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.
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