and dignity who does not know this, and who does not
further know, that one being is elevated above another,
in proportion as he possesses this capability.
It has therefore appeared to me, that to endeavour
to produce or enlarge this capability is one of the
best services in which, at any period, a Writer can
be engaged; but this service, excellent at all times,
is especially so at the present day. For a multitude
of causes, unknown to former times, are now acting
with a combined force to blunt the discriminating
powers of the mind, and, unfitting it for all voluntary
exertion, to reduce it to a state of almost savage
torpor. The most effective of these causes are
the great national events which are daily taking place,
and the increasing accumulation of men in cities,
where the uniformity of their occupations produces
a craving for extraordinary incident, which the rapid
communication of intelligence hourly gratifies.
To this tendency of life and manners the literature
and theatrical exhibitions of the country have conformed
themselves. The invaluable works of our elder
writers, I had almost said the works of Shakspeare
and Milton, are driven into neglect by frantic novels,
sickly and stupid German Tragedies, and deluges of
idle and extravagant stories in verse.—When
I think upon this degrading thirst after outrageous
stimulation, I am almost ashamed to have spoken of
the feeble endeavour made in these volumes to counteract
it; and, reflecting upon the magnitude of the general
evil, I should be oppressed with no dishonourable
melancholy, had I not a deep impression of certain
inherent and indestructible qualities of the human
mind, and likewise of certain powers in the great
and permanent objects that act upon it, which are
equally inherent and indestructible; and were there
not added to this impression a belief, that the time
is approaching when the evil will be systematically
opposed, by men of greater powers, and with far more
distinguished success.
Having dwelt thus long on the subjects and aim of
these Poems, I shall request the Reader’s permission
to apprise him of a few circumstances relating to
their style, in order, among other reasons,
that he may not censure me for not having performed
what I never attempted. The Reader will find
that personifications of abstract ideas rarely occur
in these volumes; and are utterly rejected, as an
ordinary device to elevate the style, and raise it
above prose. My purpose was to imitate, and,
as far as is possible, to adopt the very language of
men; and assuredly such personifications do not make
any natural or regular part of that language.
They are, indeed, a figure of speech occasionally
prompted by passion, and I have made use of them as
such; but have endeavoured utterly to reject them
as a mechanical device of style, or as a family language
which Writers in metre seem to lay claim to by prescription.
I have wished to keep the Reader in the company of
flesh and blood, persuaded that by so doing I shall