PREFACE. IN issuing this Second Volume of the "WILD GARLAND," the compiler begs to state that it was commenced some time before the publication of Mr. Booth's "Epigrams, Ancient and Modern," from which work it differs widely both in matter and style. The popular arrangement and low price of the work here presented will, it is confidently anticipated, ensure for it a hearty reception at the hands of all admirers of the curiosities of English Literature. Epigrams. "Out of herbs and plants the best things are to be extracted; so the best sayings are to be gathered out of Authors." "What is an Epigram? a dwarfish whole; AN Epigram properly signifies an inscription; and, as such, was "The best of epigrams should be restrained:- Whilst this next one also insists upon its compactness: In its small compass, show both head and point." A modern epigrammatic rhymester says: "The Epigram should be, if right, Short, simple, pointed, keen and bright,— Like wasp, with taper body bound By lines-not many-neat and round, All ending in a sting." This is a good description of, or epigram upon, a Satirical Epigram-the sting being necessary for this species of epigram only; and not always necessary for this, as it may be more truly said of B |