то SIR GEORGE HOWLAND BEAUMONT, BART. MY DEAR SIR GEORGE, ACCEPT my thanks for the permission given me to dedicate these Volumes to you. - In addition to a lively pleasure derived fro:n general considerations, I feel a particular satisfaction ; for, by inscribing these Poems with your Name, I seem to myself in some degree to repay, by an appropriate honour, the great obligation which I owe to one part of the Col. lection - as having been the means of first making us personally known to each other. Upon much of the remainder, also, you have a peculiar claim, — for several of the best pieces were composed under the shade of your own groves, upon the classic ground of Coleorton ; where I was animated by the recollection of those illustrious Poets, of your Name and Family, who were born.fo :that: nėrģhbärhood; and, we may be assured did not wander with indifference by: the: dashing stream of Grace-dieu," and among the rocks that diversify the forest of Charnwood. — Nor is there any one to whom such parts of this Collection as have been inspired or coloured by the beautiful Country from which I now address you, could be presented with more propriety than to e sce yourself — who have composed so many admirable Pictures from the suggestions of the same scenery. Early in life, the sublimity and beauty of this Region excited your admiration; and I know that you are bound to it in mind by a stillstrengthening attachment. Wishing and hoping that this Work, with the embellishments it has received from your Pencil, may survive as a lasting memorial of a friendship, which I reckon among the blessings of my life, I have the honour to be, . My dear Sir George, and faithfully, WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. Rydal Mount, Westmoreland, February 1. 1815. |