Page iv of the Preface to the 1883 James Nisbet & Co. "New Edition" Reprint

iv PREFACE.

cases, but a little indirect compliment to his grandmother a few generations back;- family pride, if you please, but not "want of patriotism."
For the title-" the head and front of her offending" -it has been misunderstood. The writer never meant to give a synopsis of "the world." But, if her thought can be translated, it will be found in Napoleon's
"Ah, Monde! Monde!"

"How few sentiments," says Elia, "we can set down, in the sailor's phrase, as quite seaworthy!" I hope my words may not be found defective. But, indeed, I may add from the same authority-
"The weary wast of waters between us oppresses the imagination. It is difficult to conceive how a scrawl of mine should ever stretch across it!"

NEW YORK, December 20, 1851