The selection has been arranged on the principle of beginning with that which is simple, and proceeding gradually to the more complex, with some regard also to variety and progress in subjects, and at the same time to appropriateness for the use of those younger readers for whom this selection mainly is intended.

The notes are meant to serve only as a guide to beginners; and as guides are proverbially an annoyance when their services are imposed unsought, these are disposed at the end of each poem, and without reference marks to mar the pages, so that the selection may be read, if desired, without any interference from the notes.

Within the limits of a volume like this, only the shorter poems could find a place. Most valuable extracts from the longer works might have been given; but this is always a questionable method of dealing with the best writers, with those especially whose thought is strictly consecutive, while the effect of particular passages depends to a large extent on their setting and their relation to the work as a whole. The only[[A]] exception to this is the treatment of “Christmas Eve and Easter Day,” with extracts from which this volume closes. That remarkable work occupies a middle position between the shorter and the longer poems of our author; and, though too long for insertion entire, is yet so important, that it seemed very desirable to give some idea of it. In furnishing a series of extracts from this work, an attempt has been made to reduce the disadvantage above referred to by supplying along with them a slight sketch or “argument,” so as to give some idea, to those unacquainted with it, of the course of thought throughout.

It is right to say that Mr. Browning has given his kind permission for the publication in the United States of this Selection, and also of the Notes, for which, however, as for the selection itself, he is in no wise responsible.

[A]. It has been found necessary also to give only the latter part of the noble poem “Saul.” A slight sketch of the part omitted is given, and the poem is continued without interruption to its close.

CONTENTS.

PAGE
Introductory[i]
Home Thoughts, from Abroad[11]
Home Thoughts, from the Sea[12]
“How they brought the Good News from Ghent to Aix”[13]
Echetlos[16]
Helen’s Tower[18]
Shop[19]
The Boy and the Angel[25]
The Patriot[29]
Instans Tyrannus[31]
The Lost Leader[34]
Love among the Ruins[36]
My Star[40]
Rudel to the Lady of Tripoli[41]
Never the Time and the Place[43]
Wanting is—What?[44]
Evelyn Hope[45]
Prospice[48]
Good, to Forgive[49]
Touch him ne’er so Lightly[51]
Popularity[52]
The Guardian Angel[56]
Deaf and Dumb[59]
Abt Vogler[60]
One Word More[68]
Saul[77]
An Epistle[87]
Christmas-Eve[100]
Easter-Day[121]