THE ORIENTALIST, OR ELECTIONEERING IN IRELAND; A TALE, BY MYSELF. Hominem pagina nostra sapit.-Mart. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: PRINTED FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY, J. THOMSON & CO., EDINBURGH; WILLIAM GRIBBIN, DEDICATION. • Chi prospera, di rado conosce se stesso bene !' DEDICATIONS have again crept into fashion-I must write one for my book: to whom shall it be addressed ?-to MYSELF. DEAREST SELF! SINCE the invention of letters, it hath been pretty customary for authors of every class to dedicate their writings to-somebody. For the last half hour I have reviewed in memory all the Peers and Peeresses, Lords and Commoners, to whom I have the honour of being known, for the purpose of selecting one of the most exalted rank--conspicuous talent-eminent for learning, and of splendid fortune (wealth and generosity, -let me whisper you-being two indispensible qualifications in a dedicatee). But, upon due consideration, a compliment so distinguished, if paid to one individual, might reflect upon the remainder. I have therefore, to prevent jealousy, modestly chosen you as the person for whom in this world I have the highest regard, and to whom I am under the deepest obligation-albeit conscious that your pretensions to rank and talent are but slender; that, your learning, to my grief during my late labours I found shallow, and your wealth not incalculable-Yet, my dear Self! be |