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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

3 1822 03068 1852

POEMS

FROM

THE POETICAL WORKS

OF

WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Go forth, my little Book! pursue thy way;
Go forth, and please the gentle and the good

NEW YORK:

LEAVITT & ALLEN.

ENTERED according to the Act of Congress, in the

year 1841, by

JOHN LOCKEN,

ta the clerk's office of the District Court of the eastern district of Pennsylvania.

PREFACE.

WHEN requested by the Publisher of this little volume to prepare a selection from Wordsworth's Poetical Works, there seemed to me several reasons why an unpretending publication of the kind should be encouraged, and the assistance which they supposed I could render, not withheld. When there is such profuse republication of the lighter and more frivolous effusions of English literature, any attempt to spread what is at once purer and more permanent becomes matter of congratulation.

Beside this general consideration, it is, every year, becoming more apparent, that the sphere of the influence of Wordsworth's poetry is steadily expanding, and that that influence must be deep in all the minds it reaches. It is mat

ter, therefore, of some moment, that even a miniature volume, like this one, should be employed for the purpose of diffusing such poetry, in a popular form which possibly may make it known to some who otherwise would more slowly gain acquaintance with it. To the ha bitual readers of Wordsworth's poems, this little selection may present in a convenient shape some favourite pieces. Possibly others may be led on to the knowledge of a poet, the love of whose inspirations is cherished as bringing a rich reward of its own to all who feel it. I should indeed lament if this volume were made by any one reader, a substitute for what it would but poorly supply,-the entire collection from which it has been taken. But it is scarcely to be apprehended that any one of ordinary intelligence, or imagination or feeling could (for instance), after reading the touching story of 'Margaret, or the Deserted Cottage,' rest contented without seeking the perusal of that great poem, THE EXCURSION,' from which it has been detached with, I almost fear, something of rude violence. This, it may be added, is the poetic tale, so full of deep feeling-so unaf

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