Page:Byron - Hours of idleness. A series of poems original and translated, by George Gordon Lord Byron a minor, 1807.djvu/16

 shall derive from these productions; and I shall never attempt to replace its fading leaves, or pluck a single additional sprig from groves, where I am, at best, an intruder. Though accustomed, in my younger days, to rove a careless mountaineer on the Highlands of Scotland, I have not, of late years, had the benefit of such pure air, or so elevated a residence, as might enable me to enter the lists with genuine bards, who have enjoyed both these advantages. But they derive considerable fame, and a few, not less profit, from their productions, while I shall expiate my rashness, as an interloper, certainly without the latter, and in all probability, with a very slight share of the former, I leave to others "Virûm volitare per ora." I look to the few who will hear with patience, "dulce est desipere in loco."—To the former worthies, I resign, without repining, the hope of immortality, and content myself with the not very magnificent prospect of ranking "amongst the mob of gentlemen who write," my readers must determine, whether I dare say "with ease,"