The Epicurean: A Tale

BY THOMAS MOORE.
The Publishers beg to inform the Composers of Music, and Music Sellers, that Mr. James Power, of the Strand, Music Seller, is the only person authorized by them to publish the Songs or Verses in this Work connected with Music.
TO LORD JOHN RUSSELL THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED BY ONE WHO ADMIRES HIS CHARACTER AND TALENTS, AND IS PROUD OF HIS FRIENDSHIP.
FROM ——, Esq.
Cairo, June 19. 1800.
My dear Sir,
The Arabs, it seems, who are as fond of pigeons as the ancient Egyptians, have a superstitious notion that, if they place in their pigeon-houses small scraps of paper, written over with learned characters, the birds are always sure to thrive the better for the charm; and the monks, who are never slow in profiting by superstition, have, at all times, a supply of such amulets for purchasers.
On my expressing a wish to rescue some part of these treasures from the fate to which his indolent fraternity had consigned them, he produced the manuscript which I have now the pleasure of sending you,—the only one, he said, remaining entire,—and I very readily paid him the price he demanded for it.
I am, my dear Sir, Very truly yours, ——
THE EPICUREAN.