MASSENBURG.

VOLUME I.

Lake Hansard & Sons,

near Lincoln's Inu Fields, London.

A TALE.

IN THREE VOLUMES

Is not the life of woman all bound up
In her affections? What hath she to do
In this bleak world alone? It may be well
For man on his triumphal course to move,
Uncumber'd by soft bonds; but we were born
For love and grief.
HEMANS.

VOLUME I.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR T. CADELL, STRAND;

AND W. BLACKWOOD, EDINBURGH.

M DCCC XXV.

PREFACE.

AT a period of time when works of imagination of superior character, evincing great literary talents, have been produced, it may appear an act of presumption for an unknown young female to come forward with a first essay, in the midst of such high competition for publick favour.

The Publick however is, although a strict, a merciful judge, where the motive is pure, and the intention honourable; in this hope the present work is published, with an anxious feeling that it may be favourably received.

Although the Tale may not abound with romantic incidents, yet it is believed it will be found to be a just picture of