Introductory note on Ralph Waldo Emerson (Volume 5, Harvard Classics)

We are paid for our suffering and we pay for our happiness. Every ache, every sorrow receives its recompense here on earth. Emerson gives the basis for this conviction. (Volume 5, Harvard Classics)

Emerson ordained Unitarian minister, March 11, 1829.

Introductory note on Beaumont and Fletcher (Volume 47, Harvard classics)

In the days when contact with the theatre meant exile from the best society, Beaumont and Fletcher, men from good families, dared to ally themselves with the stage as playwrights. "Philaster" won them immortal praise. (Volume 47, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Jonathan Swift (Volume 27, Harvard classics)

Swift regretted the laws against dueling because dueling at least was a good means of ridding the country of bores and fools. His keen eye penetrated social customs and saw the common sense that governed good manners. (Volume 27, Harvard Classics)

Passage of laws against dueling in England, March 9, 1679.

Introductory note on Miguel de Cervantes (Volume 14, Harvard Classics)

Anselmo and Lothario were close friends. Anselmo, anxious to learn if his wife were perfect, as he believed her to be, makes an unusual proposal to his old friend. (Volume 14, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Francis Bacon (Volume 3, Harvard Classics)

Bacon pointed out that a judge's duty was to interpret laws and not to make laws. This single essay of Bacon's is a richly condensed summary of the ethics of law. (Volume 3, Harvard Classics)

Bacon made Keeper of the Great Seal of England, March 7, 1616.