THE GOLDEN LEAVES SERIES.

I. GOLDEN LEAVES FROM THE BRITISH POETS. GOLDEN LEAVES FROM THE AMERICAN POETS. III. GOLDEN LEAVES FROM THE DRAMATIC POETS.

II.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1864,

By JAMES G. GREGORY,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

PREFACE.

In stenu

IN

adding another compilation from the Poets to the many already before the public, it seem; necessary to offer some distinctive claim to originality as an apology for the temerity of the attempt. This collection so far differs from previous ones, that no arbitrary or individual preferences have controlled the Selections; they are exclusively those specimens of "THE BRITISH POETS," which, by long-established consent, have become "Household words" in our language, as exponents of all that is beautiful in thought, expression, and feeling. To collect these into one portable volume, that might with ease be made the companion of the Railroad car, the Steamboat, and the shady nook of a country retreat; and from its elegance of typographical and mechanical beauty, would entitle it to a place on the Parlour table for reference and family use, seemed an experiment that might find favour with the reading public. The necessarily prescribed limits