PREFACE. THE Compiler of this Volume has long been convinced, that one of the most effective means of forming a strong character, awakening generous impulses, and invigorating the mind for future action, is, to encourage an early familiarity with great events, and with those prominent men, whose bold deeds or persevering exertions were crowned with lasting effects, or whose loftiness of purpose renders them inspiring examples. He had, accordingly, made out a list of passages, in which, distinguished historians, eyewitnesses, or other writers of merit, have described events of historical moment and of thrilling interest. The striking forms and characteristic images of such narratives address themselves directly to the minds of the young, and the impression of a distinct picture is left by them, as the conception of a master artist is embodied upon his canvass. This compilation was originally intended to serve him in instructing his own son. When he was invited, therefore, to contribute to the series of publications, of which this Volume is intended to form a part, he thought that some of the extracts, selected for his own household use, and therefore with at least a parental solicitude, might possibly prove adapted to the improvement of the rising generation at large. With this feeling, he offers the following passages; each of which he has prefaced with a few remarks, calculated, in some instances, as will at once be perceived, to suggest ideas rather to the parent or teacher, the guides of the young reader, than directly to the latter. Although the Work is intended chiefly for the young, the Compiler feels convinced, that several of the extracts will be found new and instructive, by readers more advanced in years. To the young, this Book is offered as a part of that great moral capital, which successive generations store up in history, as a nation collects a public capital, by adding the results of industry to the previous stock, in the employment of which these new values were obtained. To parents, it is offered as some of the most nutritious food which they can furnish to those who are intrusted to their care. A detailed acquaintance with momentous actions is far more important to the young, and indeed to every one, than is the mere knowledge of some moral truth. For a familiar acquaintance with lofty characters, or with those extraordinary occurrences, in which the greatness of man's sufferings or enjoyment, and the extent of his losses or victories, banish trifling interests and vulgar motives, gives that, without which, high principles, however well known, will rarely be acted upon; I mean, tone of character and nobleness of soul; a sense, as well as a knowledge, of those principles. An early and familiar knowledge of great events fills the soul with noble images. It exalts the mind, and imbues it with respect for that which is great, good, elevated, and glorious. It represses forward ignorance and encourages worthy ambition. It tends to foster both a true self-respect and a dutiful sense of what our ancestors have done for us. COLUMBIA, S. C., 1840. The Glossary and Index have been added by the Publishers, in conformity with the original plan for all works forming a part of THE SCHOOL LIBRARY.' CONTENTS. 5 9 28 The Death of Socrates, [B. C. 399,] by PLATO, The Surrender of the Roman Army at the Defile near Caudium, [B. C. 319,] by LIVY, Impeachment of Publius Cornelius Scipio, surnamed Africanus, and of Lucius Cornelius Scipio, sur- named Asiaticus, [B. C. 187,] by Livy, Delivery of the Four Swiss Forest Districts, (Wald- städte,) [A. D. 1308,] by TSCHUDI, The Battle at Sempach, [A. D. 1386,] by JOHN VON Martin Luther's Appearance before the Diet of the |