PREFACE

THE chief aim of the Editor of this volume has been to give a collection of such of the Favourite English Ballads,-written since the commencement of the last century-as best admit of picturesque illustration; and by a combination of the productions of Modern Poets and Modern Painters, to present to the literary world an acceptable Gift-book.

The Poets themselves have, in their lyrical pieces, so often interchanged the words "Songs" and "Ballads," that he has felt himself at liberty to include a few well known verses which, perhaps, more properly belong to the former class. He offers this explanation, lest he may be charged with departing from the promise of the Title-page.

To those living Authors who have kindly permitted him to enrich the volume with flowers picked from their gardens, and to the Artists, who have so ably assisted him in the adornment of its pages, his thanks are especially due.

J. C.