I introduce the following poetical attempts to the public, with great
diffidence. I am not sure but a direct apology would be in better taste,
but the strength derived from the purpose I had in view, in writing and
publishing them, sustains me without saying anything further by way of
excuse. Like Burns, I wished to do something for my country, and chose
this method of doing it.
The literature of this country is in its infancy. It must not always
remain so, or the expectations we have in regard to making it a great
nation, will never be fulfilled. Literature gives life to a nation, or
rather it is the reflection of a nation's life and thought, in a mirror,
which cheers, strengthens and ennobles those who look into it, and study
what is there displayed. Literature must grow with our nation, and, when
growing, it will aid the latter's progress in no small degree.
Pedantic critics may find fault with my modest productions, and perhaps
justly, in regard to grammatical construction, and mechanical
arrangement, but I shall be satisfied, if the public discern a vein of
true poetry glittering here and there through what I have just written.
The public are the final judges of compositions of this sort, and not
the writer himself, or his personal friends. It is they, therefore, who
must decide whether these humble attempts of my 'prentice hand, shall be
numbered with writings that have been forgotten, or whether their
author shall be encouraged to strike his lyre in a higher key, to
accompany his Muse, while she tries to sing in a loftier strain.
In passing an opinion on my literary venture, of course the youthful
state of our country will be taken into consideration, for it is a
state which necessarily tinges all of our productions, literary or
otherwise, with a certain amount of crudity. Consequently, reasonable
men will not expect that felicity of expression, and that ripeness and
happiness of thought, which would be expected in the productions of an
older country, although they may be aware that true poetry is not the
result of education, or even the refinements of a nation long civilized.
With these words by way of introduction and explanation, I dedicate this
little book of mine to the Canadian public, hoping that whatever they
may think of me as a poet, they will not forget that I am a loyal
Canadian, zealous in behalf of anything that may tend to refine,
instruct and elevate my country, and anxious to see her take an
honourable stand among the other nations of the earth.