+Direction+.—Write six Superscriptions to real or imaginary friends or acquaintances in different cities, carefully observing all that has been said above.
+Direction+.—Write two snort letters—one to a friend at the Astor
House, New York, and one to a stranger in the country.
[Illustration: Envelope with stamp in upper-right corner. Addressed to
Master H. Buckman,
Andover,
Mass.]
[Cursive Text:
Ithaca, N. Y, June 15, '96.
My dear Friend,
You tell me that you begin the study of English Literature next term. Let me assume the relation of an older brother, and tender you a word of counsel.
Study literature, primarily, for the thoughts it contains. Attend to these thoughts until you understand them and see their connection one with another. Accept only such as seem to you just and true, and accept these at their proper value.
Notice carefully the words each author uses, see how he arranges them, whether he puts his thought clearly, what imagery he employs, what allusions he makes, what acquaintance with men, with books, and with nature he shows, and in what spirit he writes.
Your study of the author should put you in possession of his thought and his style, and should introduce you to the man himself.