people, and the antiquarian
details will be found sufficiently correct; if they be not, it is not for
want of pains or care; for I have diligently consulted all the authorities
to which I could command access.

To the history of the strange events related in this tale, I have adhered
most scrupulously; and I believe that the dates, facts, and characters of
the individuals introduced, will not be found in any material respect,
erroneous or untrue; and here I may perhaps venture to observe, that, on
reading the most recently published lectures of Niebuhr, which never fell
in my way until very lately, I had the great satisfaction of finding the
view I have always taken of the character and motives of Cataline and his
confederates, confirmed by the opinion of that profound and sagacious
critic and historian.

I will only add, that it is hardly probable that "the Roman Traitor" would
ever have been finished had it not been for the strenuous advice of a
friend, in whose opinion I have the utmost confidence, Mr. Benjamin, to
whom some of the early chapters were casually shown, two or three years
ago, and who almost insisted on my completing it.

It is most fitting, therefore, that it should be, as it is, introduced to
the world under his auspices; since but for his favourable judgment, and
for a feeling on my own part that to fail in such an attempt would be
scarce a failure, while success would be success indeed, it would probably
have never seen the light of day!

With these few remarks, I submit the Roman Traitor to the candid judgment
of my friends and the public, somewhat emboldened by the uniform kindness
and encouragement which I have hitherto met; and with some hope that I may
be allowed at some future day, to lay another romance of the most famous,
before the citizens of the youngest republic.

THE CEDARS

CONTENTS

VOLUME I.

CHAPTER PAGE
I. THE MEN 9
II. THE MEASURES 25
III. THE LOVERS 37
IV. THE CONSUL 51
V. THE CAMPUS 69
VI. THE FALSE LOVE 89
VII. THE OATH 108
VIII. THE TRUE LOVE 121
IX. THE AMBUSH 137
X. THE WANTON 146
XI. THE RELEASE 166
XII. THE FORGE 183
XIII. THE DISCLOSURE 197
XIV. THE WARNINGS 209
XV. THE CONFESSION