TO THE READER. IN presenting this volume to the people of our State, we have a few words to offer as an apology for its many deficiencies. We intended to make it a standard work, to be put forth as a specimen of the talent of the Native Poets of Maine,' and to include only such as were justly entitled to a place among our most distinguished poets. To this end we labored, and spent much time and means in procuring the information desirable for such a work. Our success was, in many respects, far better than we had anticipated, although from several of our most prominent poets we could get no reply. After the first sheets were in the hands of the Printer, we entirely altered the style and character of the work, as we were disappointed in not receiving some very important contributions, and concluded to make it a Holiday Gift Book,' containing selections from all of our native writers, good, bad, and indifferent. Owing to this sudden change, we were obliged to collect the contributions as fast as the printer needed them, thereby causing us to use great haste in preparing our sketches, which will account for their faultiness. Consequently we cannot present this work in the manner in which it should be presented, and therefore do not wish the reader to accept it as a true specimen of Maine talent. Several distinguished writers would have been represented here, had not cir cumstances, over which we had no control, rendered it utterly impossible. Among others, are Mrs. Harriet Winslow List; Rev. Dr. Cheever; the late George W. Lamb; and the late Dr. Thomas O. Folsom, whose selections would have added much to the literary merit of the work. The Publishers have been abundantly liberal in their endeavors to make the work compare, in its mechanical execution, with any similar one in the country, and we regret to say, that, owing to unforeseen difficulties, they have been greatly disappointed in being unable to present a series of portraits which are now executing for this volume. They hope to be able to do so in a work now in preparation. We regret that there should be a single typographical error in the work, but the hasty manner in which it was put through the press, in order to be ready for the Holidays, rendered it almost impossible to prevent them. With many regrets, we send it forth, with our earnest wishes for its success, which will give us an opportunity to present to the public a volume, such as we originally designed this to be, which we shall not feel ashamed of. To those who are inclined to criticise it, we have only to say, it is a home-book-for home circulation-containing home talent, and claiming only a HOME PLACE on your table. THE EDITOR. Bangor, October 2d, 1854. INDEX. HENRY W. LONGFELLOW. Ship of State.-Introductory Poem,. Spanish Student. -An Extract,.. A Psalm of Life,. The Village Blacksmith,. The Beleaguered City,. Phantoms,.. Resignation,.. A Passing Thought.-An Extract,. Excelsior, God's Acre,................................................................................. NATHANIEL P. WILLIS. Page. .2 .3 .7 14 16 18 .20 .22 .24 .25 .27 ..28 ....30 ...31 .35 ...39 .41 42 ..44 Woman's Love.-Introductory Poem,.... Thoughts while making the grave of a new-born child, Biographical Sketch,..... The Confessional,..... BENJAMIN B. THATCHER. Twilight Musings.-Introductory Poem,. Biographical Sketch,. Bird of the Bastile,. To a Sister-Embarking on a Missionary Enterprise,.. ELIJAH P. LOVEJOY. To my Mother-Introductory Poem,. Biographical Sketch,.. ....... Inspiration of the Muse,...... The Farewell,... The Little Star.-An Extract,. The Wanderer,. |