This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1861 edition. Excerpt: ...ground as the car moved slowly in the direction of the channel, the steeds pawing the yielding space, and the good-natured sea-king waving his trident to the bending nymphs, kissing his hand in return to their salute, and very waggishly whistling that well-known and deservedly popular melody, " The girls I left behind me." The rifle band took the hint, and immediately commenced to play, out of compliment to the king, the air of that good old song, "The Sea The Sea " His Majesty reined in his steeds a few moments to listen, and then disappeared behind a cloud. I felt exceedingly sorry when the jolly monarch had departed. I would feign have heard more concerning his Gallic prisoners, and, moreover, had formed quite a liking for the eccentric Water God. Had I known what were the contents of the cloud that hid him from my gaze, I certainly should have been perfectly content with his exit. But, like humanity in general, I sigh over a loss without thinking that it may be only making way for a gain, forgetting the good old adage that " all thinga happen for the best." Immediately the last glimmer of Neptune's car had disappeared, the cloud which obscured it grew with such wondrous rapidity that we were soon in total darkness, and I grieve to say that several of my comrades availed themselves of this opportunity to intrude too much of their attentions upon the sea-nymphs, for I heard several half-smothered screams, which told me that Neptune's final demand was not being so fully obeyed as it should have been. "You are no soldier, and you are nogentleman either," I heard one of the nymphs exclaim. "Not," she continued, "that I would have minded the kiss, but to steal it in so unbecoming a manner, I blush for you really, and unless you are down on...