THE LITERARY SOUVENIR; OR, CABINET OF POETRY AND ROMANCE. EDITED BY ALARIC A. WATTS. I have Song of War for knight; Goblin grim the maids to scare. Sir Walter Scott. LONDON: PRINTED FOR HURST, ROBINSON AND CO. 90, CHEAPSIDE, AND 8, PALL-MALL. AND A. CONSTABLE AND CO. EDINBURGH. 1825. #Y13 <3 PREFACE. UPWARDS of five years ago, it was suggested to me by a literary friend, that a volume, of annual recurrence, composed for the most part of light and popular literature, and embellished with Engravings of a higher order than are usually to be met with in periodical works, would be likely to prove extremely acceptable to the Public. I was so well pleased with the idea, that, having decided upon my plan, I even went so far as to solicit the aid of several distinguished writers. Some circumstances, however, occurred which prevented me from carrying my views into effect; and it was not until after the appearance 89666 State University of lowa of a publication in direct and acknowledged imitation of the German Literary Almanacks, in this country, that I determined to persevere in my original intention. On consulting with my Booksellers, I found that they had an annual volume, entitled THE GRACES,' at that time in progress; and it was only a few months ago that they intimated their desire, that I should co-operate with them in the present undertaking. details are of no great importance to the reader, as the mere merit of having suggested the publication of works of this description belongs exclusively to our continental neighbours; and they borrow so many useful hints from English literature, that we have an undoubted right to make reprisals whenever we meet with any suggestions of theirs at all worthy of our adoption. These It would savour not a little of ostentation were I to enumerate, in this place, the many contribu |