The discussion of narrative methods may be left to the will and discretion of the teacher. A study of the separate poems here presented will show that while the four almost indispensable elements of narration--plot, setting, characters, and motive--may usually be found, their use and emphasis vary greatly according to the theories and personalities of the authors. The employment of such arts of construction as suspense and climax may be discovered by the individual student, who should also test each poem for its unity, coherence, and proportion. In a collection such as this there is ample room for instructive criticism and comparison. But narrative poems may well be read for the interest they excite. If a narrative poem fails in this respect, it is all but condemned from the start. It is hoped that these examples may show the student that _poetry_ is not always dull and lifeless; that it may possess at times all the features which make literature attractive as well as inspiring. The editors are grateful for assistance rendered them by Mr. A. W. Leonard and Mr. Archibald Freeman, both instructors in Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts. WILLIAM COWPER THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN SHOWING HOW HE WENT FARTHER THAN HE INTENDED, AND CAME HOME SAFE AGAIN John Gilpin was a citizen Of credit and renown, A trainband captain eke[1] was he Of famous London town. John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, 5 "Though wedded we have been These twice ten tedious years, yet we No holiday have seen. "To-morrow is our wedding day, And we will then repair 10 Unto the Bell at Edmonton[2] All in a chaise and pair. "My sister, and my sister's child, Myself, and children three, Will fill the chaise; so you must ride 15 On horseback after we.[3]" He soon replied, "I do admire Of womankind but one, And you are she, my dearest dear, Therefore it shall be done. 20 "I am a linendraper bold, As all the world doth know, And my good friend the calender[4] Will lend his horse to go." Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said; 25 And for that wine is dear, We will be furnished with our own, Which is both bright and clear." John Gilpin kiss'd his loving wife; O'erjoyed was he to find, 30 That, though on pleasure she was bent, She had a frugal mind. The morning came, the chaise was brought, But yet was not allow'd To drive up to the door, lest all 35 Should say that she was proud.