Chapter 1

PREFACE

PREFACE

Arms and the man I sing,--not as of old The Mantuan bard his mighty verse unrolled, But in such humbler strains as may beseem Light changes rung on a fantastic theme. My tale is ancient, but the sense is new,-- Replete with monstrous fictions, yet half true;-- And, if you'll follow till the story's done, I promise much instruction, and some fun.