ese poems were originally published in three volumes, issued in the
years 1872, 1874, and 1875. The following are a few selections from
the Press notices which appeared as they were issued.

FIRST SERIES.

"No one, after reading the first two poems--almost perfect in
rhythm and all the graceful reserve of true lyrical
strength--could doubt for an instant that this book is the result
of lengthened thought and assiduous training in poetic forms.
These poems will assuredly take high rank among the class to
which they belong."--_British Quarterly Review_, April, 1872.

"If this volume is the mere prelude of a mind growing in power,
we have in it the promise of a fine poet.... In 'The Wandering
Soul,' the verse describing Socrates has that highest note of
critical poetry, that in it epigram becomes vivid with life, and
life reveals its inherent paradox. It would be difficult to
describe the famous irony of Socrates in more poetical and more
accurate words than by saying that he doubted men's doubts
away."--_Spectator_, February 17th, 1872.

"In all this poetry there is a purity and delicacy of feeling
which comes over one like morning air."--_Graphic_, March 16th,
1872.

SECOND SERIES.

"In earnestness, sweetness, and the gift of depicting nature, the
writer may be pronounced a worthy disciple of his compatriot,
Henry Vaughan, the Silurist. Several of the shorter poems are
instinct with a noble purpose and a high ideal of life. One
perfect picture, marginally annotated, so to speak, in the
speculations which it calls forth, is 'The Organ-Boy.' But the
most noteworthy poem is the 'Ode on a Fair Spring Morning,' which
has somewhat of the charm and truth to nature of 'L'Allegro' and
'Il Penseroso.' It is the nearest approach to a master-piece in
the volume."--_Saturday Review_, May 30th, 1874.

"This volume is a real advance on its predecessor of the same
name, and contains at least one poem of great originality, as
well as many of much tenderness, sweetness, and beauty. 'The
Organ-Boy' we have read again and again, with fresh pleasure on
every reading. It is as exquisite a little poem as we have read
for many a day."--_Spectator_, June 13th, 1874.

"The reception of the New Writer's first series shows that, in
his degree, he is one of the poetical forces of the time. Of the