Songs Of Lymington Vol 2 by Henry Doman (1820 to 1885).

Book  Introduction: A year or two ago into the world an unpretentious book of song I sent, Much fearing such bold emprise to repent. Some look'd upon't with mighty scorn, and curled disdainful lips, loud wondering what was meant by such presumption.

Some, to mercy bent, suspended judgment, read, and gave it place with nobler volumes.
 

Preface: Whether the following poem will give its author any claim to be considered a child of nature, and to have produced a poem in harmony with truth, beauty and utility, the reader must judge. Both the poet and his poem, therefore, should be children of nature, not of art.

As there are many proofs that Southampton was a place of importance in the earliest times of the Saxons, it must have been a considerable British town before the Romans left this Island, and was perhaps a British town before they attempted its conquest.

From "The Saturday Review": It is many years since we have read a new poem so instinct with the immutable attributes of poetry, so free from current cant and trick, and animated by an inspiration so warm and native and unfailing. The drama, though classic in subject, is modem in form, and almost denuded of lyrical ornament.

There is no chorus and there are no experiments in Greek metres. Still more characteristic is the interpolation of certain humorous scenes conceived in the wanton spirit of the Elizabethan drama ; and, underlying all, runs an eccentric vein of fateful irony, which affords the most individual expression of the author's genius.