University of Virginia Library

APOLOGY FOR THE POEM.

I am aware, it may be objected to the production, which assumes the title of Beacon Hill, that the appellation is not sufficiently appropriate, and that twenty other names would equally apply to those conspicuous features, which the author has attempted to delineate. True—but

If the performance has merit, the name, as it does not imply an absurdity, will not, it is presumed, create an objection; or if, in concurrence with the fears of its author, the whole be consigned to hopeless oblivion—By any other name the thing would sink as low.

Yet, when it is remembered, that the great events, which form the subject of the piece, originated within the view of this interesting eminence, the mind, by the natural association of ideas, will be easily led to contemplate every succeeding occurrence of the Revolution.—But enough of Names—the motives of my vanity, or the causes of my presumption, in attempting so great a subject, require a more particular apology.

To gratify a wish, expressed by one, whose injunctions it is my pleasure to regard, I was prevailed on to attempt a short sketch of the delightful views, displayed from this commanding summit: when meeting his observation, the judgment of the critic was lost in the partiality of the friend, and he earnestly solicited their enlargement by a general allusion to those great political events, which had their origin, and were essentially matured, in the vicinity of this celebrated spot. Having been himself, at an early period of life, actively engaged in those important scenes, he now became so

eloquent in description, and so rich in anecdote, that I could not with indifference listen to his request, nor fail to partake of his enthusiasm; and, by the assistance of the best historians of our country, was induced to enlist and enlarge, till I was terrified at my own temerity.

When the season recalled me to the busy world, my poem was relinquished, and the appropriate occupations of my sex and station prevented even a thought of its continuance; till restored to my beloved solitude, the same vigilant instructor again awakened my attention. In this manner several seasons glided away, till despair of being able any further to correct its errors, and anxiety to be freed from the misery of suspense, has impelled me, “with all its imperfections on its head,” and all my apprehensions on my heart, to risk its appearance at the tribunal of literary investigation; yet neither deprecating judgment, nor imploring mercy, but patiently waiting the award of impartial justice.

Impressed with the idea, that an author should be considered of no sex, and that the individual must be lost in the writer, I solicit unprejudiced criticism and invite candid censure; for in presuming to meet the public eye, I am sensible it is necessary to resign all personal considerations, and that neither my avocations nor my incapacity will be suffered to plead for me: but I have dared to hope, that my verses alone can receive the general disapprobation, as no party prejudice, no spirit of contention, has degraded the exalted theme: to those, whom the annals of their country have mentioned with honor, the Muse has given glory; yet has not the limits of the poem permitted the author to bestow on every individual all the applause, which his own great actions, on the ample page of history, will more gracefully perpetuate. In situations, where an equality of character was conspicuous, some brilliant event of superior fortune, not personal prepossession, has induced the alternative: nor will, it is anxiously hoped, offence be felt, where only honor was intended.

It has also been the intention of the author tenaciously to preserve a sacred regard for eventful facts, although in some instances she has ventured to transpose their period—and if it has appeared poetically essential to vary the chronology, in no instance, to her knowledge, has the integrity of history been violated.

The apprehensive feelings of the author did not permit her at present to offer more than the first book—what remain are perhaps not more meritorious, and if this fail to please, ruin is alike the portion of them all; but should those, whom I am proud to respect for their judgment, taste and talents, approve the venturous stranger, the succeeding numbers will instantly appear; in some of which the author has felt most pleasure in painting the interesting occurrences of individual memoirs; and the noble enthusiasm of the gallant Fayette , the heroic and impassioned adventures of Lady Harriot Aceland , the tragic fate of the unfortunate Miss McCrea , and the pathetic perils of the young and accomplished Asoil , &c. will occasionally diversify the scene, and awaken, at least in the female breast, sympathy and condolence. To the tender and feeling bosom of that benevolent sex, let me be permitted to offer one sentence ere I close.

I know, my fair friends, that with many, who do not write, application to literature in a female is imagined to imply a neglect of appropriate duties. As this idea has originated rather in misapprehension than malignity, it may not be improper to observe, that it is only amid the leisure and retirement, to which the sultry season is devoted, that I permit myself to hold converse with the Muses; nor does their enchantment ever allure me from one personal occupation, which my station renders obligatory; but those hours, which might otherwise be lost in dissipation, or sunk in languor, are alone resigned to the unoffending charms of Poetry and Science.