Editor's Preface
In presenting the following pages in an English dress, I feel it necessary, in my capacity as editor, to excuse the many shortcomings to be found in its context, on the following grounds:
The author of this work, although a perfect master of the English language in conversation, fails to render his glowing thoughts in writing with equal perspicuity.
In preparing these writings for the press, I found many Latin quotations and numerous foot-notes encumbering the text, and to render the first into English, by the aid of a better scholar than myself, and embody the second into the sense of the page, obliged me in many instances to sacrifice the construction of the sentences I interpolated. In much of the idiomatic phraseology which appears in this work also, I could have wished to effect changes, but the pressure on my own professional duties leaving me but little time for literary occupation, and the haste enjoined upon me by the author, who desired to complete the work with as little delay as possible, induced me to trust that the sublimity of the sentiments, the grandeur of intention, and the high-toned philosophy which pervades this noble work, will make ample amends for errors in orthography, or foreign modes of expression.
Trusting also, that the warmly cherished friends who have so generously and confidingly stood by me during the preparation of this work will derive as much pleasure from its perusal as the self-appointed critics, who have never read it, seem to have derived from attacking its unknown contents and well-known editor, I chose by commending it heartily to that brave five hundred who dare advance without fear or favor to the investigation of Art Magic.
New York. EMMA HARDINGE BRITTEN.