no wonder the fishers had not understood me. The wonder was
rather that they had ever guessed my pitiful illusion, and taken the
trouble to come back. I had starved with cold and hunger on that
island for close upon one hundred hours. But for the fishers, I might
have left my bones there, in pure folly. And even as it was, I had
paid for it pretty dear, not only in past sufferings but in my present
case, being clothed like a beggar man, scarce able to walk, and in
great pain of my sore throat.

26. I have seen wicked men and fools--a great many of both--and I
believe they both get paid in the end; but the fools first.

--_Robert Louis Stevenson_ (_By arrangement_)

How are the parenthetical clauses in this selection kept
in the back-ground? (Introduction, p. 24.)

11. I could not believe such wickedness ... heart would
burst. Observe the Climax. (Introduction, p. 31.)

19. Whatever, said I, ... How is the direct speech made
to stand out from the narration which interrupts it?
(Introduction, p. 24.)

* * * * *

ON HIS BLINDNESS

When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide,
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He, returning, chide;
"Doth God exact day labour, light denied?"

I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
Either man's work, or His own gifts. Who best
Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best: His state
Is kingly; thousands at His bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait."

--_Milton_

PREPARATORY.--Divide the sonnet into two parts, giving
each part a title.

Read the first part in prose order, supplying the
ellipses.

How many distinct statements are there in the second
part?

Select the clauses of the first part that are equal in
rank and have the same Shading. Show which should be
made prominent, and which held in the background.

Read the first part of this sonnet, with a view to
Perspective. (Introduction, p. 33.)

1-4. With what do you connect WHEN ... SPENT, and
LODGED? How?

How do you make the statements of the second part stand
out singly? (Introduction, pp. 8 and 10.)

*