The smaller pieces are selected from a large number of original compositions; they are not chosen as his favourites, but as what he esteems most faultless.  This appeared the safer method; since it is impossible that “the flimsy productions of a youth of seventeen,” as Kirke White expresses it, should be free from considerable errors; and we are apt to think our most irregular flights, our most vigorous ones.  On these pieces, however, he places little stress; his principal reliance is on “Gustavus Vasa.”  The Latin Poems have been honoured by the approbation of different Masters at Eton.

The Author may be accused of arrogance in saying too much of himself.  But he felt strongly that early publication, and the design of writing a long epic poem, would naturally be censured by many well-meaning persons; he thought it his duty to state his motives; and was less solicitous to avoid the possible charge of self-conceit, than the certain one of folly and presumption.

Any resemblance to former writers, which may occur in the course of the work, are generally unintentional.  Thus the lines—­

    “Touch’d the abyss, and, lest his eyes might view
    The abandon’d shore, into its depths withdrew,”

were written before the author had seen Persius’s description of a totally abandoned man: 

    —­nescit quid perdat, et, alto
    Demersus, summa rursus non bullit in unda.

The Author has to express his sincere gratitude for a numerous and respectable list of Subscribers.  It is far beyond his expectations; and it encourages his hope, that the reception of the present volume will authorize his continuing in the same pursuit.

A
list of subscribers
to the
1st MARCH, 1813.

His royal highness the prince Regent. 
His royal highness the Duke of Cumberland. 
Her royal highness the Princess Augusta. 
Her royal highness the Princess Elizabeth. 
Her royal highness the Princess Mary. 
Her royal highness the Princess Sophia.

Andrews, Rev. Charles, Hempton
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Atkinson, Mr., Eton
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Alderson, Edward H. Esq., Temple
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Bedford, His Grace the Duke of
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