TO MY FATHER,
THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED
BY HIS SON,

THE AUTHOR.






PREFATORY LETTER TO THE PUBLIC.


DEAR PUBLIC:

These Poems were written with pleasure; if they be read with pleasure, I
shall be requited amply. How often the Guardian Angel of the Father of
Virginia in surpassing loveliness rose before my imagining eyes! Like
the spirit of a dream, she glided through the foliage, verdant and
shadowy. Enchanted myself, the desire to enchant others seized me. The
"Poet's Enchanted Life" is a gallery of poetic pictures of nature. Most
of the minor and miscellaneous pieces, breathe the spirit of virtuous
affection. If critics censure me unjustly or intemperately, I will fight
them--but I hope to find them, as well as you, dear Public, very kind
friends of a loving Author.

J.A. BARTLEY.