I write this Preface, because I consider that it may save me from a hasty remark or two, which it may be just as well to forestall. During the ten years which I have taken up the pen, I have furnished miscellaneous matter to various Periodicals, which, if it were all collected together, would swell into many volumes. Among it, as must be the case under the circumstances in which it was written, there is some which I consider tolerable; but the major portion is but indifferent; and I should be very sorry indeed, if at any future time, when I may not have the power to prevent it, all these articles should be collected and printed as mine. If ever it were done, it certainly would not be by my friends: I wish it, therefore, to be understood, that in the portions of these volumes which consist of republications, I have selected from the mass, all that I wish to acknowledge as my writing; and that the remainder (with the exception of the papers on nautical subjects, which are of no interest to the general reader) may be considered as disavowed and rejected. The major part of these volumes consist of a Diary written when I was on the Continent. It first appeared in the Periodicals, under the title of a "Diary of a _Blase_:" the title was a bad one, as I did not write up to the character; I have, therefore, for want of a better name, simply called it a "Diary on the Continent;" and I mention this, that I may not be accused of having intentionally deceived. F. M. THE MONK OF SEVILLE: A PLAY, IN FIVE ACTS. DRAMATIS PERSONAE. ANSELMO DON GASPAR, _A monk disguised as a cavalier_. DON FELIX, _A Spanish nobleman_. DON PEREZ, _Do_. SUPERIOR _of the monastery_. ANTONIO, _Servant to Don Gasper_. MANUEL, _A monk_. JACOBO, _Porter to the monastery_. SANCHO, _Servant to Don Perez_. DONNA INEZ, _A noble lady._ ISIDORA, _Her niece._ DONNA SERAFINA. BEPPA,} } _Servant to Serafina._ } _both wives of Antonio_ } NINA, } } _Do. to Isidora._ _Monks, Choristers, Attendants, &c._ Scene laid in Seville. Olla Podrida The Monk of Seville _Act I. Scene I._ _Enter Don Felix and Don Perez._ _Felix._ You say his name's Don Gaspar? _Perez._ So he styles himself; but of what house, parentage, or country, cannot be gained. He keeps aloof from all, bears himself gallantly; and 'tis manifest that any question discourteously put he'd answer with his sword. _Felix._ He's skill'd in fence, then? _Perez._ There's none to match him. I, who have foiled half Seville, am but a scholar in his hands, when at the School we've joined the assault in courtesy. _Felix._ A proper man? _Perez._ Beyond comparison. He hath all the stamp of true nobility. Pride in his eye; in his address, dignified; in modes most perfect; the most envied of the men, and the most admired by all the dames of Seville. _Felix._ Successful, then?