ΤΟ

ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING,

AND TO

ROBERT BROWNING,

THIS POEM,

REFERRING TO THE LAND WHICH THEY NOW INHABIT,

IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED.

PREFACE.

MANY of the following verses are local or occasional; and, as such, may seem to have small claim on the attention of the Public.

Still however they are published.

Because the

writer of even occasional verses is ever prone to persuade himself that he shall procure readers: some few, at least, who, spite of its speciality, will find it a pleasure to read what he has found it a pleasure to write.

For the chance of these few the net has been cast. And small though the draught will be, "Non ego paucis" "Offendar . . . ."

It is hardly worth while to say that some of these verses have been printed heretofore; on the ground that old things, unnoticed or forgotten, may well be allowed to pass for things new.

London, April 18. 1849.