Shakespeare is undoubtedly a great poet, and a soul bent on edification can extract much good from him.

But for people in general, especially young people, assuredly he cannot be recommended, even in the study.

I confess I have neither time nor much inclination for poetry--except that of the sacred volume, which is poetry indeed.

I have occasionally found pleasure in Longfellow"---- "Pardon me," interrupted the Mayor--"Longfellow ?--the author of that poem called 'Excelsior' ?" "Yes." "Now, really--I am surprised--I should have thought--the fact is, when Raglan was at school, he had to learn 'Excelsior,' and I happened to glance over it.

I was slightly acquainted with the piece, but I had quite forgotten that it contained what seems to me very gross indelicacy--very gross indeed.