POEMS BY EDWARD CAPER N, Rural Postman of Bideford, Devon, AUTHOR OF "BALLADS AND SONGS." A humble Poet, Whose songs gushed from his heart "Who through long days of labour, "Such songs have power to quiet And come like a benediction That follows after prayer." LONGFELLOW. THIRD EDITION. LONDON: W.KENT & CO., (LATE D. BOGUE), 86, FLEET STREET, MDCCCLIX. PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. TO THE SUBSCRIBERS. MY LORDS, LADIES, AND GENTLEMEN, I AM entrusted with the delightful privilege of introducing a man of genius to the world,-EDWARD CAPERN, a Poet. On taking possession of the necessary papers I consulted some literary friends, and it was of course soon decided that no alterations should be made except by Mr. Capern; nor, indeed, were many needed; for, except a few slips of the penmere verbal inaccuracies, scarcely worth alluding to the whole of these beautiful poems appear as they were first produced by him. I reserved to myself, however, the absolute right of rejection, and this was frequently a rather painful duty. In a walk together of thirteen miles, during which some of my decisions were communicated, the Poet would sometimes contend in the very accents of despair, "What! exclude my 6 Morning,' and the Apostrophe to the Sun !' Why, Sir, I wrote those pieces when I had but four shillings a-week to live upon, which gave but frugal meals." Firmness was, however, necessary; and" Morning" still stands excluded as "beautiful, but too diffuse for this publication." It is not my intention even to touch upon the trying incidents of Mr. Capern's early life. He is a rural letter-carrier from Bideford to Buckland Brewer and its neighbourhood, distributing the Mail through a discursive walk of thirteen miles daily, including Sundays; for which his salary is ten shillings and sixpence per week. He has a real Poet's Wife; his JANE, a charming brunette, is intelligent, prudent, and good. He has two children, Charles, a boy of seven,* and Milly, a girl just three years * What a delightful opportunity for some really charitable Governor of Christ's Hospital, who has a "presentation" at his disposal! of age; and he tells me that he is happy-happy where thousands would be discontented; rich, where many would be in want; blessing Providence for its bounties, instead of repining for that which has been denied. Mr. Capern's features have a striking resemblance to those of Oliver Goldsmith; he has also the Doctor's sturdy build, though not his personal height. Nor is this the only point of resemblance to our dear Goldy,-Mr. Capern has an ear for music, he plays touchingly on the flute, and sings his own songs to his own tunes with striking energy or tenderness. Mr. Capern has, however, a defect in his vision which seems to increase with age; and he has, under the advice of his friends, consented to this mode of raising a little sum to assist in the education of his rising family, and to commence a provision for the future. Is it too much to hope that these charming emanations of his mind may induce the wealthy and well-disposed to assist in this lovely work? A man who has written these beautiful b |