THE MINSTREL;

OR,

THE PROGRESS OF GENIUS.



PREFACE.

The design was, to trace the progress of a Poetical Genius, born in a
rude age, from the first dawning of fancy and reason, till that period
at which he may be supposed capable of appearing in the world as a
MINSTREL, that is, as an itinerant poet and musician:--a character
which, according to the notions of our forefathers, was not only
respectable, but sacred.

I have endeavoured to imitate Spenser in the measure of his verse, and
in the harmony, simplicity, and variety of his composition. Antique
expressions I have avoided; admitting, however, some old words, where
they seemed to suit the subject: but I hope none will be found that are
now obsolete, or in any degree not intelligible to a reader of English
poetry.

To those who may be disposed to ask what could induce me to write in so
difficult a measure, I can only answer, that it pleases my ear, and
seems from its Gothic structure and original, to bear some relation to
the subject and spirit of the poem. It admits both simplicity and
magnificence of sound and of language, beyond any other stanza I am