2.4.321 INTRODUCTION. PERHAPS no apology will be considered of sufficient weight to excuse the author for bringing this work before an enlightened public, when such writers as Irving and Cooper are in the field; the one, by his native eloquence, turning life itself to poetry, the other, strewing its paths with flowers, and beguiling the way so effectually that we forget, for the time being, that it is rugged and thorny; while many others, like birds by the way-side, charm the ear of taste and awake an echo in the heart spiritually allied to music. And should an unknown songster, so secluded that its warbling has hitherto been unheard, strike a note not inharmonious with the rest, may it be remembered that "five sparrows are sold for two farthings and not one of them is forgotten before God." And even this small value is to be attributed to Him by whom they are remembered. Besides, "the rose-like beauty of Mrs. Sigourney, the evergreen foliage of Mrs. Hale, the summer-savory fragrance of Mrs. Child, the lilyloveliness of Hannah Gould, and the wild-flower sweetness of Miss Sedgwick,—are selections from the flowers of this western wilderness, and evidences of what the daughters of Columbia' may become." We are aware, too, that many English works, by highly talented authors, are finding their way into the boudoir of almost every lady, rendering bright eyes still brighter from having so often peered into the enchanted regions of imagination, and that the world abounds with books and authors. But the consideration that works of fiction are ephemeral in their nature, (not in the fame they transmit of genius, but in their power to interest after the scenes of romance shall have become familiar,) and the favorable opinion which several literary gentlemen have expressed of the work in question, have induced the writer to accede to the wishes of a few friends, and, with timorous hope, to cast it upon the mercy of a generous community. Perhaps, from the mention of authors and works of fiction, the reader may expect to find a romance in the following pages, with a regular plot and denouement. But this work is emphatically a medley. And though in its varied texture are interwoven several stories of love, yet we trust the "pure in heart" will not involuntarily turn from them, because they are so often surrounded by seductive charms and pernicious influences; for they are not necessarily thus accompanied. The Christian philosopher will trace a golden chain that binds all true affection to the throne of the Eternal; and knows that love, sanctified by religion, and truly conjugial, flows down from heaven, and is the result of the union of Divine Love and Divine Wisdom. And though many still write on these themes, yet the wand of the "Great Magician" lies powerless in Dryburgh Abbey-unless it be used for higher purposes and nobler themes in a brighter sphere and his mantle, with all its rich and splendid embroidery, seems not to have fallen upon any. And for wise purposes, no doubt; for we have now a perspective view of realities far more sublime and beautiful than the loftiest imagination has ever painted, or fancy, with her "faery frostwork" has ever sketched. And should anything written have a tendency to raise an aspiration in the soul for those realms of peace, where the sciences are undimmed by the shadows of earth, and knowledge is ever progressive, give God the glory. But should this work, on a perusal, be found to be utterly devoid of merit, we beg leave to remind the reader, that the book will assuredly "Go to sleep of itself, Like a pamphlet unbound on a dust-covered shelf." If, on the other hand, upon examination, anything of value should be discovered, though nearly hidden beneath the rubbish of imperfections, we can only say, by way of apology, in the language of the beautiful Jewess, that "God made woman weak, and trusted her defence to man's generosity.” Then go, frail Minion, go And should the critics sneer, To find them debonair. |