"One ... calling himself ... Knight of the Golden Melice."

_Winthrop's History of New England._



Alles weiderholt sich nur im Leben;
Ewig jung ist nur die Fantasie:
Was sich nie und nirgends hat begeben,
Das allein veraltet nie!

Shiller.





TO H.L.A.

To whom but to yourself; my H., should I dedicate this Romance, which
may be said to be the fruit of our mutual studies? With what delight I
have watched the unfolding, like a beautiful flower, of your youthful
mind, while instead of indulging in frivolous pursuits, so common to