　This edition is primarily intended for Japanese students of English literature, and was made possible through my research at Edinburgh University from September, 1980 to the next March. The text is based on A VARIORUM EDITION. Spellings are modernized, but the original punctuation has been retained throughout (except line 215 where the comma after ‘may' is omitted, and line 140 where a comma is added after 'Hymen'). Attention is also paid to preserving some of the capitals (‘Echo', 'Nymphs', 'Planet').

　I have many acknowledgements to make in editing this textbook. I am deeply indebted to the kindness and hospitality of Professor Alastair Fowler, who gave up his time to check my manuscripts and provided valuable criticisms and suggestions. However, any shortcomings and possible misunderstandings are solely my own responsibility.

　I have to thank Konan Women's University and the Private School Mutual Aid Association in Japan for financial support. Here I must add that the publication of this edition was made possible by the financial help of the University.

　My thanks are also due to the British Council in Kyoto and London who made all the necessary arrangements for my studying in the United Kingdom.

　I am grateful to Edinburgh University Library for various facilities provided for my research. My acknowledgements are due to Professor Powell and Professor Hachiya for various suggestions and also to Miss Naomi Inoue who typed the manuscripts.

　Finally I am obliged to Mr. Sannomiya and all those concerned with the publication of this textbook.