The Author's Apology
MY DEAR:
"When at the first I took my pen in hand
Thus for to write, I did not understand
That I at all should make a little book
In such a mode; nay, I had undertook
To make another, which, when almost done,
Before I was aware I this begun.
... But yet I did not think
To show to all the world my pen and ink
In such a mode; I only thought to make—
I knew not what: nor did I undertake
Thereby to please my neighbor; no, not I,
I did it mine own self to gratify."
* * * * * * * *
And thus it was, one bright September day,
Full suddenly I finished "By The Way."