PREFACE.

UR pleasant task is over. Our labour of love is finished. It remains for the public now to appre

ciate the genius of our poet. A few words,

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perhaps, are necessary in explanation of raising the price of the present volume, which originally was intended to cost 3s. 6d. At that price it was found that many pieces must have been omitted, which, for their own intrinsic merits, it was desirable shonld be included in the volume. As it is, we have been obliged to curtail several of the lengthy pieces, viz.-"A Country-woman's Tale,” Icarus," and the "Doom of Babylon." Sufficient, however, it is presumed, has been given of these to enable the reader to form a tolerably good idea of the drift and style of the whole. As regards myself, I can only say that I have considered it the greatest privilege of my life to have been allowed to help a little in arranging and bringing out the

present volume. And any one (and I feel sure my fellowlabourers, who have so materially assisted me in this work participate in my feeling) who knew the late lamented George Heath as well as we did, would envy us the privilege. I take this opportunity of most thankfully acknowledging the valuable assistance I have received from my friend and parishioner, Mr. George Foster, in all the details incident to this publication; also to Mr. Francis Redfern and Mr. H. W. Foster, for their valuable departments of service, which are before the reader to speak for themselves. And I may also here, on behalf of the Poet's family, sincerely thank those ladies and gentlemen who have so kindly subscribed towards the erection of a Memorial Cross to his memory, in Horton Church-yard. By the time this volume is in the hands of the subscribers, it is hoped that the monument also will be over the place

"Where our friend sleepeth."

Endon, June 20th, 1870.

JAMES BADNALL.