Why? It is a fine example of Scottish bravery and chivalry. What Scottish characteristics are found in this canto? 1. The character of Scottish games in the city 2. The fickleness of the mob 3. The chivalrous conduct of the combatants. CANTO VI The Guard-room What are the main themes in this canto? 1. The rough soldiers 2. Ellen presents the ring 3. The battle of Beal' an Duine 4. Death of Roderick 5. Ellen's request to James 6. Happiness of the Douglases and of Malcolm Graeme 7. Farewell to the Harp. Why are the rough soldiers introduced? This passage furnishes a good description of the character of the soldiers, and shows the power of Ellen's quiet dignity and modesty. What is the value of the battle of Beal' an Duine? It affords an opportunity to the valiant Roderick to imagine himself in battle, so that when death comes he does not realize that it finds him a prisoner and his clan vanquished. How does the poem end? Ellen, her father, and Malcolm Graeme are united and happy, and Fitz-James reveals his identity and shows his magnanimity. What should be read in connection with the last three stanzas? The first three stanzas of the poem. They are an Invocation to Scottish minstrelsy. We now have the Farewell. Which cantos do you consider are the best? The first and the fifth. Why? The first contains such wonderful word-pictures and the fifth seems to be the crisis of the story. The interest is not sustained in the sixth canto, as one knows matters are sure to be adjusted. CHAPTER IX SELECTIONS FOR MEMORIZATION Little deeds of kindness, Little words of love, Make our earth an Eden, Like the heaven above. --BREWER God make my life a little light, Within the world to glow,-- A little flame that burneth bright. Wherever I may go. The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings. --STEVENSON Be kind and be gentle To those who are old, For dearer is kindness And better than gold. Politeness is to _do_ and _say_ The kindest thing in the kindest way. Two ears and only one mouth have you; The reason, I think, is clear: It teaches, my child, that it will not do To talk about all you hear. Whene'er a task is set for you, Don't idly sit and view it, Nor be content to wish it done; Begin at once and do it.