Epistles, Odes: And Other Poems (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Epistles, Odes: And Other Poems

The rude familiarity of the lower orders, and indeed the unpolished state of society in general, would neither surprise nor disgust if they seemed to flow from that simplicity of character, that honest ignorance of the gloss of refinement, which may be looked for in a new and unexperienced people. But, when we find them arrived at maturity in most of the vices, and all the pride, of civilization, while they are still so remote from its elegant characteristics, it is impossible not to feel that this youthful decay, this crude anticipation of the natural period of corruption, represses every sanguinehope of the future energy and greatness of America.

I am conscious that, in venturing these few remarks, I have said just enough to offend, and by no means sufficient to convince; for the limits of a preface will not allow me to enter into a justification of my Opinions, and 1 am committed on the subject as effectually, as if 1 had written volumes in their defence. My reader, however, is apprized of the very cursory observation upon which these opin ions are founded, and can easily decide for himself upon the degree of attention or con fidence which they merit.

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