Canadian Melodies and Poems

NO apology is made for bringing this volume before the public. Several of the poems it contains were mere attempts to relieve the monotonous routine of college life; many of them were written under foreign skies, and this will account for that lack of national spirit which the title of the volume might seem to imply. They have all been written hastily, and with frequent interruptions, so that no time was left for refining or amplifying. These remarks are not made to forestall criticism. Those who look with a jealous eye to the honor of English literature, are bound to pass what judgment they please upon every intruder into the groves of Parnassus, regardless of any extenuating circumstances which may be brought forth by way of palliation. The dearth of national literature in Canada is to be deplored; and whatever may have a tendency to stimulate activity in this line ought{vi} not to be discouraged. The history of Canada has a poetic background. Our people are by nature inclined to literature, as may be seen from the high character of our home journals and from the large importation of foreign books and magazines. Yet our national literature is meagre, compared with that of other countries whose advantages have not been superior to our own. Are not the pearly whiteness of our skies, the placid loveliness of our lakes, the lonely majesty of our forests, as well as the heroic struggles of our ancestors for the flag which they so dearly loved, fit themes for poetic inspiration and for minstrel reverie? It is true that we look to the Mother Country for our models; but did not the Greek colonies produce a literature worthy to be compared to that of Athens in her glory? It is hoped that these remarks may not appear presumptuous; and as the prisoner whose case is hopeless appeals to the mercy of the court in order to ameliorate his condition, so the writer of these verses lays aside his pen, promising to impose no further upon public sentiment. North Williamsburg, Ont.