Cornelius O'Dowd Upon Men And Women And Other Things In General. Charles James Lever

TO JOHN ANSTER, ESQ., LL.D.

       Table of Contents

My dear Anster,

       Table of Contents

      If you knew how often I have thought of you as I was writing this book—if you knew how there rose before my mind memories of long ago—of those glorious evenings with all those fine spirits, to think of whom is a triumph even with all its sadness—and if you knew how I long to meet once more the few soldiers who survive of that “old guard,”—you would see how naturally I dedicate my volume to him who was the best of us. Accept it, I beg you, as a token of recollection and regard from your affectionate friend,

      CORNELIUS O’DOWD.

      Lago Maggiore, July 20,1864.

NOTICE.

       Table of Contents

AMIABLE AND ACCOMPLISHED READER,

       Table of Contents

      As I have very little to say for myself that is not said in some of my opening pages, there is no need that I should delay you on the threshold.

      You will learn, if you take the trouble, by what course of events I came to my present pursuit, converting myself into what a candid, but not complimentary, friend has called “a diverting Vagabond.”

      The fact was, I gave the world every reasonable opportunity of knowing that they had a remarkable man amongst them, but, with a stupidity all their own, they wouldn’t see it; so that when the solicitor who once gave me a brief died—I believe it was a softening of the brain—I burned my wig and retired from the profession.

      Now, let people say what they may, it is by no means easy to invent a new line of life; and even if you should, there are scores of people ready to start up and seize on your discovery; and as I write these lines I am by no