To the Reader.

THIS selection of Poetry has been made with the view of forming at once an appropriate and welcome token of affection.

Its beauties will be found to have been gathered from many widely scattered sources, wherever the genial promptings of the heart have inspired the poet to give them form and utterance.

Among the numerous poems wherein the affections have thus given melody to the Muse's lyre, it would have been difficult to fail in the choice, as among such must be found all that most excel in tenderness and pathos; and it is hoped that this little volume, presenting such like sweet flowers gathered from meadow, hedgerow, and garden, and all bound up in one beautiful nosegay, may prove to many an acceptable memento of parted dear ones, a cherished token of that union of hearts that gladdens the earth with the sunshine of Friendship.

EDINBURGH, June 5th, 1845.