To Laurie LaBean and Kimberly Van Horn, women I admire so deeply. For your encouragement, affection, and enthusiasm I am forever thankful.
And to Marquita Valentine, dear friend, in profound gratitude.
Conscience, the torturer of the soul, unseen,
Does fiercely brandish a sharp scourge within.
JUVENAL, Satires XIII, 1ST CENTURY
(QUOTED IN The Pirates Own Book, 19TH CENTURY)