offered by me to the Public, has been received, I feel highly flattering, as a proof, my opinion of the work was not erroneous, when I thought it worthy being submitted to their perusal.
When the last Edition was nearly exhausted, I intimated to Mr. Stanley, (whom now I am allowed to name as the Translator of the poem) my intention to re-publish it on a larger sized paper, accompanied by some new Engravings; he, in consequence, was pleased to send me, after an interval of some days, a copy of his Translation, much altered, and much enlarged, together with a letter, which, having his permission, as it states his reasons for deviating from the story originally related by Bürger, I shall here insert.
"Dear Sir, I have sent you, according to my promise, a corrected copy of the translation of Bürger's Leonora. Translation, indeed, I ought scarcely now to call it; for I have so altered and added to the original, that the story in its English dress, has acquired a character altogether new and peculiarly its own.
Since your first publication of the poem, I have often doubted whether it was not calculated (as far as its effects could extend) to injure the cause of Religion and Morality, by exhibiting a representation of supernatural interference, inconsistent with our ideas of a just and benevolent Deity.
Such reflections have tempted me to make the alterations I have alluded to. I am, however, doubtful whether they will be approved by the public. Those who think the merit of the Poem consists in its power of exciting terror, and who love to retain the impressions of such sentiments when once excited, will probably condemn every deviation from the original, as prejudicial to its interests; but, on the other hand, many may prefer it, as it will appear in your new Edition, who think that the first object of all writing, particularly of all poetry, as bearing the character of more studied composition, should be to teach man clear ideas of justice and injustice, vice and virtue. They will be pleased to find the Almighty no longer held out to their contemplation as an irritable and vindictive ruler, ever watchful for offence, and prepared to punish; but instead, as a friend and affectionate parent, having but one interest with his creatures, happy in their happiness, and associated to their nature In the captivating forms of sympathy and love.
I am, dear Sir, truly your's, I. T. S.
Bolton Row, April 15, 1796."
The Public will judge between the merits of the first, and this new publication of Leonora, and it remains with me only to express my hopes that no purchaser of the former edition will be displeased at the appearance of another so much altered, and to inform such as may be desirous of exchanging the one for the other, that I shall, at all times, be ready to obey their orders.
Old Bond Street.
