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I am too sensible of the distinguished honour conferred upon me, in yourMajesty's gracious protection of these Poems, to abuse it by adoptingthe common strain of dedication.
That praise corresponds best to your Majesty's generous feelings, whichis poured without restraint from the heart, and is repeated where youcannot hear.
I suppress therefore, in delicacy to those feelings, the warmth of myown, and subscribe myself,
With profound respect,
Your MAJESTY'S
Devoted servant,
The apprehension which it becomes me to feel, in submitting these Poemsto the judgment of the Public, may perhaps plead my excuse, fordetaining the reader to relate, that they were written under thedisadvantages of a confined education, and at an age too young for theattainment of an accurate taste. My first production, the Legendary Taleof Edwin and Eltruda, was composed to amuse some solitary hours, andwithout any view to publication. Being shewn to Dr. Kippis, he declaredthat it deserved to be committed to the press, and offered to take uponhimself the task of introducing it to the world. I could not hesitate topublish a composition which had received the sanction of hisapprobation. By the favourable reception this little poem met with, Iwas encouraged still farther to meet the public eye, in the "Ode on thePeace," and the poem which has the title of "Peru." These poems areinserted in the present collection, but not exactly in their originalform. I have felt it my duty to exert my endeavours in such a revisionand improvement of them, as may render them somewhat more worthy ofperusal. It will, I am afraid, still be found, that there are severalthings in them which would shrink at the approach of severe criticism.The other poems that now for the first time appear in print, are offeredwith a degree of humility rather increased than diminished, by thepowerful patronage with which they have been honoured, in consequence ofthe character given of them by partial friends. Knowing how stronglyaffection can influence opinion, the kindness which excites my warmestgratitude has not inspired me with confidence.
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When I survey such an evidence of the zeal of my friends to serve me, asthe following honourable and extensive list affords, I have cause forexultation in having published this work by subscription. They who knowmy disposition, will readily believe that the tear which fills my eye,while I thank them for their generous exertions, flows not from theconsideration of the benefits that have arisen from their friendship. Itis to that friendship itself, that my heart pays a tribute of affectionwhich I will not attempt to express—for my pen is unfaithful to mypurpose.—While I am employed in testifying my thankfulness for thefavours I have received, it is impossible that I should forget how muchI owe to one Gentleman in particular, whose exertions in my behalf,though I was a stranger to him, have been so marked, so generous, andindeed so unexampled, that it is a very painful task which his delicacyhas imposed upon me, in not permitt