Part 9

CHARLES READE, a renowned English novelist, was born at Ipsden, June 8, 1814, and died April 11, 1884. Among his numerous productions are: "Peg Woffington," "It's Never Too Late to Mend," "The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth," "The Double Marriage; or White Lies," "Hard Cash," "The Cloister and the Hearth," "Foul Play," "Put Yourself in His Place," "A Terrible Temptation," "A Simpleton," "A Woman Hater," etc. His plays include: "Gold," "Masks and Faces," "The Courier of Lyons," "Two Loves and a Life," "The King's Rivals," etc.

'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home; A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there, Which sought through the world is ne'er met with elsewhere. An exile from home splendour dazzles in vain, Oh, give me my lowly thatched cottage again; The birds singing gayly, that came at my call, Give me them, and that peace of mind dearer than all.

"Home Sweet Home," from the opera "Clari, the Maid of Milan,"--_J. Howard Payne_.

JOHN HOWARD PAYNE, an American dramatist and author, was born in New York City, June 9, 1792, and died in Tunis, Africa, April 10, 1852. His fame rests upon the celebrated lyric "Home, Sweet Home," introduced in his drama, the "Maid of Milan." His other plays are "Brutus," "Virginius," and "Charles II."

While black with storms the ruffled ocean rolls, and from the fisher's art defends her finny shoals.

--_Sir Richard Blackmore_.

SIR RICHARD DODDRIDGE BLACKMORE, a renowned English novelist, was born in Longworth, Berkshire, June 9, 1825, and died January 22, 1900. Some of his well-known novels are: "The Maid of Sker," "Cripps the Carrier," "Clara Vaughan," "Sir Thomas Upmore," "Alice Lorraine," "Christowell," "Spring-haven," "Erema," "Mary Anerley," and his most celebrated novel, "Lorna Doone."

By the flow of the inland river, Whence the fleets of the iron have fled, Where the blades of the grave-grass quiver, Asleep are the ranks of the dead;-- Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the Judgment Day: Under the one, the Blue; Under the other, the Gray.

"The Blue and the Gray,"--_Francis Miles Finch_.

FRANCIS MILES FINCH, a noted American poet and judge, was born in Ithaca, N. Y., June 9, 1827, and died in 1907. He is the author of the well-known lyrics, "Nathan Hale," and "The Blue and the Gray."

Some very dull and sad people have genius though the world may not count it as such; a genius for love, or for patience, or for prayer, maybe. We know the divine spark is here and there in the world; who shall say under what manifestations, or humble disguise!

--_Anne Isabelle Thackeray_.

LADY ANNE ISABELLE (THACKERAY) RITCHIE, a distinguished English miscellaneous writer, was born in London, June 9, 1838, and died in 1919. She has written: "Old Kensington," "Toilers and Spinsters," "Miss Angel," "Bluebeard's Keys," "Mme. de Sévigné," "Lord Tennyson and his Friends," "Records of Tennyson, Ruskin, and Browning," etc.

Also, I think that good must come of good, And ill of evil--surely--unto all-- In every place and time--seeing sweet fruit Growth from wholesome roots, and bitter things From poison stocks; yea, seeing, too, how spite Breeds hate, and kindness, friends, and patience, peace.

--_Edwin Arnold_.

SIR EDWIN ARNOLD, the famous English poet and journalist, was born in Rochester, June 10, 1832, and died in 1904. His greatest works are: "Indian Idylls," "Pearls of the Faith," "The Light of the World," "Japonica," "The Tenth Muse and Other Poems," "Sa'di in the Garden," and his most famous work: "The Light of Asia, a Poetic Presentation of the Life and Teaching of Gautama."

Shall I, wasting in despair, Die because a woman's fair? Or make pale my cheeks with care, 'Cause another's rosy are? Be she fairer than the day, Or the flowery meads in May, If she be not so to me, What care I how fair she be?

"The Shepherd's Resolution,"--_George Wither_.

GEORGE WITHER, a celebrated English poet and soldier, was born at Brentworth, June 11, 1588, and died in London, May 2, 1667. Among his writings are: "Fidelia," "The Shepherd's Hunting," "Hymns and Songs of the Church," "The Motto," "Abuses Stript and Whipt," and his best-known song, "Shall I, Wasting in Despair."

In lang, lang day o' simmer, When the clear and cloudless sky Refuses ae wee drap o' rain To Nature parched and dry, The genial night, wi' balmy breath, Gars verdure spring anew, An' ilka blade o' grass Keps its ain drap o' dew.

"Its Ain Drap o' Dew,"--_Ballantine_.

JAMES BALLANTINE, a noted Scotch poet, was born in Edinburgh, on June 11, 1808, and died December 18, 1877. His poetical works include: "The Gaberlunzie's Wallet," "One Hundred Songs," etc.

All things change, creeds and philosophies and outward systems--but God remains.

"Robert Elsmere," Book IV, Chap, xxvi,--_Mary Augusta (Arnold) Ward_.

MRS. HUMPHRY WARD (MARY AUGUSTA ARNOLD), a famous English novelist, was born at Hobart Town, Tasmania, June 11, 1851, and died in 1920. She has written: "Milly and Ollie," "Miss Bretherton," "Robert Elsmere," "The History of David Grieve," "Marcella," "The Story of Bessie Costrell," "Sir George Tressady," "Eleanor," "Lady Rose's Daughter," "The Marriage of William Ashe," "Fenwick's Career," "Diana Mallory," "Daphne," "Canadian Born," "England's Effort," "Towards the Goal," "Missing," etc.

The poems of Alfred Tennyson have certainly much of the beauty of a long-past time; but they have also a life so vivid, a truth so lucid, and a melody so inexhaustible, as to mark him the poet that cannot die.

"A History of the Thirty Years' Peace," A.D. 1815-1846, Vol. IV. p. 436--_Harriet Martineau_.

HARRIET MARTINEAU, a notable English reformer and miscellaneous writer, was born at Norwich, June 12, 1802, and died at Ambleside, June 27, 1876. Among her most noted works are: "Society in America," "Deerbrook," "History of England During the Thirty Years' Peace," "Philosophy of Comte," "British Rule in India," "Biographical Sketches," etc.

I am reading again, the "History of England," that of Smollett.... I have to the reign of George the Second, and, in spite of the dislike I have of Smollett's language and style of writing, I am much entertained.--Burney, Frances, 1770.

"Early Diary," ed. Ellis, Vol. I, p. 94,--_Frances Burney_.

FRANCES BURNEY--MADAME D'ARBLAY, a celebrated English novelist, was born in King's Lynn, Norfolk, June 13, 1752, and died in Bath, January 6, 1840. Among her noted works are: "Evelina, or a Young Lady's Entrance into the World," "Cecilia," "Camilla," and "The Wanderer, or Female Difficulties."

Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever; Do noble things, not dream them, all day long: And so make life, death, and that vast forever One grand sweet song.

"A Farewell,"--_Charles Kingsley_.

CHARLES KINGSLEY, the distinguished English novelist, poet, and philanthropist, was born at Holne, near Dartmoor, Devonshire, June 13, 1819, and died at Eversley, Hampshire, January 23, 1875. He wrote many novels, among them: "Hypatia," "The Saint's Tragedy," (a drama in verse), "Alton Locke, Tailor and Poet," "Westward, Ho!" "Yeast," "The Water Babies," (a fairy tale). Also "Lectures Delivered in America," "Poems," "Andromeda and Other Poems," etc.

Land of Heart's Desire, Where beauty has no ebb, decay no flood, But joy is wisdom, Time and endless song.

"Land of Heart's Desire,"--_William Butler Yeats_.

WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS, a famous Irish poet and writer of romance, was born in Dublin, June 13, 1865. He has written: "The Wanderings of Oisin," "Celtic Twilight," "Poems," "The Secret Rose," "Irish Folk Lore," "Fairy Tales," "Irish Stories," "The Wind Among the Reeds," "The Countess Kathleen," "The Shadowy Waters," "Ideas of Good and Evil," "In the Seven Woods," "Hour Glass and Other Plays," "The King's Threshold," "Deirdre," "The Green Helmet and Other Poems," "Plays for an Irish Theatre," etc.

It lies around us like a cloud-- A world we do not see; Yet the sweet closing of an eye May bring us there to be.

"The Other World,"--_Harriet Beecher Stowe_.

HARRIET BEECHER STOWE, a renowned American novelist, was born at Litchfield, Conn., June 14, 1811, and died at Hartford, Conn., July 1, 1896. Among her numerous works are: "Sunny Memories of Foreign Lands," "First Geography for Children," "The Minister's Wooing," "Religious Poems," "Agnes of Sorrento," "Men of Our Times," "Earthly Care a Heavenly Discipline," "House and Home Papers," "Palmetto Leaves," "The Ravages of a Carpet," "The Chimney Corner," "Little Foxes," "Lives and Deeds of Our Self-Made Men," etc., etc. Also her famous works: "Uncle Tom's Cabin; or, Life Among the Lowly," "Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin," and "Uncle Tom's Emancipation."

Justice, like lightning, ever should appear; To few men ruin, but to all men fear.

--_Thomas Randolph_.

THOMAS RANDOLPH, a noted English poet and dramatist, was born near Daventry in Northamptonshire, and was baptized June 15, 1605, and died in 1635. Among his plays are: "The Jealous Lovers," "The Muses' Looking-Glasse," etc.

Smiling always with a never fading serenity of countenance, and flourishing in an immortal youth.

"Duty of Thanksgiving," "Works," Vol. I, p. 66,--_Isaac Barrow_.

ISAAC BARROW, a distinguished English theologian, classical scholar and mathematician, was born at London, June 16, 1630, and died at London, April, 1677. The best edition of his theological works is that of Rev. A. Napier (1859).

Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.

--_John Wesley_.

JOHN WESLEY, a celebrated English divine and writer, was born at Epworth, June 17, 1703, and died March 2, 1791. He wrote: "Doctrine of Original Sin," "Explanatory Notes on the New Testament," "Preservative Against Unsettled Notions in Religion," "A Calm Address to Our American Colonies," "Survey of the Wisdom of God in Creation," "Notes on the Old and New Testaments," etc.

The violet thinks, with her timid blue eye, To pass for a blossom enchantingly shy.

"Garden Gossip,"--_Mrs. Osgood_.

MRS. FRANCES SARGENT (LOCKE) OSGOOD, a well-known American poet, was born in Boston, June 18, 1811, and died in Hingham, Mass., May 12, 1850. She published: "Wreath of Wild Flowers," "Poetry of Flowers," "Poems," etc.

Whilst twilight's curtain spreading far, Was pinned with a single star.

"Death in Disguise," Line 227 (Boston edition, 1833).--_McDonald Clarke_.

MCDONALD CLARKE, a noted American poet, was born in Bath, Maine, June 18, 1778, and died in New York, March 5, 1842. His works include: "Poetic Sketches," "The Belles of Broadway," etc.

Learning hath gained most by those books by which the printers have lost.

"Of Books,"--_Thomas Fuller_.

THOMAS FULLER, a famous English divine and historian, was baptized on June 19, 1608, and died in 1661. Among his famous works are: "David's Heinous Sin," "History of the Holy War," "Church History of Britain," etc. "The Worthies of England," is the work for which he is now esteemed.

Montaigne is wrong in declaring that custom ought to be followed simply because it is custom, and not because it is reasonable or just.

"Thoughts," Chap. IV, 6,--_Blaise Pascal_.

BLAISE PASCAL, a renowned French philosopher and mathematician, was born at Clermont Ferrand, in Auvergne, June 19, 1623, and died at Paris, August 19, 1662. His writings include: "Letters Written by Louis Montalte to a Friend in the Provinces," more widely known as the "Provincial Letters," and his "Thoughts on Religion" (Pensées), which was published after his death.

Child of mortality, whence comest thou? Why is thy countenance sad, and why are thine eyes red with weeping?

"Hymns in Prose," xiii,--_Mrs. Barbauld_. 1743-1825.

ANNA LÆTITIA BARBAULD, a celebrated English poet and essayist, was born in Kibworth-Harcourt, Leicestershire, June 20, 1743, and died in Stoke Newington, March 9, 1825. She wrote: "Early Lessons for Children," "Devotional Pieces," "Hymns in Prose for Children," "Eighteen Hundred and Eleven," etc.

The summer day was spoiled with fitful storm; At night the wind died and the soft rain dropped; With lulling murmur, and the air was warm, And all the tumult and the trouble stopped.

"The Nestling Swallows,"--_Celia Thaxter_.

MRS. CELIA (LEIGHTON) THAXTER, a famous American poet, was born at Portsmouth, N. H., June 20, 1836, and died in 1894. She has written: "Poems for Children," "Idyls and Pastorals," "Poems," "Drift-Weed," "The Yule Log," "Letters," "An Island Garden," "Among the Isles of Shoals," "Stories and Poems for Children," etc.

Woman's love is writ in water! Woman's faith is traced on sand!

"Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers"; "Charles Edward at Versailles,"--_W. E. Aytoun_.

WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN, a noted Scottish humorist, was born in Edinburgh, June 21, 1813, and died at Blackhills, near Elgin, August 4, 1865. He wrote: "Ballads of Scotland," and his most famous work, "Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers." With Theodore Martin he wrote the celebrated "Bon Gaultier Ballads."

With the multiplication of books comes the rapid extension and awakening of mental activity.

"Constitutional History of England,"--_William Stubbs_.

WILLIAM STUBBS, a noted English historical writer, was born at Knaresborough, June 21, 1825, and died April 22, 1901. His most famous work is: "The Constitutional History of England." He also published: "Lectures on Mediæval and Modern History."

Hopkins sought to add to the five points of Calvinism the rather heterogeneous ingredient that holiness consists in pure, disinterested benevolence, and that all regard for self is necessarily sinful.

"History of the United States of America," Vol. II, p. 597,--_Richard Hildreth_.

RICHARD HILDRETH, a renowned American historian, was born in Deerfield, Mass., June 22, 1807, and died in Florence, Italy, July 11, 1865. Among his works are: "History of Banks," "Theory of Morals," "Theory of Politics," and his most noted work, "History of the United States."

My two favourite novels are Dickens' "Tale of Two Cities" and Lytton's "Coming Race." Both these books I can read again and again, and with an added pleasure. Only my delight in the last is always marred afresh by disgust at the behaviour of the hero, who, in order to return to this dull earth, put away the queenly Zoe's love.

"Books which Have Influenced Me," p. 67,--_Haggard, H. Rider_.

SIR HENRY RIDER HAGGARD, a celebrated English novelist was born in Norfolk, June 22, 1856. Among his numerous works are: "Cetewayo and His White Neighbors," "Dawn," "The Witch's Head," "King Solomon's Mines," "She," "Jess," "Allan Quatermain," "Cleopatra," "Allan's Wife," "Beatrice," "Nada, the Lily," "The People of the Mist," "Heart of the World," "Joan Haste," "Rural England," "Pearl Maiden," "The Way of the Spirit," "Benita," "Fair Margaret," "The Yellow God," "Regeneration," "Red Eve," "Marie," "Child of Storm," "The Holy Flower," "The Ivory Child," "Love Eternal," "Moon of Israel," "When the World Shook," etc.

At some disputed barricade, When Spring comes back with rustling shade And apple-blossoms fill the air,-- I have a rendezvous with Death When Spring brings back blue days and fair.

"I have a Rendezvous With Death,"--_Alan Seeger_.

ALAN SEEGER, a noted American poet, was born in New York City, June 22, 1888, and was killed on the field of Belloy en Santene, France, July 4, 1916. He will always be remembered for his famous poem, "I Have a Rendezvous with Death."

If but one friend have crossed thy way, Once only, in thy mortal day; If only once life's best surprise Has opened on thy human eyes; Ingrate thou wert, indeed, if thou Didst not in that rare presence bow, And on earth's holy ground, unshod, Speak softlier the dear name of God.

--_Lucy Larcom_.

LUCY LARCOM, a noted American poet, was born at Beverly, Mass., June 23 (?), 1826, and died in Boston in 1893. Her works include: "Poems," "An Idyl of Work, a Story in Verse," "As It Is in Heaven," and "The Unseen Friend."

The world still needs Its champion as of old, and finds him still.

"The Epic of Hades: Herakles,"--_Sir Lewis Morris_.

SIR LEWIS MORRIS, a distinguished British poet, was born at Penbryn, June 23, 1833, and died November 13, 1907. His poetical works include: "Songs of Two Worlds," "The Epic of Hades" (his best-known work) "Songs Unsung," "A Vision of Saints," "The Ode of Life," "Idylls and Lyrics," "The New Rambler," and "Gwen."

Time is short, your obligations are infinite. Are your houses regulated, your children instructed, the afflicted relieved, the poor visited, the work of piety accomplished?

--_Massillon_.

JEAN BAPTISTE MASSILLON, a renowned French preacher, was born at Hyères, June 24, 1663, and died at Clermont, September 18, 1742. His sermons have been translated into English, also the funeral oration on Louis XIV. (London, 1872.)

A glass is good, and a lass is good, And a pipe to smoke in cold weather; The world is good, and the people are good, And we're all good fellows together.

"Sprigs of Laurel," Act. II. Sc. I,--_John B. O'Keefe_.

JOHN B. O'KEEFE, a famous Irish dramatist, was born in Dublin, June 24, 1747, and died at Southampton, February 4, 1833. Among his plays are: "The Young Quaker," "The Poor Soldier," "Peeping Tom," "Wild Oats," "The Castle of Andalusia," "Sprigs of Laurel," etc.

Of all the duties, the love of truth, with faith and constancy in it, ranks first and highest. Truth is God. To love God and to love Truth are one and the same.

--_Silvio Pellico_.

SILVIO PELLICO, an illustrious Italian poet, was born at Saluzzo, in Piedmont, June 24, 1788, and died at Turin, January 31, 1854. Among his tragedies are: "Iginia of Asti," "Ester of Engaddi," "Leonerio of Dertonia," "Laodicea," "Eufemio of Messina," "Gismonda da Mendrisio," "Thomas More," "Herodias," and "Francesca da Rimini," his most celebrated tragedy.

Put away all sarcasm from your speech. Never complain. Do not prophesy evil. Have a good word for every one or else keep silent.

--_Henry Ward Beecher_.

HENRY WARD BEECHER, a distinguished American clergyman, was born in Litchfield, Conn., June 24, 1813, and died in Brooklyn, New York, March 8, 1887. He wrote: "Freedom and War," "Norwood, or Village Life in New England," "Eyes and Ears," "Star Papers: or Experiences of Art and Nature," etc. His "Sermons" were edited by Dr. Lyman Abbott in 1868.

Who can refute a sneer?

"Moral Philosophy." Vol. II, Book V, Chap. 9.--_William Paley_.

WILLIAM PALEY, a noted English divine and philosopher, was born at Peterborough, June 25 (?), 1743, and died May 25, 1805. He published his lectures, revised and enlarged under the title of "The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy"; also "Deity Collected from the Appearances of Nature."

Dryden's practical knowledge of English was beyond all others exquisite and wonderful.

"The Diversions of Purley,"--_John Horne Tooke_.

JOHN HORNE TOOKE, a celebrated English political writer and grammarian, was born at Westminster, June 25, 1736, and died at Wimbledon, March 18, 1812. His principal work was: "Epea Pteroenta (Winged Words); or The Diversions of Purley."

Live while you live, the epicure would say, And seize the pleasures of the present day; Live while you live, the sacred preacher cries, And give to God each moment as it flies. Lord, in my views, let both united be: I live in pleasure when I live to thee.

"Epigram on his Family Arms,"--_Philip Doddridge_.

PHILIP DODDRIDGE, a distinguished English non-conformist divine, was born in London, June 26, 1702, and died in Lisbon, Portugal, October 26, 1751. Among his works are: "The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul," "The Family Expositor," and "Evidences of Christianity."

Lafcadio Hearn is a painter with the pen.

LAFCADIO HEARN, a noted American journalist and miscellaneous writer, was born at Santa Maura, Ionian Islands, June 27, 1850, and died September 26, 1904. He has written: "Two Years in the French West Indies," "Youma," "Some Chinese Ghosts," "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan," "Gleanings in Buddha-fields," "Out of the East," "Kokoro," "Exotics and Retrospectives," "Shadowings," "A Japanese Miscellany," "Kotto," "Japanese Fairy Tales," "Kwaidan," etc.

Days of absence, sad and dreary, Clothed in sorrow's dark array,-- Days of absence, I am weary: She I love is far away.

"Days of Absence,"--_Jean Jacques Rousseau_.

JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU, the renowned French writer, was born in Geneva, June 28, 1712, and died at Ermenonville near Paris, July 2, 1778. Among his numerous works may be mentioned: "A Project of Perpetual Peace," "To the Archbishop of Paris," "Letters from the Mountain," "Consolations of My Life," "Memoir on the Shape of the Earth," "The Village Soothsayer," "Letter on French Music," "On Political Economy," "Letters to Voltaire," "Narcissus," "The Social Contract," "Letters on His Exile," and his famous, "Confessions."

So long as a ray of sunlight illumines her fields, Italy will reverence Alfieri as the first to give to tragedy a noble mission, to raise it from the dust in which it lay, and make of it the instructor of the people.

"Life and Writings," Vol. II,--_Mazzini_.

JOSEPH MAZZINI, a famous Italian patriot, was born at Genoa, June 28 (?), 1805, and died at Pisa, March 10, 1872. "Complete Works" (18 vols.), 1861-91. His "Memoirs" were published in 1875.

For right is right, since God is God, And right the day must win; To doubt would be disloyalty, To falter would be sin.

"The Right Must Win,"--_Frederick W. Faber_.

FREDERICK WILLIAM FABER, a distinguished English hymn-writer, was born in Calverley, Yorkshire, June 28, 1814, and died at the Oratory, Brompton, September 26, 1863. His collection of "Hymns" appeared in 1848.

Be silent and safe,--silence never betrays you.

"Rules of the Road,"--_John B. O'Reilly_.

JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY, a celebrated Irish-American poet and prose-writer, was born near Drogheda, Ireland, June 28, 1844, and died at Hull, Mass., August 10, 1890. He wrote: "Songs of the Southern Seas," "Moondyne," etc.

Don't you remember, sweet Alice, Ben Bolt? Sweet Alice, whose hair was so brown; Who wept with delight when you gave her a smile, And trembled with fear at your frown!

"Ben Bolt,"--_Thomas Dunn English_.

THOMAS DUNN ENGLISH, a noted American writer, was born in Philadelphia, June 29, 1819, and died in 1902. He is best remembered by his famous song, "Ben Bolt."

Just take a trifling handful, O philosopher! Of magic matter: give it a slight toss over The ambient ether--and I don't see why You shouldn't make a sky.

"Sky-Making." To Professor Tyndall,--_Mortimer Collins_.

MORTIMER COLLINS, a famous English novelist and poet, was born in Plymouth, June 29, 1827, and died at Knowl Hill, Berkshire, July 28, 1876. His novels include: "Who Is the Heir," "Sweet Anne Page," "The Ivory Gate," "The Vivian Romance," "The Marquis and Merchant," "Two Plunges for a Pearl," "Blacksmith and Scholar," etc. Also: "Idyls and Rhymes," "Summer Songs," and "The British Birds."