Ismael

18 June 1815

Battle of Waterloo

For the Battle of Waterloo, much ought to be said in apology, when so
many far, far more adequate to the task, than myself, have written upon
it; and when so many have failed in the attempt, it seems to argue
vanity in the design; but such, I may assert, was far from my mind, at
the time of its composition. It was begun in a moment of enthusiasm--it
was continued from a deep interest in the undertaking--and it was
completed from a dislike, I have always entertained, to leave any thing
unfinished. But I was myself very unwilling to commit it to the press,
and only did so at the express and flattering desire of some intimate
friends, who were, perhaps, too partial to perceive its defects.

To the generosity of the more lenient of the public, do I now confide
this first attempt for their favour; and, as they scan over the faults
with the eye of Criticism, may the hand of Mercy restrain them from
dragging those faults to light.

PART II.

THE

BATTLE OF WATERLOO;

A POEM,

PART II.

THE

BATTLE OF WATERLOO.

CANTO I.

PART II.

THE

BATTLE OF WATERLOO;

A POEM,