The texts and commentaries used have been those of Schneider and Keil, the latter more accurate but the former more sympathetic.

F.H. BELVOIR,
Fauquier County,
Virginia.

December, 1912.

FOREWORD TO SECOND EDITION

The call for a reprint of this book has afforded the opportunity to correct some errors and to make several additions to the notes.

In withholding his name from the title page the editor sought not so much to conceal his identity as to avoid the appearance of a parade in what was to him the unwonted field of polite literature. As, however, he is neither ashamed of the book nor essays the rôle of

A violet by a mossy stone
Half hidden from the eye,

he now and here signs his name.

FAIRFAX HARRISON.

BELVOIR HOUSE,
Christmas, 1917.