THE DRAMA OF LIFE, AND LYRICAL BREATHINGS. BY J. H. R. BAYLEY, M.R.C.P. "Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum. HORACE. LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO., STATIONERS' COURT; 1852. 280.249. With feelings of unusual pleasure, I respectfully dedicate my works to you in a collected form; at the same time, I cannot but have a lively remembrance of what a steady and firm litcrary Patron you have been for the last twelve years, whilst my poems only wore the character of sheet scraps. Your generous hand, and kind heart, have administered solace to many a child of humble talent besides myself; and I trust I may not be the last whose drooping merit shall be raised from an oblivious condition, and freshened on the atmosphere of public opinion, by your noble patronage and untiring zeal. Believe me I only feel too proud of adorning my pages with a name time-honored by every manly and sacred public principle, unshaken by faction, and unfettered by power; and may the various attainments, both moral and intellectual, with which that name is associated, long remain unimpaired by the finger of Time. Trusting you will excuse the many imperfections in the volume, for the Author's sake, I am, honored Sir, Your very humble Servant, J. H. R. BAYLEY. TO THE SUBSCRIBERS. The Author of the present volume tenders his sincere and heartfelt thanks to that portion of the Church, Senate, Bar, and generous public, together with his own immediate literary and other friends, who have responded to his announcement of the "Drama of Life," and have so voluntarily affixed their names to his subscription list. Numerous as they are, the Author will be excused for having appended them to the present sheets, as a record of his patrons' friendship and regard, for the which he trusts his gratitude both now, and through life, will be conducive to their immediate and future well wishes for the work's success, and promote a healthy tone of feeling for the writer. Saint James's Square, Wolverhampton. October 1, 1852. |