istorian's art consist? the novelist's? 15. What may be
distinguished in any literary production? Illustrate. On what does the
worth of literature largely depend? Which is the more important,
_matter_ or _form_? Where is _form_ specially important? Illustrate.
What is the relation of _matter_ to _form_? When the _form_ is out of
keeping with the _matter_, what is the result?

ILLUSTRATIVE AND PRACTICAL EXERCISES

The following critiques should be studied with the view of answering
such questions as these:

Does the critic seek the truth? Is he prejudiced? Is
he chiefly concerned with _matter_ or _form_? Is his
judgment sound? Is he broad or narrow in his
sympathies? Does he judge by mere impressions? Is he
superficial or thorough? Does he belong to a
particular school? Is his criticism in any way
helpful? Does he try to interpret the author? Is he
chiefly concerned to show his own learning or
brilliancy? Is he genial and tolerant? Is he dogmatic
and intolerant? Is he courteous and kind? Is he
ill-mannered and unkind? What points are criticised?

HEADLEY'S "SACRED MOUNTAINS"

The _Reverend_ Mr. Headley (why _will_ he not put his full
title in his title-pages?) has in his "Sacred Mountains" been
reversing the facts of the old fable about the mountains that
brought forth the mouse--_parturiunt montes; nascitur
ridiculus mus_--for in this instance it appears to be the
mouse--the little _ridiculus mus_--that has been bringing
forth the "mountains," and a great litter of them, too.--POE.

BYRON'S "HOURS OF IDLENESS"

The poesy of this young Lord belongs to the class which
neither gods nor men are said to permit. Indeed, we do not
recollect to have seen a quantity of verse with so few
deviations in either direction from that exact standard. His
effusions are spread over a dead flat, and can no more get
above or below the level, than if they were so much stagnant
water. As an extenuation of this offence, the noble author is
peculiarly forward in pleading minority. We have it in the
title-page, and on the very back of the volume; it follows his
name like a favorite part of his style. Much stress is laid
upon it in the preface, and the poems are connected with this
general statement of his case, by particular dates,
s