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POÉSIES DIVERSES.

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AUTHOR OF "THE IDIOMS OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE."

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LONDON:

PRINTED BY E. VARTY, CAMOMILE STREET, BISHOPSGATE.

PREFACE.

IT has appeared to the Compiler, in his experience as a teacher, that a proper introduction to the Reading of French Poetry was required by the English Student of the French language. It is evident that poetical productions, on account of their peculiar style, not to speak of the subjects of which they treat, are far from being suited to readers of every age and every degree of intelligence and attainment; and much less so must be the productions of a foreign writer, in a foreign tongue. However, it will be seen that compilers of school books seem to have been more anxious to introduce a name of note and striking compositions, than to consult the capabilities and tastes of their readers; they have not even offered them the help of notes, or of a few introductory words, to facilitate the comprehension of the subjects. The consequence has been, that the student meets with insuperable difficulties in his very first steps, and finds a task where he expected recreation and amusement. In these pages it is purposed to obviate these disadvantages, and to present the English reader with specimens of the most noted French poets, of the classical as well as of the more modern school,

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