These poems were written for the most part during my college life, and
all of them before the age of nineteen. Some have found their way into
schools, and seem to be successful. Others lead a vagabond and
precarious existence in the corners of newspapers; or have changed their
names and run away to seek their fortunes beyond the sea. I say, with
the Bishop of Avranches, on a similar occasion, "I cannot be displeased
to see these children of mine, which I have neglected, and almost
exposed, brought from their wanderings in lanes and alleys, and safely
lodged, in order to go forth into the world together in a more decorous
garb."