departed are always flattered by the praise of the living; this is
a state of beatitude I wish to reserve myself for the other world.

FRIEND. But are you sure that the praise you love so, will come to
the right address? Are you sure of the exactness of your heirs?

AUTHOR. I have no reason to think they will neglect a duty, in
consideration of which I have excused them the neglect of so many
others.

FRIEND. Will they--can they have for your book the paternal love,
the author's attention without which every work always comes
awkwardly before the public?

AUTHOR. My manuscript will be corrected, written out distinctly,
and in all respects prepared; they will only have to print it.

FRIEND. And the chapter of events? Alas! such circumstances have
caused the loss of many precious books,--among which was that of
the famous Lecat, on the state of the body during sleep, the work
of his whole life.

AUTHOR. This doubtless was a great loss; but I anticipate no such
regrets for my book.

FRIEND. Believe me, your friends will have enough to do-to arrange
matters with the church, with the law, and with the medical
faculty, so that if they had the will, they would not have the
time to devote them-selves to the various cares which precede,
accompany, and follow the publication of a book,--however small