In imitation of the example given by Sir Walter Scott, in the collective edition of his Poetical Works, an Appendix is added to this volume, containing various juvenile Poems by Mr. Crabbe, some from his MSS., others from two anonymous publications which have now become extremely scarce. These early essays cannot detract from the fame of his maturer productions; and illustrating, as they do, in a striking manner, the progress of the Author's taste and talents, they may furnish both encouragement and warning to the young aspirant in the art of poetry. They are, however, chiefly valuable for the light which they throw on the personal character of the author himself; the purification of his heart from youthful errors under the influence of virtuous love, and an awakened sense of religious obligation; and the struggles of his mind during the period of what, like Dr. Johnson, he calls "his distress." February 10. 1834. - - 811 "Think ye the joys that follow early day The Sacrament-"O! sacred gift of God to men POEMS. Ipse per Ausonias Æneïa carmina gentes LUCAN. Paneg. ad Pisones. VOL. II. B |