PREFACE. Ат a time in which the Rights of MAN are so vigilantly watched, and zealously contended for, it cannot be an unfavourable moment to inquire into rights which form the basis of the following Poem; especially as they are now brought into solemn discussion by the two great Assemblies of the Empire. But, had it not been for the latter circumstance, this would not have appeared an auspicious period; yet, whatever may be the oppressions of man to man in the conflicts of public affairs, or dissensions of private life-subjects wholly irrelevant to the present question-that brutes have their rights, and that there should be some reform of the tyrannical and wanton cruelties exercised by man upon the aridel world, will be admitted by the just and generous of all parties; and, by such persons, the subject will not at any time be thought unseasonable: being, in itself, though apposite to the debate of the moment, abt local, but like the God of Truth, from everlasting to everlasting. Simply as one of the community, the author has to offer his acknowledgments, to the illustrious framer* of a Bill, the PRINCIPLE of which, if carried into practice, cannot fail to produce this *Lord Erskine. reform and for having thus called back his attention to the subject. Although, as yet, the noble Lord knows nothing of the execution of the present poem, the Author can, with confidence, challenge his approbation of the DESIGN, because it immediately connects with his own; and must necessarily meet the wish of every other human being, that duly considers the great and manifold advantages which would arise from passing the Bill into a law. But, whether it fails or succeeds, it cannot be a question, that, in proportion to the diffusion of the PRINCIPLE on which it is founded, whether by the Pulpit, the Senate, the Press, the Stagewhere a dramatic genius might, surely, introduce it in contrasting humane and crier characters-and by every other mean of publicity, it will put the hearer, reader, and spectator, upon serious and good thinking. Serious and good thoughts, lead, naturally, to good and serious actions. The result cannot but in some degree establish that law in the heart which will insensibly extend its influence to every thing that has life; and place THE LOWER WORLD under the genuine, unbought sympathies of man." The Bill is again brought before the Houses of Parliament; and it is zealously to be hoped will be honoured with success by those who will thereby honour themselves. But, should it be less fortunate than meritorious, the author of the following pages concurs in opinion with the writer of an interesting little work *, attributed to a pen which is peculiarly devoted to the juvenile world, and no less indefatigable in diffusing general knowledge amongst men; that "the cause of justice and mercy, can only be delayed; the abuses which have been brought to light have sunk deep into the public mind, and in time will be corrected. And even if the law should be silent, the MORAL SENSE AND FEELING which have been excited by Lord Erskine's eloquent and pathetic appeals, must operate in preventing the frequent recurrence of atrocities, at which humanity turns pale," It is on this conviction that the Author of the following sheets contributes his mite; and it is on this conviction, also, that he has, with so much earnestness †, summoned the tuneful race to assist a cause which they could not only ably advocate, but which must be gratifying to their feelings. And were it not from the appearance of travelling out of the direct line of poetic composition, he could, with no less earnestness and propriety, have called *An article in the 12th number of the School Magazine," imputed to the Rev. Dr. Mavor, † Book I. Page 11. upon many living prose writers who have distinguished themselves on subjects of general humanity; and who would prove very powerful auxiliaries in the particular object now under consideration. Many of these, indeed, are referred to in an Appendix attached to the Notes. In the Second Book, one passage from a former work of the Author appeared so intimately connected with the immediate arguments, that he imagined it would be better to admit it into the body of the poem, as distinguished by an asterism, than to place it elsewhere. Much of the poem has been written under severe personal indisposition; but it is not to be doubted, many of its readers are aware how frequently mind rises above body, when warmed into exertion by feelings. The poetical attempts of the Author will close with this effort-as to any theme that may require extent—and whatever may be its fate, he cannot but be happy to have taken leave of the Muse in a manner congenial to his first invocation, after more than thirty years devotion to her. During which time, scarcely any of his writings, whether in verse or prose, have appeared, in which the subject of the present work has not been fervently pressed, at every possible opportunity. |