"S+13, Jime 1/14 3/2 Editor's Preface. HIS SALTEM ACCUMULEM DONIS, ET FUNCAR-INANI VIRG. AN Author whose fame had already been established, thus expresses himself in the preface to a work, to which the unequalled fancy of the writer, and the unrivalled felicity of his style, were certain to secure immortality. Porque te se dezir que (aunque me costo algun trabajo a componerla) ninguno tuve por mayor que hazer A esta prefacion que vas leyendo: muchas vezes tome la pluma para escrevilla y muchas la dexe por no saber que escrivir."* The Editor, therefore, of the following collection,..may be allowed, without being suspected of affectation, to express the difficulty he feels in writing the preface to a volume which, as it contains the works of one who, during life, contributed eminently to cheer and brighten society, will naturally excite, in a high degree, the expectation of the public. * For you must know, that though it cost me much pains to compose it, I reckoned none greater than the writing of this preface, in the perusal of which you are proceeding: often did I take up my pen to write it, and as often laid it aside, not knowing what to say. That it was the intention of the author, in compliance with the ardent wishes of his friends, to have collected and published his own works, the Editor has sufficient reason to believe; but the poems of Mr. Lysaght were the result of genuine inspiration, and written with a haste proportioned to the rapidity with which they were conceived, in order to answer some temporary purpose; hence, as they were dispersed with the profusion of real genius, Mr. Lysaght must have found it difficult to collect those treasures which were thus widely diffused. Probably also, Mr. Lysaght laboured under that timidity which must naturally oppress authors, on submitting to the criticism of the public, those writings which the partiality, perhaps, rather ways than the judgment of his friends, had so lavishly extolled. Well versed in the of the world, he was more prudent in regard to his compositions, than the generality of poets.* His good sense suggested to him, that the encomiums of a friend are no proof of the excellence of the work which he praises. It must consequently have intimidated him to encounter the ordeal of criticism, when already he bore his honors thick upon him.” Yet the general merit of his writings might have dispelled his * A simple race! they waste their toil SCOTT. |