The Young lady's book of elegant poetry : comprising selections from the works of British and American poets

Preface

In making a collection of elegant extracts for the use of Young Ladies, the author has endeavoured to adhere to the following principles :

In the first place, he has sought for such pieces as possessed a high character of moral beauty and refinement, conveying, in general, some direct lesson of truth illustrative of the duties which we owe to our Creator, our neighbour, or ourselves ; or descriptive of the wonders displayed in the works of creation.

In the next place, he has endeavoured to present fair specimens of the Classical Poets of our language, such as display the peculiarities of their style of thought and expression.

Thirdly, it has been his design to offer such pieces as seem to have some peculiar fitness for the perusal of young ladies, illustrating those principles and objects in

VI PREFACE.

which they may be supposed to take a particular interest ; or as affording specimens of the poetical powers of female votaries of the muses.

Fourthly, it has been his aim to form in his young readers, a delicate and correct taste, conformed to an elevated standard of morals and poetry ; and to inspire a decided predilection for what is truly and intrinsically beautiful in art and in nature.

Lastly, he has sought to render the volume, as a whole, a suitable present for a daughter, a sister, or a valued friend, in whose welfare, both here and hereafter, the donor feels a strong interest.

No one, it is presumed, will deny that such a volume was a desideratum. How far the author has succeeded in carrying out these principles, he leaves it to an impartial public to decide.

Philadelphia, June, 1835.