In a prefatory note to this volume, the brothers (writing as executors) confess these misgivings.

They were startled on reading the new poems in print at the manifest need of revision and correction before they could be given to the world.

They delicately hint that the meaning is often obscure, and the "images left imperfect." This criticism is absolutely just, but unfortunately some less well-judging persons though "of the highest eminence in literature" had advised the contrary.

So "second thoughts prevailed," instead of those "third thoughts which are a riper first," and the Tales, or a selection from them, were printed.

They have certainly not added to Crabbe's reputation.