The Bohemian life that Dekker was now compelled to live--his family was on the sufferance of friends--estranged him from his wife and strengthened what some might call an unfortunate--or, at least, an untimely--literary friendship that Dekker had formed with a certain Miss Mimi Schepel, of The Hague. The spiritual affinity between the two soon developed a passion that neither could resist. This estimable lady, who afterwards became Dekker's second wife, is still living, and has edited Dekker's letters in nine volumes. Dekker died in February, 1887, at his home in Nieder-Ingelheim, where he had lived for several years.
The "Woutertje Pieterse" story was first published in Dekker's seven volume work entitled "Ideen." Here it is sandwiched in between miscellaneous sketches, essays and treatises, being scattered all the way from Vol. I to Vol. VII. The story falls naturally into two parts, of which the present volume is the first part. The second part, written in a different key, deals with "Walter's Apprenticeship."
A good deal of the flax, or silk, of his Chinaman's pigtail, to use Dekker's form of expression, I have unraveled as being extraneous matter. However, despite these omissions, it is quite possible that some very sensitive person may still find objectionable allusions in the book. If so, I must refer that one to the shade of Multatuli. From his own admission his shoulders were evidently broad; and, no doubt, they will be able to bear the additional strain.
The origin of the story: regarding poetry, incurable love, false hair, and the hero of the story--The dangers of fame and the advantage of the upper shelf--The Chinaman's pigtail, and the collar of humanity 1
An Italian robber on the "Buitensingel" in Amsterdam--The bitter suffering of the virtuous Amalia--Wax candles, the palisades of morality--The cunning of the little Hallemans--The limitations of space 9
The difference between a sugar bowl and a Bible--Leentje's virtues and defects--An unfounded suspicion against Pennewip's honor 18
The profound silence of Juffrouw Laps--Stoffel's sermon--Walter's fidelity to Glorioso--The last king of Athens--Ruined stomachs and bursted ear-drums 24
How one may become a great man--The cleverness of M'sieu Millaire--Versifying and the art of classifying everything--Hobby-horses 27