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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

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NEW YORK:
LEAVITT & ALLEN.

27 DEY-STREET

1853.

ter, therefore, of some moment, that even a miniature volume, like this one, should be em. ployed 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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fected in the narration-of which Coleridge spake, as one of the most beautiful poems in the language.

No piece has been inserted in this volume arbitrarily or carelessly, but the principles which have guided the selection could scarcely be stated without filling more space than is consistent with the nature of the publication, even if the statement were of any importance. The chief difficulty has been in the necessity of omission, and the consequent effort to refrain from transcending too far the prescribed bounds. This difficulty has been the greater, where the selection has been entrusted to one, who is happy to acknowledge a faithful gratitudemoral and intellectual gratitude-to the Poet.

The time has not arrived when with propriety the biography of Mr. Wordsworth can be written. Distant, yet, may the day be, when the important trust will devolve cn some friend worthy to do justice to his memory! The general course of his life may be gathered

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