Dedicated (BY PERMISSION) ΤΟ JAMES ANTHONY FROUDE, M.A. REGIUS PROFESSOR OF HISTORY, OXFORD, LATE FELLOW OF EXETER COLLEGE, OXFORD, "The greatness of a nation depends upon the men whom it "The creed of laissez-faire is no exposition of eternal principles, but an accident of the age-a bubble floating upon the river of Time." b NOTE. PERMISSION for dedication was given by the late Mr. J. A. Froude on May the 18th last, and, on May 23rd, after six chapters were forwarded to Mr. Froude, he wrote:-" So far as I can see I agree heartily with your general views. In detail I can give no opinion without giving more time to the study of them than I can afford. (Mr. Froude was deeply engaged at that time with a series of lectures.) The danger of the present state of things is growing terribly plain to every one who reflects on it. The remedies, I fear, are such as will not be considered till too late to be adopted. As we have sown, we shall have to reap. However, I heartily wish you may succeed in opening blind eyes." Mr. Froude's fatal illness prevented me from sending Chapter XX."Maintain the British Empire by Imperial Commercial Union "—for perusal, which was my earnest desire, in the expectation of receiving a Prefatory Note from England's illustrious writer. As an enthusiastic admirer of the late historian, and his patriotic principles, and strong appeals to national sentiment, I would say: Great man, thou art gone to thy rest, We mourn, but we think it is best, For in death thou shalt stronger be. E. B. |