however by the kind patronage of some individuals, whose rank and talents entitle them to her highest respect and deference, and who perused her little work in manuscript, she has, at their desire, ventured to offer it for wider circulation; and although she cannot expect from unprejudiced readers, the same indulgence as from the partiality of friends, she hopes at least for so much as her youth and inexperience may entitle her to.
It may not be improper to acquaint the public that many of the following effusions have been produced by circumstances in which the writer has been personally interested; and at the time she composed them, having no view to their publication, she could be influenced only by a desire to express her feelings and sentiments in as
