Rustic rhymes

Preface

In offering this little volume of Rustic Rhymes to the public, we are instigated by the advice of a small circle of special friends, from whom we expect nothing but the kindest reception regardless of any literary merit that may attach to the book per se. If, however, it should fall into the hands of strangers, we can not hope for the same leniency. Its many imperfections will necessarily call forth adverse criticisms, as perhaps none of the poems are above dull mediocrity.

The world can never excuse the unpardonable vanity of the poet presumptive, who rushes into print with the crazy infatuation that poets, like mushrooms, are born of moonlight and vapor, fed upon nothing, and reared in a single night.

The partial flattery of friends is likewise a very poor excuse for afflicting a long-suffering and much-abused public with a ragged tome of insipid doggerel ; but still, you know, "a book's a book, though there's nothing in it."

As to ourself — if it be i^roper to speak of ourself — we make no pretense to learning. Our education has been very limited ; and, though we have the doubtful certificate of a medical diploma, we boast no great proficiency in Hippocratic scholarship, and yet we have managed to eke out a precarious living at its practice. But if our youth, illiteracy, and a medical degree are not sufficient excuses for the folly of poetizing, then are we undone, and may the Lord and the critics have mercy upon our soul, for we are helpless. ^y ^ Chakdler.

Campbellsyille, Ky., April 10, 1883.

Contents

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PAGE.

Introduction, 9