 |
"draw his frailties from their drear abode?"
the answer is obvious, and, I should hope, irrefragable. A duty, and a sacred one too, is due TO THE LIVING. Past examples operate upon future ones: and posterity ought to know, in the instance of this accomplished scholar and literary antiquary, that neither the sharpest wit, nor the most delicate intellectual refinement, can, alone, afford a man 'PEACE AT THE LAST.' The vessel of human existence must be secured by other anchors than these, when the storm of death approaches!]
LOREN. You have seen a few similar copies in the library; which I obtained after a strenuous effort. There was certainly a very great degree of Book-Madness exhibited at the sale of Steevens's library—and yet I remember to have witnessed stronger symptoms of the Bibliomania!
LIS. Can it be possible? Does this madness
'Grow with our growth, and strengthen with our strength?'
Will not such volcanic fury burn out in time?
PHIL. You prevent Lysander from resuming, by the number and rapidity of your interrogatories. Revert to your first question.
LIS. Truly, I forget it. But proceed with your history, Lysander; and pardon my abruptness.
LYSAND. Upon condition that you promise not to interrupt me again this evening?
LIS. I pledge my word. Proceed.
LYSAND. Having dispatched our account of the sale of the last-mentioned distinguished book-collector, I proceed with my historical survey: tho', indeed, it is high time to close this tedious bibliomaniacal history. The hour of midnight has gone by:—and yet I will not slur over my account of the remaining characters of respectability.
The collections of STRANGE[410] and Woodhouse are next, in routine, to be noticed. The catalogue of the library of the former is a great favourite of mine: the departments into which the books are divided, and the compendious descriptions of the volumes, together with the extent and variety of the collection, may afford considerable assistance to judicious bibliomaniacs. Poor WOODHOUSE:[411] thy zeal outran thy wit: thou wert indefatigable in thy search after rare and precious prints and books; and thy very choice collection of both is a convincing proof that, where there is wealth and zeal, opportunities in abundance will be found for the gratification of that darling passion, or insanity, now called by the name of Bibliomania!
[Footnote 410: Bibliotheca Strangeiana; A Catalogue of the general, curious, and extensive Library of that distinguished naturalist and lover of the fine arts, the late JOHN STRANGE, Esq., L.L.D. F.R.S. and S.A., many years his Britannic Majesty's resident at the Republic of Venice. Comprehending an extraordinary fine collection of books and tracts, in most languages and sciences, to the number of upwards of four-score thousand, &c. Digested by Samuel Paterson. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, March 16, 1801, 8vo., 1256 articles. This is a plain, unaffected, but exceedingly well-digested, catalogue of a very extraordinary collection of books in all departments of literature. I do not know whether it be not preferable, in point of arrangement, to any catalogue compiled by Paterson. It has, however, a wretched aspect; from the extreme indifference of the paper.]
[Footnote 411: We will first give the title to the Catalogue of the late Mr. WOODHOUSE'S Collection of Prints. "A Catalogue of the choice and valuable Collection of Antient and Modern Prints, &c., selected with the highest taste from all the collections at home and abroad, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Christie; January, 1801." The first part ends with the 5th day's sale; the second commences with the sixth day's sale and concludes on the sixteenth, with the Malborough [Transcriber's Note: Marlborough] Gems. Although we may have to give specimens of some of the rare and precious prints contained in this collection, in the course of PART VI. of this work, yet the reader, I would fain hope, will not be displeased with the following interesting extract, with the annexed prices, of the prints from the
MARLBOROUGH GEMS.
[This assemblage, the result of twenty years' collecting, contains a greater number than ever has been at one time offered to the public.—The first volume is complete, and may be accounted unique, as all the impressions are before the numbers, the artists' names, or proofs without any letters, as in the presentation copies: the subject of Cupid and Psyche is with variations, and the whole may be regarded as a great rarity. Those of the second volume are few in number, but in point of curiosity, no ways inferior.]
LOT. L s. d.
72. One. Caesar in the Temple of Venus. Proof before any letters. 3 13 6
73. Two. no. 1. Scipio Africanus. 2 0 0 no. 2. Lucius C. Sylla.
74. Two. no. 3. Julias Caesar; caput laureatum. 5 15 0 [Transcriber's Note: Julius] no. 4. Marcus Junius Brutus.
75. Two. no. 5. Marcus Junius Brutus; cum caduceo. 2 17 6 no. 6. Lepidus; cum lituo.
76. Two. no. 7. Augusti caput; cum corona radiata. 4 14 6 no. 8. Augusti Pontificis maximi insign. &c.
77. Two. no. 9. Marcellii Octaviae, filii Augusti nepotis caput: opus elegantissimum. 3 0 0 no. 10. Liviae protome: cum capite laureato et velato pectore: simul Tiberii pueri prope adstantis caput arboris ignotae foliis redimitum.
78. Two. no. 11. Tiberii caput juvenile. 3 3 0 no. 12. Germanici togati protome; cum capite laureato, facie plena, &c.
79. Two. no. 13. Agrippinae majoris uxoris Germanici & Caligulae matris caput laureatum; sub effigie Dianae. 5 5 0 no. 14. Ejusdem Agrippinae: sub effigie Cereris.
80. Two. no. 15. Galbae caput laureatum. 1 19 0 no. 16. Ejusdem Galbae caput.
81. Two. no. 17. Nervae togati protome; cum capite laureato, plena facie; opus pulcherrimum. 4 4 0 no. 18. Ejusdem Nervae caput.
82. Two. no. 19. Marcianae, Trajani sororis, caput. 10 10 0 no. 20. Sabinae Hadriani uxoris caput.
83. Two. no. 21. Antinoi caput, cum pectore velato. 5 0 0 no. 22. Caracalla togati protome facie plena.
84. Two. no. 23. Caracallae caput laureatum. 1 18 0 no. 24. Juliae Domnae, Severi uxoris, caput.
85. Two. no. 25. Laocoontes caput. 7 7 0 no. 26. Semiramidis, vel potius Musae, caput cum pectore.
86. Three. no. 27. Minervae Alcidiae caput galeatum; operis egregii, edit. var. 3 8 0
87. Two. no. 28. Phocionis caput. 3 3 0 no. 29. Jovis et Junonis capita jugata.
88. Three. no. 30. Veneris caput. 4 14 6 no. 31. Bacchae caput var.
89. Two. no. 32. Hercules Bibax, stans. 15 4 6 no. 33. Bacchus, stans.
90. Two. no. 34. Faunus tigridis pelli insidens, cauda, &c. 9 9 0 no. 35. Athleta, stans, qui dextra manus trigelem, &c.
91. Two. no. 36. Mercurius stans. 4 14 6 no. 37. Mars, stans, armatus.
92. Two. no. 38. Miles de rupe descendens, eximii sculptoris Graeci opus. 7 0 0 no. 39. Diomedes Palladio potitus cum Ulysse altercatione contendit.
93. Two. no. 40. Dei Marini natantes. 5 10 0 no. 41. Miles vulneratus a militibus duobus sustentatur.
94. Two. no. 42. Miles militi vulnerato opitulato. 3 3 0 no. 43. Mulier stolata cum virgine.
95. Two. no. 44. Faunus pelle caprina ex humeris pendente vestitus; pedem super suggestum ignotae figurae figit et infantem genu sustinet. no. 45. Alexandri magni effigies.
96. Two. no. 46. Aeneam Diomedes a saxo percussum conservat. 8 18 0 no. 47. Pompeiae cujusdam ob victoriam partam descriptio.
97. Two. no. 48. Amazon Amazonem morientem } sustinet juxta equus. } 6 16 6 } 98. no. 49. Fragmen Gemmae Bacchi, &c. }
99. One. no. 50. Nuptiae Psyches et Cupidonis, Rariss. 4 14 6
100. One. no. 50. Ditto, Ditto, Rariss. 8 8 0
101. One. Frontispiece to SECOND VOLUME; Proof, before the inscription on the arms; very rare. 5 5 0
102. Two. no. 1. Ptolomaeus. } } 1 10 0 103. no. 2. Metrodorus. }
104. Two. no. 3. Socrates et Plato. 3 3 0 no. 5. Sappho.
105. Two. no. 8. Ignotum caput Scyllacis opus. 2 0 0 no. 9. Ignotum caput.
106. Two. no. 11. Medusa. 3 3 0 no. 18. Hercules et Iole.
107. Two. no. 19. L. Junius Brutus. 2 2 0 no. 20. Annibal.
108. Two. no. 22. Mecaenes. 1 18 0 no. 25. Drusus Tiberii filius.
109. Two. no. 31. Caput ignotum, Antonini forsan junioris. 2 2 0 no. 36. Equi.
110. Two. no. 38. Mercurii templum. 3 3 0 no. 40. Coronis.
111. Two. no. 41. Cupidonis. 2 12 6 no. 45. Faunus.
112. Three. no. 46. Omphale incedens. 3 13 5 no. 48. Biga, var.
113. Two. no. 50. Silenus, tigris, &c. var. 3 0 0
114. Two. The vignette to the second volume; Proof, very fine, and etching, perhaps, unique. 7 10 0
For an interesting account of the engravings of the DEVONSHIRE GEMS—the rival publication of those from the Marlborough collection—the reader may consult Mr. Beloe's Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books; vol. I. 182-6. The entire collection of Mr. Woodhouse's prints produced 3595l. 17s. 6d.
We will now make handsome mention of the BIBLIOTHECA WOODHOUSIANA. A Catalogue of the entire, elegant, and valuable Library of John Woodhouse, Esq., comprising a rich and extensive collection of books, &c. Sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December, 1803. 8vo. The collection was rather choice and rich, than extensive: having only 861 articles. Some of the rarest editions in old English Literature were vigorously contended for by well-known collectors: nor did the Library want beautiful and useful works of a different description. The following specimens will enable the reader to form a pretty correct estimate of the general value of this collection.
no. 8. Antonie (the Tragedie of) doone into English by the Countesse of Pembroke, R.M. g.l. Lond. 1595. 12mo. L5 5s. 0d.
24. Barnabee's Journal, with Bessie Bell, First Edit. B.M. g.l. 1648. 12mo. 2 10 0
30. Bastard's (Thomas) Chrestoleros, seven Bookes of Epigrammes, G.M. g.l. 1598. 12mo. 5 15 6
76. Chaucer, by Tyrwhitt, with the Glossary, G.M. g.l. 5 vol. 1775. 8vo. 6 0 0
82. Cokain's (Sir Aston) Poems and Plays, with head, R.M. g.l. 2 vol. 1662. 8vo. 4 0 0
97. A Paire of Turtle Doves, or the History of Bellora and Fidelio, bl. l. 4to. see MS. note by Steevens, 1606. 5 5 0
160. Burnet's History of his own Times, large paper, R.M. g.l. 2 vol. 1724. 4to. 5 15 6
198. Dodsley's Collection of Old Plays, large paper, 12 vols. 1780. 8vo. Only six copies printed in this manner. 14 14 0
313. Latham's General Synopsis of Birds, with Index, 9 vols. with reverse plates, elegantly painted by Miss Stone, now Mrs. Smith: R.M. g.m.l. 4to. 'N.B. Of the above set of books, there are only 6 copies.' 40 0 0
314. Clarendon's History of the Rebellion, with his Life, large paper, 4 vols. boards, uncut, 1707, 1750, fol. 15 15 0
350. Heath's Chronicle, frontispiece and heads, R.M. g.l. 1663. 2 vols. 8vo. 5 5 0
394. Knight's Life of Colet, large paper; plates, elegant, in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1724, 8vo. 5 10 0
395. Knight's Life of Erasmus, large paper, plates, elegant, in light brown calf, g.l.m. 1726, 8vo. 9 9 0
431. Lewin's Birds of Great Britain, with the Eggs accurately figured, elegantly painted with back ground, 7 vols. in 3. A superb copy, in g.m. g.m.l. 1789, 4to. 28 7 0
473. Martyn's Universal Conchologist; English Entomologist: and Aranei, or Natural History of Spiders, 4 vols. elegantly coloured. A superb copy, in R.M. g.m.l. 1789, 92, and 93, 4to. 33 12 0
490. Harrison's Seven Triumphal Arches, in honor of James I., all the [seven] parts complete; curious and very rare, R.M. g.l. 1604. folio. 27 6 0
493. Hearne and Bryne's Antiquities and Views in Great Britain, proof impressions, M. g.l. 1786, oblong folio. 16 0 0
586. Skelton's (Mayster) Poems: Colyn Clout, Lond. by John Whygte. Whi come ye not to Courte; Lond. by John Whygte. Phillyp Sparow; Speak Parot; Death of the Noble Prynce, &c. See note. Lond. by John Kynge and Thomas Marshe. Merie Tales; unique, see note. Lond. by Thomas Colwell, 5 vol. bl. l. R.M. g.l. 12mo. 23 0 0
624. Monument of Matrons, containing seven severall lamps of Virginitie, by Thomas Bentley; bl. l. R. 3 vols. 1582, 4to. 16 5 6
632. Nychodemus Gospell, wood-cuts, bl. l. g.l. R.M. Lond. Wynkyn de Worde, 1511, 4to. 6 16 6
640. Pennant's History of Quadrupeds, boards, uncut, large paper, proof plates, 1793, 4to. 6 6 0
692. The late Expedition in Scotlande, made by the Kinges Hyhnys Armye, under the conduit of the Ryht Honourable the Earl of Hertforde, the yere of our Lorde God, 1544. bl. l. R.M. g.l. Lond. by Reynolde Wolfe, 1554, 8vo. 16 16 0
762. Sommers's (Lord) Collection of scarce and valuable Tracts, 19 vols. R. g.l. 1748, 50, 51, 52, folio. 85 1 0
780. Temple of Glas, bl. l. See notes by G. Mason. Wynkyn de Worde, no date, 4to. 8 8 0
795. Tour (A) through the South of England, Wales, and part of Ireland, in 1791, large paper, proof plates, coloured, 1793. N.B. "Of the above book only six copies were printed." 8 8 0
806. Vicar's England's Parliamentary Chronicle, R. g.l. complete, 4 parts, 3 vols. 1646, 4to. 12 0 0
829. Speed's Theatre of Great Britain, maps, R. g.l. m.l. A remarkable fine copy, 1611. 11 11 0
836. The Myrrour and Dyscrypcyon of the Worlde, with many Mervaylles, wood-cuts, B.M. g.l. Emprynted by me Lawrence Andrewe, 1527, folio. 26 0 0
837. The Recuile of the Histories of Troie, translated into English by William Caxton, very fair, B.M. g.l. Imprynted at London by W. Copland, 1553, fol. 23 0 0
852. The Myrroure of Golde for the Synfull Soule, bl. l. wood-cuts. Imprynted at Lond. in the Fleete-strete, at the sygne of the Sun, by Wynkyn de Worde, 1526, 4to. 12 1 6
856. Barclay's (Alexander) Egloges, out of a Boke named in Latin, Miserie Curialium, compyled by Eneas Sylvius, Poete and Oratour, bl. l. woodcuts, five parts, and complete, G.M. Imprynted by Wynkyn de Worde, 4to. 25 0 0
859. Holy Life and History of Saynt Werburge, very frutefull for all Christian People to rede. Poems, bl. l. G.M. Imp. by Richard Pynson, 1521, 4to. 31 10 0
Amount of the sale, 3135l. 4s.]
PHIL. I attended the sale of Woodhouse's prints and books; and discovered at it as strong symptoms of the madness of which we are discoursing as ever were exhibited on a like occasion. I have the catalogue upon fine paper, which, however, is poorly printed; but I consider it rather a curious bibliographical morceau.
LYSAND. Make the most of it, for it will soon become scarce. And now—notwithstanding my former boast to do justice to the remaining bibliomaniacal characters of respectability—as I find my oral powers almost exhausted, I shall barely mention the sales, by auction, of the collections of WILKES, RITSON, and BOUCHER[412]—although I ought to mention the Bibliotheca Boucheriana with more respect than its two immediate predecessors; as the collector was a man endowed with etymological acumen and patience; and I sincerely wish the public were now receiving the benefit of the continuation of his Dictionary; of which the author published so excellent a specimen, comprehending only the letter A. Dr. Jamieson has, to be sure, in a great measure done away the melancholy impression which lexicographical readers would otherwise have experienced—by the publication of his own unrivalled "Scottish Dictionary;" yet there is still room enough in the literary world for a continuation of Boucher.
[Footnote 412: It did not, perhaps, suit Lysander's notions to make mention of book-sales to which no collectors' names were affixed; but, as it has been my office, during the whole of the above conversation, to sit in a corner and take notes of what our book-orator has said, as well to correct as to enlarge the narrative, I purpose, gentle reader, prefacing the account of the above noticed three collections by the following bibliomaniacal specimen: 'A Catalogue of a capital and truly valuable Library, the genuine property of a Gentleman of Fashion, highly distinguished for his fine taste,' &c.: sold by auction by Mr. Christie, May, 1800, 8vo. 326 articles: amount of the sale, 1828l. 18s.; being nearly 6l. an article. Now for the beloved specimens:
NO. 35. Baptistae Portae de Humana Physiognomia, with wood-cuts. Hanoviae, 1593, et Johannis Physiophili Opuscula. Aug. Vin. 1784, 8vo. L0 19s. 0d.
38. Officium Beatae Virginis. This unique MANUSCRIPT on vellum of the 14th century, is enriched with highly finished Miniature Paintings, and is one of the most perfect and best preserved missals known in England. 20 9 6
40. A complete set of the Barbou Classics, 68 vols. elegantly bound in green (French) morocco, with gilt leaves, 8vo. 35 14 0
94. Gesta et Vestigia Danorum extra Daniam, 3 v. large paper, with a portrait in satin of the Prince to whom it is dedicated, Lips: et Hafn: 1740, 4to. Black morocco, gilt leaves. N.B. 'It is supposed that the Rolliad was taken from this work.' 10 10 0
133. Brittania, Lathmon, et villa Bromhamensis, poematia; Bodoni, Parma, 1792, red morocco, folio. 9 19 6
211. Contes des Fees; Paris, 1781, 8vo. 4 vols. IMPRIMEE SUR VELIN. This unique copy is ornamented with nineteen original drawings, and was made for the late Madame Royale: elegantly bound in blue morocco and enclosed in a morocco case. 35 14 0
237. Memoires du Comte de Grammont. Edition printed for the Comte d'Artois. Par. 1781. 8vo. This beautiful small work, from the text of which Harding's edition was copied, is adorned with several high finished portraits in miniature, painted by a celebrated artist, and is elegantly bound in green morocco, with morocco case. 15 15 3
317. L'antiquite Expliquee, par Montfaucon, with fine plates; large paper copy, 15 vol. red (French) morocco, with gilt leaves; and Monarchie Francoise, 5, v. l. p. correspondently bound, folio. 63 0 0
318. Anacreontis Carmina, Gr. et Lat. from a MS. in the Vatican of the tenth century: with beautiful coloured miniatures by Piale, appropriate to each ode, in rich morocco binding. Romae, 1781. folio. 56 14 0
Early in the year in which this collection was disposed of, the very beautiful choice, and truly desirable library of GEORGE GALWAY MILLS, Esq. was sold by auction by Mr. Jeffery, in February, 1800. My copy of this well-executed catalogue is upon large paper; but it has not the prices subjoined. Meanwhile let the sharp-sighted bibliomaniac look at no. 28, 68, 85, 106, 181, 412, 438, only. Thus it will be seen that the year 1800 was most singularly distinguished for Book-Auction Bibliomaniacism!
We now proceed to notice the sales of the libraries of those bibliomaniacs above mentioned by Lysander. A catalogue of the very valuable Library of the late JOHN WILKES, Esq., M.P., &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in November, 1802, 8vo.: 1478 articles. There are few articles, except the following deserving of being extracted.
NO. 139. Bernier Theologie Portatif, Lond. 1768—Boulanger Recherches sur l'Origine du Despotisme Oriental, morocco, gilt leaves. Lond. 1763, 8vo. 'N.B. The "Recherches" were printed by Mr. Wilkes, at his own private printing press, in Great George Street, Westminster, in 1763.'
383. Catullus, recensuit Johannes Wilkes; impress. in Membranis, red morocco, gilt leaves. Lond. ap. Nichols, 1788, 4to.
395. Copies taken from the Records of the C. of K.B. 1763. "Note in this book—printed by P.C. Webe, one of the solicitors to the Treasury, never published," &c.
1441. Theophrasti Characteres: Graece, Johannes Wilkes, recensuit. Impress. in Membranis, Lond. 1790, 4to.
1460. Wilkes's History of England, no. I. 1768, 4to.
Next comes the account of the Library of that redoubted champion of ancient lore, and anti-Wartonian critic, Joseph Ritson. His books, upon the whole, brought very moderate sums. A Catalogue of the entire and curious Library and Manuscripts of the late JOSEPH RITSON, Esq., &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, December 5, 1803, 8vo.
NO. 521. Skelton's (Maister) Workes, MS. notes, and lists of the different editions of Skelton's Works, and likewise of those never printed; and of these last, in whose possession many of them are, 1736, 8vo. L0 18s. 0d.
600. Jeffrey of Monmouth's British History, by Thompson; a great number of MS. notes, on separate papers, by Mr. Ritson. Lond. 1718, 8vo. 1 5 0
950. The Sevin Seages. Translatit out of Paris in Scottis meter, be Johne Rolland in Dalkeith, with one Moralitie after everie Doctouris Tale, and siclike after the Emprice Tale, togidder with one loving landaude to everie Doctour after his awin Tale, and one Exclamation and outcrying upon the Emprerouris Wife after his fals contrusit tale. Imprentit at Edinburgh, be Johne Ros, for Henrie Charteris, 1578, 4to. "Note in this book by Mr. Ritson; No other copy of this edition is known to exist, neither was it known to Ames, Herbert," &c. &c. 31 10 0
964. A new Enterlude, never before this tyme imprinted, entreating of the Life and Repentance of Marie Magadelene [Transcriber's Note: Magdalene], not only godlie, learned and fruitfull, but also well furnished with pleasant myrth and pastime, very delectable for those which shall heare or reade the same, made by the learned Charke [Transcriber's Note: Clarke] Lewis Wager—printed 1567, MS. 1 11 6
985. Bibliographia Scotica; Anecdotes biographical and literary of Scotish Writers, Historians, and Poets, from the Earliest account to the nineteenth century, in two parts, intended for publication. 45 3 0
986. Shakspeare, by Johnson and Steevens, 8 vols. containing a great number of manuscript notes, corrections, &c. &c. together with 3 vols. of manuscript notes, by Mr. Ritson, prepared by him for the press, intending to publish it. 110 0 0
The year ensuing (of which Lysander has, very negligently, taken no notice) was distinguished for the sale of a collection of books, the like unto which had never been seen, since the days of the dispersion of the Parisian collection. The title of the auction catalogue was, in part, as follows: A Catalogue of a most splendid and valuable collection of Books, superb missals, original drawings, &c. the genuine property of a Gentleman of distinguished taste, retiring into the country, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Christie, April, 1804, 8vo. 339 articles: total amount, 4640l.—being almost 14l. an article. I attended both days of this sale and the reader shall judge of my own satisfaction, by that which he must receive from a perusal of the following specimens of this Bibliotheca Splendidissima.
NO. 221. A most complete set of Sir William Dugdale's Works, containing Monasticon Anglicanum, in 5 vols. 1655; Monasticon, vol. 1, editio secunda, 2 vols.; Monasticon, in English, with Steevens's Continuation, 3 vols.; Warwickshire, first edition; Warwickshire, second edition, by Thomas, 2 vols.; St. Paul's, first and second edition, 2 vols.; Baronage, 2 vols.; History of Imbanking, first and second editions, 2 vols.; Origines Juridiciales, third edition; View of the Troubles; Summons of the Nobility; Usage of Arms and office of Lord Chancellor. This fine set of Dugdale is elegantly bound in Russia leather in 23 volumes. L136 10s. 0d.
(Now worth 250l.)
222. Biographia Britannica, 7 vols. 1747, folio. A matchless set illustrated with portraits, fine and rare, and elegantly bound in Russia leather. 99 15 0
223. Homeri Ilias et Odyssea, 4 vols. Glasgow, 1756, fol. An unique copy, on large paper, illustrated with Flaxman's plates to the Iliad, and original drawings, by Miss Wilkes, to the Odyssey; superbly bound in blue Turkey. 39 18 0
225. Milton's Poetical Works, large paper, Tonson, 1695. Milton's Historical Works, &c., by Birch, 2 vols. large paper, 1738, 3 vols. elegantly bound in Russia leather. 5 10 0
229. Ogilby's Historical Works, containing Britannia, China, 2 vols. Japan, Asia, Africa, and America, with fine plates by Hollar, 7 vols. folio, fine copy in Russia. 18 18 0
234. Lord Clarendon's History of the Grand Rebellion, 6 vols. folio, large paper, splendidly bound in morocco, 1702. 49 7 0
235. Winwood's Memorials of Affairs of State, 3 vols. 1725. Large Paper, elegantly bound, and gilt leaves. 5 18 0
239. Wood's Athenae Oxonienses, 2 vols. best edition, 1721. A fine copy on Large Paper, elegantly bound in Russia, with gilt leaves, Fol. 7 17 6
From no. 292 to 307, inclusive (only 14 volumes), there was a set of "Painted Missals and curious manuscripts," which were sold for 724l. Among them, was Mr. John Towneley's matchless missal, decorated by the famous Francesco Veronese—"one of the finest productions of the kind ever imported from Italy:" see no. 296. For an account of the books PRINTED UPON VELLUM in this collection, see PART VI. Let us close this note with the Bibliotheca Boucheriana; of which such respectable mention is above justly made by Lysander. "A Catalogue of the very valuable and extensive Library of the late REV. JONATHAN BOUCHER, A.M., F.R.S., Vicar of Epsom, Surrey. Comprehending a fine and curious collection in Divinity, History, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby; in February, 1806." First part, 6646 articles: Second part, 1933 articles: Third part, published in 1809: 857 articles. I attended many days during this sale; but such was the warm fire, directed especially towards divinity, kept up during nearly the whole of it, that it required a heavier weight of metal than I was able to bring into the field of battle to ensure any success in the contest. I cannot help adding that these catalogues are wretchedly printed.]
Ah, well-a-day!—have I not come to the close of my BOOK-HISTORY? Are there any other bibliomaniacs of distinction yet to notice? Yes!—I well remember the book-sale events of the last four years. I well remember the curiosity excited by the collections of the MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE, JOHN BRAND, ISAAC REED, RICHARD PORSON, ALEXANDER DALRYMPLE, and RICHARD GOUGH,[413] and with these I must absolutely make my bibliomaniacal peroration! Illustrious men!——
[Footnote 413: For the same reason as has been adduced at p. 427, ante, and from a strong wish to render this List of Book Auctions as perfect as my opportunities will allow, I shall persevere, at the foot of Lysander's narrative, in submitting to the attention of the curious reader a still further account of sales than those above alluded to in the text. As this will be the last note in PART V., I hope, however late the hour, or exhausted his patience, that the reader will also persevere to the close of it, and then wish the author "good night," along with his friends, whose salutations are above so dramatically described. At the very opening of the year in which Mr. Boucher's books were sold, the magnificent collection of the Marquis of Lansdowne was disposed of. I well remember the original destination of this numerous library: I well remember the long, beautiful, and classically ornamented room, in which, embellished and guarded by busts, and statues of gods and heroes, the books were ranged in quiet and unmolested order, adjoining to the noblest mansion in London. If the consideration of external, or out-of-door, objects be put out of the question, this Library-room had not its superior in Great Britain. Let us now come to particulars: "Bibliotheca Lansdowniana. A Catalogue of the entire Library of the late most noble William MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE; sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, &c. January, 1806." 8vo. The following is but a slender specimen of the printed books in the Lansdowne collection.
NO. 359. Arthur Kynge (the story of the most noble and Worthy) the whiche was fyrst of the worthyes christen, and also of his noble and valyaunt knyghtes of the Round Table; newly imprynted and corrected, black letter, title-page emblazoned, Turkey. Imp. at Lond. by Wyllyam Coplande, 1557, folio. In the collection of Mr. Dent. L25 0s. 0d.
361. Ashmole's (Elias) Institution, Laws, and Ceremonies of the Order of the Garter, plates by Hollar, L. Paper, green morocco, border of gold, gilt leaves, 1672, folio. 10 10 0
1384. Chronica del Rey Don Alonso el Onzeno, Roy de Castilla, &c. Liter. Goth. Mar. verd. Volladolid [Transcriber's Note: Valladolid]. 1551, folio. 11 11 0
1385. —— del Rey Don Pedro. D. Enrrique [Transcriber's Note: Enrique], y D. Juan, Pampl. 1591, folio. 5 15 6
1386. —— des Reys de Portugal, D. Joanno I. D. Duarte, e D. Alfonso, Lisboa, 1543, folio. 4 2 0
2499. Gazette, London, from the beginning, 1665 to 1722 inclusive, 73 vol. folio. 84 0 0
3438. Leyes del Reyno, del Don Philippe II. Recopilacion de las, 2 tom. Alcala, 1581. folio. 1 5 0
3439. —— de los Reynos de las Indias, del Don Carlos II. 2 tom. Madrid, 1681, folio. 3 10 0
4108. Money; a very curious Collection of Single Sheets, &c., and with several MS. Memorandums and Papers on that Subject, bound in one volume. 10 10 0
5544. Somers' (Lord) Tracts, 16 vol. Lond. 1748, 52. 63 0 0
5786. Stuart's (James) Antiquities of Athens, plates, 3 vol. 1787, 94, folio. 16 16 0
5787. Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerary, cuts, Russia, 2 vol. in vol. 1, 1776, folio. 21 0 0
5916. A very rare collection of Tracts, Documents, and Pamphlets, consisting of above 280 volumes, tending to illustrate the History of the French Revolution—together with more than 49 volumes relative to the transactions in the Low Countries, between the years 1787 and 1792, and their separation from the house of Austria:—amongst the above will be found the following works.
Des Etats Generaux, &c. Par. 1789. 18 vol. Process Verbaux de la premiere Assemblee, 75 vol. Ditto de la seconde 16 vol. Ditto de la Convocation 32 vol.
Revolution Francoise, 20 vol. from 1790 to 1803, wanting vol. 1, 2, and 13.
La Bastile Devoilee. Par. 1789.
Sir James M'Intosh's Vindiciae Gallicae, and numerous pieces relative to the Constitution and Administration of the French Government, in its Executive, Legislative, Judicial, and Financial Departments, by Messrs. Mirabeau, Turgot, Barrere, Calonne, Necker, &c. 168 0 0
I should observe that the PRINTS or ENGRAVINGS of the Marquis, together with the printed prices for which they, and the foregoing library, were sold, are usually added to the Catalogue of the Books. In the spring of 1807, the MANUSCRIPTS belonging to the same noble collector were catalogued to be sold by public auction. These manuscripts, in the preface of the first volume of the Catalogue, are said to 'form one of the noblest and most valuable private collections in the kingdom.' It is well known that the collection never came to the hammer; but was purchased by parliament for 6000l., and is deposited in the British Museum. A catalogue of it is now sub prelo; vide p. 89, ante. We are next to notice the sale by auction of the library of the late Rev. John Brand. The first part of this collection was disposed of in the Spring of 1807; and the catalogue had this title: Bibliotheca Brandiana. A Catalogue of the unique, scarce, rare, curious, and numerous collection of Works, &c., being the entire Library of the late REV. JOHN BRAND, Fellow and Secretary of the Antiquarian Society, Author of the History of Newcastle, Popular Antiquities, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart, May, 1807. This first part contained 8611 articles, or lots, of printed books; exclusively of 243 lots of manuscripts. Hereafter followeth, gentle reader, some specimens, selected almost at random, of the 'unique, scarce, rare, and curious' books contained in the said library of this far-famed Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries.
NO. 67. Ane Compendious Booke of Godly and Spiritual Songs, bl. lett. 8vo. Edinb. 1621. L4 4s. 0d.
69. Academy of Pleasure, with portraits of Drayton, G. Withers, F. Quarles, and B. Jonson, Lon. 1656, 8vo. 2 17 6
109. A Curtaine Lecture, rare and curious, frontispiece, Lond. 1637, 8vo. 0 15 0
110. A Banquet of Jests, or Change of Cheare, with portrait of Archee, the King's jester. Rare. Lond. 1659, 8vo. 4 10 0
227. Arnold's Chronicle of the Customs of London, a fine copy, perfect, printed by Pynson, fol. 1521. 18 18 0
241. An Alvearie, or Quadruple Dictionarie, by Baret. Francof. fol. 1580. 3 5 0
242. Dyalogue of Dives and Pauper, that is to say, the Rich and the Pore, fructuously tretyng upon the Ten Commandments, black-letter, printed by Pynson, fol. 1493. 4 3 0
272. Allot's England's Parnassus, 8vo. 1600. 2 10 0
282. A Booke of Fishing, with hooke and line, 1600, 8vo. A Booke of Engines and Traps to take Polcats, Buzzards, Rats, Mice, &c. cuts, very rare, [See p. 305, ante.] 3 3 0
283. Archy's Dream, sometimes jester to his Majestie, but expelled the court by Canterbury's malice, very rare, 8vo. 1 13 0
337. A new Dialogue between the Angell of God and Shepherdes in the Felde, black-letter. Pr. by Day, 8vo. 2 10 0
381. A Dialogue betweene two Neighbours, concernyng Ceremonyes in the first year of Queen Mary, black-letter, with portrait of Mary, by Delarum, from Roane, by Michelwood, 1554, 8vo. 2 12 6
417. A short Inuentory of certayne idle Inventions, black-letter, very rare. 2 15 0
418. A Juniper Lecture, with the Description of all Sorts of Women, good and bad, very rare. Lond. 1639, 8vo. 1 16 0
454. A Quip for an Upstart Courtier; or a Quaint Dispute betweene Velvet Breeches and Cloth Breeches, wherein is set Downe the Disorders in all Estates and Trades, with portraits. Lond. printed by G.P., 1620, 4to. 2 16 0
462. Articles to be enquired into by various Bishops, &c., in their Visitations; upwards of one hundred; a very curious, scarce, and unique collection, 4to. 2 2 0
802. Barbiere (John) the famous Game of Chesse Play, cuts, 1673. The most ancient and learned play, The Philosopher's Game, invented for the Honourable Recreation of the Studious, by W.F., black-letter, 1563, 4to. 2 4 0
1300. A Plaister for a Galled Horse, very rare, 1548, 4to. [See Herbert's Ames, vol. i. 581: and p. 239; ante.] 3 17 6
1312. A Counter Blaste to Tobacco. Lond. 1604, 4to. 0 17 0
1326. Bentley's (Thos.) Monument of Matrons, containing seven severall Lamps of Virginitie, or Distinct Treatises, collated and perfect, a very fine copy, extremely rare and curious, imprinted at London, by Thomas Dawson, for William Seres, extremely rare, black-letter, 1582, 4to. 8 18 6
1334. Bert (Edmund) an approved Treatise of Hawkes and Hunting. Lond. 1619, 4to. 1 10 0
1540. Burton (Wm.) Seven Dialogues, black-letter. Lond. 1606. George Whetstone's Mirrour for Magistrates of cities, b.l., printed by Richard Jones, 1584, 4to. 3 13 6
1542. Byshop's (John) beautifull Blossomes, black-letter, imprinted by Henrie Cockyn, 1577, 4to. 4 10 0
1754. Characters (viz.) The Surfeit to A.B.C. Lond. 1656. Dr. Lupton's London and Country carbonadoed and quartered into Seuerall Characters, 1632. Essayes and Characters, by L.G., 1661, 8vo. 4 7 0
2069. England's Jests refined and improved, 1660, 8vo. 2 14 0
2326. Catharo's Diogenes in his Singularitie, wherein is comprehended his merrie Baighting fit for all men's benefits: christened by him a Nettle for Nice Noses, by L.T., black-letter, 1591, 4to. 2 10 0
3523. Fages (Mrs.) Poems, Fames Roule, &c., rare, Lond. 1637, 4to. 5 15 6
7817. Stukeley's (Wm.) Itinerarium Curiosum; 2 vols. in 1, Russia, folio. 14 14 0
8211. The blazon of Jealousie, written in Italian, by Varchi. Lond. 1615, 8vo. 2 6 0
8223. Tracts: Dial of Witches, 1603; Lancaster Witches, 1613; Trial of Yorkshire Witches, 1612; The Golden Fleece, 1626; Cage of Diabolical Possession, 4to. 2 8 0
8224. The most strange and admirable Discoverie of the three witches of Warboys, arraigned, convicted, and executed at the last assizes at Huntington; for bewitching the five daughters of Robert Throckmorton, Esq., and divers other persons, with sundrie devilish and grievous torments; and also for bewitching to death the Lady Crumwell. Extra rare, 4to. 4 0 0
8230. Witches apprehended, examined, and executed for notable villanies, by them committed both by land and water, with a strange and most true triall how to know whether a woman be a witch or not: with the plate. Extra rare, 4to. 3 5 0
8269. The Pleasure of Princes, the Art of Angling, together with the Ordering and Dieting of the Fighting Cocke, 1635, 4to. 2 5 0
8296. The Knyght of the Toure; a perfect and fine specimen of the father of English Printers, 1484, folio. The reader (if he pleases) may consult my first volume, p. 202, of the Typographical Antiquities of Great Britain, for some account of this edition. 111 6 0
My copy of this first part of the Catalogue of Brand's books is upon large paper, with the prices inserted in the margin. The second part of the BIBLIOTHECA BRANDIANA, containing duplicates and Pamphlets, was sold in February, 1808, by Mr. Stewart. There were 4064 articles. Few collections attracted greater attention before, and during, the sale than did the library of the late Mr. Isaac Reed: a critic and literary character of very respectable second-rate reputation. The public Journals teemed, for a time, with book-anecdotes concerning this collection; and the Athenaeum, Monthly Mirror, Censura Literaria, European Magazine, struck out a more bold outline of the Bibliotheca Reediana than did the generality of their fellow Journals. Reed's portrait is prefixed to the European Magazine, the Monthly Mirror, and the Catalogue of his own Books: it is an indifferently stippled scraping, copied from a fine mellow mezzotint, from the characteristic pencil of Romney. This latter is a private plate, and, as such, is rare. To return to the Library. The preface to the Catalogue was written by the Rev. H.J. Todd. It is brief, judicious, and impressive; giving abundant proof of the bibliomaniacal spirit of the owner of the library—who would appear to have adopted the cobler's well-known example of applying one room to almost every domestic purpose: for Reed made his library 'his parlour, kitchen, and hall.' A brave and enviable spirit this!—and, in truth, what is comparable with it? But the reader is beginning to wax impatient for a more particular account. Here it is: Bibliotheca Reediana. A Catalogue of the curious and extensive Library of the late Isaac Reed, Esq., of Staple Inn, deceased. Comprehending a most extraordinary collection of books in English Literature, &c.: sold by auction, by Messrs. King and Lochee: November, 1807, 8vo. The following specimens of some of Reed's scarce volumes are copied, in part, from the account which was inserted in the Athenaeum, vol. iii., pp. 61, 157, under the extraordinary signatures of W. Caxton and W. de Worde.
NO. 5867. A Portfolio of single-sheet Ballads. L15 15s. 0d.
6661. Colman (W.) Death's Duel, 8vo., frontispiece. 7 15 0
6685. Barnefield's Affectionate Shepherd, very rare, 4to. 1594. 15 10 0
6713. A musical Concort of Heavenly Harmonie, called Churchyard's charitie. See MS. notes in Churchyard's Pieces, by Steevens, Reed, &c., 1595, 4to. 8 15 0
6714. Churchyard's lamentable and pitiable Description of the woeful Warres in Flanders, 1578, 4to. 4 19 0
6715. —— a true Discourse of the succeeding Governors in the Netherlands, and the Civil Warres there begun in 1565, 4to.
6716. —— a light Bundle of Lively Discourses, called Churchyard's Charge, presented as a New Year's Gift to the Earl of Savoy, 1589, 4to. 11 5 0
6717. —— Challenge, b.l., 1580, with a copious Manuscript account of his works, by J. Reed, and a small octavo Tract, called A Discourse of Rebellion, 1570, 4to. 17 10 0
6755. Gascoigne (George) whole workes, fine copy in Russia, 4to., b.l., 1567. 15 5 0
6777. Cynthia, with certain Sonnets, rare, 1595, 8vo. 12 5 0
7479. Whetstone (George) Mirror of true Honor, and Christain [Transcriber's Note: Christian] Nobilitie, exposing the Life, Death, and Divine Vertues of Francis Earl of Bedford, b.l., 1585, 4to. 7 0 0
7705. Beaumont and Fletcher's Philaster; or Love lies a bleeding, frontispiece, 4to., 1620. 24 0 0
8536. Shakspeariana, a Large Assemblage of Tracts by various authors, relative to Shakspeare, neatly bound in 9 vols. 8vo. 23 0 0
8561. Stillingfleet (Benj.) Plays, never either finished or published. The only copy ever seen by Mr. Reed. 3 13 6
8676. A volume of unpublished and unprinted Fables, by John Ellis, scrivener and translator of Maphaeus. Note by Mr. Reed: 'It was given to me by Mr. John Sewell, bookseller, to whom Mr. Ellis bequeathed his Manuscripts. See my account of Mr. Ellis in the European Magazine, Jan. 1792: large 4to.' The volume is enriched with fine engravings, appropriate to each Fable. 6 0 0
8833. Notitia Dramatica, both printed and manuscript; containing a Chronological Account of the chief Incidents relating to the English Theatres, from Nov. 1734, to 31st Dec. 1785. "Collected from various sources, but chiefly the Public Advertisers, which were lent me by Mr. Woodfall for the purpose. This volume contains the most material facts relating to the Theatres for the last fifty years, and will be useful to any person who may wish to compile a History of the Stage." Isaac Reed, Staple's Inn, Aug. 6. 1784. 41 0 0
Of this Catalogue, there are only twelve copies printed upon LARGE PAPER; which were all distributed previous to the sale of the books. The common paper copies are very indifferently executed. The late Mr. George Baker had the completest l.p. copy of this catalogue in existence. Before we proceed to give an account of subsequent book-sales, it may be as well to pause for a few minutes—and to take a retrospective view of the busy scene which has been, in part, described: or rather, it may be no incurious thing to lay before the reader for a future century (when the ashes of the author shall have long mouldered into their native dust) a statement of the principal book-sales which took place from November, 1806, to November, 1807—at Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby's King and Lochee's, and Mr. Stewart's. The minor ones carried on under Covent-Garden Piazza, Tom's Coffee-house, &c., are not necessary to be noticed. In calculating the number of volumes, I have considered one article, or lot, with the other, to comprehend three volumes. The result is as follows.
Book-Sales by Messrs. LEIGH and SOTHEBY.
Volumes.
Rev. Edward Bowerbank's library. 2200 Earl of Halifax's 2000 Mr. John Voigt's 6000 Sutton Sharpe's, Esq. 4000 George Mason's, ditto 3800 Mr. Burdon's 14000 Charles Bedford's, Esq. 3500 Rev. Charles Bathurst's 3000 Sir John Sebright's, Bt. (duplicates). 3300 Bishop Horsley's 4400 Mr. E. Edward's 1100 Lieut. Col. Thos. Velley's 2200 Four miscellaneous 6000 ——— 55,500
Book-Sales by KING and LOCHEE.
Volumes. R. Foster's, Esq. library 5000 Dr. John Millar's 3500 Mr. C. Martin's 1000 Mr. Daniel Waldron's 1200 Rev. Thomas Towle's 3000 Mr. Brice Lambert's 2000 C. Dilly's 3000 Isaac Reed's 30000 Six miscellaneous 8400 ——— 57,100
Book-Sales by Mr. STEWART.
Mr. Law's library 4000 Lord Thurlow's 3000 Mr. William Bryant's 4500 Rev. W.W. Fitzthomas's 2000 Rev. John Brand's 17000 George Stubbs, Esq. 1800 Three miscellaneous 4300 ——— 36,600
TOTAL
Sold by Messrs. Leigh and Sotheby 55500 Messrs. King and Lochee 57100 Mr. Stewart 36600 ———- 149,200
Such has been the circulation of books, within the foregoing period, by the hands of three Auctioneers only; and the prices which a great number of useful articles brought is a sufficient demonstration that books are esteemed for their intrinsic value, as well as for the adventitious circumstances which render them rare or curious. But prosterity [Transcriber's Note: posterity] are not to judge of the prevalence of knowledge in these times by the criterion of, what are technically called, book-sales only. They should be told that, within the same twelve months, thousands and tens of thousands of books of all sorts have been circulated by the London Booksellers; and that, without travelling to know the number disposed of at Bristol, Liverpool, York, Manchester, or Exeter, it may be only necessary to state that one distinguished House alone, established not quite a furlong from the railings of St. Paul's Cathedral, sold not far short of two hundred thousand volumes within the foregoing period! If learning continue thus to thrive, and books to be considered as necessary furniture to an apartment; if wealthy merchants are resolved upon procuring Large Paper copies, as well as Indian spices and Russian furs; we may hail, in anticipation, that glorious period when the book-fairs of Leipsic shall be forgotten in the superior splendour of those of London! But to return to our chronological order: The ensuing year, 1808, was distinguished for no small mischief excited in the bibliomaniacal world by the sales of many curious and detached libraries. The second part of Mr. Brand's collection which was sold in the spring of this year, has been already noticed. The close of the year witnessed the sales, by auction, of the books of SAMUEL EWER, Esq. (retiring into the country), and of Mr. MACHEL STACE, bookseller. The former collection was very strong in bibliography; and the latter presented a singularly valuable 'Collection of rare and select' books, relating to old English Literature elegantly bound: containing 2607 articles. Mr. Stace had published, the preceding year, 'A Catalogue of curious and scarce Books and Tracts:' which, with the preceding, merit a snug place upon the bibliographer's shelf. We now enter upon a more busy year of sales of books by auction. The Bibliomania had only increased by the preceding displays of precious and magnificent volumes. And first came on, in magnitude and inportance [Transcriber's Note: importance], the sales of ALEXANDER DALRYMPLE and PROFESSOR PORSON. Of these in turn. A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable Library of Books: Part I. Late the property of ALEX. DALRYMPLE, Esq. F.R.S., deceased. Hydrographer to the Board of Admiralty, and the Hon. East India Company, &c., sold by auction by King and Lochee, May 29, 1809, 8vo.—7190 articles: A Catalogue, &c., Part II. of the same: sold by auction by the same: Nov. 1809.—8897 articles. I should add that there is a stippled engraving of Dalrymple, with fac-simile of his hand-writing, which faces the title page to Part First of this extraordinary and numerous collection; of books of Geography, Voyages, and Travels. I strongly recommend copies of these catalogues to be in every library of extent and utility. We are now to notice: A Catalogue of Part of the Library of the late Richard Porson, A.M., Greek Professor of the University of Cambridge, &c.: sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, June 16th, 1809, 8vo.—1391 articles: amount of the books, 1254l. 18s. 6d. The subjoined is rather a rich, though brief, specimen of some of the valuable books contained in the library of this profound Greek scholar; in whom the acuteness of Bentley, and the erudition of Hemsterhusius, were more than revived.
NO. 116. Biblia Graeca, et Novum Testamentum Graece, lectionibus D.J.J. Griesbach, 2 vols., boards, uncut, MS. notes at the beginning of each vol. Hal. Sax. 1796-1806, 8vo. L8 15s. 0d.
The notes amounted to the correction of 9 typographical errors and 1 addition to a note of Griesbach's, consisting of authorities he ought to have added.
182. Athenaeus, Gr. Lat., cum animadversionibus I. Casauboni, 2 vols., MS. notes, Lugduni, 1612, folio. 7 10 0
330. Chariton de Amor. Chaerae et Callirrhoe, Gr. Lat. cum animadversionibus, J.P. d'Orville—Amst. 1750, 4to. 2 5 0
Porson's note in the beginning. 'Opus plenum eruditionis, judicii et sagacitatis non item.'
559. Homeri Ilias et Odyssea (the Grenville edition) boards, uncut, with the original portrait. Oxoniae, 4to., large paper: 4 vols. 87 3 0
601. Eustathius in Homerum, 4 vols., morocco, gilt leaves, Par. 1550, fol. 55 0 0
1078. Shakspeare's (William) Plays by Johnson and Steevens, 15 vols., boards, uncut, 1793, 8vo. 12 15 0
Anecdotes and Memoirs of RICHARD PORSON are strewn, like spring flowers in an extensive pasture, in almost every newspaper, magazine, and journal. Among the latter, there is an interesting one by Dr. Adam Clarke in the Classical Journal, no. IV., p. 720. The hand-writing of Porson is a theme of general admiration, and justly so; but his Greek characters have always struck me as being more stiff and cramped than his Roman and Italic. I well remember when he shewed me, and expatiated eloquently upon, the famous MS. of Plato, of the 10th century. Poor Fillingham was of the party. Little did I then expect that three years only would deprive the world of its great classical ornament, and myself of a well-informed and gentle-hearted friend! We will now close our account of the book-ravages in the year 1809, by noticing the dispersion of a few minor corps of bibliomaniacal troops, in the shape of printed volumes. Bibliotheca Maddisoniana: A Catalogue of the extensive and valuable library of the late JOHN MADDISON, Esq., of the foreign department in the Post Office, &c.: sold by auction by King and Lochee, March, 1809, 8vo. A judicious and elegant collection. 5239 articles. II. A Catalogue of a curious, valuable, and rare collection of Books in Typography, History, Voyages, Early English Poetvy [Transcriber's Note: Poetry], Romances, Classics, &c.: the property of a Collector well known for his literary taste, &c. Sold by auction by Mr. Stewart, April, 1809, 8vo. Some curious volumes were in these 1858 articles or lots. III. A Catalogue of the very valuable and elegant Library of EMPEROR JOHN ALEXANDER WOODFORD, Esq., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, May, 1809, 8vo.—1773 articles. This was a sumptuous collection; and the books, in general, brought large prices, from being sharply contended for. IV. A Catalogue of the interesting and curious historical and biographical part of the LIBRARY OF A GENTLEMAN, particularly interesting, during the reign of Elizabeth, the grand rebellion, the usurpation, restoration, and abdication, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, in May, 1809, 8vo. Only 806 articles; but a singularly curious and elegant collection; the catalogue of which I strongly recommend to all 'curious, prying, and inquisitive' bibliomaniacs. The first half of the ensuing year, 1810, was yet more distinguished for the zeal and energy—shall I say MADNESS?—displayed at BOOK-AUCTIONS. The sale of Mr. Gough's books excited an unusual ferment among English antiquaries: but the sale of a more extensive, and truly beautifully classical, collection in Pall Mall, excited still stronger sensations. As the prices for some of the articles sold in the Gough collection have already been printed in the Gentleman's Magazine, vol. lxxx., pt. ii., and as those for which some of the latter collection were sold, appeared in the 4th number of The Classical Journal, it only remains for me to subjoin the following account. I. A Catalogue of the entire and valuable Library (with the exception of the department of Topography, bequeathed to the Bodleian Library) of that eminent antiquary, RICHARD GOUGH, Esq., deceased, &c., sold by auction by Leigh and Sotheby, April, 1810, 8vo.—4082 articles. The MANUSCRIPTS conclude the catalogue, at no. 4373. Prefixed to the printed books, there is an account of the collector, Mr. Gough, executed by the faithful pen of Mr. Nichols. My own humble opinion of this celebrated antiquary has already been before the public: Typog. Antiquit., vol. I., 21. II. A Catalogue of books containing all the rare, useful, and valuable publications in every department of Literature, from the first invention of Printing to the present time, all of which are in the most perfect condition, &c.: sold by auction by Mr. Jeffery, May, 1810, 8vo.—4809 articles. Another Catalogue of the same collection, elegantly printed in royal octavo, but omitting the auctioneer's notices of the relative value of certain editions, was published by Mr. Constable of Edinburgh, bookseller: with the prices and purchasers' names subjoined: and of which it is said only 250 copies are printed. The REV. MR. HEATH is reported to have been the owner of this truly select and sumptuous classical library: the sale of which produced 9000l. Never did the bibliomaniac's eye alight upon 'sweeter copies'—as the phrase is; and never did the bibliomaniacal barometer rise higher than at this sale! The most marked phrensy characterized it. A copy of the Editio Princeps of Homer (by no means a first-rate one) brought 92l.: and all the ALDINE CLASSICS produced such an electricity of sensation that buyers stuck at nothing to embrace them! Do not let it hence be said that black-letter lore is the only fashionable pursuit of the present age of book-collectors. This sale may be hailed as the omen of better and brighter prospects in Literature in general: and many a useful philological work, although printed in the Latin or Italian language—and which had been sleeping, unmolested, upon a bookseller's shelf these dozen years—will now start up from its slumber, and walk abroad in a new atmosphere, and be noticed and 'made much of.'
Here I terminate my annotation labours relating to ANECDOTES OF BOOK-COLLECTORS, and ACCOUNTS OF BOOK-AUCTIONS. Unless I am greatly deceived, these labours have not been thrown away. They may serve, as well to awaken curiosity in regard to yet further interesting memoranda respecting scholars, as to shew the progressive value of books, and the increase of the disease called the BIBLIOMANIA. Some of the most curious volumes in English literature have in these notes, been duly recorded; nor can I conclude such a laborious, though humble, task, without indulging a fond hope that this account will be consulted by all those who make book-collecting their amusement. But it is now time to rise up, with the company described in the text, and to put on my hat and great-coat. So I make my bow, wishing, with L'Envoy at the close of MARMION,
To all, to each, a fair good night, And pleasing dreams, and slumbers light.]
LOREN. Do you mean to have it inferred that there were no collections, of value or importance, which were sold in the mean time?
LYSAND. I thank you for stopping me: for I am hoarse as well as stupid: I consider the foregoing only as the greater stars or constellations in the bibliographical hemisphere. Others were less observed from their supposed comparative insignificancy; although, if you had attended the auctions, you would have found in them many very useful, and even rare and splendid, productions. But we are all
'Tickled with the whistling of a name!'
LOREN. Ay, and naturally enough too. If I look at my Stubbes's Anatomy of Abuses, which has received your abuse this evening, and fancy that the leaves have been turned over by the scientific hand of Pearson, Farmer, or Steevens, I experience, by association of ideas, a degree of happiness which I never could have enjoyed had I obtained the volume from an unknown collector's library.
LIS. Very true; and yet you have only Master Stubbes's work after all!
LOREN. Even so. But this fictitious happiness, as you would call it, is, in effect, real happiness; inasmuch as it produces positive sensations of delight.
LIS. Well, there is no arguing with such a bibliomaniac as yourself, Lorenzo.
BELIN. But allow, brother, that this degree of happiness, of which you boast, is not quite so exquisite as to justify the very high terms of purchase upon which it is often times procured.
LYSAND. There is no such thing as the 'golden mediocrity' of Horace in book pursuits. Certain men set their hearts upon certain copies, and 'coute qu'il coute' they must secure them. Undoubtedly, I would give not a little for Parker's own copy of the Book of Common Prayer, and Shakspeare's own copy of both parts of his Henry the Fourth.
ALMAN. Well, Lisardo, we stand no chance of stemming the torrent against two such lusty and opiniated bibliomaniacs as my brother and Lysander: although I should speak with deference of, and acknowledge with grateful respect, the extraordinary exertions of the latter, this evening, to amuse and instruct us.
LIS. This evening?——say, this day:—this live-long day—and yesterday also! But have you quite done, dear Lysander?
LYSAND. Have you the conscience to ask for more? I have brought you down to the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eleven; and without touching upon the collections of LIVING BIBLIOMANIACS, or foretelling what may be the future ravages of the Bibliomania in the course of only the next dozen years, I think it proper to put an end to my BOOK-COLLECTING HISTORY, and more especially to this long trial of your auricular patience.
LOREN. A thousand thanks for your exertions! Although your friend, with whom you are on a visit, knows pretty well the extent of my bibliographical capacity, and that there have been many parts in your narrative which were somewhat familiar to me, yet, upon the whole, there has been a great deal more of novelty, and, in this novelty, of solid instruction. Sincerely, therefore Lysander, I here offer you my heart-felt thanks.
LYSAND. I receive them as cordially: from an assurance that my digressions have been overlooked; or, if noticed, forgiven. It would be gross vanity, and grosser falsehood, to affirm that the discourse of this day, on my part, has given anything like a full and explicit history of all the most eminent book-collectors and patrons of Learning which have reflected such lustre upon the literary annals of our country:—No, Lorenzo: a complete account, or a perfect description, of these illustrious characters would engage a conversation, not for one day—but one week. Yet I have made the most of the transient hour, and, by my enthusiasm, have perhaps atoned for my deficiency of information.
LIS. But cannot you resume this conversation on the morrow?
LYSAND. My stay with our friend is short, and I know not how he means to dispose of me to-morrow. But I have done—certainly done—with Personal History!
LOREN. That may be. Yet there are other departments of the Bibliomania which may be successfully discussed. The weather will probably be fine, and let us enjoy a morning conversazione in THE ALCOVE?
BELIN. Surely, Lysander may find something in the fruitful pigeon-holes of his imagination—as the Abbe Sieyes used to do—from which he may draw forth some system or other?
ALMAN. You have all talked loudly and learnedly of the BOOK-DISEASE; but I wish to know whether a mere collector of books be a bibliomaniac?
LYSAND. Certainly not. There are SYMPTOMS of this disease within the very books themselves of a bibliomaniac.
ALMAN. And pray what are these?
LYSAND. Alas, madam!—why are you so unreasonable? And how, after knowing that I have harrangued for more than 'seven hours by Westminster clock'—how can you have the conscience to call upon me to protract the oration? The night has already melted into morning; and I suppose grey twilight is discoverable upon the summit of the hills. I am exhausted; and long for repose. Indeed, I must wish you all a good night.
BELIN. But you promise to commence your symptomatic harangue on the morrow?
LYSAND. If my slumbers are sound, lady fair, and I rise tolerably recruited in strength, I will surely make good my promise. Again, good night!
BELIN. Sir, a very good night: and let our best thanks follow you to your pillow.
ALMAN. Remember, as you sink to repose, what a quantity of good you have done, by having imparted such useful information.
LYSAND. I shall carry your best wishes, and grateful mention of my poor labours, with me to my orisons. Adieu!—'tis very late.
* * * * *
Here the company broke up. Lisardo slept at Lorenzo's. Philemon and Lysander accompanied me to my home; and as we past Lorenzo's outer gate, and looked backward upon the highest piece of rising ground, we fancied we saw the twilight of morning. Never was a mortal more heartily thanked for his colloquial exertions than was Lysander. On reaching home, as we separated for our respective chambers, we shook hands most cordially; and my eloquent guest returned the squeeze, in a manner which seemed to tell that he had no greater happiness at heart than that of finding a reciprocity of sentiment among those whom he tenderly esteemed. At this moment, we could have given to each other the choicest volume in our libraries; and I regretted that I had not contrived to put my black-morocco copy of the small Aldine Petrarch, printed upon VELLUM, under Lysander's pillow, as a 'Pignus Amicitiae.'—But we were all to assemble together in Lorenzo's ALCOVE on the morrow; and this thought gave me such lively pleasure that I did not close my eyes 'till the clock had struck five. Such are the bed-luxuries of a Bibliomaniac!
PART VI.
The Alcove.
SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA.——PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE.
"One saith this booke is too long: another, too short: the third, of due length; and for fine phrase and style, the like [of] that booke was not made a great while. It is all lies, said another; the booke is starke naught."
Choice of Change; 1585. 4to., sign. N. i.
The Alcove.
SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA.——PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE.
Softly blew the breeze, and merrily sung the lark, when Lisardo quitted his bed-chamber at seven in the morning, and rang lustily at my outer gate for admission. So early a visitor put the whole house in commotion; nor was it without betraying some marks of peevishness and irritability that, on being informed of his arrival, I sent word by the servant to know what might be the cause of such an interruption. The reader will readily forgive this trait of harshness and precipitancy, on my part, when he is informed that I was then just enjoying the "honey dew" of sleep, after many wakeful and restless hours.
Lisardo's name was announced: and his voice, conveyed in the sound of song-singing, from the bottom of the garden, left the name of the visitor no longer in doubt. I made an effort, and sprung from my bed; and, on looking through the venetian blinds, I discovered our young bibliomaniacal convert with a book sticking out of his pocket, another half opened in his hand (upon which his eyes were occasionally cast), and a third kept firmly under his left arm. I thrust my head, "night-cap, tassel and all," out of window, and hailed him; not, however, before a delicious breeze, wafted over a bed of mignonette, had electrified me in a manner the most agreeable imaginable.
Lisardo heard, and hailed me in return. His eyes sparkled with joy; his step was quick and elastic; and an unusual degree of animation seemed to pervade his whole frame. "Here," says he, "here is The British Bibliographer[414] in my hand, a volume of Mr. Beloe's Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books in my pocket, while another, of Mr. D'Israeli's Curiosities of Literature, is kept snugly under my arm, as a corps de reserve, or rallying point. If these things savour not of bibliography, I must despair of ever attaining to the exalted character of a Bibliomaniac!"
[Footnote 414: The British Bibliographer is a periodical publication; being a continuation of a similar work under the less popular title of The Censura Literaria; concerning which see p. 52, ante. It is a pity that Mr. Savage does not continue his British Librarian; (of which 18 numbers are already published) as it forms a creditable supplement to Oldys's work under a similar title; vide p. 51, ante. A few of the ensuing numbers might be well devoted to an analysis of Sir William Dugdale's works, with correct lists of the plates in the same.]
"You are up betimes," said I. "What dream has disturbed your rest?" "None" replied he; "but the most delightful visions have appeared to me during my sleep. Since you left Lorenzo's, I have sipt nectar with Leland, and drunk punch with Bagford. Richard Murray has given me a copy of Rastell's Pastime of People,[415] and Thomas Britton has bequeathed to me an entire library of the Rosicrusian[416] philosophy. Moreover, the venerable form of Sir Thomas Bodley has approached me; reminding me of my solemn promise to spend a few autumnal weeks,[417] in the ensuing year, within the precincts of his grand library. In short, half the bibliomaniacs, whom Lysander so enthusiastically commended last night, have paid their devoirs to me in my dreams, and nothing could be more handsome than their conduct towards me."
[Footnote 415: The reader may have met with some slight notices of this curious work in pp. 331; 337; 385; 392; 417; ante.]
[Footnote 416: See p. 332, ante.]
[Footnote 417: See p. 49, ante.]
This discourse awakened my friends, Lysander and Philemon; who each, from different rooms, put their heads out of window, and hailed the newly-risen sun with night caps which might have been mistaken for Persian turbans. Such an unexpected sight caused Lisardo to burst out into a fit of laughter, and to banter my guests in his usual strain of vivacity. But on our promising him that we would speedily join his peripatetic bibliographical reveries, he gave a turn towards the left, and was quickly lost in a grove of Acacia and Laurustinus. For my part, instead of keeping this promise, I instinctively sought my bed; and found the observation of Franklin,—of air-bathing being favourable to slumber,—abundantly verified—for I was hardly settled under the clothes 'ere I fell asleep: and, leaving my guests to make good their appointment with my visitor, I enjoyed a sweet slumber of more than two hours.
As early rising produces a keen appetite for bodily, as well as mental, gratification, I found my companions clamorous for their breakfast. A little before ten o'clock, we were all prepared to make a formal attack upon muffins, cake, coffee, tea, eggs, and cold tongue. The window was thrown open; and through the branches of the clustering vine, which covered the upper part of it, the sun shot a warmer ray; while the spicy fragrance from surrounding parterres, and jessamine bowers, made even such bibliomaniacs as my guests forgetful of the gaily-coated volumes which surrounded them. At length the conversation was systematically commenced on the part of Lysander.
LYSAND. To-morrow, Philemon and myself take our departure. We would willingly have staid the week; but business of a pressing nature calls him to Manchester—and myself to Bristol and Exeter.
LIS. Some bookseller,[418] I warrant, has published a thumping catalogue at each of these places. Ha!—here I have you, sober-minded Lysander! You are as arrant a book-madman as any of those renowned bibliomaniacs whom you celebrated yesterday evening!—Yet, if you love me, take me with you! My pistoles are not exhausted.
[Footnote 418: I ought to have noticed, under Lysander's eulogy upon London Booksellers (see p. 308, ante) the very handsome manner in which Mr. Roscoe alludes to their valuable catalogues—as having been of service to him in directing his researches into foreign literature. His words are these: "The rich and extensive Catalogues published by EDWARDS, PAYNE, and other London Booksellers, who have of late years diligently sought for, and imported into England, whatever is curious or valuable in foreign literature, have also contributed to the success of my inquiries." Lorenzo de Medici: pref. p. XXVII., edit. 1800, 8vo.]
PHIL. Peace, Lisardo!—but you are, in truth, a bit of a prophet. It is even as you surmise. We have each received a forwarded letter, informing us of very choice and copious collections of books about to be sold at these respective places. While I take my departure for Mr. Ford of Manchester, Lorenzo is about to visit the book-treasures of Mr. Dyer of Exeter, and Mr. Gutch of Bristol:—but, indeed, were not this the case, our abode here must terminate on the morrow.
LIS. I suppose the names you have just mentioned describe the principal booksellers at the several places you intend visiting.
LYSAND. Even so: yet I will make no disparaging comparisons.[419] We speak only of what has come within our limited experience. There may be many brave and sagacious bibliopolists whose fame has not reached our ears, nor perhaps has any one of the present circle ever heard of the late Mr. Miller of Bungay;[420] who, as I remember my father to have said, in spite of blindness and multifarious occupations, attached himself to the book-selling trade with inconceivable ardour and success. But a word, Lisardo!
[Footnote 419: Lysander is right. Since the note upon Mr. Ford's catalogue of 1810 was written (see p. 123, ante), the same bookseller has put forth another voluminous catalogue, of nine thousand and odd articles; forming, with the preceding, 15,729 lots. This is doing wonders for a provincial town; and that a commercial one!! Of Mr. Gutch's spirit and enterprise some mention has been made before at p. 404, ante. He is, as yet, hardly mellowed in his business; but a few years only will display him as thoroughly ripened as any of his brethren. He comes from a worthy stock; long known at our Alma Mater Oxoniensis:—and as a dutiful son of my University Mother, and in common with every one who is acquainted with his respectable family, I wish him all the success which he merits. Mr. George Dyer of Exeter is a distinguished veteran in the book-trade: his catalogue of 1810, in two parts, containing 19,945 articles, has, I think, never been equalled by that of any provincial bookseller, for the value and singularity of the greater number of the volumes described in it. As Lysander had mentioned the foregoing book-vending gentlemen, I conceived myself justified in appending this note. I could speak with pleasure and profit of the catalogues of booksellers to the north of the Tweed—(see p. 415, ante); but for fear of awaking all the frightful passions of wrath, jealousy, envy—I stop: declaring, from the bottom of my heart, in the language of an auld northern bard:
I hait flatterie; and into wourdis plane, And unaffectit language, I delyte:
(Quod Maister Alexander Arbothnat; in anno 1572.)]
[Footnote 420: There is something so original in the bibliomanical character of the above-mentioned Mr. Miller that I trust the reader will forgive my saying a word or two concerning him. Thomas Miller of Bungay, in Suffolk, was born in 1731, and died in 1804. He was put apprentice to a grocer in Norwich: but neither the fragrance of spices and teas, nor the lusciousness of plums and figs, could seduce young Miller from his darling passion of reading, and of buying odd volumes of the Gentleman's and Universal Magazine with his spare money. His genius was, however, sufficiently versatile to embrace both trades; for in 1755, he set up for himself in the character of Grocer and Bookseller. I have heard Mr. Otridge, of the Strand, discourse most eloquently upon the brilliant manner in which Mr. Miller conducted his complicated concerns; and which, latterly, were devoted entirely to the Bibliomania. Although Bungay was too small and obscure for a spirit like Miller's to disclose its full powers, yet he continued in it till his death; and added a love of portrait and coin, to that of book, collecting. For fifty years his stock, in these twin departments, was copious and respectable; and notwithstanding total blindness, which afflicted him during the last six years of his life, he displayed uncommon cheerfulness, activity, and even skill in knowing where the different classes of books were arranged in his shop. Mr. Miller was a warm loyalist, and an enthusiastic admirer of Mr. Pitt. In 1795, when provincial copper coins were very prevalent, our bibliomaniac caused a die of himself to be struck; intending to strike some impressions of it upon gold and silver, as well as upon copper. He began with the latter; and the die breaking when only 23 impressions were struck off, Miller, in the true spirit of numismatical virtu, declined having a fresh one made. View here, gentle reader, a wood-cut taken from the same: "This coin, which is very finely engraved, and bears a strong profile likeness of himself, is known to collectors by the name of 'THE MILLER HALFPENNY.' Mr. Miller was extremely careful into whose hands the impressions went; and they are now become so rare as to produce at sales from three to five guineas." Gentleman's Magazine; vol. lxxiv., p. 664.
]
LIS. Twenty, if you please.
LYSAND. What are become of Malvolio's busts and statues, of which you were so solicitous to attend the sale, not long ago?
LIS. I care not a brass farthing for them:—only I do rather wish that I had purchased the Count de Neny's Catalogue of the Printed Books and Manscripts [Transcriber's Note: Manuscripts] in the Royal Library of France. That golden opportunity is irrevocably lost!
PHIL. You wished for these books, to set fire to them perhaps—keeping up the ancient custom so solemnly established by your father?[421]
[Footnote 421: The reader may not object to turn for one moment to p. 27, ante.]
LIS. No more of this heart-rending subject! I thought I had made ample atonement.
LYSAND. 'Tis true: and so we forgive and forget. Happy change!—and all hail this salubrious morning, which witnesses the complete and effectual conversion of Lisardo! Instead of laughing at our book-hobbies, and ridiculing all bibliographical studies—which, even by a bibliographer in the dry department of the law, have been rather eloquently defended and enforced[422]—behold this young bibliomaniacal chevalier, not daunted by the rough handling of a London Book-Auction, anxious to mount his courser, and scour the provincial fields of bibliography! Happy change! From my heart I congratulate you!
[Footnote 422: "Our nation (says Mr. Bridgeman) has been too inattentive to bibliographical criticisms and enquiries; for, generally, the English reader is obliged to resort to foreign writers to satisfy his mind as to the value of authors. It behoves us, however, to consider that there is not a more useful, or a more desirable branch of education than a knowledge of books; which, being correctly attained, and judiciously exercised, will prove the touchstone of intrinsic merit, and have the effect of saving many a spotless page from prostitution." Legal Bibliography; 1807, 8vo. (To the reader.)]
LIS. From the bottom of mine, I congratulate you, Lysander, upon the resuming of your wonted spirits! I had imagined that the efforts of yesterday would have completely exhausted you. How rapturously do I look forward for the SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA to be told this morning in Lorenzo's ALCOVE! You have not forgotten your promise!
LYSAND. No, indeed; but if I am able to do justice to the elucidation of so important a subject, it will be in consequence of having enjoyed a placid, though somewhat transient, slumber: notwithstanding the occurrence of a very uncommon dream!
LIS. "I dreamt a dream last night;" which has been already told—but what was yours?
LYSAND. Nay, it is silly to entertain one another with stories of phantastic visions of the night. I have known the most placid-bosomed men grow downright angry at the very introduction of such a discourse.
PHIL. That may be; but we have, luckily, no such placidly-moulded bosoms in the present society. I love this sort of gossipping during breakfast, of all things. If our host permit, do give us your dream, Lysander!
LIS. The dream!—The dream!—I entreat you.
LYSAND. I fear you will fall asleep, and dream yourself, before the recital of it be concluded. But I will get through it as well as I can.
Methought I was gently lifted from the ground into the air by a being of very superior size, but of an inexpressible sweetness of countenance. Although astonished by the singularity of my situation, I was far from giving way entirely to fear; but, with a mixture of anxiety and resignation, awaited the issue of the event. My Guide or Protector (for so this being must now be called) looked upon me with an air of tenderness, mingled with reproof; intimating, as I conceived, that the same superior Power, which had thus transported me above my natural element, would of necessity keep me in safety. This quieted my apprehensions.
We had travelled together through an immensity of space, and could discover the world below as one small darkened spot, when my Guide interrupted the awful silence that had been preserved, by the following exclamation: "Approach, O man, the place of thy destination—compose thy perturbed spirits, and let all thy senses be awakened to a proper understanding of the scene which thou art about to behold." So saying, he moved along with an indescribable velocity; and while my eyes were dazzled by an unusual effulgence of light, I found myself at rest upon a solid seat—formed of crystal, of prodigious magnitude.
My guide then fixed himself at my right hand, and after a vehement ejaculation, accompanied by gestures, which had the effect of enchantment upon me, he extended a sceptre of massive gold, decorated with emeralds and sapphires. Immediately there rose up a MIRROR of gigantic dimensions, around which was inscribed, in fifty languages, the word "TRUTH." I sat in mute astonishment. "Examine," said my Guide, with a voice the most encouraging imaginable, "examine the objects reflected upon the surface of this mirror." "There are none that are discernible to my eyes," I replied. "Thou shalt soon be gratified then," resumed this extraordinary being (with a severe smile upon his countenance), "but first let me purge thine eyes from those films of prejudice which, in the world you inhabit, are apt to intercept the light of TRUTH." He then took a handful of aromatic herbs, and, rubbing them gently upon my temples, gave me the power of contemplating, with perfect discernment, the objects before me.
Wonderful indeed was this scene: for upon the surface of the MIRROR the whole world seemed to be reflected! At first, I could not controul my feelings: but, like a child that springs forward to seize an object greatly beyond its grasp, I made an effort to leave my seat, and to mingle in the extraordinary scene. Here, however, my guide interfered—and, in a manner the most peremptory and decisive, forbade all further participation of it. "View it attentively," replied he, "and impress firmly on thy memory what thou shalt see—it may solace thee the remainder of thy days."
The authoritative air, with which these words were delivered, quite repressed and unnerved me. I obeyed, and intently viewed the objects before me. The first thing that surprised me was the representation of all the metropolitan cities of Europe. London, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, and Petersburg, in particular, occupied my attention; and, what was still more surprising, I seemed to be perfect master of every event going on in them—but more particularly of the transactions of Bodies Corporate. I saw Presidents in their chairs, with Secretaries and Treasurers by their sides; and to whatever observations were made the most implicit attention was paid. Here, an eloquent Lecturer was declaiming upon the beauty of morality, and the deformity of vice: there, a scientific Professor was unlocking the hidden treasures of nature, and explaining how Providence, in all its measures, was equally wonderful and wise. The experiments which ensued, and which corroborated his ingenious and profound remarks, suspended a well-informed audience in rapturous attention; which was followed by instinctive bursts of applause.
Again I turned my eyes, and, contiguous to this scene, viewed the proceedings of two learned sister Societies, distinguished for their labours in Philosophy and Antiquity. Methought I saw the spirits of NEWTON and of DUGDALE, looking down with complacency upon them, and congratulating each other upon the general progress of civilization since they had ceased to mingle among men. "These institutions," observed my Guide, "form the basis of rational knowledge, and are the source of innumerable comforts: for the many are benefitted by the researches and experiments of the few. It is easy to laugh at such societies, but it is not quite so easy to remedy the inconveniences which would be felt, if they were extinct. Nations become powerful in proportion to their wisdom; it has uniformly been found that where philosophers lived, and learned men wrote, there the arts have flourished, and heroism and patriotism have prevailed. True it is that discrepancies will sometimes interrupt the harmony of public bodies. But why is perfection to be expected, where every thing must necessarily be imperfect? It is the duty of man to make the nearest approaches to public and private happiness. And if, as with a sponge, he wipe away such establishments, genius has little incentive to exertion, and merit has still less hope of reward. Now cast your eyes on a different scene."
I obeyed, and, within the same city, saw a great number of Asylums and Institutions for the ignorant and helpless. I saw youth instructed, age protected, the afflicted comforted, and the diseased cured. My emotions at this moment were wonderfully strong—they were perceived by my guide, who immediately begged of me to consider the manner by which epidemic maladies were prevented or alleviated, and especially how the most fatal of them had been arrested in its progress. I attentively examined the objects before me, and saw thousands of smiling children and enraptured mothers walking confidently 'midst plague and death! I saw them, happy in the protection which had been afforded them by the most useful and most nutritious of animals! "Enough," exclaimed my guide, "thou seest here the glorious result of a philosophical mind, gifted with unabatable ardour of experiment. Thou wilt acknowledge that, compared with the triumph which SUCH A MIND enjoys, the conquests of heroes are puerile, and the splendour of monarchy is dim!" During this strain, I fancied I could perceive the human being, alluded to by my guide, retire apart in conversation with another distinguished friend of humanity, by those unwearied exertions the condition of many thousand poor people had been meliorated.
"There is yet," resumed my guide, "another scene equally interesting as the preceding. From a pure morality flows a pure religion: look therefore on those engaged in the services of CHRISTIANITY." I looked, and saw a vast number of my fellow-creatures prostrate in adoration before their Creator and Redeemer. I fancied I could hear the last strains of their hallelujahs ascending to the spot whereon I sat. "Observe," said my Protector, "all do not worship in the same manner, because all assent not to the same creed; but the intention of each may be pure: at least, common charity teaches us thus to think, till some open act betray a malignity of principle. Toleration is the vital spark of religion: arm the latter with the whips of persecution, and you convert her into a fiend scattering terror and dismay! In your own country you enjoy a liberty of sentiment beyond every other on the face of the globe. Learn to be grateful for such an inestimable happiness."
These words had hardly escaped my guide, when I was irresistibly led to look on another part of the Mirror where a kind of imperial magnificence, combined with the severest discipline, prevailed. "You are contemplating," resumed my preternatural Monitor, "one of the most interesting scenes in Europe. See the effect of revolutionary commotions! While you view the sable spirit of the last monarch of France gliding along, at a distance, with an air of sorrow and indignation; while you observe a long line of legitimate princes, exiled from their native country, and dependant upon the contributions of other powers; mark the wonderful, the unparalleled reverse of human events! and acknowledge that the preservation of the finest specimens of art, the acquisition of every thing which can administer to the wants of luxury, or decorate the splendour of a throne—the acclamations of hired multitudes or bribed senates—can reflect little lustre on THAT CHARACTER which still revels in the frantic wish of enslaving the world! It is true, you see yonder, Vienna, Petersburg, Stockholm, and Berlin, bereft of their ancient splendour, and bowing, as it were, at the feet of a despot—but had these latter countries kept alive one spark of that patriotism which so much endears to us the memories of Greece and Rome—had they not, in a great measure, become disunited by factions, we might, even in these days, however degenerate, have witnessed something like that national energy which was displayed in the bay of Salamis, and on the plains of Marathon."
My Guide perceiving me to be quite dejected during these remarks, directed my attention to another part of the Mirror, which reflected the transactions of the Western and Eastern world.
At first, a kind of mist spread itself upon the glass, and prevented me from distinguishing any object. This, however, gradually dissolved, and was succeeded by a thick, black smoke, which involved every thing in impenetrable obscurity. Just as I was about to turn to my guide, and demand the explanation of these appearances, the smoke rolled away, and instantaneously, there flashed forth a thousand bickering flames. "What," cried I, "is the meaning of these objects?" "Check, for one moment, your impatience, and your curiosity shall be gratified," replied my guide. I then distinctly viewed thousands of Black Men, who had been groaning under the rod of oppression, starting up in all the transport of renovated life, and shouting aloud "WE ARE FREE!" One tall commanding figure, who seemed to exercise the rights of a chieftain among them, gathered many tribes around him, and addressed them in the following few, but comprehensive, words: "Countrymen, it has pleased the Great God above to make man instrumental to the freedom of his fellow-creatures. While we lament our past, let us be grateful for our present, state: and never let us cease, each revolving year, to build an altar of stones to the memory, of that GREAT and GOOD MAN, who hath principally been the means of our FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY. No: we will regularly perform this solemn act, as long as there shall remain one pebble upon our shores."
"Thus much," resumed my Guide, "for the dawning felicities of the western world: but see how the eastern empires are yet ignorant and unsettled!" I was about to turn my eyes to Persia and India, to China and Japan, when to my astonishment, the surface of the Mirror became perfectly blackened, except in some few circular parts, which were tinged with the colour of blood. "The future is a fearful sight," said my Guide; "we are forbidden its contemplation, and can only behold the gloomy appearances before us: they are ominous ones!"
My mind, on which so many and such various objects had produced a confused effect, was quite overpowered and distracted. I leaned upon the arm of the chair, and, covering my face with my hands, became absorbed in a thousand ideas, when a sudden burst of thunder made me start from my seat—and, looking forward, I perceived that the MIRROR, with all its magical illusions had vanished away! My preternatural Guide then placed himself before me, but in an altered female form. A hundred various coloured wings sprung from her arms, and her feet seemed to be shod with sandals of rubies; around which numerous cherubs entwined themselves. The perfume that arose from the flapping of her wings was inexpressibly grateful; and the soft silvery voices of these cherubic attendants had an effect truly enchanting.
No language can adequately describe my sensations on viewing this extraordinary change of object. I gazed with rapture upon my wonderful Guide, whose countenance now beamed with benevolence and beauty. "Ah!" exclaimed I, "this is a vision of happiness never to be realized! Thou art a being that I am doomed never to meet with in the world below." "Peace:" whispered an unknown voice; "injure not thy species by such a remark: the object before thee is called by a name that is familiar to thee—it is 'CANDOUR.' She is the handmaid of Truth, the sister of Virtue, and the priestess of Religion."
I was about to make reply, when a figure of terrific mien, and enormous dimensions, rushed angrily towards me, and, taking me up in my crystal chair, bore me precipitately to the earth. In my struggles to disengage myself, I awoke: and on looking about me, with difficulty could persuade myself that I was an inhabitant of this world. My sensations were, at first, confused and unpleasant; but a reflection on the MIRROR OF TRUTH, and its divine expositor, in a moment tranquillized my feelings. And thus have I told you my dream.
* * * * *
Lysander had hardly concluded the recital of his dream—during which it was impossible for us to think of quaffing coffee or devouring muffins—when the servant entered with a note from Lorenzo:
"My dear Friend,
"The morning is propitious. Hasten to THE ALCOVE. My sisters are twining honey-suckles and jessamine round the portico, and I have carried thither a respectable corps of bibliographical volumes, for Lysander to consult, in case his memory should fail. All here invoke the zephyrs to waft their best wishes to you.
"Truly your's,
"LORENZO."
The note was no sooner read than we all, as if by instinct, started up; and, finishing our breakfast as rapidly as did the Trojans when they expected an early visit from the Grecians, we sallied towards Lorenzo's house, and entered his pleasure grounds. Nothing could be more congenial than every circumstance and object which presented itself. The day was clear, calm, and warm; while a crisp autumnal air
Nimbly and sweetly recommend itself Unto our gentle senses.[423]
[Footnote 423: Macbeth; Act I., Sc. VI. Dr. Johnson has happily observed, upon the above beautiful passage of Shakespeare, that "Gentle sense is very elegant; as it means placid, calm, composed; and intimates the peaceable delight of a fine day." Shakespeare's Works; edit. 1803; vol x., p. 73. Alain Chartier, in the motto prefixed to the Second part of this Bibliographical Romance, has given us a yet more animated, and equally characteristic, picture. Thomson's serene morning,
Unfolding fair the last autumnal day,
is also very apposite; and reminds us of one of those soft and aerial pictures of Claude Loraine, where a heaven-like tranquillity and peace seem to prevail. Delightful scenes!—we love to steal a short moment from a bustling world, to gaze upon landscapes which appear to have been copied from the paradise of our first parents. Delusive yet fascinating objects of contemplation! You whisper sweet repose, and heart-soothing delight! We turn back upon the world; and the stunning noises of Virgil's Cyclops put all this fair Elysium to flight.] |
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