This book in its progress has recalled often to my memory a man with
whose friendship we were once honoured, to whom no region of English
literature was unfamiliar, and who, whilst rich in all the noble gifts
of nature, was most eminently distinguished by the noblest and the
rarest,--just judgment and high-hearted patriotism. It would have been
hence a peculiar pleasure and pride to dedicate what I have endeavoured
to make a true national Anthology of three centuries to Henry Hallam.
But he is beyond the reach of any human tokens of love and reverence;
and I desire therefore to place before it a name united with his by
associations which, whilst Poetry retains her hold on the minds of
Englishmen, are not likely to be forgotten.
Your encouragement, given while traversing the wild scenery of Treryn
Dinas, led me to begin the work; and it has been completed under your
advice and assistance. For the favour now asked I have thus a second
reason: and to this I may add, the homage which is your right as Poet,
and the gratitude due to a Friend, whose regard I rate at no common
value.
Permit me then to inscribe to yourself a book which, I hope, may be
found by many a lifelong fountain of innocent and exalted pleasure; a
source of animation to friends when they meet; and able to sweeten
solitude itself with best society,--with the companionship of the wise
and the good, with the beauty which the eye cannot see, and the music
only heard in silence. If this Collection proves a store-house of
delight to Labour and to Poverty,--if it teaches those indifferent to
the Poets to love them, and those who love them to love them more, the
aim and the desire entertained in framing it will be fully accomplished.
F.T.P.
May, 1861.