PREFACE. THE HE Editor of the following Volume has, in compliance with the wishes of the Publishers, endeavoured to present her readers with "Gems" selected from all our chief National Poets. In doing this, she has tried to avoid as much as, possible, without serious loss, the most hackneyed passages of our elder bards; and has asked and obtained permission from our living poets to add to her "Gems from the Past" "Gems from the Present." Of course there is a difference of value between these jewels of thought. The Koh-i-noor has few, if any, equals; but, though differing in value, the diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, topaz, or opal are all gems, and are all precious; and we thankfully accept them as they are presented to us. To the Poets and Publishers who have given her permission to choose from their "jewels," the Editor now offers her sincere thanks; and her apologies, if by any possible chance a poem has been taken without permission, or a poet omitted from want of his address. A PICTURE OF FAIR WOMEN. AND as I sat, the birdis herk'ning thus, At the last, out of a grove evin by, I se where there came, singing lustily, The surcotes white, of velvet wele sittinge, As of grete perlis rounde and orient, On ther hedis of branches freshe and grene |