Treasure Island

To S.L.O., an American gentleman in accordance with whose classic taste the following narrative has been designed, it is now, in return for numerous delightful hours, and with the kindest wishes, dedicated by his affectionate friend,

the author.

            TO THE HESITATING PURCHASER

If sailor tales to sailor tunes,Storm and adventure, heat and cold,If schooners, islands, and maroons,And buccaneers, and buried gold,And all the old romance, retoldExactly in the ancient way,Can please, as me they pleased of old,The wiser youngsters of today:

—So be it, and fall on! If not,If studious youth no longer crave,His ancient appetites forgot,Kingston, or Ballantyne the brave,Or Cooper of the wood and wave:So be it, also! And may IAnd all my pirates share the graveWhere these and their creations lie!