King Henry IV. (Part II.)—Act III., Scene I., King Henry V.-Act III., Scene I., King Henry V.-Act IV., Scene III., INTRODUCTION. THE following pages of an Introduction—if it may be so termed are exceedingly brief. So much having been already written on the theoretical part of this subject, I do not feel it at all desirable to repeat a number of elaborate rules. Those who wish to find such directions can consult many learned treatises on Elocution. I simply desire to say something concerning the book itself; to give short hints to readers on the management of the voice, action, &c.; and to offer a few thoughts on the advantages of this study. (I.) This little book differs from most other collections in its freshness of selection; and in that respect, I venture to hope, supplies a very generally felt and expressed want. Now that Elocution has been so widely recognised as a branch of study in high-class schools, and "Readings" have been rendered so popular with the public throughout the three Kingdoms, most of the time-honoured, well-worn extracts have become hackneyed and so thoroughly known as not in the least degree to partake of the character of novelty, which is a very essential element with audiences, as, unless the reader be a person of more than usual talents, constant repetition becomes most wearisome. Although this is called a Modern Elocutionist, I felt that it would be an unpardonable fault were I to omit selections from Shakspere, so that an additional feature in these pages is a separate portion devoted exclusively to speeches and scenes from his works. These extracts have been arranged in their probable chronological sequence-thus showing the gradual growth of the poet's mind-and the text adopted has been that of the so-called "Globe" edition. For the order of the above I am indebted to the works of Professor Dowden, Trinity College, Dublin.* These books are marked by scholarly research, acute criticism, and thorough appreciation and reverence of his subject. I earnestly recommend them to such of my readers as take an interest in the motive-springs of our greatest poet's mind. They will find them perfectly invaluable in suggestiveness when preparing a play for reading or recitation. While again thanking those authors who have so kindly helped me in my task, it is with extreme regret that I have been compelled-owing to the refusal of Mr. Tennyson's publishers in granting the required permission to omit some half-dozen selections from the Poet Laureate's works. The following extracts I recommend as being most suitable for reading aloud :— "The Lady of Shalott." "Lady Clara Vere de Vere." "The May Queen" (Three Parts). "Locksley Hall." "Lady Clare." * "SHAKSPERE: a Critical Study of his Mind and Art." Post 8vo. 12s. (Published by Messrs. C. Kegan Paul and Co.) "SHAKSPERE." One of the Shilling English Primers. (Published by Messrs. Macmillan and Co.) "Ode on the Death of the Duke of Wellington." "The Lord of Burleigh." "The Charge of the Light Brigade." "The Grandmother." "Sea-Dreams." "The Coming of Arthur." The Death of Elaine ("Lancelot and Elaine ”). "The Passing of Arthur." The Death of Enoch Arden ("Enoch Arden"). "The Revenge" (Nineteenth Century, March, 1878). All the above are published by Messrs. C. Kegan Paul and Co. A little volume entitled "Tennyson for the Young, and Recitation" contains several of those mentioned. To American writers I must here tender a word of acknowledgment. From their works I have chosen many of the most fresh and racy selections in the ensuing pages. Pathos and humour are alike conspicuous in their prose and verse. Nowhere is this union more marked than in everything coming from the pen of that most original genius, Francis Bret Harte. (II.) I shall now offer a few hints to readers. These remarks are simple, and will, I venture to think, be of practical utility to those who may follow the advice here given. Necessarily I have little that is new to say on this branch of the subject, most of what follows being compiled from other sources, or the result of observation whilst teaching, and here set down in convenient form. |