PREFACE. IN sending forth this little volume to take the place which may be assigned it, the laws of custom demand a preface. If something must then be said about its contents, which they will not say for themselves, the reader may be told that, small as the collection is, it is the gradual accumulation of some years. Of that portion which is of Italian extraction, a part had its birth also in the classic land of song. Others have afforded some delightful recreation in the intervals of more necessary home occupations. Whatever be their fate hereafter, their meed and their aim have been already in part secured, and placed beyond the reach of public opinion. To that opinion, however, it would be as foolish to affect indifference, as it is vain to rebel against it. Neither can the author feel unconcerned how far they may prove of any value to others; which involves much of the question, how far, in the leisure thus enjoyed, he has paid "No moment, but in purchase of its worth." If he were appalled by the apprehension of having to encounter a fastidious public, he might take some encouragement from a glance at the quantity and quality of the aggregate of the sacred poetry at present in circulation. It indicates, at least, that the igneus vigor et cœlestis origo sought for by the mass of readers of this class of compositions, have reference to higher objects than those of taste or genius. It will at once be seen, that some of the pieces which are so, names of tunes have been affixed: others are capable of similar adaptation. The author has now only to take leave of the reader, in the words of good old Quarles:-“ I have no more to say: I wish thee as much pleasure in the reading, as I had in writing. Farewell, Reader." WIDCOMBE, November, 1826. |