PREFACE



This little volume is a revised and enlarged edition of one bearing the same title, which was published in the year 1867. I am perfectly aware that there is nothing in my verse to recommend it to the literary World. It is simply the spontaneous effusion of a self-educated man—one who has had many disadvantages to contend with; having spent the early part of his life at sea, as a fisherman. Those inclined to be censorious may say such rugged effusions are little worth, when we have so many eminent writers. True, some are more favoured with literary abilities than others; but is that a sufficient reason why the lowly bard should not pour out the warm emotions of his soul in feeling, unadorned language? In this land of boasted freedom there ever was, and ever will be, poets of every degree. All cannot be stars of the first magnitude; and the work of a minor poet, if it serve no other end, must have a tendency to make the work of a major one shine with greater brilliancy.
That this unassuming book will at least afford some little amusement to those who may take the trouble to peruse its pages, is the sincere wish of The Author.

Scarsborough, November 6, 1883


Wayside blossoms [verse]
Matthew Harman - January 1, 1883
A. Harman - Publisher


Sincerely,
Gargoyle

accessed google books. December 15, 2015.


[