We may dwell for a moment upon those qualities of Homer's story which have commanded the admiration of the great poets in different ages and countries. The peculiar poetic charm and power of the original Greek are probably untranslatable, although several eminent poets have attempted it. But we have at least both prose and verse renderings of it that are beautiful and poetic. Some of the critics have said that the whole poem is a perfect unit in thought,--much more so than the "Iliad,"--centring in the person of Ulysses. His wanderings and his final return constitute the thread of the narrative. In the main it is a story of peace, with descriptions of cities, islands, palaces, strange lands, and peaceful arts and manners. After their return from Troy we meet Nestor and Menelaus, dwelling happily in their palaces and surrounded with home comforts. Ulysses, himself, the great sufferer, is tossed about the world, or held captive on sea-girt, far-away islands. He passes through a series of wonderful adventures, keeping his alertness and balance of mind so completely that his name has become a synonym in all lands for shrewdness and far-seeing wisdom. And it is not only a wise perception, but a self-control in the midst of old and new temptations which is most remarkable. This over-mastering shrewdness or calculation even overdoes itself and becomes amusing, when he tries, for example, to deceive his guardian goddess as to who he is. The descriptions of women and of domestic life are famous and delightful. The constancy of Penelope, her industry and shrewdness in outwitting the suitors, have given her a supreme place among the women of story. The descriptions of peaceful manners and customs, of public games, of feasting and music, of palace halls and ornament, are among the great literary pictures of the world. The particular adventures through which Ulysses passed with Circe, with the Sirens, with Polyphemus, with Eolus, with the lotus-eaters, and others, are plainly suggestive of the dangers which threaten the thoughtless minded, those who plunge headlong into danger without forethought. Ulysses does not give way to folly or passion, is bold and skilful in danger, and persevering to the last extreme. In the treatment of the "Odyssey," the teacher will need a general knowledge of Greek mythology, which can be easily derived from "Greek Gods, Heroes, and Men" (Scott, Foresman, & Co.), and from several other of the reference books. Some study of Greek architecture, sculpture, and modes of life will be instructive and helpful, as given in Smith's "History of Greece" and other histories. Pictures of Greek temples and ruins, sculpture, and palaces will be pleasing and attractive to children. (See Lübke's "History of Art," Vol. I, Dodd, Mead, & Co.) Some of the children's books also contain good pictures.