THE present work differs, it is believed, from previous
collections of the kind, in these particulars : (1) that it
consists entirely of short lyric poems, (2) that each
poem exhibits some phase of the "tender passion," and
(3) that it includes specimens of the genius of the latest,
as well as of the earliest, writers. These particulars are,
indeed, to be found separately in other compilations ;
but never before, so far as I am aware, have they all
been included in one and the same volume.
Further, I have attempted—not quite unsuccessfully,
I hope—to arrange the pieces in something more satis-
factory than merely chronological order. A glance at
the “ Contents" will show that I have endeavoured to
describe the course of love from its beginning to its end;
placing, where possible, parallel poems side by side ;
and, altogether, aiming at the completeness and variety
of a sonata, in which movement follows movement in
artistic sequence.
I need scarcely say I should have failed completely to
realize my conception of the book, had it not been for
the kind manner in which our living poets have granted
me permission to reprint their pieces ; and I hasten to
acknowledge my obligations in this respect to Mrs.
Lewes ("George Eliot''), Messrs. Tennyson, Browning,
