Gustavus Vasa | Page 2

his

early composition. He destroyed the manuscript: and some time after
recommenced his poem on a new and more rational plan. Accordingly,
the first and part 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, summâ rursus non bullit in
undâ.
_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
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Ashton, Arthur, Esq., Wood Street

Atkinson, Joseph, Esq., Tower
Anstey, John, Esq.
Appleby, Miss,
Thirsk
Ambrose, Mr., Eton
Alderson, Edward H. Esq., Temple


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Anonymous, Thirsk
Angelo,
Miss, Eton
Bedford, His Grace the Duke of
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Brecknock, Earl of
Bernard,
Viscountess
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Lieut. Col. Alexander
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Esq., Croydon
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Street
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Esq. Mount St. John
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2 Copies
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2 Copies
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Esq.
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M.D., Northallerton
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John, Esq., Thirsk
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Burges, Esq.,