This little book, telling the story of our national usurpation by a
foreign enemy during the beginning of the nineteenth century, appears at
a moment when our nearest neighbours are suffering the same fate which
befell us more than a hundred years ago.
I dedicate my work to the five soldiers of the Belgian army who saved my
life near Waerloos.
I hope that their grandchildren may read a story of national revival
which will be as complete and happy as that of our own land.
Brussels, Belgium,
Christmas night, 1914.