PREFACE.

W

HEN the Publishers asked me to compile this Book, I anticipated a considerable amount of pleasure in the work before me. I need scarcely say that my anticipations were more than realized. In selecting poetry fitted for young people I necessarily searched through many poems suitable both for young and old, nearly all of which afforded me great pleasure.

Poems, or portions of poems, from all, or almost all, the eminent Poets will be found here-both the living and the dead. That the young people for whom this Book has been especially prepared will thoroughly enjoy the feast before them I have little doubt. Not only will that love of poetry, inherent in the young, be gratified, but their taste for art will be improved and gratified also, in gazing upon the number of beautiful cuts with which this work is filled. On nearly every page will be found Illustrations by Artists whose names are no less eminent than those of the Poets.

Within these pages will be found poems of all sorts-grave and gay, pathetic and humorous—the best of each kind, to suit the minds of young readers, from an early age to those who are more advanced; so that the little ones still in the nursery may find as much pleasure in "Poems and Songs" as their sisters in the school-room, or "the boys home for the holidays."

Perhaps these pages may be glanced over by others than young people. Let me venture to hope that they may find favour in their eyes also. Indeed, I scarcely think they can fail to do so- -for who could help being pleased with poetry gleaned from most of the best Poets, and pictures from the pencils of some of our best Artists ?

In appearing so sure of the success of this Book, I feel I do not lay myself open to the charge of vanity or conceit, for my work can deserve no praise,-any more than the butler who places the meats before the guests can be praised for the excellence of the dinner.

I have thought it best in the arrangement of "Poems and Songs" to place all the poems of each Author together, and that each Poet should stand as his name came alphabetically.

In speeding this Book upon its journey into the world, I feel I am parting with a good friend, whose presence has occupied and cheered me through dark hours; each song and poem exercising some brightening or softening influence of its own on me, like the separate good qualities of some valued friend.

I speed it in its present form only, as one of the public, to welcome it in another; and this I sincerely hope all the rest of the public may do.

I have only to add my best thanks to the Authors who have given kind permission to publish the following poems:-Mr. WILLIAM ALLINGHAM, "Robin Redbreast," page 9; "Outward Bound," page 11; "Homeward Bound," page 12. Dr. W. C. BENNETT, "Baby May," page 37; "Lullaby," page 39; "Those Little Blue Shoes," page 36; "Cradle Song," page 40. Mr. ROBERT BROWNING, "How they Brought the Good News," page 46; "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," page 47. Miss AMELIA B. EDWARDS, "My Jessie," page 95.

My best thanks are due also to the Publishers of the late CANON KINGSLEY for permitting the following poems to appear in these pages:- "The Lost Doll," "A Farewell," "The Sands of Dee," "The Three Fishers"; also to Miss ROSSETTI for kind permission to publish several of her charming little poems.

LUCY D. SALE BARKER.