PREFACE.

THE design of the present work being described in the Introductory Chapter, I have here only to discharge the agreeable duty of tendering my acknowledgments to those persons who have honoured me with their friendly aid in its composition. My revered and beloved aunt, and the other members of Mr. Wordsworth's family, and his executors 1, will, I trust, accept my best thanks for the readiness with which they have complied with his wishes, in affording me free access to his papers. I have also to express my thankfulness for the unreserved kindness with which the valuable manuscript, mentioned in page 22., has been communicated for my use. Το the writer of that MS., and to its present possessor EDWARD QUILLINAN, Esq., Mr. Wordsworth's son-inlaw, my special thanks are due, not only for their

The executors are Mr. W. STRICKLAND COOKSON, of Lincoln's Inn; Mr. W. WORDSWORTH, of Carlisle; and Mr. JOHN CARTER,

services in this respect, but for much valuable assistance rendered in the revision of the proof-sheets of these volumes as they passed through the press.

The obligations under which I am to the following parties, will appear from the work itself; but I hope that I may be permitted to record their names.

I have, therefore, to offer my respectful acknowledgments to the EARL OF LONSDALE; Lady FREDERICK BENTINCK; Sir G. H. BEAUMONT, Bart., of Coleorton; Sir R. PEEL, Bart., of Drayton Manor 1; the Hon. Mr. Justice COLERIDGE; Lady RICHARDSON, and Mrs. DAVY, of Ambleside; Lieut.-General Sir WILLIAM GOMM, Commander-in-Chief in India; Major-General Sir C. W. PASLEY, K.C.B.; Sir WILLIAM ROWAN HAMILTON, Observatory, Dublin; Rev. HENRY ALFORD, of Wymeswold, near Loughborough; Miss LUCY BARTON, of Keswick Hall, near Norwich; JOSEPH COTTLE, Esq., of Firfield House, near Bristol; Rev. ALEXANDER DYCE, of Gray's Inn Square; GEORGE HUNTLY GORDON, Esq., of H. M. Stationery Office; Rev. R. P. GRAVES, Windermere; Rev. Dr. JACKSON, of Lowther; Rev. JOHN KEBLE, Author of the "Christian Year;" Mrs. MATHEWS, of Brompton; Rev. ROBERT MONTGOMERY; EDWARD MOXON, Esq., of Dover Street; Rev. T. BOYLES MURRAY; BASIL MONTAGU, Esq.; Rev. J. K. MILLER, of Walkeringham, near Gainsborough; JOHN PEACE, Esq., of the

The portrait prefixed to this volume is engraved from the original in his possession.

City Library, Bristol; HENRY REED, Esq., of Philadelphia; H. C. ROBINSON, Esq., of Russell Square, Mr. Wordsworth's companion in Switzerland and Italy; Mrs. HUGH JAMES ROSE, of Brighton; the Rev. C. C. SOUTHEY; the Rev. GEORGE W. WRANGHAM, of Thorpe Basset.

Other persons who have favoured the author with their assistance, and who may not be enumerated here, will, he hopes, accept the general expression of his sincere gratitude and regard.

April, 1851.