Page:The Poetical Works of William Motherwell, 1849.djvu/19



the Second Edition of Poems was published in 1847, it was stated in the Preface that the fragments of poetry which he had left behind him in manuscript, and which were not included in that volume, might be given to the public at some future day, should any encouragement be offered for pursuing such a course. This the Publisher has now determined to do; but before taking such a step he resolved to submit the pieces in question to the critical scrutiny of old friend and poetical ally, Mr, who chanced to be in Scotland at the time. The reader will, therefore, be good enough to understand that the Poems added to this Edition have been selected by, and are published under his express authority. The Publisher is gratified in being able tc make this statement, as it relieves him from a responsibility which he feels that it would not be becoming in him to incur.

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