Page:Over the river, and other poems.djvu/9



reader will kindly allow a few moments by way of introduction to this volume of poems. It comes not demanding attention and challenging fame, but shrinkingly yielding to the solicitation of friends. Mrs. S. B. Priest, the mother of the author, has cherished the purpose of giving her daughter's writings to the press for several years, as she has always felt a warrantable pride in these productions. This purpose has been stimulated by the frequent request of relatives and other friends, far and near, that they might have an opportunity of owning a collection of the poetical works of "Nancy Priest" in the form of a printed volume. So large a number have signified their intention to take one or more copies, that the mother feels warranted in making this venture, hoping that the expense of publishing may at least be reimbursed by the sale of the volume. The writer of this note, by earnest request, has been induced to undertake the task of arranging the papers, and preparing a brief