OR,

DRAMATIC SELECTIONS,

FOR THE USE OF

SCHOOLS, ACADEMIES, AND FAMILIES:

DESIGNED TO FURNISH EXERCISES, EITHER FOR

READING, RECITATION, OR EXHIBITION.

BY JOHN E. LOVELL,

FORMERLY INSTRUCTOR OF ELOCUTION IN THE MOUNT PLEASANT CLASSICAL
INSTITUTION, AMHERST, MASS.; AND AUTHOR OF "THE UNITED STATES
SPEAKER," ""INTRODUCTORY ARITHMETIC," "THE YOUNG PUPIL'S
FIRST BOOK," AND "YOUNG PUPIL'S SECOND BOOK."

"The greatest enemy to natural and graceful reading, is the departure from what
is called 'the speaking voice.' The most efficient means to correct this error, is
unquestionably the regula employment of well-selected dialogues."-Hindmarsh.
"The art of feeling, which is best learned from the speaking of dialogues, is the
true art, which leads to a graceful, persuasive, and powerful oratory."

"To this one standard, make your just appeal,

Here lies the olden secret, learn to FEEL."-Help to Eloquence.

NEW HAVEN:

PUBLISHED BY DURRIE & PECK.

1016

1839.

Lovell

23050B

ENTERED,

According to Act of Congress, in the year 1839,

BY JOHN E. LOVELL,

In the Clerk's Office of the District of Connecticut.

HITCHCOCK & STAFFORD, PRINTERS.

PREFACE.

'Tis not enough the voice be sound and clear,
"Tis modulation that must charm the ear.
The critic's sight, 'tis only gracè can please,
No action charms us, if it have not ease.

LLOYD.

THIS book of Dialogues was promised to the public two or three years ago. I had then prepared a considerable portion of its contents, and expected, shortly, to "put it to press." The long interval which has elapsed, has been checkered with important and unexpected duties, which, together with a desire to render the work as interesting and appropriate as possible, must be my apology to those gentlemen who have honored me with letters of inquiry, respecting it. My principal inducement for undertaking the labor and responsibility of this compilation, is the almost constant application to me, "for pieces for exhibitions," from teachers, not only of this, but, indeed, of other States; and, the fact that the publishers have,—now,—before the work "is through the press," numerous orders from different parts of the country, assures me that such a work is much needed, and, if well executed, it will be well received. My experience satisfies me, that there is no better medium of cultivating a beautiful and captivating style of elocution, or a more graceful, just, and impressive action, than the employment of dialogues. Nor is there any species of recitation, that young folks so much delight in. The ardor and enthusiasm it inspires in their youthful breasts, is absolutely astonishing. The work will be found to possess great variety and copiousness. I have aimed at the double purpose of supplying exercises for the regular lessons of the school-room, and interesting materials for occasional exhibitions. The latter object has demanded selections of considerable length. Many