Secondly, passages for sheer interest of content, such as the Trial Scene from “The Merchant of Venice,” or the Forest Scene in “As You Like It.”
Thirdly, for dramatic and historical interest, such as, “Men at some time are masters of their fates,” the whole of Mark Antony's speech, and the scene with Imogen and her foster-brothers in the Forest.
It may not be wholly out of place to add here that the children learned and repeated these passages themselves, and that I offered them the same advice as I do to all Story-tellers. I discussed quite openly with them the method I considered best, trying to make them see that simplicity of delivery was not only the most beautiful but the most effective means to use; and, by the end of a few months, when they had been allowed to experiment and express themselves, they began to see that mere ranting was not force, and that a sense of reserve power is infinitely more impressive and inspiring than mere external presentation.
I encouraged them to criticise each other for the common good, and sometimes I read a few lines with over-emphasis and too much gesture, which they were at liberty to point out, so that they might avoid the same error.
A very good collection of poems for this purpose of narrative is to be found in:
Mrs. P. A. Barnett's series of Song and Story,
Published by A. and C. Black.
The Call of the Homeland, Anthology.
Edited by Dr. Scott and Miss Katharine Wallas, Published by Blackie and Son.
Also in a collection published (I believe) in Boston by Miss Agnes Repplier.
Golden Numbers.
(K. D. Wiggin and N. A. Smith).