I have added to the "Story of the Seven Chiefs against Thebes" the
description of the single combat between Eteocles and Polynices, which
occurs in the _Phoenissæ_ of Euripides. Some changes have been made in
the "Story of Ion" to make it more suitable for the purpose of this
book. Throughout the Stories compression and omission have been freely
used. I can only ask the indulgence of such of my readers as may be
familiar with the great originals of which I have given these pale and
ineffectual copies.

RETFORD,

_October_ 11, 1879.




To my Sons,

ALFRED, MAURICE, HERBERT,

RICHARD, EDWARD, HARALD.

This Book

IS DEDICATED.