THE IRIS: A RELIGIOUS AND LITERARY OFFERING. EDITED BY THE REV. THOMAS DALE, M. A. LONDON: SAMPSON LOW, LAMB'S-CONDUIT STREET; AND THOMAS WARDLE, PHILADELPHIA. T IC LIBRARY 245390 ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS LONDON: Printed by S. Manning and Co., London-House Yard, St. Paul's. ENOX LIBRARY NEW YORK PREFACE. THAT a second volume of "THE IRIS" should be submitted to the Public, is a sufficient indication of the favourable reception which was experienced by the first. For the encouragement thus afforded to their undertaking at a per d of almost unprecedented embarrassment, the Proprietors are truly grateful;-and he present volume will, they confidently trust, prove that they are anxious to merit a continuance of the public approbation. Of the Editor's peculiar duties, one part alone is attended with other than pleasurable feelings. He has received so many valuable communications, of which he has been prevented from availing himself, some which have reached him too late for insertion, and others which are not sufficiently adapted to the peculiar nature of the work; -that he is precluded from expressing his gratitude, except by a general acknowledgment. He cannot, however, refrain from specifying several articles of superior interest, which were designed for insertion in this volume, and which the limits of the work compelled him most reluctantly to omit."The Ways of Pleasantness,” a Tale, by MRS. SHERWOOD; "The Christian Gladiator," by MISS AGNES STRICKLAND; a "Memorial of Edward Seymour," by the HARROVIAN; and the "Bride of Draumur Vatn," an Icelandic Tale, by the AUTHOR of the Bath of Isis.' Nor would he do justice to his feelings, did he omit the tender of his thanks to the Author of the Last of the Plantagenets,' for his beautiful "Scene of the Pestilence;" of the Author of “Judith," whose name, were he permitted to mention it, would stamp authority on the facts which constitute the foundation of the tale; to the Venerable Archdeacon Spencer; the |