The History of Netterville, a Chance Pedestrian: A Novel

Voorkant
J. Cundee, Ivy-lane, 1802 - 300 pagina's
This is a sentimental novel set in the 1770s which relates the misadventures of the young hero Lewisham Netterville. Netterville's attempts to follow his late father's precepts and lead a virtuous life while at the same time pursuing the object of his affection, the beautiful Clara Walsingham, take him on a tour of Great Britain, from Bath to Bamborough (Bamburgh) Castle, in Northumberland, and so on to Scotland, where he visits the fictitious Clanrick Hall, Edinburgh, the hill of Moncreiff, Perth, and the islands of Mull, Staffa and Iona. The anonymous female author also includes a Scottish ballad of the her own composition, 'Ellen of Irvine; or, the Maid of Kirkonnel[sic], a ballad' (vol. II, pp. 57-65). The tragic tale of Ellen Irvine had appeared in Pennant's 'A tour in Scotland', (London 1774), and both Burns and Walter Scott wrote versions of the story. In the dedication (signed "the authoress"), the author apologises for her "untutored muse", claiming that the poetry was written at a different period. She describes this novel as "a second attempt in the region of fiction" and hopes that, given that it contains nothing immoral or irreligious, it may not fail to amuse a "candid and generous few, who condescend sometimes to stray awhile, amid the bowers of Fancy".

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Pagina 66 - I could a tale unfold, whose lightest word Would harrow up thy soul ; freeze thy young blood ; Make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres ; Thy knotted and combined locks to part, And each particular hair to stand on end Like quills upon the fretful porcupine...
Pagina 43 - The mouldering gateway strews the grass-grown court. Once the calm scene of many a simple sport ; When nature pleased, for life itself was new, And the heart promised what the fancy drew.
Pagina 104 - There is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance.
Pagina 65 - Shakspeare, that, take him for all in all, we shall not look upon his like again.
Pagina 107 - There's nothing in this world can make me joy ; Life is as tedious as a twice told tale, Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man.
Pagina 10 - The Lord gave and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
Pagina 248 - Sweet harmonist! and beautiful as sweet! And young as beautiful! and soft as young! And gay as soft! and innocent as gay ! And happy (if aught happy here) as good ! For Fortune fond, had built her nest on high.
Pagina 149 - My virtue, prudence, honour, interest, all Before this universal monarch fall. Beauty, like ice, our footing does betray ; Who can tread sure on the smooth slippery way? Pleased with the passage, we slide swiftly on, And see the dangers which we cannot shun.
Pagina 267 - Ah, that deceit should steal such gentle shape, And with a virtuous vizor hide deep vice! He is my son, ay, and therein my shame; 30 Yet from my dugs he drew not this deceit.

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