POSTSCRIPT IN SECOND EDITION OF 1839.
Percy Bysshe Shelley
In revising this new edition, and carefully consulting Shelley’s
scattered and confused papers, I found a few fragments which had
hitherto escaped me, and was enabled to complete a few poems hitherto
left unfinished. What at one time escapes the searching eye, dimmed by
its own earnestness, becomes clear at a future period. By the aid of a
friend, I also present some poems complete and correct which hitherto
have been defaced by various mistakes and omissions. It was suggested
that the poem “To the Queen of my Heart” was falsely attributed to
Shelley. I certainly find no trace of it among his papers; and, as
those of his intimate friends whom I have consulted never heard of it,
I omit it.
Two poems are added of some length, “Swellfoot the Tyrant” and “Peter
Bell the Third”. I have mentioned the circumstances under which they
were written in the notes; and need only add that they are conceived
in a very different spirit from Shelley’s usual compositions. They are
specimens of the burlesque and fanciful; but, although they adopt a
familiar style and homely imagery, there shine through the radiance of
the poet’s imagination the earnest views and opinions of the
politician and the moralist.
At my request the publisher has restored the omitted passages of
“Queen Mab”. I now present this edition as a complete collection of my
husband’s poetical works, and I do not foresee that I can hereafter
add to or take away a word or line.
Putney, November 6, 1839.