MEDITATIVE LYRICS BY THEODORE W. HUNT, PH.D., LITT.D. PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH IN PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, AUTHOR OF "AMER- Λ IN PREFACE the treatise before us we shall purposely confine ourselves to the domain of British or English lyrics, as distinct from American, these latter having already been studied by us in a volume which may be best regarded as a companion of the one now presented.* So broad and rich is this lyric area, even within the specific province of the meditative, that we cannot hope to compass the entire list of representative names, but must content ourselves with a limited portion of it. We must, moreover, be satisfied with brief citations and suggestions, making no attempt whatever at elaborate discussion. Few topics within the sphere of literary study impress us as more inviting and recompensing, especially so to those of contemplative habit, and who feel at home in "that quiet and still air of delightful studies" of which the meditative Milton speaks. This volume will have accomplished its object if by it the reader is enriched and quickened in spirit, and led to seek for further treasure in this open mine of lyric wealth. T. W. H. Princeton University, January, 1899. * American Meditative Lyrics, E. B. Treat & Co., New York. 8 |