PREFATORY LETTER. [To MRS. J. C. G. Piatt, of Utica SchOOL, N. Y.] MY DEAR JULIA,-We have both known, in the past, a certain delightsome country home; you—in earliest childhood, and I-in latest youth-time: and I think we both relish those reminders-perhaps a Kodak view, or an autumn gentian plucked by the road-side, or actual glimpse of its woods, or brook, on some summer's drive-which have brought back the old homestead, with its great stretch of undulating meadow— its elms-its shady lanes—its singing birds—its leisurely going big-eyed oxen—its long, tranquil days, when the large heart of June was pulsing in all the leaves and all the air: Well, even so, and by these light tracings of Lands and Kings, and little whiffs of metric music, I seek to bring back to you, and to your pupils and associates (who have so kindly received previous and kindred reminders) the rich memories of that great current of English letters setting steadily forward amongst these British lands, and these sovereigns, from Elizabeth to Anne. But slight as these glimpses are, and as this synopsis may be, they will together serve, I hope, to fasten attention where I wish to fasten it, and to quicken appetite for those fuller and larger studies of English Literature and History, which shall make even these sketchy outlines valued—as one values little flowerets plucked from old fields—for bringing again to mind the summers of youth-time, and a world of summer days, with their birds and abounding bloom. Affectionately yours, EDGEWOOD; MARCH, 1890. D. G. M. |
