BOOKIIL

IN avhich  is  recorded the golden reign of

WOUTER VAN TWILLER.
 

CHAPTER I.

Of the renowned Wouter Van Twiller, his unpa¬
ralleled virtues—as likewise his unutterable wis¬
dom in the law case of Wandle Schoonhoven and
Barent Bleecker—and the great admiration of
the public thereat.

Grievous and very much to be commiserated
is the task of the feeling historian, who writes the
history of his native land. If it fall to his lot to
be the sad recorder of calamity or crime, the
mournful page is watered with his tears—nor can
he recall the most prosperous and blissful era?
without a melancholy sigh at the reflection, that
it has passed away for ever! I know not whether
it be owing to an immoderate love for the simpli¬
city of former times, or to that certain tenderness
of heart incident to all sentimental historians; but
I candidly confess that I cannot look back on the