  Good sir, or madam, whosoever thou mayest be, to whom this volume shall come, cast it not aside, but read it. Its quaint, curious, and helpful selections have been gathered through many years of careful research on both sides of the Atlantic. They will make thee wiser and better, and will conduce to the growth of thy mind, and the health of thy body. Let this book be to thee a magazine of literary food, of which thou shalt partake, and which thou shalt assimilate and digest to the constant increase of thy well being. The gathering of this bouquet of literary gems has been a work of pleasure, but the compiler shall say nothing of himself for, "the least that one can say of himself is still too much." DEDICATED AFFECTIONATELY TO MY CHILDREN JOHN PURVER AND ANNIE SUE, AND "To mine own People: meaning those within The magic ring of home—my kith and kin; And those with whom my soul delights to dwell— Who walk with me as friends, and wish me well; And lastly, those—a large unnumbered band, Unknown to me—who read and understand." |
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