INTRODUCTION.
IT is more from the frequency of the practice, than from any wish to obtrude herself upon the notice of the Public, that the Authoress of the following pages considers it necessary to attempt saying a few words by way of preface. To such, therefore, as may enquire the motives which have prompted her to appear in her present character, she begs leave to make this apology—that, deprived in early youth of a most beloved and affectionate parent, whose last days were clouded by undeserved and unforeseen misfortunes, she has been actuated by mo other view than the hope of alleviating the many deep distresses which his untimely and: lamented death has entailed upon his afflicted family. To say more would be painful—she will only add, that not enjoying the advantages attached to happier situations in life, and having written the greater part of these poems under circumstances of severe domestic calamity, she would fain flatter herself with the consoling belief, that, having no ambition to gratify, and no presumption to answer for, the eye of criticism will be lenient in its judgment, and sparing in its scrutiny.
November, 1816.
