Doubtless you have read, in the work of a quaint old commentator
whose name has been quietly obscuring itself in the rust
of nearly three centuries, these words—“It hath beene the custome
of many men to make their introductions to their bookes, like to
some Grecian Cities gates; so ample, that (as the Prouerbe ranne),
their Citie was ready to steale thorow the same.” You and I
who appreciate wisdom—especially if it be a little mouldy, at once
recognized the value of the hint conveyed by that piece of antiquated
orthography. Therefore, to you, the brevity of this preface will, I
trust, commend the book quite as much as though I had taken the
matter in hand through the length and breadth of a score of pages.
As there is nothing in it worth a smooth-faced prologue, nothing
that would be the better for an apology, and nothing worth reviewing
seriously, may I beg leave to present it without any introduction,
except the very excellent designs of Mr. Darley?
Chestnut Cottage, March 1st, 1856.
