Penny Dreadfuls, 1812 · page 169 of 258
Psyche, and other poems — page 169: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis This is a presentation page containing a dedicatory poem written in April 1809. The text indicates this verse was inscribed in a copy of the work "Psyche," which had belonged to C. J. Fox's library. The poem praises an unnamed patriot figure, celebrating his intellectual strength, moral character, and gracious temperament. It emphasizes his commitment to "Truth, sense, and liberty" and his appreciation for constructive criticism. This appears to be a tribute page rather than penny dreadful content—the formal verse and classical reference suggest a more literary, respectable publication context.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
WRITTEN IN A COPY OF PSYCHE WHICH HAD BEEN IN THE LIBRARY OF GC. J. FOX: “ mes April, 1809. ° I Dear-consecrated page! methinks in thee The patriot’s eye hath left eternal light, Beaming o’er every line with influence bright A grace unknown before, nor due to me: And still delighted fancy loves to see The flattering smile which prompt indulgence might (Even while he read what lowliest Muse could write) Have hung upon that lip, whose melody Truth, sense, and liberty had called their own. : For strength of mind and energy of thought, , With all the loveliest weakness of the heart, And union beautiful in him had shewn ; ‘And yet where’er the eye of taste found aught To praise, he loved the crific’s gentlest part, \ Connicloooks.comn