Poems

To my many friends who have been so lenient in their criticisms of my former work, and to the several editors and literary men who have given me so much encouragement, I wish to return my sincere thanks.

All the request I have to make, is, that I hope my efforts this time will receive no more condemnation than my other.

I take pleasure in launching my little volume upon the wide sea of literature. The author is fourteen years of age, but many of the poems were written at a much earlier age.

Yours, most respectfully,

THOMAS HALL SHASTID.