|
PREFACE
My object in compiling
this volume has been to rescue from oblivion some o/ the floating pieces
of Canadian authorship worthy of preservation in a more permanent form;
and to direct the attention of my fellow-countrymen to the claims of
Canadian poetry. The fact that I entered on an untrodden path, without
any way-marks to guide me, necessarily caused me a vast amount of labor,
and an extensive correspondence; as, in many instances, both poets and
poetry had to be discovered by special research. This will, I hope, be
duly considered by readers in judging of the work, should it be found
less perfect than they had anticipated.
As I do not wish to be judged by a wrong standard, I must remind my
readers that this is not “a work on the Poets and Poetry of Canada.”
Such a-work may be highly desirable and necessary ; and there is
valuable material, in the poetic effusions of the past fifty years, with
which to enrich such a work. But this collection makes no pretension to
such a character it is simply “Selections from Canadian Poets.” With the
hope of enhancing the interest and usefulness of the work, I have
subjoined occasional brief notes; but the plan and scope of the work
precluded any lengthy biographical sketches. It is easy for persons who
have neither literary nor financial responsibility, to suggest changes
in the plan of such a work. But the same persons might, in a different
position, fail to act on their own suggestions. To those who may feel
disappointed, because selections are not made from their poetry, I have
no apology to offer. An immense quantity of verse, much of it of high
merit, has passed under my notice. Financial reasons compelled me to
limit the size of the volume. I could not put in everything that I
approved of. I have made a selection, according to the best of my
judgment, without partiality, or sectional feeling of any kind. If any
are dissatisfied with me, I am sorry; but, conscious of the integrity of
my motives, I have nothing to regret. Nearly all the pieces in this
volume are published by special permission of the authors; and many of
them have never been published before.
My warmest thanks are due to the authors for the courtesy and liberality
with which, without exception, they placed their poems at my disposal;
and to editors of newspapers throughout the country for their friendly
notice of my project. They are also due to the subscribers—many of whom
I recognize as personal friends—for their confidence and patronage, by
which I have been encouraged to place the work before the public. Should
it secure their approbation, and be instrumental in awakening a more
extensive interest in the Poets and Poetry of qur beloved country, my
humble labors will be amply rewarded.
St. Johns, Canada East, Jan., 1864.
Selections from Canadian Poets
With occasional critical and biographical notes and an introductory
essay on Canadian poetry by Edward Hartley Dewart (1864) (pdf) |
