Charles O'Malley; the Irish Dragoon (Rackham, 1897)

My dear Lord,

The imperfect attempt to picture forth some scenes of the most brilliant period of my country’s history might naturally suggest their dedication to the son of him who gave that era glory. I feel, however, in the weakness of the effort, the presumption of such a thought, and would simply ask of you to accept these volumes as a souvenir of many delightful hours passed long since your society, and a testimony of the deep pride with which I regard the honour of your friendship. Believe me, my dear Lord,
With every respect and esteem,
Yours most sincerely,
THE AUTHOR.
Bruxelles, November 1841.

Kind Public,—Having so lately taken my leave of the stage, in a farewell benefit, it is hut fitting that I should explain the circumstances which once more bring me before you—that I may not appear intrusive where I have met with but too much indulgence.

A blushing debutant—entre nous, the most impudent Irishman that ever swaggered down Sackville Street—has requested me to present him to your acquaintanee. He hes every ambition to be a favourite with you; but says—God forgive him—he is too bashful for the foot-lights.

He has remarked—as, doubtless, many others have done—upon what very slight grounds, and with what slender pretension, my Confessions have met with favour at the hands of the Press and the public; and the idea has occurred to him to invite his own. Had his determination ended here I should have nothing to object to; but, unfortunately, he expects me to become his Editor, and in some sort responsible for the faults of his production. I have wasted much eloquence and more breath in assuring him that I was no tried favourite of the public, who dared to take liberties with them—that the small rag of reputation I enjoyed was a very scanty covering for my own nakedness; that the plank which swam with one would most inevitably sink with two; and, lastly, that the indulgence so often bestowed upon a first effort is as frequently converted into censure on the older offender. My arguments have, however, totally failed, and he remains obdurate and unmoved. Under these circumstances I have yielded; and as, happily for me, the short and pithy direction to the river Thames, in the Critic, “to keep between its banks,” has been imitated by my friend, I find all that is required of me is to write my name upon the title—and go in peace. Such, he informs me, is modern Editorship.

In conclusion, I would beg that if the debt he now incurs at your hands remain unpaid, you would kindly hear in mind that your remedy lies against the drawer of the bill, and not against its mere humble indorser.

Brussels, March 1840.