contraries which exist here as they exist in us all, as they
exist and are harmonized in that multitudinous meditation which
is the universe.--A.E.



PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION


To this edition four essays have been added. Two of these, "Thoughts
for a Convention" and "The New Nation," made some little stir when
they first appeared. Ireland since then has passed away from the
mood which made it possible to consider the reconciliations suggested,
and has set its heart on more fundamental changes, and these essays
have only interest as marking a moment of transition in national
life before it took a new road leading to another destiny.



CONTENTS

NATIONALITY OR COSMOPOLITANISM
STANDISH O'GRADY
THE DRAMATIC TREATMENT OF LEGEND
THE CHARACTER OF HEROIC LITERATURE
A POET OF SHADOWS
THE BOYHOOD OF A POET
THE POETRY OF JAMES STEPHENS
A NOTE ON SEUMAS O'SULLIVAN
ART AND LITERATURE