THE

POETS' ENCHIRIDION

A HITHERTO UNPUBLISHED POEM

WITH AN INEDITED

ADDRESS TO UVEDALE PRICE

ON HIS EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY

AN EARLY

INVOCATION TO SLEEP

AND A PRELIMINARY DRAFT OF
THE RENOWNED POEM

CATARINA TO CAMOENS

BY

ELIZABETH BARRETT BARRETT (AFTERWARDS MRS. BROWNING)

PRINTED EXCLUSIVELY FOR MEMBERS OF

THE BIBLIOPHILE SOCIETY

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

MCMXIV

NOTE

THESE characteristic and remarkably interesting poems are presented in this manner to afford the members of The Bibliophile Society a foretaste of the unusual literary treat that awaits them in the two larger volumes of unpublished Browning MSS. now in course of preparation.

The distinguished English editor, who will have full editorial charge of the work, writes:

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"The Poets' Enchiridion' is the author's own title. The Uvedale Price Address is connected with the genesis of the 'Enchiridion.' The sweet little 'Invocation' was written in or before her early teens; and the 'Catarina to Camoens' is a lovely sketch of the poet's mature period. When these pieces are absorbed into the larger work (volume II) there will be some very interesting things to tell about them.

"As to the poet's 'Autobiography,' I hope you will be able to possess your soul in patience just a little longer."

Meantime it will suffice to state that the MSS. were obtained when the executors of the poet's

son decided to disperse them publicly. They are samples of a large number of about one hundred and fifty unpublished pieces — purchased by Mr. Henry H. Harper, and placed at the disposal of the Society to print for the members. It is one of the most important literary "finds" of modern times.