PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION OF LYRICAL BALLADS

In the preface to Lyrical Ballads, William Wordsworth explains his theory of poetry. He argues that literary tricks and devices such as personification make it difficult for writers and readers to speak simply and directly about their feelings. He hopes to combat this with his work.
The first Volume of these Poems has already been submitted to general perusal. It was published, as an experiment, which, I hoped, might be of some use to ascertain, how far, by fitting to metrical arrangement a selection of the real language of men in a state of vivid sensation, that sort of pleasure and that quantity of pleasure may be imparted, which a Poet may rationally effort to impart. 



 Low and rustic life was generally chosen, because in that condition, the essential passions of the heart find a better soil in which they can attain their maturity.

To get it on DOCx format, please check the following link;  Lyrical Ballads text format