

prosaic ending:

normal

"
on
Nelson, the
passage
at the moment
of victory."

defeat :
deficit:

garden I spend my
nights. My interests

days ; in my
divided

are

With

books.

my
with
the book
present ;

saviour

of

Library

my

and

his

analysis.

In

my

if

brief rhetorical

country,dying

IN

to

chess-board."

(/) Metonymy.
E.g. At
3. Supply phrases opposite
short

clown

as

...

"

the

libraryI spend

between

flower

in the past

am

my
am

geraniums
in the

I go into
my

and all history

unrolls before me.
I breathe the
library,
morning air of the world while the scent of Eden's roses
in it,while it vibrated to the world's firstbrood
yet lingered
and
of nightingales,
the laugh of Eve.
to
I see
the
pyramids building; I hear the shoutingsof the armies
of Alexander
the march
; I feel the ground shake beneath
of Cambyses.

play is

I sit

as

in

theatre

the stage is time, the

"

play of the world.

What
a
spectacleit is ! What
kingly pomp, what
processionsfile past, what cities burn to heaven, what
of captivesare dragged at the chariot-wheels
crowds
of
the

conquerors

actors

come

when

I look

shout

with

on

hear

or

"

cry

Bravo

shaking the stage.

at

Achilles

Eoman

coin.

am

in the trenches.

"

when
a

the

great

Eoman

emperor
lift Homer, and I
The

silence of the

unpeopled Syrian plains,the out-comingsand

in-goings

ORATORY

RHETORICAL

AND

patriarchs,Abraham

of the

even-tide, Eebekah

fields at

face reddened

Esau's
funeral

by

procession
"

Old

of my

boards

and

desert

Ishmael, Isaac
the

in

well, Jacob's

the

guile,

sun-heat, Joseph'ssplendid

all these

things
What

Testament.
half

find

within

silence

in

the

those

what
-peopled world
bleating of
what indubitable
what green pastoralrest
human
flocks
existence ! Across
brawling centuries of blood and war,
I hear the bleatingof Abraham's
flocks,the tinkling of
old

books

of

at

173

PROSE

as

"

"

"

the bells of Eebekah'

0
so

do

and

men

strange yet
I

know

the

where

ye

so

women,
so

well

all!

spiritsof

mortal

camels.

far

known,
Books
the

separated yet

by
are

dead

miraculous

what
the

so

converse,

power

Elysian

true

and

into

fields
these

What

king's
school of philosophy
? What
boast such company
court can
wit of the ancient world
is glancing
! The
such wisdom
There
is Pan's
and
pipe, there are the
flashingthere.
ing
libraryat night,and looksongs of Apollo. Seated in my
the silent faces of my
books, I am
on
occasionally
of the supernatural. They are
visited by a strange sense
not collections of printed pages, they are
ghosts. I take
in a tongue not
it speaks with
and
down
me
now
one
it alone
and things of which
heard
earth, and of men
on
but someI call myself a solitary,
times
possesses knowledge.
No
I think
I misapply the term.
sees
more
man
with
I do.
I travel
than
mightier cohorts
company
than
did Timour
around
on
ever
me
or
Genghis Khan
but
I am
their fierymarches.
a sovereignin my
library,
levees.
that attend my
it is the dead, not the living,

fields

may

venture

unappalled.

near,

ALEXANDER

SMITH.

174

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS

II

"

EXERCISES.
1. Bead

the

aloud.
passage
by a scholar.

that such

Notice

could

passage

find several

examples
of Antithesis, of Exclamation,
questions.
2. Find
from
encyclopaediaparticularsof : Alexander :
your
: Achilles
: Elysian fields : Pan's
Cambyses : Homer
pipe : Apollo:
be written

only

Naturally we

and

of rhetorical

"

Timour

3. Make

(a)

Khan.

Genghis

modelled

six sentences

"

am

Eoman

on

each

when

emperor

of the

I look

at

following:

"

coin."

Koman

(6) u I lift Homer, and I shout with Achilles in the trenches."

?
(c) " What king'scourt can boast such company
fcoo"s."
Make
the silent faces of my
six
4. "Looking
on
trees and
sentences
containing similar metaphors. E.g. "The
side."
white arms
to the sky on
shrubs rear
every
"Books
the
fields
where
5.
the spiritsof the
true Elysian
are
in which
Make
dead
converse."
four sentences
a
metaphor is
"
Books."
Books
faithful
used
friends alike in
for
are
E.g.
prosperityand adversity."
"

"

6. Choose

book

some

a rhetorical
person
and incidents.

you

eldest
Our

marum,

day

of the

Lady

and

raves

where

weeping for
She

when

it

Herod's

sword

little feet

the
times

as

of love

She

was

stood

swept

vanished

heard

Lachry-

night and

faces.

in Bethlehem

its nurseries

household

hearts

that

She

be

refusingto
on

"

forted.
com-

the

night

of Innocents, and

which, heard

they tottered along floors overhead, woke

in

first

of lamentation

stiffened for ever,

were

Mater

it is that

her children,and
that

was

voice

the

chief characters

of the

is named
(sisters)

callingfor
a

in

write

of Tears

of Tears.

moans,

stood in Bama,
Eachel

three

Lady

and

well

recallingsome

passage

Our
THE

know

were

not

at

pulses

unmarked

in

heaven.
Her

eyes

are

sweet

and

subtle,wild

and

sleepy,by

ORATORY

; oftentimes

turns

I knew

the

risingto

the heavens.
And

RHETORICAL

AND

She

lenging
clouds, oftentimes chal-

wears

childish

by

175

PROSE

diadem

memories

round

that

she

she heard the

the winds, when
upon
litanies or the thunderingof organs, and when
abroad

the

musteringof

her head.
could

go
sobbing of
she beheld

clouds.

summer

the eldest,it is that carries

This sister,

keys more

than

which
papal at her girdle,
open every cottage and every
by
palace. She, to my knowledge, sat all last summer
the bedside of the blind beggar,him that so often and so
gladly I talked with, whose pious daughter,eight years
old,with the sunny countenance, resisted the temptations
of play and villagemirth to travel all day long on
dusty
with

her

great reward.

her

afflicted father.

roads

whilst yet her

Himself.

But

stillhe dreams
locked

within

this did

God

send

spring-timeof the year, and

budding,He recalled her to

In the

springwas

own

For

her blind father

for

her ;
at midnight that the little guidinghand is

his own;

and

mourns

ever

stillhe wakens

to

over

darkness

deeper darkness.
By
the power of the keys it is that Our Lady of Tears glides
of sleepless
a
ghostly intruder into the chambers
men,
sleeplesschildren,from Ganges to Nile,
sleepless
women,
Nile to Mississippi.And
from
her, because she is the
first-born of her house, and has the widest empire,let us
that is

honour

within

now

with

second

the title of

"

and

!"

Madonna

THOMAS

DE

QUINCEY.

EXERCISES.
1. Bead

the passage

(a) The

Ehythm.
with

aloud, and

E.g.

"

to

"

all

travel

her afflicted father

that the littleguidinghand

the

followingpoints :
day long on dustyroads
dreams
at midnight
"he

notice
"

is locked

within his own."

176

COMPOSITION

(6)

FKOM

Eepetition.

E.g.

ENGLISH

She

"

MODELS"

it

II

She

is

it

."

was

...

Sleepless

"

sleepless

men,

Metaphor.

(c)

E.g.

of

when

"

"

Innocents

sleepless

women,

Herod's

sword

whilst

"

yet

its

swept
her

Woke

"

Point

3.

Use

4.

In

(c)

Her

sunny

blind

she

father
and

sobbing
of

mustering

spring

and

then

in

sobbing:

darkness.

"

floors

the

along

dreams

overhead.

she

that

holding

is

him

by

the

him.

and

sword

quietly

Tears

women,

literal

stiffened:

locked

Inversion.

died.

still

guiding

of

Lady
men,

swept:

sounded

feet

youth

early

Our

the

Metaphor,

in

moans:

poetically

child's

Herod's

(e)

more

hand,

((")

the

"

organs,

Rhythm,
first

words,

"

blind

(b)

"

hearts
of

of

examples

Eaves:

sense:

The

thundering

following

Express

(a)

other

the

thundering

household

in

clouds."
out

figurative

the

litanies,

summer

2.

love

of

pulses

of

was

4O

,"

budding.
(d)

nurseries

spring

own

**
-i

children."

the

enters

children

slew

all

sleepless

lying.

are

the

where

rooms

children

the

in

nurseries

of

Bethlehem.

the

5.

Write

6.

Write

text

the

as

act

E.g.

the

"

shown

Sympathy

"

memory.

rhetorical

model.

NOTES.

friendly

short

from

passage

"

cup

of

cold

"

passage
She

is

by
water

on

the

Sympathy."
of

daughter
glance,

a
"

the

power

Use

Love."

kindly
of

word,

sympathy.

178

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS

"

of Irish

dependentswho take a percentage of his earnings.

The good Charles Goldsmith
left hut little provisionfor
his hungry race
death summoned
when
him ; and one
of
his daughtersbeing engaged to a Squire of rather superior
Charles Goldsmith
dignity,
impoverishedthe rest of his
family to providethe girlwith a dowry.
which scourgedall Europe at that time,
The small-pox,
off the cheeks of half the world, fell
and ravaged the roses
foul of poor little Oliver's face when
the child was
eight
for his life.
years old,and left him scarred and disfigured
in his father's village
An old woman
taught him his letters,
and pronounced him a dunce : Paddy Bryne, the hedgeschoolmaster, took him in hand : and from Paddy Bryne,
transmitted
to a clergyman at Elphin.
he was
child was
sent to school in those days, the
When
a
that he was
classic phrase was
placedunder Mr. So-andso's ferule. Poor little ancestors ! It is hard1 to think how
ruthlesslyyou were birched ; and how much of needless
whipping and tears our small forefathers had to undergo !
kind uncle Contarine
took the main
A relative
charge
went
of little Noll; who
through his school-days
righteouslydoing as little work as he could ; robbing
orchards, playing at ball,and making his pocket-money
flyabout whenever fortune sent it to him.
Mistake of
Everybody knows the story of that famous
the young
a Night," when
schoolboy,provided with a
in Ardagh,
guinea and a nag, rode up to the best house
"

"

"

"

"

called for the landlord's

at
over
a bottle of wine
company
hot cake for breakfast in the morning ;

supper, and for a

he asked
and found when
was

for the bill,that the

and
SquireFeatherstone's,

mistook
Who

not

the inn

best house

for which

he

it.
does

not

know

every

story about

Goldsmith?

179

BIOGRAPHY

That

fantastic pictureof the child

and
delightful
dancingand caperingabout in the kitchen at home, when
for his ugliness,
the old fiddler gibed at him
and called
him Msop ; and little Noll made his repartee of
Heralds
proclaim aloud this saying See ^Esop dancing and his
look of
monkey playing." One can fancy a queer pitiful
and appealupon that littlescarred face
humour
the funny
little dancingfigure,
the funny little brogue. In his life
and his writings,
which are the honest expression
of it,he
is constantly
bewailingthat homely face and person ; anon
in the glassruefully; and presently
them
he surveys
comical dignity. He
the most
likes to deck out
assumes
in splendour and
He
his little person
fine colours.
for ordination in a pair
presentedhimself to be examined
of scarlet breeches,and said honestlythat he did not like
is

"

"

"

into the

to go

When

clothes.
hook
and

the

Church, because
he tried to

fond

was

as
practise

of coloured

doctor,he got by

by crook a black velvet suit,and looked as big

grand as he could, and kept his hat over a patch on
in better days he bloomed
old coat:
out in plumor

colour,in blue silk,and in

They
Dublin,
with

he

on

showed

until

which

diamond.

the

latelya

window

of 0.

name

Whose

velvet.

new

diamond

TrinityCollege,
Goldsmith
was
engraved
at

it ?

the young
who made
in that placeof learnbut a poor figure
ing.
sizar's,
and fond of pleasure: he
He
was
idle,penniless,
a

learned

his way

Not

pawnbroker'sshop. He wrote
who paid him
a
ballads,they say, for the street-singers,
for a poem,
and his pleasure was
to steal out
crown
chastised by
He was
at nightand hear his verses
sung.
and took the
his tutor for giving a dance in his rooms,
to heart,that he packed up his
much
box on the ears
so
all,pawned his books and little property,and disappeared
earlyto

the

was

180

COMPOSITION

from

ENGLISH

FROM

collegeand

family.

He

said he

America, but

when

his

prodigalcame

home

and
ruefully,

killed their calf

him

it

"

but

to go

to

spent, the
the

lean

II

intended

was

money

was

MODELS"

one

young
folks there

good
and

"

welcomed

back.

Think

reckless,thriftless,
vain, if you like

of him

but

"

merciful,gentle,
generous, full of love and pity. He passes
out of our
life,and goes to render his account beyond it.
of the poor pensioners
weeping at his grave ; think
and deploredhim ; think
that admired
of the noble spirits

Think

of the

wonderful
which

has

the world

paid

delightingus

humour
as

unanimous

and

when

his very

mouths:

epitaph
"

and

of the

of affection with
responses
back the love he gave it. His
his song fresh and beautiful
with it : his words
in all our

still:

charmed

first he

his

that wrote

righteouspen

weaknesses

beloved

and

familiar

his

"

still to smile
to do
spiritseems
us;
upon
with
sweet
charity: to
gentle kindnesses; to succour
the fortunate
to plead with
:
soothe, caress, and forgive
for the unhappy and the poor.

benevolent

W.
"

M.

THACKERAY.

English Humourists."

EXERCISES.
1. Bead
11

the

George

Farmer

passage
"

aloud.

(page 49), and

Compare
notice

with

extract

"

language is clear and simple.

(6) There are exquisite touches of restrained
One can
fancy a queer pitifullook
(a)

the

The

"

appeal upon

that

little scarred
at his

face."

pathos.
of

humour

"Think

E.g.
and

of the

grave."
pensioners weeping
love
the
to feel the author's
extract
seem
we
(c)Throughout
and
is
and
noble
all
his
for
all
for
that
good
contempt
and hypocrisy.
falsehood, meanness,
poor

181

BIOGRAPHY

(d) The

is full of

passage
to

practise

as

the old coat

on

quiet humour.

doctor

and

colour, in blue silk,and

(e) The

of

repetitionas
paragraph. E.g. Think
use

humour

his song

...

in better

of

means

he
a

out in

tried

patch

plum-

velvet."

new

of
.

he bloomed

days

in

E.g. " When

kept his hat over

.think

...

do

to

in the

emphasis
.

of

; to

last
His

succour

to soothe.
2. Find

particularsof the following :

Doctor

Primrose

cottier

Msop
dowry
8. Tell

Swift

Pallasmore

hedge-schoolmaster :

:
:

"

Auburn
:
Lissoy :
Elphin : ferule : Ardagh
"

repartee : ruefully: ordination

sizar

"

unanimous

:
:

brogue.

in

greater detail the two

stories

related

of

Goldsmith

in his

youth.
4. Express
He kept an
charity:

in other

words

table

open

the

the

same

poor

sense

"

cottier still asks

his honour's

the

ragged pensioner still takes his place by right

and
sufferance : the small-pox,which
scourged all Europe
at that time, and
off the cheeks
of half the
ravaged the roses
fell
foul
of poor
little Oliver's face : presently he
world,
the most
comical
sizar made
assumes
dignity: the young
but a poor
in
that
figure
place of learning: the young
home
prodigal came
ruefully: his benevolent
spiritseems
still to smile

on

us.

Prepare a biography of Charles Dickens

followingpoints in the styleof the text :
(a) The hardshipsof his early life.
5.

and

deal with

the

hearts.

(See

"

about Dickens.
(") An anecdote
works.
(c) A few of his famous
(d) His character.
(e) The honoured
place he still holds
the last paragraph of the text.)

The

in

Story of Alexander

men's

Selkirk

the title of this paper I do not think it

born in Her
design,to speak of a man

UNDER

foreignto

my

Majesty's

dominions, and

relate

an

that it is doubtful

adventure
whether

in

his

life

the like has

so

common,
un-

happened

182

COMPOSITION

to any of human

Selkirk,whose
the fame

of his

ENGLISH

FROM

race.
name

MODELS

"

II

person I speak of is Alexander

of curiosity,
is familiar to men
from
The

having lived

alone in the island of Juan

four years and four months

Fernandez.
I had the pleasure

with the man

after his arrival
soon
frequentlyto converse
in England, in the year 1711.
It was
of great
matter
he is a man
of good sense,
to hear him, as
curiosity
of the different revolutions in his own
give an account
mind in that longsolitude. When
consider how painful
we
absence from company
for the space of but one
eveningis
to the generality
of mankind, we
have a sense
how
may
painfulthis necessary and constant solitude was to a man
bred a sailor,
accustomed
and
to enjoy and
ever
suffer,
eat, drink, and sleep,and perform all offices of life in
He
was
fellowshipand company.
put ashore from a
leaky vessel,with the captainof which he had had an
irreconcilable difference ; and he chose rather to take his
than in a crazy vessel,
fate in this place,
under a disagreeable
commander.
His portionwere
his weara sea-chest,
ing
clothes and

a pound of gunpowder,
bedding,a fire-lock,
a
largequantityof bullets,a flint and steel,a few pounds
of tobacco,a hatchet,a knife,a kettle,a Bible and other
books
of devotion, togetherwith pieces that concerned
and his mathematical
instruments.
Eesentnavigation,
ment
who had ill-used him, made him
againsthis officer,
look forward on
this change of life,
the more
as
eligible
he saw
the vessel put off;
one, till the instant in which
his heart yearned within
at which
moment,
him, and
melted
at the partingwith his comrades
and all human
He had in provisions
for the sustenance
societyat once.
of life but the quantityof two meals, the island abounding
only with wild goats,cats,and rats. He judged it most
immediate
and easy
probable that he should find more

183

BI00BAPHY

relief,
by finding shell-fish on the shore, than seeking
found great quantities
He accordingly
game with his gun.
and of which
whose flesh is extremely delicious,
of turtles,
his first arrival,till
he frequently
ate very plentifully
on
to his stomach, except in jellies.The
it grew disagreeable
his greatestdiversions
necessities of hunger and thirst were
from the reflection on his lonelycondition.
the desire of
those appetiteswere
When
satisfied,
societywas as strong a call upon him, and 'he appeared
he wanted
least necessitous when
to himself
everything;
for the supports of his body were
easilyattained,but the
during
eager longingsfor seeingagain the face of man
the interval of craving bodily appetites,
were
hardly
languid,and melancholy,
supportable. He grew dejected,
able to refrain from
scarce
doing himself violence,till by
degrees,by the force of reason, and frequent reading of
and turning his thoughtsupon
the study
the Scriptures,
after the space of eighteenmonths, he grew
of navigation,
When
he had
thoroughly reconciled to his condition.
made
this conquest, the vigour of his health, disengagement
from the world, a constant, cheerful, serene
sky,
temperate air, made

and

and

his

irksome.

being much
He

from

the most

he

feast

joyful than it had before been

taking delightin everything,made
which he cut down
lay,by ornaments

spaciouswood,
delicious

continual

one

more

now,

the hut in which

his life

on

the side of which

bower, fanned

with

it was

situated,

continual

breezes,

of wind, that made

his repose after
gentleaspirations
the chase equal to the most
sensual pleasures. I forgot
of his dissatisfaction,
to observe, that during the time
of the deep,which
monsters
frequentlylay on the shore,
added to the terrors of his solitude ; the dreadful howlings

and

and

voices seemed

too

terrible to be made

for human

ears

184

ENGLISH

FROM

COMPOSITION

MODELS

"

the recovery of his temper, he could with pleasure

only hear their voices, but approach the monsters

but upon
not

speaks of sea-lions,
whose jaws and tails were
capableof seizingand breaking
if he approached them : but at that
the limbs of a man,
time his spirits
and life were
so
high,and he could act
so
regularlyand unconcerned, that merely from being
with

themselves

He
great intrepidity.

unruffled in himself,he killed them

with the greatestease

observing,that though their jaws and

tails were
so
terrible,
yet the animals being mighty slow
in working themselves
round, he had nothing to do but
place himself exactlyoppositeto their middle, and as
close to them
as
possible,he despatchedthem with his
imaginable:

hatchet

for

will.

at

precautionwhich

The

of sickness,was

lame

to

they might recover

of speed. These
hut ;

and

when

could

take

at

promontory, and

had

he

took

kids when

their

he

full

he

very

young,
be
never

health, but
in

great numbers

himself

was

in

in

case

so

that

capable

about

his

full

vigour, he
swiftest goat running up a
of catchingthem
but on
a

speed the
failed

never

againstwant,

descent.

extremely pestered with rats,

which
gnawed his clothes and feet when sleeping. To
of
defend him
againstthem he fed and tamed numbers
who
lay about his bed, and preservedhim
young kitlings,
When
his clothes were
from the enemy.
out,
quiteworn
he dried and tacked togetherthe skins of goats,with which
inured to pass throughwoods,
he clothed himself,and was
His

habitation

was

bushes, and brambles

as

that
to

any

running on

seize

with

much

as

other animal.
the

goat, with

summit
which

It

happened once

and
to

cipitance
pre-

him,

hill,he made a stretch

under him, he fell down
a
of

"

carelessness

186

COMPOSITION

"

expression,
so

happy

FROM

am

MODELS

"

worth

now

when

as

ENGLISH

"800, but shall

worth a farthing."

not

was

EICHARD
The

"

be

never

STEELE.
Englishman."

EXERCISES.
NOTE.

the

Bead

"

"

poem

Alexander

"

Selkirk

by

William

Cowper.
1.

Find

mankind

the
a

of

meaning
bred

man

the
sailor

the

following
:

The

"

generality

irreconcilable

an

life

difference

eligible:
:
languid : disengagement from the world : irksome
aspirations of wind : with great intrepidity : promontory
precipitance : his aspect and gesture : acquisitions.
and
words
phrases in sentences.
resentment

sustenance

of

diversions

2. Give
idiomatic
of

good

refrain

to

capable

of

to

out

wear

sunk

in

3.
the

to

from

containing
to

part with
to

reconciled

to

"

recover

grow
one's

to pass

through

to
:

health
:

to

in full

keep

up

to

to

sitous
neces-

gentle

inured

these

following
:

man

to

dejected
grow
take
delight in

vigour
:

Use

with

converse

with

the

be

pestered
let into

with
to

of

something

the
such

like

text
a

the

man

as

a
as

model,
Alexander

following

write

an

account

Selkirk.

of

Choose

day in
headings

"

(a) The

early morning meaL

(6) Reading and devotions.
(c) Building a hut.
(d) Seeking shell-fish and hunting game.
rest : description of his surroundings.
(e) The afternoon
An
adventure.
(/)
evening
shore
the
Imagine that a sailor is shipwrecked and reaches
in
island
the
Pacific.
the
Tell the story of his life on
a lonely
island.
words
and
Use
of
the
text
which
phrases
serve
any
your
He
dejected, languid, and melancholy."
E.g.
purpose.
grew
4.

of

"

:
:
:

be

thought.

Using

life

To

text

speak of :
: abounding

expressions
sense

the

from

sentences

of

187

BIOGRAPHY

Joan of
WHAT

Arc

thought of her ?
shepherd girl from

What

is to be

the

poor

Lorraine,that

like

the

is to be

thought of

hills and

forests

of

the Hebrew

shepherd boy from the

hills and forests of Judaea
rose
suddenlyout of the quiet,
rooted in deep pastoralsolitudes,to a
out of the safety,
of armies,and to the more
station in the van
perilous
station at the righthand of kings?
Pure, innocent,noble-hearted girl! whom, from earliest
youth, ever I believed in as full of truth and self-sacrifice,
this was
amongst the strongest pledges for thy truth,
"

"

that

never

didst thou

once

for

not

no,

"

moment

revel in the vision of coronets

of weakness

and honour

"

from

man.

for thee I

Coronets

all is over,

when

Daughter

of

are

Domremy,

Oh

no

for

those

when

shall awaken, thou wilt be

Call

her, King

When

the

of

thunders

come

thy blood.
the gratitudeof thy king
that

share

the dead.

sleepingthe sleepof

France, but
of

Honours, if they

universal

she

will not

France,

hear

as

even

thee.

yet

happen, shall proclaim the grandeur of the poor

shepherd girlthat gave up all for her country, thy ear,
for five
deaf
been
shepherd girl,will have
young

may

centuries.
To

suffer and

to

do, that

was

thy portionin

this life,

it hidden
was
thy destiny; and not for a moment
from thyself. "Life," thou
saidst,"is short, and the
sleepwhich is in the grave is long ; let me use that life,
for the glory of those heavenly dreams
so
transitory,
is so long !
destined to comfort the sleepwhich
of even
This pure creature
pure from every suspicion
that

was

"

"

188

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS"

did this holy child,

once
visionaryself-interest never
as
regardedherself,relax from her belief in the darkness
her.
She might not tell the
to meet
that was
travelling
of her death ; she saw
not in vision,
perhaps,
very manner
the fieryscaffold,the spectators without
end on
every
the surging
to a coronation,
as
road, pouring into Eouen
smoke, the volleyingflames,the hostile faces all around,
but here and
the pitying eye that lurked
there, until
a

"

'

and

nature

truth

loose from

broke

artificial restraints

might not be apparent through the

hurryingfuture,but the voice that called her

she heard

for

Great

of the

mists

these

"

death,that

to

ever.

the

was

of France

throne

in those

even

days,

he that sat upon it ; but well Joanna

knew
the throne,nor
he that sat upon it,was
for her ;

and great was

that not

she

the contrary,that

but, on

for them ; not

was

she

by

them, but they by her, should rise from the dust.

Gorgeous were the liliesof France, and for centuries
had the

to spreadtheir beauty over

privilege

until,in another century,the wrath

wither

to

Domremy

she

of France

would

bud, bell

them
had

read

decorate

that
no

blossom, would

nor

she

dream,
saw

her

from
saw

the

duel

with

Domremy,

pomp

of

saw

forests

Joanna

and

man

sea,
bined
com-

knew, earlyat

bitter truth,that the lilies

garland for her.

had

delivered

her

France

entered

fountain

of

in which

nor

her

"

she

tho stake,

baiting at
she

fire,as
the

Flower

for her !

bloom

ever

shepherd girl that

her dungeon, she from

The
from

well

; but

of God

land and

her

last

Domremy,

childhood

had

wandered.
That

Easter

festival which

man

had

denied

to

her

languishingheart,that resurrection of springtimewhich

of dungeons had
the darkness
interceptedfrom h"rt

189

BIOGRAPHY

hungering after
God given back

gloriouslibertyof forests,were

the

hands,

into her

as

by

jewels that had been

by robbers.
With
of dreams
those,perhaps (for the minutes
can
stretch into ages),was
given back to her by God the bliss
of childhood.
for her might be created,
By specialprivilege
in this farewell dream, a second childhood,
innocent as the
first; but not, like that,sad with the gloom of a fearful
stolen from

mission

her

in the

rear.

This mission
weathered

the

drawing off.
been exacted

had

skirts

The

of

even

blood

fulfilled. The

been

now

that

that

she

; the tears that she

the

been

paid

to

had

been

faced

last.

The

to shed

was

was

storm

were

for had

to reckon

was

hatred

had
steadily,

mighty

storm

in secret

had

to herself

in all eyes
suffered,had been

been

survived.
And

her

in

last

fightupon the scaffold she

she had tasted
triumphed gloriously
victoriously
;
stingsof death. For all she had died died, amidst
"

tears

of ten

and

trumpets of armies

thousand

enemies

died, amidst

"

the

had
the
the

drums

died, amidst

pealsredoubling
volleys,from the saluting

"

peals,volleys upon
upon
clarions of martyrs.

THOMAS

DB

QUINCEY.

EXERCISES.
1. Head

the

picturesqueaccount
(a) By

the

use

passage
of the
of

aloud.
Maid

Notice

of Orleans

in

this

vivid

the

and

emphasis given :
the InterrogativeForm, as in the opening
"

sentences.

(6) By Exclamation.
E.g. Coronets for thee I Oh no 1"
innocent, noble-hearted
(c) By Apostrophe.
E.g. "Pure,
suffer
1
To
and
to do, that was
girl
thy portion in this
"

life."

(d) By

the
her to

use

of

Italics.

E.g.

death, that she heard

"

But

the

for ever."

voice

that

called

190

COMPOSITION

(e)By

ENGLISH

FROM

Bepetition. Kg.
her baiting,etc.

"

"

the tears

She

from

For

all she had

"

died, amidst

MODELS
her

"

dungeon,
died

she

from

died, amidst

"

drums, etc."

the

(/) By

grouping together phrases of similar construction.

The
E.g.
surging smoke, the volleying flames, the
hostile faces,the pitying eye, etc."
of good comparison or
illustration. E.g. in
(g) By the use
the
first paragraph, the
shepherd girl is compared
with
the shepherd boy: again, "the
David
spectators
to a coronation."
as
pouring into Rouen
2. Express the followingin a more
emphatic way :
in
this
life
to do, that was
to suffer and
was
(a) Thy portion
not hidden
from
thy destiny; and it was
thyselffor a
"

"

moment.

(6) This
of

even

from

who

creature

pure

pure

from

every

visionary self-interest,never

her

was

belief

her.
back
gave

the

in

darkness

that

suspicion
relaxed

once

was

to
travelling

meet

(c) God

stolen

hands, as
by robbers, that

her

from

denied

had

her

into

jewels

that

Easter

festival

her

had

been
which

that
languishing heart,
the
resurrection
of 'springtime which
of
darkness
had
her.
from
intercepted
dungeons
8. Express in more
poetic language :
from
humble
to a most
a
(a) The poor shepherd girl rose
man

to

and

"

exalted station.

(6) She

saw

the town

of

forests in which

(c)Her

mission
death

was

the

childhood
Her

over.

scaffold

with
had

troubles

its fountain, and

been
were

of

an

end.

Her

Jane

text

as

"

Sir
SIR

was

the

passed,
at

triumph.
4. Prepare a
Lady
Grey, then using the
with :
guide write a short biography dealing particularly
(a) Her youth, beauty, and learning.
(6) Her short, ill-fated reign,
(c) Her execution.
on

Life

Domremy

her

JOHN

John

Moore

MOORE, while

fightabout
left breast by a

earnestlywatching the result of

the
struck on
villageof Elvina, was

the

the

his horse

shot ; the shock

threw
him
violence;yet he rose again in a

with

cannon

from

sitting

BIOGRAPHY

191

unchanged, and his steadfast

the regiments engaged in his front,
eye still fixed upon
no
sighbetrayinga sensation of pain. In a few moments,
the troops were
when
he saw
nance
gainingground,his counteand he suffered himself
to be taken
brightened,
posture, his

to the

seeingthe

times

wound

; his blood

was

made

said, No, I feel that

"

he

fell,the general
flowed

great ; yet the

those about him,

of his countenance, express a hope

looked steadfastly
at the injury for

he

the

of his mind

resolution

his recovery
moment, and

Several

of

torture

he

by his soldiers

town

firmness

unshaken

the

fast and

the spot where

From

rear.

carried to the

was

of

countenance

caused

be

to

his attendants

to

impossible."

stop and

turn

round, that he might behold

the field of battle ; and when

indicated the advance of the British,
the firing
he discovered

his

satisfaction

When

and

brought to

wound, there

was

permittedthe bearers to proceed.

his
lodgingsthe surgeons examined
hope, the pain increased,he spoke

his
no

At intervals he asked if the French were

difficulty.
beaten, and addressinghis old friend,Colonel Anderson,
I always wished
know
to
die this way."
said, You
were
Again he asked if the enemy
defeated,and being
told they were, said, It is a great satisfaction to me
to
with

"

"

know

we

continued

have

beaten

the

French."

countenance

firm, his thoughts clear,once

spoke of his mother he became

inquiredafter the safetyof his
and
his staff,
recommend

His

he did not
those

whose

even

merit

only
agitated
; but

friends and

the

in this moment
had

when
he

he
often

officers of

forgetto

given them claims

life was
to promotion. When
just extinct,with an
unsubdued
if anticipating
the baseness
of his
as
spirit,
I hope the
posthumous calumniators, he exclaimed,
peopleof England will be satisfied 1 I hope my country
"

192

COMPOSITION

will do

FROM

justice!

me

"

ENGLISH

In

MODELS

few

minutes

"

II

afterwards

he

his

died, and
interred

corpse, wrapped in a militarycloak, was

the officers of his staff in the citadel of

by

Coruna.

paid his funeral honours,

guns of the enemy
Soult with a noble feeling
of respect for his valour

and

raised

The

to his memory

monument

ended

Thus

the

Sir

of

career

the field of battle.

on

John

Moore,

man

capacitywas sustained by the purest

virtue,and governed by a disinterested patriotismmore
in keeping with the primitivethan the luxurious age of
His
tall graceful person, his dark
a
great nation.
searchingeyes, stronglydefined forehead,and singularly
and a
expressivemouth, indicated a noble disposition
refined understanding. The
loftysentiments of honour
habitual to his mind, were
adorned
by a subtle playful
in conversation
an
wit, which
ascendancy he
gave him
always preservedby the decisive vigour of his actions.
maintained
the right with
vehemence
He
a
bordering
and every importanttransaction in which
upon fierceness,
he was
engaged increased his reputationfor talent,and
whose

uncommon

his character

confirmed
friend

The

country.
him.

to

For

merit,
honest

while

he

as

fast
to vice,a steadenemy
of his
faithful servant

stern

just and
loved
him, the

lived

he

did

not

dishonest

shun, but

feared
scorned

spurned the base, and with characteristic propriety

they spurned at him when he was dead.
thirsted for
A soldier from his earliest youth, Moore
himself worthy
the honours of his profession.He knew
and

and
hailed the fortune which
army,
placed him at the head of the troops destined for Spain.
of time passed the inspiringhopes of
As
the stream
to

lead

British

but
triumph disappeared,

remained, and with

the

glory of suffering
acceptedthat giftof

austerer

firm heart

he

194

COMPOSITION

words

(e) The

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS"

II

carefullychosen : every word tells : notice,

example, the descriptionof Moore's personal appearance
His
refined
tall graceful person
standing."
under:

for

are

"

2.
in

As

"

wheel

the

of

fortune

of

the concert

justice:
of

"

of the wind

of fate

of time passed." Use the followingphrases

The
path of duty: the bond of friendship: the
the
:
jaws of death : the seat of war : the hand

the stream

sentences:

wings

the

Europe

sands

the

of

lamp

time

of

the

scales

the

learning:

of

dogs

war.

Express

3.

in the form

He

said

(a)
(6)
(c)

"

No, I feel that

"

You

speech :

"

"

know

It is

"

of indirect

impossible."
wished

always

to die this

satisfaction

great

to be

to

to

me

way."

know

have

we

beaten

the French."

people of England will be satisfied 1 I hope

country will do me justice1
my
short paragraphs dealing with
the physical,mental
4. Write
Duke
moral
the
of
of
qualities
Wellington. Before beginning
Thus
exercise study carefullythe passage
ended
the career
:
(d)

"

hope

the

"

and
the

"

of Sir John

Moore
.

carefullythe

5. Bead
a

of the

death

They have
cried
notl"
Hardy.
through 1 : Don't
"

"

"

"

Thank

"

God,

I have

England
THE

death

more

than

of
us

dear
our

is not

first

to his memory

monument

account

death

the

of Nelson.
"

duty

as

battle," then
the

"

raised

write

an

followingquotations
"

"

Kiss

me,

Hardy

"

1"

Death

felt in

was

far

"I
last, Hardy 1
hope
back-bone
is shot
replied; "my

after the

of Nelson

as

at

overboard":

me

my

field of

me

Yes," he

done

extract

Introduce

for

throw

leveller I "

part of the

on

done

of Nelson

England

as

something

started at the intelligence,

publiccalamity; men
and turned pale,as if they had heard of the loss of
admiration
and affection,
An objectof our
friend.
pride and of our hopes, was suddenly taken from

and

it seemed

as

if

we

had

never

till then

known

195

BIOGRAPHY

how

lost in its

country had
our

the account

hero

the

the

greatest of

scarcelytaken

was

"

"

What

into

of

maritime

the

times

grief.
indeed, had
perfectly,

So

him.

reverenced

great naval

of all former

and

own

and

loved

deeply we

at

after the

war,

The

end.

an

he

performed his part

battle of Trafalgar,
was

fleets of

merely defeated, but

destroyed;

built,and

of

new

race

the

not

be

must

for them, before

reared

seamen

sidered
con-

were

enemy
navies

new

that

of their invading our

shores could again be
possibility
not, therefore,from
contemplated. It was
any selfish
loss that we mourned
reflection upon the magnitude of our
of a highercharacter.
for him ; the generalsorrow
was
The peopleof England grievedthat funeral ceremonies
and posthumous rewards
all
and public monuments
were
the king, the
which
they could bestow upon him whom
and the nation would have alike delightedto
legislature,
the

; whom

honour

every

in every
presence
passedwould have

schoolboys a
corner

The

for such
Nelson's
receive

forms

was

this

mighty

men

from

the

chimney

they died.
celebrated,indeed, with

of

of
of

totallyfrustrated,hardly appeared to add to

securityor strength; for while Nelson was
living
watch
the combined
squadrons of the enemy, we felt

France

to

old

their

the seas ; and the destruction

upon
schemes
fleet,
by which all the maritime

achieved

ever

our

him, and

"

from

but they were

without joy ;
rejoicing,
alreadywas the gloryof the British navy, through
to
surpassinggenius,that it scarcelyseemed
the most
addition from
signalvictorythat
any

usual

the

blessed ; whose

children

drawn

upon Nelson ere

victoryof Trafalgarwas
to look

have

villagethrough which *he might have

wakened
the church-bells,have given

holiday,have

sports to gaze upon

"

tongue would

were

196

COMPOSITION

ourselves

FROM

secure

as

as

MODELS"

ENGLISH

when

now,

they were

II

longer in

no

existence.
There

suppose, from the appearances

he
his body, that in the course
of nature
to

reason

was

opening
might have attained,like
upon

work
so

be said to have

he cannot

Yet

done ;
full of honours

and

fallen

he

ought

nor

was

good old age.

prematurelywhose

his father,to

lamented

be

to

heightof

at the

died

who
fame.

human

triumphant death is that of the martyr ; the

most
awful, that of the martyred patriot; the most
that of the hero in the hour of victory: and if
splendid,
The

most

the chariot and

Nelson's

the horses of fire had

translation,he

could

been

vouchsafed

scarcelyhave

for

departedin

brighterblaze of glory. He has left us, not indeed his

but a name
and an example which
mantle of inspiration,
at this hour
of the youth of
are
inspiringthousands
which
is our
pride,and an example
England a name
shield and our
will continue
to be our
which
strength.
of the great and the wise
it is that the spirits
Thus
a

"

to live and

continue

after them.

to act

EGBERT
"

SOUTHEY.

Life of Nelson."

EXERCISES.
1. Bead

style.

The

the

sentences

triumphant

death

2. Notice

the

had

he

that

..."

are

for

...

easy

and

beginning,

dignified

is

meaning
"

perfectly

The

most

after them."

use

of Inversion.

E.g.

already

the

such

Notice

the

words

noble

the

notice

long, but

rather
the

by heart

Learn

clear.

aloud, and

passage

also

the

was

perfectly,indeed,
it is
Thus
glory
So

to

reference

"

the

of the

translation

prophet Elijah.
3.

Use

in

sentences

of

your

object of

own:

"

Something

admiration

and

more

than

affection

not

public calamity: an
of their invading
merely defeated, but destroyed : the possibility
ceremonies
: posthumous
shores : of a higher character
: funeral
our
rewards:
the legislature:through Nelson's
surpassing genius:
our

197

BIOGRAPHY

the

schemes
signalvictory : all the maritime
in
the
the
of
:
course
squadrons
enemy
fame
: the martyred patriot.
height of human

of

most

the combined
at the
4.

greatest

of

our

of

lost in

great naval

its

of all former

and

own

the account

into

country had

the

What

"

of

times

nature

hero"

the

scarcelytaken

was

"

France

grief."

modelled
Compose six sentences
in
phrase
apposition.
6. Complete the following:

this

on

containing

one,

"

be said to have lived in vain whose

(a) Yet he cannot
mourned
Men
Nelson
for
if
as
(6)
but
(c) Our great heroes leave us not merely

"

...

(d)

Thus

it is that

noble

lives
.

England

the

of

the

of

news

the path of duty followed

that
(e) So nobly was
the styleof the text
6. Write
a composition in
in

death

of

Captain

the

on

Scott

receipt
and

his

28th

of

comrades.

The
JOHANN

of Goethe

Boyhood

WOLFGANG

GOETHE

August, 1749, in the busy town

A

little

quick, merry
other

Four

Cornelia

children
the

was

to

was

was

but

only companion

her, wanted

to

her

by the boy's side.

up

came,

from

the

on

of Frankfort-on-the-Main.

girlgrew
also

her his affection dated

toys

born

was

who

survived, and
He

cradle.

feed her

and

attend

very jealousof all who approachedher.

taken from the cradle, over
he
which

anger
much

was
more

scarcelyto
easilymoved

last,his love
In

old

be

to anger

for Cornelia

German

are

housed.

for the passage

was

He

than

was

for

brought his
her, and

on

When

she

watched,

his

"

altogether

to tears."

To

the

steadfast.

towns, Frankfort

ground-floorof the houses

the vehicles

quieted.

vanished.

soon

consists of

among

them, the

great hall where

This floor opens in foldingtrapdoors

of wine-casks

into the cellars below.

198
In

COMPOSITION

one

FROM

ENGLISH

of the hall is

corner

sort

II

MODELS"

of lattice,
opening by

gratingupon the street. Here the

crockery in dailyuse was kept ; here the servants peeled
their potatoes,and cut their carrots and turnips,
tory
-preparasit with
would
to cooking; here also the housewife
her sewing,or her knitting,
giving an eye to what passed
and
in the street (when anything did pass there),
an
ear
of course
to a little neighbourlygossip. Such a placewas
an

iron

or

wooden

favourite with
One

children.

fine afternoon,when

Wolfgang, with
finds himself

the

house

was

his cup in his hand

and
in this room
looking out

quiet,Master
nothing to do,
into

the

silent

telegraphingto the young Ochsensteins,who

dwelt opposite. By way
of doing something he begins
to flingthe crockery into the
street, delightedat the
it makes, encouraged by the
smashing music which
laughterof the brothers Ochsenstein, who chuckle at him
from
the way.
The plates and dishes are flyingin
over
streets and

his mother
this way, when
returns
: she
with a housewifelyhorror,melting into

sees

the mischief

girlishsympathy,
she hears how heartily
the little fellow laughs at his
as
escapade,and how the neighbourslaugh at him.
This genial,indulgent mother
employed her faculty
for story-telling
to his and
her own
delight. Air, fire,
I representedunder
the forms of prinearth,and water
cesses
to all natural phenomena I gave a meaning,
; and
in which I almost believed more
ferventlythan my little
As we thought of paths which
hearers.
led from star to
should
one
star,and that we
day inhabit the stars,and
should meet
there,I was
we
thought of the great spirits
the children
of story-telling
as
as
eager for the hours
themselves
quitecurious about the future course
; I was
of my
own
tales,and any invitation which
interrupted
"

199

BIOGRAPHY

these
held

disagreeable.There

was

with

me

his

largeblack

of his favourites

one

the angry veins swell

his tears.
He
often

temples,I

fate of

burst

in with

in the meanwhile

saw

him

repress
'But, mother, the

even
marry the nasty tailor,
the giant.' And
when
I made
a
pause
promising to continue it on the morrow,

and

the

saw

princesswon't

that he would

Wolfgang

according to his fancy,I

his

on

there
when

eyes ; and

not

was

I sat, and

think

if he does kill
for the
I

night,
certain

was

it out

for himself,

he often

I turned
helped my imagination. When
the story accordingto his plan,and told him
that he had
found
out
the ending, then
he was
all fire and flame,
and one could see his little heart beatingunderneath
his
so

dress !
"

His

grandmother, who

the confidant

of all his ideas

out, and

turn

made

as

she

as

great pet of him,

how

to

repeatedthese

to me,

the story accordingto these hints,there

us, which

between
of

we

continuingmy

never

the

disclosed.

was

of my hearers,and
fulfilment of his own

Wolfgang

saw

with

story would

and "I turned

a

glowing eyes

them
room.

the

to

Christmas
a

new

the

ideas,and listened with enthusiastic

lessons

were

and
the

same

children

the

finished,away

son

play. The dear old lady,proud

grandmother,"spoiled" them, of course, and gave
an
eatable,which they would get only in her
many
But of all her giftsnothing was
comparable to
puppet-show with which she surprisedthem on the

hurried
as

pleasure

astonishment

applause." What a charming glimpse of mother

The
grandmother here spoken of lived in
house, and when

plot

secret

the

I had

story to the delightand

was

her room,

Eve

world
There

was

to

of 1753, and

which

Goethe

"

says

created

in the house."

also the

grandfatherTextor,

whose

house

200
the

COMPOSITION

FKOM

ENGLISH

MODELS

"

children

gladly visited,and whose gravityproduced

an
impressionon the boy,all the deeper because a certain
the old gentleman. His pormysterious awe surrounded
trait
him
in
with
the
a
largewig,
presents
heavy golden
chain round
his neck, suspending a medal
given him by
the Empress Maria Theresa ; but Goethe remembered
him
more
vividlyin his dressing-gown and slippers,
moving
amid
the flowers of his garden,weeding,training,
ing
water; or seated at the dinner-table,where, on Sundays, he
received

his guests.

The

admirable

mother's

method

of

cultivatingthe

inventive

of the boy, finds its counterpart in the

activity
father's method
of cultivating
his receptive
faculties. He
speakswith less praisethan it deserved of his father's idea
of education ; probablybecause late in life he felt keenly
his lack of systematic training. But the principle
upon
which the father proceededwas
excellent one
an
namely,
that of exercising
the intellect rather than the memory,
An
anecdote was
dictated,generallysomethingfrom everyday
life,or perhaps an incident from the life of Frederick
the Great; on
this the boy wrote
dialoguesand moral
"

reflections in Latin
In

the

summer

and
of

German.

1754

the

rebuilt,Wolfgang helping at the

foundation, dressed as a little
observant

boy

found

much

in

old

house

entirely
of layingthe
ceremony
bricklayer.The quick,
this rebuildingof the
was

paternal house to interest him; he chatted with the

workmen, hearing of their domestic
circumstances, and

learningsomething of the
years so often occupied him.
sent

builder's
This

art, which

event

in after

led to his

being

to school.

He

had

Years' War

just attained his seventh

broke out.

His

year when

the Seven

espousedthe
grandfather

cause

202

as

COMPOSITION

FROM

MODELS

ENGLISH

II

"

he grew older he began to invent stories for the amusement

with
of his playfellows,
after he had filled his mind

images
"

"

Not

Lone

only

the

sittingon

of old Kornance."

shores

did he tell stories,

he wrote

also,as

them

we

touching little anecdote

preserved by
The small-poxhad carried off his little brother
Bettina.
To the surpriseof his mother, Wolfgang shed no
Jacob.
in heaven.
Did
tears, believingJacob to be with God
gather

from

"

his mother,
you not love your little brother,then," asked
that you do not grieve for his loss ?
He
to his
ran
"

"

and

room,

from

which

on

written

he

under

had

written

all these

the child.

He

the

that I

bed

drew

quantityof

stories and

might

lessons.
them

teach

then

was

by the sound of the warder's trumpet

announcing the approach of troops.
On

1759.

of

rollingtumult

the windows, and

the

The

streets.

guard-house;
make

To

from
This

and

matters

their drums

called

startled

was

the chief tower,

in

was

the troops in continuous

came

him," said

to

nine years old.

Shortlybefore the death of his brother,he

papers
"I
had

January,
and

masses,

all the

women

the
to

admiring crowds into

French.
They seized the
troops were
in a little while the citywas
a
camp.
all the

worse,

boys

these

in

troops

Wolfgang and his

billeted through the

were

at

war

with

father

worshipped.
town
soon
They were
; and things
relapsedinto their usual routine, varied by a military
occupation. In the Goethe house an important person
was
quartered, Count de Thoarne, the king'slieutenant,
Frederick,

whom

"

man

him

of taste
artists and

and

munificence, who

celebrities,and

won

assembled
the

round

affectionate

203

BIOGKAPHY

admiration

of

the hatred

he

Wolfgang, though

failed to

overcome

of the old Councillor.

occupationof Frankfort brought with it many

It relaxed the severity
of paternal
advantagesto Goethe.
book education,and began another kind of tuition
that
The perpetualmarching through the
of life and manners.
the music, the pomp, pride,
streets,the brilliant parades,
This

"

"

circumstance"

and

without

not

were

their

influence.

with
Moreover, he now
gained conversational familiarity
French, and acquaintancewith the theatre.
H.

G.
"

LEWES.
of Goethe."

Life

EXERCISES,
1. Read
all

help

the

to

extract
our

arouse

aloud.

interest

introduction

(a) The

Notice

the

following points

with

the

actual

anecdotes

of

that

"

words

of

the

(6) The

speakers.
pen-portraitsof

(c) The

skilful way

(d) The

biography.
change of

2. Tell
aud

3. Make

which

in
tense

as

an

History

the

about

anecdotes

this extract, thus

analysisof

the

about

father.
grand-

with

is interwoven

in the anecdote

words
own
your
of little Jacob.

in

the death

mother, grandmother,and

the

the

crockery.

the

crockery

"

(a) Birth on August 28th, 1749, at Frankfort-on-the-Main.

(6) Steadfast love for his sister Cornelia.
of

(c)Description

houses

ground-floor of

old

in

German

towns, etc.
4.
a

"

Over

lyreand
Of

what
the

the
the

the

doorway

of the house

in which

he

was

born

The

were

star."
are

violet

the
:

following emblems

the
the

pelican:
course

of

olive

stork

river.

the
:

laurel

or
:

glove :

symbols
the
the

poppy
sickle

"

:
: an

the

lily:
reed

anchor

:
:

204

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS

H
"

5.

the

Use

following

their

appreciate

differences

Heeling

calling

Express

(a)

"

in

jhearty

watery

was

produced
because

fatherly

the
the

that

you

sense

grandfather
the

on

/ponderous/

"

whose

Textor,

mysterious

certain

dumblheavy

(mute

ire

same

impression

an

show

to

janger)

cordial/

paternal

words
also

sentences

"

faqueous

other

in

There

vocation/sentiment

6.

words

boy,

all

gravity
the

deeper

surrounded

awe

the

old

gentleman."
(6)

"

The

quoted
(c)

"

of

exploits

It

the

on

was

the

Prussian

side,

one

all-absorbing

an

army

and

enthusiastically

were

down

cried

topic,

on

the

awakening

other."

passionate

partisanship."
(d)

"

and

Courage

(e)

"

Scholars
of

7.

of

germs
Kefer

to

prepared.

Life

of

account
of

Nelson."
which

qualities
Exercise

desperate

and

to

their

saving

an
"

frequently

are

nothing

Prepare

Southey's

in

genius

circumstances

always

sympathy."

awaken

own

"

The

be

model

on

your

who

are

ignorant

ignorance."
Boyhood

Select
later

with

met

of

anecdotes
were

outline

Nelson."
which

exhibited
on

in

the

See
show

one

the
you

the
man.

have

VII."

PEN

POETRAITS

Attila the Hun

ATTILA.,the
his

of Mundzuk,

son

descent
regal,

from

deduced

the ancient

his noble, perhaps

Huns, who

had

formerly
of China.
contended
with
the monarchs
His
features,
accordingto the observation of a Gothic historian,bore
the stamp of his national origin; and the portraitof Attila
Calmuck:
exhibits the genuine deformity of a modern
a large head, a
swarthy complexion, small, deep-seated
eyes,

flat nose,

hairs

few

place of beard, broad

body, of nervous
strength
in

short square
form.
disproportioned

shoulders, and

though of a
The haughty step and demeanour
Huns
expressedthe consciousness of
the rest of mankind

; and

he

of the

king of the
his superiority
above
of fiercely
ing
rollhad a custom
he
to enjoy the terror which

his eyes, as if he wished

inspired. Yet this savage

hero

pity : his suppliantenemies

might confide in the

of peace

or

subjectsas
war;

but

not

was

had

ascended

the

to

assurance

considered

pardon; and Attila was

just and indulgentmaster.

after he

inaccessible

He
throne

by his
delighted in
in

mature

the conquest
age, his head, rather than his hand, achieved
the fame
soldier
of the North
of an
adventurous
; and
was

usefully exchanged for that of

prudent and

cessful
suc-

general.
GIBBON.

206

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

and

in

the

known

to

about

old,Johnson

grown

of

in the fulness

of his fame,

competent fortune,is better

than any other man
in history. Everything
his coat, his wig, his figure,
his face, his

enjoyment

us

him,

II

"

Johnson

Dr.
JOHNSON

MODELS

"

ing
scrofula,his St. Vitus's dance, his rollingwalk, his blinkhis
signs which too clearlymarked
eye, the outward
approbationof his dinner, his insatiable appetitefor fishand

thirst
veal-piewith plums, his inextinguishable
for tea, his trick of touchingthe posts as he walked, his
mysteriouspracticeof treasuring
up scraps of orange-peel,
his morning slumbers, his midnight disputations,
his contortions,
his mutterings,his gruntings,his puffings,
his
vigorous,acute, and ready eloquence,his sarcastic wit, his
sauce

vehemence,

his

his

inmates

queer

Williams, the
familiar

to

us

from

insolence, his fits of tempestuous rage,

old

"

Levett

as

Mrs.

blind

and

Hodge and the negro Frank, all are

the objectsby which
have been surrounded
we

cat

"

childhood.

respectingthose
his character

which

Mr.

and

But

have

we

years of
his manners

minute

no

Johnson's
became

mation
infor-

life

during
immutably

fixed.
MACAULAY.

Frederick
HE

is

king every
trappingsof a king.
a

of vesture
hat

"

no

inch

the Great
of

Presents
crown,

him, though without

himself
but

an

generallyold,or trampled and

in

old

the

plicity
Spartan simmilitarycocked

kneaded

into absolute

softness if

new

sceptrebut one like Agamemnon's, a

from
the woods, which
also
serves

no

207

PORTKAITS

PEN

walking-stickcut
between
as
a riding-stick
(with which he hits the horse
for royal robes, a mere
the ears," say authors); and
soldier's blue coat with red facings, coat likelyto be old,
and
to have
a
sure
good deal of Spanish snuff on the
in colour
breast of it ; rest of the appareldim, unobtrusive
or
cut, ending in high overknee
military boots, which
be brushed
hand
(and, I hope,kept soft with an undermay
suspicionof oil),but are not permitted to be
blackened
or
varnished," Day and Martin with their sootis not of god-like
pots forbidden to approach. The man
than
of imposing stature
or
physiognomy, any more
mouth
with thin lips,
costume
: close-shut
prominentjaws
of Olympian height;
and nose, recedingbrow, by no means
head, however, is of long form, and has superlativegray
"

"

Not

eyes in it.

by

what

all appearance,

the face

is called

what

are

termed, of much

and

seems

is called

evidence

bears

beautiful

hard

man

On

happy.

nor

the

yet,
trary,
con-

of many
as
sorrows,
they
labour done in this world ;

still coming.
anticipatenothing but more
Quiet stoicism,capable enough of what joys there were,

but

expectingany

not

and

to

conscious

some

mockery

of humour,

carries its chin

about
under
watch

worth

mention

pride,well
are

the

neck; snuffy nose,

its old cocked
hat, like

and

such

pair of

on

that

the

sun

; gray,

enough, not

of

we

with

cheery

old face,which

spiteof the slightstoop

rather flung into the air,
old snuffylion on
the
an

eyes

as

no

lynx of that century bore elsewhere.

as
potent,brilliant eyes, swift-darting
as

great unconscious

tempered

written

well forward, in

said, of the

glaringsize; the

azure

or

man,

Most

lion, or
excellent,

the stars, steadfast

gray
habitual

colour ;

large
expressionof

208

COMPOSITION

them

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS"

vigilanceand penetratingsense, rapidityresting on

depth.
T. CAKLYLE.

Sir Francis
is that

who

UT

stands

Drake

short, sturdy,plainly-dressed
man,

who

with

legs a little apart,and hands behind his balk.

looking up, with keen, gray eyes, into the face of each
speaker?/ His cap is in his hands, so you can see the
bullet head

of

crispbrown hair and the wrinkled forehead,

well as the high cheek-bones, the short square face,the
as
broad temples,the thick lips,
which are yet fiim_as_granite.
A
whole
plebeian stamp of man
: yet the
coarse,
figure
amTVttitude are that of boundless
determination,selfwhen
at last he speaks a few
possession,
energy ; and
turned
blunt words, all eyes are
him ;
respectfully
upon
for his

"

is Francis

name

Drake.
CHARLES

William
and

IF

you
Milsom

I had

Street

"

been

hush

we

KINGSLEY.

Pitt

alive

then, and

should

have

down
strolling

taken

swathed
awful, long, lean, gaunt figure,
passed by in its chair,and a livid face looked
as

an

window

in flannels,
out

great fierce eyes staringfrom under

powdered wig, a terrible frown, a terrible Eoman
and

"

we

the great

whisper
commoner

to

one

another,
There

"

is Mr.

There
Pitt !
W.

M.

he

hats off,

our

is !

from
a

the

bushy
nose

"

There's

"

THACKERAY.

210

COMPOSITION

FROM

MODELS"

ENGLISH

II

small

skull-capleft unconcealed

his forehead,shaded

short

thick

black

wings of

set its trace

lines

deep

and

glossy as

that forehead

that time

hair, uncurled, but

It

raven.

; it
as

was

on

knit into

was

furrows

frown

the

over

its broad, but

crossed

with
the
had

eyebrows ;
elevated

not

spoke of hasty ire and the habit of

stern command
spoke of deep thought and
; those furrows
cumstanc
plottingscheme; the one betrayed but temper and cirnoble, spoke of the character
; the other,more
That

expanse.

and

frown

intellect.
The

mouth

face

and

was

square,
small, and even

"

the

regard lion-like;the

beautiful

in

outline

had

"

expressionin its exceedingfirmness ; and the jaw

less,
showed
obstinate,ruth"vast, solid,as if bound in iron
determined
will; such a jaw as belongs to the tiger
; such as
amongst men
amongst beasts,and the conqueror
it is seen
in the effigies
of Csesar,of Cortez, of Napoleon.
sinister

"

LOBD

Gentleman

Country

brother
to a
is younger
baronet, and
He is
of the ancient family of the Wimbles.

WIMBLE

WILL

descended

fortyand fifty
; but beingbred
to no
estate, he generallylives
He
superintendentof his game.

now

between

and

born

brother

as

in

dogs better than any man

for finding
out a hare.
famous
of

in all the little handicrafts

May-fly to a miracle:
with angle-rods.As he
and

LYTTON.

very

much

esteemed

of

and
is

He

an

to

business

no

with

his elder

hunts

pack

is very
is extremely well versed

the country, and

idle

furnishes

man.

He

makes

the whole

country
good-natured officious fellow,

upon

account

of his

he
family,

is

PEN

welcome

211

PORTRAITS

house, and

keeps up a good correspondence

all the gentlemen about
him.
He
among
carries a tulip-root
in his pocket from one
to another, or
exchanges a puppy between a couple of friends that live
perhaps in the oppositesides of the county.
Will is a particularfavourite of all the young
heirs,
whom
he frequentlyobligeswith
that he
has
net
a
himself : he
weaved, or a setting-dogthat he has made
and then presents small giftsto their mothers
now
or
sisters. These gentleman-like manufactures
and obliging
little humours, make
Will the darlingof the country.
a

guest

at every

JOSEPH

Mr.
"

Now, what
The

Gradgrind

is,Facts..

I want

ADDISON.

Stick to Facts, sir !

"

vault of a
plain,bare, monotonous
schoolroom, and the speaker's
emphasized
square forefinger
his observations
with a
by underscoringevery sentence
sleeve.
the schoolmaster's
The
line on
emphasis was
helped by the speaker'ssquare wall of a forehead,which
his eyebrows for its base, while
his eyes
had
found
commodious
cellaragein two dark caves, overshadowed
by the wall. The emphasis was helped by the speaker's
mouth, which was wide, thin,and hard-set. The emphasis
was
inflexible,
helped by the speaker'svoice, which was
helped by the
dry, and dictatorial. The emphasis was
bristled on
the skirts of his bald
hair,which
speaker's
from
its
head, a plantationof firs to keep the wind
shining surface, all covered with knots, like the crust
of a plum pie,as if the head had
scarcely warehousefor the hard
The
facts stored inside.
room
speaker's
scene

was

212

COMPOSITION

obstinate

FEOM

ENGLISH

carriage,square
"

the

throat

stubborn

with

"

CHARLES

Lord
MAJOR-GENERAL

stands
and

several

looks

motions
he
than

DICKENS.

1898

HERBERT

KITCHENER

is

fifty-

the look ; but that is irrelevant.

He
inches
six feet, straightas a lance,
over

built

and strong ; slender

:
agility

or

shaded

full cheeks,

but

; his

firmlyknit,
rather

endurance

that also is irrelevant.

by

long

heads

men's

most

tireless,steel-wire

for

passionlesseyes,
rather

him

by

deliberate

for power

in

imperiouslyabove

out

are

seems

Kitchener

SIR HORATIO
old

eight years

take

to

unaccommodating grasp, like

all helped the emphasis.

an

it was,

fact,as

II

legs, square

coat,

square
neckcloth,trained

shoulders, nay, his very

by

MODELS"

Steady
brows, brick-red,

decisive

beneath

moustache

which

you
mouth
divine an immovable
; his face is harsh, and neither
appealsfor affection nor stirs dislike. All this is irrelevant

too; neither

of person has any

could imagine the
externals

were

of life,no
one

to

keep

are

the

essence

will

extremes

so

different.

body

any accident
Sirdar.
You

figure,nor face, nor

bearing on the essential
character just the same

nor

age,

but

one

his brain
and

the

He

has

no

age

if all the

as

the

but

carry his mind, no

brain and
behind.
The
to

whole

of

the

man

"

perfectin their workings that, in

to
seem
they never
difficulty,

prime

face

but

the

will
and

brain
the

know

face of
what

struggleis.
G.

W.

STEEVENS.

PEN

Oliver
THE

figureof

known,

in

Oliver

no

way
stature, strong and

213

POKTRAITS

Cromwell

Cromwell

prepossessing. He
coarselymade, with

features,indicative,however, of much
and

depth of thought. His eyes were

too largein proportion
to his
nose

his
of

reddish
His

as

was,

is

was

harsh
natural

generally
of
and

middle
severe

sagacity
piercing;

grey and
other features,and

hue.
of

speaking,when he had the purpose to

himself
make
understood, was
distinctly
energeticand
forcible,
though neither gracefulnor eloquent. No man
could on
such occasion put his meaning into fewer and
decisive words.
But when, as it often happened,
more
he had a mind to play the orator,for the benefit of people's
without
Cromwell
ears
enlighteningtheir understanding,
wont
to invest his meaning, or
that which
seemed
was
to be his meaning, in such a mist of words, surrounding
it with so many
and fortifying
exclusions and exceptions,
it with such a labyrinthof parentheses,
that, though one
shrewd
in England, he was, perhaps,the
of the most
men
most
speakerthat ever perplexedan audience.
unintelligible
tion
It has been long since said by the historian that a collecof the Protector's speecheswould
make, with a few
nonsensical
book in the world ; but
the most
exceptions,
added
that nothing could be
he ought to have
more
he
than
what
concise, and intelligible
really
nervous,
intended
It

was

manner

should

be understood.

also remarked

of Cromwell, that,though born

good family,both by father and mother, and although

of education
and breeding
he had the usual opportunities
with such an
connected
advantage,the fanatic democratic
of

214

COMPOSITION

ruler could

FROM

there

each

other.

sometimes

as

in his

was

II

acquire,or else disdained to practise,

usuallyexercised among the higher classes

in their intercourse with

blunt

MODELS"

never

the courtesies

so

ENGLISH

might be
languageand manner

demeanour

His
termed

was

clownish, yet
force and

energy
impressed awe, if

correspondingto his character,which

it did not impose respect; and
times
there were
even
when
that dark and subtle spiritexpanded itself,
as
so
almost

to

conciliate

affection.

The

for

turn

humour,

which

broad, and of a low

displayeditself by fits,was
and sometimes
practicalcharacter. Something there was
in his disposition
congenialto that of his countrymen;
hatred of affectation,
and a dislike
a
a
contempt of folly,
of ceremony,
which, joined to the strong intrinsic qualities
of

and

courage, made
unfit representative
of the
sense

him

in many
democracy of

"

an

England.

WALTER

SIR

The

respects not
SCOTT.

Woodstock,"

of Marlborough

Duke

England and all Europe, saving only

the Frenchmen, worshipped almost,had this of the godlike
in him, that he was
impassiblebefore victory,before
danger,before defeat. Before the greatestobstacle or the
OUR

chief,whom

trivial ceremony;
in battalia,or
drawn

before

most

of his
lords

burning hovel
or

planswere
death, and

monarch's

laid,or

an

hundred

thousand

men

peasant slaughteredat the door

; before

of drunken

carouse

court, or

German

cottage table where

vomitingflame
enemy's battery,

strewing corpses

round

always cold,calm, resolute,like

about

fate.

him

;
"

he

his
and
was

PEN

the

In

of

hour

215

POKTRAITS

battle

have

heard

the

Prince

of

Savoy's officers say, the Prince became possessed with a

sort of warlike
fury; his eyes lighted up; he rushed
hither

himself
as

and
raging; he shrieked curses
yellingand harking his war-dogs on,
always at the first of the hunt. Our Duke

and

calm

thither

at the

mouth

of the

drawing-room. Perhaps he
he was,

man

had

he had

cannon

could not

as

at

have

couragement
en-

and
was

the door of
been

heart either for love

the great

hatred,

or

He
achieved
the
pity or fear,or regret or remorse.
highestdeed of daring,or deepest calculation of thought,
action of which a man
he performed the very meanest
as
robbed
is capable; told a lie,or cheated a fond woman,
or
with a like awful serenity
a
poor beggar of a halfpenny,
and equal capacityof the highestand lowest acts of our
or

nature.
in the army,
qualitieswere
pretty well known
and
there were
where
plenty of
partiesof all politics,
and
shrewdness
wit; but there existed such a perfect
confidence in him, as the first captainin the world, and
in his prodigious
such a faith and admiration
genius and
whom
he notoriously
cheated
fortune,that the very men
he used and injured for he
of their pay, the chiefs whom

His

"

used

all men,

instruments

quality or

some

it

near
him, as his
great and small, that came
alike, and took something of theirs,either

might be,

or

property the blood of a soldier,

thousand
jewelled hat, or a hundred

some
a

"

king,or a portionout of a starvingsentinel's

or
taking all he could from woman
three-farthings,
man,
and having, as I have said, this of the godlike in him,
with the
that he could see a hero perishor a sparrow fall,
of sympathy for either.
amount
same
Not that he had no
tears ; he could always order up
crowns

from

216

COMPOSITION

this

for

at

the

tears

or

reserve

draw

upon

using

this
he

as

FROM

ENGLISH

moment

proper
smiles

II

battle; he could

to

alike,and whenever

cheap coin.

would

MODELS"

flatter

He

could

minister

need

was

black,
cringeto a shoea
or
monarch; be

haughty, be humble, threaten,repent, weep, grasp your

hand
he saw
(or stab you whenever
occasion).But yet
"

those

of the

most

from

alongthe
to

army, who
him, admired

lines to battle

knew

him

him

most

shot, the

they

saw

or

reelingfrom
and
faintingmen
the splendidcalm

will made

them

had

suffered

of all ; and as he rode

gallopedup in the nick of time

battalion

best and

before

the

officers

enemy's chargeor
as
got new
courage

of his face,and

felt that

his

irresistible.
W.

M.

THACKERAY.

NOTES.
Bead

each

aloud, and notice that though the style

with each author, yet each achieves
in its own
way a magteuj

varies

passage

and

vivid

the

C6nqueror7fstress

features

In

is laid

some

others, e.g. that of " A

is given to the habits
and
result

write

notes

of what

"

picture of

is

clear-cut

pen-portrait
the

you

"

e.g. that

of

"

William

descriptionof the physical

Country Gentleman," prominence
social qualities;but in every
of

picture

careful

read, then

cases,

the

on

; in

the

case

words.

in
portrait

the

man.

In

preparation is

condense

them

necessary.
into a short

order

to

Make

graphic

man.

EXERCISES.
1.

"

Attila the

features, then

Hun."

some

favourable

pen-portraitof Eichard

comes

descriptionof

aspects of

the

his character.

physical
Write

III.

good example of Macaulay's

Notice
emphatic way of heaping togetherphrases of similar form.
the favourable
and the unfavourable
that the picture gives both
character.
Write
a pen-portrait of Carlyle.
points in Johnson's
Notice
the jerkiness; the humour
Frederick
the Great."
3.
;
and the tellingdescriptionof the eyes
the
stars,
swift-dartingas
of Napoleon.
Write a pen -portrait
steadfast as the sun."
2. "Dr.

Johnson."

First

This

is

"

"

VIII."

PEOSE

PASSAGES

REPETITION

FOE

Eloquent Death
KINGS

Princes

and

before

them

the

of

World

the

actions,but

have

laid

always

the ends, of those great

not

which

They are always transported

preceded them.
with the gloryof the one, but they never
mind
the misery
of the other, till they find the experiencein themselves.
They neglect the advice of God while they enjoy life,or
hope it ; but they follow the counsel of Death, upon his
first approach. It is he that puts into man
all the wisdom
of the world, without
speaking a word ; which God, with
of His law, promises,or threats,doth not
all the words
and
infuse.
hateth
is
Death, which
destroyeth man,
believed.
God, which hath made him and loves him, is
I have
considered,saith Solomon, all
always deferred.
ones

the

works

that

vanity

and

Death

tells it
of

Philipto
France,

that

vexation

Charles

of the

of
It

the

he

that

and

them

at

insolent

the

Death

who

believes

it, till

him

enjoin

science
con-

his

son

King Francis the First of

justiceshould be done upon the

; and

in

neglected.
man

Merindol

and

It is therefore

know

they are

instant ; makes
to hate their
yea, even
the

and, behold, all is

which, opening the

Fifth, made

Protestants

that

sun,

spirit;but

was

suddenly make

proud

repent;

under

Navarre

to command

till then
can

us

restore

murderers
which

are

himself.

Cabrieres,

Death
He

alone

tells the

and humbles
abjects,
them
complain, and
cry,
forepassedhappiness. He
but

PROSE

PASSAGES

FOB

219

REPETITION

of the rich,and

takes the account

proves him a beggar; a

interest in nothing,but in the

beggar,which hath
He holds a glassbefore the
gravel that fills his mouth.
and makes
them
therein
beautiful,
see
eyes of the most
their deformity and rottenness ; and they acknowledge it.
0 eloquent,
could
just,and mighty Death, whom
none
hath dared, thou
advise, thou hast persuaded ; what none
naked

hast

done

only

has cast out

and

whom

all the world

of the

world

and

hath

thou
flattered,

despised. Thou

hast

together all the far-stretched greatness, all the

it all
covered
pride,cruelty,and ambition of man
; and
drawn

over

with

these two

words

narrow

Hicjacet.

SIR

WALTER

EALEGH.

John Howard
HE
ness

has visited all

of

accurate
nor

palacesor

to form

depths

of

to

survey

the stateliness of

scale of the

sumptuousnot

of ancient

curiosityof

collate

modern

manuscripts;
dungeons, to plunge into
or

the

temples;

of the remains

measurements

collect medals,
the

Europe, not

but
the

to make

grandeur,

art ;
to

to

nor

dive

into

infection

of

of sorrow
and pain ; to
survey the mansions
of misery, depression,
and
take the gauge and dimensions
the forgotten,
to attend
to the
contempt ; to remember

hospitals
; to

neglected,to
collate the

visit the

distresses

and
plan is original,
humanity. It was a
of

forsaken,

of all
it is
voyage

men
as

of

and
in

to

compare
all countries.

and
His

genius as it is of
a
tion
circumnavigadiscovery,
full of

charity.
EDMUND

BURKE,

220

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

made

Weakness
IP

of

one

these

little flakes

MODELS"

II

Strong
in

sand, hurried

mica

of

of the ancient
spangling along the bottom
river,too lightto sink, too faint to float,almost too small
for sight,
could have had a mind
given to it as it was at
last borne down
dust into the abyssesof
with its kindred
the stream, and laid (might it not have been thought ?)for
in the dark ooze, the most, despised,
a hopeless eternity,
and feeble of all earth's atoms
forgotten,
; incapableof any
there in the diluvial darkness,
down
use
or change ; not fit,
much
earth wasp
to help an
to build its nest, or
as
so
it have thought,
feed the firstfibre of a lichen ; what would
had
it been
told that one
day, knitted into a strength
of imperishableiron, rustless by the air,infusible by
as
tremulous

of the substance

the flame, out

axe

of God

it

poor,

"

should

hew

that

helpless mica

Alpine

flake!

should

it
rage in vain ; beneath
hills should lie bowed
the snowy
"

and

around

war

of the firmament

night fall
stars
rose,

it

new

the

blunted

in the

wild

north

low-fallen

against
winds
flake !

mica

"

sheep, and

like flocks of

"

"

and

"

the

kingdoms

the

"

that

tower

earth fade away

in unregarded blue ;
mica flake ! the great
weak,* wave-drifted

of

the

it not

its fellows, the

of it,with

clear

cressets

on
abiding-place

should

fieryarrows
back
heaven

from

burst

in thunder

and

and

meteors
angry
it into the air ; and

should

light,one
the pointsof snow
upon
the imperishablespire?

by

that

JOHN
"

one

Modern

yet stir
of the
all the
as

they

fringedits
EUSKIN.
Painters."

PASSAGES

PROSE

The
indeed

FOR

End

meaning and direction

era
us, a change from
footstepsof ages were
and

away,

the

like
dissolving

coming

was

of which
to

broken

faith and
a

even

The

era.

dream.

Ages

the world, the

upon
still is hidden from

paths trodden by the

old thingswere
passing

up ;

life of ten

the

221

REPETITION

of the Middle

change

FOR

Chivalrywas
togetherto

centuries

and

the castle

and

all the forms, desires,beliefs,convictions

world
A
The
an

continent

crumble

abbey

into ruins ;
of the

abyss

had

of immeasurable

unfixed
itself,
small

the

atom

from

awful

faded ; and

vastness

in which

built for themselves, mankind

now

space ; and

its foundations, was

in the

fabric of habit

And

old

to return.

never

risen up beyond the western

floor of heaven, inlaid with stars,had sunk back
new

earth

In

soon

passingaway,

were

infinite

but

were

the

dying ;

were

like
it is all gone
between
and the
us
"

an

be

universe.

laboriously
no
longer.

so

unsubstantial

old

firm
to

seen

to remain

were

into

the

of the

they had

sea.

pageant

English there

lies

gulfof mystery which the prose of the historian will never

to us, and
our
come
adequately bridge. They cannot
Only
imaginationcan but feebly penetrate to them.
the aisles of the cathedral,only as we
gaze upon
among
their tombs, some
faint
their silent figuressleepingon
when
were
conceptionsfloat before us of what these men
alive ; and
perhaps in the sound of church
they were
bells,that peculiar creation of mediaeval age, which falls
upon

the

ear

like the echo

of

vanished

world.
J.

""

A.

History

FROUDE.
of

England."

222

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS"

II

Picture

like the golden floor of

glade of grass burned
heaven, opening in sudden
gleams as the foliagebroke
and closed above it,as sheet lightningopens on a cloud
"EVERY

at

though

flushed

shadows

; and

the

rose,

only exist

to

over

serried

passing to

rock

lose

with

blue

clouds

darkness, and

that

no

in fathomless

seen

orbed

themselves

have

in

the

line where

last white
the

The
how

lamented

Campagna

lest

the

the

lest the

daughtersof
mountains

let there

be

there

shield

the

thy high places:

it not

publish
daughters of

Saul

over

son.

in Gath,

Askelon

BUSKIN.

lamentation

of Israel is slain upon

the mighty fallen !

Tell it not

Ye

this

beauty

are

melted

Lamentation

with

his

Jonathan

over

pines,
blending

sea.

David's

and

intervals

of the stern

repose

JOHN

David

and

mist

bars of amber

lustre of the measureless

AND

neath
under-

all,the multitudinous

and

into the blaze of the

dark,

"

castingtheir quiet

"

hollow

marble

illumine, were

the solemn

between

dark

its restless radiance,the fountain

its
filling

fitfulsound

of

masses

scarlet lichen

with

across

them

and

motionless

the

sunset;

the uncircumcised

in the streets of

Philistines

triumph.

of Gilboa, let there be

rain, upon
of the

you,

mighty

no

fields of

nor

is

rejoice,

dew, neither
: for
offerings

vilelycast

away,

the

of

shield
with

Saul,

though

as

had

he

223

REPETITION

FOR

PASSAGES

PROSE

anointed

been

not

oil.

of Jonathan

the bow

Saul returned

the fat of the

of the slain,from

the blood

From

not

turned

back, and

not

mighty,

the sword

of

empty.

lovelyand pleasantin their

divided:
not
lives,and in their death they were
they
swifter than eagles,
were
they were stronger than lions.
clothed
Ye daughters of Israel,weep
Saul, who
over
who put on ornaments
with other delights,
you in scarlet,
of gold upon your apparel.
of the battle !
the mighty fallen in the midst
How
are
0 Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.
Saul

and

Jonathan

were

brother

distressed for thee, my

am

pleasanthast

thou

been

unto

wonderful, passingthe love of

How

are

the

thy

me:

Jonathan
love

to

me

very
was

women.

mighty fallen,and

the

weapons

of

war

perished1
II

Faith, Hope
BUT

covet
a

you

more

and

Samuel.

Charity

earnestlythe best gifts:

and

yet show

I unto

excellent way.
I speak with

the tongues of men

and
of
Though
become
as
angels,and have not charity,I am
sounding
brass or a tinklingcymbal.
And
stand
though I have the giftof prophecy,and underall mysteries,and
all knowledge; and
though I
have
not

all faith,so

I am
charity,
And
though

that I could

remove

mountains, and have

nothing.
I bestow

all my

goods

to

feed the

poor,

224

FEOM

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

MODELS"

II

though I give my body to be burned, and have not

it profiteth
me
nothing.
charity,
Charity suffereth long,and is kind; charityenvieth
is not puffed up,
not itself,
not ; charityvaunteth
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own,
evil ;
is not easilyprovoked, thinketh
no
but rejoiceth
in the truth ;
Eejoicethnot in iniquity,
all things,hopeth all
all things, believeth
Beareth
things,endureth all things.
Charitynever faileth : but whether there be prophecies,
theyshall fail ; whether there be tongues,they shall cease ;
there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
whether
in part,and we prophesy in part.
know
For we
then
that
is perfect is come,
that which
But when
which is in part shall be done away.
I was
a child,I understood
as
a child I spake as
When
when
I became
a
a child ; but
a child,I thought as
man,
childish things.
I put away
For now
see
we
through a glassdarkly ; but then face
and

to face
as

also I
And

now
am

now

in part ; but then

I know

shall I know

even

known.
abideth

these. three; but

faith,hope,charity,

the greatestof these is

charity.
I Corinthians,

Books
BOOKS

are

not

potency of life

absolutelydead
in them

to

be

as

things,but
active

as

do

contain

that

soul

they are; nay, they do preserve

progeny
of that
extraction
vial the purest efficacyand

whose

intellect that bred

them.

I know

they are

as

as

was

in

living
and
lively,

226

COMPOSITION

he, "I

FROM

ENGLISH

nothing but

saw

and

waves

MODELS"

II

wind."

"That

is

untruly said of thee," said King Arthur, "therefore go

fchou lightly
and do my command, as thou art to me
lief
and dear; spare not, but throw it in."
Then
Sir Bedivere returned
again,and took the sword
in his hand; and then he thought it sin and shame
to
And
throw away that noble sword.
he again hid the
so
sword, and returned and told the King that he had been
at

the

there ?

"

waters

untrue

"

said

been

unto

his

King.

command.

me

lief and

so

saw

nothing

now

thought that

dear, and

art

saw

ye

traitor

"Ah,

hast thou

"

have

"

What

wan."

waves

King Arthur,
would

"

Sir,"said he,

"

and

wap

Who

times.

two

done

said the

the

but

and

water

betrayedme
thou

that hast

named

noble

knight,wouldst betrayme for the rich sword ? But now

for thy long tarryingputtethme
in great
go againlightly,
jeopardy of my life,for I have taken cold ; and except
thou do as I command
thee, I shall slay thee with my
hands, for thou

own

wouldst

for my

rich sword

me

see

dead.
Then

Sir Bedivere

there

he

threw

the sword

there

bound

came

it and

an

the

what

from

at

he had

hence, for
with

the

him

water's

hand

"

me

far

above

as

he

the

sword,

with

"

the

and
met

brandished.
in

sword

the

King, and told

said the King, help me

again to

Alas !

might ;

the water, and

it thrice and

away
came

seen.

I dread

as

shook

so

vanished

hand

Sir Bedivere
went

and

arm

So Sir Bedivere

water.

him

into the water

caught it,and

Then

to

went

it up, and went

to the water's side ; and
the girdleabout
the hilt,and then he

took
lightly

and

departed,and

I have

the

"

tarried too

long." Then

his back, and so

upon
And
when
to the water's side.
they were

took

King

side,even

Arthur

fast

by

the

bank

hove

little

PROSE

PASSAGES

227

REPETITION

FOB

all
them
barge,with many fair ladies in it, and among
was
a
Queen, and all had black hoods, and they wept and
shrieked when
they saw King Arthur.
said the King, and so
Now
put me into the ba]?ge,"
him
three Queens with
he did softly
; and there received
great mourning, and these three Queens set them down,
of their lapsKing Arthur
laid his head.
and in one
And
then that Queen said, Ah ! dear brother,why have ye
Alas ! this wound
tarried so long from
1
me
on
your
head hath taken cold." Then
they rowed from the land,
beheld
all those ladies go from him;
and Sir Bedivere
then Sir Bedivere
cried, Ah ! my Lord Arthur, what
"

"

"

of

shall become

thou

that

it

Bedivere
and

so

was

had
took

to

hear

never

me

more

of me,
and

lost

to

hear

sightof

of my

line is drawn

Before, is hope, and

season

do

well

as

; and

as

soon

as

Sir

barge,he wept and wailed,

the forest.
THOMAS

of

between

and

winter

darkness, and

soft airs,and

hay;

MALORY.

Summer

Behind, all is bleakness,and

sweet

and

grievous wound

And

them.
the

"

But
pray for my soul."
ladies wept and shrieked

the

Spring and
golden

here

me

trust ; for I will into the

no

heal

Queens

pity

is

me

SIR

THE

leave

"

mayest, for in

the

evermore

and

me

said King Arthur,

thyself,"

vale of Avilion
if thou

now

mine

alone among
"
Comfort
as

ye go from
enemies 1

me

the

people will

and

summer.

dissolution.

flowers,and
cross

the

the

fields,

228

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FKOM

reading,or walkingwith
that

rain

death

soaks

MODELS"IT

another

one

into

the

and

heart

of

will be the rain which

will
the

instead .of the

green things,
delight; and there

they drink with

be sleepon the grass at mid-day, and earlyrisingin
morning, and long moonlight evenings with quiet

walks

; and

shall sit with

we

window

our

open, and

hear

the rooks.

Already

the rains

well-

tempered.
vernal,the cold of

are

for it is
for the chillness,
instead of
from

out

an

old

one

and

at noon,

blue interval of

sky, we

when
feel him

We

hand

young
the sun
warm

not

care

slips
on

our

backs.

Passing the top

of

green lane, a gush of song

the ivy-bush that clothes the

the

from
us
upon
sides of the old house.

bursts

out

"

agile,unseen
the

by fives and tens in the meadows,

before,springingaway with a song. And
the horse-chestnut
boughs look as if they

birds

See !

tops of

glowed into

come

life.

the air with

LEIGH

Beginnings of the English Nation

The
THE
over

sources

continents, and
to

bear

during the

To

such

thirteenth

Sterile

and

fleets to

barren

mountain

and

the

sea,

tracts,

and rarelyexplored by
in maps,
tract the historyof our
country
pared,
unaptly be comis that portionof our
of our
seek for the origin

century may
obscure

annals, it is there that

spread fertility

richlyladen

wild

be

travellers.

rivers,which

of the noblest

sought in
laid down
incorrectly
are

HUNT.

we

must

as

not

PASSAGES

PROSE

FOR

229

REPETITION

and our glory. Then

it was
that
prosperity,
the great English people was
formed, that the national
character began to exhibit those peculiarities
which
it has
since retained,and that our
fathers became
ever
cally
emphatinot
islanders, islanders
merely in geographical
but in their politics,
their feelings,
and
their
position,
distinctness
Then
first appeared with
that
manners.
constitution
which
has ever
since, through all changes,
preservedits identity; that constitution of which all the
other free constitutions in the world are copies,
and which,
in spiteof some
defects, deserves to be regarded as the
which
best under
yet existed
any great societyhas ever
Then
it was
of
that the House
during many
ages.
assemblies
Commons, the archetypeof all the representative

freedom,

which

our

meet, either in the

now

old

or

in the

world,

new

held its first

sittings.Then it was that the common

to the dignityof a science,and rapidlybecame
a
rose
unworthy rival of the imperial jurisprudence. Then
was

rude

that

the

barks

England

courage

of the

terrible

on

of those

Cinque
the

seas.

sailors

Ports
Then

who

first made
it

was

that

not

it
the

manned
the

law

flag of

the most

still exist at both

the great
colleges which
of learning were
founded.
Then
national
seats
was
than
the
that
formed
language, less musical indeed
languages of the south, but in force, in richness, in
of the poet, the
aptitude for all the highest purposes
philosopher,and the orator, inferior to the tongue of
Greece
alone.
Then, too, appeared the first faint dawn
of that noble literature,
the most
splendid and the most
durable of the many
gloriesof England.
ancient

MACAULAY.

230

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

Universal
OF

Law

acknowledged than that her

of God, her voice the harmony of the
seat is the bosom
world ; all thingsin heaven
and earth do her homage, the
very least as feelingher care; and the greatest as not
both
angels and men, and
exempted from her power;
creatures of what condition soever, though each in different
sort and manner,
consent, admiring
yet all with uniform
of their peace and joy.
her as the mother
law

there

can

be

MODELS"

no

less

RICHARD

Of

HOOKER.

Studies

for ornament, and for ability.

delight,
is in privateness
and retiring
Their chief use for delight,
;
is in discourse; and
for ability,
is in
for ornament,
of business.
For expert
the judgment and disposition
one
men
can
execute, and perhaps judge of particulars,
by one; but the general counsels, and the plots,and
best from
those that are
come
marshalling of affairs,
STUDIES

for

serve

learned.

spend

To
them

too

judgment

too

much

in studies,is sloth ; to use

for ornament,
is affectation ; to make
much

wholly by

time

their

rules, is the

humour

of

scholar.

perfect nature,

They

and

are

perfected by

perience
ex-

For

natural

abilities

pruning by study ;

and

are

plants,that need
themselves
do give forth

like natural

studies

PROSE

directions

by

too

FOR

PASSAGES

much

large

at

231

REPETITION

they

except

be

bounded

in

experience.
Crafty
wise

and

For

without

men

men

use

they

teach

them,

studies

contemn

and

them
not

above

simple

admire

men

them

their

own

them,

use

won

but

by

that

is

wisdom

observation.

FEANCIS

BACON.

EMPHASIS

IX."

is able

SPEAKER

phrasesby means
writer produces
of

devices
chief

to

of

lay stress
changes in

the

upon

important words

the tones

or

of his voice.

effect of

same

language,of

emphasis,by certain
the
the
following are

which

"

1. EMPHASIS

INVERSION."

BY

methods

commonest

of

This

is

of

one

obtaining Emphasis.

the

It consists

as
so
varying the usual order of the parts of a sentence
to give prominence to the most
important words and
phrases. The most
emphatic positionin a sentence is

in

either at the
(a)

beginningor

Then

"

was

committed

that great crime, memorable

for its
retribution
for the tremendous
by

singular atrocity, memorable

which

it

followed."

was

the end.

(Here

predicate,instead of being
the subject,is placed before it.)
the

placed in its usual position after

I have
(6) " Silver and gold have I none
as
give I
; but such
thee."
the
(Here
predicate,including the direct object,is placed
before the subject.)
(c)
which

In

"

absence
throne

sweet

indicates

rather

of emotion, the
of her

guard over
phrases placed before
(d) Loud
rustling of one
"

and

of

humble

her

fulfilment

the

verb.)

long

the

were

her

announces

the

of the

thereon, when

of her

mighty
of the

flags,with
Liberty
head
Mr.
of
Pott was
sandy
(Complement before its verb.)
'

the

followingare
Emphasis obtained

accession

other

by

passages
inversion
"

the

to

dence
hope that divine Provitrust."
(Adverbial
lofty

cheers, and

blue

of the windows."

The

Queen

ancestors, and

will

one

thrillingvoice, and with a composed mien

the absorbing sense
of august duty than an

and

the

was

Press

discerned

'

scribed
in-

in

containinginstances

234

COMPOSITION

of such

B-KOM

smites

misery

ENGLISH

down

me

MODELS

in submission

"

before

the

Kuler

of

the
Monarch
kings and
men,
Supreme over
empires and
the
inscrutable
of
republics,
life,death, happiness,
Dispenser
heard
victory. '0 brothers,' I said to those who
first in
me
America
0 brothers 1 speaking the same
clear mother-tongue
'

"

"

comrades

together
battle 1

as

1 enemies
stand

we

Low

he

no

let

more,

by

this

lies,to whom

take

us

Eoyal corpse,
the proudest

mournful

and

call

used

hand
truce

to

kneel once,
and who
than
lower
cast
the
was
millions
poorest : dead, whom
Driven
off his throne ; buffeted by rude hands ;
prayed for in vain.
with his children in revolt ; the darlingof his old
age killed before
him
*

untimely

Lear

; our

hangs

Cordelia, Cordelia, stay

1

Vex

his

not

That

would

Hush

Strife

little1

ghost
"

and

her breathless

lips and

cries,

'

oh 1 let him

the rack

upon

Stretch him

over

to

pass"

of this

he hates him

tough

world

longer 1 '

out

Quarrel,

the

over

solemn

grave

mournful

march
1
trumpets, a
Fall, dark
curtain,
his
his
his
awful
1
pride,
pageant,
grief,
tragedy

Sound,

upon

his

"

W.
11

name

of the
dark

All

by

the

hedge ran
itself,
flowing scarce
weather.

sunny
and
bravely

Yet

littlestream,
than

more

had

bearded, and

M.

THACKERAY.

thing that could barely

pint in a minute, because
a

this rill little crooks

and

crannies,

gallant rush through a reeden

stem
the
of
a
flag that was grounded ; and here and there
pipe,"
divided threads, from the points of a branching stick,into mighty
all around
the sides and hung with
pools of rock napped with moss
corded
and
down
and nodding into
the
banks,
Along
tiny
grasses.
main
arcade of
one
another, even
across
channel, hung the brown
with
ferns ; some
with
countless
some
gold tongues languishing;
with great quilledribs uprisingand long
ear-drops jerking; some
others
saws
aflapping;
cupped, and fanning over with the grace of
fountain
as
a hollow
yielding,even
spread by winds that have lost
their way."
a

E.
"

D.

BLACKMORE.

frets them
motionless, the worm
not, and the
autumn
wastes
not.
Strong in lowliness,they neither blanch in
in
heat nor
frost.
To them, slow-fingered,
constant-hearted,
pine
the weaving of the dark, eternal tapestriesof the hills ;
is entrusted
the tender
to them, slow-pencilled,iris-dyed,
framing of their
endless
imagery.
Sharing the stillness of the impassioned rock,

Unfading

as

they share also its endurance

;
spring scatter the white hawthorn

and

while

blossom

the

winds

of

departing

like drifted snow,

and

235

EMPHASIS

dims

the

parched meadow

the droopingof its cowslipthe

mountains, the silver lichen spots rest,
above, among
gold
the stone ; and the gathering orange
stain
the
on
star-like,
upon
of
reflects
the sunsets
of a thousand
peak
edge
yonder western
summer

on

far

"

years."
JOHN
"

2. EMPHASIS

EEPETITION:

BY

"

In

some

emphasis
by repeating

cases,

gainedby repeatingan importantword, or

form.
Dickens
often
phrases of the same
is

this device

RUSKIN.

Mosses."

makes

use

of

"

all shivering,and everything about them

seemed
They were
to be shivering; the river itself,craft,rigging,sails,such
early
there
the
Black
and
altered
smoke
shore.
with
as
wet,
yet was on
to the eye by white patches of hail and sleet,the huddled
buildings
and
had
shrunk
looked lower than usual, as if they were
cowering,
to be seen
either bank,
the cold.
with
on
Very little life was
"

windows

and

"As

were

wharves

letters upon

Mortimer,

doors

shut, and

and

warehouses

like

over
inscriptions
they glided slowly on,
'

in and

the

out

the

the

staring black and white

'looked,' said Eugene to
of dead

graves

businesses.'

the
shore, and
keeping under
shipping,by back-alleysof water,

sneaking
among
to be
that seemed
their boatman's
normal
in
a
pilferingway
all
the
which
of progression,
manner
objects among
they crept
boat as to threaten
so
were
huge in contrast with their wretched
Not
it.
to crush
a
ship'shull, with its rusty iron links of cable
out of hause-holes
long discoloured with the iron's rusty tears,
run
be
there
with
fell intention.
Not
to
but seemed
a
a figure-head
down.
them
but had the menacing look of bursting forward to run
scale
Not a sluice gate, or a painted
a port or
wall, showing
upon
to hint,like the dreadfully
facetious
the depth of water, but seemed
Wolf

in Grandmamma's

in bed

cottage, That's
'

to

drown

you

in,

lumbering black barge,with its cracked and

my
to suck at the
blistered side impending over
them, but seemed
And
under.
thirst for sucking them
river with
a
everything so
discoloured
of water
the
vaunted
spoiling influences
copper,
dank
rotten
wood, honey-combed stone, green
deposit that the
of being crushed, sucked
after- consequences
under, and drawn
down, looked as ugly to the imagination as the main event."
dears

'

Not

"

"

^iiOur Mutual

Notice
constant

in

the

insistence

first

paragraph of

this

upon

the idea of cold,and

BJsnd."

extract, the
how

every

236

ENGLISH

FKOM

COMPOSITION

MODELS

II

"

objectnamed in the entire passage is so described as to

the atmosphereof misery and gloom.
intensify
Sometimes
the emphasis is gained by repeatingthe
form

same

of construction.

the
city that night, that it was
beheld there.
Many added that he

the

They said of him, about

peacefulest man's face ever
looked

and

sublime

One

the

of

woman

to be allowed

If he had

11

down

to write

given

have

would

these

the

by

same

axe

"

scaffold,not long before,

same

that

thoughts

inspiringher.
prophetic,they

were

they were

to his, and

Cly,Defarge, The Vengeance, the Juryman,

Barsad, and

see

the

utterance

any

been

sufferers

remarkable

at the foot of the

asked

had

"

prophetic.

most

Judge, long ranks

who
have risen on the
this
retributive
old, perishing by
instrument,
I see a beautiful city
before it shall cease
out of its present use.
and a brilliant people risingfrom this abyss, and, in their struggles
the

destruction

to be

trulyfree, in

their

I see
years to come,
this is the
of which
itself and
"

see

and

defeats,through long long

and

time

long

lay down
England

her

upon

bent, but

and

life,peaceful,useful,

my
which

bosom, who
otherwise

I shall

see

bears

my
restored,and

no

more.

name.

faithful

the good old

I see
healing office,and at peace.
time
in
ten years'
friend,
enriching them with
to his reward.
passing tranquilly

their

that

see

I hold

sanctuary

in their

descendants, generationshence.

weeping

of the

in his

all he has, and

of their

in that

child

father,aged

"I

and

triumphs

previous time
natural birth, graduallymaking expiation for

happy,

with

men
so

man,

oppressors

the evil of this

the lives for which

prosperous
Her
I see
to all

new

wearing out.

see

her

of the

of the

for

me

on

the

anniversary of this

hearts,and
I see her, an

day.

in the hearts

see

old woman,
and her

her

husband, their course

done, lying side by side in their last earthly
honoured
and
and held sacred
I know
that each was
not more
bed,
in the souls of both.
in the other's soul, than I was
"

name,
was

see
a

illustrious

child who

winning

man

mine.

it,faded

that
I

his way

him

winning
there by the lightof

away.

see

see

her

lay upon
up
it

bosom

in

that

so

well, that

his.

him, foremost

I
of

see

path
the

and

who

bore

of life which
my

name

my
once

is made

blots I threw

just judges

and

upon
honoured

with a forehead
that I know
and
bringing a boy of my name,
golden hair,to this place then fair to look upon, with not a trace
of this day's disfigurement and
him
tell the child my
I hear
story, with a tender and a falteringvoice.

men,

"

"

EMPHASIS

I have
a far,far better thing that I do, than
done
ever
far,far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.*1

It is

"

it is

237

Tale

"

Life passes, riches fly away,

decays, the world changes, friends
"

Cities."

of Two

popularity is fickle,the
die.

sense

One

alone is constant;
alone is true to us ; One
alone
One
be
true
alone can
can
; One
alone can
be all things to us ; One
supply our needs ; One alone
full
to
train
us
can
our
perfection;One alone can
up
give a
meaning to our
complex and intricate nature ; One alone can
give us tune and harmony ; One alone can form and possess us."
CARDINAL
I

"

Warren

impeach

impeach him

Parliament, whose

of

House

of

Hastings
in the
trust

high
of

name

he

NEWMAN.

crimes
the

and

demeanours
mis-

Commons

has

and

betrayed.
impeach
honour
ancient
English nation, whose
he has sullied. I impeach him
in the name
of the people of
India, whose rightshe has trodden underfoot, and whose
country
the
he has turned
into a desert.
in
of
name
Lastly,
every rank,
him

the

in

of the

name

the

impeach

common

and

enemy

of all."

oppressor

EDMUND
for

BURKE,

the

oppression of the subject,which, as I

stration.
remember,
particularI proposed, it needs no demonThe whole kingdom is a proof ; and for the exhausting
of our
waste
treasures, that very oppression speaks it. What
of
what
what
of our
destruction
our
provisions,
consumption
ships,
there hath
been.
of our
Witness
that expeditionto Algiers
men
"Sixthly,

is the

"

that

witness

the next

Dunkirkers
we

are

with

witness

"

have

never

may
Palatinate

next

Mansfeldt
that to Ehe
Denmark

witness

"

"

witness

all I

witnesses)
the

witness

What

losses

in

we

ships,in

last

"

(I pray

Turks

have
men

"

witness
God

we

the

witness

sustained

the

How

1"

SIR

MEANS

Cadiz

to

witness, likewise

"

"

impaired in munitions,

the

witness

"

such

more

that

witness

"

ANTITHESIS."

JOHN

ELIOT.

By Antithesis
the placingtogetherof two ideas forming a sharp
is meant
contrast, and so, by a kind of shock, or surprise,
producing
a vivid impression. A
good example is the familiar one
Puritan
hated bear-baiting,
"The
not
from Macaulay:
it gave pain to the bear, bufe because
it gave
because
to the spectators!
pleasure
3. EMPHASIS

BY

OP

"

"

238

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS"

is another example of
following

The
"Your

friends

not

are

beautiful:

clean:

II

clever antithesis:

they

shaved

are

"

only decorated.

they are only

They
dignified: they are only fashionably dressed.
They are
not
educated:
they are only collegepassmen.
They are not
: they are
only pew -renters. They are not moral : they
religious
virtuous:
not
are
only conventional.
They are
they are only
vicious:
they are
cowardly. They are not even
only 'frail.'
rich.
not
:
only
they are
They are
They are not
prosperous
loyal: they are only servile ; not dutiful, only sheepish ; not
only patriotic; not courageous,
only obtuse ; not
public-spirited,
vain
not
sentimental
kind,
only
only
;
self-respecting,
; not social,
not
considerate, only polite; not intelligent,
only gregarious;
not
progressive,
opinionated
only factious ; not imaginative,
only
;
just,only vindictive ; not generous,
; not
only superstitious
only
cowed
and
not
truthful
not
only
at
disciplined,
;
propitiatory;
They

are

not

and

starched.

not

are

all" liars every

them, to the very backbone

of

one

of their souls."

G. BERNARD
"

Man

device of Antithesis,however, is

The
in the

hands

of

"smartness," and

produce.
4. Emphasis

giftedwriter

so

"

fails of the

and

SHAW.

Superman."

dangerousexcept

it often leads to
effect it is

mere

designedto

of an apt
always be gainedby means
Thus
when
he wishes to
illustration,
or simile.
Carlyle,
speak of the slow march of events that led up to the
forces home
his point by means
Ee volution,
French
of the
followingcomparison:
can

"

"

in

The

the

grows

heard

silentlyin

years

when

the

the

forest

woodman

thousand
arrives

years, only
with
his axe

echoing through the solitudes, and the oak

itself when, with
announces
far-sounding crash, it falls. How
the planting of the acorn,
scattered
from
the lap
silent,too, was
oak flowered
of some
our
or
wandering wind!
Nay, when
put
shout
of proclamation could
its leaves (itsglad events) what
on
there be ?
Hardly from the most observant a word of recognition.
These
things befclnot ; they were
slowly done ; not in an hour,
but through the flightof days."
is

there

oak

thousand
an

239

EMPHASIS

Taylor, in

Jeremy

of

likens the prayer

For

"

have

so

good man

seen

sighingsof

loud

the

bed
to

rising from his

rises, and hopes
the

eastern

an

inconstant, descending

irregularand

of grass, and
get to heaven

poor

bird

was

wind,

and

his motion

at

more

beaten

back
made

breath

every

libration

the

it could

the

of

and

recover
by
frequent
forced
to sit
was
wings ; till the little creature
and
the
then
storm
till
and
and
it
was
pant,
over;
stay
and did rise and sing as if it had learned
a prosperous
flight,
from
and motion
an
angel as he passed sometimes
through

than

tempest

of his

weighing
down
made
music
the

lark

clouds ; but

the

above

climb

with

"

he

soaring upward, singing as

and

on
Prayer,
passage
to the song of the lark

beautiful

his

about

air

below

here

ministries

the

is

so

of

prayer

man."

good

JEREMY

TAYLOR.

in order to

should
be read aloud
passage
the fine rhythm of the language.
appreciate
The

above

And

John

Euskin, writing of books, and

if

effort that is necessary,

the

they hold, compares

treasures

from

to extract

are

we

the earnest

reader

them

to

the

miner

diggingfor gold
"

"There
forces

within

it at

might

know

without

it

cut

not

earth, nobody

you

must

come

to

work

as

in

well up

to the

keeping
for it is

which

where

the
a

the

you

there

electric

is

of

gold

miner

have

to crush

yourself,
'

would
breath

or

the

meaning,

and

smelt

find

When

at

metal
his

cost
you

words

in order

to

you

to

pickaxes

my

in

none

I inclined

Am

good trim myself, my

good, and my temper

longer,even
one,

Are

But

little
fissures

puts it in

ask
I in

am

useful

mind

they needed.

as

and

must

little

author's

much

She

so.

elbow, and my

figurea
thoroughly

as

dig long
; you
may
find any.
best wisdom.
with
men's

good order, and

shovels

being

it

knows

Australian

an

coin

manage

dig painfullyto
it is just the same
a good book, you

And

carry

the

why

reason

whatever

mountain

and

away,

the

"

no

me,

not

tops, so that kings and people

there ; and
that all the gold they could
get was
trouble of digging,or anxiety, or chance, or waste
to the

once

does

Nature

you
should

earth

any

of time,

and

to

seems,

the

of

and

sleeves
?

And,
of tiresomeness,

are

hi

are

as

get

search
the

p,t it.

of

rock
And

240

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

MODELS

care, wit, and

your pickaxes are your own
furnace is your own
thoughtfulsoul. Do

II

"

learning;
not hope

your smelting
to get at any

meaning without those tools and that fire ; often

need sharpest, finest chiselling,and patientestfusing,
gather one grain of the metal.'
you can

author's

good

will

you
before

"

"Sesame

The

idea

Lilies."

conveyed in the followingextract might have

presentedin

been

and

clearness and

bold

one

force is

sentence; yet how

gainedby

much

the apt illustration !

mind

thought it very unfair to influence

by inculcatingany opinions before it should have

years

of

him

Thelwall

John

"

said

so

is

only

choice.

be

able

told him
it is covered

garden, and

my
'

discretion,and
he,

'

it has

because
The

weeds,

thought

not

and

strawberries.'

in

was

with

yet
see,

you

it unfair

and

it

to

me

choose

child's

to

come

itself. I showed

for

botanical garden. ' How

'
weeds.'
Oh,' I replied,' that
my

come

to

have

taken

to

of

of discretion and

its age
the

liberty to

grow,

prejudicethe soil towards

roses

"

S. T. COLERIDGE.

5. EMPHASIS
"

BY

an
By presenting

USE

OF

INTERROGATIVE

THE

idea in the form

in

often succeed

may

THE

producinga

of

and

Graduallythe guineas,the crowns

drew
less and
Marner
to a heap, and
the
of
solve
keeping
problem
trying to
"

questiona writer

vivid

more

less

FORM.

the

impression.

half-crowns

for

his

own

grew

wants,

himself

strong enough to
day on as small an outlay as possible.Have
in solitaryconfinement, found
shut
interest in
not men,
an
up
by straightstrokes of a certain length on
marking the moments
of straightstrokes,arranged
the wall,
until the growth of the sum
has become
in triangles,
a
mastering purpose ? Do we not wile
of
moments
inanity or fatigued waiting by repeating some
away
trivial movement
or
sound, until the repetitionhas bred a want,
how
habit
That
will help us to understand
which
is incipient
?
the love of accumulating money
an
absorbing passion in
grows
the
in
whose
beginning of their
men
imaginations, even
very
hoard, showed them no purpose beyond it."

work

sixteen

hours

GEORGE

6. EMPHASIS

BY

EXCLAMATION.

"

This method

ELIOT.

is

more

242

COMPOSITION

FROM

ENGLISH

EXERCISES

Show

how

the

has

writer

followingpassages

MODELS

"

I.

obtained

Emphasis

each

in

of the

"

birth, as

He

had

drink, and wear."

eat, and
head

which

in

from

meddling

what

to

the

ment,
govern-

read, and

MACAULAY.

"

loved to copy, and a foot the

beggarsin the street mimicked."

statuaries

of which

deformity

broken

tells them

which

government

say, and
"

so

(")

gallingto a people,not
paternal,or, in other words,

is

(a) "Nothing

the

"

MACAULAY.
He

(c) "

was

scholars, and

rake among

scholar

among

and

Thought

rakes."

MACAULAY.

"

child

child

is the

(d) "Experience

Action.

of

We

of

Thought,
learn

cannot

is the

books."

from

men

"

DISRAELI.
I

am
disappointedby
eclipsed the gaiety of
nations, and
impoverished the public stock of harmless
(Alludingto the death of David
pleasure." DR. JOHNSON.

what

(e) "But

the

are

stroke

that

of man?

hopes

which

of

death,

no

true freedom

has

"

Garrick.)
(/)

"

will be

There

and

love

wise, and
C.

free.""

(g)

"

to

your
then you

virtue,no

industry without

fellow-citizens.
must

be

the

Workers

free,for you

of

true

science

fear of God

England,
fit to

will be

be
be

KINGSLBY.

and

of the

king
night-sallyon
A

frenzy.

soldiers besides the retinues

Walworth
the Mayor proposed
of howling
the half -armed, half-drunken
mass

there

Inside the Tower

true

no
religion,

without

without

were

1200

the nobles.
few

determined

might slay the

men

rebels

said, like fleas.' What

sleep slay them, as was
crowd
of maniacs
1 What
than
a murdering
more
itself might perish,as the
more
likelythan that London
order dared
unless
to assert
had
Palace
perished,
Savoy
the hands
of the miserable
Blood
itself ?
on
enough was
brave
Little cause
wretches.
a
might
magistrate have seen
*

in their

"

horrible

to hesitate."

(h) " Sunday

(i) "

"

FROUDE.

clears away

the rust of the whole

universal ; a
hill ; thunder rumbled

Bain

the

was

downpour

thick

robe

remote, and

pressed on

the

of it

week."

swept

with

ADDISON.

from

hill to

the ruffled

between

land

"

great

roars

noise

of

243

EMPHASIS

gobbling,much like that of the swine's trough fresh

filled,
as
though a vast assembly of the hungered had seated
themselves
clamourously and fallen to on meats and drinks
in a silence,save
of the chaps. A rapidwalker
poetically
and
minded
multitudes
of
gathers
images on
humorously
his way.
And
meet, is a lively
rain, the heaviest you can
of
discomfort
the
resolute
when
scorns
companion
pacer
eager

(/)

You

"

shall

rivulet
E.

(fc)

*'

B.

Of

see

and
"

of

is the most

is the life of

from

on

beautiful

which

cants

the cant

criticism
"

MEREDITH.

quarto page, where a neat

of margin."
through a meadow
(Referringto some
poems.)

them

SHERIDAN.

all the

(1) What

GEORGE

"

of text shall meander

though

(in)

squealingboots."

clothes and

wet

to

sorrow

unbutton

show

off

STERNE.

Is it not to shift from

man

this canting world,

be the worst, the cant of
in

"

another

the

canted

hypocrisy may
tormenting."

sorrow

is but

Language

are

?
poor

vast

to button

"

"

up

one

cause

side to side,
of vexation

STERNE.

"

bull's-eyelantern, wherewith

cathedral

of

world."

the

"

E.

to

L.

STEVENSON.

(n)

"At

the

same

moment,

another

pirate grasped

musket
it

it from
by the muzzle, wrenched
the
with
one
and,
through
loop-hole,

the poor

(o)

"

fellow senseless

on

the floor."

"

Hunter's

hands, plucked
stunning blow laid
his

E.

L. STEVENSON.

days of power, gallant days, bustling days,

worth
the bravest days of chivalryat least ; tall battalions
of native warriors
were
marching through the land ; there
the glitter
of the bayonet and the gleam of the sabre ;
was
loud rattlingof the drum
the shrill squeak of the fife and
heard
in the streets of country towns, and the loyal
were
shouts
of the inhabitants
greeted the soldiery on their
let
arrival or cheered
them
now
at their departure. And
is
there
seaboard
leave
descend
the
and
the
to
us
upland,
;
men-of-war
are
the billows ! A dozen
a sightfor you
upon
ing
streamtheir
out
of port,
long buntings
glidingmajestically
the
from
the top-gallant masts, calling on
skulking
and
his
Frenchman
forth
from
to come
bays; and
bights
what
looms upon
us
yonder from the fog-bankin the east ?
behind
her the long low hull of a
a gallantfrigatetowing
crippledprivateer,which but three short days ago had left
hearts
of ferocious
Dieppe to skim the sea, and whose crew
are
now
cursing their imprudence in an English hold.
Stirringtimes those, which I love to recall,for they were

Oh, those

were

244

COMPOSITION

of

days
days
"A

(p)

of

wise

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS

gallantryand enthusiasm, and

boyhood." BORROW.
my

II

"

were,

the

moreover,

"

is

man

never

less alone

to be

but
disrespectful,

than

when

he

is alone."

"

SWIFT.

(g)

"'

I do

the attempt of the

me
reform, reminds
stop
progress
very
forciblyof the great storm of Sidmouth, and of the conduct
not

mean

Lords

to

of the

excellent

the

of

Mrs.

In the
Partington on that occasion.
winter of 1824, there set in a great flood upon
that town
the tide rose
to an
incredible
the
rushed in
waves
height ;
the
threatened
with
houses, and
everything was
upon
"

destruction.
at the
her

midst

this

of

Partington, who

storm, Dame
seen

the

In
door

of her

the

and

the

upon

The

she

should

have

not

meddled

with

roused.

was

tell you

not

beat

Ocean
or

tempest."

was

vigorously

Atlantic

pushing away
Mrs.
Partington's spiritwas
up ; but I need
that the contest
was
unequal. The Atlantic
excellent at a slop
Mrs. Partington. She was
but

beach,

sea-water, and

Atlantic Ocean.

terrible

ling
pattens,trund-

and

mop

the

out

squeezing

mop,

lived
with

house

sublime

"

puddle,
SYDNEY

SMITH.

(r)

"

eloquent, just, and mighty

thou
hast persuaded;

advise
hast

done

; and

whom

Death

what

all the world

none

could

hath

dared thou
flattered thou only

none

hath

hast
world
despised. Thou
drawn
togetherall the far-stretched greatness, all the pride,
and
of man;
covered
it all over
cruelty and ambition
these two
words
Hie jacet." SIR WALTER
with
narrow
:

hast

out

cast

the

Whom

of

and

"

EALEGH.

(")

"

he gave it for his opinion,that whoever

could make
two
blades
of grass, to grow
of corn,
two
or
ears
a spot of
upon
ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of

And

mankind, and do
the whole

(t)

"

As

the

race

of

essential

more

politicians
put together."

wind, wandering

invisible portion, and

of ocean,
ethereal essence
and

hedges

of fine atoms

"

of

the

over

green

brings
so

the

and

waves

willows;
under
the

from

elm

vast
brushed
from the
;
dust of the sunshine

Steeped

in flower and

cliffs and

waving
was

pollen to

lingeringamong
"

wave

shore

on

billows

from

leaves,broad -toppedoak-leaves,narrow

each

from

those

to
air

Swept

summer.

takes

sea,

country, than
SWIFT.

"

an

woods

to his

service

became

notched

the
the
full

hawthorn

and oval
brambles
sharp-taloned
ash

sprays

corn,
grasses and stiffening
and
breathed.
borne
along

the

music

of bees

and

birds,

245

EMPHASIS
*

the

stream

was

life to breathe

atmosphere became

of the

it,for the

air itself

It

livingthing.

life."

was

"

RICHARD

JEFFBBIES.

old Amati

divine Stradivarius 1
until the bow-hand
lost its
Played on by ancient maestros
and
stiffened.
the
flyingfingers
Bequeathed to the
power
passionate young enthusiast,who made it whisper his hidden
his
love, and
scream
cry his inarticulate longings, and
untold
agonies, and wail his monotonous
despair. Passed
from his dying hand
let it slumber
to the cold virtuoso, who
the sweet

(u) Violins, too,

"

in its

for

case

the

"

when
generation, till,

forth

up, it came
of royal

his hoard

broken

was

rode the

and

stormy symphonies
rushing bow of their lord
and
leader.
Into lonelyprisons with
improvident artists ;
which
into convents
from
day and night, the holy
arose,
back
with
blended
which
its
tones
were
hymns
again
; and
to orgiesin which
it learned to howl and laugh as if a legion
tante
of devils were
shut up in it ; then again to the gentle diletonce

more

orchestras,beneath

calmed

who
answered

the

it down

him

until it
easy melodies
old
of
the
maestros.
days

with
the

softly as
given into our hands, its pores full of music ; stained
hue
and
ness
sweetthrough and through with the concentrated
And

in

so

of all the
its

(v)

strings."
and

Ardent

"

*"

the

else effeminate

half

Because

field

field of
and

the

who
"

(a?)"

In

cud

make

kindled

and

faded

battle, Monmouth

and

the

on

irresolute."

was

MACAULAY.

"

dozen grasshoppers under a fern make

their unfortunate
chink, whilst thousands

ring with
great cattle,reposed beneath
chew

have

which

HOLMES.

intrepid on

everywhere
(w)

harmonies
0. W.

"

are

noise

of the British

the shadow

the
of

oak,

do not imagine that those

the only inhabitants of the field."

silent,pray
are

BURKE.

the

of her

acuteness

distant

heard

she

senses

step mounting

She

staircase,coming slowly,coming nearer.

her father's,and that was
all she cared

it not

to be

Nearer

and
and

nearer

"

close

to

the

of

outside

about.
door

the

knew

"

soft

hesitatingtap. The great gaunt figure

pause,
MRS.
GASKELL.
her
side
sittingby
quivered at the sound."
a

"

(y) " There

were

other

could

dancing
music

be

not

fewer

like five

than

their

Eevolution

popular
like a gnashing
together,women

than

five hundred

thousand
own

singing.

song, keeping
of teeth in unison.

danced

people,and they

demons.

men

and

was

danced

They

ferocious
Men

together,

There
time
women

danced

no

to the

that

was

danced

together,as

246

COMPOSITION

hazard
Btorm

red

coarse

they filled

MODELS

and

caps

were

mere

rags ; but

woollen

coarser

II

"

they
together. At first,

brought them
of

ENGLISH

PROM

as

place, and stopped to dance about Lucie,

ghastlyapparitionof a dance-figuregone raving mad
them.
They advanced, retreated,struck at one
among

some
rose

the

another's
hands, clutched at one
heads, spun
alone, caught one another and spun round in pairs,
until many
of them
down, the
dropped. While those were
rest linked hand-in-hand, and all spun round
together: ther
the ring broke, and in separate rings of two
and five thej"
another's
round

turned

and

turned

until

all

they

all spun
round
another
way.
been half so terrible as this dance."

and

(a) The

followingin

the

Write

king

will,but he

kind

was

"

who
unyielding to men
opposed
and compliant to those he loved.

and

stern

was

II.

emphatic form

more

(6) The magistrate stretched out his hand towards Lammen,

the fort, were
told the people that, yonder, behind
meat, and

and

destroyed by
rush

to the

Spanish guns?"
of

rescue

wejttoward

(c) She

in thousands.

brethren
the

friends ?

our

the brook

doubt
over
came
my
she raised the water, and
drew it.

perhaps wicked,

colossal

(e) A

(/)

The

famous

sea,

amid

the

smoke

sh-

beyond, and througl

penetrate in dim

shafts.

cry, which

was

carnage

often

so

blazing cities, on
and

whence

but she is also strong.

sides

sloping,rain-like

all this b"

shall w
"or

"

of grey cloud rises

of it the sunbeams

mountain

shadowed

the

asked,

he

am

brea"

Shall

I did not know

while

is

"

hit

weaknes
again ; my agitation,
my
me
again ; I could not see he

and

(d) She

have

DICKENS.

CHARLES

"

begar
spin

fightcould

No

...

once,

reversed the

again,struck,clutched,and tore, and then

EXERCISES

at

stopped

to

ring over

land

anc

decks, througl
stricken field,rose thei

blood-stained

of many

for the first time.

(g) The

indignationof all,that the state-councillor should have

to stigmatiseas
beggars a band of gentlemen wit!
the best blood of the land in their veins, was
great.
dared

(h) He

who

was

proudest

cast lower

used

once

than
to

the

poorest,and

kneel, lies low

prayed for in vain, is dead.

he,

to

whom

whom

the

million!

247

EMPHASIS

(t) It is

sixteen

now

who

France,

of
and

she

orb, which

(;*)

"

of

Out

at

up

entrance

our

It has

"

to touch.
we

black

as

to repose,

were
as

started

Cyclops from

the

to

it from

preserve

putrefaction."

JOHNSON.*

had

He

"

man

vitalityenough

not

DR.

(Z)

Queen
Dauphiness, at Versailles;
surely never
lighted on this

which

on

the

saw

JOHNSON.

DR.

forge."

the

seemed

hardly

of the beds

one

"

(")

was

since

years

then

vision
delightful

more

seventeen

or

good understanding.

very

of affairs both
that

at home

abroad.

and

charmed

He

knew

well

had

He

the state

softness

of

all

who
came
near
him, till they
they could depend on
good looks, kind
liberal to excess,
words, and fair promises, in which he was
them
but
because
he intended
to get rid of
nothing by
importunitiesand to silence all farther pressing upon him."

temper
found

"

little

BURNETT.

"

(m)

how

had

He

so

and

of the

courage

fear,that

far from

he

therefore, upon
his

engaged

in
person
forwardness
of the

the

farthest
him

at all

most

clear and

temper, and
was
appetiteof danger ;
occasion
of
action, he always
any
those troops,which
he thought, by
commanders,

engaged ; and in all such

and
strange cheerfulness

affectingthe

keen

not without

to

most

like to

be

encounters, he had about

companiableness, without

that

execution

be

then

was

to
pftncipally

attended, in which he took no delight,buBtook pains

to prevent it, where
it was
not, by resistance^necessar
;
that at Edgehill, when
the enemy
insomuch
was
routed,
like to have incurred
he was
great peril,by interposing to
who
had
those
and
thrown
their arms,
save
against
away
others
fierce for their having
it may
be,
were
whom,
more
be

them

thrown

into

came

of

the

danger, and

; insomuch
away
field only out

might think he
the face
of curiosityto see
the
of
blood."
shedding
prevent

charityto

as

man

"

CLARENDON.

n)

"

In
to
a

our

the

high

island
surf

to

came

we

way

is not

one

of

the

guarded by

breaks

upon
seldom

the

places where access

reef,and, consequently,

few
a

shore

; a

more

dreadful

one,

indeed, I have
seen
impossible for any
; it was
boat
have
lived
to
in
and
it
if
the best swimmer
European
;
in Europe
had, by any accident, been exposed to its fury,
*

Johnson

endering

has himself

of these

tvro

given

examples.

simpler,and

therefore

more

emphatic

248

COMPOSITION

ENGLISH

FROM

MODELS"

II

confident that he would not have been able to preserve

the shore was
himself from drowning, especially
covered
as
with pebbles and large stones ; yet in the midst of these
Indians
breakers
ten or twelve
were
swimming for their
I

am

broke
whenever
a surf
near
them, they dived
under it,and, to all appearance
with infinite facility,
rose
the
side."
other
Cook's
(" Captain
Voyages.")
again on
amusement

PRINTED

BY

WILLIAM

CLOWES

AND

SONS,

LIMITED,

LONDON

AND

BECCLES.