Maitre Cornelius

To Monsieur le Comte Georges Mniszech: 

Some envious being may think on seeing this page illustrated by one of the most illustrious of Sarmatian names, that I am striving, as the goldsmiths do, to enhance a modern work with an ancient jewel,—­a fancy of the fashions of the day,—­but you and a few others, dear count, will know that I am only seeking to pay my debt to Talent, Memory, and Friendship.