University of Virginia Library

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Preface

PERSONS AND PICTURES
FROM THE
HISTORIES OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND.

The papers of which this volume consists, most of which have
appeared at different periods during the last twelve years, in various
well known periodicals, were composed with the idea of showing the
progress and advance of manners, characters, and principles, as influenced
by the progress of time and the course of events, during the
most stirring and interesting epochs of the French and English Histories—from
the Conquest to the fall of the Stuarts—from the introduction
of the Feudal System to the establishment of a constitutional
Government.

The persons introduced, are invariably true Historic personages,
delineated with a pen as candid and as free from prejudice as the
author knows how to wield.

The Pictures and Scenes, if in some instances fictitious, are drawn,
it is believed, with perfect fidelity to the costume of the day, the
spirit of the times, and the character of the persons brought upon
the stage as actors.

The whole, it is hoped, will be found to exhibit a series of lively
and dramatic views of some of the most celebrated individuals, some
of the most remarkable instances of vice and virtue, heroism and
fortitude, and some of the most picturesque events, which occur in
the history of six eventful centuries.

In any case, no word will be found in them inconsistent with
either the letter or the spirit of History—none, assuredly, overstepping
the modesty of nature.

HENRY WILLIAM HERBERT.

The Cedars, March 24th, 1854.

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