Dedication: This book is dedicated with respect and affection to the memory of John Darcy.
Epigraph: Sovereign Lords of Death, I've neither cursed nor praised you. Pity me, a traveller, who's made so many of these journeys without luggage, with no master, no money, with fame gone elsewhere; surely you're mighty, surely you can take a joke, pity this madman who, even before he passes the barrier, even now is shouting his name to you; catch him in mid-air, let him fit if he can to your customs and to your attitudes, and if it pleases you to help him, then I pray, help him. Henri Michaux
