Verse may picture the feelings of the author, or it may only picture
his fancy. To assume the former position, is not always safe; and in
two memorable instances a series of sonnets has been used to
construct a _baseless fabric_ of biography.

In the accompanying sonnet, there is no such uncertainty. It was
communicated to me by John Adamson, Esq., M.R.S.L., &c., honourably
known by a translation of the tragedy of _Dona Ignez de Castro_,
from the Portuguese of Nicola Luiz, and by a _Memoir of the life and
writings of Camoens_, &c. It was not intended for publication, but
now appears, at my request.

Mr. Adamson, it should be stated, is a corresponding member of the
Royal Academy of Sciences of Lisbon, and has received diplomas of
the orders of Christ and the Tower-and-Sword. The _coming storm_
alludes to the menace of invasion by France.


"SONNET.

"O Portugal! whene'er I see thy name
What proud emotions rise within my breast!
To _thee_ I owe--from _thee_ derive that fame
Which here may linger when I lie at rest.
When as a youth I landed on thy shore,
How little did I think I e'er could be
Worthy the honours thou has giv'n to me;
And when the coming storm I did deplore,
Drove me far from thee by its hostile threat--