Epigraph: 'They are the abstracts and brief chronicles of the time' - Hamlet (title page)
and
Ended are many days, and now but few
Remain; since therefore it is happy and true
That memoried joys keep ever their delight,
Like steadfast stars in the blue vault of night...
Therefore my heedy thought will oft restore
The long light-hearted days that are no more. - Robert Bridges