At that time, indeed, he was possessed of
two blotted scrolls and a fair copy in double. But the chapter, as
the reader knows, was honestly omitted from the famous 'Memoirs on
the various Courts of Europe.' It has been mine to give it to the
public.
Bibliography still helps us with a further glimpse of our
characters. I have here before me a small volume (printed for
private circulation: no printer's name; n.d.), 'Poesies par Frederic
et Amelie.' Mine is a presentation copy, obtained for me by Mr.
Bain in the Haymarket; and the name of the first owner is written on
the fly-leaf in the hand of Prince Otto himself. The modest
epigraph - 'Le rime n'est pas riche' - may be attributed, with a
good show of likelihood, to the same collaborator. It is strikingly
appropriate, and I have found the volume very dreary. Those pieces
in which I seem to trace the hand of the Princess are particularly
dull and conscientious. But the booklet had a fair success with
that public for which it was designed; and I have come across some
evidences of a second venture of the same sort, now unprocurable.
Here, at least, we may take leave of Otto and Seraphina - what do I
say? of Frederic and Amelie - ageing together peaceably at the court
of the wife's father, jingling French rhymes and correcting joint
proofs.
Still following the book-lists, I perceive that Mr.
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