PERIOD II.—This period extends from the time of Shakspere to
that of Pope, or from the end of the reign of Elizabeth to the acces-
sion of Anne. The literature of this period is distinguished by its
earnestness, grandeur of thought, and dignity of language; it em-
braces most of the greatest names in our literary annals.

PERIOD III. This period extends from the time of Pope to that
of Cowper, or from the accession of Anne to the breaking out of the
French Revolution. The writers of this period, while inferior in dig-
nity and earnestness to their predecessors, were more attentive to
regularity in composition, correctness in language, and vivacity in
style. To this period belong our greatest historians.

PERIOD IV. This period extends from the time of Cowper or the

French Revolution to the present day. The beginning of it was

characterized by intense mental activity, and by the abundance and

excellence of its poetical literature.