PREFACE.
THE scenes of the following story are laid in Italy, that land of the sun. They are designed to impress a goodly moral, as well as to amuse the reader—to show that patience and perseverance will conquer all things—and that a poor coat may cover a rich heart. The reader will find also herein, that love raises the humblest; and that true merit, like true genius, tramples upon misfortunes; and that "some falls are means the happier to rise."
THE DUKE'S PRIZE.
CHAPTER I.—FLORENCE.
Lend thy serious hearing to what I shall unfold.
-Hamlet.