Amore sp 38. Sox
Johan
Book Fuse
ARTES
LIBRARY
1837
SCIENTIA
VERITAS
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
TUEBOR
SI QUÆRIS PENINSULAM-AMŒNAM)
CIRCUMSPICE
GIFT OF
REGENT LLHUBBARD
AN
OLIO
OF
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL -
AND
LITERARY
Anecdotes and Memoranda
ORIGINAL AND SELECTED;
INCLUDING MR. COLE'S UNPUBLISHED NOTES
ON THE REV. JA. BENTHAM'S HISTORY
AND ANTIQUITIES OF ELY CATHEDRAL.
BY
WILLIAM DAVIS.
-As 'tis a greater mystery in the Art
Of Painting to foreshorten any part
Than draw it out, so 'tis in Books the chief.
Of all perfections to be plain and brief.
Butler.
LONDON:
Published by J. RODWELL, 46, New Bond Street, and
S. Cooper, 11, Dartmouth Street, Westminster.
1814..
Hubbard
Imag. Voy
PR
3403
•25
NA
D3
Printed by J. HAYES,
Dartmouth Street, Westminster.
}
Res.
Regent Rits Hubbard
10-16-1924
PREFACE.
If a man is to wait 'till he weaves anecdotes into a
system, we may be long in getting them, and get but
few, in comparison of what we might get.
Johnson.
}
As it is the province of a good housewife to cater
according to the known tastes of the different
guests she expects at her Partner's table, so should
it be the aim of a judicious Compiler to select such
materials as will be most interesting to the majority
of that class of readers for whom his work is intended,
or into whose hands it is likely to fall; these
materials, when selected, he may mould into what
shape or form his inclination or capacity may dictate
or allow The injudicious collector of Anecdotes, makes
use pêle mêle of any thing that falls in his way——The
Man of Literary ability generally renders his materi-
als subservient to some particular object ; but in doing
this, the latter is often obliged, either to depart from
the strict line of his plan, by admitting circumstances
iv
PREFACE.
which are not in strict conformity with it, or to de
violence to his own inclination by omitting them en-
tirely. The Editor has endeavoured to steer a middle
course, and whilst Bibliographical amusement has
been his principal aim he has been studious of blending
with it Literary information; and though the Ve-
teran will easily recognize many of the anecdotes
and memoranda contained in this little volume, yet
if he met with any circumstance which may have
escaped his researches, he will not, it is hoped, be
fastidious, but please to recollect, that to the Tyro and
the younger branch of Booksellers, for whose use it is
principally intended, much of the information will
be entirely novel, and if he does not meet with the ori-
ginal remarks he may expect, the Compiler has
only to reply in the words of Dr. Franklin, that
"Vessels large may venture more,
But little boats should keep near shore "
A TABLE
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS.
Advice to Authors on facility of Composition.
Anecdote for Antiquarians..
Auson's Voyage round the World
86
Le Antichita d'Ercolano..
Dictionnaire de Bayle..
Bedford's Hereditary Right
Bentley's History of Halifax.
Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy..
·
Bernier (Dulaurent) Theologie Portative.
King Charles' the First's Works..
Voyage du Duc du Chatelet en Portugal
Chrysal, (Key to the Characters in).
Classics ad usum Delphini
·
Cole's Notes on Bentham's Ely Cathedral.
De Foe's Life of Robinson Crusoe..
Dennis the Critic.....
Destruction of Libraries, temp Henry VIII.
Discoverie of the Gaping Gulph.
Drelincourt's Discourse on Death.
Drydeu...
Elzevir Classics.
Errata.
•
Fenelon's Adventures of Telemachus.
Fontenelle..
.106
1
-$3
90
96
37
58
.105
103
87
18
4
.109
$8
60
; }
81
96
36
.100
.6 and 7
88
.108
vi
INDEX.
Dr. Franklin
Gacon, Le Poete sans fard.………….
Gage's Survey of the West Indies.
Gibbon's Roman Empire.....
Glarean's seat in the College of Bâle....
101
80.
24
7
56
36
Granger's Biographical History of England.
Halstead's Genealogies of the Houses of Alno, &c.. 88
Johnson s (Mr. Samuel) Humble and Hearty Address.
Johnson (Dr.) and Boswell, Anecdote of..
Johnson's (Dr.) Dictionary...
5
7
22.
Letters from a Gentleman in the North of Scotland. 73
Library Arrangement.
.....107
Literary Vanity..
93
Littleton's Latine Dictionary
•
85
Macaulay's (Mrs.) Loose Thoughts
Milton's Works, &c......
6
61
Nash's History of Worcestershire.
Essais de Moutaigne..
Molesworth's. Account of Denmark.
102
•
#
23
23
•
Norman's (Robert) Newe Attractiue.
Notitia respecting Sterne and his Valet La Fleur
Pascal, Lettres écrites a un Provincial
74
**25
51
Philidor on Chess.
The Rambler..
48
49
Robert Recorde..
Rehearsal Transprosed, (Extract from)
•
Stevens' (Geo. Alexander) Lecture on Heads.
Vox Piscis, or the Book Fish.
Whole Duty of Man...
54
34.
47
11
8.
Wood's Athene Oxoniensis.
98.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL
AND
LITERARY ANECDOTES.

Voyage round the World in the years 1740,
1, 2, 3 and 4, by George Anson, Esq. compiled
by Richard Walter, M. 4. 4to 1748.
*
MR. WALTER, Chaplain of the Centurion, has
been generally considered as the author of this
Work, by having his name affixed as such to the
title page, and has in consequence received in
various literary journals as well foreign as domes-
tic, praise to which he is not justly entitled. The
real author was Benjamin Robins, the champion
of Newton's Fluxions, in opposition to Bishop
Berkeley's Analysis, and author of New Prin-
ciples of Gunnery. Walter's manuscript, which
B
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
was at first intended to have been printed, being
little more than a transcript from the ship's jour-
nals; Mr. Robins was recommended as a proper
person to revise it, and it was then determined
that the whole should be written by him, the
transcript of the journals, serving as materials
only; and what with the introduction and many
dissertations in the body of the Book, of which,
not the least hint had been given by Walter; he
extended the account, in his own peculiar style
and manner, to nearly twice its original size.
From the ensuing letter it appears that if Mr.
Robins had remained in England, he designed
to have composed a second part of the Voyage
round the World.
Dear Sir,
S
When I last saw you in Town, I forgot
to ask you, whether you intended to publish the
second volume of my Voyage before you leave us,
which I confess I am very sorry for.
If you
should have laid aside all thoughts of fa-
voring the world with more of your works, it
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
will be much disappointed, and no one in it
more than
Your very much obliged,
humble Servant,
ANSON.
Bath, 22nd October, 1749.
If you can tell the time of your departure, let
me know it.
Dr. Wilson relates that on Lord Anson's being
requested to permit that this testimony might be
exhibited to the world, of his Lordship's esteem
for Mr. Robins, he replied in the politest manner
"that every thing in his power was due to the
memory of one who had deserved so well of the
Public."
At the period the preceding letter was written,
Mr. Robins was on the point of quitting England
for India, the East India Company having ap-
pointed him their Engineer-General, with a
settlement of £500 per annum for life, on con-
dition that he continued in their service five years,
B 2
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
but in September, 1750, he was' attacked by a
fever, from which he recovered; about eight
months after which, he fell into a languishing
condition and expired at Fort St. Davids, the
29th of July, 1751, with his pen in his hand.
CLASSICS ad usum Delphini.
The Delphin, or Dauphin editions of the Clas-
sics, 4to. forming a collection of between 60 and
70 volumes, were planned by the Duke of
Montausier; encouraged by Mons. Colbert, and
carried on by Huet, Bishop of Avranches; it is
the latter who chose the commentators that were
employed, and who himself complains of not
being able to find a sufficient number of persons
equal to such a task.
The Pharsalia of Lucan is not in the series,
and the omission is said to have been occasioned
by the fear of the ill effects, the principles con-
tained in that work might have on the mind of
the Dauphin.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
5
น.
Johnson, (Mr. Samuel) An humble and hearty
address to all the English Protestants in this
present army, 1686.
Johnson was tried at the King's Bench, and
found guilty of "writing and publishing this scan-
dalous and seditious libel against Government";
and sentenced to pay 500 marks to the king, to
stand three times in the pillory, and to be whipped
by the common hangman from Newgate to
Tyburn. Exclusive of this sentence, which was
strictly enforced, he was degraded from the order
of Priesthood by Crew, Bishop of Durham,
Sprat, Bishop of Rochester, and White, Bishop
of Peterborough; commissioners for the diocese
of London, (the Bishop being then under a
suspension for refusing to obey the king's orders to
suspend Dr. Sharp for preaching against popery)
but his degradation was not complete, owing to
the omission of not stripping him of his cassock,
which omission afterwards saved him his benefice.
The judgment of the Court of King's Bench,
was subsequently in 1689, declared illegal and
B 3
6
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
cruel, and a bill ordered to be brought in by u
committee of the House of Commons to reverse
the said judgment; and two addresses were pre-
sented on behalf of Johnson to the king, who
gave him £300 a year out of the post office, for
his own and his son's life, besides £1000 in
money, and likewise bestowed a place of about
£100 a year on his son,
Mrs. Macaulay's Loose Thoughts.
Mrs. Macaulay having published, what she
called loose thoughts, Mr. Garrick was asked if
hẹ did not think it a strange title for a lady to
choose? "By no means", replied he, "the sooner
a woman gets rid of such thoughts the better".
Errata.
Beneath the word Finis, at the end of some
very stupid book, a wit added the following
pointed couplet:
Finis! an error, or a lie, my friend!
In writing foolish books there is no end.
LITERARY ANECDOTES,
Errata.
Scarron composed some verses, to which he
prefixed the following dedication: A. Guillemette,
chienne de ma saur; but having a quarrel with
his sister, he inserted this among the errata, and
added, for chienne de ma saur, read ma chienne
de sœur.
Gibbon's Roman Empire.
The original publication of the Decline and
Fall of the Roman Empire was in quarto, and
as the volumes appeared singly, Gibbon used to
take them to his Grace the Duke of Cumberland.
Conveying the third to him one day, elated with
pride at the delightful office, and imagining as
he went, what handsome things the duke
would say to him, what a mortification it must
have been to the historian, when the duke, in
his usual rough manner exclaimed, "What? ah!
another d―d big square book, eh!
Dr. Johnson.
After one of the Doctor's Publications,
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Jas. Boswell, his biographer, on the first of the
ensuing month, repaired, according to custom, to
the lodgings of his idol, with the several magazines
of the day, in order to read the strictures which
were given on his performance. After perusing
two or three criticisms, which were not of the
most civil kind, the petulance of the Doctor got
the better of his good sense, and he exclaimed
peevishly, "Enough, enough, sir, now you have
taken infinite pains to bring an account of what
is thought of me individually; give me leave to
ask what you imagine the world says of you and
me conjointly," "Upon my word, Doctor, I
cannot pretend to say," answered Jemmy. "Why
then I'll tell you", continued the Doctor, "They
say that I am a mad dog, sir, and that you are
the tin cannister tied to my tail."
The Whole Duty of Man.
Sterne, Archbishop of York has been the gene-
nerally reputed author of the "Whole Duty of
Man;" but a MS in Dr. Birch's collection
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
in the British Museum, is decisive in assigning
this work to Lady Packington. The paper runs
thus:
October 13th, 1698.
"Mr. Thos. Caulton, Vicar of Worksop, in
"Nottinghamshire, in the presence of W. Thornton
"Esq. and his Lady, Mrs. Heathcote, Mrs. Ash,
"Mrs. Caulton and John Hewit, Rector of Hait-
"hill, declared the words following:
November 5th, 1689.
"At Shire Oaks, Mrs. Eye took me up into
"her chamber after dinner, and told me that
"her daughter Moyser, of Beverley, was dead,
"Among other things concerning the private affairs
"of the family, she told me who was the author
"of the Whole Duty of Man; at the same time
"pulling out of a private drawer a manuscript
"tied together and stitched in octavo, which she
"declared to be the original copy written by Lady
"Packington, her mother, who disowned ever
"having written the other books imputed to be by
10
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
"the same author, except the Decay of Christian
"Piety." She added too, that it had been pe
"rused in manuscript by Dr. Covel, master of
"Trinity College, Cambridge; Dr. Stamford,
Prebendary of York, and Mr. Banks, Rector
of the great Church at Hull". Mr. Caulton
"declared this upon his death bed, two days before
"his decease.
W. T.
J. H.
To William Chappell, Bishop of Cork and Ross
in Ireland, to Archbishop Frewin, and also to
William Fulman, a native of Penshurst, in
Kent, the authorship of this work has been
attributed, but to the latter not a shadow of
claim belongs, for in the preface to the folio
edition of the works of the author of the
Whole Duty of Man, 1648, it is mentioned
that the author was then dead, whereas Fulman
lived till 1688.
17
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
11
Vor Piscis, or the Book Fish, containing three
Treatises which were found in the belly of a Cod
Fish in Cambridge-Market, on Midsummer-eve
last. 8vo. 1626
R(obert) B(urton in his Admirable Curiosities,
relates the following remarkable circumstances
relative to this re-publication.
"Upon Midsummer's-eve 1626, a Cod-Fish
was brought to the market in Cambridge, aud
there cut up for sale, and in the maw thereof was
found a book in twelves, bound up in Canvas,
containing several treatises of Mr John Frith's
this Fish was caught upon the Coasts of Lin called
Lindress, by one Wm. Skinner; the fish being
cut open, the garbage was thrown by, which a
woman looking upon espied the canvas, and taking
it out, found the book wrapped up in it, which
was much soiled, and covered over with a kind
of slime and congealed matter; this was looked
upon with great admiration, and by Benjamin
Prime, the Bachelor's beadle, who was present
at the openning of the fish, was carried to the
vice-chancellor, who took special notice of it,
12
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
examining the particulars before mentioned.
The leaves of the book were carefully opened
and cleansed; and the Treatises contained in it,
were, A preparation for Death; the Treasure
of Knowledge; a Mirror, or Looking Glass to
know themselves by, a brief instruction to teach
one willing to die and not to fear Death.
They were all re-printed under the Title of
"Fox Piscis, or the Book Fish;" with a preface
in which it is attributed to Frith, but Wood, in his
Athenæ Oxoniensis, says that Richard Tracy was
the Author and that the "Preparation &c." was
first published at London in 1540. Fuller in the
Worthies of England, is of the same opinion as
Wood with respect to the Author and talking of
the circumstance of finding the said Book, adds,
"The wits of the University made themselves
merry thereat; one (Thomas Randolph)making a
long copy of verses thereon, whereof this dystick
I remember;
If fishes thus do bring us books, then we
May hope to equal Bodlye's library.'
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
13
A KEY to "Chrysal, or the Adventures of a Guinea”
VOL. 1
Page 52
4 vol.
1768.
Commander of an English Capt.Powlettafter
Man of War
100 Observe that Person
101 Important Places of State
125
VOL. 2
The General had slept off
the fumes
Page 24 Entered her Graces Levee
55 High Priest of the Conven-
wards Dk.of Bolton
Lord Chesterfield
Ld. Lt. of Ireland
Lord Ligonier
Ctss. of Yarmouth
Doctor Henzie
Whitfield
Foote
Squintum
50
Who sold glyster-pipes
ticle
Momus
57
Hunchback
58 Mrs. Brimstone's Mrs. Cole Mother Douglas
The person
Foote
60 In my Ballads
Minor
73 Finished all the Pamphlets
Critical & Christian
79 Parson of the Parish
C
Remarks on the
Minor
Archbishop of
Canterbury
14
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
79
Direction of the Squire
80 Went directly to her Grace
98 My new Master
102 August person
104 Found a person waiting
108 A young Lady
138 Bulgaria
194 Apostate
King
Countess of Hun-
tingdon
Mr. Pitt
Geo. II.
General Wolfe
Miss Lowther af-
terwards Dutchess
of Bolton
Prussia
Arch. Bower
Battle of Minden
220 Motions of the Army
VOL. S
Page 2 He immediately came to a Lord H. Powlett
right understanding
3 A mighty Fleet
5 He was lolling in a listless
manner
Expedition against
the Havannah
Sir G. Pocock
7 Who had been guilty of the Admiral Knowles
unpardonable &c.
12 When the Officer next to him
17 Said my Master to the
General
Admiral Keppell
Lord Albermarle
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
15
21 In my Patron's time
29 Inso advantageous a light to
one
D. of Cumberland
Chas. Townshend
34 Though the Captain of the Capt. Campbell
Ship (Here the scene is
carried back to the Ha-
vannah)
44 A Youth who had inade
120 The Parson of the Parish
122 Gave me to an Admiral
127 To wait upon the General
Of making regular Sieges
128 Yes, interrupted an Officer
130 Impatient to see his Brother
138 That a person to whom he
could not properly &c.
170 Execution of the Com-
mander
172 And relieve a Fortress
173 Another Fortress
173 Commanding Officer
178 Those in power
(The whole of this
story seems a Work
of Imagination.)
Bishop of Derry
Admiral Matthews
The Character is
here changed to
Lord Howe
Lord Loudon
Lord Charles Hay
late Lord Howe
Sir Wm. Johnson
Admiral Byng
Minorca
Gibraltar
General Fawke
Mr. Fox, Secre-
tary of state
16
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
179 As flagrant a case as his
180 By another set
181
Admiral Lestock's
Mr. Pitt
Precipitately plunged them- Captures before the
Declaration of war
selves
The Officer who command- General Blakeney
ed
184 Orders of his Captain
185 One of those
186 The Little Gentleman
190 My master proceeded to
figure
191
A superficial smattering of
letters
A Tradesman
195 But the Managers
220 My master arrived in London
232 A person of a flighty ima-
gination
233 He erected a building
238
Another candidate advanced
239 The person who had that
day
Capt. Hamilton
Lord Colvill
Mr. Pratt, after-
wards Lord Canı-
den
Dr. Hill
Mr. Fitz Patrick
Mr. Bourke
Garrick & Beard
Lord Orford
Sir F. Dashwood
Lord le Despenser
Medenham Abbey
Mr. Wilkes
Ditto
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
17
249 He also built a church
256 Sits the superior
High Wycombe
Church
Sir F. Dashwood
257 He had a distant relation Late Lord West-
228 A share of their power
262 Shrine of a contested
saint
272 You see one
274 This man who had thorough-
moreland
Chancellorship of
the Exchequer
Abbé Paris
Lord Melcombe
Dr. Thompson
ly
VOL 4
Page 4
Old Dowager
5
Mrs. Horner
Pitched upon a near relation
9 Acquaintance with a Noble-
man
12 First personages
18 Profitable employment
19 Recourse to means
23 An essential part
24 But more profit
Lord Ilchester
late Duke of Rich-
mond
D. of Cumberland
Commissary of
Musters
Forging a Lease
Genl, of the Army
for Life
Paymaster of the
Army
3
18
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
25 Those events
26 Perfidy of one
28
Possession of the same per-
son
A person of distinguished
learning
29 An only daughter
46 A lady whom he addressed
50
56
Debilitated debauchees
One of her admirers
67 A brother of the person
69 A near relation
71
His success with one
95 Crowned head
My new master
136 Of the author
163 The most intimate acquain-
tance
166 Political pamphlet
175 The gentleman whom he
went to wait upon
Death of Geo. II.
Mr. Calcraft
Lord Sandwich
Dr. Sum
Niece
Lady Mansel
Sir E. Mansel
Genl. Geo. Bos-
cawen
Mr. Burgh
Capt. Wheeler of
the Isis
Miss Stephenson
Fleur de Lys
Mr. Prestagi the
Auctioneer
Churchill
Mr. Wilkes
North Briton
Lord Temple
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
19
VOL 4
Page 180
To a magistrate
181 His judges
186 Certain immunities
Lord Hallifax
Lord Hallifax and
Egremont
Privilege of Parlia-
ment
Integrity of the Magistrate Ld. chief justice
Former occasions
Pratt
Casesof Dr. Henry
190 Attack upon the Minister
191 A countryman of the Minis-
ters
197 A person was involved
200 An able and upright magis-
201
trate
A clergyman
203 His guest who came punc-
tually
204 Assistance of one of the lat-
ter
205 Of such a patron as yours
Shebbaire, taken
upon Genl. War-
rants when Mr.
Prait was attorney
General
Lord Bute
Capt. Forbes
Mr. Martin
Lord Ch. J. Pratt
Mr. Kedgell
Doctor Douglass
Mr. Leach, Printer
Lord Bute
i
20
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
205 Leading a Bear
That impostor
207 Tearing off the veil
208 Two silly impostors
211
I have something to shew you
Which the gentleman we
have been talking
218 The honor of one of them
One of his Tradesmen
Travelling as tutor
to Lord Pulteney
Mr. A. Hamilton
Bower
Writing the His-
tory of the Popes
Lauder and Eliz.
Canning
Essay on Women
Mr. Wilkes
Bp. of Gloucester
A Bookseller
220
VOL 4
Page 223 That a positive Law
227 By a gentleman of his ac-
quaintance
250 A lady of large fortune.
256 Possession of my new master
271 Given to a Briton
276 Giving up the Countries.
Marriage Act
Ld. Deloraine
Hon. Mrs. Knight
Sr. Charles Coote
K. B.
D. of Cumberland
Convention of
Closterhoven
LITERARY ANECDOTES
21
277 Given to a German
Prince Ferdinand
A Commander of their own late D. of Marl-
borough
The Author of Chrysal, was Chas. Johnston, an Irishman
of considerable abilities; by profession a Lawyer, but owing
to deafness he derived very little emolument from it, and in
consequence embarked for Bengal in 1782 where he turned
his abilities to better account, became joint proprietor of one
of the Bengal Papers, and by building speculations in a few
years acquired considerable property, which he lived to enjoy
till about the year 1800. The two first volumes of Chrysal
were written for amusement during a visit at the late Lord
Mt. Edgecumbe's in Devonshire, the unprecedented demand
for which induced Johnston to extend his work to 4 volumes.
To Lord Mt. Edgcumbe, he presented a key to the characters
delineated, as also to Capt. Mears. The author's intention
was to draw general characters, therefore, in the application
of the Key, the reader must exercise his own judgement in
distinguishing the real from the fictitious actions of the diffe-
rent personages.
C
222
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Johnson's Dictionary.
Johnson, who received £1,575 for compiling
this work had almost exhausted the patience of
the Booksellers by whom he was employed and
was frequently urged to complete his engagement
-Andrew Millar, who had the principal charge
of conducting the publication, could not forbear
acknowledging the receipt of the last sheet of
the Manuscript in the following terms.
Andrew Millar sends his compliments to
Mr. Saml. Johnson, with the money for the last
sheet of the Copy of the Dictionary, and thanks
God he has done with him.”
To which Johnson returned this brief answer.
Saml. Johnson returns his compliments to
Mr. Andrew Millar, and is very glad to find
(as he does by his note that Andrew Millar has
the grace tothank God for any thing.'
Boswell differs with Sir John Hawkins in his
relation of this anecdote, by denying any letters
to have passed between Johnson and Millar, but
the anecdote being the same in substance, I have
preferred giving it in Sir John's own words.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
as
Molesworth's Account of Denmark.
When Lord Molesworth's Account of Den-
mark was first published, the Danish Ambassa-
dor complained to the King of the freedoms. the
Author had taken with his master's government;
and hinted, that if one of his Danish Majesty's
subjects had taken the like liberties with the King
of England, he would, upon complaint, have ta-
ken off the author's head. "That, I cannot do,"
replied the King, "But, if you please, I will tell
him what you say, and he shall put it in the next
edition of his book.
Essais de Montaigne, 4to, Paris, 1725.
Published by Gueullette and Jamet l'ainé.
Barbier, in his Dictionnaire des Livres ano-
nymes, tom 1, page 251, says, that according
to a note of M. Jamet, the younger, at the
beginning of the copy formerly belonging to him,
M. Coste preferred this edition to that of London,
which had been published by himself.
24
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Gage's Survey of the West Indies.
Gage's Survey of the West Indies went through
two folio editions, the latter in 1657, consisting
of 22 Chapters, and a Dedication prefixed to Sir
Thos. Fairfax, Lord Fairfax of Cameron. In
1702 (and perhaps before) an octavo edition of
this work was published, in which the dedication
to Lord Fairfax was turned into a preface to the
Reader, and the whole twenty second chapter
omitted.* In the former, such passages as did
honour and credit to this Nobleman are expunged
and the rest accomodated to the style of an address
to readers in general. But the twenty-second
chapter, containing an account of the author's con-
versation, with several particulars concerning the
hopes the Papalins had of Laud's favourable
intention towards them, not being so capable of
transmutation as the epistle at the beginning, was
wholly left out.
*In 1677 the third edition was published, in 8vo,
with the Preface as above-mentioned, and the 22nd-
Chapter entirely omitted.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
25
Notitia respecting Sterne, and his Valet
However much pleasure we receive in the
contemplation of an interesting and well drawn
character by the hand of a master, we never fail
to derive additional gratification from a know-
ledge that the original exists; to the admirers
therefore, of Sterne's writings, the following ac-
count of La Fleur, collected from himslf whilst
in London about the year 1791 and published at
that period, in one of the daily papers, cannot
I think kail of being acceptable, especially when
compressed into a more connected narrative than
the original, which abounds with extraneous
remarks.
La Fleur was born in Burgundy: when a
mere child he conceived a strong passion to see
the world, and at eight years of age ran away
from his parents. His prevenancy was always his
passport and his wants were easily supplied-
milk, bread, and a straw bed amongst the pea-
santry, were all he wante for the night, and in the
D
26
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
morning he wished to be on his way again. This
rambling life he continued till he attained his
tenth year, when being one day on the Pont Neuf
at Paris, surveying with wonder, the objects that
surrounded him, he was accosted by a Drummer,
who easily enlisted him in the service. For Six
years La Fleur beat his Drum in the French
Army; two years more would have entitled him
to his discharge, but he preferred anticipation, and
exchanging dress with a Peasant easily made
his escape. By having recourse to his old expe-
dients, he made his way to Montreuil, where he
introduced himself to Varenne, who fortunately
took a fancy to him. The little accommodations
he needed were given him with cheerfulness, and
as what we sow we wish to see flourish, this worthy
Landlord promised to get him a master; and as he
deemed the best not better than La Fleur merited
he promised to recommend him to un Milord
Anglois. He fortunately could perform as well as
promise and he introduced him to Sterne, ragged
as a Colt but full of health and hilarity. The
little Picture which Sterne has drawn of La Fleur's
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
27
Amours is so far true-He was fond of a very
pretty Girl at Montreuil the elder of two sisters,
who if living, he said, resembled the Maria ‘of
Moulines; her he afterwards married and whatever
proof it might be of his affection, was none of his
prudence, for it made him not a jot richer or hap-
pier than he was before. She was a Mantua-maker
and her closest application could produce no more
than Six Sous a day; finding that her assistance
could go little towards their support and after
having had a daughter by her, they separated and
he went to service. At length with what money he
lind got tog ther by kis servitude, he returned to lás
wife, and they took a Publick-house in Royal
Street, Calais.-There ill luck attended him,-
War broke out; and the loss of the English
Sailors, who navigated the packets and who were
his principal customers, so reduced his little busi-
ness that he was obliged again to quit his wife.
and confide to her guidance the little Trade
which was insufficient to support them both:
"He returned in March 1788, but his wife had
fled. A strolling Company of Comedians passing
+
D 2
{
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
through the town had seduced her from het hous,
and no tale, or tidings of her have ever since
reached him. From the period he lost his wife,
says our informant, he has frequently visited En-
gland, to whose natives he is extremely partial,
sometimes as a Sergeant, at others as an Express,
where zeal and diligence were required, La Fleur
was never yet wanting."
In addition to La Fleur's account of himself
the writer of the preceding, obtained from him,
several little circumstances relative to his master,
as well as the characters depicted by him, a few of
which, as they would lose by abridgement, I shall
give verbatim.
"There were moments," said La Fleur, "in
which my master appeared sunk into the deepest
dejection when his calls upon me for my ser
vices were so seldom, that I sometimes apprehen-
sively pressed in upon his privacy, to suggest what
I thought might divert his melancholy. He used
to smile at my well meant zeal, and I could see
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
29
was happy to be relieved. At others he
seemed to have received a new soul-he launched
into the levity natural à mon pays" said La Fleur,
"and cried gaily enough "Vive la Bagatelle!"
It was in one of those moments that he became
acquainted with the Grisette at the Glove shop---
she afterwards visited him at his lodgings, upon
which La Fleur made not a single remark;-but
on naming the fille de chambre, his other
visitant, he exclaimed, "It was certainly a pity,
she was so pretty and petite.”
The Lady mentioned under the initial L. was,
the Marquise Lamberti: to the interest of this
lady he was indebted for the Passport which
began to make him seriously uneasy. Count de B.
(Bretuil) notwithstanding the Shakspeare, La
Fleur thinks, would have troubled himself little
about him. Choiseul was Minister at the time.
"Poor Maria
Was alas! no fiction-"When we came up to
her, she was grovelling in the Road like an infant,
D 3
30
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
T
and throwing the Dust upon her head-and yet
few were more lovely! Upon Sterne's accosting
her with tenderness, and raising her in his arms,.
she collected herself and resumed some com-
posure-told him her tale of misery and wept
upon his breast-my master sobbed aloud. I saw
her gently disengage herself from his arms, and.
she sung him the service to the Virgin, my poor
master covered his face with his hands, and
walked by her side to the Cottage where she lived,
there he talked earnestly to the old woman."
"Every day," said La Fleur, "while we stayed
there, I carried them meat and drink from the
Hotel, and when we departed from Moulines, my
master left his blessings and some money with
the mother."-"How much," added he "I know
not-he always gave more than he could afford.”
Sterne was frequently at a loss upon his travels
for ready money. Remittances were become in-
terrupted by War, and he had wrongly estimated
his expences-he had reckoned along the Post-
Roads, without adverting to the wretchedness thas
was to call upon him in his way.
LITERARY ANE DOTES.
At many of our stages my master. has turned
to me with tears in his eyes-"These poor people
oppress me, La Fleur! how shall I relieve me?”
He wrote much, and to a late hour.. I told La
Fleur of the inconsiderable quantity he fiad pub-
lished he expressed extreme surprize. "I know,"
said he "upon our retum from this tour, there
was a large trunk completely filled with papers."
"Do you know any thing of their tendency, La
Fleur?" "Yes-they were miscellaneous remarks.
upon the manners of the different Nations he vi-
sited, and in Italy he was deeply engaged in
making the most elaborate enquiries into the
differing Governments of the Towns and the
eharacteristic peculiarities of the Italians of the
various states."
To effect this he read much; for the collection
of the Patrons of Literature were open to him;
he observed more. Singular as it may seem,
Sterne endeavoured in vain to speak Italian.
His valet acquired it on their Journey; but his
Master though he applied now and then, gave it:
up at length as unattainable.-"I the more wo
32
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
dered at this," said La Fleur, "as he must have
understood Latin:"
The assertion, sanctioned by Johnson, that
Sterne was licentious and dissolute in conversa-
tion, stands thus far contradicted by the testimony
of La Fleur "His conversation with women," he
said "was of the most interesting kint, he usually
left them serious, if he did not find them so."
The Dead Ass
Was no invention-the mourner was as simple
and affecting, as Sterne has related. La Fleur
recollected the circumstance perfectly.
To Monks
Sterne never exhibited any particular sympathy.
La Fleur remembered several pressing in upon
him, to all of whom his answer was the same-
Mon pére, je suis occupè.-Je suis pauvre comme
vous.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
33
1
Le Antichita d' Ercolano, esposte con qualche
piegazioni. 9 tom folio In Napoli 1757 &c.
In the summer, 1752, when the two first
volumes of this Work, relating to Herculaneum
Stabiæ, Pompeii, and the antiquities discovered
in those Cities, were ready for Publication,
Mons. Bajardi, the author of them, a learned
good prelate of the Romish Communion, though
it hath been suid, of a genius not altogether suita-
ble to that work, waited on the King of Naples,
afterwards King of Spain, to receive his directions
for the distribution of those volumes, which had
been printed by his own special command, in
order to be scattered, as the other volumes have
siuce been, among the learned every where; the
King said to him, immediately, without noticing
Neapolitan, Spaniard, or any other People,
'Give five Hundred copies to the English.' Ba-
jardi, who was by no means disinclined to that
Nation, replied, bowing, "I fear in that case,
the rest of Europe will fail of their proportion.”
‘LET THE PRESS BE SET ANEW, THEN,' answered
the monarch.
$4
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
EXTRACT FROM THE
"Rehearsal Transprosed,” vol.1, p. 4–7.
Containing a spirited irony, concerning the mischief
the press has done to the discipline of the Church
and the peace of mankind.
The Press (that villainous machine) invented
much about the same time with the Reformation,
has done more mischief to the discipline of the
church, than all the doctrine can make amends for;
it was a happy time when all learning was in Manu-
script, and some little Officer, like our author did
keep the Keys of the Library; when the Clergy
needed no more knowledge than to read the
Liturgy, and the laity no more clerkship than to
save them from hanging: but now, since Printing
came into the world, such is the mischief, that a
man cannot write a book, but presently he is
answered! Could the Press but once be conjured
to obey only an imprimatur, our author might not
disdain perhaps, to be one of its most zealous
patrons. There have been ways found out to
banish ministers; to fine not only the people, but
even the grounds and fields where they assembled
in conventicles; but no art yet could prevent
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
35
these seditious meetings of letters. Two or three
brawny fellows in a corner, with mere ink and
elbow-grease, do more harm than a hundred syste-
matical divines, with their sweaty preaching; and
which is a strange thing, the very spunges which,
one would think, should rather deface and blot
out the whole book, and were antiently used for
that purpose, are become now the instruments
to make things legible, their ugly printing letters
that look like so many rotten teeth, how often
have they been pulled out by B and L, the public
tooth-drawers, and yet these rascally operators of
the Press have gotten a trick to fasten them
again in a few minutes, that they grow as firm a
set, and as biting and talkative as ever. O Print-
ing, how hast thou disturbed the
disturbed the peace of
mankind! that lead when moulded into bullets
is not so mortal as when founded into letters!
there was a mistake sure in the story of Cadmus;
and the serpents teeth which he sowed were
nothing else but the letters which he invented.
The first essay that was made towards this art
was in single characters upon iron, wherewith of
36
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
old they stigmatized slaves and remarkable
offenders; and it was of good use sometimes to
brand a schismatic; but a bulky Dutchman di-
verted it quite from its first institution, and con-
triving these innumerable syntagmes of Alphabets
hath pestered the World ever since with the gross
bodies of their German Divinity."
Dryden
In the Life of Anthony Wood, prefixed to
'Athena Oxoniensis,' it is related, that on Decem-
ber 16th 1679, John Dryden, the Port, being at
Wills' Coffee House, in Covent Garden, was
about Eight at night, soundly cudgelled by three
men, the reason as it is supposed, because he had
reflected on certain persons in Absalom and
Achitopel.
Granger's Biographical History of England
For the Copy-right of the first edition, 1769,
Mr. Granger received £50, as also 100 Guineas
afterwards, for the Supplement. Twenty-five
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
37
copies of the Quarto Edition, were printed on
one side only, and of the Octavo Edition, twenty
copies, in the same manner. Tom Davies, the
Publisher, in a letter to Granger, says "The
Bishop of Gloucester (Dr. Warburton) has
bought the Book, which he calls an odd one;
this is praise from him, for if he had not an
intention to persue it, he would have called it a
sad Book."
Bentley's (Wm.) Historical Account of Hallifax
and its Gibbet Law 120. 1708 &c.
Dr. Samuel Midgley was the real author, and
wrote this work to support himself while confined
in Hallifax Jail for Debt, where he continued till
his death in 1695. He was prevented by poverty
from printing it himself, and after his death
Bentley, who was Clerk of Hallifax Church,
claimed the honour of it.
The Law, of which an account is given in this
Work was peculiar to Hallifax and granted in the
Reign of Henry VII. It was enacted, that if any
E
38
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
felon be taken within the liberty of the Forest
of Hardwick, with goods stolen within the said
precints, either hand-habend, back-berand, or
confessioned, to the value of thirteen pence
halfpenny, he shall, after three market days within
the Town of Hallifax, next after his apprehen-
sion, trial and conviction, be taken to the Gib-
bet, and there have his head cut from his body.
The gibbet which was entirely removed some years
since, was freely used against Robbers of Tenter
Grounds, who were the principal sufferers by this
Law. The last executions were in 1650, the
Bailiff being threatened with a prosecution if he
repeated them. In construction, the Gibbet, was
similar to the Guillotines used by the French
fanatics during the Revolution, and happy had it
been for the French Nation, if they had been
employed only for the like purposes.
The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by
Daniel De Foe, 2 vol. 8vo 1719.
In the Gentleman's Magazine, for 1788, a
correspondent attributes this work to the Earl of
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
39
Oxford, on the authority of Mr. Bejamin Hol-
loway, of Middleton Stony, and says, that his
Lordship wrote it, when confined in the Tower
of London, and gave the manuscript to Daniel
Defoe, who frequently visited him during his con-
finement, and that Defoe, having afterwards added
the second volume, published the whole as his
own production. But the most generally received
opinion, is, that Defoe, surreptitiously made use
of papers put into his hands by Alexander
Selkirk, a Scoth Seaman;-this opinion does not
appear to be well founded, for Selkirk's Story
was known several years before to the Public,
which any one may convince himself of, by
referring to Woodes Rogers's Voyage round the
World, published in 1712. Robinson Crusoe first
appeared in 1719 in two volumes, and surely it
could be no difficult task to so practised an
Author as Defoe to enlarge upon and alter the
already published account, as easily as he could
have arranged any papers that Selkirk might have
written, after he went on board the Duke Priva-
E 2
40
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
teer, and the supposition is certainly a much more
probable one. Accounts of Selkirk's Narrative
may be found in "Funell's Voyage round the
World;" "Cooke's Journal of Rogers's Voyage;"
and No. 26 of the Englishman; from which and
Woodes Rogers' Voyage the following summary
was compiled, and inserted in the Gentleman's
Magazine, February 1788.
"Alexander Selkirk was born at Largo, in the
County of Fife, about the year 1676, and was
bred a Seaman. He went from England in
1703, in the capacity of Sailing-Master of a small
vessel, called the Cinque-Ports Galley, Charles
Pickering, Captain, burthen about 90 tons, with
sixteen guns, and sixty three men; and in Sep-
tember, the same year, sailed from Cork, in
company with another ship, of twenty-six guns,
and one Hundred and twenty men, called the
Saint George, commanded by that famous navi-
gator William Dampier, intending to cruise on
the Spaniards in the South Sea. On the Coast of
Brazil, Pickering died, and was suceeded in the
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
Command by his Lieutenant, Thomas` Stradling.
They proceeded on their Voyage round Cape
Horn, to the Island of Juan Fernàndez, whence
they were driven by the appearance of two
French ships of thirty-six guns each, and left
five of Stradling's men on shore, who were taken
off by the French. Hence they sailed to the
Coast of America, where Dampier and Stradling
quarrelled, and separated by agreement on the
19th. of May, 1704. In September following,
Stradling came again to the Island of Juan
Fernandez, where Selkirk and his Captain had a
difference, which, with the circumstance of the
Ship's being very leaky, and in bad condition,
induced him to determine on staying there alone:
but when his companions were about to depart
his resolution was shaken, and he desired to be
taken on board again. Happily for him, the
Captain then refused to admit him, and he was
obliged to remain, having nothing but his clothes,
bedding, a gun, and a small quantity of Powder
and Ball, a hatchet, knife, and kettle, his books,
E 3
42
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
and mathematical and nautical instruments. He
kept up his spirits tolerably, till he saw the
vessel put off, when, (as he afterwards related)
his heart yearned within him, and melted at part-
ing with his comrades and all human society at
once.
1
Yet believe me, Arcas;
Such is the rooted love we bear mankind,
All Ruffians as they were, I never heard
A sound so dismal as their parting oars'
The Cinque Ports was run on shore a few
months afterwards; the Captain and Crew, to
save their lives, surrended themselves prisoners fo
the Spaniards, who treated them so harshly, that
they were in a much worse situation than Selkirk,
and continued in it a longer time. Some months
after Selkirk had left the South Sea, in the Duke
Privateer, Captain Stradling was sent a Prisoner
to Europe, on board a French ship, and by that
means got to England. Thus left sole monarch of
*Thomson's Agamemnon.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
45
the Island, with plenty of the necessaries of life
be found himself in a situation hardly supportable.
He had fish, goat's flesh, turnips and other
vegetables; yet he grew dejected, languid and
melancholy, to such a degree as to be scarcely
able to refrain from doing violence to himself.
Eighteen months passed before he could by rea-
soning, reading his bible and study, be thoroughly
reconciled to his condition. At length he grew
happy, employed himself in decorating his huts,
chasing the goats, whom he equalled in speed,
and scarcely ever failed of catching. He also
tamed young kids, laming them to prevent their
becoming wild; and he kept a guard of tame
cats about him, to defend him when asleep, from
the rats, which were very troublesome. When
his clothes were worn out, he made others of
goats' skins, but could not succeed in making
shoes, which however, habit, in time, enabled
him to dispense with the use of. His only liquor
was water. He computed that he had caught
one thousand goats during his abode there; of
which he had let go five hundred, after marking
44
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
them by slitting their ears. Commodore Anson's
people, who were there about thirty years after,
found the first goat, which they shot upon land-
ing, was thus marked, and as it appeared to be
very old, concluded that it had been under the
power of Selkirk; but it appears from Captain
Carteret's account of his voyage in the Swallow
sloop, that other persons practised this mode of
marking, as he found a goat, with his ears thus
slit, on the neighbouring island of Mas-a-fuera,
where Selkirk never was. He made companions
of his tame goats and cats, often dancing and
singing with them. Though he constantly per-
formed his devotions at stated hours, and read
aloud, yet when he was taken off the island, his
language, from disuse of conversation, was be-
come scarcely intelligible. In this solitude he
continued four years and four months, during
which time only two incidents happened which he
thought worth relating, the occurrences of every
day, being in his circumstances, nearly similar.
The one was, that pursuing a goat eagerly, he
caught it just on the edge of a precipice, which
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
45
was covered with bushes, so that he did not per-
ceive it, and fell over to the bottom, where he
lay (according to Captain Roger's account) twen-
ty four hours senseless; but as he related to
Sir R: Stecie, he computed by the alteration of
the moon, that he had lain three days. When
he came to himself, he found the goat lying un-
der him dead. It was with great difficulty that
he could crawl to his habitation, whence he was
unable to stir for ten days, and did not recover
of his bruises for a long time. The other event
was, the arrival of a ship, which he first supposed
to be French: and such is the natural love of so-
ciety in the human mind, that he was eager to
abandon his solitary felicity, and surrender him-
self to them, although enemies; but upon their
landing, approaching them he found them to
be Spaniards, of whom he had too great a dread
to trust himself in their hands. They were by
this time so near, that it required all his agility
to escape, which he effected by climbing into
a thick tree, being shot at several times as he ran
off. Fortunately the Spaniards did not discover
46
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
him, though they stayed sometime under the tree
where he was hid, and killed some goats just by.
In this solitude Selkirk remained until the 2nd.
of February 1709, when he saw two ships come
into the bay, and knew them to be English.
He immediately lighted a fire as a signal, and on
their coming on shore, found they were the Duke
Captain Rogers, and the Duchess, Captain
Courtney, two Privateers from Bristol. He gave
them the best entertainment he could afford; and
as they had been a long time at sea without fresh
provisions, the goats which he caught were highly
acceptable. His habitation consisted of two huts
one to sleep in, the other to dress his food in, was
so obscurely situated, and so difficult of access
that only one of the ship's officers would ac-
company him to it. Dampier, who was Pilot on
board the Duke, and knew Selkirk very well,
informed Captain Rogers, that when on board
the Cinque Ports, he was the best Seamen on
board that vessel; upon which Captain Rogers
appointed him master's-mate of the Duke. After
a fortnight's stay at Juan Fernandez, the Ships
LITERARY ANECDOTES
47
proceeded on their cruise against the Spaniards;
plundered a town on the coast of Peru, took
a Manilla ship off California, and returned by
way of the East Indies to England, where
they arrived the 1st of October, 1711; Selkirk
having been absent eight years, more than
half of which time he had spent alone on
the Island. Captain Cooke remarks, as an ex-
traordinary circumstance, that he had contrived
to keep an account of the days of the week and
month; but this might be done as Defoe makes
Robinson Crusoe do, by cutting notches in a
post, or many other methods.
Stevens' (George Alexander) Lecture on Heads.
A country mechanic furnished Stevens with
the first idea of his Lecture; being at a village
where he was manager of a company of players
the force and humour, with which he heard this
countryman describe the members of the corpo-
ration, impressed so strongly on his mind, the
practicability of rendering something of the sort
48
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
subservient to theatric purposes, that he imme-
diately set about it. When finished, the lecture
met with unexampled success, and in the course
of a few years produced the author near £10,000,
Stevens is said to have been the first instance
that can be produced of the same person, who,
by his writing and reciting, could entertain an
audience for a continued space of four hours;
he died in 1734, at Biggleswade, in Bedfordshire,
it is believed, in not very affluent circumstances.
Philidor on Chess.
It is not I believe, generally known that this
Author's real name was Andrè Danican; he
was a native of Dricux, near Paris: Philidor
was a sobriquet or nick name, given him by the
King of France, after an Italian Musician of that
name. He was near Seventy years of age at
his death, and so remarkable for his skill in the
difficult game of Chess, that about two months
before he died, he played two games blindfold, at
the same time, against two excellent Chess-play-
ers, and was declared the Victor.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
49
The Rambler
A French Gentleman, dining, in London, in
company with the celebrated author of the
Rambler, wished to express, at once, his esteem
both of the Work and its author; which he did in
the most laughable manner, by saying "Your
health Mr. Vagabond." This Frenchman was not
so distant from the real meaning as his country-
man, who translated Cibber's Love's last Shift"
into "La derniere Chemise de l'Amour;"
him of the same nation, who altered Congreve's
Mourning Bride, into l'Epouse du Matin; for
Vagabonde, is frequently made use of in modern
French, to express Rambler; and the authority of
Shakspeare and other old authors can be produced
to prove that the word Vagabond was formerly
used in the same sense in English
or
When first the Rambler came out in separate
numbers, as they were objects of attention to
multitudes of people, they happened, as it seems
F
$50
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
particularly to attract the notice of a Society
which met every Saturday evening, during the
Summer, at Rumford, in Essex, and were known
by the name of the Bowling-Green-Club. These
men seeing one day the character of Leviculus,
the fortune-hunter, or Tetrica, the old maid;
another day, some account of a person who spent
his life in hoping for a legacy, or of him who is
always prying into other folks' affairs, began to
think in reality they were betrayed; and that
some one of the Coterie sat down to divert him-
self by giving to the Public the Portraits of all
the rest. Filled with wrath against the Traitor
of Rumford, one of them resolved to write to the
Printer and enquire the Author's name; Samuel
Johnson, was the reply. No more was necessary,
Samuel Johnson was the name of the Curate,
and soon did each begin to load him with re-
proaches for turning his friends into ridicule, in a
manner so cruel and unprovoked. In vain did
the guiltless Curate protest his innocence; one
was sure that Aliger meant Mr. Twigg, and
that Cupid was but another name for Neighbour
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
51-
Baggs; till the poor Parson, unable to contend
any longer, rode to London, and brought them
back full satisfaction concerning the author, who,
unknown to himself, had so happily delineated
the members of the Bowling-Green-Club.
1
Pascal. Lettres écrites à un
Provincial,
(M. Perrier, brother in law to Pascal) par
un de ses amis (Pascal) sur le sujet des disputes
présentes de la Sorbonne. 40 1656 & 7.
These famous letters were condemned by a
decree of Pope Alexander the VII. dated Sep-
tember 6th 1657, and burnt by the hands of the
hangman, in execution of an order of the Parlia
ment of Aix, dated February 9th 1657. They
were translated into Latin, under the Title of
'Ludovici Montalti (Pascal) Litteræ Provin→
ciales 1658, with the pretended notes of William
Wendrock, (whose real name was Pierre Nicole;)
and the disquisitions of Paul Irénée (the same
Nicole ;) which translation, was also condemned
F 2.
2
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
by a judgment of the Council of State to be burut,
and the order put in execution October 14th
1660. The order says "that exclusive of the
heretical propositions contained in this work, it
is injurious to the reputation of the late King,
Louis XIII. of glorious memory, as also, to
that of the principal ministers who had the
direction of his affairs." The French Bishops,
named in the preceeding order to examine the
Lettres à un Provincial, condemned this work, as
sparing the rank of no one, not even the Sovercign
Pontif nor his Bishops, the King, nor the princi-
ple Ministers of the State, neither the sacred
faculty of Paris, nor the Religious Orders, and
that consequently this book merits the punish-
ments by law attached to defamatory libels
and heretical books." The best French authors
ascribe the fixture of the French language, to
these letters. They are a mixture of ingenious
raillery and strong eloquence, and to the wit of
Moliere unite the logic of Bossuet. Boileau
regarded them as the most perfect prose work
in the language, and went even so far as to say
f
LITERARY ANECDOTESI ·
53.
they surpassed the best works of the ancients.
Bossuet, interrogated as to which of the works,
written in French, he would rather be esteemed
the author? replied, Les Provinciales; The fiery
Father Colonia, in his Dictionnaire des liores
Jansenistes, speaks very differently. He thus
expresses himself "It is frequently sufficient for
the faithful, to name the author of a book to →
them, to make them despise it, as Arnauld, Pascal
&c. whose names alone make a book drop from
the hands of any docile child of the Church.
It will, at once be remembered these too well
known names, were the founde
far from being true Catholics;
they have formally taught heres
was banished and the other say
by the hangman." Blaise Pscal was born at
Clermont in Auvergne June 9th, 1623, and died
at Paris August 19th, 166. Father Daniel op-
posed the Provinciales in his Entretiens de Cléandre
et d'Eudore.

of errors and
he contrary,
for which one
his book burnt
-
FO
54
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Robert Recorde,
An English Mathematician of the 16th Century.
To this ingenious man we are indebted for the
first treatise in Algebra, then named the Cossie
Art, in the English Language. In a book which
he wrote on arithmetic, he is styled Teacher of
Mathematics, and Practitioner in Physic, at
Cambridge.
It was for some ages the custom among the
Moors, and after them among the Europeans,
to unite the title well as the practice of Medi-
cine, with th of Chemistry, Alchymy,
Mathematics and Astrology. It is remarkable,
that as the Moo were
were not less famous in
Europe for their skill in medicine than their dex-
terity in calculation, the terms of Physician and
Algebraist appear at first to have been regarded
as almost synonymous.
When the bachelor
Samson Carrasco in Don Quixote, in his ren-
counter with the Knight, was thrown from his

LITERARY ANECDOTES.
65
horse, and had his ribs broken, they sent in quest
of an Algebrista to heal his bruises.
The first part of the Arithmetic above men-
tioned was published in 1552, the second in 1557
under the title of "The Whitestone of Witte, which
is the second part of arithmetike; containing the
extraction of Rootes; the Cossike practise, with
the Rule of Equation; and the workes of Surde
numbers." The book is a dialogue between the
master and the scholar, and treats of figurate
numbers, extractions of the Square and Cube
roots, &c. Then follow Algebra, or Cossike
numbers, and the rule of Equation, commonly
called Algeber's rule. Here the character is
employed for the first time, to signify equality.
Recorde says, "And to avoide the tediouse re-
pition of these woordes is
equal to: I will sette
down as I doe often in woork use, a pair of pa-
rellels, or gemowe lines of one lenghth, thus=:
because noe 2 thynges are moare equalle.*
Hutton's Tracts on many interesting parts of the
Mathematical and Philosophical Sciences, 3 vol. 1812.
36
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Glareans Seat in the College of Bâle.
Meukenius, in his book De Charlataneria
Eruditorum, gives the following as an instance
of the extravagant premeditated actions of men
of learning, to excite attention and make them-
selves talked of.
Henri Lorit Glarean was one of the friends
of Erasmus and had taught philosophy at Bâle,
and history and poetry at Fribourg with universal
applause; but although by the publication of
several excellent works in prose and poetry, he
had shewn himself superior to the masters of arts
yet not having been graduated, he had no right
evento place himself on an equality with them, and
the professors of Bâle not knowing what place
to assign him. in their public assemblies, he was
obliged, (mortifying as it must have been to
such a mind) either to seat himself at the end
of the masters of arts' bench, or to mix with the
croud of students. He concealed his chagrin,
LITER A RY ANECDOTES.
57
however, for some time, in the expectation that
they would at last grant and point out for him a
more honorable situation; but the appointment
was so long in embryo,that at last on a day appoint-
ed for the creation of doctors, Glarean made his
appearance in the auditory, mounted on an ass.
The eyes of the whole assembly were immediately
turned on him, and each made his own com-
ments on so strange an appearance; some thought
him mad-others that he was making game of
those on whom they were just going to confer
the cap. But no one could refrain from bursts
of laughter, when the animal either from fear,
surprize, or perhaps from pleasure at being in
such good company, began braying and throwing
out his hinder legs. At last the rector of the
university demanded of Glarean the reason of
such conduct. "I have done it," replied he, "to
relieve you from the embarrassment you have so
long been in, touching the place you ought to
assign me either among the doctors or the mas-
ters of arts; and as I have no intention of stand-
ing any longer, you now behold the seat I shall
in future occupy in your Assemblies,"
38
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Théologie portative, ou Dictionnaire abrégé
de la Religion Chrétienne, par M. l'Abbé Ber-
nier (Dulaurent.) 12mo. Rome (Paris) 1775.
The same, with corrections and augmentations
by a disciple of the author. 2 vol. 12mo.
Rome, avec permission et privilege du Conclave,
1776.
This diabolical work, as it is called by Peig-
not,* and which was burnt by the hands of the
hangman in 1776, has been attributed to Voltaire,
but is in reality the work of one Dulaurent, an
apostate monk, born in the province of Artois,
and who took refuge in Holland, where he com-
posed many books of the same description as the
one above cited. An idea of the style and or-
thodoxy, may be formed from the following defi-
nitions taken at random from this dictionary.
*Dictionnaire des livres condamnés au feu, 2 tom, Svo,
Paris, 1806.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
59
ADAM, the first man; God created him a
great ninny and to please his wife he was simple-
ton enough to gnaw an apple, his descendants
have not yet been able to digest.
ASSES; animals with long ears, they are patient
and mischievous and the true models of Chris-
tians, who ought patiently to endure beating,
and like that animal, always carry the cross.
Jesus mounted on the back of an ass, by which
action he wished it to be understood that his
priests should have the ascendancy over, and
chastisement of Christian men and women, till
the end of time.
CAPUCHIN, a goat with two legs, loaded
with filth and ignorance; he sings through the
nose in his convent and exhibits himself in the
streets for the edification of good women and to
frighten the little children.
HELL. The kitchen fire that makes the sacer-
dotal porridge pot boil; it was founded in favor
of priests, and that they may have good cheer,
it is, that the eternal Father, who is their first
60
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
:
cook, spits those of his children, who have not
that deference for their lessons, which is due.
GOOSE. There are certain tales called *Gooses'
Tales. The tales that the Church tell us, are
Gooses' Tales, seeing that we are goslings and the
church is our mother.
Dennis the Critic.
D'Israeli, at the end of the character of Den-
nis, in his Literary Miscellanies, has the follow-
ing anecdote: It appears that the Provoked
Husband was acted for his benefit, which pro-
cured him about £100. Thompson and Pope
generously supported the Old Critic, and Savage
who had nothing but verse to give, returned them
poetical thanks in the name of Dennis. When
Dennis heard these lines repeated (for he was
then blind) his critical severity, and his natural
brutality, overcame that grateful sense he should
have expressed, of their kindness and their ele-
gance. He swore "By God they could be no
one's but that fool Savage's."
Or Mother Goose's Tales; the French term is 'Contes
e ma Mère l'Oie,'
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
61
The dates of the original editions of Milton's
Works, with some other particulars respecting
PROSE WORKS.
that author.
Of Reformation in England..
Of Prelatical Episcopacy...
Of Church Government...
Animadversions upon the Remonstrants de-
fence against Smectymnus.
An Apology for Smectymnus..
Areopagitica...
..1641
1641
1641
... 1641
..1642
.1644
The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce....1644
The Doctrine, &c. of Divorce, much aug-
mented, a second edition.
.1644
The same
1645
The Judgment of Martin Bucer, concerning
Divorce.
1644
Of Education
1644
Of Education, printed at the end of his Po-
ems, 8vo
...1673
Tetrachordon
.1645
Colasterion
.1645
Observations on the Articles of Peace.………….
...1649
Eikonoklastes
1649
G
62
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
The same, 8vo. Amsterdam
.1690
The same, a second edition, much enlarged. 1650
Eikonoklastes, traduite de l'Anglois, sur la
seconde et plus ample edition; et revûë par
l'auteur; à Londres, par Guill. Dugard,
imprimeur du Conseil d'Etat l'an 1652, 120.
Tenure of Kings
The same, second edition
1649
1649
The same, a new edition with some additions 1850
Pro Populo Anglicano defensio
•
The same in folio, editio emendatior
The same in 12mo.....
1651
.1651
. 1651
Pro Populo Anglicano defensio..... Antwerp 1651
The same....
The same...
·
1652
Defensio secunda,.... 12mo. Hagæ-Comitum. 1652
.1654
Joannis Philippi angli responsio, 12mo. Lond 1652
•
The Defence of the People of England
translated by Mr. Washington of the
Temple, 8vo...
1692
Pro Defensio....12mo..... Hag. Comitum. .1655
Scriptum Dom. Protectoris Reipublicæ An-
gliæ &c....
Literæ, Senatus Anglicani necnon Cromwelli,
&c. nomine, conscriptæ, 12mo.....
Considerations to remove hirelings out of
the Church, 12mo...
..1655
1659
1659
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
63
A letter concerning the Commonwealth 12mo. 1659
A ready and casy way to establish a Com-
monwealth
A Treatise of Civil Power, 12mo...
The cabinet Council, containing the chief
arts of Empire, by the ever renowned
Knight Sir Walter Rawleigh. Published
by John Milton Esq. 12mo. Printed by
Newcomb
•
1659
1659
.1658
Accedence commenced Grammar, 12mo. ..1660
The same....
Brief Notes upon a Sermon....
Aphorisms of State, a Tract of Sir Walter
Rawleigh's 8vo..
The History of Britain
The same.....
Artis Logicæ Institutio 12mo....
Idem
edito secunda, 12mo.
Of true Religion, 12mo....
Declaration of the Poles....
.1669
•
· 1669
..1661
1670
.1671
..1672
.1673
1673
Epistolarum Familiarium Liber, 8vo....... 1674
Letters of State, 12mo. 1676. Translated into
English 1694.....
The Historie of Moscovia, 8vo…………
G2
.1674
· 1682
64
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Poetical Works
Paradise Lost, in ten Books
.1667
The same. . . .
.1668
The same, with the argument, and address
to the reader, from S. Simons..
.1669
The same, without the address.
.1669
•
The same in twelve Books...
.1672
Paradise Lost, in twelve books, 2nd, Edition
8vo
•
The same.
1674
..1675
The same..
.1678
Poems. 12mo
• •
1645
Poems, with the Tractate on Education,
written above twenty years since, 8vo....1673
Paradise Regained, and Samson Agonistes
8vo...
The same.
.1671
1680
All the preceeding editions, except those marked
otherwise are in Quarto.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
65
Milton experienced some difficulty in getting
his Poem of Paradise Lost licensed, the licenser
imagining that, in the noble simile of the sun
in an eclipse, he had discovered treason. It was,
however, licensed, and Milton sold his M S. to
Samuel Simmons, April 27th 1667, for an im-
mediate payment of five pounds, with a proviso
that on 1300 copies being sold, he was to receive
five pounds more; and the same for the second
and third editions.
The first edition appeared in 1667, in ten
books, small quarto, advertised at 3s plainly
bound; but as it met with no very quick sale, the
titles were varied in order to promote its
circulation-thus the edition of 1667 is fre-
quently found with the titles of 1668 and 1669.
In two years, the sale of the poem gave the
Poet a right to his second payment, the receipt
for which was signed April 26th 1669.
The Second Edition was printed in 8vo. 1674,
but the author did not live to receive the sti-
pulated payment. The third edition was published
G 3
99
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
in 1678: The copy right then devolving to
Milton's widow, she agreed with Simmons to
receive eight pounds for it; this agreement was
concluded, and the receipt signed, December
21st 1680. Simmons transferred the right for
twenty five pounds, to a Bookseller named
Brabazon Aylmer, and Aylmer sold half to
Jacob Tonson, August 17th, 1683, and the
other half at a price considerably advanced,
March 24th 1690.
Dr Bentley, for his edition of Milton in 1732,
received one hundred and five pounds, and
Dr. Newton, for editing the Paradise Lost,
received six hundred and thirty pounds, and for
Paradise Regained, one hundred and five pounds.
Baron, for revising the Edition of Milton's
Prose Works, 2 vol. 4to. received £10.
I shall conclude these unconnected particulars,
with the following curious.
PROCLAMATION
By the King
For calling in and suppressing of two books
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
67
written by John Milton: the one, intituled,
Johannis Miltoni Angli pro Populo Anglicuno
Defensio, contra Claudü Anonymi alias Salmasü
Defensionem Regiam; and the other in answer
to a book intituled, The Pourtraicture of his
Sacred Majesty in his Solitude and Suffering
and also a third book intituled, The Obstructors
of Justice, written by John Goodwin.
Charles R.
Whereas John Milton, late of Westminster,
in the County of Middlesex, hath published in
. print two several books, the one intituled
Johannis Miltoni Angli pro Populo Anglicano
defensio contra Claudü Anonymi, alias Salmasi
Defensionem Regium. And the other in answer
to a book intituled The Portraicture of his sacred
Majesty in his solitude and sufferings. In both
which are contained sundry treasonable passages
against us and our Government, and most im-
pious endeavours to justifie the horrid and
unmatchable murder of our late dear father of
glorious memory.
68
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
And whereas John Goodwin, late of Coleman
Street, London, clerk, hath also published in
print, a book intituled, The Obstructors of Jus
tice, written in defiance of his said late Majesty.
And whereas the said John Milton and John
Goodwin are both fled, or so obscure themselves
that no endeavours used for their apprehension
can take effect, whereby they might be brought
to legal tryal, and deservedly receive condign
punishment for their treasons and offences.
Now to the end that our good subjects may
not be corrupted in their judgements, with such
wicked and traiterous principles as are dispersed
and scattered throughout the beforementioned
books, we upon the motion of the Commons in
Parliament now assembled, doe hereby streightly
charge and command all and every person and
persons whatsoever, who live in any city, bur-
rough or town incorporate, within this, our
kingdom of England, the dominion of Wales,
and town of Berwick upon Tweed, in whose
hands any of those books are, or hereafter shall
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
69
be, that they, upon pain of our high displeasure,
and the consequence thereof, do forthwith, upon
publication of this our command, or within ten days
immediately following, deliver or cause the same
to be delivered to the mayor, bailiffs, or other chief
officer or magistrate, in any of the said cities, bor-
roughs or towns incorporate, where such person
or persons so live, or if living out of any city, bor-
rough or town incorporate, then to the next justice.
of peace adjoining his or their dwelling or place
of abode; or if living in either of our universities,
then to the vice-chancellor of that university
where he or they do reside.
And in default of such voluntary delivery, which
we do expect iu observance of our said command
that then and after the time before limited, expi-
red, the said chief magistrate of all and every
the said cities, borroughs or towns incorporate,
the justices of the peace in their several counties,
and the vice-chancellors of our said universities
respectively, are hereby commanded to seize
and take all and every the books aforesaid, in
70
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
whose hands or possession soever they shall be
found, and certifie the names of the offenders
into our Privy Council.
And we do hereby also give special charge
and command to the said chief magistrates, jus-
tices of the peace and vice-chancellors respect-
ively, that they cause the said books which shall
be so brought unto any of their hands or seized or
taken as aforesaid, by vertue of this our procla-
mation, to be delivered to the respective Sheriffs
of those Counties where they respectively live,
the first and next assizes that shall after happen.
And the said Sheriffs are hereby also required, in
time of holding such assizes, to cause the same to
be publicly burnt by the hand of the common
hangman.
And we do furher streightly charge and com-
mand that no man hereafter presume to print,
vend, sell, or disperse any the aforesaid books,
upon pain of our heavy displeasure, and of such
further punishment as for their presumption in
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
71
that behalf may any way be inflicted upon them
by the laws of this realm.
Given at our Court at Whitehall, the thirteenth
day of August, in the twelfth year of our reign
1660.
Destruction of Libraries in the Time of Henry
VIII. at the dissolution of the Monasteries.
It is a circumstance well known to every one
at all conversant in English History, that the
suppression of the lesser monasteries by that
rapacious monarch, Harry the VIII. took place
in 1536. Bishop Fisher, when the abolition was
first proposed in the convocation, strenuously
opposed it, and told his brethren that this was
fairly showing the king how he might come at
the great monasteries. "And so, my lords," con-
cluded he, "if you grant the king these smaller
monasteries, you do but make him a handle,
whereby he may cut down all the cedars within
your lebanons." Fisher's fears were bnore out
by the subsequent acts of Henry, who, after
72
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
quelling a civil commotion occasioned by the
suppression of the lesser monasteries, immedi-
ately abolished the remainder, and on the whole
suppressed 645 monasteries, of which 28 had
abbots who enjoyed seats in Parliament, Ninety
colleges were demolished, 2374 chantries and
free-chapels and 110 hospitals. The havoc that
was made among the libraries, cannot be better
described than in the words of Bayle, bishop of
Ossory, in the preface to Lelands "New year's
Gift to King Henry the VIII"
1
“A greate nombre of them whyche purchased
those, superstycyouse mansyons (monasteries)
reserved of those librarye bookes, some to serve
theyr jakes some to scoure theyr candlestyckes,
and some to rubbe theyr bootes. Some they
solde to the grossers and sope sellers, and some
they sent over see to ye booke bynders, notin small
nombre, but at tymes whole shyppes full to y
wonderynge of foren nacyons. Yea y Univer-
sytees of thys realme are not alle clere in thys
detestable fact. But cursed is that bellye whyche
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
73
seketh to be fedde with suche ungodlye gaynes,
and so depelye shameth hys natural conterye. I
knowe a merchant manne, whyche shall at thys
tyme be namelesse, that boughte y contentes of
two noble lybraryes for forty shyllynges pryce:
a shame it is to be spoken. Thys stuffe hathe
he occupyed in ye stede of greye paper, by y
space of more than these ten yeares and yet
he hathe store ynoughe for as manye yeares to
A prodygyouse example is thys and to
be abhorred of all men whyche love theyr nacyon
as they shoulde do. The monkes kepte them
undre dust, yº ydle-headed prestes regarded them
not, theyr latter owners have most shamefully
abused them, and y covetouse merchantes have
solde them awaye into foren nacyons for moneye."
come.
Letters from a Gentleman in the North of Scotland
to a Friend in London, 2 vol. 8vo. London 1754.
The author of these letters was one Birt, an
understrapper commissary, who, as is natural to
such people, was in his own opinion, a man of
H
74
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
•
great consequence. Major Hepburn of Alder-
cron's regiment, mentioned at Madras an anec-
dote of Birt, which I think happened at Inverness.
Birt giving himself some consequential airs, said
"He represented His Majesty." Upon which a
dry Scot replied, "Hoot mon! you represent His
Majesty!-He God bless him, is muckle better
represented on a bawbee."
The newe Attractiue, containing a short dis-
course of the Magnes or Lodestone, and amongst
other his vertues, of a new discouered secret, and
subtile propertie, concerning the declyning of the
Needle, touched therewith, under the plaine of the
Horizon. Now first found out by ROBERT NOR-
MAN, Hydrographer. Small 4to. Imprinted at
London, by John Kyngston, for Richard Ballard
1581.
This scarce Tract is the production of Robert
Norman, who first discovered what is called the
dipping of the Needle, and which discovery this
work was intended to promulgate. As this curious
work is very little known, a synopsis of its con-
tents will perhaps, not be deemed uninteresting.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
75
The 1st. Chapter treateth-Of the Magnes or
Lodestone, where they are to be found, and
of their colours, weight and vertue iu
drawying iron, or steele, and of other pro-
perties of the same stone.
2nd. Chap. Of the divers opinions of those that
haue written of the attractiue poinct, and
where thei have imagined it to bec.
3d. Chap. By what means the rare and straunge
declinyng of the Needle, from the plaine of
the Horizon was first founde.
4th. Chap. How to finde the greatest declinyng
of the Needle under the Horizon.
5th. Chap. That in the vertue of the Magnes
or Lodestone, is no ponderous or weightie
matter, to cause any suche declinyng in the
Needle.
6th. Chap. A confutation of the common re-
ceived opinion of the point Attractiue.
H 2
76
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
7th. Chap. Of the poinct Respectiue, where it
maie bee by greatest reason imagined.
8th. Chap. Certaine proofes of the power and
action, wholie and freelie beeyng in the
stone, to shewe this poincte respective, and
in the Needle, by vertue and power received
of the Stone, and not forced, or constrained
by any Attraction in Heaven or Yearth.
9th. Chap. Of the Fariation of the Needle
from the Pole or Axletree of the Earth, and
how it is to bec understoode.
10th. Chap. Of the common Compasses, and
of the divers different sortes and makynges
of them, with the inconveniences that maie.
growe by them, and the plattes made by
them.
After which followeth, A Table of the Sun's
Declination and three other Astronomical
Tables.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
77
The body of the Work, with the Tables,
occupy 62 pages, printed with black or old english
letter; exclusive of which, at the beginning, are
a dedicatory epistle, an address to the Reader,
and the Magnes or Lodestone's Challenge, which
latter will be no unwelcome guest, after the
preceding dry recital of contents.
THE MAGNES, OR LODESTONE'S CHALLENGE
Give place, ye glittering sparkes
Ye glimmering saphires bright
Ye Rubies redde, and Diamonds braue,
Wherein ye moste delight.
In breefe, ye stones inricht,
And burnisht all with golde,
Set forthe in lapidaries shoppes
For Jewells to be solde.
Give place, give place, I saie
Your beautie, gleame and glee
Is all the vertue for the Whiche,
Accepted so you bee.
H 3
78
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Magnes, the Lodestone, I,
Your painted sheathes defie,
Without my helpe, in Indian seas,
The beste of you might lie.
I guide the pilot's course,
His helping hande I am,
The Mariner delights in me,
So doeth the marchaunt man
My vertue lyes unknown,
My secrets hidden are,
By me, the Court and commonweale
Are pleasured verie farre.
No shippe could saile on Seas,
Her course to runne aright,
Nor compasse shewe the readie waie,
Were Magnes not of might.
Blush then, and blemishe all
Bequeath to me that's dewe,
Your seates in golde, your price in plate,
Which Jewellers doe renewe.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
79
It's I, it's I, alone
Whom you usurpe upon,
Magnes by name, the Lodestone cal'd,
The Prince of stones alone.
If this you can denie,
Then seeme to make replie,
And let the painfull Seaman judge
The whiche of us doet lie,
THE MARINER'S JUDGMENT.
The Lodestone is the stone,
The onely stone alone,
Deseruyng praise above the rest,
Whose vertues are unknowne.
THE MARCHANTE'S VERDICT.
The saphire's bright, the diamonds braue
Are stones that beare the name
But flatter not and tell the troth,
Magnes deserves the fame.
80
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Le Poëte sans fard, ou Discours satyriques sur
toutes sortes de sujets. (par Gacon.) 2 tom,
12mo 1696.
This work, which was reprinted in 1701 with
some alterations, is a collection of satires which
Chancellor Boucherat caused to be suppressed,
and condemned the author to some months im-
prisonment. François Gacon died in 1725, at
the age of fifty, after having composed a great
number of very indifferent satirical works. The
following quatrain from the Pöete sans fard may
be considered as a very favorable specimen of
the author's talents;
Une beauté quand elle advance en age,
A ses amans inspire du degoût,
Mais, pour le vin, il a cet avantage,
Plus il viellit, plus il flatte le goût.
which may be done into English thus:
A beauty, when advanced in age,.
In lover's eyes sees little favor;
But wine it is, has this advantage,
The older 'tis, the finer is its flavor.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
81
The Discoverie of the gaping Gulph, wherein
to England is like to be swallowed by a French
Marriage, if the Lorde forbid not the Bands by
letting her Majesty (Queen Elizabeth) see the sin
and punishment thereof. 1579.
This Tract wa elicited by the incognito visit of
the Duke of Anjou to England, after the fa-
vorable receival of his proxy by the Queen.
The author John Stubbes, a member of Lin-
coln's Inn; the publisher William Page; and
Hugh Singleton, the printer, were all three
apprehended, tried, and sentenced to have their
right hands cut off by a butcher's knife and
mallet. Never, I believe, was the courage and
loyalty of Englishmen more strikingly exempli-
fied than in the conduct of Stubbes and Page
when brought to the scaffold to have the sen-
tence put into execution, November 3, 1579.*
Stubbes addressing himself to the spectators,
said
"What a grieffe it is to the bodie to lose one
Singleton, by the interest of his friends, obtained a
remittance of the seutence.
82
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
of its' members you all know. I am come hi-
ther to receive my punishment according to the
laws. I am sorie for the losse of my hand,
and more sorie to lose it by judgment; but most
of all with her Majesties' indignation and evell
opinion, whome I have soe highlie displeased.
Before I was condempned, I might speak for
my innocencie; but nowe my mouth is stopped
by judgment, to the which I submitt myselffe,
ame content patientlie to endure whatsoever it
pleaseth God, of his secrett providence, to laie
upon me, and take it justlie deserved for my
sinnes; and I pray God it maie be an example
to youe all, that it beinge so daungerous to of
fend the lawes without an evell meaninge, as
breedeth the losse of a haund, you maie use your
haunds holylie and praie to God for the longe
preservation of her Majestie over youe, whom
God hath used as an instrument for a louge peace
and many blessings over us; and speciallie for
his Gospell, whearby shee hathe made a waie for
us to rest and quiteness of our conciences. For
the French I force not, but my greatest grieffe
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
83
is, in soe many weckes and daie's imprisonment,
her Majestie hath not once thought me worthie of
her mercie, which she hath oftentimes extended to
divers persons in greater offences. For my haund
I esteeme it not soe mutch, for I thinke I colde
have saved it, and might do yet; but I will not
have a guiltlesse harte and an infamous haunde.
I praie youe all to praie with me, that God will
strengthen me to endure and abide the paine that
I ame to suffre, and graunt me this grace, that
the losse of my haunde do not withdraw any
parte of my duetie and affection toward her
Majestic, and because, when soe many veines of
bloude are opened it is uncertain howe they maie
be stayed, and what will be the event theirof.
Then kneeling, he continued, "I beseche youe all
to praye for me, that it wolde plcase God to for-
give me my sinues; and I crave pardon of all the
worlde, and freelie forgive everie one that hathe
offended me, and soe with mercie to deale with
me, that whether I live or die I may live or die his
My maisters, if their be any among
youe that doe love me, if your love be not in God
servaunt.
*
84
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
and her Majestic I utterlie denie your loue."
The hand ready on the Block to be stricken off,
he said often to the people "Praye for me,
nowe mye calamatie is at hande." At the end
of these words his right hand was struck off.
when waving his hat with his remaining hand,
he exclaimed,-"God save the Queen!" and im-
mediately swooned.
Page next ascended the scaffold, and ad-
dressing himself to the by-standers, said,
I am come hither to receive the lawe ac-
cording to my judgment, and thanke God of
all, and of this I take God to witness, that
knoweth the hartes of all men, that, as I ame
sorie I have offended her Majestie, so did I
never mene harme to her Highness' person,
crowne or dignitie; but have bene as trewe a
subject as any was in England to my abilitie,
except none:" Then holding up his right hand,
"This hand," said he, did, I put to the
Plough and got my living by it many years.
If it wolde haue pleased her Highness to have
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
25
pardoned it and have taken my left haund, or
my life she had delte more favourablie with
me, for nowe I have no meanes to live; but
God, which is the father of us all, will pro-
vide for me. I beseeche you all to praie for
me, that I maie take this punishment pati-
entlie." And so laying his hand upon the block,
he prayed the executioner to perform his office
as quickly as possible, who, at two blows se-
vered his hand from his arm, whereat lifting
up the stump, he said to the people, "I have
left there a true Englishman's hand” and so went
from the scaffold very stoutly and with great
courage.
Littleton's (Adam) Latine Dictionary.
Quarto, London 1678 and 1684.
When the Doctor was compiling his Diction-
ary, and announced the Word Concurro to his
Amanuensis, the scribe imagining from an affiinity
of sound, that the six first letters would give the
translation of the verb, said, "Concur I suppose
I
98
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Sir," to which the Doctor peevishly replied
"Concur!-Condog!"-The Secretary, whose
business it was to write down what his master
dictated, according, did his duty, and the word
Condog was inserted, and actually printed as
one interpretation of "con curro" in the edition
of 1678, but omitted in the subsequent one of
1684.
The author, at the end of this Dictionary pro-
poses an inscription for the Monument to com-
memorate the names of the Lord Mayors of
London under whose Mayoralities it is was begun
continued and completed, "worthy for it's length'
says Southey "of a Sanscrit Legend, and extend-
ing through seven degrees of Longitude.
Advice to Authors on facility, of Composition.
Lope Felix de Vega Carpio wrote five times
the number of leaves that he lived days, and if
any one has the curiosity to know in what manner
such facility of composition is attained, let him
LITERARY
87
ANECDOTES.
listen to the advice that Ringelbergius (Sterck)
gives to an author under his tuition. "Tell the
Printers," says he "to make preparations for a
work you intend writing, and never alarm your-
self about it because it is not even begun, for after
having annouced it, you may, without difficulty,
trace out in your own head, the whole plan of the
Work, and its divisions; after which, compose the
arguments of the Chapters, and I can assure you
that in this manner you may furnish the Printer:
daily with more copy than they want. But remem.
ber, when you have once begun there must be no
flagging 'till the Work is finished.”
Voyage du ci-devant Duc du Châtelet en Portugal
revue par M. Bourgoing. 2 tom. 8vo. Paris 1798
The real author of this book was Dessolteux
an officer in Rochambeau's army, better known
by the name of Comartin. The Duke du Châtelet
never was in Portugal; in the year 1777 when
he is said to have departed from England, he was
not in that Kingdom, having been successively re-
placed as ambassador by DeGuines and Noailles
I 2
#8
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
HALSTEAD'S (ROBERT)
Succinct Genealogies of the noble and Ancient
Houses of Alno or De Alneto, Broc of Shephale
Latimer of Duntish, Drayton of Drayton.
Mauduit of Westminster, Greene of Drayton,
Fere of Addington, Fitz. Lewis of West Horne-
don, Howard of Effingham and Mordaunt of
Turvey, justified by Public Records, Ancient and
extant Charters &c. fol. Lond. 1685.
The Author's name is fictitious, this work
being the compilation of Henry, Earl of Peter-
borough and Mr. Rans his Chaplain, Rector of
Turvey in Bedfordshire.
Only Twenty-four Copies of this Book were
printed and it is so extremely rare as to have sold
at Joy's Sale in 1779 for Nineteen Guineas and
at Leigh's Auction Room, December 1812 for
Forty-one Guineas.
Fenelon's Adventures of Telemachus.
Bausset in his Life of Fenelon, says, that the
transcript of this work was secretly circulated in
several families previous to publication; and ac-
}
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
89
cording to Peignot this circulation was occasioned
by the faithlessness of the valet de chambre, to
whom he gave it to transcribe. The manuscript
was afterwards soldto the widow of Claude Barbin
who committed it to the press; but only two
hundred and eight pages of it had been printed,
when it was discovered to be the work of Fe-
nelon; and that suspicious King Louis XIV. or-
dered strict search to be made at the Printer's
for all the sheets that had been worked off,
which were confiscated and burut; and every effort
made to annihilate this admirable production.
Fortunately, a few copies escaped, with tran-
scripts of that part which had not been printed,
one of these copies was obtained by Adrian
Moëtgens, a bookseller at the Hague, who pub-
lished the whole work in 1699. Peignot says
that every edition previous to 1720 is incomplete
but I have not chanced to meet with any edi-
tion of that date; there is one published in
Twelves at Rotterdam, in 1719, with notes cri-
tical and historical, which was reprinted in 1725,
but the one of 1719 is the scarcer of the two,
13
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
on account of the first impressions of the plates.
Some persons have believed that in this work
they could recognize the characters of
Madame de Montespan. ………..as.... Calypso
Mademoiselle de Fontanges as.... Eucharis
The Duchess of Bourgogne..as.... Antiope.
Louvois
King James
and Louis XIV.
•
·
as Prothésilas
.... as.... Idomenée
as....Sesostris.
Bayle, (Pierre) Dictionaire Historique et Cri-
tique, revu par Prosper Marchand, 4 vols in folia
Rotterdam 1720. Called the third, thougk really
the fourth edition.
This is the dearest and most esteemed edition
of Bayle's Dictionary, for which reason many
mercenary Booksellers, and others, by means
of false titles bearing the date of 1720, have
vended inferior editions for the one sought after,
and so defrauded the persons to whom they were
sold. To detect any cheat of this description,
and to distinguish the true edition from it's
substitutes, remark First. That in the true edition
the title to the dedicatory Epistle to the Regent
is printed in red and black. Secondly, A detached
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
91
part of twenty pages, numbered with small
Roman Capitals, containing the Preface to the
first Edition (in Italics,) the Bookseller's adver-
tisement to the third edition, and the privilige of
the States of Holland. Third and lastly, It will
be necessary to examine volume 2, to see if the
article David, Roi des Juifs, be entire as it
ought to be employed twice, and in a different
manner. In the first (which is seldom omitted)
this article is contained in pages 963, 964, and
the greater part of 965; in the second on the
contrary, the same article much extended, has been
separately printed on three leaves, paged from
963 to 968, with an asterisk before each, to dis-
tinguish them from the preceding leaves, paged
with the same figures. It is most important to
possess the above mentioned three leaves, for, if
they are wanting the copy is imperfect; and it's
value much diminished.
Some copies were printed on large Dutch
paper, with verses by Limiers, in praise of the
Regent, at the head of the Dedicatory Epistle,
92
BIBLIOGBAPHICAL AND
which verses were suppressed in the other copies
of the same edition.
Copies of this description are precious mor-
ceaux; one sold at M d'Angard's Sale in 1789
for 1400 livres, and another, of extraordinary
beauty, at the sale of M. Meon, December 1803
for 1173 livres.
The other editions of this Dictionary, are,
Rotterdam, 2vols. 40. 1697.-Ditto 3vols. 1702
Ditto, 3 vols. Geneva, 1715.-The same, Rot-
terdam, 1715.-Ditto 4 vols. Amsterdam 1730,
-Ditto, Amsterdam, (Paris) 4vols. 1734.
There is a supplement printed at Geneva, 1722
which completes and forms the fourth volume to
the editions of 1702 and 1715.
1715. The edition
next in esteem to that of 1720 is the one in 4 vols
folio, La Haye, 1740; and some prefer it, on
account of being rather more ample.
The following, almost always accompanies the
editions of 1720 and 1740.
LITERARY ANECDOTES
93
Chaufepié (Jac. Georg. de) Dictionnaire
Historique et Critique, pour servir de suite à
celui de Bayle. 4 vol's folio, La Haye, 1750.
On the first appearance of Bayle's Work, the
fanatic Jurieu denounced it to the consitory of the
Wallonian Church as containing much repre-
hensible matter, and it would have been suppres-
sed had not Bayle promised to correct the parts
objected to; but it appears he was in no hurry
to fulfil his promise, for in the subsequent
editions the only considerable alterations he
made were in the article David.
Literary Vanity,
Aldrovandus could never prevail on the book-
sellers to undertake the printing his works, and
at length determined to print them at his own
expence, which he did and ruined himself, for
no one bought them, which he at last found
out, and therefore made presents of them to the
Public Libraries, where they remained, as per-
petual monuments of his learning and generosity
94
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Parallel instances, in more modern times might
easily be produced.
Mrs. H. More, in her Christian Morals"
relates, that whilst in Wales, a clergyman who
had composed a sermon, and proposed pub-
blishing it, asked her advice as to how many
thousand copies he should print; she recom-
mended him to limit them to hundreds, and the
sermon was printed, but few copies were sold
except those charitably bought by the author's
friends. On her return to Wales from the me-
tropolis a short time afterwards, he anxiously
enquired if his sermon had made much noise in
the Literary World, and whether she had not
observed a reformation of manners at the Court
end of Town since its publication. Another exam_
ple may be here added, 'tis a sketch from life of
the late Percival Stockdale, He was the Child of
Irascibility, and the offspring of his brain bear evi-
dent marks of their parentage. For upwards of
half a century his search was immortality, his
claims to which he did not scruple to found on
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
95
his literary labours, and even to his death, he
nourished the delusive conviction that pos
terity would do him that justice, of which he
fancied he was deprived by cotemporary envy ;
with this self conviction he used frequently to
quote instances of celebrated men who never
received their due praise 'till after they were
laid under ground, and it has even found its
way into his life of himself, where giving a list
of his works, he says this I wrote at Ports-
mouth' and 'this was written at No. 2, Bateman's
Buildings.' Ridiculous egotism! as if the world
cared one straw whether his this was written in
a counting-house, or his that in a coal-hole.
To crown the whole, a short time previous to
his death, he printed at his own expence, a new
edition of his Poems, of which I think I may
venture to say, not twenty copies were sold; and
had he lived long enough it was his intention to
have republished the whole of his own works,
which had he done, would in all probability
have reduced him to the same dilemma as Al-
drovandus.
96
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Drelincourt's Discourse on Death 8vo,
This is a Book of great credit among vulgar
enthusiasts; but when Drelincourt first published
it, he was so totally disappointed in it's sale, that
he complained to Daniel Defoe, Author of Ro-
binson Crusoe &c. of the injury he was likely to
sustain by it. Daniel asked him if he had blended
any thing marvellous with his pious advice, he
said he had not, "If you wish to have your book
sell," said Daniel, "I will put you in the way,'
he then sat down and wrote the story of the Ap-
parition, which is to be found at the beginning of
Drelincourt's Work, and which is alleged, as a
proof of the appearance of ghosts to be as au-
thentic as the affair of the Witch of Endor.
This Story will be looked for in vain, in the first
edition.
The Hereditary right of the Crown of England
asserted, folio, 1713.
Mr. Hilkiah Bedford, the reputed author, was
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
97
tried for this work in the Court of King's Bench
1714, fined 1000 marks and imprisoned three
years. The real author was George Harbin,
a nonjuring Clergyman, who wrote a remarkable
epitaph on Sir Isaac Newton; Lord Weymouth
on account of his sufferings conveyed to Hilkiah
100 Pounds by the hands of the real author, as it
is supposed, without knowing it; for Bedford,
from zeal to the cause, and affection for the Au-
thor, submitted bravely to the fine and imprison-
ment, in order to screen his friend, who, I believe
was known but to few as the real author, 'till the
late James West Esq. having a copy once the
property of Bishop Kennett, and in which the
Bishop had written some notes, shewing it to
Harbin, Harbin told him he was the Author, and
immediately produced the original copy of the
same, together with three large volumes of orgi-
nal documents from which it had been compiled.
K
98
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
M
Wood's (Anthony) Athena Oxoniensis; or,
Lives of Persons educated at Oxford, from A. D.
1300. 2 vols folio. 1691 and 1692.
Anthony Wood stauds prominent in that class
of laborious compilers, who may not inaptly be
termed 'Biographical Pioneers,' and to his inde-
fatigable labours we are indebted for this Cata-
logue of near one thousand native authors,
which, notwithstanding the charges of narrow
mindedness and furious prejudice brought against
the Author, continues to receive the approbation
of, and to be the model for, every writer in that
department of Literature; and it would be well
if the authors and compilers of the present
day were to imitate the honest bluntness of An-
thony as well as his plan, and play praise a little
less into each other's hands, by judging impar-
tially, and candidly speaking what they think;
but I am afraid few are inclined, like him,
to sacrifice every thing for the love of truth;
and if they value personal convenience, they
perhaps are right, for Wood having accused
the Chancellor, Edward, Earl of Clarendon, of
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
99
bribery and corruption, the University con-
demned the 2nd vol. of the book to be burnt
in the Theatre Yard, and expelled the author as
a disturber of the Peace, besides fining him
thirty four pounds. The passages which drew
these severities on our author are as follows: 1st
After the restoration of King Charles II. it
was expected by all that he (Jenkyns) should be
made one of the judges in Westminster-Hall,
and so might he have been, would he have given
money to the then Lord Chancellor. 2nd. (In the
life of Sir J. Glynn.) 'After the restoration of
King Charles the II. he (Glynn) was made his
eldest Serjeant at Law by the corrupt dealing
of the then Lord Chancellor.
It has since transpired, rather singularly, from
one of Hearne's Manuscripts, that Wood, suf-
fered for a reflection of which he was not the real
author, for he was furnished with it by Mr. Au-
brey, who had it from Judge Jenkins himself.
K 2
}
1
100
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
ELZEVIR CLASSICS.
The diminutiveness of a large portion, and the
beauty of the whole of the Classics printed by the
Elzevirs at Leyden and Amsterdam, have long
rendered them justly celebrated, and the prices
they bear in public sales sufficiently demonstrate
the estimation in which they are at present held;
but, as Renouard observes, in his life of the
elder Aldus "How few are there of those who
esteem aud pay so dearly for these pretty editions
who know that the types that so much please
then are the work of Francis Garamond, who
cast them 100 Years before at Paris."
Lewis Elzevir is said to have been the first who
observed the distintion between the v consonant
and the u vowel, which had been recommended
by Ramus and other writers long before, but
never regarded.
There were five of these Elzevirs, viz. Lewis,
Bonaventure, Abraham, Lewis and Daniel. The
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
101
>
whole of the Greek, Latin and French works
printed, by these celebrated men form a collec-
tion of about 100 volumes.
Dr. Franklin.
This excellent philosopher, politician and me-
chanic, has, in his own life, left such an emulative
example of what industry in the outset of life may
effect, that it is much to be regretted his account
of himself is not more generally known by those
to whom it seems principally directed and who
would derive the greatest benefit from it. On
commencing business on his own account as a
printer and stationer, he says "I began to pay by
degrees the debt I had contracted, and in order
to insure my character and credit as a tradesman,
I took care not only to be really industrious and
frugal, but also to avoid every appearance of the
contrary. I was plainly dressed, and never seen
in any place of public amusement. I never went
a fishing or hunting. A book indeed enticed me
sometimes from my work, but it was seldom by
*
K 2
102
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
stealth, and occasioned no scandal; and to shew
that I did not think myself above my profession,
I conveyed home sometimes in a wheel-barrow
the paper I purchased at the warehouses. I thus
obtained the reputation of being an industrious
young man, and very punctual in his payments.
The merchants who imported articles of stati-
onary solicited my custom; others offered to fur-
nish me with books, and my trade went on pros-
perously."
Nash's (T) Collections for the History of Wor-
cestershire, 2 vol. folio, Lond. 1781, with a sup-
plement 1799.
Doctor Barton being in company with Nash
soon after the publication of his two heavy folios,
the warden humourously observed to the Doc-
tor, that his publication was deficient in several
respects.
Dr. Nash, as was but natural, endeavoured
to defend his volumes in the best manner he
was able. "Pray, Doctor are you not a Justice
of the Peace? “I am,” replied the Doctor. Then
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
103
says Barton "I advise you to send your Work
to the House of Correction."
King Charles the First's Works.
In the year 1677, the Parliament voted two
months' tax, for the more decent interment of the
body of the unfortunate Charles, and to raise a
monument to his memory. Mr. Chiswell, son in
law to Royston, then Printer to the King, pro-
posed a plan to supersede the necessity of a
monument, which was, that part of the sum
voted should be applied to the purpose of
printing a new edition of Charles's Works, a
copy of which was to be fixed with a chain to
every parish church in the kingdom; this plan
was approved of by many, and Charles II. him-
self encouraged it; but the distrusts between the
King and people, the heats in Parliament, and
the Popish Plot, prevented the execution of it:
On the Duke of York mounting the throne, Mr.
Chiswell applied to Sir Roger L'Estrange to
procure King James's recommendatory letter;
this request the King refused, stating as a reason
104
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
for his refusal, that he did not believe" Icon
Basiliké" to be his father's production; Chiswell
on being informed of this, said, that omitting
"Icon Basiliké" would render the works im-
perfect, and therefore proposed printing it at the
end of the works, as a sort of addenda after the
Finis; this the King consented to, on condition
that some expressions which he thought inju-
rious to the Monarchy might be expunged; but
Chiswell objecting to this, it was at last agreed,
that the objectionable parts should be enclosed
within crotchets; and thus "Icon Basiliké”*
stands at the end of the second partof the King's
Works folio 1686.+
* There were Seventeen Editions of "Eikon Basiliké,"
printed in 1648, without the Prayers, and in 1649,
Twelve more, six of which, at least, were printed with
the Prayers. There were fifty editions in various lan-
guages, in the course of twelve months.
+ Charles the First's
omitted in his Works
Mysteries of State, 4to.
Anecdotes of Bowyer, 4to.
Letter to Pope Gregory XV. is
It is inserted in Cabala, or
Vittorio Siri's Italian Mercury,'
Du Chesne's History of England,' and Rushworth's
Historical Collections.'
Toland's Amyntor, or Defence of Milton.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
105
Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy,
4to, 1st edition 1624-8th edition, in folio 1676—
9th, edition 2 vols, 8vo, 1800, reprinted from the
best folio edition 1651, 2.
Robert Burton was the younger brother to
William Burton, author of the description of
Leicestershire; according to Wood," he was
an exact mathematician, a curious calculator
of nativities, a general read scholar, a tho-
rough paced Philologist, and one that under-
stood the surveying of lands well. As he was by
many accounted a severe student, a devourer of
authors, a melancholy and humourous person,
so by others, who knew him well, a person of
great honesty, plain dealing and charity. I have
heard some of the ancients of Christ Church
often say, that his company was very merry,
facete, and juvenile; and no man in his time
did surpass him for his ready and dexterous inter-
larding his common discourses among them with
verses from the poets, or sentences from Classic
authors, which being then all the fashion in the
106
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
University, made his company the more ac-
ceptable," Burton, composed the Anatomy with
a view of relieving his own melancholy: but
increased it to such a degree, that nothing could
make him laugh but going to the Bridge foot,
and hearing the ribaldry of the bargemen, which
rarely failed to throw him into a violent fit of
laughter. His epitaph, at Christ Church, in
Oxford, intimates that excessive application to
this celebrated work, the author's only produc-
tion, was the occasion of his death.
notus, paucioribus ignotus, hic jacet Democritus
Junior, cui vitam dedit et mortem melancholia.
Paucis
Dr. Johnson was so well pleased with Burton's
Anatomy, that he declared it was the only book
that ever enticed him out of bed two hours earlier
than he wished to rise.
Anecdote for Antiquarians.
Pine, the Engraver and Herald used to relate
the following anecdote of Dr. Stukely.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
107
As the Doctor and some other curiosos, among
whom was Mr. Pine, were visiting certain anti-
quities in Hertfordshire, they came to a place
called Cæsar's stile, situated on the brow of an
emineuce. No sooner was the place named, than
the Doctor stopped all of a sudden and after an
attentive survey of the neighbouring ground, pro-
nounced it to be directly the scite of a fortified
pass, which Cæsar had left behind him in his
march from Covey-Stakes to Verulan. Some of
the company demurring against this opinion,
a debate arose, and an aged man, a labourer,
coming up, the Doctor asked him, with great
confidence, "whether that was not called Cæsar's
Stile!” “Aye master," said the old man, “that it
is, I have good reason to know it, for many a day
did I work upon it for old Bob Cesar, rest his
soul, he lived in yonder Farm, and a sad road it
was before he made this Stile."
Library Arrangement.
Rimsky Korsakof, a Serjeant in the Guards
who succeeded Zoritz, in the affections of
108
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Catharine the Second, Empress of Russia, gave
the following order to his Bookseller: "Fit me
up", said he, a handsome library, little books
above and great ones below." Similar to the above
was the answer of the present possessor of a
large Library to the demand of the person who
was employed to arrange it, as to the manner
in which he would have it classed; "Range me,'
replied he "the grenadiers (folios) at bottom,
battalion (octavos) in the middle, and light-bobs,
(duodecimos) at top."
>>
FONTENELLE.
The author of the 'Pluralité des Mondes,'
lived to be nearly one hundred years old, and
even at that age had an extraordinary turn of wit
on suitable occasions. A Lady of nearly equal
age, said to him one day in a large company-
"Monsieur, you and I stay here so long I have a
notion death has forgotten us!" "Speak as softly
2s you can, Madam," replied the Veteran, "lest
you should remind him of us."
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
109
Mr. COLE'S UNPUBLISHED NOTES
On the Rev. James Bentham's History and
Antiquities of the Cathedral Church of Ely
4to. Cambridge 1771-Second Edition Nor-
wich 1812.
Manuscript copies of these notes, the origi-
nals of which, are said to be in a copy of
Bentham's Ely, formerly belonging to Cole, are
in the possession of different persons, and
so well known by a number of the collectors of
Topographical History, that on referring to
the new edition of Bentham's book, it was
with infinite surprize I could find no notice
taken of them, and yet so much solicitude
shewn to defend his right to the authorship of
the Essay on Gothic Architecture, which it
appears had been falsely attributed to Gray.
It is possible the Editor may be ignorant
of the existence of these Notes, if so, it is
proper he should be no longer withheld from
a knowledge of them; and, in my humble
opinion, the refutation of the assertion that
James Bentham was not the author of the
110
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
book attributed to him, could not come with'
a better grace from any other than the Editor
who is the author's only son, and whose du
ty it should be, to endeavour to remove any
unfavourable impressions these notes may
have made on the minds of such persons as
have seen, or are in posession of copies of
them; and it has not been from any wish to
disseminate scandal or untruth that they are
now published, but from a knowledge of the
unworthy use that has frequently been made of
documents of a similar description, after the
demise of those persons in whose power it
was to have refuted them; and a wish that the
author of a book which has received praise
from so many quarters, should not with im-
punity be robbed of the reputation his labours
have so well merited.
The references are made to the first edition,
but they will answer equally well to the second,
which on Examination, will be found to be an
exact paginal reprint.
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
111
REFERENCES,
Vign ttc Plate to
This plate engraved for the new edition.
of Bishop Godwin de Præsulibus Anglia Introduction
was lent to Mr. Bentham by his Cousin Dr.
Richardson, Master of Emanuel College.
line, relative to
an Ancient Stone
After it was conveyed in a cart from Ha- Page 51. bottom
denham it laid in Mr. Bentham's yard for
several years, and at last was placed in the
Cathedral.
I advised him to use a less vulgar expres- Page 105 line 7
sion.
Thurstanus Abbas obit A. D. 1076 Ao. 11
suscepti sui Ordinis Gradus-M. S. Hist.
Elien. in Bibl. Cotton. Claudius A. VIII.
Fraternity. In a letter I advised him to call
it 'Your Brotherhood,' Fraternity in the
English Language means a Community, and
is never used in the Sense it is here put to; but
to no purpose: to shew that he was right he
added the Latin word, which was proving
nothing. Indeed Paternity from Paternitas is
L2
from the bottom
Skulked out
P. 105, line 16
"He died the
latter end of the
Year 1072,"
Page 122 line 2
from the bottom
"Vestra Frater
nitas"
112
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Page 136 line 7
Fabrick of the
Church."
Page 141
Jeffrey Ridel
English, but Fraternity has acquired another
signification.
In 1111 St. Peter's Tower at the Entrance
of the Cathedral Church was fired by light-
ning. Vide M. S. Coll.
In an ingenious work by M. de St. Pa-
laie in 3 vol. 120. Paris 1774 vol. 1, page
85 &c. intitled Histoire Litteraire des Trouba-
dours," is the Life of one Geoffrey Rudell or
Rydell, who is called Prince de Blaye near
Bourdeaux. It appears that there were many
of the name of Geoffrey Rudell about the
12th and 13th Centuries who were the Lords
of Blaye, of the House of Angoulême; and the
French Antiquarians are by no means agreed
who this famous Troubadour is; no more than
the time of his Death, which John Nostrada-
mus fixes to 1162, who adds, that Geoffrey
Plantagenet, 4th Son of Henry 2nd, and
Brother of Richard 1st, King of England,
coming into Provence, found Jeffrey Rudell
there, with the Lord D'Agoult, and that being
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
113
charmed with the songs of this poet, he took
him with him. But there are so many inconsis
tencies and fable mixed in the account given
of him, that it is impossible to reconcile them
to truth, or probability, or chronology. It
seems equally probable from the connection
he had with our princes, the sameness of
name, the nature of his education, &c. that
this provençal poet was no other than our Bi-
shop of Ely, whose connection with the
Countess of Tripoli seems to agree with the
account abovementioned, and shews that he
was of an amorous complexion. The argu-
ment that we have no account of his being
a poet is of no consequence, for we were
under the same uncertainty of our King Ri-
chard's being a Troubadour, till M. de
St. Palaie had evinced it beyond any possibi-
lity of doubt; for Mr. Walpole in his Noble
Authors, vol. 1. p. 3. seems to reject him as
such, against the authority of Rymer, be-
cause Rog. Hoveden who was angry that the
King patronised and brought over from France
L 3
114
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
poets and jesters to chant panegyricks of him:
and this rather makes for my supposition, as
we see by it what was the practice.
The Monk Montmajeur treats Jeffrey
Rudell as a clownish fellow, "d'homme grossier
et ennemi de toutes les Dames.”
Bishop Godwin p. 251 calls him "Homo
arrogantes Ingenii et parum comis, unde
superbi Agnomen meritus." The Bishop does
not say from whence he had his authority, but
says that many things concerning this Bishop
Rydell are to be met with in the "Hist. Ior-
nolensis," I have not the Book.
What I have here advanced is only a slight
conjecture, and as such I leave it. He is men-
tioned again in vol. 2. p. 106 of "Histoire des
Troubadours." What may seem to reconcile
this conjecture to probability, is, that an Arch-
bishop of Auch, a great while after this, was
discovered to have been one of the Gai Sci-
ence, or a Troubadour 'tho' utterly unknown
tɔ have exercised that art; till Mons. de St.
LITERARY ANECDOTES
115
Palaie made the discovery, vol. 2, page 202
vol. 5, p. 81.
3,
I suppose no other than their Cowls which
they might put over their heads in the Church
*
Frater Johannes Wisbeck dicta Capellæ
Frabricam incepit A. Domini 1321 Cujus Fa-
bricæ primum Lapidem posuit vir venerabilis
& artificiosus Frater Alanus de Walsingham,
Prior Eliensis-Frater Johannes Wisbeck dum
fodit Loca Fundamenti Capellæ S. Marie
propriis manibus interalios invenit Ollam Ox-
eam Nummorum deram, & stipendia opera-
riorum ex illis, quam dire duraverunt, per-
solvit. Lelandi Collectanea v.1. p. 606.
I thought this so curious as to deserve par-
ticular notice. But there is a further curious
account of St. Mary's Chapel immediately
following, rather too long to be inserted here.
Had it not been called in Leland and else-
where a Chapel I should have thought that
Page 150 line 13
to wear Caps
suited to their
Order!
Page 155 The
Chapel of St.
Mary was begun
Wisbeck
by John de
116
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Page 171 Arch-
bishop of Rouen
of.c.
Page 181 note
line 4 from the
bottom. Scholar
ships in St. John's
College.
this Chapel of St. Mary, had been originally
designed for the Chapter House. Mr. Essex
is clearly of that opinion. The fitting it up
with marble Niches all round and the Centre
Niche under the East Window bigger than
the rest for the Bishop or Prior, in a manner
evidently proves it.
The present trumpery altar piece that hides
those niches in part, is a modern work since
the restoration.
Dr. Duck makes several mistakes in his
Life of Archbishop Chichley, in regard to
this affair. He says that the Pope by his
own authority appointed the Archbishop of
Rouen to this See, but that the design was
defeated by the Death of the Cardinal, who
died before Bishop Morgan: whereas the
contrary is evident.
These 4 Scholarships were in reality the
bounty of Henry Edihall, Archdeacon of
Rochester, Chaplain to Cardinal Morton and
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
117
which Bp. Fisher ordained should be called
Cardinal Morton's Scholars.
He means one: but nothing could be ex-
pressed cooler on the subject, when he had
the Lives of all the Bishops, Deans, and
Canons &c. from one at large.
It is probable that he got his translation to
Ely at the recommendation of Archbishop
Tension and Sir Thomas Hanmer.
vide Macpherson's Original Papers vol.2. 460 1.
Page 187 note
line 2 (a Gentle-
who has
man
contributed Ma-
to the
trials
Biographical
part of this His-
LOTY
Page 209 line 16
Bp. Fleetwood no-
mated to the see
of Ely
Page 213
He was at the expence of some costly plates Bishop Mawson.
for this work, which he encouraged in every
way in his power, gave the Author a £20 note
to defray his expences when in London to
search the Records in the Palace at Holborn,
British Museum &c. and was otherwise un-
commonly generous to him: gave him a good
living in Norfolk, which not quite suiting him,
exchanged it for one of the Feltwells: for all
which, and many other Benefactions he grate-
fully drew up, or his Brother for him, a very
>
118
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Page 214. Note
line 1.
George Riste,
esq. who gave 200
Pounds towards
making a Road
from Cambridge
to Ely.
handsome Dedication of this book, which I
saw printed; But the Bishop going off sudden-
ly, and his Successor named, a stop was put
to the Work to see how matters would go, and
to the surprize of his friends only, the De-
dication was cancelled, and a new one fra-
med at Oxford for the new Bishop, who
had it in his power to do more for him. The
thing I found fault with was not his Dedica-
tion to Bishop Keene, who might have been
flattered with a Dedication to the 2nd Part,
with the utmost propriety, as Masters had
shewn him the way by his Dedication to
Archbishop Herring, of whom he got nothing
that ever I heard of, but for the ungrateful
neglect of his real Benefactors.
It was grateful to record Mr. Riste's bene-
faction, which in good truth set the road a
going, and for which he deserves to have his
statue erected: but Mr. Bentham had other
motive and inducements to mention Mr.Riste
with honour. His brother Joseph the Univer-
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
119
sity printer, by my introduction of him to her
and her brother, married Mr. Riste's only
sister and heir, at a time
convenient for him to do so.
when it was very
For Mr. Joseph
Bentham, a conscientious good man, and ex-
tremely punctilious in his business, was never
satisfied with his printing, always cancelling
sheets and reprinting them, which consumed
much time and paper, and in other respects.
made not those advantages that others would
have done in his profession; for which he suf-
fered in his pocket, which I know was not
well tilled at his marriage. I performed the
ceremony in Ely Cathedral. Mr. Riste left him
independently of his wife, £2000 and to his
sister about 10 or £1200. They were both
advanced in years at their marriage and never
had any children: so that Mrs. Bentham was
looked at much by the author, whose son
might be bettered by her kindness. I was told
by Mr. Essex, that poor Mr. Alderman Ben-
tham had wasted above 1500 of his £2000
before his death in 1778.
120
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
Page 240
Dean Thomas
It is worth observing the trimming in this
preferred in the article to avoid giving umbrage to the Dean,
Church and Dio-
eese of York.
Page 264
John Warren,
M. A. &c.
Page 288
Dimensions of
Ely Cathedral.
by repeating his ten pieces of preferment: a
most scandalous abuse in those more especi-
ally who affect to find fault with the excesses
of this sort in a church which however in
general sets a better example than those who
find fault.
When this was penned and printed, Mr.
Warren was absolutely Vice Bishop of Ely,
and governed Bishop Mawson entirely.
It gives me great pleasure to see this most
noble structure still in its original glory: for I
much question whether at any time since its
erection it ever appeared in greater Beauty
than at present, 1775. How much greater
my satisfaction is, from its narrow escape, in
our shameful period of History in 1643, will
appear by this threatning Ordinance of Par-
liament.
Ao. 1647-Mar. 3. "Ordered that it be
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
121
referred to a Committee for Sick and
"Wounded Soldiers, to consider of and ex-
"amine the state of the structure of the Ca-
"thedral Church in the Isle of Elye, in rela-
❝tion to the ruinous condition of the same;
"and what other Churches there are in the
rr
" same place for the people to meet together
"in, for the hearing the word of God, and
"communicating the Ordinances of God;
"and to bring in an Ordinance, as they shall
"find the business, for making sale of the
"materials of the said Cathedral, that out of
the proceed thereof, provision may be made
"for the relief of sick and maimed Soldiers,
"Widows and Orphans.
Journals of the House of Commons, vol. 5, page 478-531.
This pretence was specious and captivating,
these canting hypocrites knew well how to
gull the People with Appearances. When the
Convents were demolished, that monster of
Last and Cruelty held out to the People,
M
122
BIBLIOGRAPHCAL AND
Plate xix.
Cardinal Luxem-
bourgh
Erections of Schools and Hospitals, Relief
from Taxes &c. in all which they were, as was
intended, disappointed. So this Committee
wanted to be selling the Lead, Stones, and Tim-
ber of this Venerable Pile to pocket the
Money.
The Figure as I often told Mr. Bentham,
Monument of after I saw this plate, had not an Hat on,
but a Mitre, as was visible by the rich labels
of it carved on the cushion, on which reposed
the head, with the Mitre broken off by some
fanatick person.
I often saw it, and took
particular notice of it, and it was always a
wonder to me, that a person who was born at
Ely, and in a manner lived in the Cathedral,
and who sometimes amused himself with
Painting should have so little observation.
The Tomb is now covered by the wainscot of
the New Altar.
Plate xxiii,
Bishop Stanley's
Monument
W. COLE.
This Tomb of Bishop Stanley was en-
graved at Manchester, I suppose at the ex-
pence of a sister of the Earl of Derby, at
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
123
the request of my friend Mr. John Allen,
Rector of Torporley, to whom I applied,
knowing his acquaintance with the Lady,
with whom I once dined at his house at
Torporley. But had I known how it would
have been executed, I should never have ap-
plied for it.
In 1749, being at Manchester, I took, in
my slight manner, a sketch of the Tomb,
which is in my vol. 35 p.66, and is sufficient
to expose the miserable manner this is done
in. The Bishop is pourtrayed, very elegantly
in Pontificalibus, giving his benediction, and
holding his Crozier in his other hand, four
shields, now reaved, were at the corners of
the covering stones, and on one side had
been the figure of a Priest, with a label
from his mouth, here converted into a fish.
Indeed I hardly ever saw any thing done so
bunglingly and aukwardly.
This is now in my possession, and is an
M 2
P 46. Appendic
Arms of James
Stanley, &c.
124
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
P 47. Appendix.
Arms of Bishop
Gooch somewhat
altered.
P 47. Appendix.
After last line.
Ornament of a small Hermitage in my garden
at Milton, near Cambridge, November 1777.
being originally given to me by Mr. Barlee of
Clavering in Essex.
Wm. Cole.
I was told so by Sir James Burrough, Mas-
ter of Caius, when I went with him into the
Chapel to look at the monument of the Bi-
shop, the Arms of which were then taken off
from it to be altered, probably to add the
Ulster addition: for the Coat was not altered
and it was every day in the power of Mr.
Bentham to know it, who is to be blamed
for the mistake and not me.
Mr. Bentham was loth to let any thing
appear in which he was not the chief com-
piler: witness the Dissertation on the Ely
Table by me is preceded by one of his own,
but entirely from materials I accommodated
him with; in this of the Arms, of which he
was totally ignorant, it is inconceivable to all
who do not know the genius of the Benthams
LITERARY ANECDOTES.
125
what trouble I had with him about several of
these Coats, more especially those of Bishop
Laugham, for whom a Coat belonging to an
Abbey, was engraved in the plate, tho' I had
heaped authority upon authority, and repeated
often my reasons to have him get it altered:
at last he was convinced and it was altered.
Obstinacy and ignorance are often coupled.
There never was a more forcible instance of
it. It needed only to look in the face of
James Bentham, and be struck with wonder
that so good a book should come from such
Ideot appearance: to hear and see him open
his mouth and talk to you, to be convinced
that it was impossible for him to compose it.
In short it was the Work of his Brother Ed-
ward, Divinity Professor at Oxford, whose
custom it was every year, to spend a few
months at Ely, where all the brothers and one
sister met: such fraternal love and harmony
never existed in a family: indeed they are all
worthy people, who have every ones' good
126
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL AND
word; but are all Benthams, that is, not like
other people. It was a common saying at
Ely and Cambridge, "That God made men
and women and the Herveys (a species be-
tween man and woman) to whom many added
the Benthams also, as they are as unlike in
all their actions to the rest of mankind as it
is possible to conceive, though without guile,
and quite inoffensive.
THE END.
Printed by J. HAYES,
Dartmouth Street, Westminster.
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