WORD may be said here concerning the purpose of these

A "Studies". The editor has had in mind the teachers of

our public schools and the members of our literary clubs and reading circles who desire some aids to study a little more definite than those contained in books about literature—a little less detailed than those given in manuals concerned chiefly with grammar, prosody, and figures of speech. The prose quotations have been selected with some care, and with a definite purpose in view. These, with the illustrative quotations given under the head of "phrasal power", should in themselves afford answers to the questions-What is poetry? and Why should we study it? Through them the poets become, as it were, their own interpreters, pointing out to us what real poetry is and what strength and inspiration we may hope to derive from it. Liberal readings have been outlined-more perhaps than will be thought needful for any one person or club-and, for those having access to reasonably good libraries, lists of references have been supplied. The topics and questions direct attention chiefly to matters of content because the editor believes that this should be the principal object in all literary study.

Copies of this bulletin may be had upon application to the College, thereby enabling the institution to carry out its policy of extending the services of its faculty to the people at large.

"The words of the wise

are as goads,

And as nails fastened by

the masters of assemblies."'

I need not tell you that you will find that most books worth reading once are worth reading twice; and, what is most important of all, the masterpieces of literature are worth reading a thousand times. It is a great mistake to think that because you have read a masterpiece once or twice, or ten times, therefore, you have done with it; because it is a masterpiece, you ought to live with it, and make it part of your daily life. -John Morley.

The connection between literature and life is vital; and what we need is not acquisition and information, so much as inspiration and illumination-a consciousness of mental and moral power which can see clearly and feel deeply. By living in vital relation to such writers as have furnished the literature of power, and feeling the force of their clear and pure spirituality, we attain that attitude of mind in which we are able to receive faithful impressions, and to make true observations. When the heart of the reader beats in sympathy with the heart of the writer, both the sense and beauty of the work become apparent. -Professor A. J. George, Selections from Wordsworth.

Literature, more especially poetic and dramatic literature, is the expression in letters of the spiritual, co-operating with the intellectual, man, the former being the primary, dominant co-efficient. * * We can know a true poem only so far as we can reproduce it sympathetically within ourselves—in other words, we know it to the extent to which our own spirits respond to the spiritual appeal which it makes to us. -Professor Hiram Corson, Aims of Literary Study.

WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT

(1794-1878)

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

Born at Cummington, Massachusetts, November 3, 1794. His father, a country physician, a man of literary tastes; owner of the largest library in his community; highly esteemed among his neighbors for his learning, character, and professional skill. Formative influences of the poet's early years: Religion,—solemn teachings of Puritan parents, and instructors; nature,-daily communion with her visible forms,fields, streams, hills, and forests; books,-Bible, hymnals, eighteenth century English classics in prose and verse, and early American writers. Elementary education received in the rural public schools. Studied Latin and Greek under clergymen. Read much, especially poetry. Pope's Homer a favorite study. Encouraged by his father, he began writing verses in early childhood. At the age of thirteen he published a political satire of several hundred lines. At sixteen he entered the Sophomore Class of Williams College, where he remained one year. He then took up the study of law. Of this period he says: "I read all the poetry I could lay my hands on." Among the poets read were Kirke White, Thompson, Blair, Cowper, and Wordsworth. Thanatopsis written. in part in 1811-the author only seventeen years of age. To a Waterfowl written at nineteen. Admitted to the bar, 1815. In 1821, married Miss Fanny Fairchild; published his first volume of poems. A frequent contributor to the North American Review and other journals. After nine years' practice of law at Plainfield and Great Barrington, Massachusetts, he removed to New York City, 1825, and made journalism his profession. Achieved wide influence and honor