I am the King! Look, and behold in me
Robert, your brother, King of Sicily!

This man, who wears my semblance to your eyes,
Is an impostor in a king's disguise.

Page 12.

GEMS FOR THE YOUNG

From favourite Poets

EDITED BY

ROSA MULHOLLAND

AUTHOR OF

"THE LITTLE FLOWER-SEEKERS," "PUCK AND BLOSSOM," "FOUR LITTLE
MISCHIEFS,"
‚” “HETTY GRAY; OR, NOBODY'S BAIRN," ETC.

ILLUSTRATED BY W. C. MILLS

M. H.

DUBLIN

GILL & SON

50 UPPER SACKVILLE STREET

1884

2805. e. 28.

PREFACE.

PERHAPS it would be difficult to over-estimate the importance to young minds of an early familiarity with good poetry. The foundations of courage, tenderness, fortitude, even heroism, are often laid in a character by acquaintance with noble verse, the ring of which catches the imagination of the child, while its sentiment finds a way to the heart. The vigour of Byron, the stirring manliness of Scott, the strength and simplicity of Wordsworth, the pathetic grace of Mrs. Hemans, all tell upon the soul of youth like winds blowing one way upon a sapling. Strong lines lay hold of the memory, to echo long in the mind above the uproar of the world's battles; vivid pictures of right and ruth, of valour and virtue, arise and line the walls