[Gutenberg 27221] • The Minstrel; or the Progress of Genius / with some other poems

Excerpt from *The Minstrel: or The Progress of Genius, in two books, with Some Other Poems* :

The design was to trace the progress of a poetical genius, born in a rude age, from the first dawning of fancy and reason, till that period at which he may be supposed capable of appearing in the world as a minstrel, that is, as an itinerant poet and musician; a character which, according to the notions of our forefathers, was not only respectable, but sacred.

I have endeavoured to imitate spenser in the measure of his verse, and in the harmony, simplicity, and variety, of his composition. Antique expressions I have avoided; admitting, however, some old words, where they seemed to suit the subject: but I hope none will be found that are now obsolete, or in any degree not intelligible to a reader of English poetry.

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