PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. THE Author of this Work begs gratefully to express his conviction that no small share of any success which it may have met with, is attributable to the circumstance of its having had the advantage of an introduction to the public through the medium of Blackwood's Magazine-a distinguished periodical, to which he feels it an honor to have been, for a time, a contributor. One word, only, he ventures to offer, with reference to the general character and tendency of "TEN THOUSAND A-YEAR." He has occasionally observed it spoken of as "an amusing and laughable" story; but he cannot help thinking that no one will so characterize it, who may take the trouble of reading it throughout, and be capable of comprehending its scope and object. Whatever may be its defects of execution, it has been written in a grave and earnest spirit; with no attempt whatever to render it acceptable to mere novelreaders; but with a steadfast view to that development and illustration, whether humorously or otherwise, of principles, of character, and of conduct, which the author had proposed to himself X PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. from the first, in the hope that he might secure the approbation of persons of sober, independent, and experienced judgment. Literature is not the author's profession. Having been led, by special circumstances only, to commence writing this work, he found it impossible to go on, without sacrificing to it a large portion of the time usually allotted to repose, at some little cost both of health and spirits. This was, however, indispensable, in order to prevent its interference with his professional avocations. It has been written, also, under certain other considerable disadvantages - which may account for several imperfections in it during its original appearance. The periodical interval of leisure which his profession allows him, has enabled the author, however, to give that revision to the whole, which may render it worthier of the public favor. He is greatly gratified by the reception which it has already met with, both at home and abroad; and in taking a final and a reluctant leave of the public, ventures to express a hope, that this work may prove to be an addition, however small and humble, to the stock of healthy English literature. LONDON, October 1841. For the beautiful verses entitled " PEACE," (at page 266, Vol. I.) the author is indebted to a friend (W. S.) CONTENTS TO VOL. I. I. While Mr. Tittlebat Titmouse adorns his outer man, the reader gets a glimpse of his inner man, such as it is. A sincere friend; a wonderful advertise- ment; an important epistle. —A snake approaches II. Quirk, Gammon, and Snap, and Mr. Titmouse; who astonishes them with a taste of his quality. - Hucka- back chooses to call upon Quirk, Gammon, and Snap, to stir them up; and what it led to. III. Great lawyers come on the scene; a glimpse of day- light; a very moving letter. - Titmouse and Hucka- back think it right to go to church; and the former receives a lesson on landlord-and-tenant law, from IV. A vision of beauty unseen by Mr. Titmouse; who is in the midnight of despair and writes a letter which startles Mr. Quirk. — How Gammon used to wind fined inmates, who all pay their duty to Titmouse; VI. Damascus Cream; Tetaragmenon Abracadabra; Tit- mouse's levee at Closet Court; Mr. Tag-rag's enter- tainment to him at Satin Lodge; and its disgusting VII. The reader is now introduced to quite a different set of people, in Grosvenor Street, and falls in love with Kate Aubrey. - Christmas in the country; Yatton ; Madam Aubrey; the Reverend Dr. Tatham; and VIII. Two strange creatures are seen at Yatton by Mr. Aubrey and his sister; and a hand-grenade is thrown, unseen, at the feet of the latter. — Country IX. The explosion of the hand-grenade; shattered hopes and happiness. — A winter evening's gossip at the X. Gammon versus Tag-rag; and Snap cum Titmouse, introducing him to life in London — of one sort. The feast of reason and the flow of soul at Alibi House; Mr. Quirk's banquet to Titmouse, who is overcome by it. Titmouse seems to hesitate be- tween Miss Quirk and Kate Aubrey . XI. Suffering; dignity; tenderness; resignation XII. How the great flaw was discovered in Mr. Aubrey's title; but a terrible hitch occurs in the proceedings XIII. Madam Aubrey's death and burial; Gammon smitten |