The Confessions of Harry Lorrequer — Complete

The Inn at Munich
“We talked of pipe-clay regulation caps— Long twenty-fours—short culverins and mortars— Condemn’d the ‘Horse Guards’ for a set of raps, And cursed our fate at being in such quarters. Some smoked, some sighed, and some were heard to snore; Some wished themselves five fathoms ’neath the Solway; And some did pray—who never prayed before— That they might get the ‘route’ for Cork or Galway.”
To Sir George Hamilton Seymour, G.C.H. &c. &c.
My Dear Sir Hamilton,
If a feather will show how the wind blows, perhaps my dedicating to you even as light matter as these Confessions may in some measure prove how grateful I feel for the many kindnesses I have received from you in the course of our intimacy. While thus acknowledging a debt, I must also avow that another motive strongly prompts me upon this occasion. I am not aware of any one, to whom with such propriety a volume of anecdote and adventure should be inscribed, as to one, himself well known as an inimitable narrator. Could I have stolen for my story, any portion of the grace and humour with which I have heard you adorn many of your own, while I should deem this offering more worthy of your acceptance, I should also feel more confident of its reception by the public.
With every sentiment of esteem and regard, Believe me very faithfully yours, THE AUTHOR.
Bruxelles, December, 1839.
Dear Public,
The Dublin University Magazine.
Among the “miseries of human life,” a most touching one is spoken of—the being obliged to listen to the repetition of a badly sung song, because some well-wishing, but not over discreet friend of the singer has called loudly for an encore .
I begin very much to fear that something of the kind has taken place here, and that I should have acted a wiser part, had I been contented with even the still small voice of a few partial friends, and retired from the boards in the pleasing delusion of success; but unfortunately, the same easy temperament that has so often involved me before, has been faithful to me here; and when you pretended to be pleased, unluckily, I believed you.