The poetical works of Edgar Allan Poe, with original memoir. Illustrated by F. R. Pickersgill, R.A., John Tenniel, Birket Foster, Felix Darlay [and others]

PREFACE.
THESE trifles are collected and republished chiefly with a view
to their redemption from the many improvements to which they
have been subjected while going at random "the rounds of the
press." I am naturally anxious that what I have written should
circulate as I wrote it, if it circulate at all. In defence of my
own taste, nevertheless, it is incumbent upon me to say-that I
think nothing in this volume of much value to the public, or
very creditable to myself. Events not to be controlled have
prevented me from making, at any time, any serious effort in
what, under happier circumstances, would have been the field
of my choice. With me poetry has been not a purpose, but a
passion; and the passions should be held in reverence; they
must not-they cannot at will be excited, -with an eye to the
paltry compensations, or the more paltry commendations of
mankind.
E. A. P.