Charles OMalley, vol 1

Charles O'Malley, Vol. 1, by
Charles Lever

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Title: Charles O'Malley, Vol. 1
Author: Charles Lever

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CHARLES O'MALLEY
The Irish Dragoon
BY CHARLES LEVER.
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY PHIZ.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. I.
[Illustration: THE SUNK FENCE]
TO THE
MOST NOBLE THE MARQUESS OF DOURO, M.P., D.C.L., ETC.,
ETC.
* * * * *
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 its 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 in your society, and a testimony of
the deep pride with which I regard the honor of your friendship.
Believe me, my dear Lord, with every respect and esteem,
Yours, most sincerely,
THE AUTHOR.
BRUSSELS, November, 1841.

A WORD OF EXPLANATION.
* * * * *
KIND PUBLIC,--
Having so lately taken my leave of the stage, in a farewell benefit, it is
but 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 acquaintance. He has every ambition to be a favorite 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 favor at the hands of the press and the public; and the
idea has occurred to him to indite 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 favorite of the public, who dared 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 bear in mind that your remedy lies
against the drawer of the bill and not against its mere humble indorser,
HARRY LORREQUER
BRUSSELS, March, 1840.

PREFACE
The success of Harry Lorrequer was the reason for writing Charles
O'Malley. That I myself was in no wise prepared for the favor the
public bestowed on, my first attempt is easily enough understood. The
ease with which I strung my stories together,--and in reality the
Confessions of Harry Lorrequer are little other than