Select Poems of Alfred Tennyson

Excerpt from Select Poems of Alfred Tennyson

This volume of selections from the poetry of Tennyson has been compiled first for the delectation of all true lovers of noble verse, by a Tennysonian who can scarcely be brought to admit that the King can do wrong. The spectacle of little critics pertly taking the great masters to task for minor faults is not edifying: therefore the present commentator aims merely at being the interpreter of the poet, not his school-master, or literary adviser. In choosing poems for such a volume as this, the editor can be guided by the taste of the judicious few and by the hearty approval of the multitude of readers. He need include nothing of doubtful value, nothing of unacknowledged excellence. I hope I have done so.

The purpose of the introduction is fourfold, to emphasize the exotic character of Tennyson's verse, to set forth his artistic methods, to define the specially new note in his work, and to sketch his relation to his own age. The commentary makes no pretense at completeness it is personal; it would be interpretive and suggestive. It implies access to ordinary works of reference; and it is written for Tennysonians only.

Tennyson's extraordinary practice of self-criticism is fully illustrated only in the Ode on the Death of the Duke of Wellington. For this Professor Van Dyke courteously granted me permission to use the results of his scholarly edition. I am glad of this opportunity to thank him for his kindness.

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