PREFACE. I I HAVE long wished to have all my favourite poems in one book, so that I could lay my hand upon them without trouble or disappointment when, like York, they happened to be wanted. also desired to bring together the good short poems of Lancashire. and its borders. Both of these plans had serious drawbacks. The first, I found, would make a book too much like other collections; and the second, would be of too local a character for a general publisher to bring out: so I have amalgamated the two, in about equal proportions. This design will require two volumes; the first of which is now placed before the reader its companion is in preparation, and will be issued shortly, under a new title. Care has been taken to give to each author his own poem, which is not always done,-the relations of literature being often strangely sundered. The dates, also, have been especially observed. As it is clear I could not ask permission from all the parties named in this book, I have asked permission from none; but have gleaned conscientiously, and with due acknowledgment, where I admired Manchester, October, 1854. R. W. P. |