PREFACE THE papers herein presented are discussions within the definite province of English Letters. They are developed along historical and critical lines and seek to relate the study of our vernacular with the manifest progress of English thought and life. As will be seen, some of the topics treated are of a general, comprehensive nature and range, but sufficiently illustrated by concrete example to make them intelligible and practically helpful to the literary student, while others are more specific. The articles have all appeared in the columns, respectively, of the Bibliotheca Sacra, The Methodist Review, The Presbyterian Review, and The Book-Lover. These papers constitute a companion volume to the English Literary Miscellany already published. PRINCETON UNIVERSITY SUMMARY OF CONTENTS The Beginnings of English Dramatic History Attitude of the Church Fathers Classification of the Early English Plays Those of York, Chester, etc. Interludes and Chronicle Plays 66 Ralph Roister Doister" The Inherent Ground of Dramatic Art The Method of its Expression Character of the Transition The Need of a Critical Era Its Necessary Limits Beneficent Change-Inquiry Revival of Early English Poetry Suggestions Importance of Feeling in Verse The Next Probable Transition in Verse Sir Philip Sidney-"An Apologie for Poetrie" George Puttenham-" The Arte of English Po- |