I may be permitted to add, without incurring the charge of undue egotism, I trust, that the prepara tion of this work has been to me literally "a labour of love." It seemed to me a fitting tribute to render to those Poets whose works had entered so largely into my professional studies for the last thirty years, and between whom and the mere cursory reader, and those of a yet immature age, I had endeavoured faithfully to act as an INTERPRETer, that I should, in the probably closing effort of my literary career, present a worthy monument recording the Genius of American Poesy, acceptable to the reading Public, and one that should do honour to the Poets I have selected for representation; and to these Gifted Men and Women I most respectfully dedicate these my humble labours. 5 COTTAGE PLACE, NEW YORK, } October 12, 1864 J. W. S. H. |