TO HER GRACE, The Duchess of St. Albans, THE FOLLOWING POEMS ARE MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, BY HER GRACE'S VERY OBLIGED AND GRATEFUL SERVANT, ANNE RITER. IN submitting the following collection of Poems to the ordeal of public taste, the Author trusts that the severity of criticism may be disarmed by the humility of their pretentions,— aspiring only to supply a few "way-side flowers," to those lovers of poetry, who, on turning aside in some musing hour from the busy paths of life, may perchance find sentiments amongst them in accordance with their own. They are intended, as far as their influence can extend, to incite to all that is "pure, lovely, and of good report;" and to further the cause of Religion and Morality. They are left to the candid judgment of those who have so kindly enabled the Author to present them before the public, and to whom, she tenders her sincere thanks. KIRTON-LINDSEY, MARCH, 1841. |
