To The Right Hon. Sir Horace Plunkett

A good many years ago you grafted a slip of poetry on your economic

tree. I do not know if you expected a hybrid. This essay may not be

economics in your sense of the word. It certainly is not poetry in my

sense. The Marriage of Heaven and Earth was foretold by the ancient

prophets. I have seen no signs of that union taking place, but I have

been led to speculate how they might be brought within hailing distance

of each other. In my philosophy of life, we are all responsible for

the results of our actions and their effects on others. This book is

a consequence of your grafting operation, and so I dedicate it to

you.--A.E.

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