PREFACE. In offering to the attention of the public, two volumes on the Poetry of Life, some apology seems necessary for prefixing to my book a title of such indefinite signification. If poetry be understood to mean mere versification, and life mere vitality, it would be difficult indeed to establish their connection with each other. The design of the present work is to treat of poetic feeling, rather than poetry; and this feeling I have endeavoured to describe, as the great connecting link between our intellects and our affections; while the customs of society, as well as the licence of modern lite rature, afford me sufficient authority for the use of the word life in its widely extended sense, as comprehending all the functions, attributes, and capabilities peculiar to sentient beings. Whatever may be the opinion of the public respecting the manner in which my task has been executed, the enjoyment it has afforded to the writer, in being the means of a renewed acquaintance with the principles of intellectual happiness, is already in possession; and I have only to wish that the reader may be induced to seek the same enjoyment, in a more spiritual intercourse with nature, and a more profound admiration of the beauty and harmony of the creation. |