THE PROGRESSIVE FIFTH OR ELOCUTIONARY READER; IN WHICH THE PRINCIPLES OF ELOCUTION ARE ILLUSTRATED BY READING EXERCISES IN CONNECTION WITH THE RULES: FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES. BY SALEM TOWN, LL. D., AND NELSON M. HOLBROOK. BOSTON: SANBORN, CARTER, BAZIN & CO 25 AND 29 CORNHILL. Educ T 758.57,860 V SARVARD CLOSE UPAN Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by NELSON M. HOLBROOK, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massach** CAMBRIDGE: ALLEN AND FARNHAM, STEREOTYPERS AND PRINTERS . PREFACE. SINCE Elocutionary Readers have been somewhat multiplied, several of which are truly meritorious, it might, by some, be thought unnecessary to add another to the list. The reasons, however, the authors would assign in justification of themselves, and as an apology to the public for presenting this work, are as follows: : 1st. In most of the elocutionary works which the authors have seen, it appears to them there is a want of close connection in what should be treated consecutively under the same head. 2d. Notwithstanding the more important elocutionary principles are found in nearly all works prepared with any good degree of ability, and designed for instruction in reading and oratory, yet it will be found on examination, that those principles, rules, and notes, are so commingled in their detail, as in many instances rather to perplex the learner, than to give him clear perceptions of each point distinctively. 3d. In a majority of works of this character, even when the rules may be considered good, the examples and exercises for their illustration are so few, so brief, and so disconnectedly arranged, that the student often fails to be permanently benefited by the use of them. He neither gains a clear understanding of the author's views, nor so far perfects himself in the knowledge of elocutionary principles and their proper application, as to enable him, thereafter, readily and understandingly, to make a practical use of the same in his miscellaneous readings. The authors of this work believe the best method for the acquisition of knowledge in any branch, is fully to master each point as taken up, before attempting any thing further; otherwise, whatever is attempted, will be but imperfectly understood, and little or no substantial benefit will be gained. One prominent object, therefore, in bringing out this work, was to treat each elocutionary principle as taken up, in the order of its consec utive parts, so far as the nature of the case would admit, subjoining examples, illustrations, and exercises, of sufficient length and number, to insure, if possible, a clear comprehension of all the parts as a (iii) |