The apprehension which it becomes me to feel, in submitting these Poems
to the judgment of the Public, may perhaps plead my excuse, for
detaining the reader to relate, that they were written under the
disadvantages of a confined education, and at an age too young for the
attainment of an accurate taste. My first production, the Legendary Tale
of Edwin and Eltruda, was composed to amuse some solitary hours, and
without any view to publication. Being shewn to Dr. Kippis, he declared
that it deserved to be committed to the press, and offered to take upon
himself the task of introducing it to the world. I could not hesitate to
publish a composition which had received the sanction of his
approbation. By the favourable reception this little poem met with, I
was encouraged still farther to meet the public eye, in the "Ode on the
Peace," and the poem which has the title of "Peru." These poems are
inserted in the present collection, but not exactly in their original
form. I have felt it my duty to exert my endeavours in such a revision
and improvement of them, as may render them somewhat more worthy of
perusal. It will, I am afraid, still be found, that there are several
things in them which would shrink at the approach of severe criticism.
The other poems that now for the first time appear in print, are offered
with a degree of humility rather increased than diminished, by the
powerful patronage with which they have been honoured, in consequence of
the character given of them by partial friends. Knowing how strongly
affection can influence opinion, the kindness which excites my warmest
gratitude has not inspired me with confidence.
* * * * *
When I survey such an evidence of the zeal of my friends to serve me, as
the following honourable and extensive list affords, I have cause for
exultation in having published this work by subscription. They who know
my disposition, will readily believe that the tear which fills my eye,
while I thank them for their generous exertions, flows not from the
consideration of the benefits that have arisen from their friendship. It
is to that friendship itself, that my heart pays a tribute of affection
which I will not attempt to express--for my pen is unfaithful to my
purpose.--While I am employed in testifying my thankfulness for the
favours I have received, it is impossible that I should forget how much
I owe to one Gentleman in particular, whose exertions in my behalf,
though I was a stranger to him, have been so marked, so generous, and
indeed so unexampled, that it is a very painful task which his delicacy
has imposed upon me, in not permitting me to mention his name. But such
goodness cannot be concealed. The gratitude of my own heart has
proclaimed it to my private friends; and the noble and honourable
subscribers his zeal has procured, cannot avoid being sensible to whom I
am indebted for so illustrious a patronage.