POEMS
TO
THE NOBLEST OF HER SEX
THE AUTHOR OF
THE DRAMA OF EXILE--
TO
MISS ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING
OF ENGLAND
_I DEDICATE THIS VOLUME_
WITH THE MOST ENTHUSIASTIC ADMIRATION AND WITH
THE MOST SINCERE ESTEEM
1845 E.A.P.
PREFACE
THESE trifles are collected and republished chiefly with a view to theirredemption from the many improvements to which they have been subjectedwhile going at random the rounds of the press. I am naturally anxiousthat what I have written should circulate as I wrote it, if it circulateat all. In defence of my own taste, nevertheless, it is incumbent uponme to say that I think nothing in this volume of much value to thepublic, or very creditable to myself. Events not to be controlled haveprevented me from making, at any time, any serious effort in what, underhappier circumstances, would have been the field of my choice. With mepoetry has been not a purpose, but a passion; and the passions should beheld in reverence: they must not-they can not at will be excited, withan eye to the paltry compensations, or the more paltry commendations, ofman-kind.
E. A. P.
1845