Introductory Note to the two
following Album
Verses.
Once, and once only in my life, I was in
the royal presence: at some courtly festival, I opine; for I
“sate at meat” with unwonted company, and surrounded
by regal splendour. Chide me not, gentle reader, with
presumption; for it was— in a dream! and
I am sure no waking thoughts of mine led me there. In this most
strange conjunction, I was called on for a contribution to the
Royal Album! Awake, under such circumstances, I feel certain I
could not have written letter or line: in my sleep I was bolder,
and actually perpetrated two stanzas; which I subjoin, as a
literary curiosity, having been, veritably, composed in a
dream.
