Narrative and Lyric Poems (Second Series) for Use in the Lower School

This volume gathers a carefully selected group of narrative and lyric poems that have long formed the core of Ontario’s junior and senior school examinations. Arranged exactly as the official curriculum lists them, the collection moves from early‑grade pieces to the more demanding works required for diploma and entrance tests. Helpful annotations point out the tricky lines and note any textual variations, making the poems accessible for study and memorization.

Among the pages you’ll hear beloved classics—Tennyson’s tragic love story, Byron’s soaring “To a Skylark,” Gray’s solemn “Elegy,” and Browning’s tender “My Kate.” The senior section adds the dramatic “Enid,” Goldsmith’s adventurous “The Traveller,” and Holmes’s vivid “The Chambered Nautilus,” each offering a different glimpse into the poetic tradition. The range of voices and subjects provides listeners with a rich tapestry of emotion, history, and imagination.

Designed for anyone preparing for exams or simply wishing to deepen their appreciation of poetry, the collection balances scholarly guidance with the pleasure of hearing these timeless verses spoken aloud.