Copyright © 1998, Nancy Kushigian
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Available at: http://www.lib.ucdavis.edu/English/BWRP/Works/TempLPoems.sgm
Whatever may be the merits, or imperfections adjudged to the Author of these little Poems; whatever may be her sin against critical elegance, and classical purity, she presumes to hope that her Youth has claims on the candour of the Public.
In the opinion of many persons of fine taste, variety of alterations might be suggested, perhaps with good effect, yet very seldom does the finishing hand of correction pass over however lightly, the productions of
Fancy, without some injury to the flower and freshness of their first exhibition.
The following poems were written under the immediate impression of different circumstances, and should be considered merely as slight sketches, intended to preserve the image of things very dear and sacred to re‐recollection.
Under every bereavement, in every scene of pleasure, the Muse has never failed to sooth her sorrow, and to heighten and refine her enjoyment, she has given her new eyes for the contemplation of the good, the great,
and the beautiful; and awakened in her soul new sentiments of grateful adoration for their all-perfect source. The Muse, therefore, how little soever entitled to the meed of fame, shall still, for her own sake, be loved and valued by her Votary, shall still reward her, when every other memorial of living friendship shall be swept from Time's uncertain record, and “leave not a wreck behind.”
The Poet knows how to distinguish between the compositions of art, and the genuine expression of simplicity, and nature: to which of these characters the contents of the volume
now submitted to the public, justly belong, the Author leaves those to determine, who are in the habit of feeling what they write, and of writing what they feel.