EXERCISES I. Oral and then Written in wordbooks (on pages provided under Miscellany), with citation of this poem. Short, clear definitions of: 1. Minstrel, gleeman, wait; 3. Missal, amen, paternoster; 4. Cloister, turret, portal, casement; 5. II. Oral: 1. Baron, monk, sires. Cloister is a general name: what is the specific name for a cloister, or convent, of monks? For a cloister, or convent, of nuns? 2. Is tower or turret the more general term? 3. Was the wassail feast Saxon or Norman in origin? 4. Is this a common rime scheme: dying, lying, thundered, shook; gainer, retainer, plundered, book; or, aabe, ddbe? Observe other poems in your readers and then decide. III. Mental: What picture in the story do you like best to recall? What effect upon the "slaves" did "the songs of freemen seem to have? Is the word knock used properly of the storm? Why? Can you find in the poem two other cases of personification like this? What stanza holds for yourself the climax of interest in the story? Would the picture be weaker or stronger, in case justice were not spoken of as a person, and if the poet had simply said, "The baron began to think about being just”? Do you see that rime and meter, or measure, of syllables, add to the music and hence to the beauty of the story. Observe how contrast constantly adds to the effect of the pictures. 82 IV. Mental: In men, oxen, children, brethren, and kine (cows), we have a few relics of the ending en, very common in early English. Find in the old Christmas carol quoted in this chapter three other words which formerly had this ending. V. Oral: in various lands. A class discussion upon Christmas customs VI. Mental: Read also "The Three Kings," by Longfellow. VII. Oral: The reading or reciting of a program of Christmas carols, these to be collected by pupils from all possible sources. Reprinted by permission of the publishers, Small, Maynard & Company. ON LETTER WRITING People write more letters today than ever before. This is partly because pen, ink, and paper are no longer expensive, and partly because modern civilization has made reading, writing, and composition a part of every child's education. Letters are now probably shorter, on the whole, than ever before, and some persons fear that the beautiful art of fine letter writing is in danger of becoming lost. Other persons, whose opinion we may trust, assure us, on the contrary, that never before has the world been so full of graceful and elegant letter writers. Every letter is excellent which tells of interesting things in a simple and natural way. People write best, therefore, about the things that touch themselves most closely; for it is in these that their interest lies. The informal or familiar letter is the one most frequently written. In its ideal form it is simply a pen chat between two good friends on matters of mutual interest, with the personal note prominent. It must not be overwise or overwitty, and it must not labor in its flow. Moreover, its chief aim can no longer be that of news carrier, for the daily newspaper long ago relieved it of this once important office. Some very poor talkers prove to be excellent letter writers. You may care to know that Oliver Goldsmith, whose pen seems to flow of itself, was a total failure in conversation. The 84 careful writing out of your chit-chat will be one of the surest aids toward learning to converse well. First and last and all the time one must be frank and sincere, or the written words will not ring true. In proportion as the soul of the writer shines out between the lines will the letter be of value, for every glimpse of a human soul is precious and to be held in reverence. In formal or semi-familiar letters, it is customary to place the address of the writer at the close of the letter. No better adage can be taken to heart here than that "familiarity breeds contempt." Therefore, err on the side of formality in addressing strangers and mere acquaintances. The most formal communications of all will say he, she, and they, instead of I, we, and you. Observe this upon all formal invitations. This is a very convenient fashion for all kinds of short notes to persons with whom you have too slight acquaintance to use the more familiar forms. While it is impossible to lay down general rules for every The sort of letter, there is one rule that always holds good: beginning and the close of a letter must be courteous and suited to its occasion, while its general tone must conform to all the circumstances under which it is written. Absolute freedom is allowed in the beginning and in the Intimate friends may be wholly close of friendly letters. informal. A noble letter of sympathy from one man to another began, "Ned, I can not tell you how grieved I am over the terrible news. A loving letter from a father to his daughter began, "Well, Ella, I could not come to you this week." Every formal signature should show the sex of its writer, and that of a lady should also show whether or not she is married. Initials alone may be used by men, but it is better form to write the first name in full. Julius E. Smith is a more dignified and distinctive signature, hence more desirable, than simply J. E. Smith. A lady still unmarried may sign herself Ella A. Brown to her friends, while for strangers she will write (Miss) Ella A. Brown. After marriage, social custom, business convenience, and good taste all decree that she use her husband's customary signature, prefixing Mrs. By observing this custom a woman shows delicate respect to her husband, while at the same time she consults her own natural dignity and refinement which suggest that her Christian name be not given needless prominence or publicity. Widows need not now use their own given names, unless they so choose. Formerly, Mrs. Ella E. Day was supposed to indicate the fact that Mrs. Day is a widow. A married woman must use her own given name in signing legal documents and professional or other business papers. She may also sign thus to her intimate friends, while to mere acquaintances she should use the more dignified social form. Good taste and the teachings of conscience alike forbid us to commit to paper unkind or doubtful statements. Tattle or gossip about our friends and neighbors is the most undesirable of all material for one's letters. To chat about things and events rather than about people is a wise course, unless we have only kind things to say. As we grow older and wiser we learn to place our interests less and less in the small and petty. Hence, an early avoidance of all unkind gossip is the right start toward leading our thoughts to the best things in life. Few people are called upon to write formal compositions ; but frank, sunshiny letters are possible to all, and are a sure |