189

RIVER SCENE 190

INITIAL LETTER 193

ON THE WHITE MOUNTAIN 200

THE CHAPEL OF THE TOWN HALL 201

THE TOWERS OF OUR LADY OF TYN 205

A CORNER OF THE OLD TOWN 207

INITIAL LETTER 217

THE HRAD[vS]ANY FROM THE NEBOZIZEK GARDEN 225

INITIAL LETTER 235

A CORNER OF K[vR]IVOKLAT CASTLE 250

TABOR, BY THE WATERS OF JORDAN 252

CHAPTER I

Refers in a general way to several great and historic cities of this
earth. Indicates the routes by which Prague may be reached by the
traveller from the West, tells a wayside story or two and mentions
several very great people, also others of a less degree. Digresses
seriously from the purpose of the whole book by raking up the author's
personal recollections of people that lived and events that happened
right away back in the last century, and far away in the East.

The author then formally introduces a friend, the ancient and venerable
City of Prague.

The Psalmist once declared in a burst of enthusiasm, no doubt justified,
that "Jerusalem is a city that is at unity in itself." This remark
applies with equal right to other great historic cities, as who can deny
it that has stood in the "Place de l'Opera" and felt that Paris is
indeed at unity in itself?... Or who that has looked upon Constantinople
rising out of the pearly depths of the Sea of Marmora will fail to
realize that the city of Constantine, despite its many vicissitudes, was
indeed a united whole fulfilling its sometime tragic destiny in the
history of mankind?

Lisbon, mirrored in the broad waters of the Tagus, is another such city,
and so, in yet more marked degree, is Prague. The Psalmist, in poetic
exuberance, may appear to have overstated the case, allowance must be
made for him, but in the main he was right. The city of Zion had grown
up at the feet of the temple of David, and its massive strength
impressed the poet who overlooked the bickerings, the quarrels, of the
"dwellers therein";