But little things, as is their habit, in time grow onerous. Around the books, the rare and curious objects, the writing tools, climbed filth and squalor unbelievable. In despair, seeking the kindliest way out of the impasse, I was summoned away for a month or so. Not without some misgivings--quite justified by events. When I returned to the office, I found that my guests had departed. So had many of my books and things. In their stead remained castoff raiment and much misplaced matter. I have now adopted the firm rule of invariably inquiring into the politics of a friend before erecting him into the status of a guest. Sonnet au Lecteur I hailed you, reader, after ancient wont, Crying "Bonjour!" upon my first fair page; Closes my book in type of gloomier font-- For we are come into a perilous age. Gone are the golden days of merry wage, Of nymphs and laughing gods, of kings who ranted, Of sober men who jeered me for a child, Of merry fools who jeered me for a sage. In factioned strife our troubled time is veiled, Our poets sing, with politics inflamed; Yet shall I not be counted to have failed If you, who read me, read me once again! And if two words my wisdom may contain, Let them be Joy and Folly, unashamed! HERE ENDS THE BOOK BIGFOOT JOE & OTHERS HANDSET & PRINTED BY THE AUTHOR AND THIRTY COPIES DISTRIBUTED PRIVATELY From The Same Press Verse FIGS & THISTLES FRUIT BEFORE SUMMER GATHERED VERSE CORN WINE & OIL Prose THE MYTH WAWATAM L'ARBRE CROCHE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO