THE

POETICAL WORKS

OF

^

WILLIAM ALEXANDER;

INCLUDING HIS

CHRISTIAD, DRAMAS, AND MINOR POEMS,

WITH

DISSERTATIONS ON POETRY,

AND

A SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.

9.

Philadelphia:

J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., FOURTH AND RACE STREETS.

WM S. YOUng, printer,

1847.

BEW YORK

PUBLIC

PUBLIARY

145871

ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS. 1900.

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1847,

BY WILLIAM ALEXANDER,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

PREFACE.

THE individual who presents the ensuing work to the world of men, is conscious of its imperfections. But as imperfection, in some measure, of necessity, must characterize all human compositions, it is hoped that the usual allowance will be made for any marks of fallibility which may happen to characterize this humble effort to advance the literary character of America. It is the heart-felt desire of the author, that as his country is rapidly advancing in political glory, she may with equal rapidity advance in literary glory; and may her sun of prosperity never set.

This volume, however, goes forth into the vast ocean of literature, anticipating a rough reception from the storms of criticism. Should it chance to be wrecked amidst the breakers, there yet remains the consolation, that such has been the fate of more noble writings. To benefit man, and glorify the great Author of all, is the design of the present composition. Should the writer fail to gain the approbation of his native country—it must still be recollected, that it is honourable, even to fail in noble darings.

April 10, 1846.