Gustavus Vasa | Page 2

of the second book, were written in 1810, and the rest of the work which is published in this volume, principally in 1812. All that is yet completed of this production (except the sequel of the fourth book, and the whole fifth, which are yet uncorrected) is here presented to the public; and on its success the continuation of "Gustavus Vasa" depends.
It was designed to embrace the whole actions of the hero, from his first signalizing himself under Steen Sture, to his death in 1560; but as all this could not be regularly related without destroying the unity of the poem, it was thought most convenient to begin with his introduction among the Dalecarlians at Mora, and conclude with his first election to the royalty, in 1523; the rest being introduced by means of narration, anticipation, and episode.
It will be doubtless objected, that the enterprize is beyond his powers, and that he acted rashly in undertaking it. But this is no light scheme; no work, begun for want of other amusement, and deserted when a more specious or pleasing subject for poetry presented itself. He has considered it seriously; the subject appears full of poetical capabilities, and superior to many others which offered themselves; and if the opinion of the world coincides with his own in this point, he has resolved to make it the favourite employment of his maturer years, and to reduce it as far as possible to perfection. Part of his plan for continuing the poem, will be found in the Notes.
The smaller pieces are selected from a large number of original compositions; they are not chosen as his favourites, but as what he esteems most faultless. This appeared the safer method; since it is impossible that "the flimsy productions of a youth of seventeen," as Kirke White expresses it, should be free from considerable errors; and we are apt to think our most irregular flights, our most vigorous ones. On these pieces, however, he places little stress; his principal reliance is on "Gustavus Vasa." The Latin Poems have been honoured by the approbation of different Masters at Eton.
The Author may be accused of arrogance in saying too much of himself. But he felt strongly that early publication, and the design of writing a long epic poem, would naturally be censured by many well-meaning persons; he thought it his duty to state his motives; and was less solicitous to avoid the possible charge of self-conceit, than the certain one of folly and presumption.
Any resemblance to former writers, which may occur in the course of the work, are generally unintentional. Thus the lines--
"Touch'd the abyss, and, lest his eyes might view?The abandon'd shore, into its depths withdrew,"
were written before the author had seen Persius's description of a totally abandoned man:
--nescit quid perdat, et, alto?Demersus, summa rursus non bullit in unda.
_The Author has to express his sincere gratitude for a numerous and respectable list of Subscribers. It is far beyond his expectations; and it encourages his hope, that the reception of the present volume will authorize his continuing in the same pursuit._
A?LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS?TO THE?1st MARCH, 1813.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE REGENT.?HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND.?HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS AUGUSTA.?HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH.?HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS MARY.?HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS SOPHIA.
Andrews, Rev. Charles, Hempton?Abercrombie, Mrs., County Terrace?Atkinson, Mr., Eton?Ashton, Arthur, Esq., Wood Street?Atkinson, Joseph, Esq., Tower?Anstey, John, Esq.?Appleby, Miss, Thirsk?Ambrose, Mr., Eton?Alderson, Edward H. Esq., Temple?Aylmer, G.W. Esq., Wimpole Street?Anonymous, Thirsk?Angelo, Miss, Eton
Bedford, His Grace the Duke of?Buccleugh, His Grace the Duke of?Buccleugh, Her Grace the Duchess of?Brecknock, Earl of?Bernard, Viscountess?Belfast, Lord, Eton?Blizard, Sir Wm. 2 Copies Bailie, Lieut. Col. Alexander?Burges, Rev. Mr., Eton?Brickwood, John, Esq., Croydon?Brewster, John, Esq.?Baillie, Mrs., Lower Grosvenor Street?Brown, G.P. Esq.?Burlton, Miss, Ludlow?Barton, Henry, Esq. Mount St. John?Barnard, Mr., Eton?Berdmore, Rev. Dr. 2 Copies Bridges, Rev. Dr.
Bailey, Hon. Mr. Justice 2 Copies
Best, Mr. Serjeant 2 Copies
Best, Mrs.?Best, J.W. Esq.?Bolland, William, Esq.?Beard, Henry, Esq.?Bayley, Dr., Physician to His Majesty 2 Copies Bayley, Dr., M.D., Northallerton?Balme, Rev. E., Russell Place 2 Copies Bell, John, Esq., Thirsk?Bradfield, John, Esq.?Burges, Esq., Wimpole?Brougham, Henry, Esq.?Brooks, Geo., Esq., Twickenham 4 Copies Brooks, John, Esq., Twickenham?Briscoe, John, Esq., Twickenham?Burges, ----, Esq., Wimpole?Billam, F.T. Esq., Leeds 2 Copies Butterwick, Matthew, Esq., Thirsk?Bissett, Captain, R.N.?Bradney, Joseph, Esq., Ham?Buxton, Fowell, Esq.?Blakelock, Henry, Esq.?Bowser, Mrs., Datchet?Byam, Mr., Rev.?Burt, Mrs., Isleworth?Burton, Miss, Cambridge 2