Phil 5374.2 The Publishers, Copyright, 1882, BY JOHN WILSON AND SON; BY TICKNOR AND COMPANY. All rights reserved. University Press: JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE. 95 ༢༤ PREFACE. A SECOND edition of this monograph has been suggested by the fact that in the distribution of the first or private edition some valued personal friends were neglected, and a demand for copies, impossible for the printer to supply, was also made by many who had no desire to be served gratuitously. It has also been asserted, by those competent to know, that the field which has afforded the author occasional recreation and some relief from more serious labor, has heretofore found no gleaner. The literary plants exhibited are rather tropical, and unlikely to be sought by anybody for propagation; but they may have some interest for those who are curious to observe how widely such growths have flourished even under adverse conditions. Occasional leisure moments have served, even without extraordinary research, to bring forth considerable additions, both of names and material, further demonstrating the "Self-consciousness of Noted Persons." The bundle of traits somewhat marking human nature, here gathered together, was originally privately printed and distributed, possibly for the reason that when we have found a story pointedly illustrating any historic or notable character, it often seems worth relating; and we are loath to bury forever even a twice-told tale, but rather venture to give it out where it may offer, to our friends at least, that transient amusement we have already tasted. It may be true that in the exposures here occasionally made of the illustrious dead, something of the reproach will have been incurred which Hamlet cast upon the jolly grave-digger: "Has this fellow no feeling of his business? he sings at grave-making!" It will be seen, however, that no graves have been made, nor aught set down in malice; but may we not smile when only self-made records are upturned and merely brought to light? The most fastidious among the greatest names here recorded, if they could speak, would blush, and admit that they have only been placed in a "goodlie companie" of some of the world's noted celebrities. |