By PAUL REEVES, NEW YORK: 1872. HARVAR LIBRARY In the preparation of this volume the editor has been guided by the wish to render it useful as a self-aid, and available, in the widest sense, as a collection of pieces proper for recitation. Occasional examples have been introduced, as stated in the text, more to illustrate certain passions or particular classes of composition, than for any literary or oratorical quality. Indeed, some of these pieces will be condemned by many, as in questionable taste, which is scarcely atoned for by their wit or humor ; but, since they are already the stock of every school stage, we have reproduced them for those who differ with us as to what is proper for repetition. In the main, however, the contents of this volume are well calculated to give it wide popularity. A large proportion of the examples are quite new to the school stage, embracing some of the best spoken ind written efforts of American writers and public speakers, Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by G. P. PUTNAM & SONS, CONTENTS. PAGR No “System” Requisite; The Self-made Orator; Self-aids; Off- PART II.-PIECES FOR DECLAMATION, WITH ANALYTICAL EXPOSITION AND CRITICAL COMMENT. Annabel Lee...............................Edgar A. Poe .......... God Save the Union .............. ........ Geo. D. Prentice......... True Greatness Immortal........ ......... Edward Everett..... Great Men Special Gifts................... Rev. Dr. Adams........ The same............................. Idem .................. Responsibilities of Young Men.............. Bishop Clark.......... ........Idem .................. The Bells .................................Edgar A. Poe ......... Give me Old Things............ .......Anon .................... The Glass Railroad............. ........G. P. Lippari.. ..... Mrs. Macbeth and Husband.... .....A. M. Griswold...... 'The Day's Dispute. A Fable..............C. P. Cranch ........ Popschikoff. Exercise in Articulation................................ Poor Richard's Proverbs. Lord Dundreary's Views ........................................ Hosea Biglow's Views on Reconstruction.. Lowell................. Hans Donderbeck's Base Ball Experience........... Paddy's Version of “Excelsior" .... The Irish-Frenchman......................F. S. Smith ............ A Pseudo-Science........ .........Dr. O. W. Holmes..... “The Heathen Chinee”........... ...... Bret Harte .............. ...... Anon..... ...Anoi........ |