Page:The Poetical Works of Ram Sharma.djvu/4

 PREFACE. IT is no small gratification to me that I have been the instrument of rescuing from oblivion the poetical works of perhaps the greatest poet of India writing in English Verse by giving them a permanent shape. I cannot say I have been able to collect all his poems, for the poet in his ascetic indifference never cared to keep copies of his works. Embracing a period of more than half a century and scattered over the pages of different newspapers and periodicals it was indeed hard work to collect them. Perhaps the next edition will be fuller, the reader in the meantime must be satisfied with what he gets. But most of his important works have been included in the book. I have given notes, for without them it impossible for the ordinary reader, particularly Englishmen, to fully understand and appreciate the poet's works. They are not copious, but enough for the purpose of making the meaning sufficiently clear. It is not for me to make a detailed criticism of his works; that will be done by competent critics. What their verdict will be, is unknown, but the notes will largely facilitate a correct and proper understanding. Mohinee is a fragment, some friend of the poet took away the last part for perusal, but never returned it. It must be taken, as lost to the world, unless at some future time it is found.