"Ye nymphs of Solyma! begin the songs But if it should happen that words which have such a strica and intimate connection, as not to bear even a momentary separation, are divided from one another by this cæsual pause, we then feel a sort of struggle between the sense and the sound, which readers it difficult to read such lines barmoniously. The rule of proper pronunciation in such casesis to regard only the pause which the sense forms; and to read the line accordingly. The neglect of the cæsural pause may make the line sound somewhat unharmoniously; but the effect would be much worse, if the sense were sacrificed to the sound. For instance in the following line of Milton "What in me is dark, Illumine; what is low raise and support; The sense clearly dictates the pause after illumine, at the end of the third syllable, which, in reading, ought to be made accordingly; though if the melody only were to be regards ed, illumine should be connected with what follows, and the pause not made till the fourth or sixth syHable So in the following line of Pope's Epistle to Doctor Arbuthnot, "I sit, with sad civility I read :" the ear plainly points out the casural pause as falling after sad, the fourth syllable. But it would be very bad reading to make any pause there, so as to separate sad and civility. The sense admits of no other pause than after the second syllable sit, which therefore must be the only pause made in reading this part of the sentence. There is another mode of dividing some verses, by introducing what may be called demi-cæsuras, which require very slight pauses; and which the reader should manage with judgment, or he will be apt to fall into an affected sing song mode of pronouncing verses of this kind. The following Knes exemplify the demi-cæsura "Warms in the sun", refreshes in the breeze, Before the conclusion of this introduction, the Compiler takes the liberty to recommend to those teachers, who may favor his compilation, to exercise their pupils in discovering and explaining the emphatic words, and the proper tones and pauses, of every portion assigned them to read, previously to their being called out to the performance. These preparatory lessons, in which they should be regu larly examined, will improve their judgment and taste; prevent the practice of reading without attention to the subject, and establish a habit of readily discovering the meaning forse, and beauty of every sentence they peruse. THE ENGLISH READER. PART I. PIECES IN PROSE CHAPTER I. SELECT SENTENCES AND PARAGRAPH SECTION I. DILIGENCE, industry, and proper improvement of time, are material duties of the young. The acquisition of knowledge is one of the most honora ble occupations of youth. Whatever useful or engaging endowments we possess, vir ue is requisite, in order to their shining with proper lustre. Virtuous youth gradually brings forward accomplished and flourishing manhood. Sincerity and truth form the basis of every virtue. Disappointments and distress are often blessings in disguise Change and alteration form the very essence of the world. True happiness is of a retired nature, and an enemy to pomo and noise, NOTE In the fir chapter, the compiler ha exhibited fentences great variety of contruction, and n all the diverfity of punequation If ell priced upon, he prefumes they will fully rare the young reader or the various paules inflections and modulation of voice which he fuccrediag pieces require The Ahor's Ege Uh Exercifes under the head of Punctuation wil ford the learn erad litiona scope for improving himfelt in reading fentences and paragraphs variously conftructed In order to acquire a capacity for happiness, it must bẻ ur first study to rectify inward disorders. Whatever purifics, fortifies also the heart. From our eagerness to grasp, we strangle and destroy pleasure. A temperate spirit, and moderate expectations, are excel lent safeguards of the mind, in this uncertain and changing state. There is nothing, except simplicity of intention, and pu rity of principle, that can stand the test of near approach and strict examination. The value of any possession is to be chiefly estimated, by the relief which it can bring us in the time of our greatest need. No person who has once yielded up the government of his mind, and given loose rein to his desires and passions, can tell how far these may carry him. Tranquillity of mind is always most likely to be attained, when the business of the world is tempered with thoughtful and serious retreat. He who would act like a wise man, and build his house on the rock, and not on the sand, should contemplate human life, not only in the sunshine, but in the shade. Let usefulness and beneficence, not ostentation and vanity, direct the train of your pursuits. To maintain a steady and unbroken mind, amidst all the shocks of the world, marks a great aud noble spirit. Patience by preserving composure within, resists the im pression which trouble makes from without. Compassionate affections, even when they draw tears from our eyes for human misery, conveys satisfaction to the heart. They who have nothing to give, can often afford relief to others, by imparting what they feel. Our ignorance of what is to come, and of what is really good or evil, should correct anxiety about wordly success The veil which covers from our sight the events of suc ceeding years, is a veil woven by the hand of mercy. The best preparation for all the uncertainties of futurity, cousists in a well ordered mind, a good conscience, and s cheerful submission to the will of heaven |