PREFACE.

The following Poem, being a sketch or shadowing out of objects and things that are beautiful or grand, may be divided into the descriptive, the allegorical, and the imaginative. “Fantasy” or Fancy is the personification of an imaginary character; and is represented as holding a Court, at which the crowd or multitude, considered as the world at large, are invited to attend, and are conducted by Sir Herald, a fantastic sort of personage, to the Palace of Fantasy; who on their entrance are immediately attired in suitable costume by an attendant page, a somewhat strange and half human figure, who courteously leads the way to the Saloon of Imagery, whose pictured tapestry is there described. Admitted to an audience, Dan Fantasy deputes his favourite companion, the Bard, as their attendant and guide through his wide domain, to point out its wonders with the intent to instruct, as also to amuse. For this purpose they are led to survey the hidden things of earth, marvels of nature, art, literature, and science, which are severally shown;—the whole intended as a moral to induce mankind to forego grovelling for loftier pursuits, as leading the mind and enticing it to extend its flight to a far nobler and more enduring destiny.

The Miscellaneous Poems, with some few exceptions, have appeared in several periodicals of the day; but are now collected for the first time, and added to the present volume, with the hope that they may not be less acceptable in their new dress.

Peckham.