guage, which an author employs, exposes him to censure or ridicule, it too often tends to lessen the weight of his arguments; and the force of those principles which he endeavours to support. So if an author is believed to be weak, his productions will be seldom read; and his opinions, however correct, will not be listened to with that attention which they deserve. But aware of this, I have made a more particular apology for the defects of this book, than I should otherwise have offered, For it would be a cause of extreme regret, if these defects should have a tendency to lessen the influence of those important truths, which I fervently wish to disseminate.

The piece, which I offer to the public, is, I know, defective: it may want method, and a proper connexion and arrangement of sentiment it may want harmony, elegance and correctness: it may in some parts be too redundant; and in others too brief; yet, with all its imperfections upon it, I have thought it more advisable to publish it now, than to wait till time, health ❤nd leisure, would afford an opportunity to revise it. If I had delayed its publication for that purpose, I might perhaps have rendered it more accurate; and by that means have saved myself from some portion of that abuse, which the malignant will use, to gratify, themselves and effect their evil designs. But if the sentiments of this little work would be more useful, at the present time, in their dishabille, than they would be in a more elegant dress at a future period, it is most proper to publish

them now.

For many parts of this poem, which appear defective, I shall be excused by the judicious reader; he will perceive, that it would have been impossible to omit them without breaking that chain of reasoning, which it was necessary to preserve.

They who are acquainted with the difficulty of deducing an argument in verse, as well as they, who are displeased with this poem, will probably be surprised, that I should choose to communicate my sentiments in poetry instead of prose. But this surprise will cease when I inform them, that chance, and not a deliberate choice, was the cause of clothing my remarks in verse. I had no great confidence in my poetical talents; and, therefore it was not till after the commencement of the following poem that I formed the intention of publishing it, and this omission of a previous design was one cause and must now be a part of the apology for any defect of method which is observable in it. The detestation of tyrants excited by the history of their lives, first induced me, in the plenitude of my abhorrence, to express my sentiments in verse. And after my just indignation had overflowed, and in this manner had accidentally assumed the form of a small poem, I formed the design of enlarging the production for publication. And, believing that it may do some good, but cannot possibly do any injury, except to myself, I accordingly offer it to the public.

I regret the necessity of that acrimony which has been used in this work. It was not employed because I wished to offend any portion of my fellow men; but

merely for the purpose of promoting those principles which would be useful to all.

It would scarcely be necessary to give the reasons of this publication, to those who possess honesty and discernment. It must be evident to them, that it is published to assist in the support and intention of civil liberty and thereby to contribute to the happiness of mankind. This is the motive which has induced me to lay this production before the public: and this motive I hope will justify me, in claiming a small portion of their attention I know, indeed, that in the opinion of some, the motive only, with which a work is published, is not a sufficient justification. They require, not only that the motives should be pure, but the work useful. And it is very true, that no production ought to be published, unless it could, in some degree, contribute to the welfare of society. A writer perhaps may not always be able to foresee the effects of his labour; but he ought not to intrude on the public, without a reasonable expectation at least, that his work would have a useful tendency. Such an expectation I presume to entertain; and if this book shall make one convert to liberty, or be in the smallest degree useful in its defence, it will justify me in laying it before the public.

Is there an American who can'turn his eyes towards Europe, and behold the monarchs, tyrants, wars and devastations of the present day, and not rejoice when he hears the language of freemen, singing the praises of liberty? that liberty which is the source of all his happiness and his security from such monstrous evils? is

one who can behold that European scene of blood, slaughter and wretchedness; and yet censure me for contributing my little, in support of that inestimable democracy, which protects him from such incalculable misery? While one half of the world groans under the lash, and weight of monarchy; while war with accumulative horrors, drives the affrighted sons of Europe to and fro; while dangers both internal, and external, threaten to disturb the last peaceful refuge for the oppressed; while even the distant shores of Columbia, are shocked by the convulsions of European tyranny and corruption; he who endeavors to lessen human calamities, by sup porting the just rights of man, will not be criticized by any but the enemies of the human race.

The object of this poem, therefore, will protect it from the sneers of the wise and just for all just men will be careful not to depreciate, by censure or ridicule, the character of that work, which tends to promote the principles they love. And however great its defects, they would rather hide than expose them. But all men are neither wise nor just: and they who are not, will criticize this poem, and make it the object of their ridicule. But amidst all their contemptible jests, I shall have the satisfaction of knowing, that whatever is said against a book which has a good tendency, can come from none but the greatest scoundrels in society. And I shall be pleased to see villainy unmasked and stigmatized, by endeavouring to stigmatize me.

If I receive the approbation of the best of men, I shall not be much troubled by the scoffs aud reproaches of the worst: I have not written for fame, and therefore,

C

cannot be disappointed. And whatever may be the fate of my character, if my productions shall have the least tendency to support the liberty of my country, I shall never wish to recall them. In the secure enjoyments of liberty, I can disregard the slander of it's enemies: In the sun shine of the purest motives, I can laugh at their utmost abuse, and consoled ay the reflection, that I have aided in support of the blessing which I enjoy, I can defy that implacable and cruel animosity, which has always distinguished and disgraced the enemies of freedom.

POSTSCRIPT.

Thinking that my information was too limited, my health too much impaired, and my circumstances every way too unfavourable, to enable me to write such historical and explanatory notes on the following poem, as would be full and satisfactory; I had resolved to publish it without any explanation; and had actually placed it in the hands of a printer for that purpose; but a few days after, as the printer was not ready to commence the printing immediately, I took it out of his hands, and shewed it to a friend, who had not previously seen it. He appeared to approve of it generally; but thought that some explanatory notes would be useful; and that it ought not to be published without. With this opinion the gentleman who had engaged to print it, and some others seemed to concur: and, indeed, with respect to