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MASSENBURG.

A TALE.

IN THREE VOLUMES

Is not the life of woman all bound up
In her affections? What hath she to do
In this bleak world alone? It may be well
For man on his triumphal course to move,
Uncumber'd by soft bonds; but we were born
For love and grief.

HEMANS.

VOLUME I.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR T. CADELL, STRAND;

AND W. BLACKWOOD, EDINBURGH.

M DCCC XXV.

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PREFACE.

Ar a period of time when works of imagination of superior character, evincing great literary talents, have been produced, it may appear an act of presumption for an unknown young female to come forward with a first essay, in the midst of such high competition for publick favour.

The Publick however is, although a strict, a merciful judge, where the motive is pure, and the intention honourable; in this hope the present work is published, with an anxious feeling that it may be favourably received.

Although the Tale may not abound with romantic incidents, yet it is believed it will be found to be a just picture of

human nature, without those artificial colourings which give a false appearance to an object, for the purpose of producing

effect.

On one point it may be allowed to speak decidedly-there is not an expression, nor a passage, in the whole Tale that the most fastidious parents need object to read to their family: the moral lesson, though severe in its effects, is just; and shows powerfully the domestic calamities that proceed from vicious pursuits.

23d May, 1825.

MASSENBURG.

CHAPTER I.

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You must have perish'd, tender yet and young,
Chok'd by th' unkindly parent whence you sprung;
Transferr❜d to freer soil and opener air,

You grew and flourish'd by our guardian care.

SIR JAMES FOULIS.

COME, my queen of fairies! come, and play me a tune; and make me forget... that I'm tired," said Mr. Davenant to his niece, Eliza Massenburg; "I have had a long ride, and my horse has shaken me without mercy. Home is a sweet place, after all," he added, stretching himself upon a sofa with great complacency; "it is the only place where a man can enjoy himself and do as he pleases, without being charged with impertinence: here I can come when I like, and go

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