Dedication: To the Rev. Henry Fulton, Castlereagh-House.
Dear Sir,
To you, beneath whose kind and fostering tuition I lived the rosy hours of childhood, and imbibed those qualities which were erewhile the early promptures of my muse, I respectfully inscribe these buddings of my fancy; considering that, in acting thus, I am but performing a small part of that grateful duty I owe you, as my former tutor, with which title your paternal behaviour always blended the joint idea of father and friend.
Believe; me, dear Sir,
with the hightest respect and veneration,
your obedient and grateful Servant,
Charles Tompson, Jun.
Clydesdale, March 1, 1826.
Epigraph:
SPES INCERRTA FUTURE - VIRG. ÆN. VIII. V. 580
HOPES AND FEARS IN EQUAL BALANCE LAID - DRYDEN.
'Mourns the passing of the Parramatta Aboriginal School founded by Macquarie.' (Webby)
