Page:Modern Parnassus - Leigh Hunt (1814).djvu/16

xii Already the repeal of the harsh decrees and penalties has emboldened a great number of young people of both sexes to practise the lyre, who formerly would never have thought of striking a single note. It is possible that I may add more to the number, and have the satisfaction of knowing, that some few, at least, encouraged and assisted by my plain and easy maxims, have risen above the level which seemed to be their place in society, and have been so happy as to publish a second or even a third edition of their poems with increasing applause.

It must not be disguised, that there are, especially at our universities, a few recusants, who cannot be proselyted to the new poetical faith, and who rail against