mological references on which lessons in Derivation may be founded*; notes being added to illustrate the meaning, grammatical construction, and other features of the text; and specimens being given of interrogative lessons, by which an understanding of the subject-matter of Rasselas may be as it were questioned into the mind of the pupil. It will be seen from these specimen lessons that the Editor recommends the occasional practice of writing a précis, or digested abstract, of a passage. To this recommendation he would here add the suggestion, that an explanatory variation of Johnson's language might be sometimes attempted, especially with the view of converting the pompous phraseology, characteristic of that writer, into language of greater simplicity. Analysis of sentences, as treated in Morell's or Hunter's book on that subject, should be frequently *The Latin, Greek, and other etymological references given are not always the exact roots of the English words, but, for convenience, are given in those forms under which the derivatives will be found classed in Hunter's alphabetically arranged "Manual of Derivation." We subjoin a specimen of the manner in which the etymological lesson may be conducted: - What is the meaning of the word credulity? (Aptness to believe without proof.) From what Latin word is it derived? (Credo, to believe.) Hence, "a summary of articles of belief?" (Creed.) "The honour of being trusted?" (Credit.) "Worthy of credit?" (Creditable.) What is the meaning of creditor? (One who gives pecuniary credit.) Credentials? (That which warrants belief or confidence.) Credible? (Worthy of belief.) Credulous? (Easily disposed to believe.) What word signifies to add credit to?" (Accredit.) Explain the prefix ac, &c. employed. We subjoin three examples, of a précis, an explanatory variation, and an analysis, respectively. PRÉCIS OF SECTION 31. I complain, said the prince, because I know not what I want. A definite wish would excite exertion, and thereby remove my impatience of the tedious. duration and quick return of day. EXPLANATORY VARIATION OF SECTION 214. It appears, then, said Rasselas, that you have not found more happiness in private dwellings than I have in those of royalty. I have, said Nekayah, since we last arranged to divide the work of inquiry between us, employed means of being admitted to free intercourse with many families, which presented the appearance of being prosperous and happy; but I have found that every one of these is infested by some evil passion which destroys their peace. ANALYSIS OF THE LAST SENTENCE OF SECTION 111. 1. I know not 2. What reason but the unsearchable will of the Su preme Being can be given 3. Why their knowledge is more 4. Than ours [is]. Assertive principal sentence. Objective noun sentence to 1, governed by know. Adjective sentence to 2, describing reason. Adverbial sentence of relation to 3. CHAP. CONTENTS. Introductory sketch of the life of Dr. Johnson II. The discontent of Rasselas in the happy valley III. The wants of him that wants nothing IV. The prince continues to grieve and muse V. The prince meditates his escape VI. A dissertation on the art of flying VII. The prince finds a man of learning XXI. The happiness of solitude. The hermit's history XXII. The happiness of a life led according to nature XXIII. The prince and his sister divide between them the XXVIII. Rasselas and Nekayah continue their conversation 74 XXIX. The debate of marriage continued XXXVII. The princess hears news of Pekuah XXXVIII. The adventures of the lady Pekuah XXXIX. The adventures of Pekuah continued XLIII. The astronomer leaves Imlac his directions XLIV. The dangerous prevalence of imagination. XLV. They discourse with an old man XLVI. The princess and Pekuah visit the astronomer XLVII. The prince enters, and brings a new topic |