1 
 
 
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 m 
 
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 ^■'/.V Vr^ ' 

 
 r * 
 
 m
 
 rroni th« Crigjjial Firture ityTho' Fhiiiiipg.csq^^ B.A.
 
 OR 
 
 AN ACCOUNT OF THE MANSION, 
 
 BOOKS, AND PICTURES, 
 
 AT ALTHORP ; 
 
 THE RESIDENCE OF 
 
 GEORGE JOHN EARL SPENCER, K. G. 
 
 TO WHICH IS ADDED 
 
 A SUPPLEMENT TO THE BIBLIOTHECA 
 SPENCERIANA. 
 
 BY THE REV. 
 
 THOMAS FROGNALL DIBDIN, F.R.S. S.A. 
 
 LIBRARIAN TO HIS LORDSfflP. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 PRINTED BY W, NICOL, SUCCESSOR TO W. BULMER AND CO. 
 
 AND SOLD BY PAYNE AXD FOSS, LOXGMAN, HUEST AND CO. J. AND 
 A. ARCH, B. H. EVANS, E. TKirHOOK, AND JOHN MAJOR. 
 
 1822.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 The Public have been so long in possession of the 
 Prospectus of this Work, that it will not be neces- 
 sary to detain them with any lengthened description 
 of its contents. 
 
 Like almost every other pubhcation, projected a 
 considerable period before its completion, the pre- 
 sent has received partial alterations; which will 
 nevertheless, it is presumed, be admitted as improve- 
 ments. The truth is, that in filling up the outline 
 of such a plan, many subordinate objects present 
 themselves, which had escaped previous attention ; 
 and many things become more important than they 
 had originally appeared. Thus, the personal his- 
 tory of the ancient noble occupiers of Althoip has 
 been unavoidably extended beyond the limits fust 
 proposed ; but it was presumed that this portion 
 of the Work would be generally interesting, inas- 
 much as it would be difficult to write a history of 
 om- country, for the seventeenth and eighteenth 
 centuries, in which the Ancestors of the present 
 
 i4.BG275
 
 VI PREFACE. 
 
 Noble Owner of Altliorp did not act very distin- 
 guished parts. 
 
 The Account of the Mansion is comparatively 
 brief Un])rctending as that Mansion is, in an archi- 
 tectural jjoint of \iew, and situated in a domain not 
 remarkable for picturesque beauty, I have been anx- 
 ious — notwithstanding the eulogies bestowed upon it 
 by ancient travellers — to introduce the visitor to its 
 interior attractions, and especially to its Library ; 
 which, as a private Collection, may be considered 
 unrivalled. But it is in fact the number, condi- 
 tion, magnificence, and value, of the Books them- 
 selves, which have somewhat distracted me in the 
 choice to be presented to the Reader. Accord- 
 ingly, while I have made a systematic Catalogue 
 of that portion only which relates to impressions 
 of the Sacred Text, I have, in the selection of 
 other branches, given only what may be called a 
 bird's eye view of the treasures contained in them. 
 Hence, the well-informed may draw a pretty correct 
 conclusion of the value of a complete Catalogue 
 of the Spencer Library executed in a similar 
 manner. 
 
 The Volumes, exclusively belonging to the Li- 
 brary of De Thou — instead of occupying a distinct 
 space — have been, for the greater part, embodied in 
 the respective classes to which they belong.
 
 PREFACE. vi/ 
 
 The Aldine Volumes, once intended as a sepa- 
 rate division, have been given up, as an unnecessary 
 encroachment upon these pages ; fost, because all 
 those printed in the Fifteenth Century will be found 
 described m the BibUotheca Spenceriana, and in the 
 second volume of this Work ; and, secondly, because 
 it has been judged expedient to preserve the Aldixe 
 Collection in London, and not at Altlwrp, 
 
 Meanwhile, the Supplement to the Bibliotheca 
 Spenceriana, afforded in the second \o\\\me: of this 
 Work, will be found to contam an account of many 
 rare and curious volumes, both of a classical and 
 miscellaneous character, wliich were wanting in liis 
 Lordship's Library. The embelhsliments in this 
 second volume are, with one exception (p. 134), 
 from WOODEN BLOCKS ; of which the gi'eater number 
 \\aU be found interesting of their kind ; while the 
 Art of Printing appears, in the same volume, more 
 beautifld if possible than in those which have pre- 
 ceded it. 
 
 As to the embellishments in the first volume, 
 which are exclusively from copper plates, it is 
 imnecessary to dilate upon their beauty and value- 
 They are taken from original subjects, which are 
 almost entirely now engraved for t\\e first time. 
 
 If I have substituted some Portraits in preference 
 to others — originally annomiced to the Pubhc — I
 
 viii PREFACE. 
 
 have only availed myself of the privilege held out 
 in the Prospectus ; and always with a view of bene- 
 fitting my readers by such exchange : so that, upon 
 the whole, it is hoped that this Work will be ho- 
 noured with the same favom'able attention which 
 has been bestowed upon its precursors. 
 
 T. F. D. 
 
 Kensington ; 
 April 1, 1822.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Page 
 
 Account of the Proprietors of Althorp - iii 
 
 The Hall - - . _ - 1 
 
 The Dining Room - - - 6 
 
 The Drawing Room - _ _ - 13 
 
 The Library — called The Long Library - - 20 
 
 The Raphael Library - 24 
 
 The Billiard Library - 25 
 
 The Marlborough Library 26 
 
 The Gothic Library - 31 
 
 Biblia Polyglotta - - - 38 
 
 Hebraica - - - 40 
 
 Grceca - - - 45 
 
 Latina - - - 49 
 
 French Bibles - - - 57 
 
 English Bibles - - _ 61 
 
 Italian Bibles - - - 84 
 
 German and Dutch Bibles - - 88 
 
 Bibles in various Tongues - - 90 
 
 Editions of the Old Testament - 93 
 
 of the Pentateuch - - 94 
 
 of the Psalter - - 96 
 
 of the Prophets - - 100 
 
 of the New Testament - 101 
 
 of Portions of the N. Test. 119 
 
 Greek Classics - - - 123 
 
 Latin Classics - - - 136
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Page 
 
 The Library — Miscellaneous Latin Books - 141 
 
 Editions of Ariosto - - \~)(y 
 
 Miscellaneous English Books - 164 
 
 Illustrated Works - - 198 
 
 The Stair Case _ . . - '237 
 
 The Picture Gallery _ _ . _ 243 
 
 Bed Rooms .. . _ . 274 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 Page 145. — The 'Corpus Scriptorum Histori/e Byzantine,' is erro- 
 neously placed among Latin, instead of Greek Books. 
 Page 233, line 12, for Polity read Policy. 
 
 ADDITION. 
 
 Page 233. — ' Clarendon's Religion and Policy.' — The number of En- 
 gravings with which this copy of the above work is illustrated, amounts 
 to Eleven Hundred and Sirty, exclusively of the number in the History 
 of the Rebellion.
 
 LIST OF PLATES TO VOLUME L 
 
 George John, Earl Spencer, K. G. ; from an original 
 
 portrait, by Phillips - - facing the title page. 
 
 South West View of Althorp - - - iii 
 
 Robert, First Baron Spencer . _ . . xxiii 
 
 Henry, First Earl of Sunderland - . . . xxviii 
 
 Anne, Countess of Sunderland - - - li 
 
 Archway and Dairy - - _ . . Ixii 
 Ground Plan of Althorp House — immediately following 
 
 the preceding. 
 
 Sophonisba Angosciola - . . . _ 6 
 
 A Calm, by Cuyp - - . _ _ 9 
 
 Fragment, from RafFaelle - - - - 11 
 
 Masked Ball - - ... - 14 
 
 Interior of the Long Library - ... 20 
 
 Rembrandt's Mother - - - - 21 
 
 Viscount Althorp - - - - - 25 
 
 John, Duke of Marlborough - - - - - 2G 
 
 The Stair Case - - . _ _ 237 
 
 John, Marquis of Blandford - - - - 238 
 
 Georgiana, First Countess Spencer . . . . 239 
 
 Margaret, Countess of Lucan - . . 240 
 
 Sir John Spencer, Knt. . . . _ 241 
 
 Henry VIII., Queen Mary, and Will Somers - - 244 
 
 Nell Gwynn - . . . . . 247 
 
 The Duchess of Portsmouth - . . _ 249 
 
 Lady Denham - - - - . _ 250 
 
 Mrs. Middleton - - - - - 251 
 
 Colonel John Russell - - ... 259 
 
 Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough ... 263 
 
 Sir Kenelm Digby, . - . . _ 265 
 
 Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire ... 266 
 
 Unknown Portrait . _ . . . 269 
 
 Algernon Sydney . . . _ . 272 
 
 George John, Earl Spencer, ZEtat. xvii., to face the title- 
 page of Vol. II.
 
 SOME 
 
 ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 J=1
 
 SOME 
 
 ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. 
 
 1 H E House and Park at Althorp* are situated in the parish of 
 Great Brington, in New Bottle Grove Hundred, in the county of 
 Northampton, at the distance of about six miles from Northamp- 
 ton. This domain has been possessed by the Spencer Family 
 upwards of three centuries ; but the exact period of the erection 
 of the house seems to be unknown. There is however no question 
 of its having received its principal improvements during the time 
 of the first Earl of Sunderland, (1636-1643) who was son of the 
 second Baron Spencer. The Lady of this Earl (daughter of 
 Robert Sidney, second Earl of Leicester, and better known as the 
 Sacharissa of Waller the poet) erected, and covered in, the great 
 staircase — which had been formerly an interior court yard, in the 
 fashion of the times. From that period, to the present, both the 
 house and park have continued to receive improvements which 
 will be duly noticed in the order of these pages. 
 
 In the account of the Family, by whom the celebrity of this 
 place has been so long maintained, it will not be deemed neces- 
 sary to repeat those minute details of pedigree which are to be 
 found in the pages of county historians and genealogists. Satis- 
 fied with the recent efforts of Mr. Baker,f both the reader and 
 
 * Formerly called " Alidetorp" — " Olletorp," " Oldthorpe." .See Bakcr'> . 
 History of the County of Xorthampton, p. 110. It is even yet spelt with a final 
 e, as Althorpe. 
 
 t History of the County of Northampton, part i. p. 109. G)llins, in iiis
 
 iv ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A.D. 1507 
 
 author may be anxious only for a few particulars which are con- 
 temporaneous with the family's residence at Althorp; and which 
 relate to those characters — once famed for their hospitality and 
 wealth — of whom the monumental effigies are to be seen in the 
 chancel of the parish church.* The family of the Spencers be- 
 
 Peerage, vol. i. p. .3/8, Edit. Brydges, traces the pedigree up to the De Spen- 
 SEKS, in thp Conq\ieror's time, with a doubt however respecting its accuracy, 
 adding : — " Tlie present family are sufficiently great ; and have too long en- 
 joyed vast wealth and high honotirs, to require the decoration of feathers in 
 their cap, which are not their own. Sir John Spencer, their undisputed 
 ancestor, and the immediate founder of their fortune, lived in the reigns of 
 Henry \T1. and Henry VIII. ; and three hundred years of riches and rank may 
 surely satisfy a reg\ilatcd pride." In Milles's Ciilulosruc of Honor or Treasury 
 of True A'obilitt/, 1610, folio, I find the shield of Lord Spencer as the twenty- 
 ninth, which is filled, among the Barons. In the large folded plate, in this 
 same work, p. 382, there are also the Spencer anns above an account of Tho- 
 mas Spencer, " a nolde Baron, son of the second Edward Spencer," &c. 
 created by King Richard II. Earl of (ilocester; the year from (lirist's birth 
 1398, &e. 
 
 • An account of the parish church of Brington — wherein the ashes of the 
 Spencers lie " quietly iniu-ned" — belongs rather to the county historian than 
 to the clironicler of Althorp. It may be sufficient therefore to observe, that this 
 church is situated on the summit of the highest ground of Brington, or rather 
 of Grent lirhiffton ; and that it is incircled by a stone wall, flanked, in the in- 
 terior, by trees. A more complete picture of a country church-yard is rarely 
 seen. A \vell-trimmed walk encircles the whole of the interior; and when 
 viewed from the eastern extremity, in which the fine gothic windows, at the 
 end of the two chancels, come directly in view, the pictiu-es(iue effect is very 
 pleasing. The church consists of a tower, coutaining five bells ; a nave, with 
 north and south aisles; a chancel, and a north chapel. This chapel is here 
 designated a second chancel. There is little of early or of beautiful architec- 
 ture to gratify the tasteful anticiuary. The building cannot be traced to a more 
 remote period than the xivth. century ; but the door-entrances of the tower 
 and south aisle (the latter covered by a modern porch — one of the happiest, or 
 most unhappy, specimens of church-warden taste) of the period in question, 
 are entitled to particidar notice and praise. The discovery of an exterior 
 lateral tomb — probably that of Roger de Jfijngfield, who was rector here in 
 the beginning of the xivth. century — is properly mentioned (together with 
 every other necessary detail connected with the church) by Mr. Baker, in his 
 recent History of the County, p. 92, &c. 
 
 A great deal of beautiful carving in wood adorns the pew where the family 
 now sits ; but this, to the eye of an antiquary, has a less powerful charm than 
 similar specimens of art, of a much earlier date, which are attached to the
 
 -1512.] 
 
 ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. 
 
 came possessed of the park at Althoip about tl)e year 1512. 
 This originated in a license from the King to John Spencer, 
 afterwards Sir John Spencer. At that time, the Park is described 
 as containing 300 acres of land, 100 acres of wood, and 40 acres 
 of water in " Oldthorpe ;" but this seems to have been only an 
 extension of some property previously acquired there ; for it is 
 certain that Althorpe, so called, was purchased by this Sir John 
 Spencer as early as the year 1508. The same Sir John afterwards 
 purchased Neivbottle and Brington, and died in the year 1522. 
 His tomb, with the recumbent figures of his wife Isabella, 
 and himself, is the most ancient of those seen in the chapel ot 
 Brington church. It is in the rich gothic style of that period, and 
 
 heads of the old pews in the chancel. As these are undoubtedly of the end of 
 tlie xivth or befpnning of the xvth century, and as it is not very improbable 
 that the same fate of decapitation, or destruction, which has befallen their com- 
 l)anious, may in a few years attend these — I present the reader ^ath the follow- 
 ing specimens ; taken, the one from the left, and the other from the right, on 
 entering the chancel. Tliat, to the left, is St. Margaret. The right may be 
 — any thing the reader pleases. 
 
 ' ij ii , ■Jii 
 
 . h 
 
 4.h^-m 
 
 ' ^ ' -A . '
 
 vi ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A.D. 151i> 
 
 has been recently i-estored (in the decayed parts) with a strict 
 adherence to the original model.* Of his younger and only bro- 
 ther, Thomas, who was living in 1504-, nothing is known. 
 
 The wealth of Sir John Spencer must have been prodigious ;-|- 
 for, exclusively of the purchases above mentioned, he became the 
 proprietor of Wormle'tghton in Jl'anricks/iire; which place his 
 descendants seem to have occupied, for a long period, as their prin- 
 
 • The first print of these tombs, in Mr. Baker's Nisi, of the Count;/ of 
 S'orthnmplnn, will give a correct notion of the beauty of the tomb in (piestion. 
 The inscription on the tomb is thus : 
 
 " Here lietli the Boddies of Sir John Spencer Knight & dame Isabell his Wife 
 one of the (laughters & coheirs of Walter Graunt of Snitterfield in the Countie 
 of War : Esquier her Mother was the (la\ightcr & heire of Humplirie Rudinge 
 of the Wicl\ in the coun; of Worcester Esq: which John and Isabell had issu 
 Sir A\'ill'm Spencer knight 1. Anthony Spencer 2. Who died without issii. 
 Jane Wife to Rich : Knightley Esquier Son'e & Heire of Sir Richardc Knight- 
 ley of Fawsley in the countie of North : Knight. Isabell married to Sir Nic's : 
 Strelley of Slrclly, in the cou'tie of Nott. knight. Dorothye mivrried to Sir 
 Rich : catcsbie of legers ashbic in the coun. of North : kni : which Sir John 
 SpcMc: departed this life the 14 of Apr : Ao D'ni 1622. 
 
 t Arising chiefly, as was the case of nearly all proprietors of laud of tliat 
 period, from the great stock of sheep. The injury sustained by the compa- 
 rative neglect of tillage, and the cultivation of pasture land, did not escape the 
 attention of the legislature , and accordingly the statute of the 25 Hen. VIII. 
 c. 13, recited — that " diners couctous persons, espying the great profit of «//?<■/>«■, 
 have gotten into theyr hands great portions of the grounds of this Realme, 
 conuerting them to pasture from tillage, and kcepe some 10,000, some 20,000, 
 some 24,000 sheepe, whereby Churches and Townis be pulled down, rents of 
 land inhauuccd, and the prices of cattell and vittaile greatly raised," &c. The 
 evil wliicli arose from the excess of pastiirage over tillage, has also been noticed 
 by Sir Thomas More ; who, about sL\ or seven years before the death of Sir 
 John Spencer, thus observed, in his Utopia, — " your sheep, that were wont to 
 be so meek and tame, and so small caters ; now, as I hear say, be become so 
 great devourers, and so w ild, that they cat up, and swallow down, the very men 
 Iheiiiselvrs. They consume, destroy, and devour whole fields, houses, and 
 cities ; for look — in what parts (if the realm doth grow the finest, and therefore 
 <learest wool — there, noblemen and gentlemen, yea, and certain abbots, (holy 
 men, no doulit!) not contenting themselves with the yearly revenues and profits 
 that were wont to grow to their forefathers, and predecessors of their lands, 
 now being content that they live in rest and pleasure, nothing profiting — yea, 
 much noying — the weal-public, leave no ground for tillage : they inclose all 
 into pastures : they throw down houses ; they pluck down to\vns, and leave no- 
 thing standing but only the church, to be made a sheep-house." Edil. 1808,
 
 —1522.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. vii 
 
 cipal residence ; and from which Robert Spencer, the first Baron, 
 (and great-grandson to Sir John) was called up to the House 
 of Peers as " Baron Spencer of Wormleighton." This latter 
 place was purchased by Sir John, of William Cope, Esq. in 1506; 
 and Dugdale tells us, that the purchaser " soon after began the 
 structure of a fair mansion-house, wherein, when that inquisition 
 was taken, he had his residence with Ix. pei'sons of his family, 
 being a good benefactor to the church in ornaments and other 
 things." Hist, of Wanoickshire, p. 405, 1656. But in Dugdale's 
 time Wormleighton was also the residence of the first Earl of 
 Sunderland ; and the two houses of Wormleighton and Althorp 
 seem to have been maintained with an almost equally splendid 
 establishment, till the time of the second Earl of Sunderland, 
 who appears to have resided chiefly at Althorp. During his 
 time, this mansion was designated, by a foreign traveller of rank 
 and taste, " as the best planned and best arranged country seat in 
 the kingdom ; for though (in the same opinion) many surpassed 
 it in size, none were superior to it in symmetrical elegance." 
 Travels of Cosmo the Third, 1669, 1821, 4to. p. 250. 
 
 However this noble family may have resided chiefly at Worm- 
 leighton, it is certain that they did not neglect either the rites of 
 hospitahty, or the cultivation of the grounds, at Althorp. Collins 
 tells us, that Sir John Spencer, grandfather of the first Baron, 
 (in the middle of the xvith centui"j'), " ordered hospitality to be 
 kept in his houses at Althorp, &c. by his heir, after his decease, 
 according as he had done ;* and there is no question that the 
 same spirit of hospitality was maintained by every succeeding 
 generation, at the same place. In regard to the preservation or 
 improvement of the park, we know that the oak trees, which ap- 
 pear at the extremity of it, nearest to the church at Brington, 
 
 vol. i. p. 58. Polydore Vir^l, who was also a conteiBporar)' of Sir John Spencer, 
 " expatiates xvith visible complacency on the various pleasures of those tables 
 at w-hich he had feasted ; on the jiiici/flai-ntir of the mutton, and the sweetness 
 of the beef, especially when slightly salted." Henry's Hist, of Great Britain, 
 vol. xii. p. 3/5. 
 
 • Collins' s Peerage; vol. i. p. 386. Edit. 1812. The portrait of this Sir 
 John Spencer, the earliest in the series of the Spencer Portraits, \vill be found 
 engraved on the opposite page. Some brief particulars about his character 
 will be given in the series of Portraits — hereafter described.
 
 viii ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1586 
 
 and running in part ])iuallel with the wall of separation, were fj;row- 
 ing there at the time of tlie purchase by the first Sir John Spen- 
 cer, in the reign of Henry VII. But his grandson Sir John 
 was, I apprehend, \\\q first planter of trees ; of which the expe- 
 riment was commemorated l)y a stone tablet, with the following 
 inscription thereupon : 
 
 this wood was planted by 
 Sir John Spencer Knight 
 
 GRANDFATHER OF RoBERT LoRD 
 
 Spencer in the yeares of 
 OVR Lord 15(57 and 1568. 
 
 His son, also Sir John, who died quite at the conclusion of 
 of the xvith century, continued this good fashion of planting, and 
 of connnemorating its date, by means of a similar tablet, on which 
 the inscription is as follows : 
 
 this wood was planted by 
 Sir John Spencer Knight 
 father of Robert Lord 
 Spencer in the yeare 
 OF OVR Lord 1589. 
 
 The two oak-plantations of the father and son, run in a straight 
 line, at right angles, with the more ancient trees before described ; 
 and those of the son, in particular, (from some supposed superior 
 congeniality of soil,) now assume a beautiful and picturesque ap- 
 pearance ; their forms being bold and towering. I'his part of 
 the park, although of limited dimensions, has somewhat of a forest- 
 cast of scenery ; and is also remarkable for having :ui Herneri/ 
 — one of the very few in the kingdom. 
 
 The son of the last Sir John, afterwards the first Baron Spen- 
 cer, had the good sense to imitate the example of his forefathers. 
 He planted largely and successfully — as is attested by a stone 
 tablet, upon a somewhat larger scale than the two preceding, upon 
 which the inscription runs thus : 
 
 this wood was planted 
 by Robert Lord Spencer 
 
 IN the yeares of OVR LoRD 
 
 1602 AND 1603.
 
 —1603.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. ix 
 
 The work of planting, and of commemorating the period 
 of plantation, continued under the Second Baron Spencer, se- 
 cond son of the first Baron, when he was Sir William Spencer, 
 and Knight of the Bath. There is a wooded walk, running ob- 
 liquely from the NW. corner of the mansion, up a gentle ascent, 
 through which the family pass, as the nearest foot way, to the 
 church. This wooded walk contains beech trees on one side, 
 and oak trees on the other ; and the date of the plantation of 
 them is thus attested. 
 
 THIS WOOD WAS On the reverse of the Stone. 
 
 PLANTED BY SiR yp AND BEE 
 
 William Spencer doing and 
 
 Knight of the God will 
 
 Bathe in the 
 yeare of ovr 
 Lord 1624. 
 
 prosper. 
 
 It has hence obtained the name of the " Up and be doing 
 
 Wood ;"* and some notion may be formed of its picturesque ap- 
 pearance, in certain points of view, from the following represen- 
 tation — looking from west to east — as executed by the pencil of 
 
 * This is a scriptural phrase : see i Chron. c. xxii. v. 16. The earlier versions 
 of this passage come closer to the language of the above inscription. Thus in 
 Coverdale's Bible of 1535, it is, " Yet get the vp and be doynge, and the Lorde 
 shal be with the." In Matthews ; 1537. " Up therefore and set upo it and 
 y= Lord shal be w'' the." In Grafton's ; 1540. " Up therefore and be doynge, 
 and the Lord shal be w^th the." In BarJier ; 1607. " Up therefore, and be 
 doing, and the Lord Avill l)e with thee." And \n Earlier ; 1611. " Arise there- 
 fore and be doing, and the Lord be mth thee " — whicli is the present received 
 text. It appears to have been a current expression of the day. Thus in Crom- 
 well's time, in an original letter, of that celebrated man, in the possession 
 of my friend Mr. Dawson Turner — " As if God should say vp and bee doeittge, 
 and I will help you, and stand by you," &c. The letter was «Titten on the 
 capture of Gainsborough. The battle of Gainsborough was the most decisive 
 and important of Cromwell's earlier achievements. The letter, describing it, 
 is full of bustle and interest — " wee came ^-p (says Cromwell) horse to horse, 
 when wee disputed itt \\\X\\ our swords and pistolls, a pretty tyme, all keepinge 
 close order," &c. Here feU the gallant Colonel Cavendish, on the part of the 
 Rovalists. In Cromwell's letter, he is described as having been pursued into a 
 ditch, by Major AVhaley, who stabbed him below " the short ribs."
 
 X ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1603 
 
 Mr. Blorc. At tlie same time it may be mentioned, that an 
 enlarged engraving of the stone, exhibiting that side on which 
 the arms of Sir William Spencer appear, may be seen at the last 
 page of the second volume of the Bibliotheca Spenceriana. 
 
 s-s'i^^%g=f*^^ 
 
 Such was the state of the park at Althorp, when the famous 
 John Evelyn j>aid his first visit there during the time of Robert, 
 second Earl of Sunderland. The gradual advance of so many 
 young trees towards maturity, together with the dates of their 
 plantation, struck the inquisitive eye of our British Columella ; 
 and after observing (in his Sylva) that " it was the only instance 
 he knew of the like in our country, ' he recommends to general
 
 — 16!27.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xi 
 
 adoption the practice of recording the time when any considerable 
 plantation is begun. The park now contains about 500 acres. 
 
 The Spencers had long possessed other property* in War- 
 wickshire, besides the estate at Wormleighton. The grand-father 
 of the first Sir John was in possession of Hodnell, in the manor 
 of Nun Eaton ; but his son John, an uncle of the first Sir John, 
 sold it, in conjunction with one Thomas Brauncefield, a co-pro- 
 prietor, to Thomas Wilkes " a merchant of the staple." Dugdale, 
 p. 218. Herdwick Priors, in the same county, after being in the 
 possession of the Knightleys, was purchased of Arthur, son of 
 Sir William Samuel, of Upton, by William, the second Baron 
 Spencer, and whose younger son Robert was in possession of it 
 at the time of Dugdale. But it was at Claverdon, in the same 
 county, that the name of Spencer was hardly less respected for 
 its hospitable virtues than at Wormleighton. Thomas Spencer, 
 younger son of the second Sir John Spencer, and uncle of the 
 first Baron Spencer, purchased this place of the crown ; " which 
 Thomas, having obtained a lease of the Dean and Chapter of 
 Worcester of certain lands in this place, built a very fair mansion 
 thereupon ; and for the great hospitality which he kept thereat, 
 was THE MiRROUR OF THIS COUNTY. But having no issue male, 
 settled this manor (inter alia) upon Sir William Spencer, Baronet, 
 son and heir of Sir Thomas, and he of Sir William, sometime of 
 Yarnton in Oxfordshire." Dugdale, p. 497. The wealth of this 
 Thomas Spencer was very considerable ; for he also purchased 
 Pachvood, in the same county, " for 2000 pounds for the tenn 
 of 2000 years — of Robert, the grandson of Robert Burdet of 
 Baumcote, Esq." This estate also vested in Sir William Spencer 
 of Yarnton-j- in Oxfordshu-e. Dugdales Warwicks/iire, p. 583. 
 
 * Care must be taken to distinguish the Sir John Spencer, father of the first 
 Baron, from the Sir John Spenser, Knt. and Lord Mayor of London — of about 
 the same period ; whose only daughter (perhaps the richest heiress in the king- 
 dom) was married to the second Lord Compton, afterwards first Earl of North- 
 ampton. Consult the authorities referred to by Sir E. Bn/ilg-es in his Memoirs 
 of the Peers in the reign o/" James \. p. 460. In Nichols's Dibliotheca Topogra- 
 phica. No. XLix. p. 12, &c.a most singular account is given of this most sin- 
 gular lady. The wealth of her father seems to have been boundless ; and per- 
 haps equal to nearly two millions sterling of our present money. 
 
 + Tlie family monuments of the Spencers in Varnton church are very fine, 
 according to some dra\vings of them which 1 have seen.
 
 xii ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1603 
 
 Meanwliile the collateral branches had been ennobled by 
 several splendid alliances; and, among them, Alice Spenckr, 
 youngest sister of the " hospitable" Tliomas Spencer of Claver- 
 don, was married to Ferdinand the fifth Earl of Derby ; by 
 whom, if .she had not " issue to a line of kings," she had three 
 daughters, all distinguished by their union with three of tlie most 
 noble families in the realm; viz. those of Chandos, Bridge- 
 water, and Huntingdon. It was this Alice Spencer for whom 
 Milton is said to have written his Arcades; and Sir John Har- 
 rington has celebrated her memory l)y an epigram, Book iii. Epigr. 
 47.* It was also to this same personage that the poet Spen- 
 ser dedicated his " Tears of the Muses " and to her two sisters, 
 Elizabeth, Lady Carey, and Anne, Lady Compton and Mont- 
 eagle, that he dedicated his Muiopotmos and Mother HubariFs 
 Tale : the poet himself, in his " Collin Clout's come home again," 
 thus acknowledging his relationship with them. 
 
 Ne lesse prais-worthie arc the sisters three, 
 Tlie honor of the noble familie : 
 Of which I, meanest, boast myself to be, 
 And most that unto thera I am so nie, 
 Phyllis, Clinrillis, and sweet /imariltis, 
 Phyllis the fairc is eldest of the tlirce : 
 The next to her is bountifuU Charillis, 
 But the youngest is the highest in degree.f 
 
 This circumstance has given occasion to a splendid and happy 
 remark of Gibbon, in the Memoirs of his own Life. " The nobi- 
 lity of the Spencers (says he) has been illustrated and enriclied 
 by the trophies of Marlborough ; but I exhort them to consider 
 the Fairy Queen as the most precious jewel of their coronet." 
 
 * I gather the above from Sir Egerlon Bn/rig-es's Memoirs of the Peers in 
 the Reign nf .Tames I. 1802. 8vo. p. 394. Lysons, in his Environs of Lontlon, 
 p. 1 12, has given a print of her tomb, at Ilarefield ; wlicreon is " her figure, 
 recumbent, in the dress of the times, l)cneatli a rich canopy, and below arc the 
 figures of her three dauglitcrs, kneeling," &c. Lysons notices a very rare en- 
 graved portrait of this Coimtess, of which only two copies are known to exist. 
 One is in the collection of the Marquis of Bute, the other in his own. The 
 Countess died in 1 636. 
 
 t That is, the Countess of Derby. The fictitious names are applied to the 
 characters in the order above mentioned.
 
 —1627.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xiii 
 
 Consult also Todd's Life of Spencer, xxv-vi. My business, how- 
 ever, is more particularly with the the inmates of Althorp. 
 
 It has been before observed, that Althorp was not so much 
 distinguished as the exclusive residence of the Spencers, till the 
 time of the first Earl of Sunderland, about the year 1640. Yet 
 it must not be forgotten, that it was during the first Lord Spen- 
 cer's possession of this place, that an entertainment was given to 
 the Queen of James the First, and Prince Henry, their son, on 
 their way to London, in 1603. This entertainment, or masque, 
 was composed by the vigorous muse of Ben Jonson, and has 
 been commemorated in a pamphlet, or small quarto tract, 
 pubHshed a few years afterwards, under the following title: " A 
 particular entertainment of the Queene and Prince their High- 
 nesse to Althorpe, at the Right Honourable the Lord Spencer's, 
 on Saturda// being the 25th of June, 1603, as the// came first into 
 the kingdom, being tcritten by the same author, and not before 
 j)ubUshed."* 
 
 * This tract is a small (piarto volume of eight leaves : containing signa- 
 tures A and B, in fours. The " entertainment" was in the usual fasliionable 
 style of the day — being a sort of rural or pastoral drama ; in which fauns, 
 satyrs, shepherds, and allegorical personages, were mixed together in the most 
 singular, and not unamuaing, manner. The original tract (in the library at 
 Althoq)) is considered to l>e rare. It was reprinted by the author in the folio 
 edition of his works, in 1616, and will be foimd in the editions of Ben Jonson's 
 ff^orks, by IFhalley and Gifford, luidcr the title of The Satyr. RJr. Gifford 
 savs, " The Queen and Prince Henry, in their joiu'ney from Edinbiu-gh to 
 London, came from Holdenby to Northampton, where they were received in 
 great state by the mimicipal magistrates. James, who had joined them at Eaton, 
 the seat of Sir G. Fermor in Nortliamptonshire, passed fonvard ; (perhaps, as 
 Mr. Gifford intimates, at p. 4/7, "with Sir Robert Spencer, afterwards Baron, to 
 Theobalds" — where we know that Sir Richard Spencer was made a Knight with 
 twenty-eight others ;) but the Queen and Prince were prevailed upon to take 
 up their residence for a few days at the seat of Sir Robert Spencer, about foiu- 
 miles from the town. It was on this occasion that this exquisite entertain- 
 ment was presented to them as they entered the park and grounds at Althorpe." 
 Jonson's Works, edit. 1816. vol. vi. p. 468. 
 
 The reader will probably not lie displeased if a portion of this poetical en- 
 tertainment be " served up" to him; especially as Mr. Gifford thinks that 
 " Milton has numerous obligations " to it. I shall select only the commence- 
 ment and conclusion, adding the same gentleman's very just observations upon 
 the subject. 
 
 VOL. I. C
 
 xiv ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1603 
 
 " It is easy, or rather it is not easy, (says Mr. Giftbrd) to con- 
 ceive tlie surprise and delight with which Queen Anne, who had 
 a natural taste for these elegant and splendid exhibitions, must 
 
 " The inuention iras, to haue a Satyre lodged in a tittle Spinet, Ity trhicli her 
 
 Maiestie, and the Prince were to come, tcho (at the report of certaine cornets 
 
 that were diuided in seuerall places of the Parke, to signi/i/ her approach) ud- 
 
 uanced his head aboue the toppe of the wood, woudring; and (with his Pipe 
 
 in his hand) began atfolloweth : 
 
 Satire. 
 
 Here ! there ! and euery where ! 
 Some solemnities are neare, 
 That tliese changes strike mine eare : 
 Rly pipe and I a part shall beare. 
 y4nd after a short straine with his Pipe, again : 
 
 Look, see ; (beshrew this tree ;) 
 What may all this wonder bee ? 
 Pipe it, who that list for me : 
 rie flie out abroad, and see. 
 There hee leaped downe, and gazing the Queene and Prince in the face, trent 
 
 forward. 
 
 That is Cyparissus face ! 
 
 And the Dame hath Syrinx grace ! 
 
 that Pan were now in place ! 
 Sure they are of heauenly race. 
 
 Here he ranne into the wood againe, and hid himselfe whilst to the sound of 
 excellent soft mii.iii/iie that was there concealed in the thichct, there came tripping 
 up the luwne a Bevy uf Faeries, attending on Mah their Queene, who falling 
 into an artificiall ring, that was there cut in the pathe, began to daunce a round, 
 whilst their mistresse spake asfolloweth : 
 
 Faerie. 
 Haile, and welcome, worthiest Queene, 
 Joy had never perfect beene, 
 To the Nimphes that liaunt tliis Greene, 
 Had they not this euening scene. 
 Now tliey Print it on the Ground 
 With their fecte in figures round, 
 Markes that will be cucr fmiud. 
 To remember this glad stound. 
 
 The Satyre peeping out of the bush, said. 
 
 Trust her not you bonny-bell, 
 Shee will forty leasinges tel), 
 
 1 doe know her pranks right \vell.
 
 —1627.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xv 
 
 have witnessed the present ; she, who in Denmark had seen per- 
 haps no royal amusement but drinking bouts, and in Scotland 
 been regaled with nothing better than " ane goodly ballad called 
 
 Faerie. 
 SatjTe, wee must haue a spell. 
 For vour tongue, it runnes to fleete. 
 
 Satyre. 
 Not so nimbly as your feete, 
 WTien about the creame-boules sweete. 
 You, and all your Elues do meete. 
 
 There was aUo another parting speach, which was to haue been presented in 
 the person of a youth, and accompained with ditterse Gentlemens yonger sonnes 
 of the Countrey, but by reason of the Multitudinous presse, was also hindred, 
 and which wee haue here adioyned. 
 
 And u-ill you then IMirror of Queenes depart r 
 Shall nothing stay you? not my Master's heart, 
 Tliat pants to leese the comfort of your light 
 And see his Day ere it be old grow night ? 
 You are a Goddesse, and your will be done ; 
 Yet this our last hope is, that as the Siume 
 Cheares obieets far remou'd, as well as neare, 
 So wheresoere you shine, you'le sparkle here. 
 And you deare Lord, on whome my couetous eye 
 Doth feede it self but camiot satisfie, 
 O shoote up fast in spirit, as in yeares ; 
 Tliat when upon her head proud Europe weares 
 Her stateliest tire, you may appeare thereou 
 The richest Gem without a paragon. 
 Shine bright and fixed as the Artich starre : 
 And when slow Time hath made you fit for war, 
 Looke ouer the strict ocean, and thinke where 
 You may but leade us forth, that grow up here 
 Against a day, when our oflicious swords 
 Shall speake our action better than our words. 
 TiU then, all good euent conspire to crowne 
 Your Parents hopes, our zeale, and your renowne. 
 Peace, vsher now your steps, and where you come. 
 Be Enuie still stroke blind, and Flattery dumbe. 
 
 Thus much {which was the least of the Entertainement in respect of the reality, 
 abondance, delicacie,and order of all things else) to doe that seruiceable right, to
 
 xvi ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1603 
 
 Philotas;" or the ribaldry of the Lion King, as his country- 
 men delight to call Sir David Lindsay." — The rich and beau- 
 tiful scenery of the music, soft or loud as the occasion required, 
 dispersed through the wood — the sweetness of the vocal per- 
 formers — the bevy of fairies, composed of the young ladies " of 
 the country" — (whose brothers appeared in the succeeding 
 " sports") the gay and appropriate dialogue, the light, airy, and 
 fantastic dances which accompanied it — the foresters, headed by 
 the youthful heir, starting foi-nard to chase the deer at force at 
 the universal opening of hound and horn, together with the run- 
 ning down of the game in sight, must have afforded a succession 
 of pleasures as rare as unexpected." Ben Jonsons Workx, vol. 
 vi. p. 4G8, 479; and see the conclusion of the note, in the preced- 
 ing page. 
 
 His Majesty, partly in return for the hberality of the reception 
 of his Queen and Son at Altliorp, and still more in consequence 
 of the long estabhshed reputation, and great property of the pro- 
 prietor, created Sir Robert Spencer, the then owner, a peer of 
 THE REALM — the date of the creation, according to Dugdale, be- 
 ing 21st July in the same year. A testimony of the giatitude of 
 Lord Spencer, in return for such an honour bestowed upon him, 
 is yet in existence, by a stone building erected towards the N.W. 
 extremity of the park — called the Hawkitig Stand, ■ in the front 
 of which are the Royal amis very beautifully cut in stone, while 
 
 his noble Friend iBhich hk affection owes, and his Lordships merit may challenge, 
 the Author hath sufferd to come out, and encounter Censure: and nut here 
 unnecessarih/ adioyned, heing performed to the same Qiiecne Sr Prince ; icho 
 were no little part of these more labord and Triumphull shetres. And to whose 
 greatest part he hnows the Ho. L. (had he beene so blest as to have seen him at his 
 Lodge) would haue stretcht in obseruance, though he could not in Loue or zeale. 
 
 " It is very tasy (says the last eminently successful Editor of Ben Jouson) to 
 stigmatise all this with the name of " pedantry," and to rave \ritli Mr. Mulone, 
 at " the wTetched tast of the times," which could tolerate it : — but there are 
 still some who affect to think that this taste was not altogether so deplorable ; 
 and that nearly as much judgment was displayed in engaging the talents of a 
 man of genius and learning to produce an entertainment which sliould not dis- 
 grace the rational faculties of the beholders, as in procuring the assistance of a 
 pastry-cook to honour a general festival by scra\vling unmeaning flourishes on 
 a ball-room floor, at an expense beyond that of the graceful and elegant hospi- 
 tality of Althorp;" vol. vi. p. 47y.
 
 —1627.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xvii 
 
 the arms of the owner, as a peer of the realm, are as beautifully 
 executed on the western side of the building. It was on this 
 SPOT where the first Baron Spencer used to resort, from the 
 neighbourhood of Wormleighton — bringing with him all his at- 
 tendants and visitors of every description — to ^vitness the sports 
 of the field as connected with Hawking and Hunting. 
 
 All the joUy chase was here. 
 
 With hawk, and horse, and hunting spear !• 
 
 A discovery was made in the year 1818, singularly confirmative 
 of the amusements carried on at Althorp, during the time of the 
 first Baron Spencer. InpuUing down and altering the upper story 
 of this Hawking Stand, a series of subjects,-f- in water colours, was 
 found to be painted upon the walls ; the whole of which, being 
 executed in the costume of the times, leaves no doubt of the period 
 of its completion. 
 
 The character of the first Lord Spencer is handed down to 
 us, by historians of unquestionable veracity, as almost destitute 
 of a blemish. His habits were those of a retired man ; yet abroad, 
 and in the senate, when occasion oflTered, he knew how to assume 
 what was due to the dignity of his station. " Like the old Roman 
 dictator from his farm, (says Wilson) Spencer made the countrey a 
 vertuous court, where his fields and flocks brought him more 
 calm and happy contentment, than the various and mutable dis- 
 
 * Ed'inb. Annual Register, vol. i. pt. ii. xxviii. 
 
 t These subjects were too much mutilated by the workmen, occupied in 
 tlie repairs, before I had an opportunity (passing a few summer-months at that 
 time at Brington) of examining them fully ; but sufficient was left to enable 
 me to form a pretty accurate idea of the mode of hunting. In one part, nets 
 were thrown over the bushes, and the foxes and hares were driven into a space, 
 between them, and cudgels and hunting staves were liberally thrown at them. 
 In another part, the dogs were yoked in couples ; in another, they were giving 
 chase to the stag. At a distance, was a full-dressed figure on horseback, in cap 
 and feather, preceded by a sort of running footman, with a hunting speai 
 slmig across his shoidder; while, in the foreground, \vithin some rails or paling, 
 a man was concealed in the branches of a tree, shooting with a cross-bow at 
 the animals below. The then hawking or hunting stand — supported by six 
 pillars — and having two stories of small glazed uindows, is seen, above, to the 
 left ; while the spectators are looking on from the windows. 
 
 Portions of this ciuious relic were taken down and preserved; but, on being 
 exposed to the air, the coloiu's became gradually faded, and, in a short tinie, 
 will I apprehend become scarcely discernible. The hawking stand, as erected
 
 XVUl 
 
 ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1603 
 
 pensations of a court can contribute : and when he was called to 
 the senate, was more vigilant to keep the people's liberties from 
 being a prey to the incroaching power of monarchy, than his 
 harmless and tender lambs from foxes and ravenous creatures." 
 Life of James I.* p. 162. Fidler (in his Worthies, p. 300,) calls 
 
 by the first Baron, is now the residence of the Game Keeper ; and after such a 
 history of the ancient purposes to which it was devoted, the reader may not 
 object to the following representation of it — from the pencil of ftlr. Blore. 
 
 •/v«.,4*A!i^ - 
 
 * Thtis, in the entertainment, mentioned at p. xiii, the " Satyr" alludes to 
 the couniry occupations of the first Lord Spencer : 
 
 Say, that here he like the groves, 
 And pursue no foreign loves : 
 Is he therefore to be deem'd 
 Rude or savage?
 
 —1627.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xix 
 
 him " a good patriot, of a quick and clear spirit." " He might 
 have extended his panegyric (adds iNIr.Gifford) without any vio- 
 lation of truth." Vide infra. 
 
 Lord Spencer had hardly been raised to the peerage two 
 months, when he was chosen by his sovereign to be Ambassador 
 to Frederick, Duke of Wirtemberg, to invest him with the Order 
 of the Garter. He took with him Sir Gilbert Dethick, Knight, 
 Garter Principal King of Arms ; and setting out on their jour- 
 ney in the begimiing of October 1603, they arrived at Stuttgart on 
 the second of November following. The account of this investi- 
 ture by Ashmole, {Order of the Garter, p. 41 1-416) may strike the 
 reader, at the present pageant-loving period, as realising the most 
 splendid fictions upon the subject. I cannot resist the temptation 
 of selecting a small portion of it. And first, of the dress of the 
 Duke, and of the earlier stages of the proceedings by the noble 
 Ambassador. 
 
 " The Elect Duke was most sumptuously habited from head to foot ; 
 his hose were ash-colour, and seamless ; his breeches, doublet, and sleeves, 
 were of silk prickt, slasht, and fringed, there shining all along through the cut- 
 work, the gilt plate upon which it was wrought ; his sleeves were wrought after 
 the manner of a long pretext or senator's robe, with the finest sort of linen, 
 embroidered with needlework blue ; upon his wrists were bracelets of costly 
 gems ; upon his fingers gold rings, most exquisitely wrought and inlaid with 
 rubies, diamonds, saphirs, emeralds, and other such like precious stones, cast- 
 ing forth a radiant mixture of divers colours ; the collar nf his doublet was in 
 like mamier of the finest and softest linen, and of a blue amethist colour, and 
 wrought all about with oylet holes ; his cap was of silk, ending in a cone at 
 the top, and girt about with a hat-band of gold and precious stones, especially 
 pearls of a very large size, and also a circle of white plumes erected up towards 
 the top, and bending a little downward at the end. His shoes were likewise of 
 silk, adorned with roses, artificially «Tought with precious stones, gold, and 
 pearls ; across his middle he had a belt very skilfully wTought, and adorned 
 with a sword appendant to it on the left side, and a dagger (inserted into the 
 belt), the hilt and handle whereof were all WTOuglit ali.jut and enamelled with 
 gold and precious stones ; his cloak was of black silk, bordered about with 
 several orders or rows of broad gold fringe. 
 
 " Not long after, the Lord Ambassador Spencer, from another part, towards 
 the south, came forth out of his chamber, through a little stone gallery, into 
 the hall where the Duke was ; tlicie ivent liefore him Sir Gilljcrt Dethich, 
 Garter, clad in a long crimson mantle, reaching down to his heels, lined ivithiu 
 with white silk, and carrying in l)oth hands a cushen of crimson velvet, upon 
 which were laid the robes and ornaments of tlie order, as the gold collar of the
 
 XX ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 160.5 
 
 order, with the Gcorpe luingiiif; at it, the hhie jjartcr, and the other vestments 
 and ensigns belonging tliereunto ; and maliing lliriee a low reverence, first to 
 the Soveraign's table, and next to his Highness the Duke, as he drew neer, he 
 gently laid down the cuslien with the afore-mcntioncd ornaments upon the 
 Soveraign's table ; in the mean time the Lord Ambassador Spencer, represent- 
 ing the person of the Sovoraiiin, bowing himself to the illustrious Elect Duke, 
 placed himself at his riglit hand, whom his Highness courteously received, as 
 also Garter King of Arms, taking them by the hand, &c. 
 
 As to the order of the proceeding, it was in this manner : first went two 
 trumpeters belonging to the troops of horse, whose trumpets were adorned 
 with silk banners, painted with the firms nf U'lrtembcrg, in their proper 
 colours, and after thorn ten other tnimpeters, in the same equipage ; next a 
 flute player and a dnimmer, &c. 
 
 After them rode the Knights in a long train, and then the HoveraignU Am- 
 liassador's retinue of Knights and gentlemen, very splendidly accoutred and 
 adorned ; next the chief Peers and Nobles of the dukedom, together witli the 
 principal courtiers and chief officers of the Duke's houshold ; after whom rode 
 tlie Duke's five sons, in the richest and most splendid equipage that could be 
 imagined; at a little distance from them came, very nobly attended, and also 
 accoutred. Garter King of Arms, carrying before him, with both hands, the 
 cushen, upon which lay the ensigns of the foresaid Order; namely, the great 
 collar of the Order, with the image of St. George, in a riding posture, hanging 
 at it, also the garter, wrought with gidd and precious stones ; he carried more- 
 over the book of the statutes of the Order ; next after Garter, came jointly 
 together the Lord Ambassador Spencer, richly glistering with gold and pre- 
 cious stones, and with him the illustrious Duke of Wirtemberc; himself; so 
 personable, and withall so magnificently attired, that he attracted the admira- 
 tion of all upon him, some thinking his liabit to be Turkish, some Hungaric, 
 sonic Imperial, others Electoral, others Pontifical; tlie train of his mantle was 
 held, and carried after, by Count Lodowick Leostein. 
 
 Thus nobly and magnificently attended, the Duke entered into the church, 
 where, in the midst of the body thereof, he and the Lord Ambassador Spencer, 
 walking upon red cloth, spread for tliat purjiose, they first made obeysance, 
 according as the manner is in England, to tlie Soveraign's royal stall, all the 
 rest of the company doing the like as they past by ; then the Lord Ambassador 
 went to his own stall, placed at the right hand next after the Soveraign's, and 
 seated himself therein. Garter also placed himself in his, and lastly, the Duke 
 possessed his stall on the left hand ; as soon as they were seated thus in the 
 church, a loud volley was discharged by 300 musketiers," p. 412-414. 
 
 The Duke of Wirtemberg having sworn to obey the Statutes 
 of the Order, the account proceeds and ends thus : 
 
 All these things being performed, the Lord Ambassador Spencer, and 
 Garter, congratulated the Duke with much respect, and awhile held discourse
 
 —1627.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xxi 
 
 with him, and then after a low obeysance made to the Soveraign's stall, they 
 returned towards their several seats, &c. &c. 
 
 Sermon ended, the musick was again renewed, which consisted of the voices 
 "of two youths clad in white garments, with wings like angels, and standing op- 
 posite one to another ; so, after a tenor, an alius, and a base was sung, the 
 organ, and other instrumental musick, together with vocal, went together in 
 consort," &c. " The solemnities in the church being finished, this illustrious 
 company returned to the great hall in the castle, in the same order and pomp 
 as they proceeded thence, the trumpets sounding, and the guns going off. 
 
 Dinner time being come, the Duke and Lord Aml)a3sador Spencer, with all 
 their train, went into the great hall to dine, where the preparation and order of 
 the feast was after the manner of St. George's feast in England. The Sove- 
 raign's table was served with all manner of varieties, as if he had been there 
 present himself, the carver and sewers, and all other officers attending and 
 serving on the knee. Also water was presented by three, that carried the 
 bason, ewer, and towel, with the same obeysance as is used in England, to the 
 Soveraign being present. AV'ater also was presented to the Duke after the 
 custom of Wirtemberg, the like to the Lord Ambassador Spencer, and Garter, 
 to the Dutchess, and the Duke's children," &c. 
 
 Like\vise the Duke, the Lord Ambassador Spencer, and Garter, had their 
 several tables, as hath been said before, and sate under their several canopies, 
 and at another table sate the Dutchess and her ten children. After exceeding 
 plenty, state, and variety of dishes, there were served aU manner of curiosities 
 in paste, as the figures and shapes of several kinds of beasts and birds, as also 
 the statues of Hercules, Minerva, Mercury, and other famous persons. All 
 dinner time, and a pretty while after, the English and the Wirtemberg musick, 
 sitting opposite to one another, these on the Duke's side, the other at the So- 
 veraign's, and Lord Ambassador's side, sung and plaid alternately to one 
 another. 
 
 After dinner, certain balls were danced in a long gallery of the castle, 
 towards the Paradise of Studtguardt. This festivity lasted that night and the 
 next day, and afterwards the English guests were conducted to see some of the 
 princip<d places of the dukedom, as JFaltebuch, the University of Tubing, &c. 
 &c. where they were entertained with comedies, musick, and other delights ; 
 and at their retiuii to Stutguardt, were presented with very magnificent gifts, 
 and being to return for England, were accompanied by the Duke as far as 
 Asperg, where, with great demonstrations and expressions of amity and atTec- 
 tion on both sides, solemn leave was taken." p. 415-16. 
 
 On the arrival of Lord Spencer in England, " he was received 
 (says Collins) by his Prince, with particular marks of distinction, 
 for his noble carriage and behaviour in liis embassy." His con- 
 duct at home, and especially in the Senate, has been not less the 
 subject of commendation. In Arthur Wilson's Biography of
 
 xxii ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1603 
 
 James, 1653, folio, the following anecdote is recorded — which 
 took place in 16^1 : — 
 
 " About this time Spencer was speaking something in the 
 House that their great ancestors did, which displeased Arundel, 
 and he cuts him off short, saying, " IMy Lord, when these things 
 yon speak of were doing, your ancestors were keeping sheep" * 
 (twitting him with his flocks, which he took delight in.) Spencer 
 instantly rejilied, " When my ancestors (as you say) icere keeping 
 sheep, your ancestors were plotting treason." This hit Arundel 
 home, and it grew to some heat in the House, whereupon they 
 were separated, and commanded both out of the House, and the 
 Lords began to consider of the offence. There was much ban- 
 dying by the court party, to excuse the Earl of Arundel, but the 
 heat and rash part of it beginning with him, laying such a brand 
 upon a Peer that was nobly descended, he could not he justified, 
 but was enjoyned by the House to give the Lord Spencer .such 
 satisfaction as they prescribed ; which his greatness refusing to 
 obey, he was by the Ijords sent prisoner to the Tower, and 
 Spencer re-admitted into the House again. 
 
 " When Arundel was well cooled in the Tower, and found that 
 no power would give him liberty but that which had restrained 
 him (rather blaming his rashness than excusing his stubbornness) 
 his great heart humbled itself to the Lords, betwixt a letter and 
 a petition, in these words : — " &c. p. 163. " Lord Arundel, (says 
 the recent Editor of Collins) was, in truth, a very proud and 
 insolent man."' 
 
 The remainder of the life of this virtuous nobleman, was devoted 
 to his senatorial duties and rin-al occupations. He was a great 
 defender of the rights of the people against the encroachments of 
 the kingly prerogative ; and was once reprimanded by his Royal 
 Patron as being " the chief promoter" of a petition respecting 
 the injury arising from certain titles and dignities of Scotland and 
 Ireland. Consult Collins, vol. i. p. 392. From the year 1624, 
 to the time of his death, " he was in most committees on public 
 
 ♦ See page 6, ante. There was a tradition that the first Lord Spencer could 
 nover possess 20,000 sheep; as a mortality would attend them between the 
 19th and 20th thousand. He is said, however, to have made up his number as 
 near as it could go : namely, to 19,999!
 
 From the Ori^inaLin the rofsefsion of Earl Spencer, at AlthoiTi. 
 
 i r 1< n .'«/'• 
 
 'illf.l '. / .V.V llf^r.KDitJii
 
 1627.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xxiii 
 
 affairs, a constant promoter and maintainer of the manufactories, 
 trades, and liberties of the realm, an opposer of all arbitrary 
 grants, monopolies, or other indirect practices : and finally, was 
 seasoned with a just tincture of all private and public virtues." 
 He died in 1627 ; having been a widower thirty years. His wife, 
 Margaret, was daughter and coheir of Sir Francis Willoughby, of 
 Wollaton in Nottinghamshire ; by whom he had four sons and 
 three daughters. She died in childbed in 1.597. Such a length 
 of widowhood has been justly attributed to his intense affection, 
 and deep respect, for the memory of the deceased. A passage 
 in Jonson's Entertainment, described at page xiii. thus alludes 
 to this circumstance : 
 
 Wlio, since Thamyra did die,* 
 Hath not brook'd a lady's eye. 
 
 This nobleman, says Collins, " was buried in great splendour 
 with his ancestors and Lady at Brington, under a noble monu- 
 ment, &c." The monument is thus minutely described by the 
 recent historian of the county ; premising, that it appears as the 
 third, on the left, in the first view seen in Mr. Baker's work. 
 " The Baron is completely cased in a rich suit of plate armour, 
 with helmet plumed and the visor up. On the tassels are bla- 
 zoned Spencer, and seven quarterings. He is girded with a lea- 
 thern belt, from which was suspended a long strait sword, now 
 loose and displaced. -f- He has small mustachios but no beard. 
 His head rests on a high cushion ; his feet are on his gauntlets, 
 and beyond them is a talbot sejant Ar. eared S. The lady re- 
 clines on two flowered cushions, and over her head is a hood 
 with beaded edge, similar in form, but larger and still more outre 
 than the one described in a previous monuijient. Her hair is 
 combed back at the sides, and eyed with pearls, but concealed 
 on the forehead by a plain cap rounded in front, and expanding 
 
 * " Thamyra (the beloved consort of this nobleman) was the daughter of 
 Sir Francis Willoughby; she died August l/th, 1597, leaving several chil- 
 dren. There is nothing strained or exaggerated in wliat is here said of Lord 
 Spencer's attachment to his Lady's memory ; for though he survived her nearly 
 thirty years, he took no second wife." Jonson's Works, vol. vi. p. 475. 
 
 t It generally lies transversely across the bodies, and is of a very consider- 
 able weiglit and length. I take it to have been a mere sword of state. 
 VOL. I. d
 
 xxiv ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A.D. 1636 
 
 at the ears. An lieraldic counterpane, bearing Willoughby, and 
 the eleven quarterings impaled in the last tomb, is spread smoothly 
 over her body, and folded down to the waist, displaying a plain 
 white vest conforming to the shape, laid in various formal plaits, 
 and finished with a large open ruff. Over the tomb, but com- 
 pletely detached from it, is an arched canopy, supported by four 
 Huted Corinthian colunuis, with black capitals gilt, and the soffit 
 of the arch decorated with escallops and flowers," p. 97. It 
 should seem from the epitaph — here added — that the noble Lord 
 built the monument during his life; in Io99. 
 
 Here lye ye Bodies ofS'r Robert Spencer Knight Baron Spencer 
 Of IVornieleglito' ^ Margaret /lis Wife one of ye daughters S( 
 Coheires ofS'r Francis Willoicghby of WoUato' in ye Co : of 
 Netting. Knight, who had issue 4 Sonnes and '3 daughters 
 Viz. 1. John Spencer Esq who died at Blois in France without 
 Issue : 2. William Lord Spencer who married ye Lady Penelope 
 Eldest daughter of Henry Earle ofSoufhamp. 3. Richard Spenc'r 
 Esq. 4. S'r Edward Spencer of Boston in ye Co : ofMidd. Knight 
 Who married dame Mary Widoiv of S'r Willia' Readc of Aust- 
 erley in ye same Co : Knight. 1 . Mary married to Sir Richard 
 Anderson of Penley in ye Co: of Hartford Knight. 2. Elizabeth 
 Married to S'r George Fane of Buston in ye Co : of Kent. Kni't 
 Who died without issue. 3. Margaret who died unmarried 
 Which Robert Lord Spencer dep'ted this life y'e 25 Octob'r 
 An° D'ni 1627 and Margaret his wife ye 17 of August 1597. 
 Robert Lord Spencer built this monume't in his life An" 1599. 
 
 The first Baron Spencer was succeeded in his title and estates 
 by his second son William ; his eldest son, John, having died 
 at Blois,* in France, about sixteen years before the death of 
 his father. Of the second Baron Spencer, who was created 
 Knight of the Bath in 1616, and had served in three Parlia- 
 ments, little is known and preserved : although Collins tells us, 
 
 • His son was one of tfie principal characters who figured in the entertain- 
 ment, or masque, described at page xiii, ante; thus : 
 
 His Sonne his heire ; who humbly bends 
 Lowe, as is his father's earth. 
 " Here the SatyTc fetcht out of the wood, the Lord Specers eldest sonne, 
 attirde, and appointed lilie a biuitsman."
 
 1636.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xxv 
 
 upon the authority of his epitaph, that " he inherited his father's 
 conduct, as well as his honour and estate." He enjoyed his dig- 
 nities but a short time ; dying in the year 1636, and in the 46th of 
 his age. He married into the noble family of the Wriothesleys, 
 espousing Penelope eldest daughter of Henry Winothesley, 
 third Earl of Southampton. There is a whole-length portrait of 
 the second Lady Spencer, by Vandyke, in the Long Gallery. 
 On the death of her Lord, she was pregnant with her thirteenth 
 child ; having had six sons and seven daughters by him. " She 
 remained a widow (says Collins) one-and-thirty years, leaving a 
 very shining character for her constancy of muid, prudent con- 
 duct, unaffected piety, and love to her deceased Lord." 
 
 The tomb of the second Lord and Lady Spencei% in the north 
 chapel of Brington church, is the most splendid specimen of mo- 
 numental sculpture within those precincts. It was executed 
 under the superintendance of the celebrated statuary Nicholas 
 Stone, and intended as a memorial of the affection of the widow 
 for her deceased Lord. Lady Spencer was at the expense of 
 the monument; and although the sum received by the artist 
 (600/.) was the largest sum received by him for any of his works, 
 yet (says Walpole) " neither of the figures are from his own 
 chisel; but an artist, of the name oi John Hargrove, executed 
 the Baron for It/., and another, of the name of Richard WTiite, 
 executed the Baroness for 15/."* The figures (says Mr. Baker) 
 " are placed recumbent on a low table or altar, raised upon a 
 large basement table, under a canopy supported by eight black 
 Corinthian pillars, with white capitals. The Baron is in ennined 
 I'obes of state, very tastefiilly disposed. He is bare-headed, with 
 curling hau, mustachios, and forked beard ; a large embroidered 
 frill is roxmd his neck, and a long sword at his side. A veil en- 
 circles the crown of the Lady's head, and falls behind her shoul- 
 ders, concealing her hair in front, and displaying it in ringlets 
 at the sides. To a pearl necklace is attached a long pendant, 
 with corresponding ear-drops. Her mantle is lined with ennine, 
 
 • The tomb was finished in 1638; and Stone died in 1647. The same sta- 
 tuary also executed the monument of their relation, Spexser the poet, for 
 which the Countess of Dorset paid him 40/. ff^a/pole's ^inecdotes of Painters 
 in the reign of James I. vol. ii. p. 29-31. Works, vol. iii. p. 169. Two heads 
 of Nicholas Stone, medallion-wise, are prefixed to the accotmt of his works.
 
 xxvi ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A.D. 1643 
 
 and on the rich border round the top, is a collar of S S. Her 
 vest, which has embroidered loiffles at the wrists, is slightly drawn 
 up under her arms, and flows in graceful folds to her feet." * In 
 point of execution, I have little or no hesitation in affirming, that 
 this is one of the most beautiful monuments, in every respect, of 
 the period of its completion. 
 
 I return to the personal history of the proprietors of Althorp ; 
 and at the mention of the thikd Lord Spencer, first Earl of 
 Sunderland, can hardly help exclaiming, in the language of his 
 great contemporary, Milton — 
 
 O Fairest Flower, no sooner blowTi but blasted. 
 
 Summer's chief honour.-f 
 
 The widely extended reputation of the Spencers, added to the 
 shining personal virtues of Henry — eldest .son of the pair whom we 
 have just consigned to their splendid tomb — was deemed amply 
 sufficient by Cliarles to call up the fainily to the rank of an Earl- 
 dom. Henry was the first of that family to receive the title of the 
 Earl of Sunderland. His career was short, but glorious. Every 
 thing thjit belongs to him seems to bear the stamp of splendid 
 romance. His early and illustrious marriage with Dorothy Sidney, 
 daughter of the second Earl of Leicester — which was celebrated 
 midst the classic groves of Penshurst,! when the bride and bride- 
 
 * See Hislori/ nf the County of Xnrtlinmpton; pt. i. p. 98. The Latin epi- 
 taph upon this Noble Couple (too long for insertion here) may be seen in the 
 work just referred to. 
 
 t Poems on several Occasions. 
 
 \ These " classic groves," as well as the above fairest ornajient of them, 
 have been immortalised by tlie muse of /Falter. 1 select the commence- 
 ment only of his lines upon Pcnshurst, and add the whole of his eulogy upon 
 Sacharissa, or the first Countess of Sunderland. 
 At Pens-hurst. 
 ' WTiile in the Park I sing, the list'ning Deer, 
 Attend my passion, and forget to fear. 
 When to the beeches I report my flame. 
 They bow their heads as if they felt the same. 
 &c . &c &c. 
 Another. 
 Had Sacharissa li\''d when mortals made 
 Choice of their deities, this sacred shade
 
 1643.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xxvii 
 
 groom had each scarcely attained their nineteenth year — the 
 beauty and celebrity of the bride:— the warmth and constancy of 
 their attachment : — the close attendance of Lord Spencer in 
 Parliament, on his coming of age:— the part which he chose in 
 the unhappy times wherein his lot was cast : — his first bias to- 
 wards the popular side, and his subsequent and unalterable 
 attachment to his Sovereign ... to whose cause his heart, hands, 
 and propert}-, were devoted without limit or restraint . . . his zeal, 
 his courage, his generosity as a soldier — and above all, his death 
 (which, says Burke, " canonises and sanctifies a character") at 
 the fatal battle of Newbury, when the deceased was only twenty- 
 Had held an altar to her power, that gave 
 
 The peace and glory which these alleys have : 
 
 Embroider'd so with flowers she had stood. 
 
 That it became a garden of a wood. 
 
 Her presence has such more than human grace. 
 
 That it can civilize the rudest place : 
 
 And beauty too, and order can impart, 
 
 AVTiere nature ne'er intended it, nor art. 
 
 The plants acknowledge this, and her admire. 
 
 No less than those of old did Orpheus' lyre. 
 
 If she sit down, with tops all tow'rds her bow'd. 
 
 They round about her into arbours crowd ; 
 
 Or if she walk, in even raidis they stand. 
 
 Like some well-marshaU'd and obsequious band. 
 
 Amphion so made stones and timber leap 
 
 Into fair figures, from a confus'd heap : 
 
 And in the symmetr)- of her parts is found 
 
 A power like that of harmonv in soimd. 
 Ye lofty beeches, tell this matchless dame. 
 
 That if together ye fed all one flame. 
 
 It could not equalize the hundredth part 
 
 Of what her eyes hare kindled in my heart ! 
 
 Go, boy, and carve this passion on the bark 
 
 Of yonder tree, which stands the sacred mark 
 
 Of noble Sidney's birth ; when such benign. 
 
 Such more than mortal-making stars did shine ; 
 
 That there they cannot but for ever prove 
 
 The monument and pledge of humble love : 
 
 His humble love, whose hope shall ne'er rise higher 
 
 Than for a pardon that he dares admire. 
 
 fTaller'i Poems, 1/11. 8vo. p. 95-98.
 
 xxviii ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1643 
 
 three years of age — these, and very much more, of which there 
 is no room for the insertion, have thrown a hiilo of glory round 
 the head of the first Earl of Sunderland. Accordingly the 
 reader will be pleased to comjjlete this rough, rather than faith- 
 less sketch, of so high a character, by penising the fniitful pages 
 of Lloyd, Clarendon, and S'idiieij, from which Collins (the greater 
 part of whose account has furnished Mr. Lodge with his own 
 admirable epitome of Sunderland's Life — )* has gleaned the ma- 
 terials for his Peerage of England of this period. It is only 
 necessary to add, that the body of this incomparable young noble- 
 man was carried to Brington church, and entombed among those 
 of his ancestors. 
 
 The first Lord Sunderland received his tuition under the 
 guardianship of the Earl of Southampton, the well-known patron 
 of Shakspeare ; and it is more than possible that a selected copy 
 of that poet's entire works, first published in 1623, might have 
 graced the book-shelves at Althorp, at the period of which we 
 are speaking; especially as this gallant young nobleman was 
 much addicted to literary pursuits, even at college, in his early 
 youth. His widow, the Sacharissa of Waller, has been cele- 
 brated for her worth as well as her personal charms.-}- She 
 
 * Portraits of Illustrmis Characters. The portrait of the Earl in question, 
 here published, was taken from tlie original in the Gallery at Althorp. But 
 the present Lord Spencer had first caused a private plate to be engraved, by 
 Bouquet, with which he has been pleased to allow me to enrich the pages of 
 this work. The opi-osite plate will not therefore fail to be among the most 
 interesting in the volume. There is an old copy of the head and shoulders 
 only, which used to be in the Gallery at Althorp. 
 
 f " This truly amiable lady, who affected retirement, and was never vain of 
 that beauty which has rendered her fame immortal, was celebrated by Waller 
 under the name of Sacharissa. When she was far advanced in years, and had 
 outlived every personal charm which ha<l inspired the poet in his youth, she 
 asked him in raillery, " When he would write such fine verses upon her 
 again ? " " Oh, madam, (said he) when your ladyshii) is as young again." 
 Grander; vol. U. p. 383. Edit. 1804. It is well oltserved, in the note here, 
 that the repartee would have been better, if Waller had said, " AVTien we are 
 both young again." Fenton, in his Observations upon Waller, speaking of the 
 name of Snr/mrissa, says, that it " recalls to mind what is related of the Tiu-ks, 
 who, in their gallantries, think sucar birpara, i. e. bit of sugar, the most polite 
 and endearing compliment they can nse to the ladies." Ibid. Waller's letter
 
 LondcnTFuFjifked fer the Rev TFTSThdin. Mi's. 
 
 HENRY SPENCER, FIRST EARL OF SUNDERLAND, 
 KILLED AT THE BATTLE OF NEWBrRY. 20 SEPTEMBER 1 (3 4 3 . 
 
 u^^/yZ' <.y^^/{,. Car/ t.^.^ioncer , a^ t ■/iln^/'^^
 
 1643.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xxix 
 
 survived her husband about forty years, and became a second 
 time a widow, having married, in 1653, Robert Smythe, Esq. of 
 Bounds, in the parish of Bidborough, in Kent, son and heir of 
 
 " To my Lady Lucy Sydney, upon the marriapfe of my Lady Dorothy, her 
 sister, to my Lord Spencer" — "will without doubt (says the Editor of the 
 best edition of Waller's poems in 1711, 8vo.) be an entertainment to the 
 Publick, the \vriter and the occasion being both very extraordinary." The 
 letter in question nms thus : 
 
 " Madam; In this common joy at Penshurst, I know none to whom com- 
 plaints may come less unseasonable than to your Ladyship, the loss of a 
 bedfellow being almost equal to that of a mistress ; and therefore you ouglit 
 at least to pardon, if you consent not to the imprecations of the deserted, 
 which just heaven no doubt will liear. May my Lady Dorothy, if we may 
 yet call her so, suflFer as much, and have the like passion for this young Lord, 
 whom she has preferred to the rest of mankind, as others have had for her ; 
 and may this love, before the year go about, make her taste of the first ciu'se 
 imposed on womankind ; the pains of becoming a mother. May her first-born 
 be none of her own sex, nor so like her, but that he may resemble her Lord as 
 much as herself. May she that always affected silence, and retiredness, have 
 the house filled with the noise and number of her children, and hereafter of 
 her grand-children ; and then may she arrive at that great curse so much de- 
 clin'd by fair ladies, old age ; may she live to be very old, and yet seem 
 young ; be told so by her glass, and have no aches to inform her of the truth ; 
 and when she shall appear to be mortal, may her Lord not mourn for her, but 
 go hand in hand with her to that place, where we are told there is neither 
 marrying nor giving in marriage ; that, lieing there divorced, we may all have 
 an equal interest in her again. My revenge being immortal, I wish all this 
 may also befall their posterity to the world's end, aud afterwards. 
 
 " To you, Madam, I wish all good things, and that this loss may in good 
 time be happily supplied, &c. Madam, I hmubly kiss your hands, and beg 
 pardon for this trouble, from your Ladyship's most humble servant, E. Wal- 
 ler." p. XV. 
 
 The finest print of the first Countess of Sunderland is that by Lom- 
 bart, from the well-known picture of Vandylie. It represents her pointing to 
 some withered branches of a tree, in a vase, being probably an allegorical allu- 
 sion to the death of her lord ; aud is full of sweetness aud lady-like expression. 
 Waller, who had also an original portrait of her, at his house near Beaconsfield, 
 has honoured it by the following verses : 
 
 On my Lady Dorothy Sidney's Picture. 
 Such was Philoclea, such Musidorus' flame ; 
 The matchless Sidney, that immortal frame 
 Of perfect beauty, on two pillars plac'd : 
 Not his high fancy could one pattern grac'd
 
 XXX ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1647 
 
 Sir Thomas Smythe ; and had by him Robert Smythe, governor 
 of Dover Castle in the reign of Charles II. She was buried in 
 the same tomb with her first husband, in 1683-4. Her second 
 match appears to have been rather from necessity than choice. 
 " When she had the hard fortune to lose her beloved Lord, she 
 entertained no thoughts of marriage for a considerable time, 
 living retired ; a rare example of all Christian virtue ; her house 
 (as Lloyd observes) being a sanctuary to the loyal sufferers, and 
 learned clergymen — 'till finding tiie heavy load of house-keeping 
 too troublesome, she thereupon went to her father at Penshurst, 
 and with his consent took to her second husband," &c. Collins ; 
 vol. i. p. 406. 
 
 It was during the infancy of the second Earl of Sunderland, 
 namely, in June, 1647, that Althorp was doomed to be the spot 
 in which the unfortunate Charles I. received the first intelli- 
 gence of the approach of those pursuers, from whose hands he 
 never escaped until his life had been laid down upon the scaf- 
 fold. Thus this place, which had been graced with the festivi- 
 ties given in honour of the visit of the Queen-mother (see p. xiii. 
 ante,) was doomed to be the scene from which the Royal Son 
 was hurried to a premature grave. Charles arrived at IIoMciihi/, 
 the then i-esidcnce of his son the Duke of York (and which had 
 been purchased for himself by his mother. Queen Anne, when 
 
 With such extremes of excellence, compose. 
 Wonders so distant in one face disclose : 
 Such cheerful modesty, such huinlilc state. 
 Moves certain love, but with a (liMil)tful fate. 
 As when, beyond our p-eedy reach, we see 
 Invitinff fniit on too sublime a tree. 
 All the rich flowers through his .(Vrcadia foimd, 
 Amaz'd we see in this one garland bound. 
 Had but this copy, which the artist took 
 From the fair ])icture of that noble book, 
 Stood at Kalandcr's, the brave friends had jarr'd ; 
 And, rivals made, th' ensuing story marr'd. 
 Just nature, first instructed by this thought. 
 In his own house thus practis'd what he taught : 
 This glorious piece transcends what he could think. 
 So much his blood is nobler than his ink.
 
 1647.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xxxi 
 
 he was Duke of York) in the latter end of May, 1647, in com- 
 pany with the Parliamentary Commissioners. This occurred 
 upon his return from the north, after he had been regally enter- 
 tained at Nottingham and Leicester. " Being anived at Holmby, 
 (says Herbert) very many country gentlemen, gentlewomen, and 
 others of ordinary rank, stood ready there, to welcome the King, 
 with joyful countenances and prayers." Memoirs ; reprinted in 
 1813. 8vo. p. 15. 
 
 I have already observed that the boundaries of the Holdenby 
 and Althorp estates were only divided by the high road ; and that 
 the mansions, as they now exist, are about two miles apart. " The 
 King," (continues Herbert) " evei-y Sunday sequestered himself 
 to his private devotions, and all other days in the week spent two 
 or three hours in reading, and other pious exercises : at other 
 times, for recreation, would, after meals, play a game at chess, 
 and for health's sake, walk oft in the garden at Hohnby, with 
 one or other of the Commissioners. And in regard there was 
 no bowling green then well kept at Holmby, the King would 
 sometimes ride to Harrotvden, a house of the Lord Vaux's, about 
 nine miles off, where there was a good bowling green, with 
 gardens, groves, and walks, that afforded much pleasure. And 
 other whiles to Althorpe, a fair house, about tivo or three miles 
 from Holmby, belonging to the Lord Spencer, now Earl of Sun- 
 derland, where also there was a green well kept." . . . . " His 
 Majesty being one afternoon at Bowles in the green at AltJiorpe, 
 it was whispered amongst the Commissioners, who were then at 
 bowls with the King, that a party of horse, obscurely headed, 
 was marching towards Holmby ; and for no good it was pre- 
 sumed, in regard neither the Commissioners nor Colonel Graves, 
 who kept the guard at Holmby and was an officer in the army, 
 nor the Commissioner's servants, had the least notice of it from 
 any officer, or other correspondent in the army. Wliereupon 
 the King, so soon as he was aquainted with it, immediately left 
 the Green, and returned to Holmby," &c. It is well known that 
 this marauding party was headed by " Joyce, a Cornet in Colo- 
 nel Wlialey's regiment, and his business was to speak with the 
 King." " From whom ? " said they ; " From myself," said he : at 
 which they laughed. " It's no laughing matter," said Joyce. 
 
 VOL. I. e
 
 xxxii ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1664 
 
 p. 17-25-27. The sequel but too strikingly proved that it was 
 itny thing but a " laughing matter." The conduct of Joyce was 
 brutal and insolent to his royal master.* From Holmby, Charles 
 was conducted to Hampton Court and Carisbrook Castle, and 
 from Carisbrook Castle back again to AVliitehaii. The issue is 
 but too well known. I return to the inmates of Althorp. 
 
 The date of the birth of Robert, second Earl of Sunder- 
 land, is unknown ; but this nobleman was chosen Ambassador to 
 Madrid and Paris in 1671, and 1674; when he had probably not 
 
 * Yet Lord Clarendon says, that " Joyce, sax-ing the liluntness and positiyc- 
 ness of the few words he spoke, behaved himself not rudely." Hist, of the 
 Rebellion, vol. iii. pt. i. p. 82. Edit. Oxford, 1819, 8vo. With the fn'eatcst defer- 
 ence to this illustrious authority, I suspect that the materials, upon which he 
 has grounded his account of the aliove transaction, are not quite so correct 
 as those which appear in \Miitlocke and Herbert ; upon the former of whicli, 
 exclusively, Hume relies. But Herbert was in attendance upon the King. 
 Joyce first made a i-iolent and ineffectual attempt to speak to Charles, by 
 coming in the night time with " a cockt pistol in his hand." His Majesty was 
 asleep; but " the noise was so loud as it seems awakened his Majesty, for he 
 rung his silver bell, &c." Charles sent word that he would not see Joyce till 
 the morning : " which being told the Cornet, he huff'd ; but seeing his design 
 could not be effected in the night, he retired," &c. The next morning Joyce re- 
 newed his attempt to get the Commissioners returned back to the Parliament, 
 and Charles to lie removed. " By whose appointment ?" said tlie King. As 
 to that, the Cornet had no answer. The King then said, " by your favour, Sir, 
 let them have their liberty, and give nie a sight of your instructions." " That 
 (.said Joyce) " you shall see presently ; and forthwith drawing up his troop 
 into the inner court, as near as he could unto the King, " these. Sir," (said he) 
 are my instructions." The King took a good view of them, and finding them 
 proper men, and well mounted and armed, smilingly told the cornet, " his in- 
 structions were in fair characters, legible, without spelling." Memoirs, p. ^1. 
 'ITiis reminds us, upon a smaller scale, of the masterly stroke of policy re- 
 corded of Cardinal Ximenes — in enforcing ultra political reasons. — See Ro- 
 hertson's Charles y. vol. v. p. A'A, 8vo. Lord Clarendon says that " Joyce only 
 shewed his Majesty his pistol," upon replying to the question of authority on 
 which he acted. This would, if possible, have been more insulting, and less 
 imposing and efficacious. Herbert's account is full and minute — and seems to 
 justify the above epithets of " brutal and insolent." The whole measure of the 
 surprisal originated with Cromwell, and the Commissioners shewed the virtues 
 of " passive obedience," to a miracle. I cannot help entertaining a suspicion 
 that there was a second, or intermediate plan, between the Commissioners and 
 Joyce, to surprise Charles at Althorp.
 
 - 1669.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xxxiii 
 
 long turned his thirtieth year. It was at this period that AJthovp 
 began to be adorned and enriched by those paintings obtained 
 chiefly from the continental travels of its noble proprietor. It 
 is thus that the place is spoken of in 1669, by Count Lorenzo 
 Magalotti, who travelled with the Grand Duke Cosmo III. in that 
 same year : 
 
 " After taking a view of Honbtj, we entered into a park, sepa- 
 rated by paUsades from the adjacent territory, belonging to the 
 Villa of AUhorp, a seat of my Lord Robert Spencer, Earl of 
 Sunderland, who had given his Highness repeated and pressing 
 invitations to visit him there. Before he reached the villa, his 
 Highness was received and escorted by the said Earl, who was 
 anxiously expecting his arrival. Immediately on alighting, he 
 went to see the apartments on the ground floor, from which he 
 ascended to the upper rooms, and found both the one and the 
 other richly furnished. His Highness paid his compliments to 
 my Lady, the wife of the master of the house, and daughter of 
 my Lord George Digbij, Earl of Bristol, by whom the Earl 
 had three children, one son and t^vo daughters ; and when he 
 had spent some time in this visit, the hour of dinner arrived, 
 which was splendid, and served in the best possible style. At 
 table, his Highness sat in the place of honour, in an arm-chair, 
 he having previously desired that my Lady, the wife of the Earl, 
 might be seated in a similar one ; the Earl also was obliged by 
 his Highness to take his place close to him, the gentlemen of his 
 retinue sitting separately upon stools. When dinner was over, 
 his Highness was conducted through the other apartments of the 
 mansion, all of which were sumptuously furnished ; and having 
 observed the manner in which one apartment communicated with 
 another, he went down into the garden, in which, except some 
 ingenious divisions, parterres, and well arranged rows of ti'ees, 
 there is little to be seen that is rare or curiovis ; as it is not laid 
 out and diversified with those shady walks, canopied with ver- 
 dure, which add to the pleasantness of the gardens of Italy and 
 France, but of which the nature and usuage of this country 
 would not admit. 
 
 " This villa is built at the bottom of a valley, surrounded by 
 beautiful hills, clothed with trees. To get into the court (which
 
 xxxiv ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1669 
 
 is situated betwixt two large branches of the building that bound 
 two of its sides which correspond with each other as to their 
 shape and style of architecture, and have betwixt them the 
 principal part of the house which is in front) we ascend a bridge 
 of stone, under which is to run the water, which will collect in 
 great abundance from the springs that issue from the surround- 
 ing hills. The whole of the edifice is regularly built, both as to 
 its exterior and interior, and is richly ornamented with a stone of 
 white colour, worked in the most exquisite manner, which is dug 
 from a quarry at Weldon, fourteen miles distant. If they could 
 take off a certain natural roughness from this stone, and give it a 
 polish, it would not be inferior to marble. The ascent from the 
 ground floor to the noble story above, is by a spacious staircase 
 of the wood of the walnut tree, stained, constructed with great 
 magnificence ; this staircase, dinding itself into two equal 
 branches, leads to the grand saloon, from which is the passage 
 into the chambers, all of them regularly disposed after the Itahan 
 manner, to which country the Earl was indebted for a model of 
 the design, and it may be said to be the best planned, and best 
 arranged country seat in the kingdom ; for though there may be 
 many which surpass it in size, none are superior to it in symme- 
 trical elegance." Trarels of Cosmo III. Grand Duke of Tus- 
 can ij, through England, in 1669.; p. 21-8-i?50. edit. 18^1. 
 
 About five years afterwards, Althorp was first \isited by the 
 famous John Evelyn, whose description of it may be not less 
 interesting than the preceding : — " I went to see my Lord Sun- 
 derland's seat at Althorp, four miles from the ragged towne of 
 Northampton (since burned, and well rebuilt.) Tis placed in a 
 pretty open bottome, very finely watred and flanqued with 
 stately woods and groves in a parke, with a canall, but the water 
 is not running, which is a defect. The house [is] a kind of 
 modern building, of free-stone ; within, most nobly furnished. 
 The apartments very commodious, a gallerie and noble hall, 
 but the kitchen being in the body of the house, and a cha- 
 pell too small, were defects.* There is an old, yet honorable 
 gate house, standing awry, and outhousing meane, but design'd 
 
 • These are seen, to the left of the house, in the view in Cosmo's Travels.
 
 —1702.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xxxv 
 
 to be taken away. It was moated round after the old manner, 
 but it is now dry, and turfed with a beautiful carpet. Above all, 
 are admirable and magnificent, the severall ample gardens fur- 
 nished with the choicest fi-uite, and exqiusitely kept. Create 
 plenty of oranges and other curiosities. The parke full of fowle, 
 especially hemes ; and from it a prospect to Hohnby House, 
 which being demolished in the late civil warrs, shews like a 
 Roman mine, shaded by the trees about it, a stately, solemn, 
 and pleasing view." Evelyns Memoirs, vol. i. 478. 
 
 From that period, till the death of Lord Sunderland in 1702, 
 Evelyn continued a constant visitor, and was a most welcome 
 guest, at Althorp. The intunacy between him and its noble pro- 
 prietors was of the most unreserved and confidential kind ; and 
 both the Countess of Sunderland and the Countess of Bristol* 
 her mother, relied upon his judgment, and were influenced by 
 his advice, upon all matters of importance. In the year 1688, 
 Evelyn thus describes his visit to Althoi-p — which proves that no 
 small pains were taken to make his journey thither m every 
 respect comfortable : 
 
 * Lady Bristol was the wife of the famous Earl of Bristol Cof whom, in the 
 ensuing pages) and sister of the unfortunate Lord Russell. She was, there- 
 fore, aunt to William, first Duke of Bedford, As a confirmation of the intimacy 
 between her and Evelyn, I present the reader with a transcript of an original 
 letter from her in the possession of Mr. Upcott — unimportant in itself, but 
 confirmative of the familiar manner in which they treated each other: 
 
 " Monday Night, 20th Jan. 1689-90. 
 
 Mr. Eveling, — I send this to thanke you fory^ favour you did me this 
 morning, and hope you gott noe Cold, if it may not be prejudicial! to your 
 healthe \v"' 1 preferr before any thing in y' world, and if yo'': occasions will 
 pmit, I should be very glad, you could be at y*^ House of Comoas dore too 
 morrow, y' you may vnderstand w' is done in y* Act of Indemnitye, for since I 
 saw you, I am told there will be a great debate vpon it, and as you come fro 
 thence, be pleased to eate a bitt of mutton w"' rae and y'': good friend Mr. Bris- 
 cawen, you will be extreamlye welcome and give great satisfaction to me, to 
 vnderstand w' is past. I will stay till two of the clock to receive y' satisfaction, 
 beleive this truth that I am w* a most sincere heart, 
 yo': most faithfid and 
 
 affectionate freind to comand. 
 No. 69 ■ A. Bristoll.
 
 xxxvi ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1669 
 
 " I went to Althorp, in Northamptonshire, 70 miles. A coach 
 and four horses took up me and my sonn at White Hall, and 
 carried us to Dunstable, where we arrived and dined at noone ; 
 and from thence another coach and six horses carried us to 
 Althorp, four miles beyond Northampton, where we arrived by 
 seven o'clock that evening. Both these coaches were hired for 
 me by that noble Countesse of Sunderland who invited me to her 
 house at Althorp, where she entertained me and my sonn with 
 exti'aordinary kindness." Memoirs, vol. i. p. 651. 
 
 At the end of the year 1693, a shock of an earthquake was 
 felt at Althorp. " The 8th of this month " (October) says 
 Evelyn, " Lord Spencer wrote me word from Althorp, that 
 there happened an earthquake the day before, in the morning, 
 which though short, sensibly shook the house. The Gazette 
 acquainted us that the like happened at the same time, half-past 
 7 at Barnstaple, Holyhead, and Dublin. We were not sensible 
 of it here." 
 
 Thus nmch respecting the House : a word now respecting its 
 noble Owners. The character of Robert, Second Earl of Sun- 
 derland, is too well known in the armals of political history to 
 render an elaboi'ate account of it necessary in the present place. 
 I beUeve that his heartlessness and apostasies were too glaring 
 even for the ingenuity of an Apofogist: and, accordingly, he 
 
 seems to be 
 
 damned to everlasting fame 
 
 by the abuse of those talents, which, great by nature, and im- 
 proved by education,* and constant intercourse with the most 
 
 • Dryden dedicated his Troilus and Cressida to this same nobleman ; whom 
 the recent editor, (Sir Walter Scott) of that Poet's works, desiffnates as " being 
 a Tory under the reign of Charles, a Papist in that of his successor, and a 
 Wiig in that of William, and a favourite minister of all these monarchs. He 
 was a man (continues the Editor) of eminent abilities ; and our Author shews 
 a high opinion of his taste, I)y abstaining from gross flattery which was then the 
 fashionable style of dedication." It is, perhaps, dilhciilt to say what was consi- 
 dered as " gross flattery" in the time of Charles II. : but Dryden does not 
 scruple to observe that " he would say without flattery, he (Lord Sunderland) 
 had all the depth of understanding that was requisite in an able statesman, and 
 all that honesty which commonly is wanting ; that he was brave without vanity, 
 and knowing without positiveness ; that he was loyal to his prince, and a lover
 
 —1702.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xxxvii 
 
 illustrious characters of the clay, might have been directed to the 
 noblest of purposes. A Tory under Charles, a suspected Papist 
 under James, and a professed WTiig under William — distrusted 
 and hated, in turn, by Tory, Papist, and Wliig — he seemed to 
 be, like the Ziniri of Dryden, 
 
 every thing by starts, and nothing long. 
 
 His wealth, and the great respectability of his ancestors, added 
 to his natui'ally briUiant parts, smoothed his way to the highest 
 places in power ; and he might have long held the reins of go- 
 vernment in his hands as a popular and powerful Premier. But 
 his example proves the indelible disgrace attendant upon a 
 career commenced in duphcity, and tenninated by an utter dis- 
 regard of all honourable engagements. There have been few 
 greater political sin/iers than the second Earl of Sunderland ; who 
 required a more than usual share of domestic virtues to redeem 
 the profligacy of his public life.* In 1687, Lord Sunderland 
 
 of his country ; that his principles were full of moderation, and all his counsels 
 such as tended to heal, and not to widen, the breaches of the nation ; that in all 
 his conversation there appeared a native candour, and a desire of doing good in 
 all his actions." A little onward, we read thus. " Will your Lordship give 
 me leave to speak out at last? and to acquaint the world, that from your 
 encouragement and patronage, we may one day expect to speak and write a 
 language, worthy of the English wit, and which foreigners may not disdain to 
 learn ? Your birth, your education, your natural endowments, the former 
 employments which you have had abroad, and that which, to the joy of good 
 men, you now exercise at home, seem all to conspire to this design : the genius 
 of the nation seems to call you out, as it were by name, to polish and adorn your 
 native language, and to take from it the reproach of its barbarity." Dryilen's 
 (Forks, vol vi. p. 233, 236: edit. 1821. As the Earl of Sunderland was a 
 Torj', when Dryden pul)lished his Absalom and Achitophel, two years after the 
 publication of the Troths and Cressida, he of course escaped being introduced 
 into that strongly satirical poem ; but if Dryden had published something of 
 the kind in the reign of William 111. after Sunderland had been a Tory, Papist, 
 and AMiig, it is difficult to conceive how he would have escaped the severest 
 castigation of the poet. 
 
 * The reader may consult the pages of Sir IViU'mm Temple, Burnet, and 
 Collins ; and, latterly, the brief but masterly summary of Lord Sunderland's 
 character by Mr. Lodge — attached to Portraits r^ Illustrious Characters. A 
 few words orUy need be submitted in this place. " Burnet," says Mr. Lodge, 
 " is the only writer who has endeavoured to find excuses for the frightful faults
 
 xxxviii ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1069 
 
 was made a Knight of the Gavtev, by James ; and, in return for 
 that Monarch's mark of distinction, he strove to bring about 
 those measures wliich compelled him to alxlicate his throne, and 
 which brought about the Revolution of 1G88. 
 
 The latter years of the reign of William witnessed the last 
 straggles and the final dismission of Lord Sunderland ; not, 
 however, before the mansion of Althorp had been lighted up by 
 the sunshine of another royal visit. In the year lG9o William 
 spent not less than a week at Althorp.* He came there direct 
 from Newmarket ; and during his stay (says Mr. Baker) " an 
 immense concourse of the nol)ility, gentry, and principal inhabi- 
 tants of the county, resorted to pay their res))ects to him." 
 Evelyn says, " he was mightily entertained at Althorp." Me- 
 moirs, vol. ii. p. 50.-f- In the year 1697, William was compelled, 
 reluctantly, to dismiss his favourite minister; and there is good 
 reason to think, that the solitude of Althorp (which, in the vir- 
 tuous minds of his ancestors, produced other and better fruits) 
 begat those reflections which probably hastened his dissolution.^ 
 
 of this Nobleman's conduct." Yet Burnet allows that " Lord Sunderland 
 chanfjed sides after, with little rejjard either to religion or the interest of his 
 country. He had, indeed, (continues Burnet) the superior genius to all the 
 men of business that 1 have yet known." Hisl. of his Own Timi's, vol. i. '6bA. 
 James II. (in the Memoirs of his own Life published hij Macpherson) called him 
 " the most mercenary man in the world" — having not only a pension from the 
 Prince of Orange, but one also from the King of France. His conduct to the 
 Duke of Monmouth was a masler])icce of the most detestable and complex 
 treachery. And in regard to James himself, it is certain that he secretly agi- 
 tated and matured those measures, which led to that monarch's abdication : 
 although he must not be supposed to be a sharer in the " glory" of the Revo- 
 lution of 1688. 
 
 * Baker; p. 111. Lord Spencer informs me that he remembers an old 
 woman, living upon the premises, and l)elonging to the establishment, who 
 told him that she had a perfect recollection of this visit — and especially of the 
 body guard of King William, being drawn up in the square, before the house, 
 with ilrawn swords. 
 
 t In the same breath, almost, he adds : — " I din'd at Lord Sunderland's, now 
 the greate favourite and underhand ])olitician, but not adventuring on any cha- 
 racter, being obnoxious to the people for liaving twice changed his religion." 
 Ibid. 
 
 X It was dm-ing his last retreat at .Mthorp, that Lady Sunderland wrote thus 
 to Evelj-n — in reply to a letter from him respecting an application to the King,
 
 —1702.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xxxix 
 
 From the recent publication of the Correspondence of Charles 
 Talbot, Diilce of Shrewsbury * by that distinguished historian and 
 biographer the Rev. Mr. Archdeacon Coxe, we are enabled to 
 ascertain some few further particulars of the close of Lord Sun- 
 derland's political life. Never was there a more powerful instance 
 of " the ruhng passion strong in death" than that which is 
 afforded by the latter days of the nobleman in question. The 
 Earl of Sunderland panted to the very last for place and power ; 
 and whatever might have been his confessions to his wife, or the 
 philosophical turn of resignation given to his privacy and retire- 
 ment, yet it now appears, that, as late as the year 1700, he came 
 up again to town, with strongly renewed hopes of admission into 
 the ministry : — notwithstanding he had told his most confidential 
 friend, Mr. Vernon,-f more than two years before — on the eve of 
 
 in favour of a friend, to obtain a medical professorship at Oxford. The letter 
 is dated from Althorp, Sept. 31, 1G98 : " To this matter you desire, I cant see 
 any \vay proper for me or my Lord to medle in it, he is now setled in this place 
 out of all busines, nether writes to y'^ king nor medls with any thing. So y' it 
 would be very improper for him to apear in this request." Yet they were then 
 gay at Althorp. She says " she has had so much company, she has scarce had 
 time to wTyte 3 lines. She concludes by beseeching him to " pray for her as 
 he had often promised." 
 
 * Private and Original Correspondence of Charles Talbot, Duke of Slirews- 
 hxiry, with King IVilliam, the Leaders of the Whig party, and other distinguished 
 Statesmen, Sfc. London, 1821. 4to. 
 
 t This letter, with its introductory prefix, is well worth sulmiitting to the 
 reader's |)articular attention. " The extraordinary' incident, which the principal 
 actor thus briefly imparts, is detailed, with all its concomitant circumstances, 
 in a letter from Mr. Vernon to the Duke of S., dated Dec, 27th, Jan. 6th, 
 1697-8. 
 
 " I make the more haste to acknowledge tlie honour of your grace's letter of 
 the 25th, because I would not delay acquainting you, that my Lord Sunderland 
 would not stay to be addressed from court, and, therefore, last night, he deli- 
 vered up his key and staff. He was with the King al)out a quarter of an hour 
 before the cabinet sat, and when he came out of the closet, he took me down 
 to his lodgings, and said, he had pressed the King he might resign, not being 
 able to bear any longer the life he had led. That the King did not think fit he 
 should leave his key there, but gave him leave to put it in my hands, which he 
 accordingly did, cutting it off from his side. 
 
 " When I came up stairs again, I found those were not the directions, 
 but what he would absolutely do ; for the King would not have the key thus 
 VOL. I. f
 
 xl ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 16(59 
 
 his departure for Althorp — that " there was no rack like to 
 WHAT HE suffered!" — a frightful picture of the fruits of insince- 
 rity and apostasy. 
 
 The year following the preceding declaration to his friend, 
 Lord Sunderland wrote to the minister, the Duke of Shrews- 
 bury — between whom and his corresjiondent a strong personal 
 intimacy seems to have subsisted — that " at Althorp and at Ken- 
 sington, he should always be of the same mind." Correspondence, 
 &c. p. 527. And in the following month, he comforted himself 
 with this avowal to the same noble correspondent : " I can say, 
 with exact truth, for five or six years, that I have had the honour 
 to be near the King, I have assisted the party I joined with, and 
 every individual man of the party, according to my dealing with 
 them, to the best of my understanding ; but if nineteen things 
 are done, and the twentieth remains undone, though it is impos- 
 sible, you know how it is ; and yet my politics are not changed, 
 nor shall they, no more than the sincerity with which I am, and 
 will for ever be," &c. p. 535. 
 
 In the month of June ensuing, Lord Sunderland writes again 
 to the Duke, and says, that he " intends going to Althorp next 
 
 delivered, much less through my hands, and when tlie cabinet was up, I was 
 sent to him to Erles Court [the seat of his friend Mr. Guy], to desire he woidd 
 take his key again, l)ut he would not endure to hear of it. I begged only he 
 would suspend his resolution 'till next day, tlrat he had spoke to my Lord ( 'han- 
 ccUor, who had not then been then present at council, acquainting him, that 
 the King had told it to my Lord Orf<ird, who very much disapproved of \vhat 
 he had done. He was imaltcrably fixed to hear no more of it, and never to 
 meddle with that, or any other public employment. I put him in mind that 
 he wouhl gi\ e contrary advices, to those who were as uneasy in their em])loy- 
 ments, as he might be ; and since he did it in consideration of tlie King's ser- 
 vice, whether the same considerations ought not to prevail on him when the 
 King found himself in such distress, by being forsaken of those, whom he 
 placed the greatest confidence in, and I hope whatsoever disgusted him might 
 l)e made easier. He said it was not on account of the Parliament only, that he 
 came to this resolution : for he had otherwise led the life of a dog, having done 
 all that was in his power for the service of a party, whom he could never oblige 
 to live easily with him, or to treat liim with common civility. He came out 
 with one expression, which I shall never mention, but to your grace — that 
 there was no rack like to what he suffered, by being ground as he had 
 been, between Lord Monmouth and Lord Wiarton." p. 510, &c.
 
 —1702.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xli 
 
 week, and designs to be there all winter, and never more to 
 trouble himself, or any body else, with public business" — and 
 from the sequel, he seems to have solaced himself with carrying 
 thither the kind remembrances of his friends, and the approba- 
 tion of his sovereign. That William adhered to him to the very 
 last, is most certain ; and that the Duke of Shrewsbury visited 
 Althorp in 1699, with the hope of getting him again into the 
 cabinet, seems also certain — from the pages (586, &c.) of the 
 work last referred to. He however came up to town, under the 
 alleged excuse of marrying his son to the Duke of Marlborough's 
 second daughter ; with an intimation, on the part of the Duke, 
 then Lord Marlborough, that " the King had said to him [the 
 Duke] that he thought it would be proper for him to come to 
 London." WTiereupon he " prays the Duke to assure His Ma- 
 jesty that he should always obey his commands" — p. 592: and 
 this, with the view of the rack before him . . . upon which he had 
 suffered such tortures ! 
 
 It seems certain (from this pubhcation) that the famous Lord 
 Somers, then Chancellor, had long looked upon Sunderland with 
 a suspicious eye : but even the removal of that great man from 
 power, could not facilitate measures which were hkely to lead to 
 the reinstatement of Sunderland. One more quei-ulous and Je- 
 suitical letter was written by Sunderland, to the Duke of Shrews- 
 bury—dated Althorp, Nov. 1699 — and another from the same to 
 the same, dated London, Feb. 1700; but, says Mr. Coxe, "Sun- 
 derland was too much disliked and suspected by the Whigs, to 
 ga^ their attention to any pi-oposal, of which he was the author." 
 p. 614. Yet the King " again recurred to Sxmderland, and 
 earnestly required his presence at court. But the veteran states- 
 man (says Mr. Coxe) was now himself discouraged from all far- 
 ther interference ; and to avoid the blame of having recommended 
 such measures, as his royal master was disposed to adopt, he 
 positively declined to obey the order, though several times re- 
 peated, and finally by a letter in the King's own hand. This 
 conduct (continues the same writer) is a strong proof of his good 
 faith in the preceding transactions, and evinces the sincerity of 
 his declaration, that if he could not conciliate the Whigs, he 
 would, at least, suffer with them," p. 625. Lord Sunderland
 
 xlii ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1669 
 
 needed some salvo, however trifling, in the multiplicity of enor- 
 mities of which his political life was made up. He died at Al- 
 thorp two yeai's after this fruitless negotiation, in 1702. 
 
 Upon the chai-acter of the second Earl of Sunderland, there 
 seems to be but one opinion. It remains to notice that of his con- 
 sort, Anxe ; daughter, and afterwards heiress, of George Diffbi/, 
 second and last Earl of Bristol, (of that family) and Knight of the 
 Garter, who married the sister of the unfortunate Lord Russell. 
 Anne, second Countess of Sunderland, " was a lady (says Collins) 
 distinguished for her refined sense, subtle wit, admirable address, 
 and every shining (|uality." This opinion, however, may be con- 
 sidered a little too unejualified ; or at least open to some animad- 
 version. My object, therefore, shall be to examine the premises 
 upon which a fair and impartial conclusion may be drawn re- 
 specting the character of this celebrated Lady. Luckily, some of 
 the most interesting and authentic anecdotes, relating to her, 
 have been preserved by JLvelyn ; and I have had access to other 
 sources yet more interesting, and fully as authentic — namely, to 
 upwards of fourscore original letters,* WTitten in the hand- 
 writing of the Countess, to Evelyn himself. 
 
 From the high circles in which she moved — arising as much 
 from the important situations filled by her husband, as from her 
 own hereditary rank — from the pecuUar spirit of intrigue, slander, 
 and obloquy, as well as from the general prevalence of talent, 
 wit, and gallantry of the age in which she lived — the second 
 Countess of Sunderland has been described in language of a 
 very opposite character, according as her conduct was viewed by 
 rivals, by friends, or by dependants. By the former,! she has 
 
 * In the possession of Mr. Upcott, of the London Institution, who has trea- 
 sures of this kind of a very peculiar and valuable character. His ready com- 
 pliance with my request, in the loan of this, and of other similar volumes, 
 demands my public acknowledpncnts and thanks. 
 
 t In a recent publication, entitled Some Account of the Life of Rachel ffrio- 
 thesleij Lady Russell, ^-c. 1820, 8vo. the Editor has supplied a note, in which 
 is the following character of Lady Sunderland, by the Princess Anne of Den- 
 mark, to her sister, the Princess of Orange, a few months before the Revolu- 
 tion — taken from Dalrymple's Memoirs, vol. ii. p. 298. 
 
 " His lady, too, (i. e. Lady Sunderland) is as extraordinary in her kind, for 
 she 13 a flattering, dissembling, false woman ; but she has so fawning and
 
 —1702.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xliii 
 
 been accused of falsehood and hj-pocrisy- But accusations from 
 rivals are always to be received with caution ; and the political 
 annals of the latter half of the seventeenth century were so 
 much, if not entirely, governed by female influence and intrigue, 
 that it is entirely difficult, at this distant period, to come to a 
 satisfactory conclusion respecting them. Above all, do such ac- 
 cusations bear a very suspicious character, when they appear to 
 arise almost entirely from the bitterness of party spirit. That 
 the Countess of Sunderland was faithless to her husband (as the 
 preceding note intimates) appears to be wholly and grossly false. 
 That she was insincere in her devotions, by attending more to 
 the form than to the spirit of public worship, is, at any rate, a gra- 
 tuitous assertion on the part of her accuser — and is only one of 
 the many frequently-recurring instances of drawing general con- 
 clusions from particular circumstances. That she went hand in 
 
 endearing a «av, that she will deceive any body at first, and it is not possible 
 to find out all her ways in a little time. Then she has had her gallants, thotigh 
 may be not so many as some ladies here : and with all these good qualities, 
 she is a constant churchwoman ; so that to outward appearance, one would 
 take her for a saint, and to hear her talk, would think she was a very good Pro- 
 testant ; but she is as much one as the other : for it is certain that her Lord 
 
 doesnothing without her." March 13, 1688. she goes to St. Martin's 
 
 morning and afternoon (because there are not people enough to see her in 
 Whitehall chapel,) and is half an hoiu- before other people come, and half an 
 hour after every body is gone, at her private devotions. She runs from church 
 to church after the most famous preachers, and keeps such a clatter with her 
 devotions, that it really turns one's stomach. Sure never was a couple so well 
 matched as she and her good husband ; for as she is throughout, in all her ac- 
 tions, the greatest jade that ever was, so he is the subtillest, workingnest villain, 
 that is on the face of the earth." March 20, 1688, p. 100. Evelyn, however, is 
 referred to for frequent and more honourable mention of Lady Sunderland. 
 
 In the preceding letter, the Princess .-Vnne pretty roundly calls the Earl of 
 Godolphin, " by all outward appearance, a great knave !" — and in the letter, 
 above quoted, she thus says of Lady Simderland : " She cares not at what rate 
 she lives, but never pays any body. She will cheat, though it be for a little." 
 The recent Editor of Lady Russell's letters has (accidentally, I presume) 
 omitted this passage. See also Lady Rachel Russell's letters to Lady Sim- 
 derland, in the Letters of the former, published by Sir J. Dalrymple, 17/3, 
 4to. p. 155-187. If Lady Sunderland was insincere, Lady Russell must of 
 necessity be equally insincere — for her language to her correspondent is the 
 language of admiration and affection.
 
 xliv ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1G69 
 
 hand witli her husbiind in all his acts of duplicity and baseness, 
 may be directly denied. Her own confessions of his errors, of 
 his misery, and penitence ; her hopes and prayers for his iimend- 
 ment* — when writing to her most intimate friend and counsellor, 
 
 * Even when he was made Secretary of State, in 1G78-9, she \vrites thus to 
 Evelyn: " I pray God direct my Lord, and prosper him to y" good of his 
 fontrcy and to (iod's glory. Pray for him and mco, and lone mcc I lieg of you, 
 
 fori am siiircroly your frcind, &c be so charitalile as to furnish mee w"' 
 
 some prayer particular to this occasion." She says at the l)cginning of her 
 letter, " I canot thinke it (the honor of being made S' of State) worth y* re- 
 joicing much at as times now are." About ten years afterwards, she thus 
 addresses the same friend with considerable agony of feeling, at the end of a 
 short but very religious letter — Octiilter ii. [1G88]: " Forget not my Lord 
 in your prayers for his conucrsion, \v'''' if 1 could see, I could witli comfort 
 liue in any part of y<^ world on very little." And see the extract at p. .\x.\i.\, 
 ante. 
 
 Her subsequent letters are full of similar demonstrations of feeling. Thus, 
 when at Amsterdam, in March, 1()89, she writes to Evelyn in the following 
 strain : " I am sure you have licard of y^ vnusual proceeding my L'' mett w'" 
 
 in this contrey, but by y'' king's grace and justice he is releast 1 thank 
 
 God my L'' is come to a most comfortable frame of mind, and a serious con- 
 sideration of his past life, w"" is so great a comfort to me ; y' I must call upon 
 you my good frend to thanke God for it, and to pray that I maybe truly thank- 
 full." Again \nJune, in the same year: " I think I ought to be tilled w"' 
 praises to God Almightye y' by thes methods has reduet my husliand from y 
 error of lus ways. Indeed I think he is a true penitent ; and when melancholy 
 thoughts lay hold on me, 1 fear 'tis a great fault, for y"^ punishments are so 
 litle in comparison of our deserts y' wonder of his mercye ought to fill my 
 heart, and Icaue no room for any sorrow but for lla^ ing sinned against so good 
 and gracious a God. Indeed when 1 thinke I may live and serve that God who 
 has done so much for us, with my poor Lord, in one and y'' same holy religion, 
 it dos transport me, and I thinke thers nothing I coiUd not go through to have it. 
 Pray for it, pray for him, for mo, and believe me y' I am," Ike. The first part 
 of this letter relates to tlie illness and recovery of tlie son of the famous Earl of 
 Godol|)hin. 
 
 But once more — when at " Utrecht, Noiie.n. y" 28, old stile, 1689 : we are, 1 
 thanke God, in good health, and liue a quiett, I hope honest, life. 'Tis so great 
 y" comfort I enjoy, tlu^ough God's mercve, in seeing my Lord so convinct of his 
 errors y' I were highly to blame if I did not l)eg your tliankfuU remembrance 
 of y" blessing so unworthv me, who have deserued nothing but stripes. Dear 
 frend remember me, pray for us, and love me." Now may it not be fairly asked, 
 whether a wife, who had connived at her husband's mal-practices (as the cha- 
 racter given of her by the Princess Anne — above quoted — implies) coiJd pos-
 
 —1702.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xlv 
 
 Evelyn — ought to be received as a complete refutation of such a 
 charge ; especially as EveljTi, whose character was even above 
 suspicion, had been her adviser, and bosom friend, as it were, for 
 nearly thirty years : — while he was a man of too much penetra- 
 tion to be blind to such duplicity, and of too unsullied an integ- 
 rity to wink at it if it existed. 
 
 It seems certain that her mother-in-law, the famous Dorothy 
 Sidney, better known by the name of Sacharissa, had a pretty 
 strong aversion to her, and to her eldest son, Robert.* She viewed 
 her daughter-in-law in the light of a rival, rather than in that of a 
 close and intimate alliance. They were both women of talent and 
 celebrity, and jealous of the increase of each other's reputation. 
 The Dowager Lady Sunderland seems rarely or never to have 
 been at Althorjj, during the residence of her daughter-in-law 
 there; but enjoyed an elegant retreat at Penshurst, with a join- 
 ture (from her late husband, the first Earl of Sunderland) of one 
 half of the rents and profits of Wormleighton.-f The Princess 
 Anne, and the Dowager Lady Simderland, are therefore not the 
 most unexceptionable authorities to which we must refer, in 
 forming a judgment of the character of the lady in question. 
 
 sibly have written in this strain to her most intimate friend? — to a man, upon 
 whose judgment she always relied, and in whose confidence she most implicitly 
 trusted? Assuredly she could not. 
 
 * In the first of Saeharissa's, or of the Dowager Lady Sunderland's letters 
 (.published in the work mentioned in a note at page xliii) to her son-in-law. 
 Lord Halifax, there is the follo«-ing flippant notice of the daughter-in-law and 
 grandson. " My son (says the Dowager) returned with His Majesty; but my 
 daughter is here to my cost : she has begged a dinner of me to-day," p. 328. 
 Surely there was no very great stretch of liberality in giving her daughter-in- 
 law a dinner ! At page 347, she alludes rather abruptly to the intended mar- 
 riage of her grandson, Robert, Lord Spencer — with (as I presume) the daughter 
 of Sir Stephen Fox — " My Lady Scroope had heard it, (she adds) but says she 
 is not fit for him : she is eighteen years old. Her mother sent my daughter 
 Sunderland a fan, with diamonds upon the sticks, that cost fifty pistoles : she 
 had sent her a Japan cabinet ; this is Madame de Gorvenet." The Dowager 
 generally avoids the mention of her daughter-in-law with that of her son. She 
 was singular in this exception. 
 
 f So I find in one of Lady Sunderland's letters to Evelyn, of the date of May, 
 1681 : — in which there is a very particular account of the proceeds of the War- 
 wickshire and Northamptonshire estates. It concludes thus : " Half of 
 Worraleightou is in joynture to my Lady Sunderland."
 
 xlvi ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A.D. 1GG9 
 
 The recently published Memoirs of John Evelyn, which throw 
 an equal interest about the times to which they relate, and the 
 author by whom the narrative is given, have introduced us more 
 particularly to the mansion of Altiiokp, than any publication 
 with which I am acquainted. In those Memoirs, the frequent 
 and familiar mention of Lady Sunderland, shews upon what 
 an intimate footinj; the author and the Countess lived ; and 
 the express and studied eulogy uj)on her character (towards 
 the close of the first volume of his Memoirs) is a confiniiation 
 that the Countess was above the petty intrigues and vile arts of 
 which a few of her contemporaries had accused her. The pas- 
 sage I allude to, is the following ; preceded, as the reader will 
 observe, by a brief description of the mansion, as it stood in 1688. 
 " The house, or rather palace at Altiiorp, is a noble, uniform 
 pile, in form of a half II. built of brick and freestone, ballustred, 
 and a la moderne ; the hall is well, the staircase excellent ; the 
 rooms of state, gallerys, offices, and furniture, such as may be- 
 come a greate prince. It is situate in the midst of a garden, ex- 
 quisitely planted and kept, and all this in a parke wall'd in with 
 hewn stone, planted with rows and walkes of trees, canals, and 
 fish ponds, and stor'd with game. And what is ahorc all tiiis, 
 govern'd by a ladv, who without any show of sollicitude, keepes 
 every thing in such admirable order, both within and without, 
 from the garret to the cellar, that I do not believe there is any in 
 this nation, or in any other, that exceedcs her in such exact 
 order, without ostentation, but substantially greate and noble. 
 The meanest servant is lodg'd so neat and cleanly ; the service at 
 the several tables, the good order and decency — in a word, the 
 intire oeconomy — is perfectly becoming a wise and noble person. 
 She is one, who for her distinguish'd csteeme of nic from a long 
 and worthy friendship, I must ever honour and celebrate. I 
 wish from my soul the lord her husband (whose parts and abili- 
 ties are otherwise conspicuous) was as worthy of her, as by a 
 fatal apostasy and court ambition he has made himself unworthy. 
 This is what she deplores, and it renders her as much affliction 
 as a lady of greate soul and much prudence is capable of." 
 Memoirs; vol. i. p. 6.52. 
 
 At the same time, it cannot be denied that Lady Sunderland's
 
 —1702.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xlvii 
 
 civilities to Evelyn were not wholly disinterested.* I am willing 
 to admit that there was much in the character of that amiable 
 man, which, of itself, requited every one that sought his friend- 
 ship ; and that Evelyn counselled her to what was always most 
 just, honourable, and praiseworthy. t He united, in short, the 
 qualities of steward, friend, and pastor. He rejoiced with her in 
 prosperity, and mourned with her in adversity.;}: She received 
 from him both temporal and spiritual comfort. Yet, in the strain 
 of her letters, there is a good deal that looks like obsequiousness, 
 and something that savors of being "righteous over much." That 
 her sorrows were at times severe, cannot be doubted. The 
 wretched life of her eldest son, and the premature death of the 
 virtuous Countess of Arran, her daughter§ — and, yet more than 
 either, the thorough detestation in which she must have seen the 
 
 * She was indebted to him (probably upon her husband's account ?) in the 
 sum of 500/. and makes frequent apologies for the non-pa^•ment of interest. 
 She was also too lavish of her expressions of admiration, obligation, and de- 
 votion. To say the truth, Evelyn was a little susceptible of flattery ; and the 
 attentions of so celebrated a woman went a great way to win his heart. 
 
 t His conduct on the proposed marriage of Robert, Lord Spencer, with the 
 only daughter of Sir Stephen Fo-t — which was lu-ged by the Countess with an 
 indecent precipitancj- — redounds highly to his honour. The anecdote is well 
 told by him : see his Memoirs, vol. i. p. 633. It seems the yoimg lady was 
 scarcely thirteen. Nor did Sir Stephen behave with less prudence and pro- 
 priety. The Coimtess herself thus writes to Eveh-n upon the subject : " This 
 busines lyes so much upon ray heart, y' 1 canot let this post pass w""out assur- 
 ing you sincerly y' I had rather marry my son to S' Steuen Fo.xe's daughter w"' 
 twelue thousand pound, if our circumstances would admitt of it, then to any 
 other I can thinke of w* twice y' sum, so great a ualew have I for thos two 
 good people, he and his lady." The match came to nothing. Sir Stephen's 
 daughter died — and her intended lover died at Paris, — a few years afterwards, 
 a bachelor. 
 
 + Evelyn used to dine with the Countess when she invited fire-eaters, stone- 
 eaters, and opera singers, after the fashion of the day; see his Memoirs, \-a\.\. 
 p. 458, 483, 579. On the other hand, he supplied her with manuals of devo- 
 tion ; vol. ii. p. 230. 
 
 § See Evelyn's letter of condolence to her upon this occasion, in his Me- 
 moirs, vol. ii. p. 252. Her marriage is noticed by him in the prerious volume, 
 p. 644 : " I and mv family (says he) had most glorious favoiu-s sent us, the 
 wedding being celebrated with e.xtraordinary splendour." She married the 
 Earl of Arran, eldest son to the Duke of Hamilton. 
 VOL. I. g
 
 xlviii ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1669 
 
 public character of her husband held — were doubtless suffi- 
 cient to tame the proudest spirit, and to humble the loftiest 
 hopes. 
 
 In the midst, however, of contending factions, and public and 
 private rivalries, the second Coinitess of Sunderland maintained 
 at Althorp all the splendour and hospitality which was worthy 
 of the renown of her husband's ancestors. After the fashion of 
 the age, she united in herself many excellent and useful qualities, 
 as a house-keeper ; and appeared to be as knowing in the proper- 
 ties of oatmeal and culinary plants,* as in the discipline of the 
 kitchen and buttery. Nor was she less alive to out-of-door con- 
 cerns. In one of her letters to Evelyn, she gives instructions 
 about the building of a room, in which Sir Christopher Wren 
 was to be consulted ; and in another she betrays equal solicitude 
 about the conveyance of orange trees, and the safe arrival of the 
 baggage of her servants.-f The entire occupation of her hus- 
 
 • July 23, 16S9. " I agree w"' you in y" prais of uatmcal as I Jo in most 
 things ; but canot alow any coincnts on Mrs. Evelyn's puding w*'' I wont call 
 by y" usuall name becaus you dont like it ; but I wish you had eat of it heer on 
 Sunday, twould have l)oen almost to y*^^ shame of oatnu'al, &c. Y"' spirit of 
 cinamon ofonds you, but twas not posible to pour it of \v"'out y' oyle, w''' I 
 was asurcd was not to itts prejudice. If Mrs. Susan would trust me w'" her 
 weaving loom it should be safely and speedily retiu'ned, and she would deserue 
 more thanks then her father, who wont trust me w"' a glass dropper. Never- 
 therless I am faithfully hers. A. S. To J. Evelyn " From Mr. Upeott's Col- 
 lection. 
 
 t In a letter dated Althorp, 4 Aug. 1 6/7, she thus writes to Evelyn : — " ray 
 servant writes mee word my L' Chamberlin has sent to y* workmen not to 
 proceed till he has seen whether it will not preiudice my l*" of Londons closet, 
 and y' he would come him self, but [by] y last post I heer he has not been 
 ther, and so my poor palass stands at a stay ; I supose he has forgot it. Now 
 if you would be so kind as to speake w''" his Lords*'' and represent to him y' y" 
 height of my ambition is to have a bricke penthous instead of a wooden one I 
 
 had before, &c and bee pleased once more to looke in, for I do thinke 
 
 y' by y' buttress of y' chapcle ther might be caryed up a very little chimney in 
 
 yL- corner, so as to be l)uilt up aboue y"' chapell, &c I thinke you 
 
 had best say nothing of it to y' surueighcr l)eeaus he makes such a bustle, and 
 I am sure if it can be done in that comer it canot hurt y chapell," &c. And 
 from the same place, dated Murcli \ 6, 1690 : — after a bustling letter describ- 
 ing the removal to O.xford and ^Vlthorp : " Pray tell redin y' if he can conuc- 
 niently come down to me to be heer about y'^ 26 of this month, or if by y' time
 
 —1702.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. xlix 
 
 band, by public affairs, in which he had played the parts of 
 Ambassador, Secretary of State, and Prime Minister, rendered 
 it absolutely necessary that an establishment, like that of Al- 
 THORP, should be managed by prudent and skilful hands; and 
 from the testimony of Evelyn, it appears that such prudence and 
 skill were abundantly found in the then mistress of the mansion.* 
 Meanwhile, there can be no doubt that the conversation and 
 graces of the drawing-room were directed and displayed with 
 equal fehcity ; and that Althoi-p, at this period, was not less 
 celebrated for the rank and distinction of its visitors, than for the 
 splendour and liberality of its entertainments. 
 
 Upon the whole, it cannot be denied that the second Coun- 
 tess of Sunderland was placed in a very dehcate, and at times 
 critical, situation ; and that she fulfilled the duties of that situ- 
 ation with credit to herself, and satisfaction to her most intimate 
 friends. While she was a liberal hostess, she was a fond wife 
 and an indulgent mother ; and her talents, as exercised in re- 
 flections upon pubhc characters and public events, were vigorous 
 and sound.t Every thing human is, and ever will be, frail and 
 
 he has not dispateht his afaires as soon as he can ; our Carier lies at y'^ rain in 
 Smithficld, and goes out etiery thursday morning ; what things he has to send 
 down let him vnrite on them his name — to be left at althorpe. They will come 
 safe. Excuse this trouble." 
 
 * See Evelyn's testimony at page xlvi. 
 
 f I put together a few extracts, taken fi-om the valuable volume of letters, 
 noticed at page xlii , ante : — of a miscellaneous political complexion. First 
 from a letter (to Evelyn) dated Decern. 25, 1678, 8 a clocke at night — mention- 
 ing some particulars relating to the murder of Sir E. Godfray : " Y"; day you 
 went, BEDLO cast his eye upon a man y' folowed his coach, and on the suden 
 cr\'ed out that they should lay hold of him for y' was y'' man that he had de- 
 scribed to y"" two houses, aud that he could neuer find. Upon w'^" y' man was 
 seised, loaded wi" chains, and sent to nevvgate. bedlo swears he was one that 
 killed GODFRAV, and y' if he would confess he could make great discoverys; 
 upon w"^'" y^ lords obtained his pardon of y* king and went on munday w"" it to 
 y' dungeon, wher they were a considerable time — my 1'' \vinchester 1'' Essex 1'' 
 Shaftesbury l"" grey — at their coining away (for He tell it vou all in y' form) y"^ 
 king went to my 1'' Winchester and askt htm what they had discouered ? he an- 
 swered not any thing; y' y* felow seemed to lie an idle felow and contra- 
 dicted himself, w"" very well satisfied y' king. But they had enterd into a 
 solemn oath not to discouer, and raundaynight [qu ?] obtained a warrant from
 
 1 ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1669 
 
 faulty ; but the shining parts of this l.idy's character, which owe 
 their lustre to the integrity and fidelity of her conduct, throw her 
 demerits into a distant shade. She survived her husband about 
 
 secretary Williamson to search somerset lions, whcr they found all y' jjeoplo, 
 save one y' [he] had told them, and seised them." 
 
 " This made a great noys yesterday, and this felow, w'''' is a silucr smith, and 
 nst to clean y'' plate of y'^ queens chapel, was hroutjlit before y" kinjr and coun- 
 cill, and upon search [they] are now satisfied y'= murder [of Sir E. Ciodfray] 
 was done at Somerset hous. Y*" king himself begins to belieue it. INIy l^ 
 belasis is stiU named to be y' chief in it by this felow to, seuerall other uery 
 scurveigh circimistances he told, and scueral more he has told in private, to a 
 eomitee.of y' hous of conions last uiglit, who were writing down wliat he said 2 
 hours at yi' prison. One thing more 1 must not omitt — which is sad for somer- 
 set lious — y' in y searcli after y men this feluw acused, they found betweeu 50 
 and 60 Irish and other priests, but not having [a] warrant to seis them they 
 could not. It was odious enough to y"' peoi)le before this discouery. I am 
 called away, and can only assure you of my sincere friendsliip." No. 18. 
 
 There is some point, and mudi good sense, in the following; dated If'/ii/i-- 
 htill, 28 Oct. 16/8: " This day the two houses were much alarmed w"' sir Kd- 
 ward Rich of Lincoln inn coming when they were sitting and bidding them 
 begon, or they woidd be aU blown up, upon w*^'' ther was search made but 
 nothing found, and he lookt uiion as a ma<l man for his intelligence. The 
 comons sent up to the Lords to joyn with them in making all papists incapaljle 
 of assisting in ether hous, but as yet they have don nothing in it. There is a 
 strange consternation amongst all sorts of people. 1 beseech god fitt us to 
 
 bear all y^ sad things wee have in prospect prepared for us Madam 
 
 Masarin was named in the hous of comons to day for one of the popes emi- 
 sarys. Twere to be wisht that assembly would sticke to y weightier concerns 
 of our laws and religion, but gods will must be done, and he knows what's best 
 for us. Pray for mee, and be as much my frend as lie indcauour to deserue. 
 1 wish w"' all my sonic youd shew mee your kindness in directing mee." 
 No. 17. 
 
 'I"he following are her sentiments upon the decapitation of her uncle, the 
 unfortunate Lord Russell. It is dated 22 July, 1683; " I have so much expe- 
 rience of your good nature and compassion to your friends to fear your thinking 
 me guilty of any neglect or want of kiiidnes or respect to my fiends at detford, 
 beeaus I haue not been to uisit your daughter as I ought to have done in her 
 lying in, and as I should certaiidy for more reasons than one have seen detford 
 long liefore this time, had I not liin oucrwhelmed w"' y' misfortunes of a famyly 
 who haue taken up all my thouglits this 3 weeks ; and indeed my mother's part 
 v' she bears in it is so gricuous that I was obliged to go down to althorpc to 
 her, she not being well." No. 50. Yet Lady Sunderland has been accused of 
 displaying no sympathy 1
 
 T .Xrwina .Tixa ^ 
 
 Oficcrt.Scttlp* 
 
 af:: 
 
 XAH^D 
 
 From ajt ©li^iiaal IBrintittJ^ W SirT'.Lelv.in'die iSaUitryat Altfao.--,
 
 —1702.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. li 
 
 thirteen years; dying in 1715, but not before she had seen her 
 second son, Charles, united in marriage ; first, w-ith the noble 
 family of Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle ;* and, secondly, with 
 the not less illustrious house of Marlborough — from which 
 second marriage the dukedom is now derived. She also saw him 
 Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and Lord Privy Seal : just before 
 her decease. It only remains to request the reader's attention to 
 the Portrait by Sir P. Lelj'-f- of the lady whose character 
 has so long engaged his attention. It is taken from the original, 
 in the Gallery at Althorp ; althougJi Granger notices another 
 portrait of her, at Windsor, which has been mistaken for that of 
 her mothei'-in-law. 
 
 Charles, third Earl of Sunderland, was distinguished from 
 his youth for his love of learning. On the death of his elder bro- 
 ther Robert, in 1688, he necessarily became Lord Spencer ; and 
 I have perused a small volumej of original letters from him, to 
 Evelyn, of this period — in which he calls to mind the Althorp 
 Conversations of his friend — and sends him, as the fruits thereof, 
 
 * Lord Sunderland's marriage into the Newcastle family is thus mentioned 
 by his mother, in a letter to Evelyn , dated Althorp, Oct. 15, 1694 : " You had 
 not heard the news of my Lord Spencers marriage from any before me, had 
 not ther once bin a ruh in it, and when y' was ouer, the melancholy news I 
 heard of poor Mrs Draper [Evelyn's daughter:^] made it I thought improper 
 to trouble you w''' it. Tis now concluded, and y* writings drawing in y* law- 
 yers hands, who say they will be ready in a fortnight, by w''' time the Duches 
 of Newcastle and her daughter xvill be in town, and I and L"* Spencer ther to 
 meet them. She has 25000/. and I hear a good report [of her.] I beseech 
 God to give both them and us his blessing in this weighty afiiire, that she may 
 prove every way a good unfe for a very honest worthv good natured man, as 
 indeed I think he is, without partialitye. I promise myself a double share in 
 your prayers upon this great concern of a famylye that has receaued great 
 fauours from you," &c. 
 
 t See the opposite page. 
 
 X In the possession of Mr. L'pcott ; see page xlii, ante. The hand-writing 
 of the third Earl of Simderland may be called beautiful ; being, in this respect, 
 a great contrast to that of his noble mother ; of whose original letters (in the 
 same Collection) such ample use has been made. It should be noticed, that 
 Evelyn, in his Memoirs, always mentions Charles, the second son, as a young 
 man of great promise and attainments. 
 
 X Who had then just recovered from a severe illness.
 
 IH ACCOUNT OF ALTIIORP. [A. D. 1702 
 
 " a roiifrh and unpolished, torn, and ragged dissertation" (I quote 
 his words) — written in the Latin language, upon the following 
 subject : " An in Deditos qui inutili defensione (quanquam onini 
 spe aiixiUi destitiifi essent) nobis ncgotium faccsserunt, satire 
 liceat."* It was composed in consequence of what took place at 
 the siege of Limerick, after the battle of the Boyne. In a pre- 
 vious letter, he makes mention of Evelyn's " true Tusculum Dept- 
 fordiense, and to the Christian Cicero that is in it." 
 
 About four years after the date of this letter, Lord Spencer 
 took his seat in Parliament for Tiverton, in the county of Devon, 
 and served four succeeding Parliaments, for the same place ; till 
 he was called up, as third Earl of Sunderland, to the House of 
 Peers in 1702, on the death of his father. In the year 1705 his 
 Lordship was first engaged in a diplomatic capacity, as Envoy 
 Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Court of Menna ; and 
 continued from that tune, to the period of his death, to be em- 
 ploj-ed in almost all the important offices of state. After having 
 been, in rapid succession, a Privy Counsellor, Lord Lieutenant 
 of Ireland, Lord Privy Seal, and Secretary of State, he was made 
 Lord President and First Lord of the Treasury in 17 18- If). He 
 received the Garter about the same time ; and died in 1 7^2 — the 
 same year in which his father-in-law, the Duke of Marlborough, 
 expired. " In person (says Mr. Coxe-f) he was highly favoured 
 by nature, and no less liberally gifted with intellectual endow- 
 ments, which he had im]n-ovcd by assiduous study. He was re- 
 markable for a sedateness above his years ; but in him a bold 
 and impetuous spirit was concealed under a cold and reserved 
 exterior. Imbued with that ardent love of liberty, which the 
 youthful mind generally draws from the writers of Greece and 
 Rome, and educated amidst the effervescence which produced 
 
 • It concludes thus — " Quapropter ctianisicrndclis nomenapud homines dc- 
 cUnaret, qui in huiusmodi obstinatos defensores, ssvire voluerit, Imprudcntis 
 certh Imperatorh apud omncs, simul cum ingenti suo periculo nunquara cfFu- 
 
 ffiet. Addc quod 
 
 Sed iam tempus equftra fumantia solvere colla." 
 
 t Memoirs of the Duke of Marlborougli ; vol. i. p. 95. The above character 
 is given of him before his marriage ^vitll tlie Duke of Marlborough's second 
 daughter. ConsiUt also Memoirs of Sir Robert If'alpole; vol. ii. 7^-5.
 
 —1722.] ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. liii 
 
 the Revolution ; he was a zealous champion of the Whig doc- 
 trines, in their most enlarged sense. Associating with the rem- 
 nant republicans who had survived the commonwealth, he caught 
 their spirit. He was an animated speaker ; and in the warmth 
 of debate, disdained to spare the prejudices or failings even of 
 those with whom he was most intimately connected. His politi- 
 cal idol was Lord Somers, though he wanted both the prudence 
 and temper of so distinguished a leader." 
 
 His character, as a politician and statesman, has been variously 
 appreciated. With natural and improved talents, scarcely inferior 
 to those of his father, there can be no doubt that both were de- 
 voted to better and more honourable purposes. He was from 
 principle, as well as from his aUiance with the Duke of Marlbo- 
 rough, a Whig ; although, after his resignation of power, he is 
 accused of having " intrigued with the Tories, and made over- 
 tures to Bishop Atterbury." His ascendancy over the minds of 
 the tvvo sovereigns (Queen Amie and George I.) whom he had 
 sei*ved, was extreme ; and although, as Prime INImister, he had 
 necessarily the most accurate infonnation, and could foresee re- 
 sults which few of his coadjutors, and stUl fewer of his opponents, 
 could anticipate, yet it is allowed that he came out " with clean 
 hands" from that monstrous bubble of the times, known by the 
 name of the South Sea Scheme* — of which he is considered as 
 the parent : and when at last he yielded to the influence of his 
 adversaries, it must be remembered that that " influence" was 
 maintained by the matchless talents of a Walpole. 
 
 * I have seen an original document, or order, (in the possession of Mr. 
 Upcott) from Lord Sunderland, to seU out 4000/. of South Sea Stock immedi- 
 ately. It is but due to Walpole to say, that the maimer in which he defended 
 Lord Sunderland from any participation in the wickedness of the South Sea 
 scheme, was at once manly, noble, and heroic. It was the shield of Aja.x 
 thrown romid Teucer, to protect him from the darts and javelins of an active 
 enemy. " Even Mr. Brodrick, who was one of the persons charijed to investi- 
 gate the transaction, and fostered strong prejudices against him, acquits him of 
 any participation, and represents him as the dupe of the Directors." Code's 
 Memoirs of the Duke of Marlborough, vol. vi. p. 362. Mr. Coxe adds, in a 
 note, that " the principal item of his personal property was 30,000/. in South 
 Sea stock, which, if sold at the height of the infatuation, would have produced 
 no less than 300,000/.
 
 liv ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. [A. D. 1722 
 
 Lord Sunderland carried the favour of liis sovereif;n with liim 
 to his retreat at Althorp ; where he died, the year following his 
 resignation of the Premiership. His political life, bustling and 
 important as it was, will be forgotten ... in the remembrance of 
 that NOBLE LIBRARY* which he gathered and left behind him — 
 now the brightest t)rnanieiit of Blenheim. He was as worthy a 
 competitor of the Earl of Oxford in the character of a book- 
 collector, as he was of Sir Robert Walpole in that of an orator 
 and statesman. 
 
 By the second marriage of this nobleman with Anne, tiic 
 second daughter of the famous John Duke of Marlborough, 
 the offspring of Lord Sunderland became entitled to the duke- 
 dom just mentioned, and to the palace and estate of Blenheim. 
 But this arose, in the first instance, from the death of the only 
 son of the Duke, and, in the second, from that of the only son of 
 Henrietta, eldest daughter of the Duke, who married the 
 eldest son of the celebrated Earl of Godolphin. By Anne 
 Churchill, Lord Sunderland had four sons and two daughters. 
 Of his sons, the first, Robert, died at the age of nine months ; 
 the second, Robert, was the fourth Earl of Sunderland, liaving 
 survived his father seven years, and having enjoyed the estate 
 and title only five years. He died in 1729.f The third son, 
 Charles, was destined to be the second Duke of Marlborough, 
 
 * Evelyn makes frequent mention of the proprress of this library (luring the 
 
 life time of Lord Sunderland's father. " 1 diiiM (says he— March 10, 1695) at 
 
 the Earl of Sunderland's with Lord Spencer. My lord shewed me his library, 
 
 now acraiii improved liy many books liought at the sale of Sir Charles Scarbo- 
 
 rouph, an eminent physician, which was the very best collection, especially of 
 
 mathematical books, that was I believe in Europe," &c. vol. ii. p. 46. Again, 
 
 at page 62, " Lord Spencer (.\. D. 1699) purchased an incomparable library . . 
 
 [no name] wherein, among other rare books, were several that were printed at 
 
 the (irst invention of that wonilerful art," &c. Tid/i/'s OJpcrs, Homer, and 
 
 Siiidi/i, arc mentioned by him. He adds, " this gentleman is a very fine scholar, 
 
 whom from a child I have known. His tutor was one Florival of Geneva." 
 
 The Editor of EvelyTi says, that this " library was the foundation of the noble 
 
 library now at Blenheim." It was pledged to his father-in-law, the Duke of 
 
 Marlborough, in part-payment of 10,000/. which he owed him. Coxe ; vol. vi. 
 
 p. M-J. 
 
 + He is mentioned by Collins, in the 4to. edition of his English Baronage, 
 1727, as then living—" Robert, now Earl of Sunderland," p. .'319.
 
 ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. Iv 
 
 the title, at the creation, having been settled upon the male 
 descendants of the daughters of the Duke, in default of the 
 Duke's issue male : and Henrietta, the eldest daughter of the 
 Duke, having no more children after the death of her son, the 
 second Marquis of Blandford — who died in 1731. It should be 
 mentioned that Charles, the third Earl of Sunderland, married a 
 third time, (in 1717) after the death of his second wife, in 1716. 
 His third wife was Judith, daughter and coheu'ess of Benjamin 
 Tichborne, brother of Henry Baron Farrand, in Ireland. By her 
 he had two sons and a daughter ; all of whom died before the 
 decease of their father. The Countess died in 1749. 
 
 But the destinies of the family of the Spencers may be said, 
 in a worldly point of view, to have been held in the hands of 
 Sarah, the mother-in-law of Charles, the third Earl of Sunder- 
 land, and better known as the famous Duchess of Marlborough 
 — whose beauty, talents, wealth, and love of poUtical and domes- 
 tic intrigue, have obtained her a celebrity which renders but httle 
 further notice of her here necessary. On the death of her hus- 
 band, she might be considered as the richest woman in England ; 
 for the Duke left her ahnost every thing, real and personal, that 
 had not been previously settled by Acts of Parliament. Her 
 eldest daughter, Henrietta, who assumed the title of Duchess of 
 Marlborough, (herself being Dowager Duchess) died in the year 
 1733 ; and she survived her daughter eleven years. It was during 
 her widowhood that she built a fine mansion at Wimbledon, near 
 the scite of the old house of the Eai-1 of Bristol, her grandson's 
 paternal great grandfather. This house,* which was burnt down 
 
 * The old house of Lord Bristol (.of which there are two scarce and curious 
 views, engraved by Jl'instanley) was visited by Evelyn in 1662. He describes 
 it as " a delicious place for prospect and the thicketts, but the soil cold, and 
 weeping clay." The house built by the present Earl Spencer is considerably 
 smaller, and more in the character of a villa. It is also built a little to the 
 north of the old house, and commands in consequence a better view of the 
 country ; especially in the approach. The burst, to the left, after entering the 
 gates at Wimbledon— in which the water appears below, and the high grounds 
 of Harrow, Hampstead, and Highgate in the distance — but more particularly 
 the beauty of the timber in the foreground and throughout the park — is indeed 
 as "delicious" as it is unexpected. Nor are the views to the south, towards 
 Sutton, Banstead Down, and Epsom race-course, scarcely inferior. In the 
 VOL. II. h
 
 Ivi ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. 
 
 about thirty-seven year's ago, must have contained treasures 
 well worthy the examination of every man of taste and curiosity ; 
 but it seems that, latterly, the Duchess grew wearied both of her 
 house and of the park.* 
 
 During her widowhood, and more particularly from the dcatli 
 of her grandson, the JNIarquis of Blandford, in 1731 — by which 
 event Charles, fifth Earl of Sunderland, became heir apparent to 
 the estates and title of her husband — Sarah regarded her 
 
 foreground of this latter view, are beds of flowers, bordered with basket-work. 
 In the front of the hiiildinor is a large portico, of the Tuscan order. Through 
 the pillars of this portico, a portion of the view last described may be seen. 
 The whole domain, containing about 916 acres, is magnificent — considering 
 its proximity to the metropolis ; and abounds in rich and vigorously growing 
 shrubs and trees. Some years ago, the present Earl Spence caused a well, 
 of the enormous depth of 563 feet, to be sunk — the deepest, I believe, in the 
 kingdom. Consult Afaii/iinir and Lira i/'s Siirrei/, vol. iii. p. 272. 
 
 • In a privately printed book, entitled " T/ie Opinions of Sarah Duchess 
 Dmrager of Marlborough, publislii'd from original MS S." 1788, 12mo. by the 
 late Sir J. Dalrymple, is the following memorandum — by the Duchess: 1737- 
 " Came yesterday from Wimbledon. — Though it stands high, it is tipon clay, 
 an ill sod, very damp, and I liclieve an unhealthy place, which I shall very sel- 
 dom live in ; and consequently I liavc thrown away a vast sum of money upon 
 it to little purpose," p. 84. This is the peevish language of an old woman 
 who does not know what to do with her time or her money. 
 
 An anecdote, connected «-ith the burning down of the house, (as built by the 
 Duchess) may lie worth recording. When the house was on fire, the present 
 Earl and Countess Spencer were in London. The flames were seen distinctly at 
 E|)som ; where the late Rev. Jonathan Boucher, Mcar of Epsom, happening to 
 perceive them, guessed that it might be the mansion in question. He mounted 
 his horse in speed : arrived quickly at Wiml)lcdon, in time to direct the preser- 
 vation of many pictiu-es and books : — and «-as of course heartily thanked by the 
 noble owner for his alacrity and zeal. An intimacy henceforward took place be- 
 tween Lord Spencer and Mr. Boucher. The latter was a frequent visitor at the 
 new house at \\'in)bledon, and his Lordship used as frecpiently to make his morn- 
 ing calls at the vicarage at Epsom. On the death of Mr. Boucher, Lord Spencer 
 found himself in ])Ossession of the famous Cavcrdalt's Bible of 1 535, be(|ueathed 
 to him by its late owner. The books of Mr. Boucher were sold by auction in 
 1806. I have a perfect recollection of the sale of tlietn, having attended seve- 
 ral days. They were ridi in divinity and lexicography. Mr. Boucher's speci- 
 men of an English Dictionary, of which the letter A only was published, is a 
 masterpiece of patient and felicitous research. The remainijig MS. as far as 
 the letter T, inclusively, is in existence.
 
 ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. Ivii 
 
 youngest grandson, John Spencer, with an eye of peculiar 
 favour ; resolving, upon the division of the family into two bran- 
 ches, to render the younger as opulent as the elder.* Accord- 
 ingly, in addition to her own paternal property, she left him her 
 house and estate at Wimbledon.f To these were added estates 
 in ten or eleven other counties. Her personal property, including 
 some fine pictures, became the exclusive property of the younger 
 branch. The Duchess died in 1744. 
 
 It will here be necessary to travel back a little, in order that 
 the reader may clearly understand how the division of the Sun- 
 derland family, into that of the Marlborough and Spencer 
 took place. When Charles, the third Earl of Sunderland, mar- 
 ried the Duke of Marlborough's second daughter, it was settled, 
 in case of his eldest son becoming Duke of Marlborough, that 
 his second son should inherit the paternal property of the Sun- 
 derlands. During the life time of the son of Henrietta, eldest 
 daughter of the Duke of Marlborough, it was clear that Lord 
 Sunderland's eldest son could not succeed to the dukedom ; but, 
 on the death of Henrietta, Duchess of Marlborough, in 1733, 
 Charles became Duke of Marlborough, although not possessor 
 of Blenheim ; and his brother, John Spencer, the youngest 
 and ordy surviving son, succeeded to the Sunderland property. 
 Yet there was a period — namely, from the death of Robert, fourth 
 Earl of Sunderland, in 1729, to that of Henrietta, in 1733 — dur- 
 ing which Charles, Earl of Sunderland, afterwards second Duke 
 
 * Consult Coae's Memoirs of (he Duke vf Marlborough ; vol. vi. p. 391. 
 
 + In her " Opinions" (vide p. Ivi. last page) the Duchess \vrites thus : " I 
 liave made a settlement of a very great estate, that is in my own power, upon 
 my grandson, John Spencer, and his sous : but they are all to forfeit it, if any 
 of them shall ever accept any employment, military or civil, or any pension 
 from any king or queen of this realm, and the estate is to go to others in the 
 entail. This I think ought to please every body; for it will secure my heirs 
 in being very considerable men. None of them can put on a fool's coat, and 
 take posts from soldiers of experience and sernce, who never did any thing 
 but kill pheasants and partridges. Their heirs may do great service to their 
 country, and ought to be well received when they go to court, since they will 
 liave nothing to ask ; for I would have them join with any king or minister, 
 when they desire nothing but what is for the good of the nation and the King, 
 who in truth must always have the same interest," p. 15.
 
 Iviii 
 
 ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. 
 
 of Marlborough, was possessed of the Sunderland estates and 
 title — and flien it was that the park and house at Altiiorp re- 
 ceived many of its greatest improvements. The old gateway and 
 wall, which had so much offended Evelyn's eye, were taken down ; 
 and the stables, as now seen, were built upon the site of them. 
 The Duke also considerably enlarged the park, and made seve- 
 ral large plantations ; and Althorp, which had been long distin- 
 guished for the flavour and abundance of its fruits,* could now 
 boast of a Gardener's House, not wholly unworthy of the treasures 
 over which its occupier presided. The following is a view of it, 
 from the pencil of Mr. Blore : 
 
 * See page xxxiv. ante : and in one of the ms. letters of the Countess of Sun- 
 derland to Evelyn, she writes, sifter regretting; that the fruit at Dcptford had 
 Ijccn all " blasted," that it had been plentiful and delicious at Althorp.
 
 ACCOtrSfT OF ALTHORP. lix 
 
 The foregoing were the chief improvements introduced at 
 Althorp by Charles, second Duke of Marlborough ; on whom 
 however that title did not devolve till the death of his aunt Hen- 
 rietta, in 1733. But the pleasures of the chase, and the various 
 and useful occupations of the country, were promoted by him 
 with no less ardour and success ; and the then owner of Al- 
 thorp, caring Uttle for the anxieties and ambition of a political 
 life, renewed the hospitahties, and brought about the golden 
 days, of his Wanvickshire ancestors.* On the assumption of 
 the ducal title, he lost his right to the Sunderland property ; 
 while, with the exception of a rent charge of 8000/. per ann. 
 pursuant to the will of his grandfather, and his pay as colonel of 
 the 38th regiment of foot, and afterwards as colonel of the first 
 regiment of dragoons, his income was greatly inferior to that of 
 his 3'ounger brother, John. Nor was it till the death of his 
 grandmother, the Dowager Duchess, in 1744-, that Charles came 
 into possession of Blenheim, and of the property which enabled 
 his immediate descendants to make that place worthy of the cele- 
 brity of its founder. 
 
 The object of this work being exclusively the history of the 
 /Edes Althorpiance, I necessarily take leave of the first occupier 
 of Blenheim for the succession of the owners of Althoi-p. The 
 Honourable John Spencer, only brother of Charles, second Duke 
 of Marlborough, married Georgiana Caroline, third daughter of 
 the first Earl Granville, and ultimately a co-heiress on the death 
 
 • See page xi. ante. An anecdote is recorded of Charles, when Duke of 
 Marlborough, which does infinite honour to his memory'. The park-wall of 
 Althorp, on the south side, dirides the properties of the Andrews and the 
 Spen'cer families. In the time of Charles, some hounds of Squire Andrews 
 liroke loose, and trespassing upon the premises at Althorp, the Duke ordered 
 his gamekeeper to shoot one of them. A short time after, the Duke, riding 
 upon a gray horse, was met by the Squire, who, presenting a pistol towards 
 the horse, addressed him thus : " Duke, dismount — otherwise I may shoot you 
 as well as yoiu' horse. A horse for a dog, as long as your grace pleases." The 
 Duke, as may be naturally supposed, dismounted qviickly, and his horse was 
 as quickly shot dead. Its noble owner, being struck with the decisive method, 
 as well as the just cause, of retaliation, turned round and addressed the Squire 
 thus : " Mr. Andrews, you are a gentleman, and I have done ^vrong : give me 
 your hand" — and ever after, the closest intimacy subsisted between them.
 
 be ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. 
 
 of Robert, second Earl Granville. He survived the death of his 
 grandmother, Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, only two years ; 
 dying in 171G. His widow was married, about two years after 
 his decease, to the second Earl Cowper, and survived her first 
 husband thirty-four years; dying in 1780. By her, the Ho- 
 nourable John Spencer had only two children ; a son and a 
 daughter. The daughter died young. 
 
 On tlie death of the Hon. John Spencer, his son was a minor 
 of about twelve years of age ; and he had scarcely attained his 
 27th year, when he was created Viscount Spencer, and Baron 
 Spencer of Althorp. His property was questionless very 
 great ; and he gave early proofs of a good taste, in the applica- 
 tion of it, by the building of a magnificent mansion in St. James's 
 Place.* About four years after his being called to the Upper 
 House, he was created an Earl. He died at the age of forty- 
 nine, in the year 1783. " He possessed (says Mr. Baker) the 
 virtues of humanity and benevolence in a degree so eminent, as 
 to render his character as much distinguished through many 
 parts of Europe for its goodness, as that of his illustrious ances- 
 tor, the Duke of Marlborough, for its greatness." Bakers 
 History, p. 108. He hes buried with his ancestors, in the chapel 
 at Brington Church, where there is a monument to his memory, 
 sculptured by Nollekens, from the design of Cipriani. "-f- 
 
 The late Earl Spencer was succeeded in his title and estates 
 by his only son, the present George John Earl Spencer ; 
 who, in 1781, married the present Countess, Lavinia, eldest 
 daughter of Charles Bingham, first Earl of Lucan of that name. 
 In 1794 his Lordship was appointed First Lord of the Admi- 
 
 * There is an engraving of the front-elevation of this liouse, from which the 
 vignette \vas copied at the end of the preface of the Bibliotheca Spencer- 
 iana. Views and plans of it, as well as of the house at Wimbledon, built by 
 Sarah Duchess of Marlborough, may be seen (together with a view of Althorp) 
 in the Fitruvius Britanriiciis, 1 771, folio. I have heard it asserted, that the shell 
 of Spencer House, consisting of solid stone, cost alone about 50,000 guineas. 
 The exterior design was planned by General Grey, and executed by Vardy : 
 the interior owes the beauty of its ornaments to the classical taste of Athenian 
 Stuart — as he is called. 
 
 t Beneath his portrait, in profile, medallion-wise, which is supported by a 
 female figure, intended to represent Benevolence, is a tablet, upon which the
 
 ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. ki 
 
 ralty, which situation he held till 1801 ; during which time, it 
 may, with the utmost truth be observed, with Mr. Baker, that 
 " the British navy attained the pinnacle of renown."* His 
 Lordship was created a Knight of the Garter in 1799; and in 
 1806 was appointed Secretary of State for the Home Depart- 
 ment. In 1807 his Lordship resigned this situation, and from 
 that period to the present has devoted his time and his wealth 
 to the enjojTiient of domestic society and literary pursuits ; and 
 to the increase of a Library, which has placed him at the head 
 of aU private collectors in Europe. The pages of the Bibl. 
 Spenceriana — and of this work — will afford the best evidence of 
 the correctness of this remark ; although no account be found in 
 tiiein of the number and value of modern books. The history of 
 the Library at Althorp will be developed in the immediately 
 following pages. 
 
 Meanwhile, as a material feature of the local history' which 
 occupies the present pages, it wiU be necessary to remark that, on 
 his Lordship's coming into possession of his ancestral property, 
 
 following verses to his memory — composed by his son-in-law, the late Duke of 
 Devonshire, and the only poetry which he is known to have ever composed — 
 are inscribed : 
 
 To the Memory 
 Of John Earl Spencer 
 nut. 19 Dec. 1734, o«; 31 Oct. 1783. 
 
 If e'er Sincerity inscribed the stone. 
 
 Giving the dead no merits but their own. 
 
 Behold it here. This Verse, with Sculpture's aid, 
 
 Records the debt by Love and Duty paid ; 
 
 That Strangers and Posterity may know, 
 
 How piu'e a spirit warmed the dust below : 
 
 For they, who felt the virtues of his Life, 
 
 Whether the Orphan, Friend, or Child, or Wife, 
 
 Need not the Poet's or the Sculptor's art. 
 
 To wake the feelings of a grateful heart. 
 
 Their Love, their Grief, his Honours best proclaim. 
 
 The living monimients of Spenxer's fame. 
 
 • See Hist, of the County of Northampton ; p. lOS. And here, as every 
 man has a right to claim his own property, I consider myself justified in refer- 
 ing to page 702 of the Blbtiomania ; and page 388 of vol. iii. of the Bibliogra- 
 phical Decameron.
 
 Ixii ACCOUNT OF ALTHORP. 
 
 he improved the grounds and the nicansion in a more extensive 
 and efficient manner than any one of his predecessors. He con- 
 verted the sheet of water into its original state of pasture or park- 
 ground ; and cased tlie house itself in a beautiftil gray, or whitish 
 brick, brought from a kiln near Ipswich in Suffolk. He also 
 raised a facade of Corinthian pilasters, built of stone brought 
 from Roche Abbey in Yorkshire ; and of which the capitals 
 prove the beauty and sharpness of execution of which that 
 stone is susceptible.* A particular description of the interior, 
 together with the improvements introduced by the present noble 
 occupiers, must necessarily be reserved for the following pages. 
 
 Ere we enter, however, I must be allowed to present the reader 
 with the two small opposite vignettes; of which the upper one 
 represents the arch-way, connecting the flower-garden and shrub- 
 bery ; and of which the lower is a front view of the Dairy, at the 
 extremity of the shrubbery. 
 
 * III the Parentalia of Sir Christopher Wrca, p. 299, &c. I find that it was 
 proposed by Sir Christopher to build St. Paul's Cathedral of the same kind of 
 stone — there called Rock-Abbey stone.
 
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 gieljes ailtfjorptanae* 
 
 THE HALL. 
 
 On entering the house, you are immediately made acquainted 
 with what was, about a century ago, the ruUng passion of its 
 noble inmates. The sides of this Hall are covered with paint- 
 ings by the pencQ of the once famed, and yet not despicable, 
 John Wooton ; descriptive of the pleasures of the Chase. To 
 the left, covering the whole side, there is a Uvely representation 
 of a Burst. Reynard is seen in the distance ; the dogs are in 
 full chase ; the huntsman winds his horn ; the whoop and halloo 
 are given : the horses are about to be put into a full gallop ; and 
 a numerous field of sportsmen brings up the rear. Among these 
 sportsmen, no one makes a more conspicuous figure than Charles, 
 the second Duke of Marlborough, and grandfather of the pre- 
 sent duke — who, at that time, was owner of the mansion. He is 
 riding upon a gray horse, in red breeches and waistcoat, with a 
 dark blue jacket flapping in the wind as he gallops at full speed. 
 He holds his whip a little like a truncheon ; so that, taken altoge- 
 ther, and judging from the present fashion, the dress and attitude 
 would be considered rather a la militaire. Two shepherds, in 
 the foreground, and in shadow, appear to be giving intelligence 
 of the course of the fox. Upon the whole, this is a very joyous 
 and animated representation of the subject ; and as it occupies 
 the entire width of the Hall, twenty-four feet, it will not be con- 
 sidered as upon a very diminutive scale.
 
 2 THE HALL. 
 
 Opposite, and of e(|ual dimensions — is the companion to the 
 preceding. It may be called, in its way, a Riposo. The chase 
 is over : reynard is slain, and held aloft by the huntsman, while 
 the dogs scramble up his knees for the tempting prey. To the 
 left of the picture, in the foreground, is a group — drawn and 
 executed with great spirit and truth, as the subjoined copy 
 attests : 
 
 i-^«*M> '^r. 
 
 The lower figure, to the left, is the Honourable John Spencer, 
 grandfather of the present Earl. The central figure is that of 
 Charles. Duke of Marlhorovgh ; who makes so conspicuous an 
 appearance in the composition just described ; and the third
 
 THE HALL. 3 
 
 figure, to the right, is that of Lord Vane, who used to hunt with 
 the Duke. To the right of the above, is an excellent group of 
 three gentlemen, two on horseback, the other dismounted, and 
 talking to his companions. The hither mounted horseman, turn- 
 ing round, and looking at the group above described, is, with 
 his horse, very naturally and admirably executed. Again, to the 
 right, are various groups, unconnected with each other, and per- 
 haps too widely scattered apart ; but a dismounted gentleman — 
 with his hands behind him, holding a horsewhip in one of them, 
 bending forward — with his gloves under his left ann, to examine 
 a horse's near foot, shewn to him by a groom in a striped jacket 
 — must not be passed over without especial notice and commen- 
 dation. Several dogs, oppressed with heat and thirst, from the 
 length of the chase, are coming to drink at a iimning stream. 
 One gentleman, on horseback, is leaping this brook in a veiy 
 gay and aery manner. Two, on horseback, in the middle ground, 
 are quietly discoursing about the glories of the field. In the 
 distance, is a group of horses without their riders. A village 
 upon a hill, and a river to the left, occupy the back ground. 
 Upon the whole, this is one of those pictures, which, however 
 deficient in a general good eflFect of light and shade, cannot fail 
 to please, from the truth and spirit with which most of the de- 
 tached, or individual parts, are executed. It is a true sporting 
 field of the time of George II. 
 
 On each side of the door, opposite the entrance-door, is a 
 large picture of a horse and groom ; having no further merit to 
 recommend them than that they cover so many square yards of 
 wall or wainscoat. 
 
 Over the door, leading to the staircase, and opposite the door 
 of entrance, is a small picture — of about six feet by four — of 
 Dogs breaking loose from the kennel. It has really great 
 merit. The dogs are running and tumbling over one another, 
 in a perfectly natural manner, advancing towards the huntsman, 
 who is by the side of a gray horse. Above, is a bright, clear 
 sky, indicative of a fine day's sport. Beneath the larger pictures, 
 first described, there is, to the left, a horse as large as life — with 
 an inscription of " Sore Heeh :" two boys are by the side of 
 a basket of hay. Again, to the left, in a corner, is a group of
 
 4 THE HALL. 
 
 do<Ts, with a black servant, stooping : a French liorn is suspended 
 to the bough of a tree, and a magpie is perched upon a pillar. 
 Below the large hunting-piece, to the right, is a horse, of the 
 size of life, called Brisk, drinking out of a trough ; while a groom 
 is drawing fresh water, which runs into it, from a well. To the 
 right of this, in the corner, is the Earth Stopper ; an old fellow 
 with a gray beard, and a spade in his right hand. He is caress- 
 ing a favourite dog, who looks up to him, and licks his beard. A 
 dead fox lies upon some pieces of wood above : five dogs are in 
 the back ground. The whole of the size of life. Wooton is 
 much to be preferred in his figures of a small size. His large 
 horses and dogs look as if they were made of pasteboard. 
 
 On each side of the entrance-door — and therefore behind the 
 spectator on entrance — are two early pieces by Stubbs ; which 
 are clever and interesting — as early specimens of the master. 
 To the right, is the portrait of a horse called Romiihis, with the 
 date of 1777. There is a power of touch in this piece, which 
 marked Stubbs through life — and who has been called, by one of 
 the most knowing of modern artists in this department, " the 
 Emperor of horse-painters." The colouring and expression of 
 the face of the groom,' or jockey, who holds Romulus by the 
 bridle, has considerable merit. Opposite, and on the left side on 
 entrance, is a much better performance, by the same master, 
 of a hunter called Scape-Flood. The shape of the animal is 
 full of grace and power ; and his countenance is vigorously ex- 
 pressed. The groom is, in my humble estimation, a mastei-piece 
 in its way : perfect nature : the vacant expression, yet coupled 
 with care and anxiety about the animal — and the tonsure of his 
 hair by the village barber — are as evident, as they are correctly 
 executed. In the horse, may be traced the rudiments of the 
 future excellence of the painter. The size of each of these two 
 paintings, is four feet by three. 
 
 This Hall is thirty-one feet three inches in height, by twenty- 
 four feet and a half in width, and thirty-three in length. The 
 ceihng is coved ; having octagonal ornaments, with roses in the 
 centre. The freize below consists of the heads of dogs and 
 foxes — arabesques and capriccios — the whole painted in white. 
 Before passing through the door which faces the visitor on his
 
 THE HALL. 5 
 
 entrance, and which conducts him to the Great Stair Case, I 
 must request him to turn with me through the door to the left ; 
 and advancing, again to the left, to the further end of a corridor, 
 to accompany me through the entire suite of the ground apart- 
 ments — comprehending the Dining Room, Family Drawing 
 Room, and five large rooms devoted to the Library. 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 [6] 
 
 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 The Dining Room at Althorp, wliich occupies the first three 
 windows of the gi-ound floor, seen in the View of the House, pre- 
 fixed to the first vohime of this work, was considerably enlarged 
 by the present Earl Spencer. Its dimensions will be found in 
 the plate of the ground plan of the house. Upon a rich and 
 dark-crimson paper, the following interesting Pictures are sus- 
 pended. 
 
 Portrait of Sofonisba Angosciola.* — Painted by Herself. 
 The ANNEXED Engraving will give the most correct notion of 
 the beauty and simplicity of this composition. The picture is 
 among the most precious in this collection, and must on all ac- 
 counts be considered a very rare and estimable production. We 
 observe upon it, the coeval inscription of lussu Patris. When 
 Vasari wrote the first part of his celebrated work upon the Lives 
 of Painters, he had little knowledge of the productions of this 
 illustrious Artist. In a subsequent part, he has enlarged upon 
 his i)revious sketch ; and I make no apology to the reader for 
 presenting him with a very literal version of the wfio/c of what 
 he has said concerning Sophonisba and her family :f Walpole, 
 
 • Thi; name is variously spelt in Vasari. The artist herself writes it as above. 
 
 t " But Sophonisba, of Cremona, daughter of M. Amilcaro Angusciuola, has 
 with more care, and with a better grace, than any other lady of her time, prac- 
 tised the art of painting : for she not only knew how to draw, colour, paint 
 from nature, and copy excellently from the works of others, but has also com- 
 posed some most rare and beautiful things herself. From which circumstance 
 Philip, King of Spain, having heard from the Duke of Alva of her talents, 
 sent for her, and had her honourably conducted into Spain, where he placed 
 her about the Queen, with a large pension, and with the admiration of all that 
 court. And therefore it is not to be wondered at that M. Tommaso, a Ro- 
 man gentleman, sent to the Duke Cosimo, besides a picture by the divine
 
 T.L'v/i^sX'el. 
 
 uunnpz -jixS c 
 
 ..#.v. 
 
 From. anOrigiQal Ikintinig W 
 
 ^rv at Ali'JiiB't' 
 
 r IbMslud iirguA-
 
 THE DINING ROOM. 7 
 
 in his Anecdotes of Painting, vol. ii. p. 97, edit. 1765, notices 
 this very picture ; as also does Pilkington, in his Dictionary of 
 
 Michel Aiigelo, in which is a Cleopatra, another picture by Sophonisba, of a 
 girl laughing at a boy, who is crying ; she having placed before him a basket 
 full of lobsters, one of which has bitten his finger. The beauty and truth of 
 this painting cannot be too much praised ; and therefore, in memory of the 
 talents of Sophonisba, (Italy baring few of her productions, on account of her 
 residence in Spain,) I have introduced the mention of it in my collection of 
 drawings. We may therefore say with truth of her, like the divine Ariosto, 
 " Le Donne son venute in eccellenza 
 " Di ciascun' arte ov' hauno posto cura." 
 
 yasuri, Pt. i. p. 174. Edit. 1568. 
 
 "But the Scholar who did him [Bernardin Campi*] the most honour, and 
 who excelled greatly in painting, was Sophonisba Angusciuola, of Cremona, with 
 her three sisters. These virtuous young women were the daughters of Signor 
 Amilcar Angusciuola, and of the Siguora Bianca Punzona, both noble fami- 
 lies of Cremona. Speaking, then, of the Signora Sophonisba, (of whom I re- 
 lated some few particulars in the life of Properzia of Bologna, not then know- 
 ing more of her,) I said in that place, that I saw this year, in Cremona, at the 
 house of her father, a well executed picture of her performance, containing 
 the portraits of her three sisters, in the act of playing at chess, and with them 
 an old housekeeper ; all done \vith so much care and diligence, that they ap- 
 pear reaDy alive, and only to want the power of speech. In another picture, 
 painted by the same Sophonisba, is represented the Siguor ^Vmilcar, her 
 father, who has on one side of him one of his daughters, her sister, called 
 Minerva, who excelled in literature and painting ; and on the other, his son 
 Asdrubal, their brother : these figures are also so well done, that they appear 
 quite to breathe. t In Placentia are to be seen, painted by the same hand, at 
 the house of the Archdeacon of the cathedral, two most beautiful pictures : 
 one contains the portrait of the Archdeacon himself, the other of Sophonisba : 
 both these figures almost appear to speak. Sophonisba, having been, as was 
 before mentioned, placed, by means of the Duke d'Alva, in the service of the 
 Queen of Spain, where she now is enjoying an excellent pension, and much 
 honoured, painted a great number of wonderful portraits and pictures ; the 
 fame of which productions caused the Pope Pius IV. to signify to Sopho- 
 nisba, that he desired to have from her hands the portrait of the aforesaid 
 Queen of Spain ; and Sophonisba having complied ivith his wish, as speedily 
 as was possible, sent the portrait to Rome, writing to his Holiness a letter in 
 the following terms : 
 
 * Vasari is in error in calling her a disciple of Giulio Campo. 
 t This picture was in the Borghese Gallery at Rome. See Baldinucci, 
 Notizie, 1550-1580. p. 157. edit. 1688, 4to.
 
 8 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 Painters,* when the portrait was at \^'imble(lon. Wliy tlie 
 late Mr. Bryan, in his Dictionary of Painters, has chosen to omit 
 the mention of this — probably the most valuable of Sophonisba's 
 
 " Holy Father, 
 " 1 heard from tlic most reverend Nuncio of your Holiness, that you desired 
 a portrait from my hands of her Majesty the Queen, my mistress. And as 1 
 accepted this undertaking, considering it as a mark of peculiar grace and fa- 
 vour, having to serve your Holiness, 1 asked permission of her Majesty, who 
 most willingly, and with great pleasure, granted it, thereby acknowledging 
 your Holiness's protection towards her. I avail myself of the opportunity of 
 this gentleman's going, to send it to you: and if, by my exertions, I shall have 
 satisfied the unshes of your Holiness, it will give me infinite consolation. It 
 only remains to say, that if, with the pencil, it were possible to represent to 
 the eyes of your Holiness, the beauties of the mind of this Queen, you could 
 behold nothing more wonderful. But of that which is in the power of art to 
 represent, all my endeavours have been exerted to convey to your Holiness a 
 faithful representation. And with this end, with all reverence and humility, I 
 kiss your Holiness's feet. Your Holiness's most humble servant, 
 
 Madrid, September 16, 1561. " Sofonisba Anoosciola.'" 
 
 " To which letter (the portrait having appeared to him so very wonderful 
 and beautiful) his Holiness returned the following answer, accompanied with 
 presents worthy of the many virtues of Sophonisba. 
 
 " Pope Pius IV. Well beloved daughter in Christ, 
 " We have received the portrait of the most serene Queen of Spain, our 
 dearest daughter, that you have sent us. It has given us the greatest satis- 
 faction, as much on account of the person it represents, (for whom we have a 
 paternal regard,) as well as for the religious virtues, and other fine parts of her 
 mind ; and also from its having been so diligently and beautifully executed by 
 your hands, ^^'e thank you for it, and assure you that we shall keep it among 
 our most precious things : commending this your great talent, wliich, however 
 wonderful, we understand is among the least that you possess. And with this 
 end, we again repeat our blessing : that our Lord God may preserve you. 
 " Rome, October 15, 1561." 
 
 " Tills testimony is sufficient to demonstrate the talents of Sophonisba." 
 
 Fasari, Pt. iii. p. 561-3. Edit. 1568. 
 
 * Pilkington, after Baldinucci, says that by continual application to her 
 profession, she lost her sight ; and it is recorded that Vandyke, having had an 
 opportunity of conversing « ilh Sophonisba, used to say, that he received more 
 beneficial knowledge of the true principles of his art from one blind woman, 
 than by studying all the works of the greatest masters in Italy. She died in 
 the year 1626, and in the 93rd of her age.
 
 THE DINING ROOM. 9 
 
 pieces — it is difficult to conceive. The only other acknowledged 
 specimens of her talents, in England, is the Marriage of St. Ca- 
 therine, in the collection of the Earl of Pembroke, at Wilton; and 
 " a small head of Sophonisba, in a round," in Lord Ashbum- 
 ham's collection. The present picture was purchased by Sarah, 
 Duchess of Marlborough, for seven hundred guineas ; a price, 
 of very uncommon occurrence a century ago. This interesting 
 picture is here engraved for the first time.* 
 
 A Calm, by Albert Cl'yp. — The opposite engraving will 
 afford the best notion of the tranquillity which reigns throughout 
 this enchanting picture. The predominant colour is a deep or 
 sombre gray, reUeved nevertheless with frequent little flashes of 
 light, which are always to be found upon the surface of the sea. 
 The gleam of sun-setting, to the left, affords a fine contrast to 
 the mass of dark clouds which is rolling away. The water is of 
 the most delicious transparency. Altogether, this picture is de- 
 serving of the highest praise ; and has never been before en- 
 graved. It belonged to Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough. 
 
 Portrait, by Titian. — This portrait, which is worthy of the 
 great artist who painted it, is that of Luigi Cornaro, a noble 
 Venetian. Cornaro was born in 1467, and died in 1566. He 
 was naturally of a weak constitution, and of an irritable temper, 
 both of which were made much worse by every youthful excess 
 of which a man could be guilty. At forty years of age, rapid 
 infirmity obliged him to have recourse to a complete reform of 
 life and to adopt the most rigid abstinence. This salutary deter- 
 mination restored his health, and softened and tranquilised his 
 temper; and he was enabled to reach his hundredth year in 
 
 * It may perhaps be considered idle to indulge in conjectures respecting the 
 occasion, or the period, of the execution of this portrait of Sophonisba ; but, 
 from the inscription upon it, mentioned above, I think it not altogether im- 
 probable, that it is the portrait of herself which she painted for Annibnle 
 Caro, and which her father, after he had sent it to him, almost immediately 
 required Caro to return. The reader will find two rather interesting letters 
 on the subject in Baldinucci. Sophonisba is said to have been a most 
 sweet singer, which sufficiently accounts for the attitude and action in the 
 picture. The figure of the old woman, 1 have little doubt, is that of the 
 domestic represented in the game at chess, mentioned in p. 7-
 
 10 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 comfort and content. The portion of sustenance which he al- 
 lowed himself daily, was twelve ounces of solid food, and fourteen 
 ounces of wine. From the Collection of Robert, second Earl of 
 Sunderland. 
 
 A Woman's Head, by Paul Veronese. — A pleasing and 
 sweetly coloured picture, in excellent preservation. From the 
 same Collection. 
 
 A Madonna and Child, by Caravaggio. — A pretty gipsey- 
 faced woman and her child. A good example of the vigorous 
 colouring and strong effect of light and shade of this master. 
 From the same Collection. 
 
 Portrait, by Titian. — An admirable portrait of one of old 
 Comaro's grandsons. In the famous picture of the Cornaro 
 family, in the possession of the Duke of Northumberland, this 
 young man is there represented as one of the group of grand- 
 children behind the old men. Bought at Rome, by the present 
 Earl Spencer. 
 
 A Farm Yard, by Hondekoeter. — A magnificent and well 
 painted picture of various fowl. From the Duchess of Marl- 
 borough's Collection. 
 
 A Head of a Woman as Psyche. — A noble specimen of the 
 Roman School. By whom painted is not decided — but no one 
 can doubt that the artist, whoever he may have been, ranks very 
 high among the great masters of that school. Bought at Rome, 
 by John, first Earl Spencer. 
 
 A Boy's Head. An antique encaustic painting. The inscrip- 
 tion in gilt letters, upon the mahogany frame by which this 
 curious ti'easure is surrounded, is as follows ; " An Ancient 
 Encaustic Painting, found on the walls of a sepulchral Chamber 
 near Beneventum ; first opened for the gratification of Gcor- 
 giana, Countess Dotvager Spencer, and cut out from thence, 
 under her inspection, in 1793, with the pel-mission of Ferdinand 
 IV. King of Naples and Sicily." Without such an authentic
 
 it.rr s*,-<K» 
 
 FK.AG'MEH'T" FiT?L-T,n: "^-AFFAEILILE. 
 
 Z.vi./.vi. riililislifil /'or ilie /in:r.t '
 
 THE DINING ROOM. 11 
 
 attestation, the spectator might doubt the genuineness of this ex- 
 traordinary performance ; which lias all the freshness and force of 
 a subject of yesterday's execution. Something like a similar spe- 
 cimen of ancient art will be found in Caylus's Recneil d'Anti- 
 quites Egyptiennes, Etrusques, Gr. et Rom. vol. i. p. 153, pi. Lvi. 
 
 A Descent from the Cross, by Sebastian Bourdon. — A 
 striking and expressive representation of this awful scene. The 
 light, brought to bear wholly on the principal figure, is very 
 happily managed. The painter appears to have taken Poussin 
 as his model while composing this picture, and certainly has not 
 been unsuccessful in his imitation of him. From the Sunderland 
 Collection. 
 
 A Magdalen's Head, by Domenichino. — A beautiful in- 
 stance of this great painter's merit. He was one of the best of 
 the Bolognese School, so rich in first rate talent. From the 
 Sunderland Collection. 
 
 A Fragment of a Cartoon, by Raphael. — The subject of 
 which was the Murder of the Innocents. This magnificent spe- 
 cimen excites deep regret that the rest of the composition was 
 lost in its passage from Rome to Antwerp, wliither it was going 
 to be executed in tapestry. Nothing can be finer than this head ; 
 nor can any thing give a better idea of the style in which Ra- 
 phael executed his last and greatest works. The opposite en- 
 graving of it is here published for the first time. Purchased at 
 Rome by the present Earl Spencer. 
 
 Death of the Stag, by Snyders. — A very fine and genuine 
 picture of the master : nothing can be more beautifLil or more 
 touching than the expression of the stag's head. From the 
 Collection of Sarah, Duchess of Marlboi-oueh. 
 
 -o' 
 
 A Battle, by Borgognone. — A good picture of the master. 
 From the Sunderland Collection. 
 
 A Skirmish between Turks and Christians, by Lingel- 
 BACH. — An uncommonly pleasing cabinet picture.
 
 12 THE DINING ROOM. 
 
 The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, by G. Bassan. — 
 A favourable specimen of this expeditious artist. 
 
 Landscape, by Salvator Rosa. — Saint Anthony of Padua is 
 preaching to the fishes — a bright and pleasing picture. The 
 painter's monogram is very visible in the front ground. The hu- 
 man figures (and especially that of St. Anthony,) and the fishes 
 are touched with the spirit and truth of a great master. 
 
 Saint Charles Borromeo celebrating High Mass, by Do- 
 menichino. — A capital picture ; probably an altar piece for some 
 private chapel. The Saint's head is evidently a portrait of St. 
 Charles Borromeo, and in all hkelihood taken after death, from 
 his head still preserved in its crystal shrine at Milan. \Mio the 
 personage is, who appears to be devoutly attentive to the cere- 
 mony performing at the altar, is unknown ; but the crown and 
 the sceptre, beside him, denote him to be of illustrious rank. It 
 may not be considered as improbable that, to testify his peculiar 
 worship of St. Charles, the present picture might have been 
 painted for him. From the Sunderland Collection. 
 
 A Landscape, by David Teniers. — A good picture. The 
 figures in the front ground are veiy well painted. Purchased at 
 Rome by the present Earl Spencer. 
 
 Hero and Leander, by David Teniers. — Painted m imi- 
 tation of the Itahan Masters. 
 
 Noah's First Sacrifice on coming out of the Ark, by 
 
 Castiglione. An odd mass of strange articles — ^hair trunks, 
 
 Persian carpets, and household utensils ; nothing but anachron- 
 isms. A very good picture of the master. 
 
 A large Chaplet of Fruit surrounding a Bust of Ceres: 
 Fruit by Rubens, Animals by Snitjers.— A most beautiful and 
 splendid picture; gay, soft, and briUiant. The animals are 
 painted with admirable spirit and freedom. From the Sunder- 
 land Collection.
 
 [ 13] 
 
 THE DRAWING ROOM. 
 
 This room is immediately connected with the Dining Room; 
 and may be called rather the Family Sitting Room; it being 
 used only in the moi'ning, and the Long Library (to which the 
 visitor is about to be speedily conducted) forming what is called 
 the Evening Drawing Room. It is, however, adorned with 
 several highly interesting pictures, as the following Catalogue 
 evinces. 
 
 Head of a Harper, by Sir Peter Lely. — This head of an 
 old blind harper is an uncommon performance of the master. 
 Lely is usually seen as the portrait painter of his day : and 
 lords and ladies, beauties and courtiers, alone appear to have 
 engaged his pencil. The picture under review proves that he 
 was equal to a much higher line of art ; and probably had his 
 talents been as much encouraged in the prosecution of it, as his 
 interest was stimulated by the countless temptations offered to it, 
 through the vanity or the affections of portrait fanciers, he 
 might have left a name worthy of being placed amongst the 
 very first of his profession. 
 
 DjEdalus and Icarus, by Vandyke. — A very fine picture, 
 and in perfect preservation.* The drawing of the young man's 
 figure, especially the foreshortening of his arm and hand, and 
 the carnation tints, so clear and pearl-like, are happy specimens 
 of the painter's pecuhar talent. From the Sunderland Collection. 
 
 Venus and Adonis, by Titian. — A very fine picture, and a 
 very beautiful composition. Adonis is eagerly withdrawing him- 
 self from the arms of Venus, in pursuit of his active amusement. 
 
 • This picture is noticed by Walpole : see his Works, vol. iii. p. 221. 
 VOL. I. C
 
 14 THE DRAWING ROOM. 
 
 Venus is reluctant to let him go, as she foresees the sad catas- 
 trophe impending over him ; for his death was the result of the 
 chase. Cupids and dogs are in the fine Italian back-ground. A 
 second picture of this subject was painted by the master, for the 
 Colonna family, with trifling alterations in the disposition of the 
 back-ground. But the last prince of that family, from motives 
 of devotion, had it much covered over with drapery. This was 
 afterwards, as far as it was possible, obliterated ; and the pictiire, 
 thus restored, is at present in the possession of J. J. Angerstein, 
 Esq. The picture under consideration is wholly free from re- 
 storation or retouching : and is exactly in the condition it was 
 when Lord Sunderland prized it as one of the finest in his pos- 
 session, and shewed it to Evelyn as a favourite purchase. See 
 Evelyns Memoirs; vol. i. p. 579-80. The expression, as to 
 where it was, is ambiguous : Evelyn says " dining room and bed- 
 chamber." 
 
 A Ball, by Cornelrs Polembvrg. — An exquisitely gay re- 
 presentation (as the OPPOSITE engraving testifies) of a large 
 domestic society, enjoying themselves in various ways. Some 
 dancing, others conversing, all amusing themselves after a repast, 
 the remains of which attest the time of day. This picture is so 
 different in subject from those usually seen of the master, that it 
 raises a doubt whether indeed Polemburg be the painter of this 
 truly interesting composition. But the monogram used by Cor- 
 nelius Polemburg is ostentatiously displayed in the fore-ground. 
 And Palamedes, the only artist, who, in the event of its not being 
 the production of Polemburg, would be the painter chosen as 
 capable of executing it, is named Anthony Palamedes,* and 
 
 • There were two Artists, brothers, of the name of Palamedes, or Stae- 
 vARTS, or Stevers. Of the christian name of the first, Pilkington gives us no 
 account; but the choice of the subjects — " encampments with sutlers' booths, 
 and battles of horse and foot" — proves that the above picture could not be by 
 the elder : and although the younger Palamedes painted " conversations of 
 persons of both sexes, as if they were engaged at cards, or at entertainments 
 of vocal and instrumental music, or at feasts or dances" — yet the monogram 
 of C. P. could never be intended for the initials of himself; and had he exe- 
 cuted a pictiu'e like this, he would have been too proud to have withheld his own
 
 :4 

 
 THE DRAWING ROOM. 15 
 
 therefore can have no riglit to the monogram. It is from the 
 Sunderland Collection ; and has, from that time, been considered 
 as a picture by Polemburg ; being held, as it deserves to be, in 
 very high estimation for its enchanting delicacy, silver-toned 
 brightness, and extraordinary finish. 
 
 A Sketch, by Rubens. — This splendid composition and bril- 
 liant assemblage of rich objects, is apparently intended for the 
 purpose of being woven in the tapestry of Brussels, in former 
 times so highly renowned ; and for which the greatest pamters 
 were employed to compose the designs. The subject is the 
 celebration of one of the highest rites of the Jewish rehgion. 
 The High Priest is at the altar to complete the sacrifice, and the 
 magnificence of the scene is almost pecuhar to the wonderful 
 pencil of Rubens. The merit of this great artist is never per- 
 haps so powerfully exhibited as in his sketches. He executed 
 them entirely with his own pencil, which he could seldom afford 
 time to do in his larger pictures, so extensively was he employed : 
 while his sketches, of necessity, must be exclusively the work of 
 his own hand. The genius which conceived, could alone guide 
 the pencil which realised the conception. In this fine specimen 
 of his great mind there are many pentimenti, or corrections, 
 visible; which render it very interesting to examine this picture 
 closely. It is part of the Sunderland Collection. 
 
 Diana and her Nymphs, bathing, by Van Balen and Vel- 
 vet Breughel. — This is a very highly finished picture. That 
 part of it which belongs to Breughel, is equal to any praise. 
 The delicacy, the spirit, and the decision of touch, in the ani- 
 
 initials. The same may be said of Polemburg's disciple, John Vander Lis, 
 who imitated his master so successfully, that his paintings are often taken for 
 those of Polemburg. In this case he would have put his own initials. Wal- 
 pole tells us that Polemburg painted " an inside view of Theobald's, with 
 figures of the King and Queen, and the two Earls of Pembroke and Montgo- 
 mery," &c. Wliy, therefore, might he not have painted tlie above ? The 
 objection lies in his having usually painted out-of-door subjects ; but such 
 objection, opposed to the above monogram, does not appear to me to be 
 conclusive.
 
 16 THE DRAWING ROOM. 
 
 mals, birds, ornaments, and all the various small objects intro- 
 duced, as accompaniments to the subject, are truly exquisite, 
 and worthy of the wonderful pencilling of the master. The 
 goddess herself, and her attendants, by Van Balen, are very far 
 inferior in merit, and are true representations of a Dutchman's 
 notion of ideal beauty ; they are coarse, ill-formed, and slovenly 
 designed. 
 
 Portrait of a Lady, by Titian. — A fine and beautifully 
 coloured portrait of this favourite mistress of the painter. She 
 appears to have been Titian's model for almost all his female 
 characters. From the Sunderland Collection. 
 
 A Sea Port, by Claude Lorraine. — The sun is nearly set, 
 and the composition, as is ever the case with this celebrated 
 artist, is grand, rich, and full of picturesque objects ; but the 
 broad shadows incident to the time of day selected by the 
 painter, are a little darkened by age. From the Sunderland 
 Collection. 
 
 A Venetian Lady at her Toilet, by Titian. — A splendid 
 and uncommonly well preserved picture. The subject is not 
 clearly made out ; although evidently representing a scene in 
 real life. The business of the toilet is disagreeably interrupted. 
 The jewel casket, on being opened, is found to have been rifled 
 of its precious contents. The angry blush, mantling over the 
 bosoni and face, and the indignant fire kindling in the dark eyes 
 of the beautiful and haughty Venetian, prove her to be insensible 
 to the soothings of her lover, who, shewing her herself in a 
 mirror, seems trying to convince her that she requires not the 
 " foreign aid of ornament." This portrait is exquisitely painted. 
 A cardinal's coat of arms is twice introduced in the back-ground 
 of this picture. It formed a \rdrt of Lord Sunderland's Col- 
 lection. 
 
 Morning and Evening, by Jean Asselyn. — Two pretty 
 and cheerful landscapes, in which Diana and her nymphs going 
 off, and returning from the chase, are beautiful accessories.
 
 THE DRAWING ROOM. 17 
 
 The Crucifixion of St. Andrew, by Le Brun. — A clear 
 and good picture of the master, in which he appears to have 
 attempted to imitate Nicolo Poussin ; but his inferiority in taste 
 is strongly marked in the outre expression of the attitude and 
 countenance of the Roman magistrate superintending the execu- 
 tion of the martyr. It was engraved by Picart. From the 
 Sunderland Collection. 
 
 Holy Family, by Rubens. — A very pleasing picture, brightly 
 and beautifully coloured. From the Sunderland Collection. 
 
 Landscape, by Berghem. — A most exquisite specimen of the 
 master in his best style. Nothing can be better composed than 
 the scenery, nor more soft than the silver-tone of the morning 
 gray tint thrown over the whole picture. From the Sunderland 
 Collection. 
 
 A Girl with Kittens in her Lap, by Agostino Carracci 
 DETTO iL GoBBO. — A merry little Italian maiden, probably a por- 
 trait. From the Sunderland Collection. 
 
 A Sea Port — a Calm, by Vandervelde. — This picture and 
 its companion, a violent Gale of Wind, are good and worthy spe- 
 cimens of the artist's powers. From the Sunderland Collection. 
 
 A Boy blowing upon a lighted Brand, by Schalcken. — A 
 fine picture of the master, and a very happy example of his un- 
 common power of producing the peculiar effect of the light of 
 fire. From the Sunderland Collection. 
 
 Cleopatra dying with the Asp at her Bosom, by Guido 
 Ren I. — Guido, when a very young man, appears to have given 
 a more than natural strength and depth to his shadows, from a 
 great admiration which he is known to have entertained for 
 Caravaggio, whose peculiarity in tliis respect he imitated. But 
 his unequalled taste, and the exquisite elegance of his mind, 
 seemed to have prevailed over his inclination to follow, in other
 
 18 THE DRAWING ROOM. 
 
 respects, the coarse and vigorous model who misled his youthful 
 judgment. 
 
 This picture and its companion, a Lucretia in the act of stab- 
 bing herself, are good proofs of this fact. The shadows are too 
 deep, much deeper than he practised in after Ufe ; but the de- 
 sign of these beautiful female figures is as perfect as any this 
 great master ever produced — more especially the Lucretia. From 
 the Sunderland Collection. 
 
 Acis AND Galatea — Polyphemus at a distance. Nymphs 
 AND Tritons, by Nicolo Poussin. — The remarkable severity 
 and good taste of this very superior {irtist in the selection of his 
 subjects, make the picture under review rather a striking devia- 
 tion from his usual correct choice : not that the representation of 
 a well-known story in mythology is a circumstance to be won- 
 dered at, by a master whose profound knowledge of ancient 
 learning distinguished him above all painters ; but the mode of 
 treating it is liable to an imputation, in which he is guiltless in 
 every other picture known of his pencil. It is however a fine 
 and genuine instance of the perfection of his design, beautifully 
 and classically composed, and in perfect preservation. From the 
 Sunderland Collection. 
 
 The Personification of the Five Senses, by Simon de 
 Vos. — The subject is not agreeably treated, but the executive 
 part is not to be surpassed. The brilliancy and sharpness of the 
 touch, the beautiful clearness of the colouring, make up for the 
 deficiency to be lamented in the composition. Its companion, 
 by the same master, is a more agreeable picture, and a gay as- 
 semblage of careless revellers in the enjoyment of music and 
 feasting, is admirably grouped and thrown together in pictu- 
 resque confusion. The delicacy of the pencilling, and the effect 
 of the sun-beams through the windows of the apartments, are 
 beyond praise. From the Sunderland Collection. 
 
 A Shipwreck, by Bonaventure Peters. — A very fine pic- 
 ture, and apparently a too faithful representation of a sad scene.
 
 THE DRAWING ROOM. 19 
 
 The figures, although so diminutive, are perfectly made out, and 
 bear the closest examination. From the Sunderland Collection. 
 
 A Spanish Bag-Piper, by Velasquez. — A good picture of 
 the master. From the Sunderland Collection.
 
 [20] 
 
 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 The Library at Althorp occupies a suite of apartments, on the 
 ground floor; of which the entire length — from the extremity of 
 the first apartment, called The Long Library, to that of the fifth 
 or last apartment, called Tlie Gothic Library — cannot be less 
 than two hundred and twenty feet. These rooms may be said, 
 with very few exceptions, to be filled with books to the very 
 ceiling. I shall begin with the first, or the Lono Library, in 
 which the foundation of this magnificent Collection may be said 
 to be laid. 
 
 THE LONG LIBRARY. 
 
 A screen, or partition, terminated by columns of the Ionic 
 order, is at each end of this room ; within about eleven feet of 
 the extremity. The subjoined plate will give a notion of one 
 of these extremities, and the spectator will suppose the corres- 
 ponding end, from which the view is taken, to be precisely like 
 it. The figures introduced will also give a notion of the usual 
 purposes to which this room is devoted ; namely, as a Morning 
 Sitting Room, or Drawing Room ; and it is indeed considered 
 the usual place of assembling, either morning or evening, by the 
 visitors. From the partial contraction of the room, by means of 
 of these screens, the proportion is better preserved. The whole, 
 in its present state, was executed by the late Mr. HoUand, the 
 architect, under his Lordship's directions, and is painted white 
 — which colour, being balanced by the various hues of the 
 bindings of the books, gives the entire room a gay and cheerful 
 appearance. 
 
 In the day time, ample light is aflTorded by means of five large 
 windows, which are seen on the left side of the house, in the ex- 
 terior view of it. In the evening, as before observed, it is used
 
 V 
 
 
 j4 
 
 ^ 
 
 S 
 
 H 
 
 'k^-
 
 •■"-*.'- WJ--^^ 
 
 :-.i &.:■ 
 
 !g bv Rembrandt, in the TofceXsion ;: 
 
 iandfli. futlisliat fcr du Srvl Tr.DMM !^ >
 
 THE LIBRARY. 21 
 
 as a Draicing Rooin ; where the company assemble on rising 
 from the dinner table. 
 
 It is now scarcely twenty-five years since this . room con- 
 tained the whole of his Lordship's library ; and that portion of 
 it which, in the engraving, is seen through the pillars, was set 
 apart for the reception of Editiones Prixcipes, and Books 
 printed in the Fifteenth Century. Here it was that Gibbon 
 described himself " as having exhausted a whole moiTiing (in 
 company with the noble o\vner) among the first editions of 
 Cicero." * Were that celebrated historian now alive, and en- 
 gaged in a similar pursuit, he would find the toil of investigation 
 a little more severe ; as the niunber in that class of Books (pre- 
 served for the last twenty years at Spencer House) is prodigi- 
 ously mcreased. The shelves, as seen in the ^iew, and then 
 occupied by early printed volumes, now contain a selection of 
 volumes, in all classes of litei-ature, which are distinguished for 
 their rarity and condition, and for the beauty of their bindings ; 
 and which form, in short, a little series of themselves.. 
 
 The corresponding end of this room — or that pai-t from which 
 the view is taken — is devoted almost entirely to Theology : the 
 bottom shelves being occupied by large paper copies of the 
 Polyglott and other Bibles. Before, however, we quit this Li- 
 brary for the adjoining apartment, it will be necessai-y to make 
 the visitor acquainted with the Pictures which it contains, and 
 which are grouped (if I may so speak) in the centre of the room, 
 about the fire-place, as the annexed view shews. The principal 
 of these, both for size and intrinsic merit, is supposed to be 
 
 Rembrandt's Mother, by her Son. — The opposite plate y!W[ 
 give the best idea of the composition of this pictiu'e ; and the ob- 
 server cannot fail to admire the consummate care and skiU with 
 which the whole is executed. The chiaro-oscuro (of which how- 
 ever the effect is materially injured by its being placed opposite 
 the hght,) is as perfect as it is charming. Seen by lamp-light, 
 the spectator cannot fail to be struck with its force and beauty. 
 The figure in question is habited in a vestment of a yellow 
 tint. Her head-dress is of a dark and variegated pattern. The 
 
 * Life and Memoirs, vol. i. p. 2S9. 4to. edit. 
 VOL. I. D
 
 22 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 cloak is of a dark, or almost blackish tint. The curtain is a 
 deep neutralised green ; a colour, of which all painters, from 
 Titian to Reynolds, have been exceedingly fond ; but no artist 
 has managed it with more magical effect than Rembrandt. This 
 fine painting has never been before engraved ; and if any criti- 
 cism may be offered upon the present graphic production, it is, 
 that the coimtenance is rendered a little too young. It was exe- 
 cuted from the copy, made in water colours, by the late Mr. 
 Satchwell — now in possession of Earl Spencer. The original 
 picture was in the Collection of Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough. 
 
 Under the Rembrandt, A round Landscape, by Breughel. — 
 A pretty little bit. The scene a wood, and the birds and foliage 
 most delicately handled. — On the right hand, A Concert of 
 Birds, by Van Kessel : — a miraculous display of the power of 
 his pencilling and of his miniature touch. Each bird, although 
 very diminutive, is so perfect, that it would bear examination 
 through a microscope. On the left hand is a delightful little 
 Landscape, by Breenberg. The nymph who is l)athing is said, 
 in the old catalogues, to be by Polemburg. This little landscape 
 is one of the most genuine and brilliant pictures at Althorp. 
 
 Under these three small pictures, are two frames filled by Por- 
 traits IN ENAMEL : — of the following personages ; two of John 
 Dide of Marlborough, by Zinck : two of Sarah Duchess of 
 Marlborough, by an unknown artist : Leiv'is XIV, Cardinal 
 Richelieu, and an Unknown head of beautiful execution, by Pe- 
 titot : Lord and Lady Granrillc, Ludij Anne Sunderland, and 
 Lady Rachel Russell ; by artists unknown. 
 
 Three oblong pictures by David Tenters. — This artist often 
 attempted subjects in the style of the Itahan masters. These 
 under review are cases in point. The subjects are mythological ; 
 and although the failure in giving gods and goddesses, nymphs 
 and tritons, Cupids and sea monsters, grace or classical dignity, 
 is truly ludicrous ; yet in spirit, shaqmess, clearness, and match- 
 less brilliancy and lightness, he far surpasses the Italian school. 
 These three pictures, and their companions on the other side of
 
 THE LIBRARY. 23 
 
 the chimney, were painted for the purpose of forming the pan- 
 nels of a Corbeille de Marlage, or casket, in which marriage gifts 
 are offered to foreign brides by the bridegroom on their wedding 
 day. 
 
 Two small pictures of Teniers, of Boors merry and half 
 
 DRUNK, WITH THEIR WINE JUGS IN THEIR HANDS. Above these 
 
 are two very interesting cabinet pictures in the best style of the 
 Italian school. That on the left hand is the Nativity, by Ba- 
 Roccio : a most happy composition, and perfect in expression 
 and effect. All the light proceeds from the holy child, and 
 strikes beautifully on the mother, kneeling by the crib, and on a 
 gi'oup of angels hovering over them. Sir Joshua Reynolds stu- 
 died this identical picture very many times, while he was com- 
 posing the Nativity- which forms the centre of the window at 
 New College, Oxford. The present is from the Sunderland 
 Collection. 
 
 The picture on the right hand is a very excellent specimen of 
 the Bolognese school — A St. Francis, by Guido Reni. The 
 head and hands of the saint are finely painted, and the ex- 
 pression of the countenance most beautiful. From the same 
 Collection. 
 
 Right side of the Chimney, at the bottom, A Dutch View, by 
 Van Mosker, a scholar of Hobbima. Three long pictures by 
 David Teniers. On the left of the upper one are the portraits 
 of two great artists, the elder of whom is Michael Angelo 
 Buonarotti, the other Giulio Romano. They are painted 
 by Sebastian del Piombo, Michael Angelo's favourite scholar; 
 altogether forming a singularly interesting picture. 
 
 On the right hand of the Teniers, A small Landscape, by Mola, 
 
 Above these, on the left hand, are An Holy Family, by Carlo 
 Maratti. — A pretty cabinet picture ; and on the right of it a 
 Landscape, by Murillo, representing the Entrance of the 
 Grotto of Pausilippo, near Naples. An uncommon and beautiful 
 picture of the master. All these are from the Sunderland 
 Collection.
 
 24 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 At the top, on the left hand of the chimney, two small pictures, 
 with cattle, by Berghem; and a Madonna and Child, by Pietko 
 Perugino, who was Raphael d'Urbino's master, in the centre. 
 
 At the top, on the right hand, Two small Landscapes, by an 
 unknown hand ; and in the centre, an Entombing of Christ, 
 by Andrea Schiavone. 
 
 From the Long Library, the visitor retires, between the ))ilhirs 
 seen in the view, to the second room — which may be designated 
 
 THE RAPHAEL LIBRARY. 
 
 It takes this name from a very fine picture of the Holy Fa- 
 mily, by that master, which hangs over the fire-place.* This 
 picture is painted in the second style or manner of Raphael, and 
 the figures are of the size of life. It was purchased by the present 
 Earl Spencer when he was in Italy, in 1785, from a noble family in 
 whose possession it had remained ever since the time of Raphael. 
 By original documents, it was j)roved to have been expressly 
 painted by him, for an ancestor of the same noble family. It is 
 painted upon plaistcr, about three inches in thickness, laid upon 
 wood. There is another similar picture, by the same master, but 
 with a different back-ground, in the Royal Collection at Naples. 
 In the order of the arrangement of the books, this Library con- 
 tains a very choice collection oi Poetry and County History ; most 
 of tile latter class being upon large paper. To the left, on quit- 
 ting it, is hung up a curious old hunting hornj-f of ivory, of the 
 execution of the xvith century, and of foreign workmanship ; 
 presented to his Lordship by George Ashby, Esq. of Hasel- 
 beach, in Northamptonshire. 
 
 * For some other subordinate notices, counected wth it, sec the Bibliogra- 
 g-rnphical Decameron, vol. iii. p. ,389. 
 
 t Id the Althorp Lil)rary is a verj' fine, but not quite complete, copy of that 
 rare and most singular book, entitled, ^ii Acaidemie of Armory, &c. Bi/ Handle 
 Holme, [IGSS] Folio . . . being a sort of Encyclopadia, in its way. In tlie 
 III' Book of this work, are instructions for " blowing a horn," which, for 
 aught I know to the contrary, might have been put into practice by the above 
 instrument ; for surely it seems calculated, in every respect, to do justice ^
 
 V ;:;::'U<oiQrHT alth®m.f, 
 
 -■EJatis Suae I"': 
 
 From an Origtn«.l litiimtiinig Ibv Sir J.ffii^TiioMs.at Althorp. 
 
 .'- ndim I^iilts'hed /br the Xev^ if.IkbdinMi?. 
 
 JhrUad btlahm
 
 THE LIBRARY. 25 
 
 From this room you go immediately into 
 
 THE BILLIARD LIBRARY. 
 
 This room is so called, from a billiard table being placed in the 
 middle. This library i s lighted by three large windows, of which 
 the centre is made to be raised up, with small folding doors 
 below, through which you walk into the park. This room con- 
 tains, in the order of arrangement, a fine collection of History 
 on one side, with the continuation of Poetry, on the other. 
 But this room has other attractions, which cannot fail to delight 
 a lover of the fine arts. Here are two of the finest specimens 
 of the pencil of Sir Joshua Reynolds, which this mansion con- 
 tains. They are the portraits of the present Marchioness 
 Camden and Viscount Althorp — the latter when four years 
 old. As this is presented to the reader, through the me- 
 dium of the OPPOSITE ENGRAVING, it may be only necessary to 
 observe, that the portrait of Lady Camden is in a fine state of 
 preservation. The head-dress is a pink musUn, encircled by 
 white beads. The girdle, or sash, is of a yellow tint : the 
 drapery is white. The attitude is undoubtedly one of the most 
 hazardous for a painter to execute with grace and good effect ; 
 but difficult and exti'aordinary indeed must have been that at- 
 tempt, in which the pencil of Reynolds could have failed. There 
 is a glow and radiance about the whole of this picture, which is 
 perfectly magical : the etching from it, by the late Schiavonetti, 
 in the dotting style, is undoubtedly a faithless resemblance. 
 Under the portrait is 
 
 An interesting picture by Callot, representing the Landing 
 OF THE Duke of Buckingham on the island of Rhe during 
 
 such directions as these. On "The Mort or Death" of any deer. "Tone Ton 
 Tavern Ton-tavern Ton, ton, tavern." To call the company in the morning ; 
 Tone, tavern, tavern tavern tone ton-tavern : The stroaks to field. Ton- 
 ion-tavern, tone-ton-tavern, ton-tavern, ton-tavern, tone taverne, taverne tone. 
 To uncouple the hounds. Tone tavern, tavern, tavern, tavern, tavern, ton- 
 luvern lone."
 
 26 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 the siege of La Rochelle. The details are curious ; and the 
 costume, and arms, and military arrangements, are very worthy 
 of close examination. 
 
 The Portrait of the present Viscount Althorp is a per- 
 formance of great sweetness and ability. Tlie colouring, in 
 parts of the drapery, is flown a little ; the usual result of those 
 pictures of Sir Joshua in which the white colour predominates. 
 The dress is wholly white, with the exception of the sash, which 
 is light blue. This picture has never been before engraved. 
 Below it, hangs 
 
 A very pretty Landscape, by Van Goyen — sui^prisingly clear, 
 and brilliantly sketched : a very genuine specimen of the master. 
 
 You now resume your bibliographical journey, and enter a 
 fourth book-room, which is called 
 
 THE MARLBOROUGH LIBRARY, 
 
 from the Portrait of that great General, which is hung over the 
 fire-place. This is said to have been the favourite portrait of 
 the Duchess. It represents the Duke, as the opposite engrav- 
 ing' shews, shortly after his return from one of his continental 
 campaigns. His countenance has a browner tint than is usually 
 seen in his portraits ; but tlie Duchess, having before had her hus- 
 band's likeness taken as the handsomest fair man, declared that 
 the present should represent him as the " handsomest brown 
 man" — in England. It has never been before engraved. Of 
 the Painter, nothing is known with certainty ; and it must be 
 allowed that this countenance of the Duke differs much from the 
 usually received portraits of that great man. I cannot also but 
 consider it as the most genuine one ; and as most worthy of the 
 reputed beauty of the original. This room is precisely of the 
 dimensions of the Raphael Library, and is commonly used as 
 an Evening Drawing Room for the family when they are alone. 
 The class of books contained in it, are chiefly Voyages and
 
 del. 
 
 .-. ortnington 
 
 ,uLr^ ©"ifflSLE '■■" ' '^-■"■"OIK.OIO'GH,
 
 THE LIBRARY. 27 
 
 Travels, and History. Among the latter, the curious will not 
 fail to notice one of the completest sets in England of that rare 
 and truly wonderful work called the Acta Sanctorum, in fifty-five 
 folio volumes. 
 
 Thus far the visitor has been conducted over what may be 
 called the old suite of apartments, devoted to the Library ; al- 
 though it is scarcely six years since this last room — hereto- 
 fore his Lordship's bed-chamber — was thrown open for the 
 reception of the overflowings of such a progressively increasing 
 Collection. We have now to tread neiv ground. Previously to 
 his Lordship's leaving England for Italy, in 1819, a plan was 
 projected for building a ne%v room, of the Gothic form, for the 
 reception of more books— and which was to communicate to the 
 room, just described, by means of a Corridor. This plan was 
 can-ied into effect during the year of the absence of the Earl 
 and Countess; and in the following year, 1820, the Christ- 
 mas revelries at Althorp extended to this Gothic room. It is 
 indeed a beautiful and appropriate apartment; with a surrounding 
 gallery, six feet in mdth, hghted by four Gothic windows. In this 
 gallery there is ample room for chau-s and tables ; and the stu- 
 dious may steal away from the animated discussions carried on 
 below, to the more perfect enjoyment of tiieir favourite authors. 
 The spiral stair-case, leading to this gallery, is as neat in ap- 
 pearance as it is admirable in contrivance : no space being lost 
 for the reception of books. 
 
 But we must not forget that this new member of the mansion 
 is connected to the old body by means of a Corridor; in whicli 
 are several pictures, recently placed there, and which call for a 
 particular description. At the bottom of it, near the entrance to 
 the Gothic Library, is a Bust of his Lordship, (upon a term) 
 executed by Chauntrey, and considered to be a strong resem- 
 blance. 
 
 A Skirmish of Cavalry, by Borgognone. — A small picture, 
 very spirited, and in the best manner of the master. 
 
 A Landscape, by Gaspar Poussik, with shepherds in the 
 fore-ground. The tranquillity of the scene, the depth and clear-
 
 28 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 ness of the whole, are remarkable; and in this picture are seen 
 many of the peculiarities of the master. 
 
 A beautiful little bright picture, representing a Virgin and 
 Child, with St. Francis, in an attitude of devotion, and some 
 other figures, by Rotiienamer. A perfect gem of its kind. 
 
 A most beautiful picture, by P. Wouwermans. — A Gentle- 
 man UPON A CURVETTING HoRSE, witli a riding-master standing 
 by, and giving him instructions; several spectators are on one 
 side, while on the other a beautiful white horse is breaking loose 
 and pursuing another. The landscape and the sky have the 
 usual beauty and softness of this master's paintings. 
 
 The Marriage of St. Catherine, by Carlo Dolci.— The 
 attitude of the Virgin is simple and graceful ; the kneeling figure 
 of St. Catherine has also a good deal of merit, and her drapery 
 is finely disposed. The colouring of the whole is excellent. 
 
 A Cottage on the Brow of a Hill, with a road by the side 
 of it, along which a lady is riding at a round pace, followed by a 
 falconer, with a hawk upon his fist, and a greyhound in a string ; 
 while other figures are seen descending the hill beyond the lady. 
 This beautiful picture is by Wouwermans. The clouds are 
 breaking away, and the sky brightening on the left, so as to set 
 off the principal figures ; and the shade on the right is relieved 
 by a white horse, beautifully painted. A companion to that be- 
 fore described by the same artist, and equal to it in merit. 
 
 A Magdalen at her Devotions, in a secluded scene. She 
 sits barefooted, and, with dishevelled tresses, and her hands 
 folded upon her bosoni, is intent upon a skull and some pious 
 book open before her upon a projecting rock, above which is a 
 crucifix. A sylvan glade, with a brook running through it, very 
 brightly painted, form the back-ground. Several birds appear 
 amongst the trees and on wing, and a lizard and a butterfly are 
 seen in another part of the picture. It is the joint composition 
 of three masters — the landscape being by Paul Bril — the Mag-
 
 THE LIBRARY. gg 
 
 delen, after Annibal Caracci, by Rothenamer, and the birds 
 
 by Van Kessel. 
 
 The Dawn of a brilliant Day shining on a calm sea and 
 upon a bold and picturesque coast ; by Pynaker. In the fore- 
 ground is a boat full of figures, comparatively in the shade ; and 
 in the distance a ship with all sails set, in a very beautiful light. 
 This picture can scarcely be surpassed in brightness, softness 
 of light and shade, and beauty of tint. 
 
 A Holy Family, by Albanc— In the principal group the 
 figure and colouring of the infant Christ, and of the drapery 
 that surrounds him, are particularly to be remarked. The land- 
 scape is beautiful ; and the whole forms one of the most pleasin^ 
 pictures of the master, 
 
 A Copy, upon a small scale, (twenty-eight and a half inches 
 by twenty-three inches) of Raffaelle's Transfiguration, by 
 Baroccio. — It has very extraordinary merit in drawing, colour- 
 ing, and fidelity in details, especially in the heads ; and the value 
 of this early copy, which is in the highest preservation, is now 
 much enlianced, by the serious damage lately done to the ori- 
 ginal by picture-cleaners and restorers. 
 
 St. Jerome at his Studies, by Steenwyck.— The Saint sits 
 in an apartment which appears to be a sacristy, as it has a pulpit 
 on one side of it, and opens into a deep gothic oratory. There 
 is a fire-place and over-hanging chimney opposite the pulpit, 
 and books, and a variety of other objects in the room. A lion 
 is lying on the floor, and is introduced as the symbol of the 
 saint. A very brilliant picture, and in Steenwyck's best style ; 
 the perspective is admirable, and the nicety of the finishing 
 exquisite. 
 
 A Shepherdess, by Bloemart. 
 
 Landscape, by Albert Cuyp. — Although this picture has 
 not the golden splendour which often distinguishes the works of 
 
 VOL. I. E
 
 ao THE LIBRARY. 
 
 this master, it has yet much warmth of colouring and softness of 
 touch. In the fore-ground are cattle and sheep very skilfully 
 painted in various groups. The head of a- ram, conspicuous in 
 the front of the picture, is singularly well done. The distance is 
 glowing with a red evening sky, beautifully coloured. 
 
 A Piping Goatherd, with a goat looking up, and as it were 
 Hstening to him, by Blokmart. The Companion to the preced- 
 ing, by the same Painter. 
 
 A Personification of Charity, by Carlo Cignani. — The 
 figure is in a reclining posture, resting upon one arm, while the 
 other is extended gently to raise the drapery over the head of a 
 sleeping infant. She looks earnestly and complacently on the 
 babe. Another child is at her breast, and a third is flung back 
 upon her lap. There is a fine distribution of light over the 
 whole centre of this picture, which is the first beauty that strikes 
 the spectator ; but, on a closer examination, the expression and 
 the beautiful design of the female head, together with its masterly 
 execution, produce an admuation of a higher kind. 
 
 Maskers, by Watteau, and its Companion, A Lady prepar- 
 ing to sing to a guitar, which a man is tuning. Both pretty 
 pictures, and the colouring of the latter, especially, very good. 
 
 A Sea Piece, by W. Vandervelde. — Ships in port ; amongst 
 which is a man of war just arrived, lowering her sails, and 
 saluting. 
 
 A Flight into Egypt, by Carlo Maratti. — One of the best 
 pictures of this master. The Virgin's head is singularly beau- 
 tiful. This picture was engraved by Jac. Frey at Rome, 1735. 
 
 A Landscape, by Decker. — The sky, and trees against it, are 
 well painted, in Ruysdaal's manner. 
 
 Over the Japan cabinet, teest side. Hermits in a Cave ; pea- 
 sants bringing them food, and receiving spiritual instruction in
 
 THE LIBRARY. 31 
 
 return. A remarkably pretty picture of David Teniers, in his 
 best style. 
 
 All the pictures in this Corridor were part of the Sunderland 
 Collection. 
 
 Ha\'ing thus conducted the visitor through the Corridor, we 
 enter, and examine more particularly, 
 
 THE GOTHIC LIBRARY. 
 
 The eastern and western extremities are nearly wholly occu- 
 pied by gothic windows, glazed with plate-glass; which, in 
 addition to the four smaller windows above the gallery, afford 
 abundance of light. In the further, or eastern exti-emity, there 
 is a bay-window ; of the constmction of those of the time of Queen 
 Elizabeth. This window may be separated from the room, in case 
 of extremely cold weather, by means of a couple of glazed doors, 
 which are made to retire within the sohd part of the building, 
 and to draw out, and meet in the centre, as occasion may require. 
 Sofas, chairs, tables, of every comfortable and conunodious fomi, 
 are of course liberally scattered throughout the room. The 
 bay-window looks into the pleasure-garden, or rather into a 
 luxuriant shrubbeiy ; where both serpentine and straight walks 
 invite to a ramble among larches, elms, and oaks — the two 
 latter, of a size and antiquity not exceeded by any in the park. 
 Running parallel, a little to the right, is the flower-garden of 
 Lady Spencer ; of small dimensions ; but neat in trim and per- 
 fect in cultivation. Upon the whole, it must be confessed that 
 this room, both within and from without, has a character pecu- 
 Uarly bookish — and such as we might suppose to belong to a 
 well-endowed monastery. 
 
 The only embellishment in this room, in the character of a 
 picture, is a small and beautifully executed portrait of the family's 
 ancient poetical relative, Spencer.* The history of its occupy- 
 ing the present place is thus told in an inscription pasted at the 
 back : 
 
 *. See page xii. ante.
 
 32 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 " This portrait of Edmund Spencer, the author of the " Faerie 
 Quecne," is a copy, painted by Raeburn, in 1820, of the origi- 
 nal, in the possession of the Earl of Kinnoul, at Dupplin Castle, 
 N. B. Another original portrait of this great poet was known to 
 have been at Castle Saffron, in the county of Cork, Ireland, 
 situated in the neighbourhood of Kiicolman Castle, the residence 
 of Spencer, which was destroyed by fire before his death. This 
 picture, in consequence of the roof of Castle Saffron falling in 
 from neglect, was utterly destroyed ; a fact ascertained by Ad- 
 miral Sir Benjamin Hallowell, during the period of his command 
 in chief of the port of Cork in 1818, at the request of George 
 Jolin Earl Spencer, K. G." 
 
 In this Library are placed what may be called the finer copies, 
 and especially those u])on large paper, in all classes of books. 
 The shelves, upon which the folio volumes are placed, contain a 
 display — which, for t/ieir extent, I do not remember to have seen 
 exceeded either at Paris or Vienna. Being nearly on a level 
 with the eye, and coming inimcdiatoiy in view, the knowing spec- 
 tator cannot fail to be struck with the richness, choice, and ex- 
 traordinary worth of the treasures which he surveys; and of 
 which a careful investigation only confirms the accuracy of a first 
 impression. 
 
 Thus has the reader been made acquainted, in as summary a 
 manner as possible, with the locale of the Altuokp Library ; 
 although it should be mentioned that the dado, in the Picture 
 Gallery — which is one hundred and fifteen feet in length — is 
 fitted up with shelves about four feet from the giound, for the 
 purpose of holiling those works for which there may be no room 
 in the Library below. It is barely possible, even for the most 
 uninterested visitor, to walk through the apartments in which 
 this extraordinary library is deposited, without being stinck with 
 the general beauty of the copies and of the bindings. Such an 
 assemblage of valuable, rare, and precious books — the result of 
 the ardour, judgment, and liberality of one man — its present 
 noble owner* — while it has very few similar examples in our 
 
 * It is true, that Lord Spencer's father purchased the library of Dr. George, 
 head master of Eton School, which contained about five thousand volumes : 
 and of which a great part consisted of volumes of Miscellaneous Tracts —
 
 THE LIBRARY. 33 
 
 own, or other countries — cannot fail to produce reflections the 
 most congenial with enlightened minds, and of the most honour- 
 
 amoac; which there are some, doubtless, of a peculiar rarity- But it is not 
 less true, that most of the remaining volumes have been exchanged for better 
 copies ; and that, of all those of the xvth century, only one copy (I believe) is 
 preserved; namely, the Lascaris of 1476: see Bibl. Spencer'mna, vol. iii. p. 
 76. The books, from the old Library, are known by the arms of John Earl 
 Spencer, with a roman capital letter, inscribed with the pen, below. Besides 
 this library of Dr. George, there was a small collection, some of which were 
 rather curious old English books, belonging to the family in the earlier times 
 of their inhabiting Althorp, and before the creation of the first Lord Spencer, 
 in 1603 — as appears by the family crest stamped on the binding of a few of 
 them, without a coronet. Before the purchase made from Dr. George's ex©- 
 cutors, these books were kept in very coarse old wooden cases, in what is now 
 the Dining Room, but what was then the Billiard Room. 
 
 As a specimen of the contents of one of these volumes, in 12mo. lettered 
 Miscellanies, at the back of the binding, 1 present the reader with the fol- 
 lowing titles of the pieces contained in it. It is numbered 7257. 
 
 1. Ane Detectiovn cf the duinges of Marie Qiiene of Scottes, &c Original 
 edition, in the black letter. Rare. Reprinted by Constable. 
 
 2. Two Centuries of Pauls Church-yard: &c. Without date, wth the arms 
 of both Universities printed in the title-page. This is yet an amusing book, 
 and somewhat scarce. It ends thus : " Fink Bibliothtcw, & {proh dolor ^i Par- 
 liamenti." 
 
 3. Ferses icritten by Severatl of the Author's Friends ; to be reprinted with 
 the Second Edition of Gondibert. London 1653. Only eight leaves, including 
 the title. Scarce. 
 
 4. The Incomparable Poem Gondibert. {'indicated from the If'it Combats of 
 Four Esquires, Clinias, Dametas, Sancho, and Jack Pudding. 1 653. The 
 same number of leaves. Of the same rarity. 
 
 5. A Neiee Boohe called the Shippe of safeguarde, wrytten by G. B. Anno 
 1569. Imprinted at London by W. Seres. In the black letter. The auto- 
 graph of the celebrated Francis Thynne, 1569 (concerning whom see Todd's 
 Memoir of Gower and Chaucer, 1810. Introduction, p. x.) is at the bottom of 
 the title-page. This is the only copy of the book with which I am acquainted. 
 Mr. Haslewood favoured the public vnih. an analysis of its contents,in the jBriV/jA 
 Bibliographer, vol. ii. p. 618 — 634. 
 
 6. T)te Pleasant Fable of H ermaphroditus and Salmacis. By T. Peend 
 Gent. ITith a morall in English rerse. Anno Domini 1565. Mense De- 
 eembris. Contains Signature A to C, in eights. Printed by Colwell. Origi- 
 nal edition. Of great rarity. In the black letter. Ritson. Bibliog. Poet.
 
 S4 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 able and flattering description in favour of the founder of such 
 an intellectual banquet. 
 
 p. 296, supposes this to have been previously printed in 15G4, Iiut I iloul)l the 
 existence of such edition. 
 
 7. Tlie e<vcellcnt f/isfon/c of Theseus nnd Jrindne, ^-c. Hi/ Thomas I'n- 
 derdowne. Imp. by Rycharde Johnes. 1566. 2S. of Januark. In the black 
 letter. First edition. Very rare. 
 
 8. A poore mmmes beneiiolence to the afflicted Church. Imprinted at London 
 in little Britaine by Alexander Lacy 29 Jan. 1566. In tlie black letter. 
 
 9. Treatise of Dreamet. (Title wanting.) In the black letter. No im- 
 print at the end. 
 
 10. A short Discourse of the mcanes that the Cardinal of I^raine rseth to 
 Milder the stablishing- of peace, <5- to moue neir troubles in Fraunce. Imp. by 
 H.Bynneman for Lucas Ilaryson. 1568. In the black letter. First Edition. 
 This book also belonged to Francis Thymic, and has his autograph, and the 
 price (ijd.) marked at the top of the title-page. There are some horrible nar- 
 ratives disclosed in this book. iVinoiig them, at F. j. rect., is related the 
 murder of a Captain Gosse — " whose wife was constrained to hold the candle 
 to light the miu-therers, while they hewed her husband in pieces." But there 
 are hardly colours Mack cnougli for the historian to use in his delineation of 
 the character of the Cardinal of Lorraine. 
 
 11.^ Poesie in forme of a Fision, briefly inueyinff against the mostc hatefult, 
 and prodigious Artes of Necromancic, Jl'ilchcraft, Sorcerie, Incantations, Ifc. 
 Compiled in Metre by I. //. Printed hy Rmrhind Halt, 1563. In the bhick 
 letter. A very uncommon little volume. Every herb of the field seems to be 
 thro^vn into the alternate rhyme stanzas of this poem. 
 
 There was no herbe, nor pleasant flower 
 
 in such a felde to knowe : 
 But might be sene most fruitfully 
 
 within this feilde to grow. 
 
 The Hartsease, and the Pacience 
 
 and crimseu Pimperncll : 
 The Cammock, and the Cammomille 
 
 and caunterbury bell. 
 
 Rosecampany, Maudlen, and Costc 
 
 and London touft so red : 
 Agrimony, and Lians toth, 
 
 that chihlren caule pisbed. A iii — iiii 
 
 llie whole passes in a dream or vision. Ritsou ^vas ignorant of the author.
 
 THE LIBRARY. 35 
 
 It is, in short, a General Library; one, which, with the ex- 
 ception of merely technical or elementary works upon Law, 
 
 12. The Grantes, Ordinances and Lmces of Romeney Marshe. At the end : 
 Londini, &c. Tliom : Berthelet. 1543. I take this to be the first edition of 
 this celebrated Ordinance. Consult the Typ. Jntiq. vol. iii. p. 322. From 
 which it is evident that neither Herbert nor myself had seen the book. The 
 name of Francis Thynne also ap])ears in this volume, at the top of the title. 
 It contains A B, in eights : the imprint, on a separate leaf, forming B viij. 
 
 13. A Seconde declaration of the Prince of Conde. Imp. by Henry Sutton 
 Jor Edu-ard Sutton, Sfc. 1562. In the black letter. 
 
 14. De Civilitate Morum Pueritium per Des. Erasmum Rot. Sec. Antverpia. 
 1554. The name of the original proprietor of the book is cut off. 
 
 The time is not very remote, when this dcodecimo volume, containing 
 probably about 450 pages, would have produced, at a public auction, a sum 
 little short of fifty guineas. 
 
 Among the Quartos, denominated Miscellanies, there is one which has not 
 fewer than a hundred and fifty tracts of prose and poetry. Another, num- 
 bered 6912, contains the following tracts; of which the reader will appreciate 
 the worth as he becomes better acquainted wth them. They are bound in an 
 old vellum cover, and have the number 6912 in the fly leaf, whereon the old 
 Spencer Arms are pasted. 
 
 1. Tlie View of Fraunce. London printed by Symon Stafford. 1604. 4to. 
 
 2. Tlie first and second part of the History of the famous Euordanus Prince 
 of Denmark ; villi the strange Adi-entures of lago. Prince of Sajeonie : and of 
 both their sercruU fortunes in Loue. At London, printed by J. R. for R. B. 
 and are to be sold on Paules Church-yard, at the Signe of the Sun. 1605. Ato. 
 In the black letter. I have reason to think that this curious " history" is 
 unknown to most of our lovers and readers of old black letter romance. There 
 are no numbers to the folios, and the two parts extend from A to Z — A a and 
 B b — all in fours. 
 
 3. The Downefall of Popery. Proposed by leay of a nete Challenge, &c. 
 Printed by Thomas Purfiot, &c. 1605. The author is Thomas Bell, who 
 was a converted Papist ami a very shre«d wxiter. pp. 155. 
 
 4. Ratscis Ghost, or The second Part of his maddc Prankes and Robberies. 
 Printed by V. S. and are to be sold by John Hodgets in Paules Church-yard. 
 Date supposed to be cut off. In the black letter. The loss sustained by the 
 absence of the first part of these " mad pranks" may be easily conceived, when 
 the reader learns, not only that this second part is unique, but that no accoimt 
 of it, in any shape, has yet appeared before the public. Nor is the present 
 a fit place for amplitude of detail. A rude wood cut of Ratsey's Ghost — a figure 
 naked to the waist — with a fire ball in one hand, and what looks like a torch
 
 36 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 Botany, and Medicine, admits works of the highest character 
 upon ALL branches of Literature and Science; and astro- 
 nomy, chemistry, mathematics, fortification, and other similar 
 branches, will be found here as well those of philology, lexico- 
 graphy, belles-lettres, and divinity — in almost all languages. 
 
 in the other, is in tlie tille-pago, hetwccii the title and tlie imprint. Ratsey 
 appears to have been a mad, liariim-.sranmi fellow — in drinkini;, thievine, and 
 cheating, &c. ; ha\ ing two comrades, of like propensities, in Sncll and Shorl- 
 hote. The running title is " Ratsey Ghost." The first chapter is entitled, 
 " A prftli/ pranhe passed hy Ralsey, vpone certain Players that he met hy chance 
 in an Inne : irho denied their oiene Lord and Mnister, and vsed another A'o/tle- 
 man's name." The second chajjlcr, " Hoir Ratsey robbed a Tapster of Maid- 
 stone, and gulled him the ne.vt day, being disffuised" The third, " A pretie 
 conceit past rpon Ratsey hy a fellow that he rob'd of ten pounds," ice. 
 
 Ratsey is betrayed (like many of his fraternity) by his most intimate friend 
 and fellow robber, Snell. And the last chapter treats " Of Ratsiys demeanour 
 towards the Sheriffe, and his carelesse carriage at the time of his e.rerution." I 
 select a good portion of this chapter. Ratsey " having receaued the dolefnU 
 doome of death, being brought to the place of execution, Maister Sheriffe 
 (saies he) though life faile me, yet while I doe Hue my heart shall not faint 
 me. I sorrow not to dye, but I grieue at the manner of my death. For might 
 I in the field incounter the eneniie, and so dye, it would nothing discontent 
 me. Wight I be praie to some wild beast, and so perish, I were a happy man. 
 But to fall into the hangman's handes, oh mee thrice miserable and unfortu- 
 nate ! Eucrie wrong I haue done (called now to remembrance) «Tiugs a drop 
 of blood from my heart. There is nothing [like vnto] to the worme of Con- 
 science : no hell to [like vnto] a mindc toucht with guilt. But doc me one 
 fauour, I pray you, Maister SheriB'e, before I die? What's that Rlaister Rat- 
 sey? quoth the Sheriffe. Faith nothing (saies he) but that I might see the 
 others die before me, especially that villain Snvll that betrayed mee," &c. The 
 tract contains F 3, in fours. 
 
 5. 'Die Fraternitie of f'acabondes, Ifc. where unto also is adioyned the xxv 
 Orders of Knaucs, Sfc. Confirmed for euer by Cocke Lorell, S,-c. Imp. at Lon- 
 don by //'. ffliite dwelling in Cow Lane. 1603. 4to. Original, and rare 
 edition. 
 
 6. The Flea : sic parua componcre magnis. London, Printed for John Smeth- 
 wick, (fc. 1605. Ato. A large wood cut of a shepherd in a tree ; with a bull 
 sitting in a chair ; a fox, rat, dog, and four elephants, below the tree. The 
 author is Peter If'oodhouse, whose two dedicatory epistles preceded the text. 
 Tlien a poetical address, " In laudem Aulhoris," by R. P. Gent. On sig. B, 
 the poem begins with the title of " Democritus his Dreanie, (which is the
 
 THE LIBRARY. 37 
 
 The reader will probably now expect some account of the 
 Treasures of a Library, through which he has only passed in a 
 hasty manner, but which may have been sufficient to excite 
 a curiosity for more full and particular information. With every 
 disposition to gratify his wishes, it must, at the same time, be 
 obvious to him, that the present is not the place for a descrij)- 
 tive Catalogue even of the principal articles in each depart- 
 ment ; but while he will here find little better than paitial no- 
 tices of some of the more remarkable and magnificent copies of 
 Books in the branches of Literature and BeUes-Lettres, he must 
 admit that such a partial selection has been in some measure com- 
 pensated by an account of the various impressions of Bibles and 
 Testaments, and of portions of the Sacred Text, in ahnost all 
 languages, which are contained in this extraordinary Collection. 
 ^Vhile this task has been executed from a paramount professional 
 feeling, it must at the same time be observed, that it may be 
 questioned whether the departments of Classical Literature, 
 in the Greek, Latin, and Italian Languages, be not of yet greater 
 extent and value. 
 
 running title throughout) Or the Contention betweene the Elephant and the 
 Flea." The verse is in heroic rhyming couplets ; but the poem is desperately 
 dull — fully justifying what the author says at the end. (D 5, in fours.) 
 
 Many, many things haue wTitten, 
 
 When th' ad better still haue sitten. 
 
 Peraduenture so had I : 
 
 Yet I knowe no reason why. 
 
 It's a foolish toy I write. 
 
 And in foUy most delight : 
 
 Then (1 hope) it will please many. 
 
 And not be dislikte of any, 
 
 Euen from tales of Robin Hood, 
 
 Wise men always picke some good. 
 
 None (I trust) offend I shall. 
 
 So I take my leaue of all. Peter Woodhouse. 
 
 My friends Messrs. Douce and Heber inform me that they never saw, nor 
 heard of, another copy of this singular production. 
 
 6. Humors Antiqve Faces. Drawne in proportion to /lis seuerall Antique les- 
 tures. London Imp. dfc. for Henry Rockett, and are to bee solde at the long Shop 
 vnder S. Mildred's Churc/i in the Potiltrie. 1605. 4to. A rare piece ; being 
 a collection of epigrams in heroic verse ; on signatures A — D, in fotirs. 
 VOL. I. F
 
 [ 38 ] [Polyglott 
 
 BIBLIA POLYGLOTTA. 
 
 BiBLIA PoLYGLOTTA. Complut'l. 1514. FoHo, 
 
 6 vols. 
 
 A beautifully fair and full-sized copy. Bound in yellow morocco. 
 Consult the Bihl. Spenceriana, vol. i. p. 7'2. 
 
 A7itv. 1569, &c. Folio, 8 vols. 
 
 A truly magnificent, and perhaps unique copy; upon large paper — 
 formerly in the collection of De Thou. The three latter volumes are 
 unluckily upon small jiaper ; but still were the property of the same 
 illustrious owner ; from which it is most probable that they were never 
 executed upon large paper. This copy is bound in red morocco. 
 
 Paris. 1645. Folio, 10 vols. 
 
 An exceedingly fine copy, in French calf binding, with gilt leaves 
 Formerly in the Crevenna library. It is a mistaken notion to suppose 
 that there are copies of this work upon large paper. 
 
 Londini. 16.57- Folio, 6 vols. 
 
 One of the noblest sets of volumes in the world — upon large paper. 
 The rarity of the work, in this condition, is extreme. In our own 
 country there are about ^ye other sunilar copies;* of the twelve only 
 which were so struck ofiF. The present, in its original blue morocco 
 binding, was obtained of Mr. Payne ; who purchased it at Paris in the 
 beginning of the revolution. In general, copies of this character are 
 bound in twelve volumes ; as their thickness, in six, is enormous : yet 
 that act woxild be considered as little short of bibliographical sacrilege, 
 
 • A copy of this kind is in the Library at Ian»betii, in that of St. Paul's Cathedral, in 
 tlie British Museum, in St. John's College, Cambridge, iii the Library of His Majesty, 
 and in that of Shrewsbiu-y School. Each of these copies has the Lexicon also upon 
 large paper.
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 39 
 
 which should disturb the original order, or diminish the massive di- 
 mensions, of this almost matchless set of books. The copy is a royal 
 copy, as are, I believe, all those on large paper ; but his Lordship 
 possesses another copy, in plain good calf binding, upon small paper, 
 (along mth the Lexicon of Castell,) which is called the republican 
 copy. Unluckily the copy of Castell, belonging to this set, is upon 
 small paper ; but it is a very fine one, bound in blue morocco. 
 
 The reader, I trust, wUl allow me to refer to my former bibliogra- 
 phical labours upon these Polyglott Bibles, as found in the Introd. to 
 the Classics, vol. i. p. I — 35 ; but more especially to the labours of my 
 friend the Rev. H.J. Todd, in his Memoirs of the Life and Writings of 
 the Editor of the Polyglott. London, 1821. 8vo. 
 
 BiBLiA Pentapla. 1. Der Romisch-Catholischeri. 
 2. Lutherischen. 3. Reformiten. 4. Der Ju- 
 dischen in Alt Test, des Jos. Athioe der Neve in 
 N. T. John Herrich Reitzen. 5. Der Holland- 
 ischen durch Herm. He Hoi. Hamburgh. \'J\\. 
 Quarto, 3 vols. 
 
 In the small, closely printed black letter — upon very indifferent paper. 
 This copy is in vellum binding, with blue morocco backs. 
 
 BiBLiA Sacra Quadralinguia. Sc. Syr. Grcsc. 
 Vulg. Lett, et Germ. Accurante Reineccio. 
 lApsice. 1713. Folio. 
 
 Although this Polyglott edition of the sacred text be inferior to the 
 larger ones published at Antwerp, Paris, and London, it is neverthe- 
 less superior to aU the minor ones. Masch dates the edition 1550 : but 
 the present copy, containing only the N. T., is of the above date. The 
 Latin version is Sclunid's, the German that of Luther. A copper- 
 plate frontispiece precedes the printed title. In veUum binding.
 
 [ 40 ] [Hebrew 
 
 BIBLIA HEBRAICA* 
 
 BiBLiA Hebraica. Paris, ex Ojfic. R. Stephoni. 
 1543. Quarto, 4 vols. 
 
 A very beautiful copy of a beautifully executed impression j in French 
 yellow morocco binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 Apud Eundem. 1565. Sextodecimo. 
 
 Antv. in domo Christophori Plantini. 
 
 (1566.) Quarto. 
 
 To the Hebrew Old Testament, beautifully printed, is annexed the 
 Greek New Testament, printed by De La Rouiere, 1619, 4to. These 
 are fine copies, in one voliune ; in russia binding 
 
 Curd Lfensdeni. Sine Punctis. Amat. I7OI. 
 
 Duodecimo. 
 
 A beautiful copy of an exquisitely printed little book : in blue 
 morocco binding. 
 
 CurdVander Hoosrht. Amst. 1/05. Oc- 
 
 tavo, 2 vols. 
 
 Among the more celebrated impre.ssions of tlie sacred text in tlie 
 Hebrew language, and highly commended by Masch and Boerner. It 
 is also an admirably printed edition. In blue morocco binding. 
 
 Studio et Opera D. H. Opitii. Kiloni. 
 
 1709. Quarto. 
 
 The dedication is equally singular and solemn — to theTRiUNE Deity ! 
 It commences thus : ' Domine ac Deus Mi ! Ad tuam accedere Maies- 
 
 • A List of the impressions of the sacred text in the Hebrew language, in the xvth 
 CENTURY, will be found in the succeeding pages. Consult the Index.
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 41 
 
 tatem, Teque meum alloqui Domixum pulvis ego & cinis sustineo." The 
 editor was as learned as he was pious ; and the present unostentatious 
 volume, printed with a fine large Hebrew type ( ' in which the eyes of 
 the reader are judiciously consulted/) upon an indifferent paper, was 
 the fruit of thirty years incessant toil in the study and correction of the 
 sacred text. The result was perfectly successful ; for Opitius is justly 
 classed among the most erudite of Hebraic critics. Consult the Biblia 
 Sacra of Masch and Boerner, vol. i. p. 52. The present is a sound de- 
 sirable copy in calf binding, with marble-edged leaves. 
 
 Biblia Hebraic a. Curdac Studio J. H. Michaelis. 
 Hal. Magdeburg. 1720. Quarto, 2 vols. 
 
 By far the most critical and complete of all preceding — and proba- 
 bly not excelled by any succeeding — impression. The text is carefully 
 printed from a collation of ms. and printed authorities. Parallel 
 places of scripture, short notes, and various readings, are added ; but 
 these latter, as Masch justly observes, ' require the aid of a magnifying 
 glass to decypher' — so small is the character, so indifferent is the paper, 
 and so clumsy is the workmanship of the press. There are also learned 
 prefaces to the latter prophets ; and in short the edition has everj' advan- 
 tage which critical skill can confer upon it. The excellence of Vander 
 Hooght's tj-pe was only wanting to its perfection. There are copies 
 botli in the quarto and octavo form ; but the former, as the preceding 
 authority intimates, — "^ albedine chartae aliis omnino eminent.' The 
 present copy, in quarto, has indeed the appearance of large p.\peb. 
 Masch says that by ' an unlucky accident, many copies of the book of 
 Genesis were destroyed ; so that, to complete the work, they were 
 obliged to be carefully reprinted.' This fine copy is handsomely botmd 
 in blue morocco. 
 
 Cum Lut. Vers. Sehastiani Schmidu. Lip- 
 
 sicB. 1740. Quarto, 2 vols. 
 
 Upon the basis of Vander Hooght's ; with some notes which this 
 latter had inserted in his own copy, and a defence of Vander Hooght, 
 by Clodiu.s, against some imputed errors of his edition. ^ ery much 
 inferior to its model on the score of beauty of printing and paper; but 
 the Latin Version, by Schmid, is considered by Masch and Boerner to 
 be eminently excellent — and superior to the similar versions by Mun- 
 ster, Montanus, Castellio, and Jimius and Tremellius. It contains
 
 42 THE LIBRARY. [Hebrew 
 
 Vander Hooght's preface, with the testimonies of learned men in 
 favour of that critic's Jabours. A sound copy: in calf binding. 
 
 BiiiMA Hebraica. Sine Punctis : Accurante 
 Nuth. Forsler. Oxon. VjoO. Quarto. 
 
 The type and printing reflect great credit ujion the Clarendon Press ; 
 but the work was too costly and too uncritical to satisfy the learned. 
 It is rather sliarply censured by Masch and Uoerner. The present fine 
 copy, in black morocco binding, looks like large paper. 
 
 Curd Johannis Shnonis. Amst. l/oS. 
 
 Octavo 
 
 This is called a ' Hebrew Bible Manual ;' but that hand cannot be of 
 small dimensions which shall consider it very portable. This, as well 
 as the preceding, is publislied upon the basis of \'ander Hooght ; but, 
 unluckily, contains errors not chargeable to its precursor. It is how- 
 ever serviceable to beginners ; as containing, at the end, a Hebrew- 
 Chaldaic Dictionary, by tlie editor. The present is a clean, sound 
 copy ; in vellum binding. This edition should be exchanged for the 
 succeeding one of 1767, 8vo. which is greatly preferable. Consult the 
 Bibl. Sacra, vol. i. p. 56-7. 
 
 Cum jVotis Criticis et Versiune Lat'ind ad 
 
 Notas Criticas factd, 8fc. Autore C. F. Hou- 
 bigant. Lutct. Paris. 1753. Folio, 4 vols. 
 
 A splendid monument of individual labour and learning, and of cor- 
 porate liberality; for the ' Fatliers of the Oratory' were at the expense 
 of the publication. Upon tlie whole, it is by far the most costly of all 
 impressions of the Hebrew text. The author published his prolego- 
 mena separately, in 17-16 ; which were again separately reprinted by a 
 Frankfort bookseller, after the amended edition of them in the jiresent 
 performance. The Latin version is professed to be neither too literal 
 nor too ornate ; and the subjoined notes are at once learned and useful. 
 The prolegomena are full of curious and apposite research : but it is a 
 pity the learned editor did not inform us where, and what, were the 
 IMSS. which he consulted. This large and exceedingly fine copy is 
 bound in russia, with marbled-edged leaves.
 
 Bibles.'] THE LIBRARY. 43 
 
 Vetus Testamentum Hebraicum. Cmn Variis 
 Lectionihus. Edidit Benjuminus Kennicott, S. T. P. 
 ^dis Christi Canonicus, et Bibliothecarius Rad- 
 clivianus. Oxon. 1776-80. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 Such is the title of the Hebrew Old Testament, put forth bv Dr. Ken- 
 nicott,* under the imprimatur of Lord North, then Chancellor of the 
 University of Oxford, and under the royal auspices of his late Ma- 
 jesty. It is a work which cannot fail to immortalise its author ; whom 
 the University of Oxford will never cease to rank among the most 
 grateful and most accomplished of her sons. Such a performance 
 abundantly redeems the theological scholars of our own country from 
 the sneers thrown out against them by Masch, at the conclusion of the 
 preceding article. With the history of the man, the reader must be 
 satisfied by a reference to the biographical pages of Messrs. Nichols and 
 A. Chalmers ; with that of the work, it may be only here necessary to 
 obser^'e, that, like Houbigant, Kennicott threw out his proposals to the 
 public in a sort of bibliographical precursor, (1760, 8vo.) inquiring into 
 the state and situation of Hebrew MSB. Of this, he gives a good 
 account in his Prolegomena, or ' Dissertatio Generalis,' as far as page 
 65. He had a bold antagonist in Warburton, whom he afterwards 
 answered and silenced : but abroad, a more learned and successful critic 
 appeared in Tychsenius ; who however pubUshed his Tentamen before 
 the appearance of the edition itself. As it is, both the one and the 
 other are forgotten ... as opponents of Kennicott — whose profound re- 
 searches have justly entitled his work (in the opinion of Masch) to be 
 ' in suo genere primiun et unicum Bibliothecanim ornamentum.' In the 
 list of subscribers, which follows the Dissertation, it is pleasant to see 
 the names of the greater number of those who were eminent for rank, 
 influence, wealth, and learning. The present very fine copy is bound 
 in blue morocco, with gilt leaves. 
 
 * ' When the king asked Dr. Kennicoll, on the completion of his great work, what was 
 the result of all his labours, the Doctor told his Majesty, that " of the immense number of 
 various readings which had been collected from manuscripts, there was not one that 
 affected the truth of any Scripture fact, or the certainty of any doctrine of faith or moral 
 duty." ' Gent. Mag. vol. xii. New Series, p. 323, note t.
 
 44 THE LIBRARY. [Hebrew 
 
 BiBLiA Hebraica. Digessit et graviores Lectio' 
 num Varietntes adjecit Johannes Jahn. Vtennce. 
 1806'. Quarto, 4 vols. 
 
 This edition was printed entirely at the expense of Gaudentius 
 DuNKi.EB, the Head of the monastery of Ctosterneuberg* Such proofs 
 of an exalted and liberal spirit rarely occur. The president was at the 
 expense of new tvpes, as well as of that of ])aper and jirinting; and, 
 in such a manner, that copies of it might be printed in octavo (as well 
 as quarto) at a very moderate price. f Jahn, of course, dedicates his 
 performance to such a patron : calUng him the modern Ximenes. His 
 dedication glows throughout with a grateful ardour — and with justice. 
 The president wished to encourage the taste for Hebrew literature ; 
 and when he found Jahn busied upon the sacred text, he exhorted him 
 to publish his labours ' ad usum juventutis.' Accordingly, much cri- 
 tical lore cannot be expected in the volumes before us ; and yet (in the 
 opinion of the editor) ' though they may not vie, in pomp of form and 
 quantity of matter, with the Compluteiisian Polijglott, they exhibit a 
 more perfect and copious collection of various readings from ancient 
 MSS. and printed books.' 
 
 This edition contains purely the Hebrew text, in a handsome legible 
 type, with short various readings at the foot of each page : the con- 
 tents of each chapter being designated in a Latin prefix. At the end 
 of the fourth volume is a view of Hebrew editions and MSS. — epito- 
 mised from Kennicott, Bruns, and De Rossi. The paper of this cjuarto 
 impression is too blue in tint, and too coarse in texture ; and the press- 
 work is about equal to the common performances of a second rate 
 London printer. Upon the whole, however, they are handsome 
 volumes, and tliis copy is very elegantly bound in blue morocco by 
 Hering. 
 
 • See The Bibliographical, Antiquarian, and Ptelm-esjue Tour, vol. iii. p. 615 . 
 
 t In the third page of the preface, wliich follows the dedicatiou, it is thus observed — 
 ' ut opus omnibus venale fieret, & pretiura cujuslibet plagulae vix excedcret tres cruci- 
 feros Viennenses ;' that is, about three halfpence per sheet in our money.
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 45 
 
 BiBLiA Hebraica. Olint a Christiano Rei- 
 NECcio, ediia, ^c Nunc clenuo ad Fidem 
 Recensionis Masoreticce cum Var. Led. Sfc. 
 Ediderwd Doederlein et Meisner. Lipaice, 
 Impensis Breitkopf et Soc. 1793. Octavo, 2 
 vols. 
 
 a copy upon large paper, of which the colour and quality are un- 
 worthy of the accuracy and critical value of the edition. Elegantly 
 bound in blue morocco. 
 
 BIBLIA GR^XA. 
 
 BiBLiA Gr^ca. Venet. Ex officind Aldind. 
 1518. Folio. 
 
 Editio Pkinceps. For some account of the critical merits of this 
 volume, consult the Introd. to the Classics, vol. i. p. 36 ; and for that of 
 the arrangement of the contents, Bibl. Spenceriana, vol. i. p. 76. The 
 present copy is iu the most desirable condition, and upon thick paper. 
 It was obtained at the sale of the duplicates of the Duke of Devon- 
 shire's library, in 1815, for 45^ ; and is in old red morocco binding. 
 The previous copy was as tall, but upon the usual paper. 
 
 Argenlorati : apud Viiolpluum Cepha- 
 
 Iceum. 1526. 4 vols. 
 
 Perhaps the most beautiful copy of this rare edition of which any 
 English library can boast. The Septuagint, occupying the first three 
 volumes, is bound in green morocco by C. Lewis. The New Tes- 
 tament, of the date of 1524, was a previous acquisition; of inferior 
 condition, and is bound in red morocco, French binding. For an ac- 
 count of the critical value of the edition consult Introduction to the 
 Classics, vol. i. p. 37- 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 46 THE LIBRARY. [Greek 
 
 BiBLTA Gr^ca et Latina. DasUecB. Ex Offi- 
 cind Briflins^erkmd. 1582. Octavo, 4 vols. 
 
 a mere reprint of the previous edition of 1550, with a fresh title- 
 page only. A neat type, inditferently printed upon very indifferent 
 paper. The present copy, in old calf binding, is in sound condition. 
 
 Gr. et Lat. Romce. Curd Zaneiti. 1586. 
 
 Folio. 
 
 Without the New Testament. The history of this splendid produc- 
 tion is perhaps sufficiently detailed in the work just referred to : p. 39, 
 &c. It remains only to add, that this sumptuous copy, from the Cre- 
 venna Collection, is upon l.mige paper, in old red morocco binding. 
 
 Gr. et Lat. Paris. Apitd Buoii. 1628. 
 
 Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 The editor was Mobinus, whose ' Prfffalio de Tezlu Grceco et He- 
 braico,' is well deserving of a careful perusal. Tlie Latin version, by 
 the same learned hand, is from the text of the edition just mentioned, 
 and the Greek text itself is also a reprint of the same. In point of 
 typographical splendor, the work is much inferior to its precursor. A 
 sound copy ; in russia binding. 
 
 Gr. et Lat. Londini. Eoccudebat Ro- 
 
 gerus Daniel. 1653. Quarto, 2 vols. 
 
 This performance has been perhaps too severely criticised. See In- 
 trod. to the Classics, vol. i. p. 42. It was published expressly for the 
 use of Westminster School. Daniel's dedication to that Society is 
 so pithy and pertinent, that I have assigned to it a place below.* The 
 
 * Inclytx Scbols! Regis West monasteriensi Salulem. 'Hxuff-ole in iffiBti tok app^aioif, 
 ita Conciuoator omnium maxiraus : Ecce autem tobis, Juvenes, ipsam Cellam & Fromp- 
 tuarium, ex quo boDmn suum Vinum dcpronipsit Architriclinius ; Aquam Vilae Grseca 
 testa conditam ; Arc«m salutis, et Veritatis scrinium, inter Muscas hujus seculi & Ranas 
 ..£g}'|>tiacas. Gra'C<£ Iwgiite Uudimerita ron ita pridem obtuli ; fero jam GraM:arum Scrip- 
 tionum facile principem : quodque feiix faustumque sit, babete vobis Sacri Veteris Testa- 
 menti a Venityitc lxx Inlerirretum editionem juvenibus novaiu, parvulis roodicam, vilem 
 cgenis, omnibiu boua fide recusam, 6c qua licuit diligentia procuratam. DilTicilia satis
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 47 
 
 copy before us is probably matchless. It is upon large paper, bound 
 in red morocco, from the Crevenna Collection. 
 
 BiBLiA GrjECa. Cuntnh. per Joannem Field, 
 Typog. ]665. Duodecimo, 3 vols. 
 
 A remarkably sound and clean copy, in blue morocco binding ; but, 
 like all the copies which I have seen, it is too closely cut. 
 
 Curd Ernest iG role . Oxon. I/O/. Folio, 
 
 4 vols. Octavo, 8 vols. 
 
 Without the New Testament. The folio copy is upon large paper, 
 in the good old O.vford binding of the times. It is also full of rough 
 leaves, exhibiting such a specimen of paper as we must almost despair 
 to see revived — even by the most successful efiforts of the Maidstone 
 and Ensham mills. If Grabe, or rather the curators of the Clarendon 
 Press, had selected a less meagre and disproportionate type, — if we 
 had seen, in these costly pages, such a full and flowing form of cha- 
 racter as we observe in the Greek volumes of Plantin— the eye would 
 have been as gratified, as the intellect is improved, by a perusal of the 
 valuable contents of this work. After all, Grabe may be revered as 
 the prototype of Kennicott : nor is this moderate praise. He was 
 the first Oxford man who set diligently about the collation of ancient 
 MSS. for the express purpose of giving an edition of the Greek Sep- 
 tuagint. Like Kennicott, he published under the auspices of Royalty ;* 
 but in the prosecution of his labours he met with coldness and neglect. 
 
 hffic pulchra ; multum autem a teiieris assuescere. Vobis, inquam, pii, eruditi, et undique 
 spei optima Juvenes sacrosancta hsc Volumina, vera Pietatis siinul et Eruditionis funda- 
 menta, inscripsi, memor adraodura Prascepti, Ne. Sacra Canihus, neu Porcis Margaritas. 
 R. D.' The impression was sold l>y Alartin and Allestrye, at tlie sign of the Bell, in 
 St. Paul's Church-yard. 
 
 • Grabe's edition was dedicated to Quee.n Anne. A large copper-plate, of the au- 
 thor presenting his book to her Majesty, faces the title-page. This is repeated, in small, 
 with her Majesty's face in profile, in the initial capital of the dedication. The octavo 
 edition gives a reduced copy of the large plate, in which the countenance of Grabe seems 
 to be a strong resemblance. In the dedication, Grabe introduces the name and achieve- 
 ments of Marlborough rather happily : ' Dumque inter alia sacrum Debhorit ac Baraci 
 Hyninum manibus tuis insinuo, es animo opto, ut quemadniodum pra;teritis annis Tibi 
 ac fortissimo invictissimoque E.vercitus Tui Duci Mabibirio illud iterum iterumque 
 concuiendi occasio feliciter obtigit, ita & imposterum idem teto ore cantare pergatis, usque 
 dum pax, qualem poscis, a Deo per Te tuis reddatur,' &:c.
 
 48 THE LIBRARY. [Greek Bibles. 
 
 It must always be remembered tliat this edition contains the result of a 
 careful collation of the fmuous Alexandrixe MS : — and that the colla- 
 tion was carried on and completed (as his own affirmation, after Grabe's 
 dedication, testifies,) by the famous Humfrey Wanley. The particular 
 account of this edition in the Introd. to the Classics, vol. i. p. 44-8, ren- 
 ders it unnecessary to say further in the present j)lace respecting it. 
 The octavo copy is bound in plain calf. 
 
 BibliaGr^ca. Curd Lambert i Bos. Franequerce. 
 1609. Quarto, 2 vols. 
 
 ^^'ithout the New Testament. A very beautiful copy, ruled in red 
 lines, and bound in red morocco^of an edition, which, for accuracy 
 and utility, has never been surpassed. The type is perhaps too small 
 and straggling; but the subjoined notices of various readings present 
 a more compressed aspect of neat, small printing, and are replete 
 with curious and instructive research. Bos stands upon very com- 
 manding ground among the Editors of the sacred text in the Greek 
 language. Is it worth while to add, that a large (but unmeaning) 
 copper-plate precedes the title-page ? 
 
 Curd Davidis Millii. Aimt. 1725. Oc- 
 
 tavo, 2 vols. 
 
 Without the New Testament. Upon the basis of the preceding. A 
 neat, well printed impression. A sound copy, in calf binding 
 
 Curd J. J. JBreitingeri. Tiguri Helveti- 
 
 or 
 
 um. 1730. Quarto, 4 vols. 
 
 Without the New Testament. A truly excellent, as well as neatly 
 printed edition ; and now .somewhat rare. The present is a large, 
 clean, and sound copy, in russia binding, with marble edged leaves. 
 
 Oxon. 1805. Octavo, 5 vols. 
 
 A reprint of the text of Bos : very neatly executed. The present copy 
 of this commodious edition is beautifully bound in blue morocco.
 
 Latin Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 40 
 
 BIBLIA LATIN A. 
 
 BiBLiA Latin A. (^Cum Concordantiis. ) Venet. 
 Expensis L. A. de Giunta. 1519. Octavo. 
 
 The reader will bear in mind the exquisitely precious collection of 
 the sacred text, printed in the Latin tongue in the xvth century, 
 which graces the shelves of the Library at Spencer House, in London, 
 before he enters upon the ensuing list of impressions in the xvith and 
 following centuries. Of the edition before us, printed in a very small 
 black letter, in double columns, this copy, though closely cut by a for- 
 mer binder, is exceedingly fair and sound ; having all the wood-cuts, 
 as well as the frontispiece, coloured and emblazoned by an ancient 
 hand. It has been recently beautifully bound in purple morocco, by 
 C Lewis. 
 
 (Curd Villanovani^ Lugduni. 1542. 
 
 Folio. 
 
 This is the edition of Michael Servetus, under the feigned name 
 of ViUanovanus, whose trivial notes are very sparingly scattered in the 
 margins. In the old school of bibliography much account was made of 
 its rarity and singularity, as may be seen on consulting De Bure, vol. i. 
 p. 57- It now seems, however, to have lost its attractions, for Brunet 
 has passed it ' sub silentio.' The present copy (which was purchased 
 at the sale of the Crevenna Collection for thirty florins,) is large, and 
 bound in red morocco ; but a yellow stain has disfigured the central 
 part of the first five leaves. The copies were originally sold (at Lyons) 
 by Hugo a Porta ; but Gaspar Trechsel printed the edition. 
 
 Tiguri. Excudehat C.Froschovei'us. 1543. 
 
 Folio. 
 
 I consider this to be an important edition of the sacred text : inas- 
 much as the author of the version (Leo Juds) diligently consulted the 
 Hebrew original, and is allowed to have performed his task with equal 
 purity of style and fidelity of rendering. It is also the first version of 
 the reformed church in Switzerland. There is an excellent account of
 
 50 THE LIBRARY. [Latin 
 
 it inMasch, vol. iii. pt. ii. p. 439-441, with copious references to criti- 
 cal authorities. The preface, according to Masch, was ^v^itten by Con- 
 rad Pellicanus ; who, at the intercession of the translator, completed 
 some portions of the sacred te.\t — rendered imperfect by the death of 
 Leo — and superintended the printing of the work. This preface is, on 
 many accounts, worth a careful iierusal. Tlie good sense and right 
 feeling of the conclusion* are admirable. It is followed by a disser- 
 tation from Henry BuUenger, ' upon the excellence and dignity of the 
 sacred writings.' The text is printed in long lines, in a handsome ro- 
 man type, without distinction of verses. In this copy, there is a ms. 
 extract, from De Thou's history, lib. 35. A.D. 1564, p. 714, upon the 
 excellence of the edition. The margins of this copy are charged 
 throughout with ms. annotations, at the bottom of the page, in an ex- 
 tremely neat hand, being an abridgement of the contents of each 
 chapter ; and, what is very unusual, these ms. notes render the copy 
 rather desirable than otherwise. In the title-page, in an ancient hand, 
 is the following inscription : ' fVill and Walke aright li'ill Walker.' A 
 beautiful copy, in old red morocco binding. 
 
 BiBLiA Latin A. Lutetice. Ex Officind Boherti 
 Stephuni. 1545. Octavo, 2 vols. 
 
 Printed in the smallest fount of letter. There are two versions : the 
 vulgate, and a new one from Pagninus ; corrected by Vatable — whose 
 notes, or rather those of R. Stephen himself, are added in the margin 
 and at the foot of the page — in which the sacred text is frequently 
 and almost wholly embedded. The difficulty and expense of such an 
 impression must have been enormous. The present is a sound copy, 
 bound in blue morocco. 
 
 Lugduni. Apud Sehastianum Gryphium. 
 
 1550. Folio, 3 vols. 
 
 By far the most splendid edition of the Latin vulgate up to the 
 period of its publication. The type is a fine, large, well rounded, and 
 
 • It is in part as follows : ' Duni vivimus, et in vase fragili continemur, videntur ami- 
 corum nrodesse studia, et noccrc OMUulorum oppiobria : postquam autcni reversa fuerit 
 terra in terram suani, el tarn eos qui scribunt, quam illos qui de scriptis judicant, pallida 
 mors subtraxerit, et alia venerit generatio, piimiaque cadentibus foliis, virens sylva succre- 
 verit, tunc sine nominum dignitale aut respectu sola judicantur ingenia, nee consideral 
 Lector cuius, sed quale sit quod legit ; sive ille episcopus, sive sit laicus ; aut purpura, 
 serico, vel vilissimo panno iaceat, non lionorum diversitate sed operum merito iudicabltur.'
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 51 
 
 therefore legible, roman letter. This copy is not upon large paper, 
 though in sound and fair condition. I have seen two copies of it upon 
 large paper, exhibiting the most magnificent appearance ; and my me- 
 mory seems to charge me wth the existence of a copy upon vellum. 
 Yet Clement (to vifhose taste such a noble set of volumes would be 
 most congenial) mentions neither the one nor the other. Consult his 
 note (7)) at vol. iv. p. 1-lA. De Bure and Brunet wholly omit the 
 notice of it. In calf binding, old gilt leaves. 
 
 BiBLiA Latina. Lugduni. j4jvid J. Tornaesium. 
 1567. Octavo. 
 
 Exceedingly desirable, on account of the beautiful wood cuts of the 
 Petit Bernard — of whom some account (with fac-similes) appears in 
 the Bibliogr. Decameron, vol. i. p. 181-9. Many of the impressions of 
 these cuts are but indifferent ; but more are beautifully brilliant. The 
 composition is of a very secondary character. What is singular, this 
 copy, in fine rich old binding, contains the Genealogies of Scripture, in 
 English, at the beginning, and the whole Book of Psalmes, of the date of 
 1622, at the end. From the old Library: priced 2. 6. in pencil. 
 
 BiBLiA Sacra. Cum duplici Translatione, 
 
 et Scholiis ¥.y AT ABLiy Si,c. Salmanticce. ]584. 
 Folio. 2 vols, in 1. 
 
 A very beautiful copy, with many rough leaves ; in blue morocco 
 binding, formerly in the library of De Thou. The type and printing, 
 had the paper been a little stouter, and of a whiter tint, would have 
 appeared as brilliant as they really deserve to appear. The Salamanca 
 Press perhaps never exhibited a more difficult and yet successful speci- 
 men of its ingenuity. The tj-pe is very small ; and consists of the roman 
 and italic ; of which the latter reminds us of some of the happier spe- 
 cimens of the press of the Gryphii, at Lyons. 
 
 Curd Carafes Cardinalis. Romce. 1588. 
 
 Fol 
 
 lO. 
 
 Intended as a companion to the Greek Septuagint, of the date of 
 1586, noticed at page 46. The present copy, though not upon large 
 paper, is an exceedingly fine one ; in red morocco binding, with richly 
 gilt arms on the sides.
 
 52 THE LIBRARY. [Latin 
 
 BiBLiA Latina. Rom(E. Ex Tijpogrnphid ApoN- 
 tolicd Vaticund. 1590. Folio. 
 
 Clement, De Burc, Mr. Charles Butler, and Renouard, have each, 
 in turn, more or less expatiated upon this celebrated edition, which 
 ought to have exhibited a pure copy of the Vulgate text — under the 
 immediate auspices of Pope Sixtus V. It is only the copies upon 
 LAKGE PAPER — such as the one before us— which the curious desire ; 
 and these have been sometimes pushed to the price of £ 60. sterling. 
 This very fine book is bound in red morocco. 
 
 Romce. Ex Typog. ApostoUcd Vaticand. 
 
 1592. Folio. 
 
 The companion to the preceding ; also upon large paper. This edi- 
 tion ought to have corrected all the errors of the preceding ; but the 
 will and the deed were strangely at variance on the occasion. Con- 
 sult the Bellum Papale of James. This fine volume is of almost equal 
 rarity and price with the preceding. In red morocco binding. 
 
 BiBLiA Sacra Vulg. Edit. Eugduni Suntptibus 
 Hcered. G. Rouilii. 1609. Octavo. 
 
 From the revised editions of Sixtus V. and Clement ^'III. At the 
 end ' £r Tt/pographid Iretiai Barlet.' The printer deserves indeed to 
 be named and to be remembered ; for a neater and more perfect exhi- 
 bition of what may be called the Diamond (or the smallest) letter, can 
 rarely be seen. A somewhat finer toned colour paper is only wanting 
 to render this volume in every respect a typographical curiosity. At 
 the end of the New Testament are the third and fourth Books of Esdras ; 
 followed by Indexes, and various little disquisitions appertaining to 
 the sacred text. This copy, from the library of De Thou, is quite 
 perfect on the score of condition ; and must have been put into the 
 hands of the binder in sheets. It is in red morocco binding. 
 
 BiBLiA Sacra Lat. Juxta Vulg. Apud Pe- 
 trum Santaiidreamim. 1614. Octavo. 
 
 a very beautiful copy of an impression executed in the small, or dia- 
 mond letter, upon paper of a quiet or rather sombre tint. The wood-
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 53 
 
 cuts (in the Book of Exodus) are very neat. In the most perfect state 
 of preservation ; and doubtless bound out of sheets. In red morocco 
 binding, From the library of De Taou. 
 
 BiBLiA Sacra Latina. Colon. Agrip Sumpti- 
 bus Hcered. Bern. Gualteri. 1639. Octodeci- 
 mo, 6 vols. 
 
 A neatly printed edition, in a very small letter : but this copy, although 
 elegantly bound in old French blue morocco, has had the margins too 
 much intruded upon. 
 
 E Typographid Regid. 1642. Folio, 
 
 8 vols. 
 
 This is the 'pompous edition' (as Tom Osborne would have called it) 
 of the Bible put forth under the auspices of Louis XIV., from the 
 Royal Press. It is destitute of engravings; but called by Clement, 
 very naturally, the ' Queen of Editions.' It is a specimen however of 
 bad taste ; not on the score of type and printing, but of arrangement 
 and object. The plan is taken from that of the old choir books, in 
 MS. from which they chanted — but it is unpleasant and tedious to be 
 turning over several leaves before one chapter only shall have been 
 read through. The Lyons Bible of 1550, (see page 50, ante) is quite a 
 sufficient specimen on the ground of large printing. These volumes 
 scarcely now meet with a sale — like the Virgil, Terence, and Horace, 
 from the same press, in the same type. The present copy is bound in 
 red morocco, with gilt leaves. 
 
 Parisiis. E Typographid Regid. 1653. 
 
 Quarto. 
 
 This, like the preceding, is from the revision of the text under Popes 
 Sixtus V. and Clement VIII. It is an exceedingly elegant volume, 
 with rather interesting head and tail-pieces, printed in a small, but 
 very clear type, in double columns, without any space between the 
 verses, excepting the Book of Job and the Psalms. A sound copy, in 
 calf binding, with russia back. 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 5f THE LIBRARY. [Lalin 
 
 BiBLiA Sacra Latina. Parisiis. Apud Sehast. 
 3Iarthi, &c. 1656. Octavo. 
 
 This is rather a celebrated little edition — put forth under the aus- 
 pices of Cardinal Richelieu : but it rci[uires eyes of no ordinary power 
 to read it ^vitll facility and comfort. The letter is the very smallest 
 that could be used ; and as there is no distinction of verses, the reader 
 will readily conceive its trying effect ujjon the eye. The paper is of 
 peculiar ddicaiy and thinness ; but its tone is rather too sombre. 
 This copy (a little defaced by writing in the title-page) came from the 
 Lamoignon ColUctlon ; but I think. I have seen larger copies, iis the 
 present is considerably clioaked in tlic inner margin by the binding. It 
 contains all the pieces mentioned by De liure. In red morocco, gilt 
 leaves. 
 
 Ab TremeUio et Jiaiio ex Hehr. Lat. red^ 
 
 dita. Amst. 1669. Octavo. 
 
 The Latin version of the New Testament is Beza's. A sound, clear 
 copy, but too closely cut in the binding, which is elaborately orna- 
 mented in blue morocco. 
 
 Curis J. Clerici et H. Hammondi. Amst. 
 
 1/35. Folio, 7 vols. 
 
 ' Editio Nova Auct. et Emend." This is a common book, but has 
 not been quite correctly or fully described. As it is also a most excellent 
 edition — worthy in every resjiect of the name of Le CLEnc — such de- 
 scription may not be unacceptable. The first edition was in 1693, 
 dedicated to Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, Lord Privy Seal, afterwards 
 President of tlie Privy Council, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and First 
 Lord of the Admiralty. The dedication is reprinted here.* The Old 
 
 • ' I well know indeed (says hit Clerc — towards the conclusion of the dedication) that, 
 ia your Lordship's country, tliere are those who would have accomplished this work in a 
 more learned and successful manner j since there are many Englislimen, wlio, in their an- 
 notations upon the sacred te.\t, have justly acquired immortal praise — and in youb 
 Island, if in any other, these studies have flourished, and will continue to flourish.' He 
 then goes on to say, that ' want of health, strength, and opportunity — together with the 
 diversity of other pursuits — may have diverted the most learned from accomplishing t/wjt 
 which seems to have hcen the pleasure as well as the constant aim and efforts of bis ei- 
 Ulence to perform — in the volumes here presented to t)ie public.'
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. S6 
 
 Testament, in 4 vols., contains a new version of Le Clerc, together 
 with his running paraphrase, commentary, critical disquisitions, and 
 chronological and geographical tables. The New Testament, in 2 vols, 
 has the vulgate version, with the paraphrase and notes of Hammond, 
 translated into Latin, and enlarged and corrected by Le Clerc. It was 
 printed at Frankfort in 1714. The 7th and last vol. contains a Har- 
 mony of the Gospels, by Le Clerc. A well engraved frontispiece pre- 
 cedes the title, which latter bears date, Aipst. 1700. The present de- 
 sirable copy is bound (as most of the copies usually are) in vellum. 
 
 BiBLioR. Sacror. Latince Versiones Antiquce, 
 seu Vetus Italica, et Cceterce qiicecunque in 
 Codicihus 3ISS. et mitiquorum libris reperiri 
 potuerunt : &c. Opera et Studio D. Petri 
 Sabatier Remis. 1743. Folio, 3 vols. 
 
 With the Latin Vulgate, in a parallel column, and copious notes. 
 The prefaces are learned and interesting — bibliographically speaking.* 
 This edition should be in every library like the present : but it would 
 be singular if it presented the old Italic text, which is supposed to have 
 been of the 2nd century, and to have preceded the Vulgate, formed 
 upon it, by St. Jerom. The impression is dedicated to Lewis Duke of 
 Orleans, son of the Regent of France during the minority of Louis XV : 
 — Lewis is thus described. ' Tu verb, Princeps Celcissime, virtutibus 
 donisque eoelestibus, quam Regio sanguine, et externa dignitatum 
 pomp^ longe nobilior, dignus eras cujus ilia sibi nomen praescriberet," 
 &c. The sequel is in a yet more serious and laudatory strain : but it 
 was praise not unjustly bestowed — for the character in question was 
 one of the few of that name and blood which did honour to France. A 
 short Life of Sabatier is attached to the third volume; the editor 
 himself dying before the pubUcation. 
 
 • Tbe first preface is in tlie first volume, and the second in the third. .Sabatier was 
 doubtless a little visionary uhen he supposed that the Latin vulcate might be traced to 
 the time of St. Paul, who is thought by him to have preached ;in(l taught in Laiiii. ' If 
 this were so, (says Slasdi) he would doubtless have written his E/jisl/c to the Romans in 
 that tongue, that his readers might the more easily have understood it. But he wrote it 
 in Greek ; and hence all the conjectures and dissertailons about the origin and integrity 
 of the Italic Text, are surrounded by difficulties, and accompanied by vague and false 
 conclusions.' Bibl. Sacra, vol. iii. pi. ii. p. y-10. Sabatier's prolegomena are yet worth 
 a very attentive perusal.
 
 56 THE LIBRARY. [Latin Bibles. 
 
 BiBLiA Sacra Lat. et Ital. In Torino. 1/76. 
 Octavo^ 23 vols. 
 
 Tlic Itiiliiin version is by Miirtini. This copy is perfectly new and 
 sound i in calf binding, M'itli marbled leaves 
 
 Lat. et Franc, ylvec des notes liltcrales, 
 
 criliqnes, et historiqucs, des prefaces et des disser' 
 tut ions tire'es du Conun. de Calmet, de M. t Ahh4 
 de Vence, et des Auteurs les plus ccli'hres, &c. 
 A Toulouse, &c. 1779. Octavo, I7 vols. 
 
 Probably the most perfect and solidly useful edition of the sacred 
 text which has been put forth in France. Two-thirds of the first vo- 
 lume are occupied by learned Prolegomena by the above-mentioned 
 theologians. The engra\ings had better been elsewhere, 'i'his copy is 
 quite new, and handsomely bound in calf, with marble-edged leaves.* 
 
 Lat. p'^ersiculis distincta, cum Optimis 
 
 Edilionihus tuni Grcecis turn JLatinis diligentis- 
 sime comparata. Venetiis. 1784. Octavo. 
 
 ' Sumptibus Remondinianis.' In the above title I have set forth the 
 principal distinction of this edition to notice. Its typographical exe- 
 cution cannot be commended, cither on the score of paper, type, or 
 arrangement. The present copy is bound out of sheets, in russiu, 
 with gilt leaves. In form, the book approaches a quarto. 
 
 . Veneliis. 1784. Duodecimo, 7 vols. 
 
 An indinercntly printed edition, by the same publisher. This copy 
 is ((uite new, in russia, with gilt leaves. 
 
 Parisiis Exc. Fr. Ami. Didot Naiu Mace. 
 
 1785. Octavo, 2 vols. 
 
 For the use of the late Dauphin of France ; and forming one of the 
 publications in Didot's set of ' French and Latin Classical Authors." 
 It is very beautifully printed, in long lines. In blue morocco, gilt leaves. 
 
 • A new edition of this useful Work k now (1820-2) under course of publication ; of 
 which 9 volumes have already appeared — and of which a copy, upon fine vellum paper, 
 ib in the Library,
 
 French Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 57 
 
 BiBLiA Sacra Lat. Parisiis. 1785. Quarto, 
 2 vols. 
 
 ' Clero Gallicano Dicata." a most beautifully printed edition, in 
 two handsome quarto volumes ; and an early acquisition of his Lord- 
 ship. It is in double columns, upon paper of admirable tone and tex- 
 ture, but probably executed with rather too delicate a letter. I 
 apprehend that the beautiful edition of the Bible, printed by Bensley, 
 was modelled upon the present. A very sound copy, but not appropri- 
 ately bound — in sprinkled calf, with yellow edges to the leaves. 
 
 FRENCH BIBLES. 
 
 La Saincte Bible, &c. Imprime en Anuers par 
 Martin Lempereur. mdxxx. Folio. 
 
 This has been supposed to be t\\^ first edition of the French version 
 of the Bible, but it is the second of the Old Testament, and the third of 
 the New : that of Colinccus in 1,523, 5, 8, 12mo., being the first of the 
 Old, and the dateless edition, printed at Lyons in the xvth. century (see 
 vol. ii. p 269) being the first of the New. Brunet tells us that the edition 
 of Colinaeus is very rare ; as there was an edict, issued by the Parliament 
 of Paris in 152.5, to interdict its circulation. The privilege of the 
 Emperor Charles V. precedes the table at the commencement of this 
 edition. The present copy is bound in old French red morocco, gilt 
 upon the marbled leaves. 
 
 A Lyon par Jean de Tournes. 1553. 
 
 Duodecimo, 5 vols. 
 
 A choice copy ; in old gilt- ornamented vellum binding, with clasps. 
 This edition is distinguished for the beauty of the wood-cuts ; yet there 
 are more interesting specimens of graphic skill to be found in the 
 productions of the Tournes.
 
 S8 THE LIBRARY. [French 
 
 La Bible, 8cc. De V Imprimerie de Francois 
 Mstienne. 1 5QQ. Octavo. 
 
 A beautiful copy of a very neatly printed volume^ in double columns, 
 in a small roman letter. The N. T. and Book of Psabus, have each a 
 separate title. The latter of the date of 1567- In old splendid red 
 morocco binding. 
 
 La Bible, qui est toxite la Saincte Escriture, &c. 
 yi Geneve. Pour Sebasliau Honorati. 1570. 
 Octodecimo, 3 vols. 
 
 In long lines. A beautiful and truly desirable copy of an exceed- 
 ingly neat impression. In choice old red morocco binding. 
 
 La Saincte Bible Francoise. A Paris. 1621. 
 Folio, 3 vols. 
 
 The editor is Pierre Frizon. The version is formed on the basis of 
 the Latin Vulgate, authorized by the Popes SLxtus ^'. and Clement 
 VIII. A fine engraved title following the printed one— in which, to 
 the right, is a whole-length portrait of Louis XIII. when young. The 
 work is dedicated to that monarch. This is a very fine copy, in old 
 French red morocco binding. 
 
 La Bible, &c. Se vend a Cliarenton, par An- 
 Ihoine Cellier, demeuranf a Paris, rue de la 
 Harpe, Sec. 1652. Duodecimo, 3 vols. 
 
 A copper-plate title precedes the printed one. The present beauti- 
 ful copy is elegantly bound in blue morocco by Roger Payne. In such 
 condition, this is a rare book. 
 
 La Sainte Bible. A Amsterdam, Chez Louis 
 el Daniel Elzevier. 1669. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 The masterpiece of the Elzevir Phess ; unless the type should be 
 deemed too small for the size of the page. The typographical execu- 
 tion is beyond all praise ; and this copy is above all competition. It is 
 upon LARGE PAPER, delicately ruled with red lines, and superbly bound 
 in old red morocco. It had graced the shelves of the Lamoignon 
 Library.
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY.. 59 
 
 La Sainte Bible. Tradnite sur Vancienne Edi- 
 tion Latine. A Trevoiuv. 1702. Octavo, 
 4 vols. 
 
 A copper-plate, and bastard title precede the fuU title. A very ex- 
 cellent edition, with brief notes. The present copy is most desirable : 
 in French blue morocco binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 Expliquez par des Notes de Theologie et 
 
 de Critique sur la version ordinaire des Eglises 
 reformes, &c. Par David Martin. Amst. 
 1707. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 A most magnificent copy, bound in old red morocco, richly orna- 
 mented on the sides ) and apparently upon large or thick paper. This 
 impression is beautifully printed, and abounds with copper cuts ; two 
 being upon each plate. Some of these cuts are striking, and one — de- 
 scriptive of the creation of the world — is, to me, original in its compo- 
 sition. It should seem to have been designed after Milton's beautifully 
 expressive line : 
 
 ' And earth, self-balanced, on its centre hung.' 
 
 The plates in Judges, have, upon the whole, the greater merit. A 
 very costly publication. 
 
 Traduite en francois sur la T^ulgate par 31. 
 
 Le Maistre de Saci. A Paris. De r Impri- 
 merie de Monsieur. 1789 — 1804. Quarto, 
 12 vols, in 6. 
 
 The present copy is upon the ordinary paper (approaching however 
 to vellum in its tone and texture,) but it is an exceedingly desirable one 
 — from the brilliancy of the impressions of the plates. Upon the 
 whole, this is not only the most beautifully ornamented of all the 
 French editions of the Bible with which I am acquainted, but I know 
 of no edition, in our own, or any other language, which rivals it — 
 upon a similar scale : for the cuts are comparatively small — being five 
 inches and a half, by three and a half : surrounded, however, by a
 
 60 THE LIBRARY. [Frenc/i Bibles. 
 
 handsome and appropriate border. There are not fewer than three 
 hundred of these engravings, from the designs of Marillier and Mon- 
 sian ; and it must be admitted that there is a general ciiuality of ex- 
 cellence throughout them. Indeed, considering tlieir number, these 
 engravings are above competition witii us. Tlie designs are also, 
 generally speaking, possessed of cnnsiderable merit — with the excep- 
 tion of those figures where an anatomical knowledge (or rather the 
 want of it) is displayed.* The printing is delicate, but too feeble for. 
 a quarto i)age. It has a better effect in the octavo co|)ies, generally 
 bound in 12 volumes. Brunet mentions a quarto vellum-paper copy, 
 containing the 300 original designs, and duplicate impressions of the 
 plates — one set with impressions ' before the letter' — selling for only 
 e£ 50. of our money, ' but worth (as he suggests) a much larger price." 
 The present copy is admirably well bound, out of sheets^ in blue 
 morocco, by Hering. 
 
 La Sainte Bible truduite sur les Textes ongi- 
 nuux avec les differences de la Vulgate. A Co- 
 logne, &c. 1793. Octavo, 
 
 The title is an elegant copper-plate A beautiful large paveb copy ; 
 in old red morocco binding. 
 
 * The French artists, since ihe time of Poussin to that of Gerard and Girodet, seem, ge- 
 nerally, to liave lost sight of correclness of costume. There are many flagrant violations 
 of it in these Gesigns, Among them, it is impossible not to smile at the representation of 
 Agar, buing bani^hcd wiili her son l^ihniael, vol. i. p. 44. She wears a gypsey hat, lied 
 under the chin, with her hair turned upland is turning round with ull tlie smartness of a 
 French Abiguil. The grouping is gtneniliy better tlmn the indixidual execution. It is 
 the clearness, and generally brilliant finish of the plates, which produce the eflecl above 
 described.
 
 English Bibles.'] THE LIBRARY. 61 
 
 ENGLISH BIBLES. 
 
 The Bible {hy Myles Coverdale.^ Prynted in the 
 yeare of our Lorde mdxxxv, &c. Folio. 
 
 First English Bible. A full account of this truly precious volume 
 appears in Lewis's Hist, of the English Translations of the Bible, p. 91, 
 &c. in the Bibl. Spenceriana, vol. i. p. 78, &c. and Dr. Cotton's Various 
 Editions of the Bible, 1821, 8vo. p. HI. The central part of the wood- 
 cut title page is, in this copy, supplied by ms. : — which, with the defici- 
 ency of one leaf, at the end of the table, giving a list of the books in the 
 New Testament, are its only imperfections. Hiunphrey Wanley thought 
 (justly) by the types, that the text was printed at Zurich, in the house 
 of Christopher Froschover.* The dedication, however, and the address 
 to the Christian reader, are the production of a London printer. From 
 the style of the (russia) binding, this copy appears to have belonged 
 to Lord Oxford. It was bequeathed to his Lordship by the late Rev. 
 Jonathan Boucher. See the anecdote at p. Ivi. ante. 
 
 The Byble, &c. Imprynted in Southwarke in 
 Saynt Thomas Hospitale, by James Nycolsori. 
 1537. Quarto. 
 
 Second Edition. Although this be only a reprint of Coverdale's, I 
 am not sure whether it be not even considerably rarer than its pre- 
 cursor. In the first place, it is clear that Lewis had never seen a copy 
 of it ; as he speaks only of the quarto reprints of 1.550 and 1553. In 
 the second place, it is equally certain that Herbert had never seen a 
 complete copy of the impression. The one described by him wanted 
 the New Testament ; and as to the preceding article, (see the Typog. 
 Antiq. edit. 1810, vol. iii. p. 51 ) described as of the same date, I appre- 
 
 • Concerning whom, with a fac-simile of his devices, consult the Bibliographical Deca- 
 meron, vol. ii. p. 196-200. The wood-cuts are probably the production of Hans Seeald 
 Beham— of whose style of art, see fac-similes at pp. 169-172, of vol. i. of the same work. 
 VOL. I. I
 
 62 THE LIBRARY. [Englis/, 
 
 head the whole to be erroneous — and that one and the same volume is 
 by Herbert divided into two. However, whether this be the case or not, 
 it is (juite clear that that indefatigable bibliographer had never a perfect 
 copy of the first reprint of Coverdale under his eye. In the third place, 
 there does not appear to be any cojiy of this impression in the British 
 Museum, Libror. Impreis. qui in Mus. Brit, adservantur Catalogus; vol. i. 
 sign. S P. fol. ii. or in the Bodleian Library. Cotton, p. 4. For these 
 reasons, therefore, I consider the present to be a volume of exceedingly 
 great rarity-* 
 
 The genealogy of this copy is most respectable ; it having been suc- 
 cessively in the collections of Lord 0.\for;l and Dr. Charles Chauncey. 
 It was obtained by his Lordship of the gentleman who had purchased 
 it at the sale of the latter — at a sum by no means beyond its absolute 
 value. It is bound in red morocco, with a broad border of gold upon 
 the sides, with red edges to the leaves. The condition is most sound 
 and desirable. 
 
 The Byble. Pnnted and Ft/neshed in the yere 
 of our Lorde God 1537- Folio. 
 
 Tnis is called Matthew's Bible ; but the name is purely fictitious, 
 as John Rogers, alearned Divine, and the first martyr in Queen Mary's 
 reign, was in fact the editor of it — although he freely availed himself 
 of the labours of Coverdale and Tyndale. Concerning Rogers, consult 
 Strype's Cranmer, p. !y8— Lewis, ]>. 223 — and Holinshed's Chronicles, 
 
 • The arrangement of the Contents is as follows : 'Hie ' Contents' occupy the two pages 
 immediately after the Title : at the bottom of which latter, in large lower-case gothic, 
 printed in red, we read • Set forth with the Kynge's moost gracious licence.' The title it- 
 self, comprehending 20 lines, with an intermixture of red letters, is enclosed within an 
 arabesque frame work. Covei'dalc's address to the King, and * vnto the Christen reader,' 
 follow the specification of the contents of the volume. Then two leaves of a Calendar. 
 The sacred text immediately succeeds, numbered Fo. 1' — and continues consecutively, 
 including the Apocrypha, as far as fol. cccxxvii. We have next a fresh title, ornamented 
 as before, called * The tht/rde part of the olde testametite, &c. Impryuted in .Southwarke for 
 James NycoUon.' The contents are on the back. This third part begins with a fresh set 
 of numerals, with Job, (the Book oi Joshua, &c. being considered as the iKginning of the 
 second, and the Pentateuch that of the first part). The text of Job is numbered fo. li. and 
 the numerals continue consecutively, all through the Prophets, as far as fol. clxxii. ' The 
 Kew Testament — by Miles Coverdale,' follows, with a fresh title-page (as before), and a 
 fresh set of numerals ; concluding at fol. cixiiii. This is succeeded by two leaves of a 
 * Table for the Sondayes,' closing the volume at fol. cxxvj.
 
 Bibks.] THE LIBRARY. 6S 
 
 vol. ii. p. 1168. The initials of his namcj in large flowery capitals,* 
 [I. R.] are at the bottom of the Exhortation to the people, just before 
 ' the Contentes of the Scripture,' among the preliminary pieces. Heame 
 would have jumped for joy if he could have ' turned over" the leaves 
 of this, or of either of the previous editions. f The impression itself has 
 been fuUy and interestingly described by Lewis ; and as the copy under 
 description wants the title of the Old Testament, and the preface — with 
 some of the following introductory pieces rather imperfect — it may not 
 be necessary to extend the present description, fiirther than to observe 
 that the Prophets, Apocrypha, and the New Testament, have each a sepa- 
 rate, ornamented title, and that this copy ends imperfectly with the 
 third leaf of the table after the New Testament. Examine a very full 
 and satisfactory account of this edition, in Cotton, p. 112-13. 
 
 The Byble in Englvshe, &c. Printed hy Graf- 
 ton. Fynisshed in Apryll 1540. Folio. 
 
 This is called Cranmer's Bible, inasmuch as it was printed under that 
 Archbishop's inspection, and dedicated to himself. The very elaborate 
 wood-cut title-page has been copied by Lews, but in a manner equally 
 faithless and unappropriate. There was however a previous, and a first, 
 edition of the same Bible, of the date of 1539 — at present not in this 
 library. This edition seems to be the one so slightly mentioned by 
 Lewis at p. 137 ; but the very copious and satisfactory manner in which 
 that bibliographer has described the edition of 1 539 may be supposed 
 to compensate for the brevity of that of the present. Consult Todd's 
 Vindication of the Translat'ion of the Bible, 1819, 8vo. Appdx. No. II. and 
 Cotton's Editions of the Bible, 1821, 8vo. p. 117-118. The date of the 
 imprint, above given, is gathered from the end of the New Testament. 
 Some former whimsical possessor of this copy has retouched all the red 
 ink lines of the title of the Old Testament. This copy is imperfect, as 
 well as soiled, and is rather cut close. Two leaves are wanting in the 
 Psalms, and one in the second book of Maccabees. It is handsomely 
 bound in dark blue morocco. 
 
 * There are several of these large oniamented capital initials : as H. R. [Heiiricus 
 Rex] R. G. [Richard Grafton] E. W. [Edward Whitchurch] and W. T. [William Tindal]. 
 The form of these letters may be seen in the Dissertation above referred to. 
 
 t ' But though I have taken so much pleasure in perusing the English Bible of the year 
 1541, yet 'tis nothing equal to what I should take in turning over that of the year 1539,' 
 &c. Robert of Gloucester , p. xix.
 
 64 THE LIBRARY. [English 
 
 The Byble. Printed by JVIutchurch. Fynisshed 
 in July. 1540. Folio. 
 
 It does not appear that Lewis (p. 137) ever saw this impression ; and 
 it is equally certain that Wanley never compared it with the preceding. 
 The latter supposed that, as Grafton and Whitchurch were partners, 
 each took a certain number of copies, with his otvn name prefixed ; but 
 the impression before us, upon the slightest comparison, (witness the 
 very first verse of the beginning of Genesis) will be found to be a per- 
 fectly different edition from the preceding. The introductory pieces 
 are also fewer ; and altliougli the elaborately ornamented title-pages be 
 the same, the wood cuts are wholly different. Consult Cotton, p. 118. 
 Another difference may be here especially noted. In the edition of 
 (iRAFTON, which is dated April — the arms of Lord Cromwell, which 
 appear in the engraved frontispiece, under his portrait, are entire : but 
 in the edition of WniTcnuRcn, dated .Tulv, they are erased : probably 
 owing to that Minister having been sent to the Tower, in the month 
 of July of that year. In other respects, the titles are the same. 
 Although this copy be less imperfect than tlie preceding, it is very defec- 
 tive towards the end, and in other respects soUed, and much cut. Like 
 the copy of Coverdale's Bible, the centra) part of the first title-page is 
 supplied by ms. In dark red morocco binding. 
 
 The Same. Imprinted at London by Ihon Day. 
 1551. Folio. 
 
 This is clearly the edition of which Lewis (p. 189) saw a copy want- 
 ing the title to the Old Testament ; and in which the name of the prin- 
 ter (as above given) appears at the bottom of the designation of the 
 \olume. Lewis was right therefore in attributing it to Day ; but as he 
 never saw the first title, it may be as well to add, that, opposite to it, is 
 a large wood-cut of the royal arms of Edward VI. dated 1549, with the 
 inscription — ' O Lord, for thy mercyes sake, save the Kyng. Feare God, 
 and honour the Kynge.' In other respects his description is sufficiently 
 particular.* 
 
 * The editor, or at least the author of the Dedication to King Edward, was Eduund 
 Becke ; of whom, just now, I am not able to find any notice among our Biographers. 
 But this editor says some ' round things' to his Majesty on the score of public administra- 
 tion of justice, — ' Let this Book tlierefore (he observes) be a perpetual president and a 
 patron of all laws and lawyers ; a Jewel of Joy for all that by your grace's commission
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 65 
 
 At the end of the New Testament is a table, in two leaves, termi- 
 nated by the colophon, with Day's name expressly inserted, and the date 
 of 1551, the xxiii daye of Maye — which Lewis appears not to have seen. 
 The copy in the British Museum has the date of 1 550 at the end. The 
 present copy may be pronounced perfect ; but portions of it are in a 
 very tender condition. There is bound along with it a fine copy of The 
 Whole Booke of Psalmes, printed for the Companie of Stationers. In 
 blue morocco binding. 
 
 The Bible in Englishe. Imprinted at London 
 hy Richarde Grafton. 1553. Quarto. 
 
 An edition which appears to have escaped Lewis ; but of which read 
 the account in the Typog. Antiq. vol. iii. p. 4*8, and Cotton, p. 121. It 
 is said to be ' according to the translation of the great Byble,' and is 
 printed with a very small, dazzling black letter, in double columns. 
 The present is a perfect, but rather soiled copy ; in russia binding. 
 
 The Bible in Englishe of the largest and great- 
 est volume, j^t Rouen at the coste and charges 
 of Richard Carmai'den. 1566. Folio. 
 
 This is called by Lewis ' a very fine and pompous edition of the 
 Bible, in a large black letter, and on a royal paper.' Ten leaves, chiefly 
 of an Almanack, precede the Prologue ; of which latter, one C. Hamil- 
 LON,* appears to be the author. The Morning Prayer, Litany, and 
 
 are constituted and placed in office or authority. Then will they of good will, and not 
 for love of lucre and great fees, execute their rowmes minister Justice, hear the small as 
 well as the great, the cause of the orphan, tlie widow, and the poor, should come before 
 them. Then should the overlong and great travail, the immoderate expences and costs, 
 which the poor man daily sustaineth m his endless suits, pierce and move their stony 
 hearts with pity and compassion. Then should neither God's cause, nor the poor man's 
 matter, have so many putoffs, so many putbys and delays. Then if there were any brib- 
 ing, or bolstering, bearing of naughty matters, it should shortly surcease. Then your 
 Grace's Chancellors, Judges and Justices, and such as intermeddle witli the lucrous law, 
 would dispatch more matters in one term-time, then they have done heretofore m a dozen.' 
 A little below — he hopes that the better classes of society would * willingly vouchsafe to 
 sufurate, and spare an hour or two in a day, from their worldly business, employing it 
 about the reading of this book, as they have been used heretofore to do in Chronicles 
 and Canterbury Tales,' &c. 
 
 * Probably for Carmarden. The publisher, Carmarden, ' 'tis said was an officer of the 
 Customs, and a Person of good repute.' Lewis, p. 216.
 
 66 THE LIBRARY. [English 
 
 Collects, follow. It should be obsened that a portrait of Queen Eliza- 
 beth is at the bottom of the wood-cut ornamented title-page. I cannot 
 think that this book was absolutely printed at Rouen : on the contrary, 
 I apprehend that copies, with a Rouen imprint, were sent thither for 
 sale. The type and mode of printing are precisely that of English 
 fashion. One leaf of a table follows the New Testament. The pre- 
 sent is a perfect copy ; and, with the exception of the first few leaves, 
 may be considered rather a fine copy. From the binding it appears to 
 have been once in the Harleian Collection ; although the arms of Philip 
 Carteret Webb are pastetl on the fly-leaf. It was a very early acijuisi- 
 tion to the Althorp Library. In fine old russia binding, with a broad 
 border of gold on the sides. 
 
 The Holie Bible. Printed hy Jugge. [1568.] 
 Folio. 
 
 This is emphatically called the Bishop's Bible : in other words, it 
 was the first impression of the sacred te.\t put forth under the archiepis- 
 copal superintendance of Archbishop P.\rker. Uncommon pains, and 
 considerable expense were incurred in the undertaking. The arts of 
 copper and wood engraving were called in aid to embellish a folio, exe- 
 cuted in a new and large gothic letter, by a printer of the first taste 
 and reputation in our country. Hence Lewis* designates it as ' printed 
 and published in a very elegant and pompous manner, in a large folio, 
 and on royal paper, and a most beautiful English letter, and embel- 
 lished with several cuts of the most remarkable things in the Old and 
 New Testaments and Ajjocrypha, and maps finely cut in wood, and 
 other draughts engraven on copper.' Lewis's account is so fuU and 
 particular, that I shall only subjoin the following remarks. The ' pre- 
 face to the Byble' is by Abp. Parker; and a most solid, convincing, 
 
 • Lewis is inaccurate in his description of the title-page. ' Within a border is printed 
 thus — The Holy Bihie. At the top of ihe border is the picture of Q. Elizabeth, engraved 
 on copper, silting in a roj'al pavilion. On each side of her are the emblems of Religion 
 and Charity sitting.' Sec p. ii40. In tlie copy before me, within a border which looks 
 very like wood-engraving, is tlie title, above given: ' 7"Ac.Ao/ie . Bifcfc.' beneath, 'em- 
 reynyng tite olde Testament and the newe/ The portrait of Elizabeth h in the centre of the 
 copper-plate embellishment beneath. She is within an oval, beneath the royal arms ; 
 and the figures described by Lewis, somewhat above, are on each side of her. The injcrip- 
 tion below — as he mentions — ' non ne pudet,' &;c. Could Lewis have seen a difl'erent 
 impression, or did he depend upon the description of anotlier r This hitter is not very 
 probable, as his account is otlier»i% exceedingly full and accurate.
 
 Bibfes.] THE LIBRARY. 67 
 
 and unaffectedly pious composition it is. Lewis has extracted a con- 
 siderable portion of it. It concludes with a Prayer, which, as it is 
 omitted by Lewis, shall find a place below.* The copper-plate por- 
 traits of the Earls of Leicester and Burleigh — the two great favour- 
 ites of the Queen — are really skilful as well as desirable performances. 
 Leicester, in complete armour, with his cap on, and truncheon in his 
 left hand, appears immediately after the conclusion of the Book of 
 Deuteronomtj , upon a half-title to the Books of Joshua and Judges, &c. 
 Cecil is at the commencement of the Psalms, placing his right hand 
 upon a large initial letter B, and holding an Hebrew Psalter in his left 
 hand. He is bare-headed, and it is the only uncapped portrait of Cecil 
 which I remember. They are both half-lengths. The wood-tuts have 
 elaborate borders ; but these cuts are not equal to those in the impres- 
 sion of Coverdale. This edition has no date; but the year 1568 is 
 usually assigned to it. Jugge's device, as seen in the ivth volume of 
 the Typ. Antiq. p. 241, is at the end of the New Test. : see too p. 256 
 of the same volume. I cannot imagine but that there must have been 
 one (presentation) copy of this impression struck off cpox vellum. 
 The present is a fair and sound, rather than a fine and large, copy of this 
 desirable edition. It is bound in 2 vols, in russia. Dr. Cotton {Edit, 
 of the Bible, p. IC, n. g.) says that copies of this edition are ' rarely 
 found in a perfect state.' See too p. 123-5 of the same work. 
 
 * For the sake of rendering it more familiar, the modern orthography is ohserved : ' O 
 God of my fathers, and Lord of Jlercies, — thou that hast made all things with thy 
 word, and didst ordain man through thy wisdom that lie should have dominion over thy 
 creatures which thou hast made, and that he should order ihe world according to holiness 
 and righteousness, and that he should execute judgment with a true heart — give me wis- 
 dom, which is ever about thy seat, and put me not out from among thy children : For I 
 thy servant, and son of thy handmaiden, am a feeble person, of a short time, and too 
 weak to the understanding of thy judgments and thy laws. And though a man be never 
 so perfect among the children of men, yet if thy wisdom be not with him, he sliall he of no 
 value. O send her out therefore from thy holy heavens, and from the throne of thy ma- 
 jesty, that she may he with me, and labour with me, that I may know what is acceptable 
 in thy sight : for she knoweth and understandetli all things, and she shall lead me so- 
 berly in my works, and preserve me in her power. So shall my works be acceptable by 
 Christ our Lord, to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost be all honour and glory, 
 world without end. Amen.'
 
 68 THE LIBRARY. [English 
 
 [The Holy Bible.] Imprinted at London by 
 Cau'ood. 1569. Quarto. 
 
 Not only is the title of the Old Testament defecti\'e, but the whole 
 of the introductory matter, as far as the beginning; of the Book of 
 Genesis, is wanting. Tlie copy too is, in other respects, very much 
 crept and soiled. The new Test, exhibits rather a tasteful wood-cut 
 border, and the title tells us that it is ' translated after the Greeke.' 
 The date is gathered from this title, there being none at the end. The 
 printing is sufficiently wretched. It should seem that Herbert and 
 Lewis were equally defective in intelligence relating to this edition — 
 which must be considered quite a separate publication from Jugge's 
 reprint of the Bishop's Bible in 4to. of the same date.* 
 
 The Holie Byble. Imprinted at London by 
 Richard Jus^ge. 1573. Quarto. 
 
 The third re-impression in 4to. by Jugge of the Bishop's Bible of 
 1568. It comprehends the Book of Common Prayer, as an introduc- 
 tory part, having, at the end, the Book of Psalms, by Day, of the same 
 date. This copy appears exactly conformable to Lewis's account of 
 Jugge's first reprint in quarto of the date of 1569. It may be called 
 a fair and most desirable copy, and is bound in russia. 
 
 The Bible and Holy Scriptvres conteined in 
 
 the Olde and Nevve Testament, &c. Printed in 
 
 Edinbvrgh Be Alexander Arbuthnet, Printer 
 
 to the Kingis Maiestie, dwelling at ye Kirk of 
 
 feild. 1579.t Folio. 
 
 FiHST IMPRESSION of the Bible in the Scotch language, and of ex- 
 ceedingly great scarcity. No copy appears to be in the Bodleian 
 Library or in the British Museum ; and it was unknown to Lewis and 
 
 • Herbert bad clearly never seen the above. He describes it ' with Cawood's mark' — 
 and this is repeated in the List of Editions of the Bibles, prefixed to Bishop WUson't 
 Bible. But the colophon has Cawood'.s name expressly mentioned : Imprinted at Londim 
 in Powtes Churchyard by John Cawood, Pi-iiiter to the Qucejies Maiestie. 
 
 t The imprint is beneath a wood-cut of the royal arms of Scutland.
 
 Bib/esJ] 
 
 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 69 
 
 Herbert. An epistolary address to James the Vlth, in two leaves, fol- 
 lows the title-page. Then ' an dovble Calendare — to wit, the Romane 
 and the Hebrew Calendar ' — four leaves : followed by rules for under- 
 standing the same. Then some verses, which are inserted below.* On 
 the reverse, ' A Description and Svccesse of the Kinges of Ivda and 
 
 • • Of the in comparable treasure of the holy Scriptares, with a prayer for the true »se 
 of the same. 
 
 Esai. 12.3. & 49. 10 
 Reve. 21. 16. & 22. 
 17. 
 
 Jerem. 33. 15. 
 Psal. 119. 160. 
 Rev. 2. 7. & 2. 22. 
 Psal. 119. 142. 144. 
 Joh. 6. 34. 
 
 Luk. 2. 10. 
 
 Ephe. 6. 16. 
 
 Matth. 7. 6. 
 
 2 Pet. 2. 22. 
 
 Matthewe 6. 22. 
 
 P»o. 119. 27. 73. 
 
 Jude 20. 
 
 Psal. 119. 11. 
 
 Jos. 1. 8. 
 Psal. 1. 1. 2. 
 Psd. 94. 12.13. 
 
 Here is the spring where waters flowe, 
 
 to quenche our heate of sinne : 
 Here is tlie tree where trueth doth grow, 
 
 to leade our Hues therein ; 
 Here is the judge that stintes the strife, 
 
 when mens deuises faiie : 
 Here is the breade that feedes the life, 
 
 that death caunot assaiJe. 
 The tidings of saluation deare, 
 
 comes to our eares from hence : 
 The fortresse of our faith is here, 
 
 and shielde of our defence. 
 Then be not like the swyne that hath 
 
 a pearle at his desire : 
 Aai takes more pleasure of the trough 
 
 and wallowing in the mjre. 
 Reade not this booke in any case, 
 
 but with a single eye : 
 Reade not but first desire Gods grace, 
 
 to understand thereby. 
 Pray stil in faith with this respect 
 
 to fructifie therein, 
 That knowledge may bring this effect, 
 
 to raortifie thy siime. 
 Then happie thou in all thy life, 
 
 what so to the befalles : 
 Yea, double happie shalt thou be, 
 
 when God by death thee calles. 
 
 ' O Gracious God and most merciful Father, which hast vouchsaued vs the rich and 
 precious Jewel of thy holy word, ^assist vs with thy spreit, that it may be written in 
 our hearts to our euerlasting comfort, to reforme vs, to renew vs according to thine owne 
 Image, to bnild vs vp and edifie vs into the perfect building of thy CnniST, sanctifymg 
 and increasing in vs all heauenUe vertves. Graunt this O heauenly Father, for Jesvi 
 Christis sake Amen.' 
 
 I suspect that T. Grashop — whose name appears at the end of ' How to take profits 
 in reading of the holie Scriptines' — on the reverse of the ensuing leaf— was the author of 
 this poetry and prayer. 
 
 VOL. I. X.
 
 70 THE LIBRARY. [English 
 
 lervsaleni," &r. followed by ' An i-xliortation to the studie of the holie 
 Scripture,' &c.^)ii the reverse of which latter, at the end, is Judge's 
 device (see Typog. .Intiq. vol. iv. p. 241) in small — with the name of 
 ' Alexander Arbuthnet' over the central part. These two latter pieces, 
 two leaves : or eight leaves, in the whole, between title and text — the 
 sacred text being on the ensuing leaf, a.j. numbered 1. The Old Tes- 
 tament, including the Apocrypha, ends on the reverse of the 503d 
 leaf : * but, at the conclusion, it is said ' The Tliirde Boke of the Mac- 
 cabees newlie translated out of the original Greke' — whereas no such 
 third hook is in the present copy. Tl:e New Testament follows — pur- 
 ported to be printed at Edinburgh, by ' Thomas linssandyne, m.d.lxxvi.' 
 This title has the royal arms of Scotland, as before. The reverse is 
 blank. Tiie text begins on the ensuing leaf A.ij. nnmbered 1, and 
 concludes on the reverse of the 1 2.5th leaf. Two alphabetical tallies — 
 one, of propernames, and the other of things — the two containing four- 
 teen leaves — conclude the volume. It is printed in a roman letter. 
 The present is a clean, sound, and most desirable copy ; handsomely 
 bound in blue morocco by C. Lewis. 
 
 The Bible. Impi^hded at London hy Christopher 
 Ba rker . 1581. O c t avo . 
 
 The New Testament is unluckily wanting. Christopher Barker was 
 the Andrew Stkauan of the reign of Elizabeth. His impressions of 
 the sacred text were almost without number, and jjcrhaps at this day 
 can never be embodied in one collection. The impression before us 
 (which exhibits the Geneva version) has escaped Lewis and Herbert: 
 nor is it in the British Museum : although in Cruttwell's list (prefixed 
 to Bisho]) Wilson's Bible) it is mentioned without reference to any 
 collection wherein a copy miiy be found. It is a volume of extreme 
 beauty of typographical execution : printed in double columns, with a 
 very small but distinct type, u|)on paper of great delicacy. There are 
 short explanatory notes and par.allel pass;iges in the margin. An ad- 
 dress — ' To the diligent and Christian Riadir, grace, mercie and peace, 
 through Chrint Jesus,' — in etpially small italic type, precedes the sacred 
 text. Barker's crest only (of the boar's head) is at the end of the Old 
 Testament. The present cojty, in four thin octavo volumes, has been 
 
 * Care should be taken that a loose wood-cut, ' appertaining to the 33rd chap, of 
 Nombres,' be found between folios 81 and 82.
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 7i 
 
 inlaid with paper, apparently of the precise age, colour, and texture of 
 the printed text. It has been lately bound in purple morocco. 
 
 The Holy Bible. Imprinted at London by 
 Christopher Barker. 1585. Folio. 
 
 The present volume is as magnificent, as the preceding is beautiful. 
 It has also escaped Herbert : see his edition of our Typographical Anti- 
 quities, vol. ii. p. lOSI-3 : vol. iii. 1803. Nor can I exactly discover 
 that it is mentioned by Lewis : p. 073.4. The title-page is succeeded 
 by Cranmer-s Prologue or Preface — a scriptural genealogy— calendar 
 —and division of the Books of the Bible, &c.— in all sixteen leaves— 
 before the commencement of the sacred text. The Old Testament 
 contains 536 numbered leaves— the New Testament 137, including the 
 title-page. The initial letters J. N., at the end of the Old Testament, 
 denote the name of the editor,- but in Cruttwell's list {sign, b 3. 4 fol'. 
 edit.) I find no name to which these can be supposed to apply. The 
 present may be considered a fine sound copy ; in russia binding. 
 
 The Bible. Imprinted at London by the Bepu- 
 ties of Christopher Barker. 1599. Quarto. 
 
 This I take to be the edition which is cursorily mentioned by Lewis 
 at p. 176. It is a reprint of the Geneva version, with a preface, and 
 ' Directions how to take profile in recdinge of the Holy Scriptures, by 
 T. Grashop, who was Master of Arts of All-Souls College in Oxford, 
 1561.'* The poetical prefix is taken from the Scotch edition of the 
 Bible in 1579: see page 69 ante. It may be necessary to observe 
 that there are two distinct title-pages to this edition ; the first being 
 divided into many wood-cut compartments : the second having only 
 a neat wood-cut of the Israelites passing through the sea, as seen in 
 the previous edition of 1581 , upon a diminished scale. The imprint is 
 at the end of the second table, following the New Testament, as well 
 as in the previous title-pages. At the end of the Tables is an edition of 
 the Psalms, with musical notes, without date, but apparently of the 
 same period. This is a sound, desirable copy, bound in old blue mo- 
 rocco, with gilt leaves. 
 
 • So Lewis, p. 276. But I do .lot discover liis name in the enlarged edition of Wood; 
 Athm. Oim. by Ur. Bliss. Nor is be noticed by Ritson.
 
 72 THE LIBRARY. [Englith 
 
 [Bible.] Imprinted at London hy Robert Barker, 
 &c. I6O7. Folio. 
 
 The (late is found in tlie title of the New Testament, and at the end 
 of the second table or index. The title-page is wholly upon copper — 
 rather splendid and elaborate. The name of Guilielmus Hoel, as the 
 encraver, is below. Three leaves of preliminary matter precede the 
 sacred text. The Old Testament has 444, and the New Testament 
 135 leaves. The title of the New Testament is printed. Seven leaves, 
 of two tables, printed in a very small roman type, follow the New Tes- 
 tament. With this copy is bound an edition of the Common Prayer 
 (placed before the Bible) of the date of 1607. and of the Psalms, 
 placed after the Bible, of the date of 1609. In the frontispiece or 
 title of the Prayer Book there are the names of Dorothy and John Hl- 
 liers inscribed. The former (from the character) of a date almost 
 coeval with that of the printing : the latter with the year 1746. A 
 third inscription of lid. Birch, 1747, appears ; but in the bottom margin 
 there appears a memorandum, evidently in the hand-writing of John 
 Villiers thus: ' My mother Hanna ViUiers died Aprill 1.5, 174.T, and 
 thai same day got from her daughter Mary H'eters 19 ff'ater Glasses 0/ 
 Claret, and Gineva in green Tea iii the Evening.' 
 
 The present copy is among the finer volumes, in tliis library, of the 
 sacred text. It is in old blue morocco binding, with gilt leaves, appa- 
 rently of the middle of the xviith century. 
 
 The Holy Bible, &c. Neivly Translated, &c. 
 Imprinted at London, hy Rohert Barker, &c. 
 1611. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 This may be called the parent text of the present English version 
 of the Bible, and a copy of it should be in every library of reference or 
 choice. The impression was published under Royal Authority. After 
 an epistle dedicatory to King James I., comes an address from ' the 
 Translator to the Reader' — full of curious and interesting matter, and 
 such as those, who carp at the supposed imperfection of our version of 
 the Scriptures, will do well, more than once, carefully to peruse. A 
 Calendar, Almanack, &c. follow : in the whole, eight leaves, ITien a 
 title of ' Genealogies recorded in the Sacred Scriptures, &c. by I. S. [John 
 Speed] with an address to the Christian Reader on the reverse. Then 
 the genealogies, thirty-four numbered pages : with a large wood-cut
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 7« 
 
 of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit, on the first page. Next, 
 a copper-plate map of the Holy Land. The sacred text follows; 
 printed in a large and handsome black letter, in double columns, with 
 very few marginal references. Consult Dr, Cotton's note in his ' Va- 
 rious Editions of the Bible,' 1821, 8vo. p. 29. The copper-plate title- 
 page there mentioned is not in this copy. The wood-cut title consists 
 of an elaborate border, with the figures of St. Matthew and St. John 
 below, and the apostles, &c. around : the other embellishments are 
 precisely of the style of art obser\'able at the commencement of the 
 xviith centurj'. The present copy, wth the exception of the copper- 
 plate title-page, is perfect, and bound in russia, with gilt leaves ; but is 
 not, upon the whole, in that desirable condition which could be wished. 
 Consult the Editor's Preface, in Bp. M'ilson's Bible, sign, c 2, respecting 
 the copper-plate title-page ; which is engraved by Boel. 
 
 Bible. Imprinted at London hy Bonhani Norton 
 and John Bill, Printers to the Kings most Ex- 
 cellent Maiestie. 1619. Quarto. 
 
 A fair sound copy, ruled with red lines ; and, once, most splendid 
 in its outward attire — being bound in purple satin, upon which a rich 
 pattern is worked in silver tambour, with a coat of arms, argent on a 
 bend vert, with three wolves' heads erased of the field, and crest of a 
 hand. These, in short, are the arms of Sir Thomas Myddleton, of Chirk 
 Castle, in Denbighshire; and in the fly-leaf, in an old fashioned but 
 handsome hand, we read, ' The Laddy Myddletons holy bible.' This 
 Lady Middleton was an intimate friend of Sarah, Duchess of Marl- 
 borough. 
 
 Printed hy John Cousturier at Rouen. By 
 
 the English Colledge of Dovvay. 1635. Quarto, 
 2 vols. 
 
 The first title-page is wholly upon copper, and rather finely exe- 
 cuted :* having Moses on one side of the title, and David on the other. 
 Above, is a small representation of the Almighty in the act of the Crea- 
 tion. The imprint, as above, is beneath the title. Tlien a full, and 
 
 • I suspect it to have been engraved in England, by some of the more popular artists 
 of this period, and sent over to Douay . It has much of the character of British art.
 
 74 THE LIBRARY. [English 
 
 printed title, from which we learn that the book was edited by the 
 English College at Douay. A preface follows ; very interesting ; from 
 which it appears that the New Testament was |)rintcd before, and that 
 the whole work was the result of above forty years toil and trial — the 
 chief cause being ' the poor estate [of the College] in banishment.' 
 This version is strictly from the old Latin or Vulgate, conferred with 
 the Hebrew, Greek, or other editions : the third page of the preface 
 states the reasons why this choice was made. It is by no means a re- 
 print of the precursor of 15G6, published at the same place, as the 
 following comparison justifies : 
 
 Edil. Rouen. 1635. Edit. Rouen. 1566. 
 
 Ill the beginning God created heauen In the begynning God created Heauei> 
 
 and earth. 2. And the earth was void and & erth. The erth was voyd and empty fie 
 
 vacant, and darknes was vpon the face of durkenes was vpon the face of the depe, 
 
 the depth : and the Spirit of God moued end the spirite of God nioued vpon the 
 
 over the waters. 3. And God .said : Be face uf the waters. 
 
 light made. And light was made. 4. And And God sayde: let tliere be made 
 
 God saw the light that it was good : and b'g'''> »"<• Hiere was lyglit made. And 
 
 he diuided the light from the darknes. God saw ihc lyght that it was good. And 
 
 5. And he called the light. Day, and the God made a diuision betwene the lyght 
 
 daakenes (sic), Night : and there was eiien- =>■"' darkenes. And God called the lyght, 
 
 ing & morning, that made one day. daye : and the darkenes called be nyght. 
 
 And the euenynge and tlie momyng was 
 made one daye. 
 
 There are annotations at the end of a great number of chapters. 
 The text concludes with the fourth Book of Esdras. The present is a 
 beautiful copy, bound in russia, with gilt leaves. 
 
 The Bible. I^ondon, Printed hy IVilliam Sentley 
 1646. Octavo. 
 
 Upon the whole, a desirable copy, in once splendid binding of red 
 and blue morocco intennlxed. The initials E. L. are on the outside. 
 
 The Holy Bible. Printed at London hy the 
 ylssignees of John Pill and Christopher Parker, 
 &c. 1647. Small Quarto. 
 
 A fair and beautiful copy, ruled with red lines, and bound in crimson 
 velvet. The Old Testament does not contain the Apocrypha.
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 75 
 
 The Holy Bible, &c. Edinburgh, Printed by 
 Evan Tyler, Printer to the Kings most excellent 
 Majesty. 1649. Octavo. 
 
 The full title runs thus : ' The Holy Bible containing the Old Tes- 
 tament and the New : newly translated out of the original tongues, and 
 with the former translations diligently compared and revised : by his 
 Majesties special commandment. Appointed to be read in Churches. 
 Edinburgh. Printed by Evan Tyler, Printer to the King's most excel- 
 lent Majesty, 1649.' The above title is surrounded by a rich engraved 
 border. 
 
 Alhough it announces both Old and New Testaments, this copy con- 
 tains only the Old Testament of this edition ; which is followed by the 
 Apocrypha, without title, and evidently from a different press ; and 
 this is followed by the New Testament, with the following title : " The 
 New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ : newly trans- 
 lated out of the original Greek, and with the former translations dili- 
 gently compared and revised : by his Majesties special! commandment 
 Appointed to be read in Churches. London. Printed by the Company of 
 Stationers, 1650.' This title is remarkable ; because, notwithstanding 
 the date, it is surrounded by a rich engraved border, with the royal 
 arms at top. Under the imprint, and within the border, are the words 
 Cormundum crea in me Deus. Psa .51. In the Old Testament the en- 
 graved ornaments at the head of the Table of Books and of the Book of 
 Genesis, consist of the rose, the thistle, the fleur de lis, and the harp, 
 with crowns over them. In the New Testament (which appears to be 
 printed in the same type, though the title denotes a different printer) 
 these ornaments are very much in the same style, but only contain the 
 thistle and the fleur de lis, without crowns. This difference is remarka- 
 ble and curious, as it should appear that the cognizance of England 
 and Ireland were purposely omitted, and those of Scotland and France 
 retained. The title to the New Testament may possibly have been 
 taken from another book ; though at the end of the Revelations the 
 same imprint is repeated, viz. London. Printed by the Company of Sta- 
 tioners, 1650. To this, in the present volume, is added the metrical 
 version of the Psalms by Stemhold and Hopkins, preceded by another 
 engraved title, and said to be printed for the Company of Stationers, 
 1649, Cum Privilegio Regis Regali, but without arms or cognizances, 
 and in a. smaller and different character from the others. This copy
 
 76 THE LIBRARY. [English 
 
 has musical notes prefixed to many of the Psalms. I have thought 
 it worth while to go into this detail, as it appears curious (and to me 
 is new) that during the inter-regnum the Company of Stationers should 
 print with the Kings arms, and with his privilege. Perhaps, however, 
 there are many other instances of the same kind. 
 
 The Holy Bible, &c. London, Printed hj John 
 Field, one of his Hig-finess's Printers. 1658. 
 Duodecimo. 
 
 The title-page is engraved. Such another copy of this rare and esti- 
 mable pocket-edition, by Field, would with difficulty be found. It is 
 fair and sound throughout, and is bound in black morocco by Roger 
 Payne. 
 
 Cambridge Printed hi/ John Field Printer 
 
 to the Vniversitie And illustrated ivith Chrono- 
 logical Sculps by Ogilvy. 1660. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 A most magnificent copy, ruled with red lines, upon large paper } 
 and bound in old red morocco. 
 
 Cambridge : printed by John Field Prin- 
 ter to the Vniversitie 1668. Quarto. 
 
 Executed in a very small roraan type, and forming a thin quarto 
 volume in consequence. In black coeval binding. 
 
 In Welcli. (Y Bibl Cysscgr-Lan, sef yr 
 
 H,cn Dcstamcnt ar Newydcl.) Printiedig yn 
 Llundain gan John Pill, Christopher Barker, 
 Thomas Neivcomb, a Henry Hills, Printwyr i 
 Ardderchoccaf fawrhydi y Brenin : ac a iverthir 
 gan John Hancock, tan litn y tri Bibl yn Popes- 
 Head Alley, yn Cornhill. 1677- Octavo. 
 
 Without the Apocrypha. The New Testament is dated 1G78. K 
 very sound and most desirable copy ; inasmuch as it belonged to ' Sir 
 Robert Clayton, of the City of London, Knight, Alderman, and Mayor
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 77 
 
 thereof. An". 1 679 ' — an*' '"^as given to him by the publisher, ' in thanke- 
 full acknowledgement of his former bounty to Wales, in contributing 
 towards the printing this Bible, and teaching many hundreds .of poore 
 children to read, and some to write.' The copy, however, after^vards 
 belonged to Tillotson, Stillingfieet, and sundry others, all of whose 
 names are autographised in the fly-leaf. Sir Robert is one of the 
 worthies who figures in Evelyn's Memuirs. See the Index. 
 
 The Holy Bible. London ; Printed hy Bill, Bar- 
 ker, Newcomh §• Hills. 1678. Quarto. 
 
 The Book of Common Prayer, of the same date, is prefixed. On the 
 fly-leaf of the latter, in the Duchess of Marlborough's hand-writing — 
 after her autograph — is this memorandum ; ' this Bible was my Dear 
 Mother's, who died the 27 day of May, 1693.' Below, in a different, 
 and very neat and legible hand, is the notification of the death of Lord 
 and Lady Sunderland : the former on April the 18th, 1722, the latter 
 on April 15, 17' 6. This copy is ruled with red lines, and is in old 
 red morocco binding. 
 
 The' Bible containing the Old Testament and the 
 Newe, &c. Camhridge. Printed hy T. Buck ^ 
 R. Daniel. TVithout Date. Folio, '2 vols. 
 
 A reprint of the edition of l6ll , with the omission of the genealogi- 
 cal tables. The frontispiece, of copper, is by W. Marshall. The 
 plates, with which this copy abounds, are by Goltzius [H G F], and are 
 sufficiently indifferent. The second volmne has the Book of Common 
 Prayer prefixed to the New Testament, with the Psalms of David at the 
 end. The present is a beautiful copy, ruled with red lines, and bound 
 in red morocco, with a flowered pattern on the gilt edges of the leaves, 
 upon which we read ' Order my steps in prayer.' This copy belonged 
 to Sir Robert Clayton, Knight, Alderman and Mayor of the City of 
 London in 16*9 ; and was probably bound by the same possessor. 
 
 Cambridge : printed hy John Hayes, Prin- 
 ter to the Vniversitie. 1682. Quarto. 
 
 A beautiful copy, ruled with red lines, and bound in blue morocco : 
 in the taste of the time of its publication. 
 
 VOL. I. L
 
 78 THE LIBRARY. [English 
 
 The Holy Bible. Oxford, Printed at the Theater. 
 By F. Parker Sf Thomas Guy. 1685. Folio. 
 
 This magnificent volume, ruled with red lines, and bound in mo- 
 rocco \nt\\ various coloured ornaments, was the Duchess of Maklbo- 
 rocgb's own copy. On the tirst fly-leaf is inscribed, in her own hand- 
 writing, the death of the Earl of Godolphin, on the 15th of September, 
 1712, at two in the morning. He died at the Duke of Marlborough's 
 house at St. Albans, anil is called by her grace ' the best man that ever 
 lived.' On the second fly-leaf, are the following entries, in the Du- 
 chess's own hand, of the births of her children. 
 
 • Henbiett.\ was born tlie 19 of July, 1G81, about ten in the morn- 
 ing. Her god-mother and god-father was, my mother, my sister 
 Godfry, and Sir John Churchill. Ann was born the 27 day of Feb. 
 Her god-mothers and god-father were, the Princess of Denmark, Lady 
 Sunderland, and Lord Rochester. Jack was bom the 12 January, 1686, 
 about six a clock in the morning ; his god-mother and god-fathers 
 Mrs. .Strangways, Lord Tyrconell, and Lord Godolphin. Betty was 
 born the 15 of March, 168"; her god-father and god-mothers. Lord 
 llenolow [Ranelagh,] Lady Scarborough, Lady Frechwell. Mary was 
 born the 15 of July, 1689, at 2 a clock in the morning ; her god-father 
 and god-mothers, the Prince, and Queen, and Lady Darby. Charles 
 was born the 19 of August, 1690, between six and seven a clock in the 
 morning ; his god-mother and god-fathers. Lady Fitzharding, Lord 
 Dorsett, and Mr. Russell." Charles died before he reached the age of 
 maturity ; but the exact date of his death does not seem to be known. 
 
 Translated into Irish by the Care and Di- 
 
 ligence of Doctor William Bedel Late Bishop of 
 Kilmore in Ireland, And for the publick good of 
 that Nation. Printed at London, Anno Dom. 
 1685. Quarto. 
 
 Without the Apocrypha. The New Testament is dated 1681. The 
 whole is printed in the old Irish characters, and consequently pubhshed 
 exclusively for the use of the Irish. An edition of no ordinary occur- 
 rence. A most desirable copy ; in calf, with marbled leaves.
 
 Bib/es.] THE LIBRARY. 79 
 
 An Biobla Xaomhtha, &c. -dhuthrachd an Doc- 
 tuir Villiam Bedel, &c. ^ Lunnduin. 1690. 
 Duodecimo. 
 
 This is a pocket edition of the Irish version of the Bible, being a 
 reprint of the preceding, by Bishop Bedell, and is now become ex- 
 tremely rare. Such another copy as the present, beautifully bound in 
 blue morocco, will with difficulty be found. 
 
 The Holy Bible. Rhrjdy chair, Printiedig yn y 
 Theatr yn y Jlwyddyn mdcxc. Folio. 
 
 A copper-plate faces the title : the figure of Minerva and of the Thea- 
 tre, &c. are on the title. There is no preface. In double columns, with 
 marginal references. A sound good copy, bound in russia — but several 
 of the leaves are smaller, apparently from another copy. A rare book. 
 
 The Holy Bible. Printed by Charles Bill and 
 the Executrix of Thomas Neivcomh deceas'd, 
 Printers to the King's Most Excellent Majesty. 
 1701. Folio. 
 
 The preceding is upon an engraved title : a printed title follows. This 
 noble volume, according to a memorandum in the hand-writing of 
 Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, 'was given the Duke of Marlborough 
 by King ffilliam.' It is in blue morocco binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 London, Printed by Charles Bill, ike. 
 
 1703. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 • This copy belonged to 'My Lord Warwick' — whose name, thus de- 
 signated, is written on the title-page. It is undoubtedly one of the 
 most beautiful copies existing ; being bound in old blue morocco, 
 ■with gilt leaves. It was I believe the first impression of the Bible in 
 the reign of Queen Anne, and has escaped Dr. Cotton.
 
 80 THE LIBRARY. [English 
 
 The Holy Bible, &c. Newly translated, &c. 
 Printed in (he Year mdccviii. Folio. 
 
 ' With most profitable annotations upon all the hard places, and 
 other things of great importance ; but are now placed in due order 
 with great care and industrie.' These ' annotations' are, in fact, those 
 which accompany the Geneva Version, of which the first edition was 
 printed in 1560. They are placed in the margin. The version of the 
 present impression is the authorised one. This is a very rare, and 
 rather curious edition. No copy of it appears to be in the Bodleian or 
 British Museum libraries ; but there is one in the archiepiscojial library 
 at Lambeth. His Lordship is indebted to the kind assiduity of the 
 Rev. Dr. Bliss, of Oxford, for the possession of this volume. The 
 condition of it is most desirable, in every respect. The binding is in the 
 original richly-stamped calf cover. 
 
 Edinhurgli. Pri?)fed hy James fVatson, 
 
 One of his Majesty's Printers. 1715. Octavo. 
 
 A rare and covetted edition ; but perhaps sucii another copy of it, as 
 the present, is no where to be found. The binding is in its original 
 state, and highly ornamented, in blue morocco. The interior is without 
 a spot. It must have been doubtless a presentation copy to some dis- 
 tinguished personage. 
 
 Oxford, Printed by John Baskelt. \7VJ. 
 
 Folio, 3 vols. 
 
 One of the finest copies imaginable, ruled with red lines, and bound 
 in three volumes, in old and richly ornamented blue morocco : the 
 third volume has plates only. This book, I believe, never appeared 
 upon large paper. His Majesty's Library at Buckingham House, and 
 the Bodleian Library, each possess a copy printed upon vellum. 
 
 Lhyfcr Gweddi Gyffredin, &c. Caer- 
 
 Grawnt Printiedig gan Joseph Bentham, Prin- 
 tiwr i'r Brif-Vsgol. 1746. Octavo. 
 
 In the Welsh language, with the Prayer Book before the sacred 
 text, and the Psalms by Sternhold and Hopkins after. This is a very 
 neatly printed edition ; and the present copy is in blue morocco, with 
 cilt leaves.
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 81 
 
 Bible. Cambridge, Printed by John Baskerville, 
 Printer to the University. 1763. Folio. 
 
 One of the most beautifully printed books in the world ; but the 
 type and paper want the richness and boldness of the impressions by 
 Field and Baskett. The title-page — as a piece of printing — is unri- 
 valled. It has all the power and brilliancy of copper-plate. A duplii:;ate 
 copy of this impression is kept in the chapel of the house, at Althorp, for 
 divine service. The present copy is superbly bound in red morocco. 
 
 Belfast, Printed by and for Daniel Blow. 
 
 1765. Duodecimo. 
 
 A scarce edition. In red morocco binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 The Complete Family Bible. By the Rev. 
 Francis Fawkes, M. A. &c. JLondon. I768. 
 Quarto, 2 vols. 
 
 With the Apocrypha, and a nominal and critical index. The New Tes- 
 tament is dated 1/'G9- There are running notes throughout; and the 
 editor shews his partiality for his previous classical studies, by quoting 
 Aristotle and Milton in the very first page of his annotations. Fawkes 
 was the translator of Theocritus and Apollonius Rhodius. Prefixed to 
 the sacred text are poetical testimonies in favour of the work This 
 Bible belonged to the late Dowager Countess Spencer, and is in blue 
 morocco binding. 
 
 By William Dodd, LL.D. &c. London. 
 
 1770. Folio, 3 vols. 
 
 AVith a commentary, in which are inserted the notes and corrections 
 of Locke, Waterland, and Lord Clarendon. A portrait of Locke faces 
 the title-page; and a dissertation on the Pentateuch follows the pre- 
 face. Upon the whole, a handsomely printed book. In russia binding. 
 
 Bible Edinburgh : printed by Colin Macfar- 
 quhar. 1770- Octavo. 
 
 With observations at the end of every chapter : composed by the 
 Rev. Mr. Ostervahl, Professor of Divinity, and one of the ministers of 
 the Church of Neufchatel, in Switzerland. Translated at the desire of, 
 and recommended by, the Society for propagating Christian knowledge.
 
 82 THE LIBRARY. [English 
 
 A very neatly printed edition ; but the ' practical observations' at the 
 bottom margin require an experienced and strong-sighted pair of eyes 
 to peruse them. 
 
 Yn Vible Casherick, &c. TVhitehaven: prentit 
 Lionish Juan IVare ase Vac. 1771- Octavo. 
 
 In the Manks language. This is called the Manks Bible, and is printed 
 in an ordinary manner for ordinary use. In calf binding. Attached to 
 it is an edition of the New Testament, in the same language : printed 
 by Balfour, Auld. agus SmeUie in 1767. 8vo. 
 
 The Holy Bible. With Notes by the Right Re- 
 verend Thomas Wilson, D.D. &c. Bafh, Printed 
 by R. Cruttwell. I780. Quarto, 3 vols. 
 
 The present is one of the very few (only twelve) and highly prized 
 copies upon l.\rge paper j liandsomely bound in six folio volumes, in 
 blue morocco. Till tlie publication of the Bible of Drs. D'Oyley and 
 Mant, the present was considered as the chief family Bible for consulta- 
 tion, in regard to notes and various readings. It will be always held in 
 reverence and estimation. 
 
 Cambridge, jirinted by John liurges, 
 
 Printer to the University. 1798. Duodecimo. 
 
 The paper is too thin, the ink too pale, and the type too much worn. 
 In blue morocco binding. 
 
 London. Printed for Thomas Macklin 
 
 by Thomas Bensley. 1800. Folio, 8 vols. 
 
 A magnificent copy of the most magnificent impression of the sacred 
 text extant. The engravings, and especially the head and tail-pieces, 
 are, many of them, tine specimens of the British school of art. The 
 Apocrypha, recently published, renders the work complete. This copy 
 is in blue morocco binding. 
 
 Bristol. 1802. Duodecimo. 
 
 In a very small type ; but much inferior to the recent edition of 
 Strahan, in the same form.
 
 Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 83 
 
 Bible. Oxford: Printed at the Clarendon Press. 
 ISOr. Quarto, 2 vols. 
 
 A beautiful copy of a magnificently printed book : apparently upon 
 thick paper. In blue morocco binding. 
 
 The Royal Standard Devotional Family 
 Bible. Yarmouth. Printed by Key mer. 1811- 
 16. Quarto, 3 vols. 
 
 ' With short notes from Gill, Scott, Henry, Dodd, Brown, Fawcet' 
 — and — as it is called — ' with superb engra%-ings from the great mas- 
 ters.' This Bible receives a place in his Lordship's library, as a very 
 creditable specimen of Provincial printing, and as being a copy upon 
 LARGE PAPER. It was obtained from my friend Mr. Dawson Turner, 
 in exchange for a fine copy of theYpodigma Neustria, 1574, in folio: a 
 duplicate in the Althorp library. It has been since bound in russia, by 
 C. Lewis, 
 
 Edinburgh: Printed hy Sir D. Hunter 
 
 Blair and J. Bruce, Printers to the King's most 
 
 Excellent Majesty. 1813. Octavo. 
 
 Executed on very indifferent paper. In calf fancy-pattern binding. 
 
 Edinburgh: Printed by Sir David Hunter, 
 
 Blair, &c. 1814. Duodecimo. 
 
 One of the twenty-Jive copies only printed upon large paper ; and, 
 in my humble estimation, not to be exceeded by any impression of the 
 same form, for beauty of appearance and skilfulness of execution. 
 
 Cambridge : printed hy J. Smith, Printer 
 
 to the University. Stereotype Edition. (1815.) 
 Octavo. 
 
 The present is one of only three copies known to be upon large 
 PAPER : the second is in Lord Hardwicke's Library. Of the destina- 
 tion of the third, I am ignorant. In blue morocco binding.
 
 84 THE LIBRARY. [Italian 
 
 Bible. Prepared and Arranged by the Reverend 
 George D'Oyley, B. D., and the Reverend Ri- 
 chard Mant, D. D. For the Use of Families. 
 Ojcford. 1817- Quarto, 3 vols. 
 
 This edition may be considered as tlie triumpli of our Established 
 Churcu. Not fewer than twenty-two thousand copies have been 
 printed, of the two editions which have appeared ; and a third edition 
 is now in the University press at Cambridge. The notes contain 
 sometimes ample and curious, and always edifying, information : sup- 
 ported by NAMES, which have been long respected for talent and reve- 
 renced for virtue. The present is a copy upon large paper: but there 
 is little, either in the size or quality of the paper, to entitle it to such 
 distinction. I could have wished the embellishments away : or, if 
 necessary to be introduced, that they had been executed upon paper of 
 a different tint. 
 
 ITALIAN BIBLES. 
 
 La BiBLiA, &c. in lingua Toscana per Antonio 
 Brucioli. In Venetia. 1539. Quarto. 
 
 This was Dr. Farmer's copy, and is the first edition of the version of 
 Bbuciom. It had formerly belonged to some bishop, as the mitre and 
 pastoral staff, above the sliield of coat armour, demonstrate. In old 
 calf binding. For earlier editions (in the xvth century) consult Bibl. 
 Spencer, vol. i. p. 63 ; and p. 44 of the ensuing volume of this work. 
 
 in linsfua Toscana. Comniento di Antonio 
 
 Brucioli. In Venetia. 1546. Folio, 3 vols. 
 
 Brunet mentions an earlier edition of the date of 1542-7, which I 
 suspect not to be in existence : for he refers to the Gaignat Catalogue 
 (vol. i. no. 81,) where I find this edition to be mentioned — as if, how- 
 ever, it were seven volumes bound in tliree — wliereas the pages here, 
 in each volume, run consecutively from beginning to end. It is clear
 
 Bidles.] THE LIBRARY. 85 
 
 that no pre\'ious edition is alluded to, by the commentator, in his dedi- 
 catory epistle to ' Madama La Dalphina.' The present was Colbert's 
 copy. It is in red morocco binding ; but has not escaped with im- 
 punity from the binder's tools. It was obtained from the sale of the 
 Crevenna Library. 
 
 La Bibia. Tradutta in lingua volgare secondo la 
 veritii del testo Hebreo, &c. Stampata appresso 
 Francesco Durone. 1562. Quarto. 
 
 Four leaves of an address to the Princes and Republics of Italy, that 
 the Holy Scriptures ought to be read in the vulgar tongue — and one 
 more leaf of a summary of the Bible — precede the text. The Old and 
 New Testaments have the leaves separately numbered. A table of 
 eighteen leaves follows the New Testament. From the beautiful de- 
 vice of a female figure of Truth, radiated, and looking towards heaven 
 — ^ivhich graces the frontispiece — I suspect this edition to have been 
 printed at Venice. The present is a most desirable copy, bound in 
 blue morocco. 
 
 La Biblia, cioe, i Libri del Vecchio e del Nvovo 
 Testaraento, Da Giovanni Diodati. I6O7. Folio. 
 
 Beyond all question a matchless copy. At the bottom of the title- 
 page we read (doubtless in the hand-writing of Diodati) ' Pour Mon- 
 seigneur le President de Thou.' It is upon large paper, with occasional 
 rough leaves, in blue morocco binding. 
 
 La Sacra Biblia, &c. Da Giovanni Diodati. 
 Seconda Editione, raigliorata ed accresciuta. 
 Stampata in Geneva da P. Chovet. 1641. Folio. 
 
 The copper-plate title-page bears date 1640. Printed in a small 
 tj'pe, with the commentary of Diodati at bottom, upon very indifferent 
 paper. A most desirable copy, in russia binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 86 THE LIBRARY. [Spanish 
 
 BiBBiA VoLGAR. Di Malerivii. Veiiez. 1773. 
 Octavo, 6 vols. 
 
 An edition for common use. In calf, with marbled leaves. 
 
 La Bibbia. Tradotta in Lingua Italiana, e con An- 
 notazioni illustrati di A. Martini. In Tvrino. 
 1776. Octavo, 23 vols. 
 
 a neatly printed, and useful edition, with the Vulgate text, and Ita- 
 lian version in parallel columns, and the annotations in long lines 
 below. 
 
 SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE BIBLES. 
 
 BiBLiA EN Lengua Espanola, &c. cxaminada 
 por el officio dela Inquisicion. Estmnpuda en 
 Ferrara a costa y despesa de leronimo de Vargas 
 Espanol : en primero de Marco de } 553. Folio 
 
 It should seem that this was the first impression of the Bible in 
 the Spanish language; or rather, that there were two impressions in 
 the same year (1553,) of which one was destined for the use of the 
 Jews, the other for that of tlie Christians. The copy before us is of the 
 latter description — the former edition having been printed ' at the costs 
 and charges of y'om 'fob Atias, the Son of Levi .4tias.' Both impres- 
 sions are very rare ; and the present copy, although not very re- 
 markable for its size and condition, and having, besides, two ms. leaves, 
 fbut very neatly executed in the manner of printed ones) could not be 
 obtained under the sum of twenty guineas. Brunct says ' it is not less 
 rare than the Jewish edition,' but I incline somewhat to a different opi- 
 nion. As this experienced bibliographer has not particularly described 
 the contents, it may be useful to mention that the epistolary dedication 
 to the Scfior Don Hercole da Este el Segundo,' &c. is on the reverse of 
 the title-page, which latter is a barbarou.sly ornamented piece of print- 
 ing. An address to the reader, one leaf, follows the title-page. Then a 
 table of six leaves. The sacred text follows, upon four hundred leaves.
 
 Bibles.-] THE LIBRARY. 87 
 
 with printed numerals; concliuling with the Book of Esther ; which 
 succeeds \X\e. Koheleth de Solomoh and the Lamentacions de Yermiaho — so 
 that the New Testament appears to be wanting. The conclusion of 
 Esther is succeeded by Tabla de las Haphtaroth, in two leaves, which is 
 usually wanting in copies, according to Brunei. The same bibliogra- 
 pher remarks that, according to Crevenna, there is usually an hiatus 
 from the thirty-fifth verse of the viith chapter of Leviticus to the last 
 words of the seventh verse of the viiith chapter of the same book : but 
 no such deficiency appears in the copy imder description. It remains 
 only to remark, that the register and imprint (of which latter a portion 
 is above given — attached to the title) are on the recto of the last leaf 
 following the last mentioned ' Tabla.' This copy is very handsomely 
 bound by Hering, in dark blue morocco. 
 
 La Biblia, Qve es, los Sacros Libros del Vieio y 
 Nvevo Testamento. Tratisladada en Espanol. 
 1569. Quarto. 
 
 The printer's device of a bear disturbing a bee-hive* is in the fron- 
 tispiece ; whence this is called the Bear Bible. According to Brunet, 
 the Abbe Rive has proved that the book was printed at Basle, and not 
 at Bern, as De Bure had supposed : Chasse out Bibliographes, p. 547-t 
 A preface of seven leaves, signed C. R. (for Cassiodoro Reyna) and 
 an admonition to the reader, also of seven leaves, precede the com- 
 mencement of the sacred text; the leaves are numbered by columns. 
 The Book of Ecclesiasticus concludes on the 1438th column. Then 
 commence the Prophets, ending with the 2d book of Maccabees on 
 the 544th column. The New Testament, without any distinct title, 
 (at least in this copy) follows on a. In the whole, 508 columns : suc- 
 ceeded by a list of errata : with the date more fidly subjoined. There 
 are copies of this book with the date of 1622, being merely a fresh 
 frontispiece inserted : the date of the impression, at the end of the 
 errata, (as htre) is thus : ' Anno del Senor M. D LXIX en Septiembre.' 
 There are no wood cuts, except two in the preface ; wliich are rather 
 brilliant of their kind. The present is a beautiful copy, in blue 
 morocco binding. 
 
 • Sonietliing like a similar cut may be seen in the Bibliographical Decameron, vol. ii. 
 p. 202, from a Printer of tlie name Apiarius, at Bern. 
 
 t The italic letter is very like that of a Basle book, especially what is seen at the cud 
 «( Ecclesiasticus.
 
 88 THE LIBRARY. [German ami 
 
 BiBLiA EN LenguaEspanola, Tiaduzidii palabra 
 
 por palabra de la verdad Hebrayca, por muy ex- 
 
 celentcs letrados, &c. JEn Amsterdam Im- 
 
 pressesadorie de Gillis loost, en el Nieuu'e-straet, 
 
 1606. Folio. 
 
 The frontispiece, or title, is cut in wood ; and the figures of Moses 
 and Aaron, on each side of the letter-press, are master-pieces of art in 
 that department of engraving. The figures below, of Adam and Eve, 
 could hardly have been designed or engraved by the same artist. A 
 sound copy, in calf binding. 
 
 O Velho et O Novo Testamento, &c. Tra- 
 duzidos em Portuguez por Joao Ferreira A. 
 d'Almeida, 8cc. Batavia. Mulder, Heusler, 
 Heeman, Impress. 1748-53-73. Octavo, 2 vols. 
 
 A remarkably neat copy of an edition now found with difficulty — 
 bound in russia, with gilt leaves. 
 
 GERMAN AND DUTCH BIBLES. 
 
 BiBLiA, das ist Die Gantze Heilige Schrifft 
 Deutsch, D. Mart. Luthers. Luneburg. 1627. 
 Duodecimo, 3 vols. 
 
 A most beautiful and uncommon book ; printed in a smaU gothic 
 letter, upon vellum of a stout and fair quality. The third volume 
 terminates with the Apocrypha. The fly-leaves of the first .and third 
 volumes are charged with several nis. memoranda ; from which I ex- 
 tract the last in the third volume. ' Ex donatione Casta mea Coostce hunc 
 possideo lihrum. Zscheipliz die 18 Junij 1700." This precious copy is 
 handsomely bound in blue morocco.
 
 Dutch Bibles.] THE LIBRARY. 89 
 
 BiBLiA, dat is De Gantsche H. Schrifture, &c. 
 Tot Leyden Gedruckt hy Paulus Aertsz van 
 Mavesteyii. (1642.) Folio. 
 
 I gather the above from the ms. signature of the magistrate or pub- 
 lisher ; on the reverse of the title-page : although the act of authority 
 is dated 1637. This is a most beautiful, and, in parts, (see the index 
 or table at beginning) surprising performance of the Leyden press : 
 and this copy is doubtless upon large paper. 
 
 Lunehurg. 1635. Folio, 3 vols. 
 
 With the annotations of Osiander and Fortern, &c. The text is Lu- 
 ther's. In treble columns : black letter — and handsomely printed. 
 
 Te Dordrecht. Anno 1686. Folio. 
 
 The splendour of this Dutch Bible has never been exceeded in Hol- 
 land by any subsequent impression. The paper and type are excellent. 
 A few plates are at the beginning of the volume. This copy is in old 
 stamped binding — in boards, covered apparently with russia leather. 
 
 BiBLiA dat is, De Gantsche H. Schrifture, &c. 
 Te Leyden. I/IH. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 This edition was procured for his Lordship, from Holland, by Mr. 
 R. P. Cruden of Gravesend ; who was arLxious that it might obtain a 
 place in this splendid library, on account of its being a Stekeotyfb 
 impression ; and, as such, a curiosity not known to the generality of 
 modern collectors.* It is executed in a handsome sharp gothic type, 
 with references and various readings in the margin, in a similar type, 
 but very much smaller. The colour and quality of the paper are good, 
 but the latter is too thin. A great number of darkly printed copper- 
 plates accompany the edition. This copy is splendidly bound in blue 
 morocco by Hering. 
 
 • There are inserted, as confirmatory of the above remark two or three rough proofs of 
 the sheets as they came from the printer ; in wliicli the mark of the iron frame-work, 
 around the page, renders it indubitable that the above process was adopted.
 
 90 THE LIBRARY. [Bibles in 
 
 BIBLES IN VARIOUS LANGUAGES. 
 
 BiBLiA PoLONiCA. ff^ Amsleroclamie IV Dru- 
 karni Chryszt.uffa Cunrada. Koku 1660. 
 Octavo. 
 
 This rare book was among the earliest acquisitions of his Lordshij) ; 
 being numbered 43. It is in calf binding, with marbled leaves. 
 
 BiBLiA RussiCA. Printed ul Moscow. 1766. 
 Folio. 
 
 ' At the expense of the Empress Catherine : the fifth edition after 
 that of Petrus INI. An ecclesiastical Calendar, Indexes, &c. are at the 
 end.' I gain the preceding intelligence from a ms. note prefixed to 
 this copy ; which is handsomely bound in russia, w ith gilt leaves. 
 
 Ta Swehta Brahmata, &c. Livonice. Riga 
 1689. Quarto, 2 vols. 
 
 The Bible in the Livonian tongue. An exceedingly rare edition. This 
 copy is splendidly bound in blue morocco, with his Lordship's arms on 
 the sides. 
 
 BiBLiA, tai esti Wissas Tzwentas Rasstas, &c. 
 Karulauczuje. 1735. Octavo. 
 
 In the Lithuanian tongue. In the black letter. Calf binding. 
 
 in dieOber-LausitsischeWendische Sprache 
 
 mit aller Treu und Fleisse ubersetzet. Ijudissin. 
 1728. Quarto. 
 
 Translated from Luther's text. There are two title-pages. The title- 
 page of the New Testament is dated 1727- This is a thick volume; 
 the Old Testament containing 1518, and the New 264, pages — before 
 the commencement of the Epistles, &c. which latter have a separate 
 title-page, and contain 174 pages. Then a separate leaf, containing 
 a prayer, &c. lu old black calf binding.
 
 various Languages.] THE LIBRARY. 91 
 
 PiiBii Kamat se on Keik se Tummala Sanna, &c. 
 T'alUnas, Trukkitud Lindworsse Kirj'adega, 
 1773. Quarto. 
 
 The Bible in the Finnic language. In the black letter, double co- 
 lumns. Dark calf binding. 
 
 BiBLiA Lapponica. Hemsandesne Carolen Gust, 
 Nordinen Trukkeriasne. 1811. Quarto, 3 vols. 
 
 According to the Catalogue of Mr. Boosey, jun., A. D. 1 820, there 
 are only fifty copies of this impression in the present form. In other 
 respects, it has little to recommend it from the beauty of the type, 
 (which is gothic) and the quality of the paper. Recently bound in 
 dark red moroco. 
 
 BiBLiA. Bohemice. LethaPane. 1596. Quarto, 
 
 Purchased from a foreign collection, of which the proprietor, Adam 
 Steiner, as well as the vendor of the volume, seem to have had a consi- 
 derable notion of its value. It is beautifully printed, in a sharp gothic 
 letter, upon indifferent paper. The title-page is upon wood, with the 
 title in red letters. Recently bound in dark green morocco. 
 
 BiBLiA Sacra. Bohemice. Hal. Mag. I766. 
 Octavo, 2 vols. 
 
 In foreign calf binding, marbled leaves. In the black letter, in dou- 
 ble columns. 
 
 HUNGARISCHE BiBEL. 1730. OctaVO. 
 
 With the Psalms of David, accompanied by musical notes, at the end, 
 of the same date. A beautifiil copy of a very neatly printed edition, 
 in double columns. In black calf binding. 
 
 BiBLiA. Suice. Inspruck. 1756. Quarto. 
 
 A most desirable copy, in blue morocco binding.
 
 92 THE LIBRARY. [Bibles in 
 
 La S. Bibla Quei ei : Tut la Soinchia Scartira, 
 &c. Ent ilg Languaig Ruinonscli da la Ligia 
 Grisclia. ^ squitschada en Coira tras Andrea 
 Pfeffer, Stampadur. \'J\9. Folio. 
 
 A very scarce and valuable impression, and now rarely obtainable. 
 The present is a most desirable copy ; in old stamped calf, with gilt 
 leaves. 
 
 La Biblia. — Vertida e stampada avant temp in 
 LinguaRomanscha d'Engadina Bassa. Stoyn- 
 pada in SckoI in Engad. JBass. Ijr43. Folio, 
 2 vols. 
 
 Two title-pages precede the first volume. The second volume has the 
 same as the first — with the exception only of the title — which, in both 
 cases, is admitted within a large bold ornamented border, with sacred 
 figures at top and at bottom : — better designed, tliiin executed at the 
 press. The paper and printing are, throughout, indifferent : but the 
 copy, bound in foreign calf, is most unexceptionable. Neither De 
 Bure nor Brunet make mention of any impression of the sacred text in 
 the Romansch or Orison dialect. 
 
 Mammusse Wiinneetupanataniwe Up- 
 
 Biblum God naneeswe Nukkone Testament kah 
 Wouk Wusku Testament. Ne quoslikinnumuk 
 naslipe Wuttinneauioh Christ noh asoowesit 
 John Eliot. Camhridge, N. America : Prin- 
 teitoop nashpe Samuel Green Kah Marmaduke 
 Johnson. 1663. Quarto. 
 
 In the J'irginian language. Printed in double columns. This copy 
 was in the library of Colbert. 
 
 Another Edition of the Virginian Bible. Camhridge, 
 N. America : Printed hy Samuel Green. 1685. 
 Quarto, 
 
 In old calf binding.
 
 various Languages. '\ THE LIBRARY. 93 
 
 BiBLiA Arabica et Lat. Romcc. 1671- Folio, 
 3 vols. 
 
 Published at the Propaganda Press. The Latin Vulgate occupies 
 the parallel column. .\ most desirable copy, bound in vellum. 
 
 BiBLiA Malaica. Typis Arahicis. Octavo, 6 
 vols. 
 
 A most beautiful copy, in blue morocco binding. 
 
 BiBLiA Tamultca, seu quod Deus Oainipoten- 
 tissimus Semetipsum ex sua iEternitate clarius 
 nianifestaturus de CceIo est locutus. Tran- 
 gamharice in littore Cor omande lino, Ti/pis Sf 
 Sumptihus JMissionis Danicce. \'J'23-'J. Quarto, 
 In 3 Parts. 
 
 The Old Testament is in the Talmudical types : exceedingly curious, 
 and of rare occurrence. Printed at Tranquebar on the Coromandel 
 coast. 
 
 OLD TESTAMENT. 
 
 Vet. Test. Hebraice. Printed hij R. Stephen. 
 Octodecimo, 11 vols. 
 
 The most beautiful pocket edition of the Hebrew Bible which was 
 perhaps ever printed. The character is large, and the paper fine, and 
 of a mellow tint. This copy cannot be exceeded in soundness of condi- 
 tion and propriety of binding. It is in old foreign red morocco. 
 
 Hebraice. Tf'ien, gedruckt heij Anton 
 
 Schmid K. K. priv. &c. 181.5. Octavo, 5 vols. 
 
 I purchased this edition, at Vienna, for about seven shillings of our 
 money. It contains the Hebrew text as at present read by the Jews in 
 that capital. This copy is indifferently half-bound in sheep-skin. 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 M THE LIBRARY. [Pentateuch in 
 
 Vet. Test. Lat. Parisns,InOJf. S.CoUnceL 1532. 
 Duodecimo, 5 vols. 
 
 A beautiful co])y, in old blue morocco binding. The text is printed 
 in long lines. From the old library at Althorp. On consulting the Bih- 
 liographkal Decameron, vol. ii. p. 79, it should seem that Colinaeus had 
 printed a previous edition, in 1525, which used to be sold for twenty- 
 four sous. The New Testament, in the same year and form, was sold 
 for six sous. 
 
 Amst. ApudJo. Ja. Scliipper. 1669. Oc- 
 
 tavo. 
 
 \ truly beautiful copy, of a neatly printed edition, in double co- 
 lumns. In highly ornamented old blue morocco binding. 
 
 Parisiis. 1660. Octavo, 2 vols. 
 
 ■■# 
 
 \ most beautiful copy, in old French red morocco binding, of a 
 beautifully printed edition, with various readings in the margins. 
 
 THE PENTATEUCH, 
 
 IN VARIOUS LANGUAGES. 
 
 The Pentateuch, by W. T. (William Tyn- 
 DAL.) 1534. Duodecimo. 
 
 This is a sound and perfect copy of an exceedingly rare book ; but 
 an imposition has been attempted in the title-page, by falsifying the 
 date of 1530, to maite it pass for a copy of that edition. Each of the 
 five books has a title-page, followed by a prologue. The Book of 
 Numbers is printed in the black letter ; the rest are in the roman type. 
 This is the first ExcLisn version of any portion of the Old Testa- 
 ment, and as such is both curious and important. This copy is bound 
 in old red morocco, after the manner of Uatcliffe's bindings. Consult 
 Herbert and Cotton.
 
 various Languages.] THE LIBRARY. 95 
 
 LiBRi MoYSi QuiNQUE. Cum annotationibus & 
 observationibus Hebraicis haudquaquam poeni- 
 tendis, quae prolixi commentarii vice esse pos- 
 sunt. Paris. 1541. Quarto. 
 
 In old calf binding; from the Pinelli Library — afterwards in the 
 possession of the late Mr. Wodhull. 
 
 Pentateuchus. iEgypt.-Lat. Londini. Bowyer. 
 1731. Quarto. 
 
 ' Ex MSS. Vaticano, Parisiensi et Bodleiano descripsit ac Latine vertil 
 David Wilkins; S. T. P. The work is dedicated to Dr. Chandler, 
 Bishop of Durham. A beautiful copy, in russia binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 Syriace. Ex Polyglott. Anglicanis. Edente 
 
 Kirsch, Hofce ^ Lipsice. 1787- Quarto. 
 
 Printed upon very indifferent paper. In calf binding, marbled 
 edges. 
 
 Hebr. - Samarit. Charactere Hebraeo- 
 
 Chaldaico. Cura et Studio B. Blayney. Oxon. 
 1790. Octavo. 
 
 A beautiful copy, bound in blue morocco ; but in the good old days, 
 for at the present splendid period of the Ci,.\rendon press, the paper 
 and printing would have been worthier of the subject. 
 
 The Pentateuch ; by Lion Soesraans, corrected 
 and translated by David Levi. Hebr. & End. 
 London, Johnson. 1799. Octavo, 4 vols. 
 
 Ab indifferently executed edition. Calf, neat.
 
 96 THE LIBRARY. [Psalter in 
 
 Pentateuchus. E Codice Alexandrino. Curj\ 
 et Labore H. H. Baber, &c. Ex prelo Ricardi 
 Taylor ^- Socii. 1821. Quarto. 
 
 This is one of the copies upon vellum. It is a publication which, 
 when completed, leaves us nothing to desire respecting further accu- 
 racy of investigation of the original, and entitles its editor to the best 
 thanks of his profession and country. 
 
 THE PSALTER, 
 
 IN VARIOUS LANGUAGES. 
 
 PsALTERiUM QuiNcuPLEx. Gallicuin, Romanum, 
 Hebraicum, Vetiis, Couciliatum. In Ccenobio 
 Sancti Gennani prope Muros Parisienses : anno 
 a natali C. D. &c. 1508 Et ex clmlcotijpd H. 
 Stephani officind S^ emissum, ^c. 1509. Folio. 
 
 A desirable copy of one of the earliest books from the press of old 
 Henry Stephen. In black morocco binding, by Roger Payne. 
 
 PsALTERiuM. Chaldaicc. Cuia Potken. Romce. 
 1513. Quarto. 
 
 The figure of King David, printed in red ink, is tit the end. The 
 whole book is beautifully printed upon a stout mtUow-toned paper. 
 The present copy is perhaps unrivalled. It is bound in calf, with 
 deeply stumped cameo-fashion ornaments, gilt, at the corners, and 
 in the middle. 
 
 QuiNCUPLEx, Hebr. Or. Arab. Cliald. & 
 
 Lat. &r. Studio Augustini Justiniani. Genuce. 
 1516. Folio. 
 
 A magnificent copy ; printed upon vellum. For some account of 
 the work, consult Introd. to the Clasaics, vol. i. p. 33. This copy is 
 splendidly bound in blue morocco, by C. Lewis.
 
 various Languages.'] THE LIBRARY. 97 
 
 PsALTERiuM. Gf. Argentomtt, apud Vuol Ce- 
 phnlceum. 1524. 32mo. 
 
 A very uncommon little book, and the present is a most beautiful 
 copy of it : bound in the purest taste of C. Lewis, in dark blue mo- 
 rocco. A fly-leaf, at the end, gives the imprint and date, in Greek, on 
 one side, and the printer's device on the other. 
 
 Lat. Apud Simonem Colinceum. 1524. 
 
 Duodecimo. 
 
 A most beautiful and uncommon book ; printed upon vellum. In 
 old handsome dark olive morocco binding. Obtained of M. Chardin, 
 at Paris. 
 
 The Psalter, &c. Prynted at Cantorhury in 
 saynt Paules parysshe hy John Mychell. 1549. 
 Quarto. 
 
 The early Canterbury books are of rare occurrence. Consult Her- 
 bert, vol. iii. p. 1542, for a brief description of the present book. 
 It is bound in black morocco. 
 
 The whole Boke of Psalmes, &c. Printed by 
 Day. \^77- Quarto. 
 
 The poetical version of Sternhold and Hopkins, with musical notes. 
 The Book of Common Prayer, by Seres, precedes it, which is called 
 ' the Psalter or Psalmes of Dauid.' A sound copy, in calf binding : 
 obtained from Mr. Trone. 
 
 PsALTERiUM, Gr. & Lat. Ad exemplar Com- 
 plutense. Antv. Ex Off. C. Plantini. 1584. 
 Duodecimo. 
 
 In double columns. This beautiful little book is ruled with red 
 lines, and bound in black morocco, with fleurs-de-lis on the exterior. 
 
 Gr. Antv. Ex Off. C. Plantini. 1584 
 
 32mo. 
 
 Upon yellow-tinted paper. This little volume is contained within 
 one of the most brilliant specimens extant of C. Lewis's binding, in 
 yellow morocco, fly-leaf of gold, &c.
 
 98 THE LIBRARY. [Psalter in 
 
 PsALTERiUM. Syriacc. Orat. Arab. Romce. 
 1584. Duodecimo. 
 
 With small wood-cuts. A very hiindsomely printed book ; but the 
 present cojjy is too much cropt. In calf binding. 
 
 PsALMORUM Dav'idicorum Liber, cx GalHcis 
 Rhytlmiis Verbum Verbo Latine redditus h. 
 J. J. B. Excudebat Joan. Torncesius Typ. 
 Reg. 1598. Duodecimo. 
 
 ' In gratiam Generosi Juvenis, Domini Georgij Sigismundi P. a 
 Zastrisef., Moraui, primflm scriptu.s ; nunc verf) coiiimuneni in usum 
 earum N.\tionum Omnium, qua; linguam Gallicam addisccre Solent et 
 cupiunt, editus.' The preface is dated 1598, 'from the Iceman Lake.' 
 The French is on one side, and the Latin on the other, of each leaf. 
 An unconnnon little book. Bound in calf. 
 
 Psalterium Davidis. Liigd. Apud J. ^ D. 
 Elseverios. 1653. Duodecimo. 
 
 a most beautiful copy, in old variegated morocco binding, by Pada- 
 loup. Obtained of M. Chardin at Paris for 1/. 10^. 
 
 Psalterium. iEthiopice et Lat. Curu Jobi Lu- 
 dolfii. Francof. ad Moinum. 1/01 . Quarto. 
 
 The iEthiopic version is on one p.ige, and the Latin on the other. 
 At the end are various readings and notes. A correct and valuable edi- 
 tion. Consult Masch's Bihl. Sacra, vol. i. pt. ii. p. 148. This is a very 
 desirable copy ; in russia binding. 
 
 Arabice. 17'25. Octavo. 
 
 Wholly Arabic, without a Latin title-page; and ' printed in the 
 year of the Messiah 1725 : no mention of place, but supposed to be at 
 Oxford.' So a ms. memorandum, in this copy, designates. The volume 
 has every characteristic of liaving been printed at the University in 
 question. In old calf binding, with broad pattern of gold on the sides.
 
 various Languages.'] THELIBRARY. 99 
 
 PsALTERiuM. Indostanicc. Halce. VJA'J, Duo- 
 decimo. 
 
 The version is by Schultzius, and the preface and editorship by Cal- 
 lenbergius. A beautiful copy, in ornamented calf binding, with gilt 
 leaves. 
 
 Les Pseaumes traduits par G. F. Berthier. 
 
 Toulouse. 1801. Duodecimo, 5 vols. 
 
 The Latin Vulgate is added. Every chapter, and frequently every 
 verse, is accompanied by pious and instructive ' reflexions." 
 
 GrjEcum. E Codice MS. Alexandrino, 
 
 &c. Cura & Lahore Henrici Herveii Baber 
 
 A. M. Musei Britannici Bibliothecarii, Lon- 
 
 dini. Ex prelo Ricardi Taylor ^ Socii. 1812. 
 Quarto. 
 
 Dedicated to the .Archbishop of Canterbury. One of the ten copies 
 only UPON vELLUJi. It was the precursor of the Pentateuch, from the 
 same MS., which was published last year : and which will be suc- 
 ceeded by the remaining part of the Old Testament. See p. 96, ante. 
 This is a splendid volume ; in every respect worthy of its precursor and 
 companion, the New Testament, also upon vellum, published by 
 Dr. Woide. See post. 
 
 PsALTERio Ebraico vcrsificato dal Commendatore 
 Giovambatista Co. Gazola sulla Italianizazione 
 deir Abate Giuseppe Venturi col Testo e Note. 
 Verona dalV Tipog. Mainardi. 1816. Quarto. 
 
 a most magnificent copy, upon large paper of a folio form. The 
 printing is not equal to the size and splendour of the volume. Superbly 
 bound in blue morocco by Hering. 
 
 PsALTERiiiM. Arabice. In Urhe Jassy. Quarto. 
 
 I In a loosely composed large character, upon paper of very indif- 
 ferent quality. A fine copy ; in russia binding, gilt leaves.
 
 100 THE LIBRARY. [Prophets, Sfc. 
 
 PsAiiTERiUM. Gr. Copt. Without date. Quarto. 
 
 A very handsomely jirinted book, in red and black, with indifferent 
 wood-cuts. A fine and perfect copy, in russia binding. 
 
 THE PROPHETS, 
 
 IN VARIOUS LANGUAGES. 
 
 IsAiE. Par Berthier. Paris. 1788. Octavo, 5 
 vols. 
 
 A companion to the Psalter, by the same editor, and published in 
 the same manner. In calf, marble leaves. 
 
 Daniel. Sec. Edit. lxx. Interpret. ExTetraplis 
 desuniptam. E Cod. Syro - Estranglielo Bibl. 
 Ambrosianae Syriace edidit &c. C. Bugatus. Me- 
 dial. 1788. Quarto. 
 
 With a Latin version and critical notes. A beautiful copy, in 
 foreign red morocco binding 
 
 Daniel. Gr. & Lat. Sec. Septuaginta. Roma. 
 1772 Folio. 
 
 ' Ex Tetraplis Origenis nunc primum edilus,' &c. From the Codex 
 Chisianus. ' At length (says Masch) appeared this text of Daniel, from 
 the famous Chisian MS., v.liich had long lain concealed, and which had 
 been so much commended by Blanchinius. Whoever was the editor of 
 such a xE(/x»]Xiov, (continues he) it is clear, that, for himself, he was 
 desirous of being unknown. Some have supposed that Mazzochius, 
 and others that Simon de Magistris, was the editor. Whoe\er he 
 may be, he has deserved well of the sacred cause of religion, and is 
 entitled to the grateful thanks of the public' Bibl. Sacra, vol. ii. 
 pt. ii. p. 320. Masch is very copious and particular, respecting this 
 learned and splendid work. The present is a l.\bge pafeb copy, 
 bound out of sheets, in russia, with gilt leaves.
 
 New Test., 8fc.^ THE LIBRARY. 101 
 
 LiBRi Veteris Testamenti Apocryphi. Gr. 
 Lipsice. 1804. Octavo. 
 
 The editor is C.G. August!; and the dedicatory epistle is addressed 
 to the famous Griesbach — ' Criticorum Germaiiia; decus.' There are a 
 few various readings at the foot of each page. This edition is neatly 
 printed, upon an indifferent paper. In russia binding, with marbled 
 edges. '■ 
 
 THE NEW TESTAMENT, 
 
 IN VARIOUS LANGUAGES, 
 
 Novum Testamentum. Gr. & Lat. Cura 
 Erasmi. Basil. 1516, 1519, 1522, 1527, 1542, 
 Folio, 10 vols. 
 
 These are the principal editions of the Greek Testament by Eras- 
 mus ; who died before the completion of the last. The Edit. Prin. of 
 1516 was, 'till of late, a very rare book. The present copy of it, bound 
 in russia, with gilt leaves, had belonged to Dr. Farmer. The copies 
 of the remaining impressions are half bound in russia. 
 
 Gr. Hagenoce,in (BdibiisT.jInshelmi Ba- 
 
 densis. 1521. Quarto. 
 
 A very scarce and very important edition. Consult the authorities 
 cited in the Introd. to the Classics, vol i. p. 59. It is impossible to 
 possess a inore beautiful copy than the present : as large and clean as 
 if it had just issued from the press. In blue morocco binding, gilt 
 leaves. 
 
 Gr. Basil, apud J. Bebelium. 1524. 
 
 Octavo. 
 
 Once Lord Leicester's copy ; ' bought of Mr. Barratt, bookseller, 
 Bath ; May 13, 1802, for one guinea.' In red morocco binding. 
 
 1535. Octavo. 
 
 A large and beautiful copy, in old stamped binding, and gilt-edged 
 leaves. On the outside cover, we read VOL DE GYVLA. 
 VOL, I. o
 
 102 THELIBRARY. [Neic Tcst.in 
 
 Novum Testamentum, Gr. Tra^ia I/jiaww tu Ko- 
 Xtvaiu. [yljmd S. ColincBum.'] 1534. Octavo. 
 
 An edition yet more important than the preceding, and a copy of 
 equal beauty and choice. Bound in blue morocco, by Roger Payne. 
 
 Gr. 8c Lat. Paris. Eoccudehat Carola 
 
 Guillard. 1543. Octavo. 
 
 A beautiful copy, in old French red morocco binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 Gr. Paris. Impensis A. liirkmanm. 
 
 1549. Duodecimo. 
 
 A beautiful copy (in blue morocco binding) of an edition, which 
 might at first be mistaken for a copy of the edition described in the 
 following article The device of the printer, in the title-page, may be 
 seen in the Bibliog. Decameron, vol. ii. p. 105. 
 
 Gr. LuteticB. Ex Off. JR. Stephani, S^-c. 
 
 1549. Duodecimo. 
 
 A very fair and beautiful copy of the well known ' O mirificam ' edi- 
 tion of R. Stephen. From the pattern of tlie binding, in red morocco, 
 it seems to have belonged to the Harleian Library. It had latterly 
 been tlie property of the well-known Caesar de Missy, whose name, 
 &c. is rather obtruded upon the title-page, with the date of 1748 sub- 
 joined. 
 
 Gr. LuteticB. Ex Officind R. Stephani 
 
 Typ. Reg. 1550. Folio. 
 
 A beautiful copy, delicately ruled in red lines, in old stamped calf 
 binding, gilt leaves. For the importance of this edition, consult the 
 authorities quoted in the Ititrod. to the Classics, vol. i. p. 68. 
 
 Gr. Apud J. Crispinum. 1553. 2 vols. 
 
 The Lamoignon copy ; but a little cropt, as the third page proves : 
 •therwisCj most desirable : in blue morocco binding.
 
 various Languages.] THE LIBRARY. 103 
 
 NovTTM Testamentum. Gr. Tiguri apud Fro- 
 schoverum. 1559. Octavo. 
 
 A large and clean copy ; bound in green morocco, by Bering. 
 
 Gr. LipsicB. In Offic. Voegeliand. 1569. 
 
 Duodecimo. 
 
 In calf binding. 
 
 Gr. LuteticB. Ex Off. R. Stephani, Tijpog. 
 
 Regit. 1568. Duodecimo, 2 vols. 
 
 De Thou's copy, upon vellum. A treasure of a very extraordinary 
 description ; but the vellum wants the delicacy and flexibility of that 
 of Aldus. In richly ornamented morocco binding. 
 
 Gr. & Lat. Cura Montani. ^ntv. 1583. 
 
 Octavo. 
 
 A very neat copy, ruled with red lines, and bound in blue morocco, 
 by Walther. 
 
 Gr. Excudehat T. Vautrollier. 158/. 
 
 Duodecimo. 
 
 Bound in three very small volumes. The first volume is rather in- 
 diflFerent. 
 
 Gr. & Lat. Lugd. apud Jac. Roussium. 
 
 1597. Octavo. 
 
 A beautifid copy, in old c:df binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 Gr. Sedani. Ex Typog. ^ typis novissimis 
 
 J. Jannoni. 1628. 32mo. 
 
 An edition well known to the curious ; but this copy, in old red mo- 
 rocco binding, has been cut too closely, as most of them are. In the 
 fine and curious old library at Blickling, Norfolk, there is an uncut 
 copy, upon what may be considered as large paper. A great curiosity. 
 
 Gr. Apud T. Buck. 1632. Octavo. 
 
 This is perhaps one of the very finest copies of this edition which 
 was ever obtained, and is bound in blue morocco, by R. Payne.
 
 104. THE LIBRARY. [New Tesl. in 
 
 Novum Testamentum. Gr. Lugd. Bat. Typis 
 Elzevirianis. 1624, 1633, 1641, 1658, 1678. 
 Duodecimo. 
 
 These arc the earliest impressions of the New Testament, in Greek, 
 from the Elzevir Press ; and are iilways sought after by the curi- 
 ous. Consult the authorities referred to in In trod, to the Classics, 
 vol. i. p. 82. They are all clean and desirable copies, in red and 
 blue morocco bindings ; but the copy of the fourth impression seems 
 to me to be upon large paper. 
 
 Gr. 1638. Quarto, 2 vols. 
 
 This edition is curious, and should be in all libraries like the pre- 
 sent, as containing a modern Greek text. The ancient and modern 
 versions run in parallel columns. The author of the version, and edi- 
 tor of the work, was Maximus Kalliopolitanus. Consult Maschj vol. ii. 
 p. 325-329— who is copious in adducing critical authorities for and 
 against the version. The date, beneath the Aldine anchor, is ex- 
 pressed in Greek capitals : tlie dominical year .500 consisting (as usual) 
 of an H between a n. The edition is supposed to have been printed at 
 Geneva. The present is a fair and beautiful copy, in russia binding, 
 gilt leaves. 
 
 Gr. Paris, lyp. Reg. 1642. Folio. 
 
 The Lamoignon copy, upon large paper, in blue morocco binding. 
 A brief and yet ample description ; brief, in words — ample, to convey 
 the idea of a copy which cannot be surpassed in size and condition. 
 
 Gr. (Cura Episc. Fell.) Oxon. E 
 
 Theat. Sheld. 16/5. Octavo. 
 
 A beautiful copy, upon thick paper, in original blue morocco 
 binding. 
 
 Gr. Lat. & Fr. A Mons. 1673. Quarto. 
 
 2 vols. 
 
 The several texts are in parallel columns. The publisher was ' Gas- 
 pard Migeot d Censeigne des trois Vertus.' A beautiful copper-plate, by 
 Van Schuppen, of the date of 1666, from the design of De Champagne,
 
 various Languages.'] THE LIBRARY. 105 
 
 faces the title. It is impossible to possess a more desirable copy of 
 this elegantly printed edition than the present — which is bound in old 
 French blue morocco, g'dt leaves. 
 
 Novum Testamentum. Gr. & Lat. Oxon. E 
 Tlieat. Sheld. 1678. Octavo. 
 
 The two texts are on the opposite pages. It is hardly possible to 
 possess a more beautiful copy than this : in yellow morocco, old 
 French binding, with a broad border of gold on the sides. It is a hand- 
 somely printed book. The copper-plate, facing the title, seems to be 
 one of the happiest efforts of Faithome's burin. 
 
 Gr. Cantab. A.^}/. (I7OO.) Duodecimo. 
 
 In old morocco binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 Hebr. -Teuton. Guru Molleri. Franco/. 
 
 ad Oderam. I7OO. Quarto. 
 
 An uncommon book. 
 
 Gr. Cura Grefforii. Oxon. E Theat 
 
 ft" 
 Sheld. 1703. Folio. 
 
 A LARGE PAPER copy, in the old Oxford calf binding. 
 
 Gr. Cura Millii 1707. Oxon. E Theat. 
 
 Sheld. 1707. Folio. 
 
 A magnificent copy, upon large paper, in old red morocco binding. 
 
 Gr. Halle. I7IO. Duodecimo, 2 vols. 
 
 An indifferent copy ; in calf binding. 
 
 Gr. Cura Maittaire. Lond. Ex Offic. 
 
 Tonson. 1714. Octavo. 
 
 Upon large paper, in French calf binding, with gilt leaves. 
 
 Gr. Cura Kusteri. Lipsice. 1723. Folio. 
 
 The Lamoignon copy, upon large paper, in blue morocco binding.
 
 106 THELIBRARY. [Neu- Test, in 
 
 Novum Testamentum. Gr. Londini. 1728. 
 Octavo. 
 
 ' Iin])t"nsis Knajjlock, Tonson, et Watts." A copper-plate faces the 
 title. The text is in long lines. The present ajipears to have been a royal 
 copy, from the ornaments on the broad border of gold on the sides. In 
 old blue morocco binding. 
 
 In Greek & English. London. 1729. 
 
 Octavo, 2 vols. 
 
 The English is a new version by the anonymous editor. It is 
 printed, in italics, by the side of the Greek text, delicately cut, and 
 very easy of perusal — harmonising much with the effect of the italic. 
 In old calf binding. 
 
 Gr. Cura Bengelii. Tuhinga. 1/34. 
 
 Quarto, 2 vols. 
 
 A sound copy, in calf binding Consult the Inlrod. to the Classics, 
 vol. i. p. 98. 
 
 Gr. TVittehergae. 1736. Octavo. 
 
 With Latin notes beneath. The editor was Cristian Sigismund Geor- 
 gius. A sound and desirable copy. 
 
 Gr. Glasguce. In cedibus JR. Urie. 1750. 
 
 Octavo. 
 
 The Lamoignon copy, upon large paper, bound in French calf, 
 with gilt leaves. 
 
 Gr. CuraWetsteinii. yjjnst. 1751. Folio. 
 
 2 vols. 
 
 It is needless to dwell upon the critical and surpassing excellencies 
 of this edition. Consult the Inirod. to the Classics, vol. i. p. 103. A 
 beautiful copy, boimd in russia, out of sheets. 
 
 Gr. Typis J. Baskerville. Oocon. 1763. 
 
 Quarto. 
 
 A beautiful copy, in blue morocco binding.
 
 various Languages.} THE LIBRARY. 107 
 
 Novum Testamentum. Gr. Londini. Impensis 
 JEditoris. 1768. Octavo, 2 vols. 
 
 This is the first edition of Hardy's Greek Testament, containing short 
 and pertinent Latin notes — ^which have rendered it among the most 
 popular impressions extant. It was reprinted in 1776, and has been 
 lately edited, with great advantage, by the Rev. Dr. Valpy of Nor- 
 wich. The plan of this work might form an excellent one for that of 
 an edition nith similar notes in the English language ; which Har- 
 wood imperfectly attempted. 
 
 Glasguce. 1769. Quarto, 
 
 The printers were R. and A. FouUs. The text is from the Wetstein 
 edition of 1711, 8vo. The Greek character is very small, but beauti- 
 fully printed — in double columns. This co])y is bound in russia, with 
 his Lordship's arms on the sides. 
 
 Gr. E CodiceMS. Alexandrino. A Carolo 
 
 Godofredo Woide. Londini. Ex Prelo Joannis 
 Nichols, Tijpis Jacksonianis. 1786. Quarto. 
 
 A magnificent copy, upon large (folio) paper. Bound in blue mo- 
 rocco. This library boasts of another copy of the same work, without 
 the prolegomena, printed upon vei.lum ; of which latter there were 
 only ten. 
 
 Cura F. C. Alter. VieyincB. 1787. Octavo. 
 
 2 vols. 
 
 Consult the Introd. to the Classics; vol. i. p. 1 12. In neat calf bind- 
 ing, marbled leaves. 
 
 Gr. &Lat. Edit. Matthaei. JRigoi. 1788. 
 
 Octavo, 12 vols, in 6. 
 
 A critical and valuable edition. In blue morocco binding. 
 
 Gr. Codex Theodori Bezoe, &c. Cura Kip- 
 ling. Cantab. E Prelo ^4 cade niico. 1793. Folio, 
 2 vols. 
 
 A magnificent copy, of a work too generally known and esteemed 
 to require any detail here. Superbly bound in blue morocco, with gilt 
 leaves.
 
 108 THE LIBRARY. [New Test, in 
 
 Novum Ti.stamentum. Gr. Cura Schoettgenii. 
 1795. Octavo. 
 
 A critical edition — with the chapters divided into sections j but 
 printed upon very indifferent paper. 
 
 Gt. Londini apudP . ElmsJij. 1796. Octavo, 
 
 2 vols. Lipsice. 1805. Cantah. Nov.'Anglor. 
 1809. Octavo, 2 vols. 
 
 These are the editions of the ftimous GRiESB.tcn : too well known, 
 and too highly extolled, to stand in need of further observation here.* 
 Of the first edition, above specified, which was printed at the expense 
 of the late Duke of Grafton — the present is one of the few copies 
 upon LARGE PAPER ; which, tillthc deatli of the Duke, were extremely 
 rare and high priced. They are yet however of uncommon occurrence. 
 Of the second edition, the present is also a large paper copy j 
 printed with a neat type, and presenting, at the foot of the page, a 
 selection from the various readings in the previous and more enlarged 
 edition. Both copies are handsomely bound in blue morocco. 
 
 Gr. Ex Recensione J. J. Griesbachii cum 
 
 Selecta Lectionum Varictate. Lipsice. Sum- 
 tibits G. J. Goschen. 1803. Quarto, 2 vols. 
 
 A short preface, by Griesbach, teUs us that Goschen ' typographus 
 Lipsiensis, artifex in suo genere nobilis, et magnorum artis typogra- 
 phiccT monumentorum auctor probatissimus,' w'as desirous of printing 
 as splendid an edition of tlie New Testament, as he had done of some 
 of the more eminent German poets, and that he wished him (Griesbach) 
 to undertake the correction of the press. The present is doubtless a 
 splendid performance, both in respect of type and jiaper — having a few 
 various readings at the foot of each page : but it may be questioned 
 whetlier the printer has been hapj)y in the choice of his letter ? It is 
 too round and yet dazzling; and inferior toBaskervillc's — although of 
 that capricious, and perhaps illegitimate, character. In the 2d piige 
 of his preface Griesbach descants much in defence of this type. I 
 should add, tliat a copper-plate of the A'irgin and Child, from Carlo 
 Dolce, faces the title. The present copy is very handsomely bound in 
 blue morocco, by Hering. 
 
 • Consult InlTod. to Classics, vol. i. p. 108.
 
 various Languages.^ THE LIBRARY. 109 
 
 Novi Testamenti Omnia. Gr. Basilece. Joan. 
 Valderns. [15]36. Duodecimo.* 
 
 One of the most beautiful little editions of tiie Greek Testament ex- 
 tant : — printed in long lines. It is also among tlie scarcest. A Latin 
 notice, at the back of the title, tells us ' that there is a re-pagination, 
 after the Acts of the Apostles, which concludes at the 656th page — for 
 the sake of those who wish to bind the book in two volumes. A sepa- 
 rate leaf, at the end of the text, contains the printer's device — a dove, 
 with an olive branch in its mouth, having the motto ' Tardius, sed 
 Diligentius ;' which I here see for the first time. This desirable copy 
 is bound in handsome old calf binding. 
 
 Novum Test. Lat. Londini. Anno a Messia nato 
 1540. Mens. Feb. Excud. Juan. May lev. Quarto. 
 
 A full and particular account of this rare impression of the New 
 Testament will be found in the recent edition of our Typographical 
 Antiquities, vol. iii. p. 542. This copy once belonged to the late Mr. 
 Wodhull. A ms. note, in another hand-writing, observes, ' Delaenus 
 [who was the editor] was pastor of the German church in London in 
 the reign of Edw. VI.' 
 
 Lat. Eoccusum Londini in Officmd Thomce 
 
 Gualtier pro J. C. 1540. Octavo. 
 
 An address of I. C. follows the title-page. Consult Cotton's Various 
 Editions of the Bible respecting the person supposed to be intended by 
 these initials ; 1821. 8vo. p. 10 — note k. The impression is executed 
 in a small gothic letter, in double columns. This unusually fair and 
 sound copy belonged to Dr. Lort and G. Stevens, and is bound in black 
 calf. 
 
 Lat. Parisiis. Ex Off'. R. Stephani Ti/p. 
 
 Reg. 1541. Duodecimo. 
 
 This is probably the most beautiful and the most estimable copy — ol 
 an edition, not particularly rare or curious — which can any where be 
 found. It contains an exquisitely executed portrait (hitherto unknown) 
 in water colours, upon vellum, of a man with a gold chain upon a 
 black gown, with a red cap and sand-coloured long beard. He holds 
 
 • Omitted to be inserted at page 102. 
 VOL. I. P
 
 1 10 T H E L I B R A R Y. [New Test, in 
 
 fruit (like an orange) in his right liand, and a knife in his left Below 
 
 we read thus : 
 
 SIC OCVLOS. SIC ILLE GENAS. 
 
 SIC ORA FEREBAT. 
 
 ANNO SUE AETATIS 25. 
 
 His arms are emblazoned, on white vellum, on the opposite side, with 
 the date of 15-10, and the motto of ' Suum Cuique Pulciirum' be- 
 neath. The design and portrait are clearly Italian. On the outside 
 of the binding was tlie following inscription, in gilt roman capitals — 
 ' Spehantem in Domino Misericordia Circundabit.' This has 
 been now placed inside, witli the fleur-de-lis at each corner of the 
 square. The whole has been recently bound, in a very beautiful man- 
 ner, in ^'cnetian morocco, by C. Lewis. This book was once in the 
 collection of the Uev. Theodore Williams. 
 
 Novum Testamentum. Vu1<>-. Edit. Pai'is. E 
 Tj/p. Reg. 1649. Duodecimo, 2 vols. 
 
 A copper-plate title precedes the printed one. This edition is wor- 
 thy even of the Elzevir press, and the present is a most desirable copy 
 (from the library of Dr. Chauncey) in old red morocco binding. 
 
 Typis Barhou. I768. Duodecimo. 
 
 In French calf binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 Lat. Interprete Sebastiani Romano. Lon- 
 
 dini. I8I7. Typis Schulze. Octavo. 
 
 The author of tliis version was at the head of the Missionaries in 
 Persia. He is a Roman Catholic clergyman — and his preface is inter- 
 esting, from the events which it relates, and which led to his settlement 
 in London. The names Fatah AH, Bonaparte, Lord Minto, David 
 Brown, &c. are all, thus, incorporated in his preface. The version is 
 professed to be a strict and close translation from the Alexandrine 
 MS. compared with other MSS. &c. This copy is upon large paper, 
 bound in russia. 
 
 Le Nouveau Testament, &c. par Martin L'Eni- 
 pereur. En Anvers. 1535. Duodecimo. 
 
 From the folio impression of 1530 : see page 57. This text formed 
 the basis of all the other French texts, whether by Protestants or Roman 
 Catliolics. The present copy is in crimson morocco binding, gilt leaves.
 
 various Languages.] THE LIBRA R Y. 1 ] ] 
 
 Le Nouveau Testament, &c. Reueu de nou- 
 veau et corrige sur le Grec, par I'aduis des nii- 
 nistres de Geneue. L' Olivier de Robert Esti- 
 enne. 1560. Duodecimo. 
 
 One of the largest and finest copies in existence. It belonged to 
 CiBsar de Missy, and afterwards to the late Mr. Wodhull ; and has 
 been recently bound in purple morocco by C. Lewis. 
 
 Reveu, & corrige de nouveau sur le Grec 
 
 par I'advis des Ministres de Geneve. Avec An- 
 notations, &c. par M. Augustin Marlorat. yl 
 Lyon, par J. Frellon. 1563. Duodecimo. 
 
 A remarkably neat and useftil edition of the New Testament. The 
 margins contain references to parallel passages : the annotations are 
 placed below, in double columns, and the text is in long lines. An 
 epistle of the editor, and another from Calvin — each in French, the 
 latter being a version — precede the text. This is a beautiful copy, in 
 every respect ; and is elegantly bound in dark blue morocco. 
 
 Jesus Christ Gvre J^vnaren Testamentv 
 Berria. Rochellan. Pierre Hautin. 15/1 . 
 Octavo. 
 
 The New Testament in the Basque language. The translator was 
 Jean de Licarrague de Briscous, who dedicated his work to ' Dame Jeaune 
 d'Albret, Roine de Navarre, Dame souueraine de Beam, &c.' His de- 
 dication is rather interesting : he says ' toutes fois m'asseurant que les 
 Basques, entre toutes autres nations, n'estoyet point si barbares que de 
 ne pouvoir recognoistre le Seigneur en leur langue," &c. A long ad- 
 vertisement precedes the sacred text. The present copy was in the 
 collection of Lord Spencer's father. It is a very rare book, and is 
 bound in vellum, with elaborate gilt ornaments on the sides, now much 
 faded. 
 
 Le Nouveau Testament. Lat. Fr. Paris. 1793, 
 Octavo, 4 vols. 
 
 The engravings are from the designs of Moreau le Jeune — who is
 
 112 THE LIBRARY. [New Test, in 
 
 much idolised by the French. These engravings are numerous and 
 brilliant ; but a little too sharp and severe, occasionally. They have 
 not that sobriety of efiFect which runs throughout those from the de- 
 signs of Marillier : vide p. 60, ante. The printing, by the younger 
 Didot, is very beautiful. The present is a i.aboe paper copy, bound 
 in France, in white calf, with gilt leaves. 
 
 Le Nouveau Testament. Edition Ste'reotj/fje 
 d'Hernan, Paris. 1820. Duodecimo. 
 
 Elegantly bound in Venetian-colour morocco, by P. Doll —at Paris : 
 with gilt leaves. 
 
 The Newe Testament yet once agayne corrected 
 by Wylliam Tyndall, Whearevnto is added an 
 exhortation to the same of Erasmus Rot. &c. 
 1536. Duodecimo. 
 
 a Calendar, Erasmus's exhortation, and W. T's. (William Tindal's) 
 address to the reader, precede a separate title to the Testament, thus : 
 ' The newe testament newlye corrected.' At the end of the New Testa- 
 ment ' folowe the Epystles taken out of the olde Testamet, which are 
 red in the church after the vse of Salsburye vpo certen dayes of the 
 yeare.' A table concludes the whole. Of all the copies of this estima- 
 ble volume, and perhaps of all the copies of the older English versions 
 of the Sacred Scriptures, the present is the finest which I ever saw. 
 It is in coeval calf stamped binding, fully gilt on the sides. The initials 
 H. D. with a unicorn in the centre, are on one side : and those of 
 C — S, with a dog passant, in the centre, are on the other side. The 
 back, in bold broad bands, is unlettered. The margins are of primitive 
 dimensions. This copy had belonged (as a contemporaneous ms. note 
 attests) to ' Henry Duke of Newcastle his booke 1676.' It was obtained 
 from the sale of the library of Dr. Chauncey. The artists of this 
 period generally reserved all their graphic talents for the illustration 
 of the Apocalypse. The wood-cuts here are very neatly executed, and 
 many of them appear very horrific. The other portions of the New 
 Testament are without them. 
 
 Transhited into Englysshe by Thomas 
 
 Mathew. 1538. Quarto. 
 
 Gratuitously supposed to have been printed by Treveris. It is exe-
 
 various Languages.^ THE LIBRARY. 113 
 
 cuted in a small gothic type, in double columns, and contains C.xxxi. 
 leaves, including the table. There are wood-cuts (some of them rather 
 curious — see ch. xvii.) in the Apocalypse : of foreign workmanship. 
 The present beautiful copy, formerly George Mason's, is elegantly 
 bound in black morocco, by R. Payne. 
 
 New Testament, Paraphrase of Erasmus upon. 
 
 Anno Domini 1548. Folio. 
 1551. Folio. 
 
 The former edition is printed by A\Tiitchurch ; the latter, ' with a 
 perfecte concordaunce diligently gathered by Nicolas Udall,' is also the 
 production of the same press. The latter copy is bound in three vo- 
 lumes. Each impression is in the black letter. The former copy is 
 bound in Venetian morocco, gilt leaves : the latter in calf. 
 
 The Newe Testament, &c. At Geneva Printed 
 B. Conrad Badius. 1557- Duodecimo. 
 
 A ms. observation of his Lordship, referring to Newcome's Historical 
 View, &c. p. 65-66, informs us that ' this is the first edition of the 
 New Testament in the English language where the verses are distin- 
 guished by numerical figures.' The present copy is in such pristine 
 condition, as to have the appearance almost of large paper. The title- 
 page only (where there is a brilliant little wood-cut) is in want of 
 repair. In russia binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 PrintedhyJugge. WithoutDate. Quarto. 
 
 The portrait of Edward VI. is in the frontispiece. This edition is full 
 of cuts— a specimen of some of which may be seen in the Typog. 
 Antiq. Prelim. Diss. vol. i. p. xviii., six., Iv. : and in the Bibliog. Deca- 
 meron, vol. i. Second Day. The cuts to the Revelations are precisely 
 similar to those in the preceding impression of 1538. Consult the 
 recent edition of our Typographical Antiquities, vol. iv. p. 245. Although 
 soiled, the present is a sound copy, in old calf binding, with the royal 
 arms, gilt, on the sides. The date of 155'2 is gratuitously assigned to 
 this impression.
 
 114 THE LIBRARY. [New Test, in 
 
 New Testament. Imprinted at luondoii, hi/ 
 Christopher liarker, &c. ]579. Duodecimo. 
 
 Said to be a reprint of the German version of 15C0. A desirable 
 copy, in blue morocco binding. 
 
 Printed at Rhemes, by John Fogny. 1582. 
 
 Quarto. 
 
 First edition of the Rhemish Roman Catholic version. The notes (p. 79) 
 upon the Sacrament arc curious enough, and, of course, strongly cor- 
 roborative of tlic Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. In tlic note 
 onMatth. c.xxvi. v. 26, the Protestants are called ' adversaries ;' in that 
 upon V. 28, they are called ' hereticks.' This impression is executed 
 in a roman letter, in long lines ; with the ' annotations,' following 
 each chapter, in a very small and neat similar type. The present may 
 be considered a large and beautiful co])y ; in russia binding, wth gilt 
 leaves. 
 
 By W. FuLKE D. in Divinitee. Imprinted 
 
 at London by Robert Barker, Printer to the 
 Queenes most excellent Maiestie. 1601- Folio. 
 
 This very desirable edition, containing the Rhemish and the Bishops' 
 versions, in parallel columns, is now of rare occurrence. The present 
 copy of it is, for size and condition, as if it had been just purchased at 
 the shop of Robert Barker ' In russia binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 Edinburgh, Printed by Robert Young, 
 
 King's Printer. 1633. Octavo. 
 
 With the Book of Psalms at the end, London, 1641. Printed in 
 long lines. This coj)y, bound in old blue morocco, with gilt leaves, 
 contains a great number of ms. annotations, on loose pieces of paper, 
 inserted between the leaves. The edition is scarce. 
 
 Edinburgh, Printed for Robert Young, &c. 
 
 1636. Octavo. 
 
 A beautiful copy ; plentifully illustrated with brilliant copper-plates, 
 apparently by one of the Wiertes ; to which is prefixed Robert
 
 various Languages.] THE LIBRARY. 115 
 
 Barker's edition of tlie Common Prayer, of the date of 1639. In old 
 dark blue morocco binding. 
 
 New Testament. Mr. Whiston's Primitive New 
 Testament. Stamford and London. 1745. Octavo. 
 
 Purchased from the collection of Dr. N. Chauncey. In handsome 
 gilt red calf, with his Lordship's arms on the sides. 
 
 A Translation of the New Testament, by 
 
 Gilbert Wakefield, B. A. Late Fellow of Jesus 
 College, Cambridge. London, Deighton, Hol- 
 horn. 1791. Octavo, 2 vols. 
 
 In handsome blue morocco binding. 
 
 An attempt towards revising our English 
 
 Translation of the Greek Scriptures, &c. By 
 William Newconjbe, D. D. Member of the Royal 
 Irish Academy, and Archbishop of Armagh. 
 Dublin. 1796. Octavo, 2 vols. 
 
 In calf binding, marbled leaves. 
 
 Translated from the Original Greek, (hum- 
 
 bly attempted) by Nathaniel Scarlett, assisted 
 by Men of Piety and Literature. 1798. Octavo. 
 
 A copper-plate faces the engraved title : with two more copper- 
 plates — pp. 421, 468. A neatly printed, and by no means unfruitful, 
 performance. In neat calf binding, with marbled edges to the leaves. 
 
 Il Nvovo Testamento. Di Greco tradotto in vul- 
 gare Italiano, per Antonio Brucioli. In Lyone, 
 Da Giigliebno Gazello. 1547- Duodecimo. 
 
 A beautiful and scarce little volume, embellished with wood-cuts, 
 but not of the spirit and grace of those of the Petit Bernard. This is a 
 fair and most desirable copy, bound in russia.
 
 116 THE LIBRARY. [New Test, in 
 
 1l Nv'Ovo Testamento. Tradotto da Giovanni 
 Diodati. 1608. Duodecimo. 
 
 The title is a beautifully composed and engraved copper-plate, exe- 
 cuted by P. Fwens, A clean copy, in vellum binding. 
 
 El Testamento Nuevo, &c. Hispanice. Eit 
 Venecia, en Casa de Juan Philadelplio. 1556". 
 Duodecimo. 
 
 a curious device, round the letter Y, is in the frontispiece. A neatly 
 printed edition, in long lines. Bound in blue morocco. 
 
 En Casa de Rkardo del Cumpo. 1596. 
 
 Duodecimo. 
 
 A preface precedes the text of this Spanish version. Printed in long 
 lines, with marginal references. 
 
 El Nuevo Testamento, &c. por Du Sebastian de 
 la Enzina, Ministro de la Yglesia Anglicana y 
 Predicador a la Ilustre Congregacion de los Ho- 
 norables Senores tratantes en Espana. EnyJni- 
 steldam, Impresso por Jacoho Borstio Librero. 
 I7I8. Duodecimo. 
 
 a very elegantly printed edition of the Spanish text of the New 
 Testament. The name of M. Cracherode in the title-page is a security 
 for the condition of the copy. It is elegantly bound in blue morocco. 
 
 De Dyth NYE Testament. Gedruckel tho Vuit- 
 temherch dorcli Hans Lufft. 1524. Duodecimo. 
 
 The title-page is wanting ; but the above is borrowed from L Bu- 
 genhagen's address to the reader at the end of the volume. As the 
 name of ' Doctor Martin' is mentioned in this brief address, I conclude 
 the text to be according to that of Luther : and, if so, it is among 
 the very earliest extant. The Apocalypse only contains wood-cuts — 
 which are at once spirited and grotesque. This may be considered a 
 fine copy j and is in blue morocco binding.
 
 various Languages.'] THE LIBRARY. I17 
 
 Dat Nye Testament Dctedsch. Martinus Lu- 
 ther. fVittemberg. 1525. Duodecimo. 
 
 The figure of a man, sitting before a crucifix, in the costume of the 
 time, with the dove at top, (this cannot be meant for Luther? perhaps 
 for St. Jerom ?) precedes the preface. I should apprehend this to be 
 among the first impressions extant of Luther's version. A very curious 
 but barbarous wood-cut, precedes the Apocah-pse — which, as usual, 
 contains cuts. The present may be considered an almost matchless copy. 
 It is beautifully bound by Lewis in blue morocco, with the interior 
 ornaments upon red. 
 
 Das New Testament Deudsch. Widerumb 
 fleissig corrigiert, Vnnd gedruckt zil Augspurg 
 durch Huiurich Stayner. 1535. Duodecimo, 
 2 vols. 
 
 a beautiful copy, upon vellum. The type is large, and printed in 
 long lines : the wood-cuts (of the Evangelists) are rather too hea\ ily 
 pulled. The Apocalypse is the only portion which contains cuts of the 
 subject matter. This copy is in dark blue morocco binding. 
 
 Test. Nov. ^thiopice. Roince. 1548. Quarto. 
 
 A very handsomely printed book, and of uncommon occurrence. It 
 also appears to be the first impression- of the New Testament in the 
 jEthiopic language. Consult Masch's Bibl. Sacra, vol. i. pt. ii. p. 152. 
 The title-page of this book has been frequently changed : the arms of 
 Pope Paul III. and those of Charles V., sometimes being to be seen— 
 with the fleur-de-lis, in the shield, always supporting either. The 
 present copy has the Papal arms. It had belonged to Colbert, and has 
 been recently bound in red morocco. 
 
 Thet Nyia Testamentet. Stockholm. 1549. 
 Quarto. 
 
 The New Testament in the Swedish l.\xguage, and among the very 
 earliest impressions in that tongue. Notwithstanding the word Stock- 
 holm appears in the title-page, I am well persuaded that this book 
 was printed in Germany or Switzerland ; from the exact conformity of 
 the types and wood-cut embellishments with those inserted in the earlier 
 
 VOL. r. Q
 
 118 T H E L I B R A R Y. [New Test, in 
 
 versions of Luther's text, or of his Sermons. The present must be con- 
 sidered an exceedingly rare book ; and is a fine copy, bound in blue 
 morocco. As usual, the cuts are confined to the Apocalypse. 
 
 Nov^ Test. Syiiace. Viennce Aust. 1555. 
 Quarto. 
 
 First edition of the New Testament in the Syriac language. Con- 
 sult Masch's Bill. Sacra, vol. i. pt. ii. p. 71, where there is an ex- 
 tremely interesting account of this scarce and valuable impression. At 
 the end, in capital letters, we read as follows. ' In Urbe f'ienna. Am- 
 plissimarum Orientalis Austria Proi-inciarum Metropoli Florenlissima, ad 
 hunc exitum perductum est Divinum Hoc Opus, Anno a Christi Naticitate 
 M.D. LV, XXVII Septembris. Regiis Impensis. Caspar Craphtus Eli-an- 
 gerisis, Suevus, Characteres Syros ex Noriciferri acie sculpebat. Michael 
 Cymbermannus Prelu et Operis Suis excudebat.' The shelves of this 
 library do not contain a more beautiful copy of a curiously and splen- 
 didly printed volume than the present — which has the aspect of large 
 paper. It is in splendid blue morocco binding. 
 
 Syr. & Lat. Franco/. 1731. Octavo. 
 
 A copper-plate faces the principal title. This edition has the points, 
 and Latin version of Mathseus. The editor was Gutbirius. A fair and 
 sound copy, in calf binding. 
 
 Turcice reddituni. Opera Gu: Seaman. 
 
 Oxouice. 1666. Quarto. 
 
 A sound copy, in old calf binding. 
 
 Testamexto Barou, &c. derri bassa Greco, La- 
 tino daen HoUanda bersalin betul, adil, daen 
 benar dallam Bassa Maleyo, derri pada Daniel 
 Brouvverius. De Negri Amsterdam, ^c. 1668. 
 Octavo. 
 
 An engraved title precedes the printed one This version of the New 
 Testament is in the low Malay language. An edition now found with 
 great difficulty
 
 various Languages.] THE LIBRARY. 119 
 
 Elkitab, S J a itu, &c. Dibendar Amisterdam. 
 1733. Quarto, 2 vols. 
 
 In the Malay language. A very desirable copy, in old calf binding. 
 
 Det Nye Testamente. Dan ice. Rishenhaun. 
 I78O. Octavo. 
 
 The editor was C. Bastholm. At first view, the book has much of 
 the character of a German performance, both from the tj^e, paper, and 
 reading of some of the words. A neat copy, in calf binding. 
 
 The New Testament, &c. Translated into the 
 Malabar language. Octavo. 
 
 a neatly printed — and, as it should seem from the price, (1^ 16«.) a 
 very rare — volume. Apparently in foreign binding. 
 
 PORTIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT 
 
 IN VARIOUS LANGUAGES. 
 
 QuAT. EvANG. Arabice. Ex Bibliotheca Lei- 
 densi. Edente Thoma Erpenio. Leidce. 1616. 
 Quarto. 
 
 A fair and beautiful copy, bound in russia. A half-title precedes 
 the general copper-plate title. 
 
 Sacrosancta Quatuob J. C. Evangelia. Arab, 
 et Lat. Figurisque ornata. Romoe. Ex Ty- 
 pogr aphid Mediced. 1619. Folio. 
 
 This beautiful copy, bound in old red morocco binding, formerly be- 
 longed to the famous Tanaquil Faber, Anno 1672 : as his autograph 
 demonstrates.
 
 120 THE LIBRARY. [Portions of N.T. in 
 
 EvANGELiA. Gothice et Anglo-Saxonice. Curis 
 Junii et Mareschalli. Dordrevhti. 1665. Quarto. 
 
 I suspect that this book was, in fact, printed at Oxford. The types 
 and paper clearly indicate it. It is a celebrated, and truly valuable im- 
 pression. The present copy, handsomely bound in russia, with gilt 
 leaves, had belonged to the famous R. Bentley ; but it does not appear 
 to cont.iin .iny ms. annotations by him. 
 
 EvANGELiA. Gr. Gothice cum Vers. Sucth. Goth. 
 Norv. seu Islandicii, ct vulg. Lat. Stockholmice. 
 1671. Quarto. 
 
 The basis is the famous iWieio-gotAic version of Ulphilas : this, with 
 the Swedish, Icelandic, and Latin Vulgate, are printed in parallel co- 
 lumns. The present is a fine paper copy : bound in vellum. 
 
 Armenice. 1698. Duodecimo. 
 
 A most beautiful copy, in blue morocco binding. British IMuseum 
 duplicate. 
 
 Sacrorum Evangeliorum. Versio Gothica. Ex 
 Codice Argenteo, &c. Cura E. Lye. Owon. 
 1 750. Quarto. 
 
 A beautiful copy — in old blue morocco binding, gilt leaves— of one of 
 the most learned and estimable productions connected with the illustra- 
 tion of Sacred Writ. The names of Spelman, Junius, Hickes, and 
 Iiye, are not less an honour to the University of Oxford than to the 
 country at large. In their way, they were ' Viri centenarii.' 
 
 QuATUOR EvANGELi.'v, GriEce, &c. Cum Vari- 
 antibusText. Lect. Codd. MSS. Bibl. Vat. Bar- 
 beriiiie, Laurent. Vindobon. Escurial., Havniens. 
 Regi«, &c. Jussu & Sumptibus Regiis edidit 
 Andreas Birch. Havnice. 1/88. Folio. 
 
 A magnificent copy, upon large papek, bound in red morocco. 
 Three plates of fac-similes are between the preface and the prolego- 
 mena. A publication, indispensable of its kind.
 
 various Languages.] THE LIBRARY. 121 
 
 Sacrorum Evangeliorum Versio Syriaca Phi- 
 loxeniana Ex Codd. MSS. Ridleianis in Bibl. 
 Coll. Nov. Oxon. repositis, nunc primura edita. 
 Cum Interp. & Annot. J. White. Coll. Wadh. 
 Socii et Ling. Arab. Prof. Laudiani. Oxon. JE 
 Typ. Clarend. 1/78. Quarto, 2 vols. 
 
 The University of Oxford ranks this among the most valuable of the 
 labours of its author, and tlie author himself among the most illustrious 
 of her sons in the department of Oriental literature. The present copy 
 is upon LARGE PAPER, in russia binding. 
 
 EvANG. SEC. Matth^um. Opera & Studio J. 
 Barrett, S. T. P. Duhlinii. 1801. Quarto. 
 
 From a rescript MS. in the library of Trinity CoUege. A work fuU 
 of learning and ability. Fac-similes of the original, ^vritten in large 
 uncial letters, accompany every page of the printed text. This copy is 
 bound in russia, gilt leaves. 
 
 Harmonia Quat. Evang. Juxt. Sectiones Am- 
 raonianas et Eusebii Canones. Oxon. Typ. Cla- 
 rend. 1805. Quarto. 
 
 A splendid book : bound in blue morocco, gilt leaves. 
 
 Fragmentum Evang. S. Johannis. Grsec. Copto- 
 Thebaicum. Sec. iv. Opera & Studio A. A. 
 Georgii. Romce. 1789. Quarto. 
 
 A magniBcent copy, upon large paper ; with the arms of Pope 
 Pius \1. splendidly stamped upon the sides. In calf, gilt leaves. 
 
 Acta Apostolorum. Gr. Lat. Curante Hearnio 
 Oxon. E Theat. Sheldoniano. 1715. Octavo 
 
 This is the rare, but well known edition of Heame, from the famous 
 MS. written in Greek capitals, formerly in the possession of Archbishop 
 Laud, and now in the Auctarium of the Bodleian library. According 
 to the ' advertisement,' there were only one hundred and twenty copies
 
 122 THE LIBRARY. [Portiotis, ^c. 
 
 printed, ' all done on royal paper,' and sold (sticht) in two parts, for 
 ten shillings. A copy has been sold as high as 20/. The [)resent is 
 the only copy I have ever seen in French (yellow morocco) binding ; 
 and 1 suspect that it has suffered from the operation of the Parisian artist. 
 
 Les Epistres Sainct Pol. Glossees. Translatees 
 de Latin en Francois. Printed hy Verard. 
 1507. Folio. 
 
 In the gothic letter, with wood-cuts — double columns. A beautiful 
 copy, in \'cnetian morocco binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 Sti. Pauli XIII Epistolarum Codex Griecus, 
 &c. A Christiano Friderico Matthaei, &c. 
 Misanae. Impensis C. F. G. Erbsteinii. 1/9 1. 
 Quartf). 
 
 ' Cum Versione Latina Veteri Vulgo Antehieronymiana olim Boer- 
 nerianus nunc Bibliothecse Electoralis Dresdensis, &c. transcriptus et 
 editus.' With brief prolegomena, and annotations at the end. \ learned, 
 highly valuable, and now somewhat uncommon work. This is a beau- 
 tiful copy, in blue morocco binding. 
 
 Fragmenta Novi Testamenti juxta Interpre- 
 tationem Dialecti Superioris iEgypti Qua; The- 
 baidlca vel Saliidica appellatur, &c. Ooconii. 
 Tijp. Clarend. 1799. Folio. 
 
 Intended as an ' Appendix' to Dr. Woide's labours respecting the 
 Codex Alexandrinus. The text is taken chiefly from the MSS. in the 
 Bodleian library, collated with the Vatican MS. Fac-similes of the MSS. 
 are also given. The editor was the late Professor White, although his 
 name does not appear. A masterly and truly valuable publication. 
 The present is a fine copy, upon large paper, with gilt leaves. 
 
 Apocalypsis. Syr. Hebr. Gr. & Lat. Lug. Bat. 
 Ex Ti/pog. Elz. 1627. Quarto. 
 
 The editor was Lodovic de Dieu : the text was taken from a ms. 
 copy found in the Ubrary of Joseph Scaliger. The Syriac and Hebrew
 
 Greek Classics.] THE LIBRARY. 133 
 
 are printed in parallel columns at top, and the Greek and Latin in 
 parallel columns below. A handsomely printed volume. In old calf 
 binding. 
 
 The reader will consider the foregoing only as a part of the Theolo- 
 gical Department of the Althorp Library. I now proceed to submit 
 specimens of a few of the rarer and more magnificent copies of works 
 in the department of the Ancient CtASSics ; and especially of those by 
 Greek authors. 
 
 GREEK CLASSICS. 
 
 iELiANi Vari^ Historic. Gr. Romce. 1545. 
 Quarto. 
 
 Editio Princeps. I consider this volume to be equally estimable 
 both for its intrinsic and extrinsic attractions. For the former, consult 
 Introd. to the Classics, vol. i. p. 122. In regard to the latter, the copy 
 before us, in the finest state of preservation, is in the most palpable 
 form of large paper j and,, as such, is a typographical curiosity: the 
 more so, as having escaped the notice of De Bure and Brunet. The 
 latter says, there should be nine leaves of Greek index at the end, fol- 
 lowed by a leaf upon which the Latin imprint appears. The copy be- 
 fore us has ten leaves of Greek index, without such atlditional follow- 
 ing leaf. In blue morocco binding, gUt leaves. 
 
 .^scHYLUs. Gr. & Lat. Cura Stanleii. 1663. 
 Folio. 
 
 I am quite persuaded that there exists no copy of this edition upon 
 large paper; but a finer copy than the present, in its usual form, for 
 size and condition, is possessed by none. What adds to its curiosity, is, 
 that it is one of the few fine books belonging to the late Count Re- 
 viczky, which his Lordship has retained. In old blue morocco binding. 
 
 Gr. Glasguce. 1795. Folio. 
 
 To say that this is a large paper copy, and that the binding is con- 
 sidered to be the chef-d'oeuvre of Roger Payne — (as may be seen from 
 a glance at page 511 of the 2d vol. of the Bibliog. Decameron) is to say
 
 124. THE LIBRARY. [Greek 
 
 the least possible in describing the paramount claims of this book upon 
 the attention of the curious. The present copy is, in fact, beyond all 
 price, since it contains the original drawings of Flaxman, from 
 which the well known plates were engraved. In these lovely designs, 
 in outline — and in which we fancy the spirit of ancient Greek art to be 
 revived — we may disco^er all tlie rifacimenti of the original pen- 
 cil : all tliat sweetness and softness wiiich are necessarily lost in the 
 uniform and harsher strokes of the burin. They were executed ex- 
 pressly for the late Dowager Countess Spencer, mother of his Lordship. 
 All that could be done by the possessor of such a treasure, has been 
 done : for it is enshrined in paper, print, and binding (especially the 
 latter) in a manner to satisfy the most inordinate book-epicure. In 
 blue morocco, with satin iiisides. 
 
 Anacreontis Odaria. Gr. (^Tt/jm Bodonia7iis.^ 
 Parmce. 1784. Octavo. 
 
 A most beautiful as well as rare volume. The date is gathered 
 from the end of the preliminary commentary, and of the Varia Lec- 
 tiones which follow the Greek text. This is followed by an advertise- 
 ment, or ' monitum ' of Bodoni, in which he tells us, that he has 
 printed very few copies of this impression — and those, as a mere speci- 
 men of what he purposes doing for other Greek authors : in the mean- 
 while he challenges the learned to correct and amend the pages which 
 are here freely submitted to their criticism. The present copy, very ele- 
 gantly bound in red morocco, by Koger Payne, is embellished with a 
 drawing, in sapia, by the present Countess Spencer — in which a female 
 is holding a lyre in one hand, and with the other is about to crown 
 Anacreon with a wreath. The volume is in every respect an exquisite 
 specimen of Bodoni's press. 
 
 Gr. Prsefixo Commcntario. Parmce. Bo- 
 doni. 1784. Quarto. 
 
 A beautiful copy, upon vellum, of soft and delicate texture. Among 
 the most successful membranaceous experiments of Bodoni"s press, ^'a- 
 rious readings are added. Tlie type is in the lower-case ; but large, 
 legible, and flowing. Copies of tliis description are of the greatest 
 degree of rarity. Bound in red morocco.
 
 Classics.] THE LIBRARY. 125 
 
 Anacreontis Odaria. Gr. CuraBodoni. Parmce. 
 1785. Quarto. 
 
 A reprint of the preceding, and dedicated to the same character, Ni- 
 colaus de Azara; but executed throughout in capital letters: a 
 singular, yet not inelegant or unclassical attempt. The present beauti- 
 ful copy, upon large paper, appears to be struck off upon writing 
 PAPER. It is bound in russia. 
 
 Gr. & Ital. Parmce. Typis Bodonianis. 
 
 1793. Quarto. 
 
 Bodoni never seemed to be happy unless he had an edition of Ana- 
 creon at his press. No printer, I believe, ever circulated so many copies 
 of this fascinating author. The present beautiful volume is executed 
 in all the luxury of the royal press at Parma. The Greek type is the 
 same as that of the edition of 1784. Both the Greek and the Italic 
 version has a separate title-page. This copy is quite perfect in every 
 respect. In green morocco binding. 
 
 Aristoteles. De Arte Poetica. Gr. & Lat. 
 Cura Tyrwhitti. 1794. Quarto. 
 
 One of the very few copies printed upon large paper, and a pre- 
 sentation copy from the University of Oxford to his Lordship. It is 
 sumptuously bound in blue morocco, with the arms of the University 
 upon the exterior. 
 
 Callimachus. Gr. Tyjyis Bodonianis. Parmce. 
 1792. Folio. 
 
 A perfect picture of a magnificent volume, printed in Greek capitals 
 UPON VELLUM. Yet I question if the surface of the vellum be not a little 
 artificial, like that of the Parisian vellum. The only objectionable page 
 is, unluckily, the title-page, which in parts is soiled with the natural 
 tint of the vellum. Beautifully bound in yellow morocco. 
 
 Demosthenes. Gr. CuraLanibini. Lutet. apud 
 Betienatum. 1570. 
 
 The royal presentation copy, upon large paper — in the binding of 
 the monarch, Charles IX, to whom Lambinus dedicated the impression. 
 
 VOL. I. R
 
 126 THE LIBRARY. [Greek 
 
 This binding is rich and beautiful in the extreme. A Greek dedicatory 
 epistle to the King, by the editor, follows the title-page. The editol-'s 
 epistle to the reader, in Latin, precedes : an epistle full of interest.* 
 This copy has many of the margins charged wth the ms. notes of 
 Desportes — to whom (from his autograph in the title-page) it appears 
 to have once belonged. Upon the whole, it is a very precious book. 
 
 Deimosthenes. Gr. & Lat. CuraAVolfii. Franco/. 
 1604. Folio. r 
 
 A sight of this copy has confirmed me in the suspicion, which I have 
 always entertained, of there being no absolutely large paper of this 
 impression. The most distinguished library may be challenged to 
 produce a larger or a finer copy than the present; which is full of 
 rough leaves, in red morocco binding ; and, from the ancient fleur-de- 
 lis at the back, belonged, I suspect, to Henry IV. or Louis XIIL Vet 
 it cannot be pronounced a large paper copy. If the paper and printing 
 were equal to the actual worth of this edition, we need not desire to 
 ojien a more pleasant and profitable volume of this class. 
 
 DioDORUs Sici'Lus. Gr. & Lat. Cura Wesseling. 
 ylmst. 1746. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 ^Vesseling never saw his labours upon Diodorus Siculus in a more 
 appropriately bound form, upon large paper, than we here behold 
 them. The copy itself is gigantic. The binding is in quiet white 
 calf, red edges, and marbled lining: of the school of Mountagu. 
 
 • In this Lambinus tells us that the work had been in progress twelve years ; that ' the 
 famous William IMorel, printer to the king, a man, who, though not very rich, was equally 
 distinguished for his experience, energy, and great and many qualifications as a printer' — 
 first undertook the man.ngcment of it : but the civil wars, and tlie death of Morel, put a 
 stop to it. Benenat, then recently married to his widow, gallantly and voluntarily step- 
 ped for>varcl as Morel's successor : and tlius the edition was published. Benenat's address 
 to the Reader follows that of Lambinus. The text, including the Scholia, is uniformly 
 Greek throughout. 
 
 Lambinns describes the plague at Paris, and the civil wars, &:c. in pathetic language. 
 * Cum ad earn orationem [sc. de mala obita legationc] peruenisset, anno, opinor ci3.id.lx. 
 magnx turba? in Gallia coortie, temporaque reip. calamitosa consecuta, helium domesticum, 
 rESTiLFSTn, huius scholae vniversse infrequentia ic solitudo, et pa;ne dicam VASTiTiS : 
 hiEC et similia mala, opus niagno aninio incoeptum, et ad id loci perductuni, interrunipere 
 cocgerunt. Non multo post ille, [sc. Mobellivs] raorbo partira es vigiliis intempestivis 
 «Sc labore immoderato, partira ex communium et publicorum incommodonuD acerbitatc con- 
 tracto, supremum vita diem obiit,' &c.
 
 Classics.] THE LIBRARY. 127 
 
 Dion Cassius. Cura Fabricii & Reiraari. Hamh. 
 1750. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 Upon LARGE PAPER J wholly unknown to me at the time of publish- 
 ing the Introd. to the Classics, and equally overlooked by De Bure and 
 Brunet. There can be no question, I think, but that, of all the folio 
 foreign Classics upon large paper, the present is among the veri,' rarest. 
 Nor are its dimensions less notable than its rarity. This copy, bound in 
 the first bmding, in appropriately ornamented calf, exhibits a species of 
 folio monster ! I have always thought the portrait of Fabricius, whicli 
 is prefixed, to be among the most apparently faithful of resemblances. 
 Yet is it inferior, in point of expression and execution, to the similar 
 portrait (from which it was probably copied) prefixed to the Sylloge 
 Opusc. Hist. Crit. Liter. I. A. Fabricii, Hamb. 1738. 4to. 
 
 DioNYsius Halicarnassensis. Gr. & Lat. Cura 
 Hudsoni. Oxon. I704. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 A magnificent copy, upon large paper, bound out of sheets, in red 
 morocco. 
 
 Epicteti Manuale et Sententi^. Gr. & Lat. 
 Cura Relandi. Traj. Bat. 1/1 1. Quarto. 
 
 Large paper, of a folio form : from the Lamoignon collection. Of 
 excessive rarity. It is justly observed by Brunet (vol. i. p. 461) that 
 copies, in this form, are susceptible of a higher price than what a simi- 
 lar copy sold for at the sale of Selle's library : viz. forty -eight francs. 
 I apprehend the present to be the only copy, of this magnitude, in the 
 kingdom. It was obtained of Mr. Payne, and =s bound in blue morocco. 
 
 EucLiDES. Arabice Constantinop. 1588. Folio. 
 
 A beautiful large copy of a very uncommon edition, in red morocco 
 binding. 
 
 Euripides. Gr. & Lat. Cura Barnes. Cantab. 
 1694. Folio. 
 
 Every collector of choice books knows the value and the rarity of a 
 large paper copy of this impression. The one under consideration is 
 of that description. Yet, notwithstanding the eulogy of the binder, I
 
 128 THE LIBRARY. [Greek 
 
 think this volume very much beneath the rival Oxford Pindar (of nearly 
 the same date) for beauty and condition, but not of such a purity of 
 colour €is some few other similar copies which I have seen. Its dimen- 
 sions, I apprehend, are however perfectly genuine. This choice copy 
 was bound by Roger Payne, and I know not where we shall look for 
 another more strongly characteristic specimen of the composition of 
 tliat renowned artist, than what will be found below.* This copy is 
 admirably bound in red morocco. 
 
 • A great deal of Lettering, Letter'd in the most correct manner, very true, lines, and 
 distances of the Letters particularly regarded in the work. The Morocco Leather being 
 of a very rich Grain thick and full grained it required the Gold to be laid on double in all 
 places and frequently" three titues laid on ye Gold. To prevent the Letters from being 
 specky and not full enough of gold, as the gold breaks and is injured in the Impression 
 which is often obliged to be worked over again on acct. of the grain of ye Morocco. The 
 Back highly Finished in the Grecian Taste with small Tools Worked in Compartments, 
 uncommon patterns which 1 think have not yett been done by any Modern Bookbinders. 
 The Insidcs Finished nitli very Rich Borders of small Tools of a choise selection Studded 
 with Gold. The outsides Finished in a very high Taste with Ornamental corners of small 
 Toolwork .ind plain small Tool Borders very correct measured Escallop Work an imitation 
 of 'Ilie \'enetian Work done For The Noble and Leanied Senator Grolieri Amicorum. 
 The Book sew'd with very strong White Silk on Bands strong and neat, not false bands. 
 Gilt leaves iiol Cutt. the greatest care hath been taken to preserve the Margins The Back 
 lined with Prussia Leather very strong Very neat Morocco Joints Fine Drawing Paper 
 stained to suit the Original Colour of the Book - - - 5 5. 0. 
 
 An ob.servation of the Printer's that the small Greek typ and Itiilic stretched those parts 
 of the paper more than the Roman or larger Letter And is the reason that all The Euri- 
 pides of Barnes and some other Greek Books of a mixt Letter is not so smooth and flat as 
 regular Roman Text (without notes of the Greek and Italic) We have taken the greatest 
 care to remedy this defect a> much as possible very great care and a great deal of Time 
 was required for this part of the Work These parts required Ironing every leaf single: and 
 Interleaving with smootli paper fur Beating to (iett the Wrinckies out as much as possible. 
 And I think is now the very best Copy of Barnes Euripides that can be found. It re- 
 quired a great deal of careful beating several times - - 1. 9. 0. 
 Some parts was very much stained & discoloured by the printers not having dry'd the 
 sheets well before their being putt together AU Euripides of Banies I have ever seen hath 
 those defects in the Printer's Work. The above sheets have been washed and Sized very 
 Honestly and safely done. AJI this washed parts were obliged to be Interleaved with 
 strong new paper to support the original paper of the Book in The washing and attract 
 the stain out of the original |iaper of the Book. Those stained and discoloured places 
 wanted several times washing and sizing. Took a great deal of Time and required great 
 care - . - • - - 1. 8. 6. 
 Cleaning the whole Work all the small dirty places - - 0. 3. 6. 
 Paper for interleaving in Washing and Beating - - U. 6. 0. 
 
 L.S. 12. 0.
 
 Classics.] THE LIBRARY. 129 
 
 EuRiPiDis Tragcedi^. Gr. Oocon. y^pud I. 
 Parker. 1821. Octavo, 3 vols. 
 
 ' Nov. Edit. Accurdta in Usum PrEelectionum Academicarum et 
 Scholaruni. Ex Nova Recognitione Aug. Matthi.e.' One of the 
 twelve copies only printed upon large paper, and distributed in pri- 
 vate collections. Its rarity tlierefore is extreme. The present copy is 
 most splendidly and successfully bound in red morocco, by C. Lewis, 
 in imitation of the old Oxford fashion of binding. 
 
 EusTATHius IN HoMERUM. Gr. Romce. 1542. 
 Folio, 4 vols, in 3. 
 
 A REMARKABLY fine copy, with the exception only of a slight soil in 
 the title-pages. This was formerly Narcissus Lutterell's copy, 
 whose monogram, with the date of 1695, is in the titles. On the fly- 
 leaf of the second volume, Lutterell (in his very curious hand and quaint 
 style) has noticed some errors of transposition in the binder j and truly 
 observes, at the beginning, that ' this 2d vol. of Eustathius his Homer 
 is printed before y'^ 1 st in time ; and is not near so large and good a cha- 
 racter.' In red morocco binding. 
 
 Hesiodi Opera. Gr. & Lat. Cura Robinsoni. 
 Oxon. E Theat. Sheld. 1/3/. Quarto. 
 
 One of the ten copies only upon large paper, of a folio form; and 
 among the very rarest of the publications of the ancient Classics put 
 forth at Oxford. His Lordship was fortunate in the purchase of this 
 treasure. He had sent a commission as far as sixty guineas, for a 
 similar copy in a sale at Paris ; and, losing it, procured this copy at 
 one.-thiTd of the sum at the sale of JMr. Daly's librarjin Dublin, in 1792. 
 The last copy of the kind, which was sold in the library of the late 
 Duke of Grafton, in ISI.t, was purchased by the Right Hon. T. Gren- 
 ville for one hundred pounds. 
 
 Homeri Opera. Gr. Cura Micylli & Camerarii. 
 Basil. 1551. Folio. 
 
 Full of ms. notes, in red ink, very neatly written ; but whether by 
 either of the editors is not ascertained. The title-page is cut curiously
 
 130 THE LIBRARY. [Greek 
 
 out, and pasted upon a piece of paper, full of nis. obsenations on the 
 reverse. A very sound and desirable copy, in red morocco binding, 
 with gilt leaves. Formerly in the library of De Tuou. 
 
 HoMERUs. Gr. & Lat. Cum Schrevclii. Lug. 
 Bat. Apud Hackium. 1656. Quarto. 
 
 A copy, absolutely beyond ;ill praise — for purity of condition and 
 integrity of margin. Nor is tlie binding, in olive-colour morocco, in- 
 ferior to the inward state. Probably, after all, this book exhibits the 
 most favourable specimen which tliis library contains of the peculiar 
 talents of Roger Payne, its binder. The types of this edition are 
 clearly those of the Elzevirs. Indeed Hackius produced books of equal 
 beauty with them 5 by using, I apprehend, types cast from the same 
 matrices. I cannot, however, put back this brilliant volume upon the 
 shelf from which it was taken, without informing the reader that my 
 friend, the Rev. H. Drury, of Harrow, is the fortunate possessor of the 
 only known copy of this edition upon large paper — but so very little 
 larger than the present copy, as to render that term — strictly as such — 
 very doubtful, when applicable to his copy. 
 
 Gr. & Lat. Cura Clarke. Lond. 1729. 
 
 Quarto, 4 vols. 
 
 Undoubtedly one of the most thoroughly clean, and beautifu copies 
 upon LARGE PAPER, in e.xistcnce. In such condition, and so bound — 
 simply, in red morocco — the possession of this edition is a subject of 
 more than ordinary congratulation. 
 
 HoMERi Ilias & Odyssea. [Cura Grenvilliorum.] 
 O.von. 1800. Quarto, 4 vols. 
 
 A note, in the hand-writing of Mr. Grenville, at the commencement 
 of the first volume, announces tliis copy to be a present from the 
 noble editors — the late Marquis of Buckingham, the Right Hon. Tho- 
 m.is (irenviUe, and Lord Grenville. For an account of the edition, 
 consult the Introd. to the Classics, vol. i. p. 388. This is not only a 
 copy upon large paper, and therefore of very considerable rarity and 
 price, but it is one of the very few — given to particular friends — wliicli 
 has some extra various readings annexed : thus, besides what is com- 
 mon to all the copies, there are fourteen pages of these extra readings
 
 Classics.] THE LIBRARY. ISl 
 
 in vol. i., and eight similar pages in vol. ii. The present copy is 
 splendidly bound in red morocco, by C. Hering. 
 
 Joseph US. Gr. & Lat. Cura Havercamp. Lug. 
 Bat. 1726. Folio. 
 
 Upon LARGE PAPER, of the stateliest dimensions ; in russia binding. 
 
 LiBANii Sophists Vb.ml,vdia Oratoria lxxii. 
 &c. Gr. &Lat. Cura Morel.* Paris. 1606. 
 Folio. 
 
 This truly excellent edition was dedicated to Henry IV. ; and 
 we have here the very presentation -copy itself. It is also upon fine 
 as well as upon large paper ; and a more beautiful or desirable volume 
 this library does not possess. It is bound in blue morocco, with gilt 
 leaves ; having the sides and back tastefully embellished with the 
 cypher, fleur-de-lis, and arms of the illustrious Monarch to whom it 
 was dedicated.* 
 
 Ejusdem Orationes XXXVI. &c. Gr. & Lat. 
 apud Claud. Morel. Lutet. 162/. Folio. 
 
 This is called, in the title-page, theSnd vol. of the works of Libanius, 
 and is dedicated to Louis XIII. The dedication, whether by Frederic 
 or Claude Morel, follows the title-page : but Frederic is the editor of 
 the impression. We have here a similar copy to the preceding : upon 
 LARGE paper, and the Monarch's own book : in red morocco binding, 
 covered with fleur-de-lis. Like the preceding, too, it is very delicately 
 ruled with red lines ; but the paper is somewhat coarse. Both volumes 
 (an early acquisition) came from the library of William Burrell, Esq. 
 of Beckenham, in Kent, 
 
 • Frederic Morel was among the most learned and accurate of that bod^- of printers 
 which reflected so much credit upon literature in general, and upon the I'niversitj of 
 Paris in particular, during the xvith century. His dedication is warm and lauHalory, but 
 neither fulsome nor pompous. There is rather a pretty anecdote of Henry related at the 
 second page of it.
 
 1S2 THE LIBRARY. [Greek 
 
 Lycophron. Gr. Sc Lat. Cura Potter. O.ron. 
 
 1697. Folio. 
 '- Cura Ejusdeni. Oxon. 
 
 1702. Folio. 
 
 Beautiful copies upon large paper ; the former in red, the latter in 
 blue, morocco. Of the two, the former is somewhat the larger. The 
 condition of each is pretty nearly the same : yet a preference, upon 
 the whole, must be given to the former. The editor of this admira- 
 ble edition of one of the most difficult Greek authors of antiquity, was 
 the famous John Potter, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury, than 
 whom a more learned or more orthodox divine never tilled the see. 
 The conclusion of his preface is worth noticing ; as at that time he had 
 just entered the church. ' Per me licet, aliilaurea,s captent ex Critica, ex 
 Historia, e.x Philosophia, caeterisque Artibus, in quibus me lubens fateor 
 vix esse mediocriter versatum ; mihi sane videbor sunimum attigisse 
 felicitatis culmen, si quid ad bonorum profectum, si quid ad Ecclesis 
 Christian* decus tenue hoc ingenium conferre umquam poterit.' 
 
 • • It will not be tliought uiiappropriatef or uiipardonably digressive, I trust, if, sub- 
 joined to the article LvcoyiinoN, brief mentioii be made of the translation of that most 
 difficult original by the late Viscount IIoyston ; especially as a beautiful copy of this 
 version, the gift of the Earl of Haiidwicke (father of the deceased) graces the shelves 
 of this library. This admirable version, of which 1 have always understood the late Pro- 
 fessor Person to have spoken in terms of high praise, is very handsomely printed at the 
 Universtiy Press of' Cambridge, by R. Watts. It should be the inmate of every classical 
 library. 1 select, almost at random, the following pa.ssage; which may remind us some- 
 what of the stateliness of .'Vkenside, and the gorgeousness of Gray. 
 
 This, this shall gnaw ray heart ! then shall I feel 
 The veiiomed pang, the rankling of the soul. 
 Then, when the Eagle, bony and gaunt and grim. 
 Shall wave his shadowy wings, and plough the winds 
 On clanging penons, and o'er the subject plain 
 Wheel his wide-circling flight in many a gyre, 
 
 Pounce on liia prey, scream loud with savage joy, # 
 
 And plunge his talons in my Brother's breast, 
 (My best beloved, my Father's dear delight. 
 Our hope, our slay !) then, soaring to the clouds. 
 Shower down his blood upon his native woods, 
 And bathe the terrors of his beak in gore. 
 
 I see the IVIurderer trim with reeking hands 
 The golden balance nicely poised ; but soon.
 
 Classics.] THE LIBRARY. 133 
 
 Pausanias. Gr. & Lat. Cura Kuhnii. Lipsice. 
 1696. Folio. 
 
 A copy upon large paper; of the greatest rarity, and hitherto con- 
 sidered to be unique. 
 
 PiNDARUS. Gr. & Lat, Cura West. 1697- Folio. 
 
 Large paper ; as fresh, fair, and large, as if it had been just brought 
 away from the Clarendon press, where this magnificent and most 
 admirable edition was executed. Copies in this form, and more parti- 
 cularly in this condition, are of singular rarity and great price. Beauti- 
 fully bound by Walther, in blue morocco. 
 
 This noble book is dedicated to Wriothesley, second Duke of 
 Bedford — ' as the heir' of William the first Duke, who was the father 
 of the famous and unfortunate Lord William Russell ; but not the 
 least hint occurs, or the least notice is taken, in the dedication, of 
 the fate of that nobleman. The second Duke survived the dedication 
 only about fourteen years ; dying in his tliirty-first year, A. D. 1711 : 
 but his character and attainments seem to have justified the strain of 
 
 In mortal mart, and dread exchange of war. 
 For him the beam shall vibrate, and for him 
 With shining ingots, and with precious sands 
 Gleaned from Pactolian shores the scale shall gleam. 
 Ere in that nm, which erst the rosy god 
 Gave to the daughters of the waves, be laid 
 His funeral ashes mouldering ; him the Nymphs 
 Shall mourn, who love the streams of Bephyrus, 
 Or waters well'mg from Pimplean founts 
 Beside l.ibethrus, and shall heave the sigh 
 For him, who, not for pity, but for gold. 
 Gave the sad remnants of the mighty dead : 
 Who, fearing death, shall round his sturdy limbs 
 Throw the soft foldings of the female robe 
 Effeminate, and tease the housewife's wool ; 
 Who last shall print upon our sand his steps. 
 His tardy steps, and oft from troubled sleep, 
 As Hector's image walks around the bed. 
 Start at the lance's visionary gleam. 
 
 Oh God ! what column of our house, what stay, 
 What massy bulwark fit to bear the weight 
 Of mightiest monarchs, hast thou overthrown ! 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 VOL. I. S
 
 184 THE LIBRARY. [Greek 
 
 eulogy which runs throughout the dedication.* With the exception of 
 the members of the royal family, he was jjrobably the youngest Knight 
 of the Garter ever made, having been installed in his twenty-second 
 year. He was of Magdalen College, Oxford. 
 
 PoETiE Gr^ci Principes. Gr. 1556. Folio. 
 
 The Emperor of all copies, if magnitude alone be considered. It 
 came from the collection of De Boze, and is modestly described in 
 the folio catalogue of his books (p. 101) by the four following letters 
 only : G. P. M. R. :t At the sale of the fine early Classics of Tirmin 
 Didot, in 1811, mention was made of the superior altitude of his 
 copy of the same edition — but wc have the measure of that copy en- 
 closed in the present, and find it nearly one half of an inch shorter. 
 Vet it must be confessed that the royal library at Paris possesses a more 
 magnificent and more enviable copy, which belonged to De Tnou ; 
 only one-eighth of an inch shorter, and of equal breadth : but the bind- 
 ing and general appearance of it carry away our judgments in pronoun- 
 cing it to be decidedly superior. J 
 
 • ' Mirentur alii Te aniplissimis Fortuna: muneribus ciornatum, ostendant stemmata et 
 Hnnores Domus IncIytJE, hinc BEDFonniANA:, illinc Soutiiamptonensis, cujus titrinque 
 virtute nihil illu.striiis rt antiquius : nos niiramur magis cum iii'iuijicm in his singulis supe- 
 riorein repcrirc possimus, lanto tamcn Rerum splendori, omamcnta Animi, insigniora, in 
 aetatc licet lubrica, prailuccre. Qux* Tuai laudes aliquandu Poctaiu excitabunt, uullis Na- 
 turae nut Artis viribus, ipso vel Pindaro inferiorciu. Ab Heroibus enim I'oeta;, suos acci- 
 piunt animi ardores, pulchras hinc dcsuraunt Imagines, ct splendidiora virtuiis spccimina, 
 quibus ipsi sua ctemituti consecrant Ingeiiia. Hinc facile vaticinamur quam immensam 
 Ule consequetur Gloriam qui describet Tuam. Pcrgas Spes IVIaxima Domus Nobilissimffi, 
 Tanti Nominis Excmpio, alios ad similera incitare Gloriam. Pergas labantem Virtuiis 
 famara sustinerc, et literarum studio rerumque prajstantissimarum scientia: novum decus 
 addere aullis JMalevolorum Injuriis violandum.' It then goes on to predif I that his ser- 
 viies "ill Ik- soon required by liis country, and concludes thus : " Optimis hisce studiis 
 omnium laudibus diu potiaris. Et sicut in Te rclucent Singula; Majoruia Tuorum Vir- 
 tutes, ad scros ita Posteros, eadcni desccndat Indolis Optima', summique Honoris Ha;re- 
 ditas ; ut Domus Bedfordiana sit ajque, ac Illius Gloria, Inunortalis.' Of a nobleman 
 so full of promise, and so suddenly taken away, tbe insertion of this classical testimony 
 may be pardoned. 
 
 + Grand Papier Maroquin Rouge. 
 
 J See it dekcribed in the Bibliographical Timr, vol. ii. 317.
 
 Classics.] THE LIBRARY. 186 
 
 Sophocles. Gr. Cura Brunck. 1786. Quarto, 
 2 vols. 
 
 One of the six copies upon lakoe (writing) paper. In tlie most 
 beautiful condition. Red morocco. 
 
 Theophrastus. Gr. Cura Wilkes. Londini. 
 1790. Quarto. 
 
 A copy UPON VELLUM. A present from the editor to his Lordship. 
 In blue morocco binding. A second similar copy is at Woburn. 
 
 Thucydides. Gr. &Lat. Cura Hudsoni. Oxon. 
 1696. Folio. 
 
 Although LARGE PAPER copies of this edition are neither very rare nor 
 very high-priced, yet such a one as the present, in the red morocco 
 binding of R. Payncj is richly worth the possession. 
 
 Cura Dukeri. Amst 
 
 1731. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 Upon LARGE PAPER ; of the noblest dimensions, and in the finest 
 condition. Bound in russia. 
 
 Ex recensione Ininia- 
 
 nuelis Bekkeri. Accedunt Scholia Grteca et 
 Dukeri Wassiique Annotationes. Apud Parker 
 Sj- Bliss. Oxonii. 1821. Octavo, 4 vols. 
 
 This is not only an elegantly executed, but an intrinsically valuable 
 edition of Thucydides. Some MSS. have been collated, and some read- 
 ings inserted, for the first time ; and hence the text assumes, in conse- 
 quence, the importance of an editio princeps — as to those passages. The 
 preface of the editor is short, pertinent, and unostentatious ; assigning 
 reasons, in the formation of his edition, which few scholars can read 
 without a desire to become possessed of the work. The Scholia are 
 printed beneath the Greek text. The various readings and annotations, 
 &c. in double columns, are placed below the Scholia. An Index of 
 Things, and another of Places and Names, close the third volume. The 
 fourth volume cimtains tlie Latin version of Duker. An edition of
 
 136 THE LIBRARY. [Latin 
 
 Thucydides, in this form, and with these helps, has long been a desi- 
 deratum in the classical world ; but such a copy of it as the present, 
 upon LARGE PAPER — of which ooly twelve were printed; and placed in 
 private cabinets — must, I apprehend, become a desideratum with the 
 curious collector, not likely to be readily supplied. This copy is 
 bound in red morocco, by C. Lewis, in a manner to render it, in every 
 respect, a worthy companion of the Euripides, mentioned at page 129, 
 ante. 
 
 Xenophontis Opera. Gr. & Lat. Curii Wells. 
 O.ron. 1703. Octavo, 5 vols. 
 
 Generally bound in seven. One of the most enviable sets of classi- 
 cal volumes in the library. Not only is it upon large paper, in old 
 red morocco, Oxford binding, but it is perfect : possessing the_^rs< vo- 
 lume — of the extremest rarity. This copy was purchased from the 
 collection of the Earl of Clanricarde. ' One of the volumes (ob- 
 serves his Lordship, as an addendum to the preceding), containing the 
 Anabasis, was wanting, when I bought this copy of Count Reviczky ; 
 and I obtained it from my friend and tutor. Dr. Benjamin Heath (before 
 the stile of his books) ; but unfortunately it had been cro])])ed by an un- 
 skilful binder, and is now much smaller than the others.' 
 
 Opera. Curu. Hutchinson. Odofi. 1727- 
 
 Quarto, 4 vols. 
 
 A beautiful copy, upon the largest paper, of a folio form. Its ex- 
 treme rarity, in this shape, is well known. This copy was obtained by 
 his Lordship in exchange for an edition of Buffon's Birds, in ten volumes 
 folio, for which eighty guineas had been previously paid. 
 
 LATIN CLASSICS. 
 
 AucTORES CLASsrci ; IN UsuM Delphini. 1675, 
 1730. Quarto, 64 vols. 
 
 A COMPLETE SET, bound in blue morocco : including not only Pnu- 
 dentivs and Statics (both in beautiful condition) but the true edition
 
 Classics.] THE LIBRARY. 137 
 
 of the Opera Philosophica of Cicero ; which latter I purchased for his 
 Lordship at the sale of Sir William Pulteney's library in 18 — , for 
 £ 57.10. A similar complete set was bought at the sale of the Rox- 
 burghe library, by the late Duke of Norfolk, for £ 526. 
 
 Of this magnificent undertaking, Florus was the first, and Auso- 
 Nius the last author published. It is well known that they were edited 
 and published for the education of the Dauphin of Franxe, afterwards 
 Louis XV. Madame Dacier, the daughter of Tanaquil Faber, superin- 
 tended the text of Florus. She was a learned lady, doubtless ; but 
 why she should have selected Florus, in preference to that of any other 
 Roman author, in order to stimulate a young prince to acts of heroic 
 \'irtue, seems a little unaccountable. In her address to the reader, 
 however, she thus draws the line of distinction : — ' De Floro . . . nemo 
 unquam praeter amantissimum meum parentem monuit, nempe hocce 
 acutissimi et elegantissimi Scriptoris opus, non quasi Historicum legi 
 debere, sed ut Declamatorium et Paneg)ricum, seu ut laudationem po- 
 puli Romani' — sign, e ij. rev. The illustration of this position is in 
 the usual style of devotional flatter^'. ' Tuum erit, Delphine Serenis- 
 sime, cum, quae hie Populi Romani facta narrat Florus, factis tcis 
 quasi praeludendo post Te longe reliqueris." . . . Epist. p. 3. 
 
 In this dedicatory epistle, the courtly editor tells the Dauphin ' that 
 she augurs every thing of his profound talents and acute judgment from 
 the very successful manner in which she saw him spouting Terence in 
 the hall of the Duke of Montausier, his Governor . . . not only saw but 
 admired, and was even astonished at, his performance, — for so cleverly 
 and correctly, at his tender years, did he read and understand his au- 
 thor, that men might have envied the boy !' &c. This is an applica- 
 tion of the use of that ' declamation and panegyric' found in Florus. 
 The ' Privilege du Roy' foUows the address to the reader. Frederic 
 Leonard, the printer, is required to deposit two copies of everj' volume 
 in the public library — ' un en celle du cabinet de nos Livres de nostre 
 chateau du Louvre, et un en celle de nostre trfes cher et feal le sieur 
 d'Aligre Chevalier, Chancelier de France, avant que de les exposer en 
 vente, &c.' Pirated copies were interdicted under a penalty of three 
 thousand livres each : of which ' a third portion was to go to the King, 
 another third to the Hospital General, and the remaining third to the 
 publisher.' It should seem that, at the time of putting Florus to press, 
 they were ready with Terence, Plautus, Phaedrus, Sallust, Li'.-y, and 
 Corn. Nepos. Every work was previously submitted (' librata et exa- 
 minata,' are the words of the Preface) to the critical talents of the
 
 138 THE LIBRARY. [Latin 
 
 femous HuET, Bishop of Avranches — ' qui in litteris summus est.' 
 Huet, in fact, was the director, or chief superintending editor of the 
 undertaking. 
 
 Catullus Tibullus & Propertius. Cura Vul- 
 pii. Pafav. 1737-1755. 6 vols. 
 
 A fine, fiiir copy; upon the largest paper. Bound in blue mo- 
 rocco. The curious in chissicul lore know well how to value such a 
 set of an impression so ably edited. 
 
 Catullus. Curu Wilkes. Londini. Typis J. 
 Nichols. 1788. Quarto. 
 
 Upon vellum. A present from the editor, to Count Reviczky, and 
 a much prettier book than the Theophrastus printed in the same man- 
 ner. See p. 135 ante. 
 
 HoRATius. Typis Bodonianis. Parmce. 1791. 
 Folio. 
 
 One of four only disposable copies upon vellum ;• and an early ac- 
 quisition of his Lordship's, l^nfortunately it has been seriously injured 
 in the binding ; owing, either to the unskilfulness of the binder, or to 
 the thinness of the vellum. What Bodoni loses in whiteness of sur- 
 face, or uniformity of tint, he gains by the genuine texture of the ma- 
 terial. This vellum would bear comparison with that of some of the 
 old missals ; and it wants only a brighter tint to render it perfectly 
 desirable. In red morocco binding. 
 
 * A letter from Bodoni, enclosed in the copy, supplies this information. The letter a 
 as follows : Parme, 5 A'oiemtre, 1792. J'ai I'Cfu de S. E. Milord Spencer quaraiUe huit 
 Louis d'or iteufs defrancCf en payement d^une copie de VHiyratiiti infol° magna imprimi sut 
 vilin, et totalement semhlahle a la copie vendue ce matin a S. E. Milord Berwick, dont it n'a 
 M tire que 4 Eiemplaires, dont deux a M. la Chev. V'Azara qui m est I'Editeur, et ieut 
 autres qui sont Us susdites — les uniques qui ayent iti vendubles. Jean Baptiste Bodoni. 
 Lord Spencer informs me that, when he was at Parma in the jear 1819, Madame Bodoni 
 told him that there were only tuv copies of tliis work printed upon vellum ; one of w hich be- 
 longed to tlie Imperial Library (as he understood) of Vienna. This, adds his Lordship, 
 proves how litlle reliance is to be placed in assertions of this kind ; as tlie written memo- 
 randum from her husband, above quoted, must, of course, be the most correct account, and 
 would appear completely to contradict the assertion of his widow.
 
 Classics.] THE LIBRARY, 139 
 
 LucANus. Cura Renouard. Typis P. Didot. 
 Paris. 1795. Folio. 
 
 One of two copies only opon vellum ; his Grace the Duke of De- 
 vonshire being in possession of the other. It was obtained at an ex- 
 cessive price ; but though it does not equal the Horace by the same 
 printer, yet is it a very fine and magnificent specimen of the Didot 
 press. The greatest possible care was taken in the correction of the 
 text J see the Bibliogr. Decameron, vol. ii. p. 358 : where, however, a 
 very whimsical mistake has been made respecting one of the parties 
 engaged in the superintendence of the publication. I had received in- 
 formation that M. Renouard's daughter had been so engaged, but she 
 was not born at the time. This magnificent volume exhibits one of 
 the finest specimens of Hering's binding. The inside has water-co- 
 loured borders, surrounded by a gilt border of oak fruit upon red mo- 
 rocco. The exterior is also perfectly beautiful in respect to the sides ; 
 which display a red morocco of the choicest grain. 
 
 Livius. Londini, per Edmundum Bollifaiitum. 
 1589. Octavo. 
 
 The editor appears to have been Feyrahendius ; and his dedicatory 
 epistle is dated from Frankfort. I suspect, therefore, that BoUifant 
 only had a share in the impression, and that the book is the produce of a 
 foreign press. It is admirably well printed, with a small close letter, 
 having a heavily-charged page of text. The coarse and sallow aspect 
 of the paper prevents it from receiving the character of a handsome 
 volume. It is of very bulky dimensions ; and to be complete, should 
 possess six parts. The present large and sound copy, formerly belong- 
 ing to De Thou, is boimd in red morocco, with gUt leaves. 
 
 Lucretius. Cura Wakefield, &c. Glasguce. 
 Excud. Andreas Duncan, Academice Typogra- 
 phus. 1813. Octavo, 4 vols. 
 
 With Bentley's notes, published for the first time, from the auto- 
 graph of that eminent critic, preserved in the British Museum. It has, 
 besides, a table presenting a collation of the four earliest editions of 
 the poet, including that of Ferandus, with the first Bipont edition.
 
 no THE LIBRARY. [Latin 
 
 This table was supplied by his Lordsliip, who has the only copy of the 
 Editio Princeps (that of Ferandus) in this country. In consequence, 
 the impression was dedicated to him — in the following manner : 
 
 ViRO, 
 
 Literaruin Humaniorum, 
 
 Studio, et Patrocinio, 
 
 Eminentissimo 
 
 Hanc T. Lcchetii Cabi 
 
 Editionem 
 
 Tpsius Munificentia, 
 
 Ornatani Adauctamque 
 
 Animo Grato Pioque 
 
 D. D. D. 
 Andreas Duncan. 
 
 The present is a large papeu copy, superbly bound in red morocco, 
 by a Glasgow binder, who may rank with some of the most distin- 
 guished bibliopegistic artists in London. It is one of the most cor- 
 rect, as well as beautifully printed Classics, of modern times. 
 
 PLAUTirs. Cuia Lambini. Lutet. 1576. Folio. 
 
 Another specimen of a magnificent large paper copy of a valuable 
 impression of the author, from the diligent and learned pen of Lam- 
 binus ; who, from his Demosthenes and Lucretius, together with this 
 work, has everlasting claims upon the gratitude of his classical coun- 
 trjiuen. The present is really a noble copy of a noble work. The 
 printer was Jean Mace, whose office was established at Mont St. Ui- 
 laire in Paris, ' sub scuto Britannue.'* This fine copy, in red morocco 
 binding, was an early purchase of his Lordship's. 
 
 It should be remarked, that copies of all the recent Latin Classics, 
 by P. DiDOT, in folio — and of the French Classics, published from the 
 
 • Lambhius died before the publication ; but Jacobus Helias, a learned Greek professor, 
 superintended tbe completion of it, and tlius justly compliments the spirit and liberalit; 
 of the printer, at the conclusion of the preface. ' Hie non est silcntio pra!tereundus Tv- 
 POGRAPiius qui, tantos sumptus fecit hanc Plauti editionem, vt in ea non tam rationibus 
 suis quara discentium commodis consuluisse videatur. Nam eo tempore quo Gallia bellis 
 civilibus ardcbat, litter«que frigebant, esemplum Lambini magno eruit, inccepitque forrais 
 excudere. Itaque cum tot, tantique viri ad perficiendum hoc opus (si modo perfeclum 
 sit id, cui aliquid semper addi potest) de suo aiiquid attulerint, tax partes erunt Lector, 
 si in numero illoruni habcri vis, in erratis quaj inter legendum animaduerteris, potius ex- 
 cusandis, qiiam reprehendendis claborare.' I'lius the strain of lamentation, respecting the 
 ciril wars, is again indulged, as in the preceding preface.
 
 Miscellaneous, ^c] THE LIBRARY. 141 
 
 Royal Press, also in folio— as well as the folio Classics of Bodoni and 
 Mcssi — ^will be found here upon large paper, and in the choicest 
 morocco bindings. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS LATIN BOOKS. 
 
 To the preceding, are added a few Miscellaneous Articles in the 
 Latin language (with the exception of the Camoens and Theurdanckhs) , 
 out of a very extensive collection of a similar description ; from 
 which it is difficult to choose those which shall exactly suit the taste of 
 every Collector. But in the selection, here submitted, I am willing to 
 hope that there will be found a few articles not undeserving the atten- 
 tion of the most fastidious. 
 
 Baluze. Capitularia Regum Francorum. 
 
 Paris. 1677. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 This is a collection of public documents of the highest importance 
 relating to the early history of France. The editor was Colbert's li- 
 brarian ; and the work is not only dedicated to his master, but the 
 present is also the presentation copy. It is upon large paper, bound 
 in red morocco, with the arms of Colbert upon the back and sides : in 
 consequence, a matchless copy. 
 
 Cambrobrytannic^ Cymr^c^ve Lingu.e In- 
 stitutiones et Rudiinenta accurate, &c. con- 
 scripta a Joanne Davide Rh^so Monensi 
 Lanuaethleeo Cambrobrytanno Medico Senensi. 
 Londini, Excudebat Thoinas Orivinus. 1592. 
 Folio. 
 
 Of this very curious, rare, and valuable book, Herbert has presented 
 us with only a transcript of the title : see his Typog. Antiq. vol ii. p. 
 1247-8. The copy under consideration belonged to James Joy, as his 
 visible autograph in the title-page clearly demonstrates. It is dedicated 
 by J. D. Rhese, the author, (' a noted critic and physician,' says Wood) 
 
 VOL. I. T
 
 Uil THE LIBRARY. [Miscellatieoux 
 
 to Sir Edward Stradling, a fellow countryman, and of whom Wood* 
 remarks, that he never failed, in all his life-time, to encourage learning 
 and ingenuity. The dedication is well worth an attentive perusal ; be- 
 cause the archaeological literature of W;iles was at that time, and per- 
 haps yet is, but imperfectly cultivated. Rhese compliments his patron's 
 virtues and faniily in a very glowing and eloquent manner. ' Nescit 
 enim arbos bona males fructus producere. Tales antei fuere quinde- 
 cini illi longfe clarissimi equites aurati tui maiores (totidem enim nos- 
 trates ab illo Guilielmo qui cum Roberto Fitz Hammon Guladmorgi- 
 anuni est ingressus, illustrissimos recordantur) ([ui tanto cum honore 
 S" Donati Castrum per successionis ordinem obtinuerunt : ^ quibus tu 
 directa lineft prognatus ordine decimus sextus, non illorum ulli vir- 
 tute postponendus, maiorum imaginibus clams, maiorum sede locaris, 
 vnh. cum praenobili tua coniuge Domina Agneta ex equestri Gage- 
 ORi'Mt familia, clarorum parentum praeclara filia ; cuius venusta mo- 
 destas, pudicitia Penelopsea, csetersque corporis animiquc tanta heroide 
 dignissimie dotes prisci temporis heroinas aemulantur. O ter foelices, 
 quos irrupta tenet copula, quibus idem animus, ajqua pietas, amor mu- 
 tuus. Sed si omnia tua & illius propria, ingenium, mores, comitatem 
 conditam grauitate, religionem et integritatem voluero recensere,' &c. 
 The jiatron was not unworthy of such praise. Wood says that ' he 
 was at the charge of such Herculean works for the public good, that no 
 man in his time went beyond him.' J The literary character of Sir 
 Edward Stradling is well depicted in the second page of the ' Epistle 
 Dedicatory." 
 
 In the fourth page of this epistle, Rhese makes bewailing mention 
 of the perishable state of \Velsh philology : while he notices, with high 
 commendation, the effort made by one Griffiths Roberts, a Welsh- 
 man and a professor, to publish that part of the Welsh grammar which 
 related chiefly to Orthography ; and which was published at the expense, 
 
 • Athen. Oion. vol. ii. col. 28. Edit. Blis$. 
 
 t Wood says that slie was the daughter of Sir Thomas Cahage — but erroneously. I 
 suspect tliat he had never seen this book, llumfrey Prichard, who wrote the preface, 
 (whicli follows the dedication) tells us that the author wrote the work for the better under- 
 standing of the recent translation of the Bible into Welsh — but this is specified in the 
 tUU-page itself; and considering that it was published, when Protestantism was gene- 
 rally established, and that Rhese's patron had received the honour of knighthood, and 
 yns made a justice of the peace, by Queen Elizabeth, there is surely every reason to 
 think that the author was a Protestant. Wood loved to hook every body into the pale of 
 the Romish Church — if he could. 
 
 t Alhen. Oion. to/, ii. col. 50. Edit. Blist.
 
 Latin Booh.] THE LIBRARY. 14.S 
 
 and under the patronage, of William Earl of Pembroke, at Milan, 
 when that nobleman resided there. Rhese speaks of the Earl as the 
 father of Edward Herbert, 'his most celebrated, learned, pious, ever 
 praise-worthy, and honourable friend.' Of this Milan publication I 
 should have known nothing, bibliographically speaking, had not Mr. 
 R. Triphook informed me that he once, and only once, possessed a 
 copy of it, printed in 1576, in octavo : that it is entirely in the Welsh 
 language — and that on Mr. Grenville's declining to become the pur- 
 chaser of it, it found its way into Mr. Heber's ricbly-stored library, 
 at the price of ^8. 8s. A Welsh volume, printed at Milan in the 
 sixteenth century, must doubtless be considered as a curiosity. To 
 return to this Epistle Dedicatory, which concludes thus — ' Hand exi- 
 gua futura spes est banc Cambrobrytannicam Grammaticam tibi fcelicis- 
 simfe nuncupatam, non soltim nostris Cambrobrytannis, sed & exteris 
 quibusdam nationibus, Artnoricis presertim, baud iniucundam fore, non 
 tanttim qu6d in ea, omnia ferfe, quae ad Cymrsecae lingUEB naturam 
 optimfe intelligendam spectare videbantur, exquisitfe et ad amussim ex- 
 plicata reperire queas : verima etiani quod indfe ad ea singula, quae de 
 carminum cymrsecorum ratione ab antiquissimis simul & doctissimis 
 eius linguae Bardis, non paucis abhinc annorum centenis praecepta 
 sunt, cognitionem longe gratissimam decerpere liceat.' This address 
 is dated the 9th July, 1.590. Rhese survived the publication about 
 nineteen years; dying in 1609 — ' his rare parts and curious learning 
 being in a manner buried where he lived,' says Wood. Rhese was 
 also an adept in the Italian language, and published treatises upon 
 it. This volume, when complete, contains 304 pages, exclusively of 
 Rhese's dedication, Prichard's preface, and Rhese's Welsh preface, which 
 follows it. Note ; there should be a leaf of ' Emendata.' The present 
 is a sound copy, in old calf binding. 
 
 Camoens. Os Lusiadas. Poema Epico de Ltjis 
 DE Camoes. Paris. 181/. Quarto. 
 
 It is difficult to speak in due terms of commendation of this exqui- 
 sitely beautiful volume. Nor is its rarity less than its beauty ; for it 
 can only be found {' as presents') in the cabinets of Kings, Princes, 
 and Nobles, and the distinguished in learnina: and the fine arts. The 
 Editor, to his immortal praise, was D. Joze Maria de SouzaBotelho, 
 formerly Portuguese Ambassador at Paris j and the edition is dedicated 
 to the French King. The printing, the paper, and yet more t ban either.
 
 144 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 the engravings — are rich and costly in the extreme. This is probably 
 the first — though I trust it will not be the last — instance of an Ambas- 
 sador devoting some of the'fruitsof his yearly stipend to the erection of 
 a NATIONAL MONUMENT — Unquestionably ' more durable than brass." 
 Such undertakings reflect lustre upon himself and the country which he 
 represents. Dinners, festivities, balls, and spectacles, are seen — en- 
 joyed — and forgotten ! But we have here ... in the first place, a por- 
 trait of Camoens, surrounded by a broad, elaborate arabesque border ; 
 the whole brilliant and eminently successful. This is by much the 
 most beautiful engraving in the volume. Gerard drew the head, as 
 he did all the designs ; but the exquisitely ornamental portions of the 
 border were supplied from the classical collection, or suggestions, of 
 V'isconti. The engraver is Lignon ; quite unrivalled in his particular 
 line. To each of the X. Cantos is prefixed a large engraving, eight 
 inches by six and a half; which I am perfectly persuaded could not 
 have cost the liberal-minded Editor less than ^£'200. sterling apiece. 
 These engravings, however, are of very unequal merit j and upon the 
 whole are perhaps too glittering, hard, and metallic — as the chief de- 
 fect of the French school of Engraving consists, not in want of ability, 
 but in the want of paying sufficient attention to the surfaces of things. 
 Their draperies have sometimes the hardness of armour. Every thing 
 seems to have a glazed aspect ; and the flesh looks too frequently like 
 marble or brass. It would be an ungracious exercise of critical power 
 to say which were the wont ,• but I will freely own that the two plates 
 attached to the IVth and \th Cantos, are, of the ten just mentioned, 
 very much the best. 
 
 One of these represents the Geniuses of the rivers Ganges and Indus 
 appearing to Emanuel King of Portugal, in a dream. In the back- 
 ground of two mountains, are seen the sinuous courses of the respec- 
 tive rivers. The other represents the Genius of the Cape of Good 
 Hope [the giant Adamastor] appearing to ^'asco de Gama ; and in a 
 voice of thunder — covering one of the two table-mountains with his 
 right hand, and elevating his left arm above the other mountain — for- 
 bidding that navigator to disturb tliose realms in which he liud hitherto 
 reigned sole monarch, undisturbed. His head and his left arm 
 appear to be lost in the clouds. The whole is finely conceived and 
 equally well engraved by Bovinet. Yet we must not forget, that Mr. 
 Fuseli, in his representation of the ' Fertilisation of Egypt, in Darwin's 
 ' Botanic Garden,' has imagined the source of the Nile — in a huge ex- 
 tended figure, with outstretched wings — shadowed in mist, and buoy-
 
 Latin Books.] THE LIBRARY. 145 
 
 ant midst thunder and lightning — with as much genius, but with less 
 aid from the author. Nor has Mr. Fuseli's pencil met with an engraver 
 of equal power and splendor of execution. Reverting to the volume 
 before us, I shall only further observe, that t'ae subject of the heavy 
 gale (prefixed to the Vlth Canto) usually attending the doubling of 
 the Cape — and predicted in vengeance by the disturbed giant or ge- 
 nius — is among the . . . worst eflForts of allegoric art. Didot has al- 
 most outdone himself in the printing. Had the verses been of the 
 same (or of nearly equal) length with the Roman hexameter, or En- 
 glish heroic, the tj-pographic picture would have been more complete. 
 Mr. Bulmer, in his Milton, (for I have carefully placed and compared 
 the two, side by side) may yet hold up his head . . almost as high as 
 the Genius of the Cape ! One word more. Let me make honourable 
 mention of the binding, by C. Lewis. The volume is in Venetian mo- 
 rocco, with fuU charged gilt tooling within and without. Such an 
 assemblage of minute, graceful, and exquisite ornament — so perfectly 
 executed throughout — is hardly elsewhere to be seen. In olive-colour 
 morocco : with vellum fly-leaves. 
 
 Corpus Scriptorum Byzantine Historic. Pa- 
 ris. 1642—1670. Folio, 38 vols. 
 
 A truly magnificent set ; bound out of sheets, upon large paper, 
 in russia binding. 
 
 DUGDALE. MoNASTICON AnGLICANUM. With 
 
 Stevens's Supplement. 1665, &c. Folio, 6 vols. 
 
 A magnificent copy, upon large paper : the third volvmie being, as 
 usual, inlaid. I believe no instance occurs of this third volume upon 
 large paper, in the same genuine condition as the two preceding. The 
 Supplement of Stevens, in this state, is not uncommon ; but the Dug- 
 dale, upon large paper, is so rare, that I cannot at this present moment 
 recollect when a copy was brought to sale. The second volume is in 
 a perfectly genuine state, and many of the leaves have rough edges. In 
 blue morocco.
 
 146 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 Franchini Gafurii Laudensis Regii Musici 
 Publice profitentis, &c. De Harmonia In- 
 STRUMENTORUM Opus. Impressum Mediolani 
 per Gotardum Poutanum Calcographum, &c. 
 1518. Folio. 
 
 On several accounts this volume is of a very interesting character. 
 In the first place. Dr. Burney has spoken in the handsomest manner 
 possible of the work itself — which he calls ' a profound treatise on 
 the theory of harmony, and which was first published in 1480: 
 though the subject is dark and difficult, it was absolutely necessary for 
 understanding the ancient authors.' Hist, of Music, vol. iii. p. 154. In 
 the second place, this copy, of exceedingly fine dimensions, ivas not 
 only Grolieb's, but the name of that Ma;cenas is introduced in some 
 complimentary verses, or ' Endecasyllabicks,' of Francois Philippe at 
 the end — thus : 
 
 In lucem redeunt noui Marones : 
 In lucem redeunt noue Camoense : 
 Nimirum : Italidas nouus Camcenas : 
 Maecenas Grqlierius reuisit. 
 
 In the third place, Pantaleone Melegulo, of Lodi, (the birth-place 
 also of the author) has written a pleasing but short biography of Gaf- 
 forio, printed at the end of the volume, from which I observe that Dr. 
 Burney has borrowed the materials of his account of the author. ' If,' 
 says Pantaleone, 'a life spent in labour for the advancement of science, 
 and in a series of laudable actions, can entitle a human being to 
 fame, in this world, and felicity in the next, the claim of Gafforio 
 to both seems indisputable.' He was the son of a common soldiery 
 and was at first intended for priest's orders. In the fourth place, there 
 are some very curious wood-cuts in this volume, including a portrait of 
 the author lecturing to his company. The wood-cutter seems to have 
 belonged to the family of Lesignerre, distinguished printers : see 
 their device in Bibl. Spencer, vol. i. p. 249. His name was Guillaume 
 Lesignerre, and in his verses, following Pantaleone's account of the 
 author, he designates himself of Rouen. Let him speak for himself. 
 
 Magister Gulielmus lesignerre Rothomtigensis : 
 Figuranun Celator. Ad lectorem.
 
 Latin Books.] THE LIBRARY. 147 
 
 Desine Mirari : si qua mendosa Figura 
 
 Lector : In hoc libro Cernitur esse : Rogo : 
 
 Ingenii Stucliiq ; mei Complesse putaui 
 Partes : Ast doleo non placuisse Tibi : 
 
 Dum madet ac siccat (quod nosti) tanta papyrus 
 Spargitur : Inuito saepius artifice : Vale. 
 
 Tiie cuts are ciiiefly mechanical figures, if we except two rows of 
 trumpeters on the reverse of fol. Lxiiii^and an exceedingly curious al- 
 legorical cut on the reverse of fol. lxxxxiiii, of Apollo and the Muses, 
 &c. On the reverse of folio cii is the colophon, with the printer's initials 
 and device beneath : to the right of which is a large clumsy wood-cut, 
 explanatory of Gafforio's introduction to the study of harmony. 
 
 This fine book, in dark binding, gilt leaves, with the usual ornaments 
 of Grolier on the sides, was doubtless a presentation copy. 
 
 Hevelii (I.) Machina Ccelestis. Gedani. Auc- 
 toris Typis & Sumptibus. Imprim. Simon Rei- 
 neger. 1673-9. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 The possession of a complete copy of this work (that is to say, a 
 copy with both the parts) is no mean subject of congratulation. The 
 work is dedicated to Louis XIV. The expense, when the number of 
 copper-plates is considered, must have been immense ; nor does it ap- 
 pear, either from the title-page, or the dedication, that his most Chris- 
 tian Majesty of France gave the author ' an helping hand' in the 
 defraying of the same. Is the figure attached to the plate (Chapter 
 V.) ' De Quadrante Horizontali ligneo,' and in other similar plates fol- 
 lowing it, meant for a portrait of some one ? The countenance has a 
 good deal of individuality about it, and is upon the whole very pleasing, 
 and skilfully engraved.* Of the copy before us, the second voliune, 
 or ' pars posterior,' is very much the finest in point of size : though 
 both are equally choice for condition. This second part is dedicated 
 to John III. King of Poland. In the dedication, the author tells His 
 Majesty that he presmnes to place at the foot of his throne—' Opuscu- 
 \\iiD. hocce sidereum, jam a multis quidem bene annis, Illustrium, et 
 
 • I conceive the engraved title-page to represent the portrait of the author, standing, 
 with a book under his arra. He is in the midst of three other figures. But the finest spe- 
 cimen of figure-engraving will be found attached to the xith chapter, * De Seitante magno 
 Orichalco* — wherein we observe a man and woman at either extremity of the instrument. 
 The female is rather elegantly designed as to drapery. Of the above copy the first three 
 in the first volume are fine impressioiu.
 
 us THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 Magnorum Virorum hortatu, ac persuasu inchoatum, nunc verf) pri- 
 m&m, decimo videlicet labente lustro, non sine aliquo diurno, ac noc- 
 turno baud leviusculo labore, curi atque sumptu exantlatuin, et 
 successibus secundis ad finem perductum,' &c. A fine strain of manly 
 piety runs throughout this dedication and the whole work. The pre- 
 face follows, comprehending 48 pages. Then seven leaves of compli- 
 mentary addresses. Next, 8-10 pages. Then the iiid and ivth books, 
 with index, &c. 446 pages. A single leaf, being a list of ' Opera Jo- 
 hannis Hevelii divino adspirante numine edenda,' follows. This is a 
 very desirable copy, in russia binding. 
 
 Mabillon, De Re Diplomatica. Paris. 1681- 
 1704. Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 The presentation copy, upon large paper, to the great Colbert ; to 
 whom this learned and valuable work is dedicated. Bound in red mo- 
 rocco, with Colbert's arms at the back and sides. The library at 
 Althorp boasts not of a nobler volume, in every respect, than the one 
 under consideration. The text, the printing, the paper, the plates — 
 are all worthy of the truly illustrious man under whose auspices they 
 were executed. The supplemental volume, always thin, is in a similar 
 condition and binding. 
 
 OpusculaGrammatica. Tuhingce. 1537- Quarto. 
 
 I have affixed the above title to a collection of grammatical tracts, 
 contained in this volume, from Victorinus, Servius Honoratus, Euty- 
 chus, and Servius Maurus Honoratus ; of which some are here the 
 FIRST i.MPREssioN's. One-half of this volume is however occupied by 
 a collection of pieces of ancient rhetorical writers; printed by Froben 
 in 1521. The present sound and large volume (valued at .^2. .12. .6. 
 by jMr. Payne) is bound in what may be called yellow morocco, the 
 leaves not gilt. It had belonged to De Thou. 
 
 [Marlborough Gems.] Gemmarum Antiqua- 
 RUM Delectus ; Ex prcestautioribus desumptus, 
 quae in Dactyliothecis Ducis Marlburiensis 
 conservantur, &c. 
 
 Prefixed to the title-page is a large engraving, in the line manner, 
 by Bartolozzi : from Plin. Hist. Nat. lib. xxxvii. c. ii. The above Latin
 
 Latin Boo/cs.] THE LIBRARY. 149 
 
 title is accompanied by a French title, or version ; as is indeed every 
 Latin description of the gems. On the recto of the leaf following the 
 title, we read ' Gemmarum Antiquarum Delectus — ChoLx de Pierres 
 Antiques Gravies.' On the reverse, commences the first description, 
 which is always in Latin. After the plate of the gem, succeeds the 
 French translation of such description. This uniformly throughout. 
 
 Order of the Plates. 
 VOL. I. 
 I. Publii Scipionis Africani Caput Juvenile. Opus elegantissiraum. 
 
 Stipling. Very elegant. 
 II. Lucii Cornelii Syllae Caput. Stipling; excellent. 
 III. Julii Caesaris Caput Laureatum, cum lituo et astro. Line. 
 IV' Marci Junii Bruti Caput. Line. 
 V. Marci Junii Bruti Caput, cum caduceo et testudine. Stipling. 
 
 Fine. 
 VI. Lepidi Caput cum lituo. Line. Fine. 
 VII. Augusti Caput cum Corond radiate. Line. Very fine. 
 VIII. Augusti Pontificis Maximi insignibus induti Caput cum pectore : 
 plen^ facie. Line. Fine. 
 IX. MarceUi, Octaviae Filii, Augusti Nepotis, Caput. Opus elegan- 
 tissiraum. Line. Very fine. 
 X. Liviae Protome cum Capite laureato, et velato Pectore ; simul 
 Tiberii Pueri prope adstantis Caput, arboris ignotae foliis re- 
 dimitum. Stipling. Very beautiful. 
 As this is a short and interesting description, I subjoin it by 
 way of a specimen of the work. 
 
 ' Gemma sane per se pretiosa : sed artificio longe pretiosior. 
 Summa est in Liriae vultu venustas : neque Tiberio deest 
 dignitas, et virilis pulchritudo, quam-\-is severitate quadam 
 castigata. Contracta sunt leviter supercilia : frons etiam ob- 
 nubila, et parum laeta ; tanquam, quis esset futurus, etiam in 
 pueritia portenderet. Matris in natum pietas probe adum- 
 brata est : quam tamen ejus temporis poeta nunquam exti- 
 tisse, neque potuisse, contendit. 
 
 Asper, et iramitis, broviter vis omnia dicam r 
 Dispeream, si te Mater amare potest. 
 Turcois, rarae magnitudinis : opere Anaglypho, quod max- 
 ime prominet.' 
 XI. Tiberii Caput Juvenile. Stipling. Beautiful. 
 
 VOL. I. U
 
 150 
 
 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 [jyiiscellaneous 
 
 XII. Germanici Togati Protome cum Capite laureato, Facie plen4, 
 et Fig^rd extante, et rotundiori ; pereleganti opificio cla- 
 borata. Line. Very fine. 
 
 XIII. Agrippins Majoris, Uxoris Germanici et Caligulae Matris, 
 
 Caput laureatum, sub effigie Dianee, absolutissimo opere 
 pertcctum. Line. Exquisite. 
 
 XIV. Ejusdem Agrippinae, sub effigie Csesaris, Caput elegantissi- 
 
 mum. Line. Fine. 
 XV. Galbae Caput laureatum. Stipling. Feeble. 
 XVI. Ejusdem Galbae Caput. SHpling. Fine. 
 XVII. Nerva; Togati Protome, cum capite laureato, plenil facie, 
 Anaglypho opere pulcherrimo, quod maxime prominet. 
 Stipling. Meagre. 
 XVIII. Ejusdem Nervae Caput. Line. Very fine ; but the nose dis- 
 proportioniibly prominent. 
 XIX. Marcianae, Trajani Sororis, Caput, elegantissim^ manu in- 
 
 scalptum. Line. Very beautiful. 
 XX. Sabinae, Hadriani U.xoris, Cajjut, cxquisitissimo opere, aprae- 
 stantissimo lithographo inscalptum. Line. Very beautiful. 
 XXI. Antinoi Caput, cum pectore velato. Line. Beautiful. 
 XXII. Caracallae Togati Protome, Facie jileni. Stipling. Very indif- 
 ferent : and what artists call ' rotten ' in the drapery and 
 back-ground. 
 
 XXIII. Ejusdem Caput laureatum. Stipling. Beautiful. 
 
 XXIV. Julia; Domnae, Severi Uxoris, Caput pulcherrimum, cum pec- 
 
 tore velato. Stipling. A very faint impression — and appa- 
 rently a feeble engraving. 
 
 XXV. Laocoontis Caput. Line. Fine. 
 
 XXVI. Semiramidis, vel potius Muss, Caput cum pectore. Line. 
 
 Exceedingly beautiful. 
 XXVII. Minervae Alcidae Caput galeatum : operis egregii. Stipling. 
 
 An exquisite head ; but .somewhat too feebly executed. 
 XXVIII. Phocionis Caput. Stipling. Fine. 
 
 XXIX. Jovis et Junonis Capita jugata : utrique coUum deest, quod 
 tamen auro artifex restituit. Stipling. Very betiutiful 
 heads ; but wanting in strength. 
 XXX. Veneris Caput. Stipling. Beautiful in every respect. 
 
 XXXI. Baccha; caput, pereleganti opificio Graeco exscalptum. Stip- 
 ling. Perfectly beautiful head, but the drapery and hair 
 rather want force. The face has nothing superior to it.
 
 Latin Books,] 
 
 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 151 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 XXXII. Hercules Bibax, stans, leonina pellc ad coUum adligatft, et 
 a tergo dependente : sinistril manu clavam erectam 
 tenet, dextra scyphum. Epigraphe.. AAMI2N Line. 
 Fine. 
 
 Bacchus stans : laevii thyrsum, dextrft cantharum tenet. 
 Li?ie. Exceedingly beautiful j but the head seems a 
 little too large. 
 
 Faunus Tigridis pelli insidens, cauda acutisque auribus 
 spectabilis, &c. Epigraphe NICOAAC. Line. Beau- 
 tiful ; but perhaps a little too coarse in the back-ground. 
 
 Athleta stans, qui dextri manu strigilem aversse cervicis 
 patri admovere videtur ; dum' sinistra sese ungit : juxta 
 mensa cum vel olei vel unguenti ampulla. Epigraphe 
 TNAIOT. Line. The most jjerfect specimen, in every 
 respect, of the talents of Bartolozzi. The figure stands 
 out beautifully in light and shade, and care has been 
 taken to make the back-ground worthy of it. This 
 back-ground is a specimen of the manner in which the 
 others should have been. It is soft, clear, and in beauti- 
 ful harmony with the figure ; which is drawn in better 
 style than the Bacchus of No. XXXIII. 
 XXXVI. Mercurius stans : dexter^ manu crumenam, laevi caduceum 
 tenet ; ad pedes GalJus ; juxta altare, et cancer superim- 
 positus. Stifling. Very much inferior to the preceding. 
 XXXVII. Mars stans, armatus. Epigraphe MARS VLTOR. Line. 
 Beautiful ; but the head yet too large, and the effect too 
 feeble. 
 XXXVIII. Miles de rupe descendens. Eximii scalptoris Gra;ci opus. 
 Line. Exceedingly beautiful ; and in Bartolozzi's very 
 best manner. 
 
 Diomedes Palladio potitus cum Ulysse altercatione con- 
 tendit. Epigraphe KALnOYPNIOT CEOTHPOT 
 *HAIH EnOIEI. Line. Perfectly beautiful. 
 
 Dei Marini natantes. Epigraphe 'TAAOT. Stifling. 
 Feeble, and not free from vulgarity of effect ; especially 
 in the countenance of the man. 
 
 Miles vulneratus a militibus duobus sustentatur. Line. 
 Fine subject ; but somewhat coarsely executed. 
 
 Miles Militi vulnerato opitulatur. Stifling. Beautifully 
 drawn, but the effect is too feeble. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 XL. 
 
 XLI 
 
 XLII.
 
 152 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneom 
 
 XLIII. Mulier stolata cum Virg^ine, quse laevfil thyrsum, dexterd 
 
 cantharum gerit. StipUng. Too coarsely engraved for 
 
 the delicacy of the composition. 
 
 XLIV. Faunus pelle caprind ex humeris pendente vestitus, &c. 
 
 StipUng. Fine composition ; but should have been line. 
 
 XLV. Alexandri Magni Effigies, cum Equo et Tropao. Opus ele- 
 
 gantissiroum. Line. Ex(iuisitely engraved. 
 XLVI. .^neam a Diomede saxo percussum Apollo conservat. Line. 
 Beautifully executed throughout. 
 X1.VII. Pompae cujusdam ob Victoriam partam Descriptio. StipUng; 
 and perhaps the most successful, of this kind of engrav- 
 ing, in the volume. 
 XL VIII. Amazon Amazonem morientem sustinet : juxta Equus. Line. 
 Exquisite. This print shews how Bartolozzi could en- 
 grave — if he chose. 
 XLIX. Fragmen Gemmtc, Bacchi Pompam, ut videtur, exhibens. 
 Line. Very fine. 
 L. Nuptise Psyches et Cupidinis. Epigraphe TIT4>i2N 
 EIIOIEI. StipUng. A fine impression of this well-known 
 subject ; but the back-ground is too coarse for the deli- 
 cacy of the group : and, after aU, the engraving is not 
 quite rich and mellow enough for the exquisite beauty of 
 the composition. 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 1. Ptolemaeus. Line. In parts too spotty and harsh : a fine 
 subject. 
 II. Metrodorus. StipUng. A coarse and loose effect j but fine head. 
 
 III. Socrates et Plato. StipUng. Very coarse and inferior. 
 
 IV. Alexandri Magni Caput. StipHng. A grand head, but coarsely 
 
 and inadequately executed. 
 V. Sappho. Line. Exceedingly tender and beautiful. 
 VI. Phryne. StipUng. Beautiful subject — wretchedly engraved. 
 VII. Pyrrhus. StipUng. Feeble, and coarse back-ground. 
 VIII. Unknown Head. StipUng. Too dark and coarse. CKTAAKO 
 inscribed. 
 IX. The same. StipUng. Very tame and coarse. 
 X. Medusa. StipUng. The same.
 
 Latin Books.'] 
 
 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 153 
 
 XI. Medusa. Stipling. \'ery tame and coarse. 
 XII. Minerva, Eutychis jEgeaei, Dioscoridis filii, opus. Slipling. 
 Bad effect. 
 
 XIII. Bacchus. Stipling. Very indifferent. 
 
 XIV. Deae Liberse Caput. Stipling. Fine subject j but executed 
 
 too feebly and too coarsely. 
 XV. Bacchans Foemina. Stipling. The same remark. 
 XVI. Mercurius. Stipling. Beautiful subject, but poorly executed. 
 XVII. Isis. Stipling. Very singular, and sufficiently coarse. Bar- 
 
 tolozzi now seemed to be growing tired of his task. 
 XVIII. Hercules and lole. Stipling. A lovely head of Hercules ; 
 but the accompaniments and back-ground are not suffici- 
 ently attended to. 
 
 XIX. Brutus. Stipling. Very coarse. 
 
 XX. Annibal. Line. The finest head hitherto in the volume. 
 XXI. Lucius Cornelius Sylla. Stipling. Feeble, and inefficient. 
 
 XXII. C. Cilnius Mecsenas. Stipling. A fine head, but inade- 
 quately engraved. 
 XXni. M. Agrippa. Stipling. Very coarse and feeble. 
 XXIV^ Livia Drusilla. Stipling. A beautiful subject, but exceed- 
 ingly ill engraved. 
 XXV. Drusus, Tiberii Filius. Stipling. Fine head ; but too feeble. 
 XXVI. Drusus, Germanici Filius. Stipling. The same inference. 
 XXVn. Antonia, vel Agrippina. Stipling. Very fine. 
 XXVIII. Domitia, vel Julia Titi. Stipling. Very poor. 
 XXIX. Hadrianus. Stipling. The same inference. 
 XXX. Antinous. Stipling. Beautiful head ; and, upon the whole, 
 worthy of Bartolozzi. 
 XXXI. Caput ignotum, Antonini forsanj unions. Inscribed AEAIOE. 
 
 Stipling. Very coarse. 
 XXXII. LuciUa. Stipling. Beautiful subject; but coarsely and 
 feebly executed. 
 
 XXXIII. Didius Julianus Augustus, et Manila Scantilla Augusta. 
 
 Stipling. A rich and beautiful subject : but in parts, as 
 usual, feeble and coarse. 
 
 XXXIV. Caput Sirii Canis. Stipling. A very fine and striking effort 
 
 of the burin. 
 XXXV. Vaccae. Line. Delicate and beautiful. 
 XXXVI. Equi. Line. Too harsh — especially the further horse and 
 the back-ground.
 
 154 
 
 THE LIBRARY. 
 
 [Miscellaneous 
 
 Faunus a Leone interfectus. Stipling. As bad, as No. 
 XXXV. is beautiful, 
 
 Mercurii Templum. Line. Very clever, 
 
 Imperator Hostem prosterncns. Line. Beautiful : in every 
 way worthy of Bartolozzi — by far the best, hitherto, in 
 the volume. 
 
 Coronis. (Apollo et Coronis) cum Corvo. See Ovid. Me- 
 tamorph. 1. ii. Line. Still more beautiful ; and perhaps 
 equal to any thing in either volume. 
 
 Cupidines. Line. A complete failure. 
 
 Ganymedes. Epigraphc KOIMOV. Stipling. Beautifully 
 drawn, but the grain is too coarse. 
 
 Ganymedes et Aquila. Stipling. Coarse and black. 
 
 Hercules AsovToipovof. Stipling. V'ery poor. 
 
 Faunus. Stipling. Feeble and inefBcient. 
 
 Omphale incedens. Stipling. A beautiful subject : inade- 
 quately executed. 
 
 Triumphus. Stipling. Interesting subject, and rather better 
 executed. 
 
 Biga. Line. Too coarse and black. 
 
 Biga. Stipling. Very coarse : the same subject, with the 
 near horse mutilated. 
 L. Silenus, Tigris, &c. Line. Very coarse, and quite un- 
 worthy of Bartolozzi. 
 
 .\ tail-piece, in the line manner, concludes the volume : which is in 
 Bartolozzi's true style of excellence : except that the head of the female 
 is too large. The Latin of the first volume of this work was the com- 
 position of the late celebrated Jacob Bryan, and that of the second 
 volume, of the late Rev. Dr. Cole, Prebendary of Westminster. The 
 whole is considered to be very pure Latinity. The curious are suffi- 
 ciently aware of the extreme rarity and value, as well as beauty, 
 of these precious volumes. The present choice copy is bound in yel- 
 low morocco. The first volume, divided into separate prints, was 
 sold at the sale of Mr.Wodehouse's books in 1801, for £l45 ; of which, 
 lot XXXII. alone produced £l5..4..6. Of the second volume, only 
 twenty-three subjects had been collected; notwithstanding we are in- 
 formed that Mr. Wodehouse was twenty years in making the collection. 
 Bibliomania, p. 591-4. 
 
 XXXVII 
 
 XXXVIII 
 XXXIX. 
 
 XL 
 
 XLI. 
 XLU. 
 
 XLIII. 
 XLIV. 
 XLV. 
 XLVI 
 
 XLVII. 
 
 XL VIII. 
 XLIX.
 
 Latin Books.] THE LIBRARY. 155 
 
 RicHARDi Croci Britanni Introductioncs in 
 Rudimenta Grseca. Colonics. 1520 Quarto. 
 
 I make no question of this being one of the very rarest grammatical 
 tracts of our learned countrymen at the beginning of the xvith cen- 
 tury. It is clear that Ant. a Wood never saw the work ; but it is probably 
 what he designates as ' Introductiones ad Linguam Gracam.' ' Elementa 
 Gram. Gr<EC<E.' See the Athen. Oxon., vol. i. col. 260; where there is 
 a good account of the author, who died in 1558. That he was greatly 
 patronised by Abp. Warham, as Mr. Bliss intimates, is evident from 
 the dedication of this work to him,* and which was doubtless printed 
 abroad before the author had returned from his travels. Croke was a 
 Northamptonshire clergyman (of Long Buckby, within three miles of 
 Althorp), and therefore his work is appropriately found upon the 
 shelves of this library. On the reverse of g iij, in fours, is the colo- 
 phon thus : 
 
 Coloniae in aedibus Eucharij Ceruicorni, 
 Anno a Christo nato, M. D. XX. mense 
 Maio . expensis providi uiri domini Joannis 
 Lair de Siborch. 
 
 A neat wood-cut of St. George and the Dragon on one side, and of 
 St. Jerom on the other side, of the following and last leaf, closes the 
 volume. A remarkably sound and desirable copy ; in russia binding. 
 
 Thuerdanck. Nuremhurg. 1517. Folio. 
 
 First edition, upon vellum : the cuts uncoloured. A copy, which, 
 in its original binding, must have been exquisite. It is yet a very fine 
 book. Consult for one minute the Bibliographical Decameron, vol. i. 
 p. IfH. The finest veUum copy of this tnily magnificent work is pro- 
 bably that in the Imperial Library at Vienna. Tour, vol. iii. p. 529. 
 Mr. Payne had one nearly as fine — in its original binding — but it was 
 imperfect. The present is bound in red morocco, by Kalthoeber. 
 
 • ' Vtpote qui possem uideri immensos, quos in me a duodecimo iam aono fecisli sump- 
 tus, praeter labores plurimos, quos in componendas in rem meam lites impeiidisti, tantulo 
 opusculo ueile compensare. Sed fidem meam tibi minime suspectam scio, et nunc urgent 
 Chrysostonius tuus in vetus iustrumentum latinitati a me donandus, et in Theodori quar- 
 tum commentarij,* &c.
 
 156 THE LIBRARY. [Editions of 
 
 EDITIONS OF ARIOSTO. 
 
 As the Public have been led to expect some account of his Lordship's 
 Italian Books, I am not aware that a better method can be devised, by- 
 way of a specimen of such books, than that of submitting a list of those 
 editions of the Orlando F'uriosn of Ariosto, to be found in the Library 
 at Althorp, which are printed in the Sixteenth Century. To enumerate 
 those in the two succeeding centuries, would be not only to swell the 
 list to an inordinate size, but to exhibit such as are in most of the 
 libraries of collectors of Italian poetry. At the same time it must be 
 admitted, that his Lordship's collection is not yet complete — since it 
 has only the editions of the years 1516, 1527. and 1532; and wants 
 the Giolito impression of 1542. On the other hand, the acquisition 
 of the FIRST and sixth impressions (for I consider that of 1530 to 
 be supposititious), together with the Aldine, Giunta, and the Potto 
 editions, renders this collection unique in our own country. 
 
 It cannot, however, be dissembled, that a critical investigation of 
 the F.ABi.v text of Ariosto, is yet a desideratum of no inconsiderable 
 importance to the lovers of old Italian literature ; the more so, as De 
 Bure, Mazuchelli, Apostolo Zeno, Orlandi, and Haym, are generally 
 superficial and incorrect. It is asserted that Ariosto again corrected 
 the text of his poem — even after the edition of 1532, which is al- 
 lowed to have been put forth under his own superintendence. He 
 died in June, 1533 ; according to Sismondi, vol. ii. p. 63. It is per- 
 haps not very unreasonable to indulge the liope, that the \ ery able hands 
 which have executed such masterly memorials relating to Dante, Pe- 
 TRARCB, and Tasso, in two of our most popular critical journals, 
 will be exercised in due time upon Ariosto — the most wild and per- 
 haps popular of these four great poets of Italy. It only remains to 
 submit the promised list of most of the earlier and rarer editions of 
 the poet under consideration.
 
 Ariosto.] THE LIBRARY. 157 
 
 Orlando Flrioso, &c. At the end : Impresso 
 in Ferrara per Maestro Giouanni Mazoccu dal 
 Bondeno adi xxii de ylprile. m.d.xvi. Quarto. 
 
 First Edition ; of such excessive rarity, that I know of no other 
 copy but that in the Royal Library of France. The reader will find a 
 particular description of it in the Bibliog. Decameron, vol. i. p 286'. 
 The privilege of the Pope, extracted in the page here referred to, is 
 certainly confirmative of this impression being the first ; although men- 
 tion is made of a privilege of the date of the 25th of October, 1515, 
 towards the end of the edition of 1532— described below. Barotti, in 
 his Life of Ariosto, thinks, vnth great probability, that this edition was 
 begun in 1515, and finished in 1516. Consult Ginguene', vol. iv. p. 
 354. The present copy, of which the title-page is unfortunately sup- 
 plied by ms., aflfords one of the most brilliant specimens known of the 
 binding of the late Mr. Mackinlay ; in dark green morocco. 
 
 ristampato et con molta diligentia da lui 
 
 corretto et quasi tutto formato di nvovo et am- 
 pliato. Cunigrat. et priv. Venet. 152J. Quarto. 
 
 The preceding is within a rude wood-cut border, having, at top, 
 ' PRO bono' — at bottom, ' .malv.m.' A device of bees flying from a hive, 
 with fire beneath, is on the reverse. Then the text, on the recto of the 
 following leaf, numbered ii — as in the first edition of 1516. The leaves 
 are numbered throughout as far as fol. cc\iii, which concludes the 
 XLth Canto, and the text : at bottom, we read, in seven lines, ' Finisse 
 Orlando Furioso de Ludovico Ariosto : Stampato in linclita Citta di Ve- 
 netia Per Madonna Helisabetta de Rusconi Nel. m.d.xxvii. Adi xxvii. 
 De Zugno Regnante lindyto Principe Andrea Gritti. Con licentia del 
 ditto autore.' The register is beneath : On the reverse is the same de- 
 vice as that on the reverse of the title. This copy is in fair good con- 
 dition : in old calf binding, with red edged leaves. This edition is briefly 
 noticed by Mazzuchelli, but not by De Bure, Haym, or Brunet. The 
 Ferrara edition, of the following year, is probably only a reprint of the 
 present. Brunet considers it to be a reprint of the edition of 1521. 
 Both conjectures may be true. Consult the note, by ^Ir. Evans, in the 
 catalogues of Col. Stanley and the Duke of Marlborough. 
 
 VOL. I. X
 
 158 THE LIBRARY. [Editions of 
 
 Orlando Furioso di Messer Ludovico Ariosto 
 Nobile Ferrarese Nvovamente da lui proprio 
 Corretto e d' Altri Canti Nuovi ampliato con 
 gratie e Privilegii. Ferrara. 1532. Quarto. 
 
 The preceding title is printed in red capital roman letters (in eleven 
 lines), within an elaborated wood-cut border, composed chiefly of mi- 
 litary trophies. The privilege for printing, by Pope Clement \'II., is 
 on the reverse ; followed by that of Charles V., Emperor of Germany. 
 The poem begins on the recto of the following leaf, A ii, thus : 
 
 Le donne i caualier : 1' arme : gli amori 
 
 Le cortesie : 1' audaci iprese io canto. 
 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 This is the first edition of the entire poem (46 Cantos), corrected 
 under the care of Ariosto himself: the preceding edition of 152" con- 
 taining only -40 Cantos. This edition is printed in a roman type, 
 in double columns, with a large capital initial, in outline, prefixed to 
 each canto. The signatures extend from A to Z, and a to h, eacli 
 alphabet being in eights. On the conclusiou of the poem, h vj. re- 
 verse, we read, in roman capitals, ' Finis Pro Bono Malvm.' On the 
 recto of the following leaf is the profile of Ariosto, cut in wood, within 
 the same border us in the title-page — and perhaps the first engraved 
 head of the poet. On the reverse are two privileges j one from An- 
 dreas Gritti, Doge of Venice, dated I4th of .lanuary IS'iT" ; in which 
 however mention is made of a previous privilege, dated 25th of Oc- 
 tober 1515. Then follows a privilege of Francis II., Duke of Milan, 
 dated xx. July 1531 ; at the bottom of which it is intimated, that simi- 
 lar privileges, for exclusive sale, were granted the author by several 
 Italian potentates. On the recto of the following and last leaf, is the 
 imprint thus : 
 
 Impresso in Ferrara jier maestro Francesco Rosso da Va- 
 lenza, a di primo d' Ottobre. m.d.xxxii. 
 
 The register is beneath. Then the device of a hand, from the clouds, 
 with a pair of shears extended over two serpents ; of which one has had 
 the tongue cut out, and the other seems to be about to receive the same 
 punishment. The motto, across the clouds, is this : ' Dilexisti Ma- 
 LiTiA sup[eb] Benionitatem.' The reverse is blank.
 
 Ariosto.] THE LIBRARY. 159 
 
 The extreme rarity, and great intrinsic worth, of this impression, 
 almost seem to require a description at least as minute as the foregoing. 
 This copy, although not large, is quite sound and perfect ; and bound 
 in yellow morocco, by Mackinlay. 
 
 Orlando Furioso con le Notationi di tutti gU 
 luoghi doue per lui e stato ampliato, Come nel 
 Fine de 1' opera chiaro si uede. In Venegia 
 per Benedetto de Bendonis. 1537- Quarto. 
 
 A wood-cut of the head of Ariosto, the same as to the edition of 
 1532, is below the title : the whole in a rude wood-cut border. A 
 large, and not inelegant wood-cut, with a black back-ground, precedes 
 the text on the recto of folio 2. Each canto is preceded by a small 
 wood-cut of very barbarous art. The poem ends on the reverse of 
 folio 238. Then a leaf of the ' Nottationi delli Loghi.' Another, and 
 the last leaf in the volume, with the colophon and printer's device — 
 the figure of Justice, sitting, with a pair of scales in the left, and a 
 sword in the right hand. The colophon is thus : ' In Vinegia per Be- 
 nedetto de Bendonis De V hella del Logo maggiore. Ne I' Anno del 
 Signore. mdxxxvii. adi prima Marzo Regnanle V Inclito Principe Mes- 
 ser Andrea Gritti. A desirable copy ; in russia, gilt leaves. 
 
 . In T^e7ietin per Dome7iego Zio, &c. 1539- 
 
 1540. Quarto. 
 
 The portrait of Ariosto, as before, is in the title-page. There are wood- 
 cuts throughout, copied after the preceding — but not the cuts themselves. 
 The first cut, however, is here essentially different, and much inferior. 
 The text ends on the reverse of the 246th leaf; with an imprint indi- 
 cating the edition to have been printed by Pietro di NicolLni da Sabio, 
 in 1540. But, after the leaf of 'Notationi,' &c. we observe, on the 
 following and last leaf, an imprint, of the date of 1539, denoting the 
 impression to have been executed by ' Domenego ZioSt Fratelli Veneti,' 
 having the device of those printers, composed of the letters V. D. Z. F. 
 below, in white, upon a black ground. This is a sound copy ; in calf, 
 marbled leaves.
 
 160 THE LIBRARY. [Editions of 
 
 Orlando Furioso ridotto ct ornato di Varie Fi- 
 gure, &c. Romce. 1543. Quarto. 
 
 Although published at Rome, I suspect this edition to have been 
 printed at Venice. The wood-cuts are clearly those of the Petit Ber- 
 nard ; and were copied in the edition about to be described. The 
 printer, Jolito di Ferrarii, tells us, in the usual strain of rival publish- 
 ers, that the text of the poet had been ' oltre modo guasta e lacerata 
 dalla auaritia d' alcuni Inipressori : e percio hauendola io non senza 
 infinita mia fatica et spesa in bella e corretta e commoda fonna ri- 
 dotta,' &c. At the end of the text of Ariosto, are ' Stanze del Signor 
 Alvigi Gonzaga dello Rodomonte a Messer Lvdovico Ariosto' — in 
 two leaves — terminated by the usually received head of the poet, with 
 a sonnet of Ludovico Dolce beneath.* This copy is bound in red mo- 
 rocco. 
 
 ridotto et ornato di varie figure, &c. In 
 
 Venetia per G. Jolito. 1543. Small Quarto. 
 
 A beautiful little edition ; of which the wood-cuts are singularly 
 spirited — and which wood-cuts were repeated in a variety of editions. 
 At the end is a tract, by Ludovico Dolce, of the Explanation of the 
 words and difficult pass;igcs found in Ariosto, with a separate title- 
 page, and the printer's device. The date of this tract is 1540. Another 
 similar tract follows, concluded by a table or index. This copy is in 
 blue morocco binding. The cuts are copied from those in the preced- 
 ing edition ; but are not absolutely the same. Many are preferable ; 
 
 • The sonnet is thus : 
 Spirto Diuin : ne le cui dotte carte 
 
 Fra bei conccnti al grand Virgilio eguali 
 
 Si mostra, nientre al del spiegano 1' ali, 
 
 Tutto quel, cbc puo far 1' ingegno & I' arte 
 Ei con sonora Troniba in ogni parte 
 
 Mando gli honor d' Enea, ciiiari e iinmortali: 
 
 Per te i pregi do 1' arme, in ncssun tall, 
 
 11 ligliuol di Miloiie inuola a Marte, 
 Orno di lui 1' ctcmo alto lauoro 
 
 11 bel nonic Lalin : tu con si chiara 
 
 Voce, clie I' ode ogn' un Toscano illustri. 
 Tal che 'I gran Jlincio e '1 Po cinti d' Aliuro 
 
 Di tempo in tempo alfar di tutti i lustri : 
 
 Quel ]\Iantoa csallera, fjucsto Ferrara !
 
 Ariosto.] THE LIBRARY. 161 
 
 witness that at the commencement of the fourth canto. Dolce's anno- 
 tations render it clear that this edition was printed after that at Rome. 
 
 Orlando Furioso. Con molte Espositioni illus- 
 trato : In Firenze m.j).:k.l,jiii. Quarto. 
 
 The title is within an handsome ornamented border, with the device 
 of the Junta lily below. V^archi's address follows. Then the argu- 
 ments to the several Cantos : next, the table or index, terminated by a 
 fresh portrait of Ariosto, cut upon wood, with the sonnet of L. Dolce at 
 bottom — as before. The whole on lo leaves, ending on the reverse of 
 A ii. On A iii the text begins, with the cuts of the Roman edition of 
 1543. The text ends on the reverse of folio 260, numbered, with the 
 head of Ariosto and Dolce's sonnet, as before. In this copy there fol- 
 lows ' Dimostratione delle comparationi, et altre annotationi nvomamente 
 aggiunte con le citationi de luoghi de r autore imitati,' &c. printed at the 
 press of Benedetto Giunta in the same year — with two other tracts re- 
 lating to Ariosto. In the whole, 22 leaves. On the reverse is the same 
 device as in the title of the edition of the text. This copy also contains 
 ' Cinque Canti di vn Nvovo Libro di M. Liidovico Ariosto, i quali seguono 
 la materia del Ffurioso : di nvovo mandati in Luce." — 154 6, containing 
 28 numbered leaves. I consider this edition to be among the very 
 rarest of the poem in question. It has escaped all the bibliographers, 
 including Bandini and Brunet ; and was purchased at Rome, by his 
 Lordship, of Petrucci the bookseller. 
 
 aggivntovi in fine piv di cinqvecento Stanze, 
 
 &c. non piv vedvte, &c. //* T^enetia, In Casa 
 de Figlivoli d'Aldo. 1545. Quarto. 
 
 This may be considered as one of the rarer editions of the Orlando 
 Furioso. Mazzuchelli, p. 1071, informs us, that it is the first edition in 
 which are added the five Cantos subsequently written by Ariosto; 
 these were communicated to Antonio Manuzio, by Virginio Ariosto, 
 the poet's son ; and he adds, that though they want here and there some 
 stanzas, and the edition contains none of the labours of other authors 
 on the poem, it is nevertheless a very rare one. These five cantos were 
 usually printed in all following editions.' M. Renouard has been less 
 particular in his account of this impression, in the first volume of his 
 Aldine -Annals, p. 234, than in his Supplement, p. 21 : in which latter
 
 162 THE LIBRARY. [Editions of 
 
 place the notice is curious. He classes it, however, in vol. i. p. 234, 
 anaong ' the rarest of the Aldine pubUcations.' This edition contains 
 248 leaves, exclusively of the five cantos ; to which must be added 28 
 leaves, with a separate one for the title, of the supplemental cantos. 
 The present desirable copy, from the Borromeo collection, is bound in 
 yellum. 
 
 Orlando Furioso. /« Vinegia. Appresso Ga- 
 briel Giolito, Sec. 1547. Quarto. 
 
 With the emendations of Gonzaga. The address of Giolito, as of 
 1542, follows. The same kind of cuts as before, with a border at each 
 end. At the end is an Espositione di tutti Vocaboli, &c. with a fresh 
 title-page, of the same date; concluding with sign. **»* vj. Then 
 the Cinque Canti, &c. with the elaborate device of the Gioliti ; 31 num- 
 bered leaves, 
 
 traduzido en Romance Castellano, &c. 
 
 G. Giolito. En V^enecia. 1553. Quarto. 
 
 Containing all the pieces, with the wood-cuts, as before. A beauti- 
 tiful copy of a rare and most estimable volume ; in old red morocco 
 binding, gilt leaves. 
 
 In Vinegia. G. Giolito. 1555. Quarto. 
 
 With all the fore-mentioned pieces. A beautiful copy, in vellum 
 binding. 
 
 — In Venetia. Appresso Vicenzo Valgrisi, 
 
 nella hottega d'Erasmo. 1556 Quarto. 
 
 Apparently the first with large wood-cuts. The title-page, including 
 the beautiful little head of Ariosto at top, is a masterpiece of graphic 
 art. Following page 556, is a piece, with a fresh title (1556,) and with 
 the twisted snake of Valgrisi — c-iUed ' Annotationi et Awertimenti di 
 Girolamo Ruscelli sopra luoghi difiicili et importanti del Furioso," 
 concluding at C 4, in fours. Then a table, m, n, o, p, in fours. An 
 indifferent copy, in vellum binding. Consult Mazzuchelli, vol. ii. p. 
 1071 J in praise of this edition.
 
 Ariosto.] THE LIBRARY. 163 
 
 Orlando Furioso. In Venetia. Appresso Do- 
 menico §• G. B. Guerra, fratellL 1568. Duo- 
 decimo. 
 
 A beautiful little edition, with cuts after the manner of those of 1 543, 
 if not by the same hand. It contains only the text of the poet, in a 
 small neat roman type. A fine copy of this book is however a desi- 
 deratum in this library, 
 
 Traduzido en Romance Castellano. En 
 
 Venecia Ala En.sena dela Salamandra. 1575. 
 Quarto. 
 
 A fresh set of wood-cuts, very inferior. 
 
 In Venetia. Appresso gli Heredi di Vin- 
 
 cenzo Valgrisi. 1580. Quarto. 
 
 The same as the edition of 1.556 ; with a repetition of the large cuts. 
 In vellum binding. 
 
 adornato di figure di rame da Gir. Porro. 
 
 Venetia, Fr. de Franceschi. 1584. Quarto. 
 
 De Bure has almost compensated for the barrenness of his account 
 of the previous editions of the Orlando Furioso, by the length and par- 
 ticularity of his description of the present ; — which, however, is pro- 
 perly called ' assez beUe," by Brunet. The truth is, the copper-plate 
 engravings of Porro are very poor, both in design and execution ; and 
 the test of a perfect copy of this edition is, the possession of the origi- 
 nal impression of the 34th plate — which is oftimes missing, and as fre- 
 quently supplied by a counterfeit, or the 33rd plate. The head of 
 Ariosto in the beginning is unequal to the first wood-cut portrait of 
 him. Consult De Bure, vol. iii. p. 661. n°. 3397, and Brunet, vol. i. 
 p. 78, edit. 1814. Mazzuchelli, vol. ii. p. 1073. The present copy, in 
 blue morocco binding, belonged to Lamoionon ; and therefore may 
 be considered to be in the finest condition.
 
 164 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 Orlando Furioso. In Venetia. G. Angelieri. 
 1585. Quarto. 
 
 With a short life of Ariosto. A fresh set of small wood-cuts, of 
 which the first is by far the best. After the Cinque Canti, are 57 
 leaves of dissertation, chiefly by G. Pigna and Nicolo Eugenico. A 
 table of 16 leaves concludes the volume. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS ENGLISH BOOKS. 
 
 I now come to the selection of a few articles in that department 
 where there is a comparatively considerable difficulty ; because the 
 choice is greater, and because almost every reader will be disposed to 
 maintain his own, and perhaps an opposite, opinion, upon the propriety 
 of this selection. Be this as it may, I am willing to hope, and believe, 
 that such a list of articles, as is here exhibited, will not be thought un- 
 worthy of the treasures by which they have been preceded. To avoid 
 numerous divisions, I have thrown the whole, wiiether poetry or prose, 
 into alphabetical order. 
 
 Bacon's [Lord] Essays. Printed by Bensley, for 
 J. Edwards and T. Payne. 1798. Duodecimo. 
 
 One of the four large paper copies, printed exclusively for the 
 Countess Spencer. To give some idea of the whimsical proportions 
 of this rare volume, it is only necessary to observe that the te.\t is not 
 quite four inches and a half in length, by two and a half in width — 
 while the book measures sixteen inches and a half in length, by nearly 
 thirteen in width — so that we have here literally the ' cymba in oceano ' 
 of Ernesti, or the ' river of text in a meadow of margin ' of Sheridan. 
 These four copies were presented by Lady Spencer — one to the late 
 Duke of Devonshire, a second to the late Rev. C. M. Cracherode, ^ 
 third to the late Mr. James, and the fourth to his Lordship. On the 
 death of Mr. James, his copy was purchased by Messrs. Payne and 
 Foss; and it appears, in a recent catalogue published by them, marked 
 at the price of X8..8.
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 165 
 
 The Catalogue of Honor, or Tresury of Trve 
 Nobility pecvliar and proper to the Isle of Great 
 Britaine. &c. (By Tho. Milles.) London, 
 printed for TVilUcnn laggard. 1610. Folio. 
 
 This is the costliest work, up to the period of its publication, of any 
 which had been printed upon the subject of noble genealogies. It 
 takes no notice of degrees of rank below that of an Earl : and is 
 arranged according to the usual method of allotting the counties — 
 whence the titles are derived. The copy under description is upon 
 LARGE PAPER, and rulcd in red lines by an ancient hand. It appears 
 to have formerly belonged to an Earl of ' Tankerville,' whose title 
 is inscribed on the reverse of the fifth leaf. Sound and desirable as 
 this copy is, it yet appears, from some memoranda at p. 546, to have 
 been once larger, and to have suffered from the binder, although the 
 date of the binding (in old calf, ^vith arms stampt on the sides) may 
 be nearly coeval with that of the publication. There are some copper- 
 plates in this book deserving of commendation. They shew the dif- 
 ferent orders of rank, by full-dressed figures, beginning with a Baron — 
 concluding with the Prince of Wales ; which latter figure seems here 
 intended for that of Prince Henry.* These figures are about eight 
 inches in height. One large folded plate, representing the King sitting 
 in the House of Lords, follows two previous ones, not folded, in which 
 his Majesty (James I.) is sitting upon the throne. There is something 
 in the style of art which reminds us of Hollar. The arms of the nobi- 
 lity are represented by wood-cuts. In the whole, there are 1131 
 pages — exclusively of the last page of errata, the title, dedication, 
 address to the reader, 99 pages of nohility, political and civil, and five of 
 a ' peroration or epilogue.' On the reverse of the last leaf of the 
 discourse on nobility, are two figures, shewing the back and front dress 
 of a Knight of the Garter. This work Includes a History of England 
 to the time of Elizabeth. I should add, that the name of Milles 
 appears at the bottom of the dedication to Cecil, Earl of Salisburv, 
 Prime Minister to King James — a character, whom Sawyer, in the 
 preface to his edition of If'inwood's Memorials, 1~25, labours hard to 
 defend against the attacks ' of aU the little vrits of his own and suc- 
 ceeding times.' t 
 
 • He was created Prince of Wales June 5, 1610. 
 
 t Milies's language is quite hh own, and perfectly 'sui generis.' It is at times 
 
 VOL. I. Y
 
 16G THE LIBRARY. [Miscel/aneous 
 
 I do not notice this book so much from its rarity, as from its being 
 the parent of the subsequently celebrated works of Asumoi.e, Anstis, 
 and Sandfohd. It is, however, uni(iue of its kind; the production 
 of a man of unquestionable talent ; and tiiere is a sobriety, and even 
 occasional splendour, of decoration about it, in the plates, which always 
 render it an object for attainment. 
 
 Castro, Guillen de, — Some Account of the Life 
 and Writings of By Henry Richard Lord 
 Holland. 181 7. Octavo. 
 
 It will be presently seen why this modern, and necessarily not un- 
 common work finds a place in this catalogue. Below the title, as 
 above, we read ' An unique copy. Printed fob John Lord Spencer.' 
 It is upon lage paper, in russia binding ; but in the foregoing desig- 
 nntinn of the owner of the copy, the printer has obviously erred. The 
 work itself is justly popular. The noble author (' ille si quis alius") 
 may one day be prevailed upon to give us a Flos Poetarum His- 
 PANORUM. Such a nosegay cannot foil to have a perennial bloom. 
 
 Devonshire Gems ; or Engravings from a Portion 
 of the Collection of Gems in the possession of 
 His Grace the Duke of Devonshire. (1730.) 
 Quarto. 
 
 The late Mr. Bcloe {Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books, vol. 
 i. p. IS'i,) was supplied with his account of this work from the source 
 whence the present description, or rather narrative, is taken : a nar- 
 rative, that discloses an act of profligacy and perfidiousness rarely 
 exceeded. It is as follows; from a ms. memorandum in this copy. 
 
 ' The following Collection of Gems was begun to be formed by Wil- 
 liam, the third Duke of Devonshire ; and enlarged by M'illiam, the 
 
 quaint and sententious ; at others, full, vigorous, and eloquent. Milles seems to have been 
 acquainted with the famous Sir Robert Cotton — or at least with his IWran/ — in its ori- 
 ginal, rich, and unsophisticated state : ' whose Private Study (says he) seems to be the Pit 
 ^^■hcrein our forefathers laid up and preserved tlicir holy, hidden-fire, and protocols of 
 truth, to sanctifie the vowes of all our Modernc Antiquaries, by the sunshine of these our 
 latter happie dales.' Muchah. lib. 1, Ca. 2. On revision, it should seem that Lord 
 Spencer's copy was once in the library of De Thou — as the letters of direction — 2 C. P. 
 T. 2. F. 47 — are precisely like those usually seen in the volumes of tliat library.
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 107 
 
 fourth Duke, who was desirous of having the whole series engraved. 
 He wished the engravings to be the precise representations of the ori- 
 ginals. In his search, therefore, he was anxious to obtain an artist, 
 whose abilities were equal to the copying of the Antique, and vet so 
 much under command as not to improve any imperfection of the more 
 moderate, or to fling, on the more beautiful, a cast of style, however 
 admirable in itself, which the gems did not justify. 
 
 ' Such a plan was necessarily attended with difficulty. When an 
 artist has acquired a sufficiently extensive taste to feel the beauties of 
 a work, and to disrelish its faults, it seldom happens that he can induce 
 himself not to remove the defect in his copy. Whether it is that he 
 has an unconquerable antipatliy to deformity, or that he fears lest the 
 blemish should be attributed to himself, certain it is that he labours to 
 amend it. It is the same disposition which urges his endeavour to 
 heighten even what is beautiful ; and thus it arises, that in copies by 
 our best artists, we perceive a general resemblance of the original, with 
 a spirit characteristic of their own pecuhar manner. It is not surpris- 
 ing, tiierefore, that some time elapsed before the Duke's inquiries met 
 with success. 
 
 ' At length, about the year 1724, M. Gosmond, a Frenchman, was 
 recommended to his Grace as well qualified to answer his Grace's 
 expectations ; and indeed the specimens, which are here collected, 
 place his talents as an artist in a respectable point of view. They pos- 
 sess no inconsiderable share of breadth and simplicity of style, and have 
 the further recommendation of faithfulness. 
 
 ' The Duke, as was natural for a liberal man, evinced his satisfaction 
 by many offices of generosity. But these unfortunately met with no 
 grateful return : perhaps they were even the very cause of ingratitude. 
 For Mr. Gosmond, conceiving that he had so strong a hold of his Pa- 
 tron's good opinion as to establish himself in the family, relaxed in his 
 attention, and by degrees entered into dissipation. The work now went 
 on slowly, and objects of expense continued to increase on him. His 
 calls on the Duke, therefore, were more frequent, while his claims for 
 patronage were diminishing ; and thus every day forfeiting the esteem 
 of his noble employer, the Duke was under the necessity of declaring 
 to him, when 99 plates were finished, that he had already paid consi- 
 derably more than tlie stipulated sum for the whole work : and, with 
 the hope of obliging liim to be more attentive, refused to answer any 
 further demands tiU the work should proceed less negligently.
 
 168 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 ' Meeting with this unexpected refusal, am\ fearing the impatience 
 of his creditors, M. Gosmond secretly left tlie kingdom, and tarried 
 many of the plates with him. What became of him, after his return to 
 the Continent, is uncertain : enquiries were made, but they proved in- 
 effectual. Probably as no work, bearing his name, has appeared, he 
 died soon after his return to his native country. 
 
 ' From this unlucky .iccident the Duke was frustrated in his pur- 
 pose ; nor was he enabled to make up a few sets for liis friends of what 
 even were done. For, either impressions from several of the plates 
 were not taken, or, if they were, they had been tarried away by M. 
 Gosmond. It does not appear what the number of plates left in the 
 possession of the Duke amounted to. The Rev. C. M. Cracherode, 
 whose tase and munificence are well known, could never obtain, though 
 he made it an object, more than 101. But the scarcity of these plates 
 may be collected from the following anecdote in Mr. West's Catalogue 
 of Books : no 2790. ' The Duke of Devonshire's Cabinet of Gems, by 
 Gosmond, 39 Plates, being all that were engraved. M. Gosmond, a 
 Frenchman, was employed by the old Duke of Devonshire to engrave 
 his cabinet of gems, but when he had gone through the few liere col- 
 lected, he ran away, leaving some plates behind, and carrying the rest 
 with him. What plates came into the Duke's hands, he favoured me 
 with proofs from : another parcel was purchased in France by the 
 Hon. B. Bathurst, and presesentcd to me by him. A. D. 1"30.' 
 
 The numbers at the end of the description, refer to a catalogue in 
 the Duke of Devonshire's library. 
 
 List of the Plates, in the Order in which thev appear in the 
 
 Copy AT ALTHOBp. 
 
 1. Priamus. .lEtionis Opus. Corniol. incisum. An intaglio Cor- 
 
 nelian. 42. 
 
 2. Jupiter Ammon. (Cornelian.) 49. 
 
 3. Jupiter Serapis. (Cornelian.) 47. 
 
 4. ApoUo, by Thesmos. 96. 
 
 5. Perseus. 87- 
 
 6. Pyrrhus. 79. 
 
 7. Head of a Warrior. 75 
 
 8. Mercury. 54. 
 
 9. Hercules. 97. 
 
 10. The Same. (Beryl.) 1.
 
 En 
 
 glish Books.] THE LIBRARY, 
 
 11. 
 
 lole. (Cornelian.) 40 
 
 
 12. 
 
 Psyche. 
 
 98. 
 
 
 13. 
 
 The Same. (Garnet.) 
 
 21. 
 
 14. 
 
 Medusa. 
 
 81. 
 
 
 15. 
 
 Perseus. 
 
 (Onyx.) 11. 
 
 
 16. 
 
 Ceres. 
 
 88. 
 
 
 17. 
 
 Medusa. 
 
 (Amethyst.) 
 
 43. 
 
 18. 
 
 Silenus. 
 
 62. 
 
 
 19. 
 
 Ariadne. 
 
 (Cornelian.) 
 
 23, 
 
 20. 
 
 Priest of Pan. 94. 
 
 
 169 
 
 21. Socrates, by Agathemeros, an intaglio, vide Stosch, no 4. (Cor- 
 
 nelian.) 36. 
 
 22. Unknown Head. (Beryl.) 9. 
 
 23. Sappho. (White Cornelian.) 24. 
 
 24. Laocoon. (Sardony.ic.) 18. 
 
 25. Ptolemy Dionusos. (Hyacinth.) 37. 
 
 26. Ptolemy Neoteros. (Sapphire.) 2. 
 
 27. Triptolemus. 90. 
 
 28. Scipio Africanus. S3. 
 
 29. Ptolemy the Great. (Ony.\.) 39. 
 
 30. Cleopatra. 72. 
 
 31. Augustus. 69. 
 
 32. The same. 68. 
 
 33. Maecenas. (Cornelian.) 7- 
 
 34. Tiberius (Beryl.) 31. 
 
 35. Antonia, Wife of Drusus. (Onyx.) 48. 
 
 36. Claudius. (Cornelian.) 61. 
 
 37. Nero and Agrippa. (Emerald.) 33. 
 
 38. Marciana. (Nearly 5-8ths by 4-8ths inch. Cornelian.) This 
 
 gem the present Duke of Devonshire lost oflF his finger. 10. 
 
 39. Hadrian. (Cornelian.) 58. 
 
 40. Sabina (Agua Marina.) 45. 
 
 41. Marcus Aurelius Ant : by .^polian. (Intaglio. Amethyst. See 
 
 Stosch, no 2.) 32. 
 
 42. Mask, by Aucteus. (Cornelian.) 34. 
 
 43. (Qu. Young Hercules ?) (Hyacinth.) 60. 
 
 44. Marius. (Sappliire.) 59. 
 
 45. Cicero. (Sapphire.) 66. 
 
 46. Unknown Head. 71. 
 
 47. The Same. (Very fine.) 56.
 
 170 THE LIBRARY. [MhcMineovs 
 
 48. The Same. (Qu. an Apollo — wreath of laurel or bay round the 
 
 head.) 95. 
 
 49. The Same. (Lapis Lazuli.) 6. 
 
 50. The Same (a female) by Dioscorides ; very fine. (Topaz.) 12. 
 
 51. The Same, (a female) with necklace, ear-rings, and braided hair; 
 
 beneath, an eagle, with Jove's thunder, &c. The bird has its 
 wings stretched out, and is in the act of running. Size, 6-8ths 
 by 5-8ths in. 56. 
 
 52. The Same. 67. 
 
 53. Mariana Russina : vide Gruteri Inscript. p. 433. n" 5. (Red 
 
 Jasper.) 22. 
 
 54. Unknown Head. (Agate) A female ; very fine. 26. 
 
 55. The Same: a female. (Agate.) 6-8ths by 4-8ths and i. Very 
 
 fine. 6. 
 
 56. Unknown Head ; female. (Cornelian.) 
 
 .57. Hercules Jiuphagus Anterotis Opus. Agua Marina incisum. 44. 
 
 58. Saturn. (Black Agate.) 63. 
 
 59. Venus and Capid. (Nicolo.) 50. 
 
 60. Achilles playing on the Harp, by Pamphilus : an intaglio. Vide 
 
 Stosch, n" 48. (lieryl.) 20. 
 
 61. Apollo: standing resting upon his Lyre. (Agate.) 25. 
 
 62. The Same, sitting. (Hyacinth.) 62. 
 
 63. The Same, standing ; with a branch of laurel. (Onyx.) 41. 
 
 64. The Same, standing ; with his Lyre in his right hand. 85. Size 
 
 of the original not added. 
 
 65. Hercules and Antaeus : miserably copied. (Hyacinth.) 14. 
 
 66. Hercules reposing. 
 
 67. lole. 46. 
 
 68. Bacchanalian. 86. 
 
 69. Bacchante. (Beryl.) 8. 
 
 70. Silenus, with a Lyre. 52. 
 
 71. Silenus, drunk, surrounded by Satyrs, &c. 74. 
 
 72. Hebe, with the Eagle. 80. 
 
 73. Ganymede. 57. 
 
 74. ScyUa. (Sardonyx.) 17- 
 
 75. Unknown subject : a male sitting, a female standing, with an in- 
 
 verted olive branch. Exceedingly beautiful. 75. 
 
 76. Unknown subject : man and woman sitting ; the woman veiled as 
 
 a vestal ; the man is delivering his sword to a third person, 
 standing, who appears to have already received his shield. Both
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 171 
 
 man and woman, sitting, place their feet upon an ornamented 
 circular base : an inch by y. 93. 
 
 77. Satyr uncovering a Nymph. 92. 
 
 78. Cupid turned Fisherman ; the figure of Neptune standing, with 
 
 trident, forms a sort of distance. 76. 
 
 79. Unknown Subject. Six figures ; with four Corinthian pillars in 
 
 the back ground. The principal figure is a female sitting ; 
 7-8ths and half by 6-8ths and half. Very beautiful. 70. 
 
 80. A Sacrifice. (Cornelian.) 51. 
 
 81. Mithras. (Amethyst.) 17. 
 
 82. Perseus. (Beryl.) 29. 
 
 83. Diomed, by Dioscorides : an intaglio : vide Stosch, n" 29. (Cor- 
 
 nelian.) 64. 
 
 84. Diomed, by Cnaeus. (FNAIOT) Black Agate. 38. 
 
 85. Glaucus and Diomed. (Black Agate.) 5. 
 
 86. Three Warriors. 91. 
 
 87. The same Subject. (Nicolo.) No reference. 
 
 88. Diomed. Ditto. 
 
 89. Hercules, warring against the Amazons. 73. 
 
 90. Cupid, bound. (Beryl.) 35. 
 
 91. Theseus. 77. 
 
 92. Unknown Subject : man standing, looking at his helmet in his 
 
 right hand. 78. 
 
 93. Unknown Subject; female standing, with vase in her hand; a 
 
 base of a pillar to the right. 89. 
 
 94. Unknown Subject : man about throwing a dog with his right 
 
 hand ; standing, in the act of throwing it. 19. 
 
 95. A Gladiator, by Caecas. (Intaglio: see Stosch, n° 21.) 65. 
 
 96. Unknown Subject : youth blowing a conch. 99. 
 
 97. Female, sitting on a sea-horse : very beautiful. 84. 
 
 98. Bull drinking. 15. 
 
 99. Bull (Beryl.) 4. 
 
 A note of Lord Spencer's says, that Nos. 9, 19, 24, 26, 28, 31, 34, 
 36, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 52, 71, 76, 77, 78, 86, and 89, are wanting in 
 Lord Besborough's copy of this work. 
 
 Nos. 1 and 57 are the only engravings to which a printed inscrip- 
 tion belongs. Upon the whole, while one regrets the feebleness, 
 and apparent infidelity, of these engravings — executed in a sort of
 
 172 THE LIBRARY. [Miscel/aneous 
 
 scratchy, line manner — one cannot but indulge a hope that his present 
 Grace the Duke of Devonshire may avail himself of the superior 
 skill and integrity of living artists, in making these Gems public, in a 
 manner worthy of the exquisite collection to which they belong, and 
 of which they only form :i portion. 
 
 It is supposed that there are only four copies of this work extant ; 
 namely, the one in the collection of the Duke of Devonshire, the se- 
 cond in that of the late Mr. Cracherode (now in the British Museum, 
 and containing loi plates), the third in the Earl of Besborough's 
 collection, and the present — which is bound in dark red morocco. 
 
 Dives Pragmaticus. Imprinted at J^ondon in 
 jlldersgate strete, hy Alexander Lacy , dwellyng 
 beside the IVall. The .xx.v. of Apr ell. 1563. 
 Quarto. 
 
 This very curious and amusing little poetical volume is considered 
 to be unique. The title, <it full length, is given below.* The author 
 is Ralph Newberv ; but his name appears to have escaped Ritson. 
 The title-page is succeeded by a poetical ' preface ' of three pages, in 
 which an address is made to every class and occupation of men : to 
 
 ' Al occupations, now vnder the Sunne,' 
 
 beginning with the Pope, and ending with 
 
 ' Al maisters of Musicke, and luglers stout, 
 Al Players and Minstrelles, and the ruflyng rout.'f 
 
 • ' A booke in English metre, of the great marchaunt man called Hina Pragmaticus, 
 very preaty for cliildrcn to rede : whereby they may tlie better, and more readyer, rede 
 and wrytc wares and Iiiiplcmenlcs, in this world contayned. Veut. ?.}. Levit. 19. When 
 thou sellest aught vnto thy neighbour, or byest any thing of him : deceaue not, nor op- 
 presse him &c !' A small wood-cut of a man leading a child, with the word PRO on one 
 side, and lO. on the other, is below. Then the imprint — as above given. 
 t The burden of the song, in this metre, begins thus : 
 
 Al Brewers, Bakers, Butchers and Cookes 
 
 Al Printers, Stacioners, and sellers of bookes 
 
 Al Poulters, and Pcdders, that ryde day and nyght 
 
 Al Farmours, and owners, that in Money dclyght. 
 
 Al Poticarics, Grocers, to me wyll inclyne ; 
 
 Al Tapsters, Vintners that sellcth good wyne ;
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 173 
 
 At the end we read : ' And thus endeth the declaration, of the great 
 Marchaunt of the world ; called Diues Pragmaticus.' ' Here foloweth 
 the booke, and his callyng of people to sale of his marchaundyse : 
 with a rehearsall of part of his wares by name.' The poem tlien im- 
 mediately follows, on the reverse, in the ensuing strain : 
 
 What lacke ye sir, what seke you, what wyll 
 Come hether to me, looke what you can spye : you bye ? 
 I haue to sell of all thynges vnder the Skye 
 What lacke you my masters? Come hether to me. 
 
 I have to sell bookes, for men of Deuyne, 
 And bookes of all lawes, most pleasaunt and fyne : 
 Of al Artes and Storyes, as men wyll enclyne. 
 What lacke you Gentylmen ? Come hether to me. 
 
 I haue inke, paper, and pennes, to lode with a barge, 
 Inke homes, and pennours, fine smaU and large : 
 Primers and a b ces, and bookes of small charge. 
 What lacke you ScoUers ? Come hether to me. 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 Al Haberdashers, Pedlers, and makers of pinnes, 
 AI true Hostellers, and Keepers of Innes. 
 Al Websters, Weauers, Sheremen and Fullers, 
 Al Carders, Spinners, and shecpeskin pullers: 
 ;> Al Dyers, Drapers, and Mercers lykewjse, 
 
 Al Sjikcmen, and Semesters, that I can deuyse 
 Al Blackesmithes, Bladesmithes, and Glouers certaine. 
 AJ Bag makers. Pursers, and turners of tops, 
 Al women hosiers, and makers of slops ; 
 Al Collcr makers. Ropers, and Turners of dyshcs, 
 AI makers of Nets, and catchers of Fyshes. 
 Al Pewterers, Tynkers, Glasicrs, and Pluramers, 
 Al Lawyers, Proctours. Scriueners, and Sumners : 
 AI Grauurs, Caruers, and Painciers of clothes, 
 Al Dice makers, Garde players, and swearers of othcs. 
 Al Armourers, Furbushers, and Cutlers also, 
 Al Costard mongers, that by the way go. 
 &c. ice. iiC. 
 There arc about as many more designations of trades, professions, 4cc. iu the same 
 metre. 
 
 VOL. I. Z
 
 17i THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 I haue fine gownes, clokcs, iackets, and coates, 
 Fyne iurkiiis, dublets, anil hosen ^v^thout moates : 
 Fyne daggers, and knyues, bags, purses for grotes, 
 Wliat lacke you my friend ? come hether to me. 
 
 I haue fine peticotcs, kyrtels and cassocks. 
 West cotes, safegardes, vardyngales and frocks : 
 Fyne muflers, and rayles, fine shyrtes and smocks. 
 What lacke you gentylwoman ? come hether to me. 
 
 I haue partlets, fillets, fruntlets and sleues, 
 Fyne napkyns, pastclothes, and gibbets for theues : 
 Sylke baskets, fine niaundes, and preaty Bee heeues, 
 What by you good woman ? Come hether to me. 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 I have ladels, Scummers, Aundyrons and spits, 
 Drippyng pannes, pot hookes, ould Cats and Kits ; 
 And preaty fine dogs, without fleas or nits. 
 What lack you my friend ? come hether to me. 
 
 I have fier pannes, fier forks, tongs, treuets and trammels, 
 Rost yrons, flesh hookes, and buckets for welles : 
 Troughes, trayes, flaskets, mortars and pestels. 
 What lack you good mother ? come hether to me. 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 liut there must be some limits to quotation ; and yet perhaps the 
 most interesting stanzas are behind. On the recto of B 4, in fours, 
 the last stanza runs thus : 
 
 Honest myrth in measure, is a pleasaunt thyng. 
 To wryte and to rede well, be gyftes of learnyng : 
 Remember this well, all you that be young. 
 Exercise vertue, and rule well your toung. 
 
 Finis. (q) Thomas Newbery. 
 
 A rude wood-cut, from the Dance of Death, of a nun seized by the 
 King of Terrors, is immediately below. The reverse is blank. This 
 extraordinary little volume was purchased at the sale of the Duke of 
 Roxburghe's Library (see Bibl. Roxburgh, no. 3312.) for X'30. It is 
 bound in russia, with the Duke's crest on fhe exterior.
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 175 
 
 Donne's Poems. With Elegies, &c. London. 
 1633. Quarto. 
 
 This volume is rather common than otherwise ; but the copy of it, 
 now under description, was not obtained under the sum of ^4. .14. .6. — 
 from Mr. Payne — owing to the portraits with which it is ornamented. 
 There are — 1. The author, by Marshall — among the prettiest speci- 
 mens of his burin ; the head is in stipling, the drapery in line : a re- 
 markably fine impression. 2. The author in his shroud, by Droeshout 
 — a frightfully whimsical performance, but not very unlike the portrait 
 of Henry IV. of France.* 3. Sir Henry IVotton, by Lombart. 4. Coun- 
 tess of Bedford, after Pass : (very poor.) 5. Prince Henry, by Hole : 
 good impression. 6. Shakspeare, \vith a wreath in his left hand. 
 Eight verses below : evidently a reversed copy, in small, of the por- 
 trait prefixed to the folio edition of 1623. 7- The Author, by Lom- 
 bart — common, but a fine head, and beautifully engraved. This 
 desirable copy is bound in blue moroco. 
 
 The Dove : or Passages of Cosmography. By 
 Richard Zovche Ciuillian, of New Colledge 
 in Oxford. Sicut Columbse. Ijondon ; Printed 
 for George Norton, and are to he sould at his 
 shop vnder the hlacke Bell, neere Temple-harre. 
 1613. Duodecimo. 
 
 We have here one of the scarcest little volumes in the whole com- 
 pass of English poetry. It was among the earlier books of the librar)', 
 obtained by the late Earl Spencer in the purchase of Dr. George's col- 
 lection. Mr. Perry had a copy; and Mr. Heber has a third, lately 
 
 • There is an exceedingly rare print of Henri IV., also in his defunct state, entitled ' Le 
 Portraict du Dufunct Roy Henry le Grand UII. du nom Roy de France et de Navane en 
 Son Lict de Deuil,' engraved by Petrus Firens, 1610. The royal body is lying in state, 
 ■with lighted tapers, &c. — but the fore-sliortening is perfectly extravagant and ridiculous, 
 and the monarch's eyes are wide open, fixed upon the spectator. The engraving itself is 
 beautiful. A copy is ui this library ; attached to an inlaid copy, in quarto, of a treatise 
 entitled ' Lettre d'vn Gentil-homme a un sien amy, <|c. A Paris, 1610,' followed by three 
 other treatises of the same date — relating to the death of Henry. This slender but very 
 precious volume (in elegant blue morocco binding) was purchased of Blr. R. Triphook 
 for the considerable sum of 10/. 10s.
 
 17G THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 purchased of Messrs. Payne and Foss. A fourth is in the Hodleian 
 library. The contents of it by no means render the rarity of the vo- 
 lume its chief attraction. There is a good deal of very jjleasing and 
 very melodious poetry ; and the ' Dove ' — the prototype of the Child 
 Harold — goes wandering from country to country, describing the pro- 
 perties of the soil, the manners of the people, and the characters of the 
 government of those places where she visits. Tiie stanza is uniformly 
 composed of six verses. A dedication, by the author, ' to the Trvely 
 Noble, and worthily honoured, Edward Lord Zouche, St. Maur and 
 Cantelupe, of his Maiesties I'riuic-Councell,' follows the title-page. 
 Then some Latin verses by Tho. Lake — and Joan : Harris, N. C : fol- 
 lowed by IJichard Yong's poetical address to his ' dcarely affectionate 
 friend Mr. Richard Zovche ' — which concludes thus : 
 
 Ingenious Zovcue, liue thy Verses long. 
 Fly faire, and far thy Done, with her smooth song : 
 Of thy all-Noble name for .\rmes long knownc. 
 These Lettered times haue thee design'd their owne. 
 
 We have, next, the following tender poetical address to the author, 
 by ' Nic. Stoughton' of the Inner Temple. 
 
 Behold, a mir.acle, a singing Doue, 
 ^Miich sweetly sings, yet sings not sweets of Loue. 
 Each studie be her Doue-house, and each breast, 
 Which harbours studious thoughts, her gentle neast. 
 
 Some Latin verses, by Car. Herbert. X. C. are beneath. The open- 
 ing of the poem, which is solemn, sweet, and yet somewhat whim- 
 sical, shews the religious feelings of the author : 
 
 Take wing my Muse, and like that silver Dove 
 Which o'er the world new bath'd, did hov'ring fly 
 The low-coucht Seas, and high-plac't Land aboue, 
 Discerne with faithfuU, though with fearefuU eye. 
 That what both Land and Sea resounding ring 
 We may to this All-makers prayses sing. 
 
 He who directs the Sparrowes tender flight. 
 And sees him safely reach the hurtlesse ground. 
 Guide thee in all thy Passages aright. 
 And grant thy course be sure, thy resting sound 
 From Mount of Olives, as from Hill of Bayes, 
 Blest with the branch of Peace though not of Praise.
 
 English Boo/:s.] THE LIBRARY. 177 
 
 And you whose Care our Floating house yet saues 
 From sinking in the Deluge of Despayre, 
 Whilst with poore feather'd oares she passe the waues 
 Of this all-vulgar-breath 'd, storme-threatning Ayre : 
 Deare Lored vouchsafe with patient looke t'attend 
 Her flights both trembling rise, and humble end. 
 
 The description of Venice is rather poetical. 
 Bath'd in the Adriatiques farther waue. 
 As some faire Sea-nymph, famous Fenice sits. 
 Whom all the prayse which fiction freely gaue 
 To Sea-borne Venus, farre more truely fits 
 
 Earths richest Jewell, Beauties brightest starre. 
 
 Mother of Loue, Loue of the God of Warre. Sign. C 8. 
 
 Speaking of the Rhine and Necker, he breaks forth : 
 
 Now stay you gentle streames, and let that ayre 
 Which sweetens your pure waues, refresh my Muse, 
 Ne'er may my silence passing by that Pairc, 
 Which make Earth happy, courteous Heav'n abuse. 
 What Loue- taught Turtles onely best expresse, 
 Lesse may my Doue adorne, admire no lesse. Sign. DZ. 
 
 A little farther — we heave lines more generally interesting to En- 
 glishmen : 
 
 Beige's faire Daughters midst these flouds remaine. 
 Of which with low obeysance some doe bowe. 
 Bearing vp Isabel* th' Infanta's traine. 
 For whose deare Loue oblieg'd in Nuptiall vowe. 
 
 Her coosen Austrich from the Church e;trang'd. 
 His scarlet Bonnet for Steele Beaucr chang'd. 
 
 The rest to Faiths allegeance firme adhere. 
 Freed by the Christian Faiths Defendres ayde. 
 Her Champions hauing them secur'd from feare. 
 And Superstitions strong encroaching staid : 
 
 All vertuous Captaines, most praise-worthy all, 
 Braue Norris, Sydney, Fere, and Vuedall. 
 And may not Enuy here my Loue debarre. 
 Or Zouches name be in my name deprest, 
 
 • The Infanta Isabella, married to Albert Archduke of Austria, "ho became Governor 
 of the Low Countries, and commanded the Spanish Army there ; having quitted his Car- 
 dinal's Hat.
 
 178 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 Both* you who yet attend the charge of Warre, 
 Andt you whose happy Soules in Peace doe rest, 
 Dcare, Loue-deseruing Brothers, ought to be. 
 By them remembred, not forgot by mee. -Sign. 7)3. 
 
 The author thus speaks of the premature and bitterly-lamented 
 death of Prince Henry : 
 
 Too soone our Ivlian-Stabre, late Prince of Light, 
 The sparkling lustre of whose vertuous ray 
 To Brittaine hearts content with shortest night, 
 Promis'd the comfort of eternall day : 
 
 Too soone expir'd, 6 worthy long to proue 
 
 The World's great Wonder, & his Countries Loue, 
 
 Yet like those glistring Emblems neare the Pole, 
 Still .aboue Earth's Horizon eleuate. 
 May our Heroicke Princes name controule 
 The starry orders of this well-rul'd State. 
 
 And Brittaines Chariot as the Northern Wayne, 
 With great Arcturus ioyne her Charlemaig.ne. 
 
 Sign. E 1-2. 
 The following is the concluding stanza : 
 
 As that true Ensigne of th' Almighties Loue, 
 
 Liuely displayed in the Cloudy Skye, 
 
 The gazers eye astonished doth moue 
 
 To wonder at such strange varietie. 
 
 Rain- bow- resembling London, England's Blisse 
 The Heau'ns great Mercy, and Earth's Manuell is. 
 
 A prosaic epistle to the reader, sufficiently quaint and dry, concludes 
 the performance. The signatures run A 4, B to E, inclusively, in 
 eights. The present copy is in the most genuine and desirable con- 
 dition. In red calf, with gilt leaves. 
 
 In the new edition of the Athen. Oion. there are copious extracts 
 from this volume, by Mr. Bliss, the editor, — from the persuasion that 
 ' few will have an opportunity of inspecting the original.' 
 
 * WW.iam and Allan Zouche t Henry and Francit Zoucht.
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 179 
 
 Of Euyll Tonges. Enprynted at London with- 
 out Tempel harre In saynt Clementys parysshe 
 by me Julya Notary diuellynge at the sygne of 
 the Thre Kynges. Quarto. 
 
 Our typographical Antiquaries appear to have been entirely ignorant 
 of this rare piece. The above title, in lower case black letter, is within 
 a border, over three wood-cut figures, very common in books of this 
 period, and similar, in size and character, to what may be seen in 
 vol. ii. p. 534, of the recent edition of the Typographical Antiquities. 
 On the reverse of the title, the poem, in seven-line stanzas, begins 
 thus : 
 
 With pite moued to my payn I dyd me dres 
 To shew y*' peple what do the most greuas 
 I say yl toges ful of bytter cruelnes 
 In tills world ther may be no gretter penas 
 They be y*^ clappers of sorow y'^ skorges of vegas 
 These preuy mordrers these cSbero' hel wedes. 
 Because of grete myscheef & distroyers of gode dedys. 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 These lines are sufficiently harsh and repulsive ; but the opening of 
 the vith stanza tells us that 
 
 Some theues escapen — many trew men be hanged 
 It is dayly syn in this worlde rounde 
 Faythful people by yl tonges be condempned 
 That to vntrouth theyr dedys neuer dyde sounde. 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 In the whole, 4 leaves : each page having a border. The imprint 
 (as above given) is on the recto of the last leaf. On the reverse is 
 Notary's enlarged device ; containing what appears as the second of 
 my fac-similes (in the Typog. Antiq. vol. ii.), with the accompaniment 
 of birds and trees, &c. This copy is in a remarkably sound state of 
 preservation ; being bound in old calf, with a border of gold on the 
 sides.
 
 180 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellawous 
 
 The Father's Revenge, &c. By Frederic 
 Earl of Carlisle. London. Buhner. 1800. 
 Quarto. 
 
 Tills is really a lovely volume. It is a present from the noble author 
 to his Lordshi|), ' as begging it to be understood strictly to confine its 
 pretension to a place in his Lordship's library, to tiie specimen it 
 affords of superior printing and engraving.' Such are the words of the 
 noble anchor in a letter inserted immediately after the title-page. All 
 the quarto copies, like this, wherever found, were presents. They are 
 adorned with Engravings which do not belong to the octavo impres- 
 sions ; and these engravings, executed in the stipling manner, afford 
 the best specimens with which I am acquainted, of the nature and 
 power of that particular line of art in producing the effect here seen. 
 Such effect is quite perfect. The plates in this volume are indeed 
 sweetly tender and striking. They exhibit too some of the best speci- 
 mens of W'estall's pencil. Mr. Bulmcr has neglected nothing to make 
 his department worthy of every thirig about the volume. Whether we 
 consider the work, or its embellishments, we may fairly add, that time 
 and money, so devoted, are wisely and substantially devoted. This 
 choice copy is beautifully bound in blue morocco. 
 
 FrOISSART & MoNSTRELET, ThE ChRONICLES OF. 
 
 Printed at Hufod. 1805-9. Folio, 8 vols. 
 
 Translated by the late Thomas Johnes, M. P., and printed at his own 
 press at Hafod, in S.Wales. A beautiful set, upon large paper, of a 
 folio form, with a duplicate set of the plates coloured ; and bound with 
 great elegance and propriety, by Hering, in russia. Such a copy has 
 been sold for £ 150. There were only twenty-five, in this form. 
 
 Genealogie of theKinges ofEngland. Printed 
 by Gylles Godet. 1560. Folio. 
 
 I consider this publication as one of the greatest curiosities in the 
 early history of the British Press. It was obtained by his Lordship 
 from Mr. T. Sharp, of Coventry, (a gentleman much given to re- 
 searches connected with ancient art and literature) in the shape of a 
 ROLL — upwards of forty feel long ; and it was originally made to turn 
 round, by means of a wire, within a box, in order that each part might
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 181 
 
 be separately and carefully seen — as is adopted in the exhibition of 
 play-things to children. It now assumes the more dignified and ap- 
 propriate form of a folio volume. But the work is in itself rather ' a 
 marvel.' It contains brief notices of all our Kings, fabulous and real, 
 from the time of Brute to that of Elizabeth ; but it begins with ' Noe,' 
 running down to Eneas and Sylvius (in the whole, 13 subjects), before 
 it reaches Brute : and every subject, throughout the whole, is illus- 
 trated by a wood-cut half-length portrait of the character mentioned. 
 Each portrait is about six inches in height ; and, for the credit of the ar- 
 tist, it must be allowed that these cuts are spiritedly, and some of them 
 ably, designed. The engravings are perhaps a little too coarse ; but 
 it is a question worth pursuing, not only who was the artist, or artists, 
 but for what an e.xtraordinary sum such a very elaborate performance 
 must have been executed ? It is wholly unlike any thing and every 
 thing else which 1 have seen in the annals of press-work ; and in all 
 probability was intended for an ornament to hang round a room, or 
 along a gallery. 
 
 I proceed to more essential particulars. The publication commences 
 with an address ' To the Reader,' (by Godet) in 29 lines : in which 
 he tells us, ' if by chaQce we finde any thyng herein fautye, or not 
 agreeing with some other cronicles, [we are to] vnderstand that the 
 diuersities of the cronicles of our realme, be so great, (especially in 
 thlges log past) that it is very difficult to make a certaine and true re- 
 port therof. Not with standTg he has used the helpe of the best Cro- 
 nicles that have vvrytte thereof, and gone so neare to the truth, as to 
 him semed possyble, and has also set forth the pourtraiture of their 
 personages, with their true armes :* also briefly their gestes, and deedes 
 with the yeares of their raygnes and places of their burials, according 
 as he had foQd mentio thereof : Beesechyng the [reader] to accept his 
 good wyll, and to receyue thys his laboure in good part : which if he 
 does, it shal not only be the accomplishyng of his request, but also shal 
 ecourage him hereafter, to vse his little talent, farther. Farewel.' I 
 believe nothing ' farther' is known of the ' little talent' of Godet ; at 
 which the lovers of black letter lore have reason to weep grievously. 
 The preceding address is printed in a large, lower-case gothic type ; 
 evidently worn. The ' exposition of Noe,' Cham, Mesraim, &c. 
 follow : each subject having from 10 to 14 lines, in prose, beneath. 
 
 • I forgot before to state, that, above the portraits, are the banners and arms of the 
 several kings ; supported bj a rampant lion ; but with Athelstan, the regular coat- 
 armour, in a shield, cumraences. 
 
 VOL, I. A a
 
 182 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 The xi\'th subject, as before intimated, is Brute, who cuts a grand fi- 
 gure, with his drawn sword in his right liand. By the side of him is 
 a wood-cut of ' The foundation of the cytie of London. In the subjoined 
 description we gather the date (1560) of the publication. Then fol- 
 low a line of Kings ; of which only Tom Ilearne, and sundry other 
 credulous antiquaries, even of the present day, could possibly have any 
 acquaintance. 
 
 After King ' Leir,' we have ' Queen Cordeille," and others : and in 
 a printed note, at bottom, are requested to ' Looke for Reynold Cone- 
 dags Sonne in the great Englishe cronicle;' but of ' Riueall,' another 
 son of Conedag, we learn that in ' this kinges dayes was a great tem- 
 pest, so that the flyes dyd assaile him by the space of three dayes, and 
 so enuenimed him, that he dyed therwith : also in his dayes it rained 
 blood three dayes, wluch caused great death amonge the people.' At 
 the end of the account of ' Dunwallon" — the vith following king — who 
 ' was the first king of this land that was crowned with gold : as some 
 cronyclers saye' — and who ' founded S. I'aules Churche in London, in 
 the which churche after he had raigned xl yeares he was buried' — we 
 read the following imprint : 
 
 3iniprintcD at Hoiibon 6p 
 
 (iBpIIcs 43oDct Dtociipiigc 
 
 in 23I.icfec jfricrtf . 
 
 A race of almost unheard of Kings (save by the above mentioned 
 antiquaries) then follows ; ending with Cadwallader. Below the pre- 
 ceding kings, ' Cadwallo and Edwy,' is the second imprint, thus : 
 
 ^jTniprintcb ab Honbon Ijp dBpIr^ 
 d^tiUct btoclUnge iii 23Iachc fricrcief. 
 
 Next succeeds, in 13 lines, the following — printed in the same type 
 as the address to the reader. ' Here endeth the raignes of the Britaines, 
 from the time of Brute to Cadwallader, and then this realme being in 
 great misery, the English Saxons inuaded it, and so raigned untill the 
 comming in ofwillyam Conquerour.' This new series begins with Athel- 
 stan and Egbert, concluding with Harold. Then again, in a similar 
 large lower-case letter : ' Here endeth the raines of the Saxon Kinges : 
 A hegineth the raigne of wdlyam Cuquerour, who slewe the last of the 
 Saxons ligne, St conquered the land : and from whom to our Souueraine 
 lady the Queenes maieslie that nowe is, whom god prosper. Amen.' M'ith
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 188 
 
 the introduction of the Conqueror , a species of inspiration possessed 
 the author : in other -words, prose is abandoned for — what the author 
 thought — poetry. From William I. to Elizabeth, each king is dis- 
 patched with two eight-lined stanzas of hobbling poetry. The rea- 
 der shall judge for himself. 
 
 Edward the V. 
 
 Edward his sonne next king was he 
 In the year after Christes incarnation 
 A thousand four hundred four score and thre 
 This king came neuer to his coronation 
 For the duke of Glocester without compassion 
 Called Richard his vnkle and Protectour 
 Caused him and his brother in cruell fashion 
 Secretely to be murthered in London tower 
 
 But the manner how these princes were dead 
 Some say they were buried quick : and some tell 
 That they were smothered vnder a fether bed 
 Some say they were drowned in a vessell 
 But when they came vnto the tower to dwell 
 They were neuer after seene with mannes eye 
 Thre moneths this king raigned me know well 
 But God knoweth where his body doth lye. 
 
 Yet, in spite of his imbecility, Godet must be doubtless enrolled 
 among the British poets in the forthcoming enlarged edition (by Mr. 
 Haslewood) of the Bibliographia Poetica of Ritson. The countenance 
 of Richard III., immediately following, is really not divested of the 
 expression of those cunning and ferocious traits of character attributed 
 to that monarch. I question if any Grangerite possesses this print. We 
 go on regularly till we reach Philip and Mary, who stand facing each 
 other, each with a hand upon a globe. The royal arms above, between 
 them, makes a conspicuous figure ; and it is worth observing that the 
 countenance of Philip, though in profile, exactly accords with the 
 usually received portraits of him. The same may be almost said of 
 that of Mary. Below the latter we read, 
 
 HERE DOOTH OF 
 QVEENE ELIZABETH 
 
 BEGINNE THE PRO 
 SPEROVS RAIGNE.
 
 184 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 \VICH GOD VNTO 
 HIS GLORYE AND : 
 
 HER COIMFORT LO 
 NG MAINTAYNE : 
 
 The portrait of Elizabeth follows — apparently a very faithful like- 
 ness. Both the form of letter anil of the verse is now altered ; and 
 five stanzas (in the small roman type) are devoted to her Majesty. Of 
 these, perhaps the last is the most favourable specimen : 
 
 Not any language, there is vsde, within Europa land. 
 But that her highnesse speakes the same, or doth it vnderstiind 
 Within her time the copper coyne, of mettalls base and grose, 
 Into fine siluer and fine golde, her highnesse did dispose. 
 So that no Prince there restes alive, what euer as they are. 
 That with her stampe for puritie may seeme for to compare. 
 God blesse her with his holy hande, her highnesse Christ maintaine. 
 King Nestors yeares ifte be his will, long ouer vs to raigne. 
 
 Such is the description of this rare and curious chronicle ; which, 
 as far as I have had t)pportunities of searching, seems to have been 
 wholly unknown to bibliographers ; yet the present copy (unluckily 
 coloured throughout) happens not to be unique ; for within a twelve- 
 month of its acquisition, the choice cabinet of Mr. Grenville was en- 
 riched with a fine, fair copy, in a folio form. The present is appro- 
 priately bound in russia, by C.Lewis. 
 
 A Genealogical History of the Earldom of 
 Sutherland, from its origin to the year 1630 ; 
 written by Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstoun, 
 Baronet. With a Continuation to the Year 1651. 
 Published from the Original Manuscript. Edin- 
 burgh, Printed by George Ramsay and Co. 
 1813. Folio. 
 
 This magnificent volume, struck oflf upon large paper, in imperial 
 folio, (of which the copies were only printed for private distribution) 
 is the gift of the present Marchioness of Stafford to the Althorp Li- 
 brary. Her Ladyship is Countess of Sutherland in her own right, and 
 this volume was published under her auspices and " proper costs and
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 185 
 
 charges." A fine bold portrait of " John Earl of Sutherland, 1669, 
 from an original picture at Dunroben Castle," faces the title-page. A 
 vignette of the castle of Dunroben, from the pencil of the noble patro- 
 ness, graces the title-page. The " Armorial Bearings of the Earls of 
 Sutherland, 1639," is the only remaining engraved ornament. The 
 paper, printing, and style ' of getting up,' are worthy of the intrinsic 
 value of the volume. Such works are sometimes not only highly curi- 
 ous and interesting, but are absolutely necessary to the historian and 
 antiquary, for the satisfactory completion of their historical labours. 
 In the volume before us, we have materials which equally appertain to 
 English and to Scottish history.* This copy is handsomely bound in 
 russia by Hering. 
 
 Gerard's Herbal ; by Johnson. 1636. Folio. 
 
 A very fine copy, upon large paper, bound in two volumes in green 
 morocco. I introduce this book in order to recommend the fine and 
 pleasing portrait of Old Gerard (of which this copy exhibits a fine 
 impression) in the frontispiece : engraved by John Payne ; and further, 
 to notice the very interesting prefix by " George Baker one of her Ma- 
 jesties chiefe Chirurgions in ordinarie, and ]M[aster] of the Chirurgions 
 of the Citie of London." — one of those critics, whose commendations 
 grace the edition. Baker is here no mean authority — in regard 
 to the talents of Gerard. He knew him well, and, as a professional 
 man, his praise was worth obtaining. Of this author, he says, " he 
 was never content with the knowledge of those simples which grow in 
 those [foreign] parts, but upon his proper costs and charges hath had 
 out of all those parts of the world, all the rare simples which by any 
 means he could attain unto, not only to have them brought, but hath 
 procured by his excellent knowledge to have them growing in his 
 GARDEN,-)- which as the time of the yeare doth serve may be scene : for 
 there you shall see all manner of strange trees, herbs, roots, plants, 
 floures, and other such rare things, that it would make a man wonder, 
 how one, of his degree, not having the purse of a number, could ever 
 
 • At page 249, it is said, that " though king Henry the Eight was one of the goodliest 
 persons of his tyme, yet he left by his syx wyffs thrie children only." The author's opi- 
 nion of Buchanan, in regard to his leaning towards the Earl of Murray, is undisguisedlj 
 and freely expressed at page 142. But we look in vain for any interesting, private ac- 
 counts of Mary herself. At page 139, Holinshed appears to be consulted. 
 
 t This garden was where Bunhill Row, Moorfields, now is. His address to the Reader 
 ic dated from his house " in Holborn,uithm tht subitrlt of London ; 1st. Dec. 1597."
 
 186 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 accomplish the same. I protest upon my conscience, I do not think for 
 the knowledge of plants that he is inferior to any : for I once did sec 
 him tried with one of the best strangers that ever came into England, 
 and was accounted in Paris the only man, being recommended unto 
 me by that famous man Master Ami. Parens ; and he being here was 
 desirous to goe abroad with some of our Herbarists, for the which I was 
 the meane to bring them together, and one whole day we spent herein, 
 searcliing the rarest Simples : but when it came to tlie trial, my French- 
 man did not know one to his/oare." 
 
 It seems that the study of Botany was not j)atronised by the Great — 
 liowever popular, or otherwise, it might have been witli the public. 
 Baker concludes his preface thus — " and yet I doubt whether he [Ge- 
 RAKu] shall taste of the liberalitie of either Prince, Duke, Earle, Bi- 
 shop, or publique estate. Let a man excell neuerso much in excellent 
 knowledge, neuertheless many times he is not so much regarded as a 
 Jester, a Boaster, a Quacks<ilucr, or Mountebanke : for such kinde of 
 men can flatter, dissemble, make of trifles great matters, in praising of 
 this rare secret, or that excellent spirit, or this Elixir or Quintessence; 
 which, when it shall come to the triall, nothing shall be found but 
 boasting words." TIhs was ratiicr bold language for " one of her 
 Majesties chiefe Chirurgions, in ordinarie." I know not why it is — 
 but, though no"herbarist,'" — I love to linger over the pages of old 
 Gekard, who writes as pleasantly, and as gossipingly, as INIaster 
 Richard Burton upon INIelancholy. Speaking of the " Tree Night 
 Shade," p. 361 : he calls it " a rare and pleasant plant " — " which 
 growetli not wild in these cold regions ; but (adds he) we have them 
 in our gardens, rather for plejisure than for profit— or any good qua- 
 lity as yet known. It is kept in pots and tubs, in houses during 
 the extremitie of A^'iuter, and is set abroad in the garden in March 
 or Aprill, because it cannot endure the coldness of our Climate." 
 
 Succinct Genealogies of Noble and Ancient 
 Houses, &c. By Robert Halstead. London, 
 1685. Folio. 
 
 The excessive rarity of this volume is well known to collectors. It 
 is the scarcest of all works ujion noble genealogies, and is supposed to 
 have been limited in its impression, to a very few copies; probably to 
 not more than tvcenty-Jive. The " Noble and Ancient Houses " herein 
 described, are as follow : — premising, that each house has a whole and a
 
 English Books.'] THE LIBRARY. 187 
 
 half title-page. 1. Alno de Alneto, two plateSj with an half title. 2. 
 Broc of Shephale, two plates. 3. Latimer of Duntish, two plates, 4. 
 Drayton of Drayton, two plates, a third with letter press. 5. Mauduitof 
 Wenn'mster, three plates. 6. Greene of Drayton, three plates, the rest 
 with letter-press. 7. Veres of Addington, three plates j the rest with the 
 lettter-press. 8. Fitz Lewis of Westhornedon, two \AaXe^. 9. Howard of 
 Effingham, one large folding plate. 10. Mordaunt of Tiirvey, four 
 plates. After page 697, are nine copper plates of the collateral bran- 
 ches of the house of Mordaunt, preceded by a title and brief account, 
 in the way of avaut-propos. I had forgotten to observe that a Dedi- 
 cation* and Preface follow the first general title. 
 
 The copy under description, is a very remarkably sound and desir- 
 able one, and bound in old calf, with a broad gilt border on the sides. 
 In the fly leaf is the following old ms. entry. ' In 2d. Tome of the 
 Oxford Catalogue of MSS. p. 196, amongst those of H. E. ofPetrebo- 
 ros MSS. folio 6333, no. 8. " A large MS. being a Manuscript of the 
 Deeds relating to P. Alno, Vere, Mordaunt and others, being the first 
 draught of a most fair printed book of the family of the Rt. Hon*>''. the 
 E. of Peterborough, which his Lordship caused to be collected and 
 printed with the pedigrees, scales, arms, and other embellishments ap- 
 pertaining to that antient noble family, in copper plates, whereof his 
 Lordship caused only about Twenty to be printed for the use of his 
 Lordship and his Noble Relations.'' This is in a very large hand, not 
 unlike that of the late George INIason. In all probability that very 
 MS. or " first draught," is at this moment in his Lordship's collection ; 
 standing by the side of the printed book. 
 
 The late General Mordaunt bequeathed his Lordship a folio MS. 
 upon vellum, richly emblazoned with the arms, which had been engraved 
 by Halstead, and in a hand-writing of the latter end of the XVlIth. cen- 
 tury. At the top of the title is the following very neatly written me- 
 morandum. " This book was given by if Right Hon. the Lady Eliza- 
 beth Germaine to Anna Maria Poyntz wife to the Right Hon"'. Stephen 
 Poynlz Esq. and Daughter to the Hon''''. Brigadeir Lewis Mordaunt 
 third brother to the late Earl of Peterbornw, and by Her to her dear 
 Brother Charles Mordaunt Esq. May 20th. 1720." In this MS. the title 
 mentions ' Le Strange of Amptoii,' which is not in the printed work. 
 
 * To tlie Earl of Peterborow, Lord Jlordaiint, tlicn Lord Lieutenant of the County of 
 Northampton, 6cc. Halstead begins bis dediciition in the following quaint manner : " The 
 love and protection jour Lordship lias ever shown to Letters and .\ntiquity, has long 
 since demanded some return from the melancholy porers upon wax and parchment."
 
 188 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 But it may be material to remark, that this MS. is confined almost en- 
 tirely to the emblazoning of arms, with brief genealogical and heraldic 
 descriptions. It should seem that the late General Mordaunt had ex- 
 amined his Lordship's copy of the printed work ; for the following let- 
 ter by him, worth transcribing, is enclosed in it. " The genealogical 
 history of the Mordaunt Family, now in your Lordship's library, is in 
 better condition, and a more superb book, than any of those in the pos- 
 session of the Family : which are about /our in number. This book 
 seems to have been put in a better dress, in order to have been pre- 
 sented to y* University of Oxford : which, if I understand right y' Me- 
 moranda Document in y' blank leaf, was so done. The Book sold at 
 y' Duke of St. Albans sale,* (179G) was the one that always lay on 
 the table, in y' portrait-room, of y' Mordaunt family at Drayton, in 
 Northamptonshire: and was brought from thence. This however is 
 only my own conjecture." 
 
 '' Your Lordship will observe there is no name of any printer in the 
 title-ptige, from whence we may conclude this edition was printed at a 
 PKiVATE Press to prevent surreptitious copys : <is I always under- 
 stood about twenty only were printed for y'^use of y* Family and private 
 donations. This book is very valuable for its preservation, correctness, 
 and chastity of its impression, and an acquisition to any Library. And 
 I am very happy it has found its way to so distinguislied a one as your 
 Lordship's. We probably never shall — but 1 should be curious to 
 know — how this book came into y"^ possession of Mr. White :t which is 
 so superior and so select a copy. I have the Honour to be Your Lord- 
 ship's very obedient Servant, 
 (No Date.) Osbert Mordaunt." 
 
 On the death of General Osbert Mordaunt, son of Charles Mor- 
 daunt, to whom this MS. was left by Mrs. Poyntz — the former, by 
 will, left his books, among other things, to William Stephen Poyntz, 
 with a proviso, that Lord Spencer might select, from among them, 
 such as he was in want of. Plis Lordship selected this Book ; and a 
 very few other printed ones, of no great value. Mr. Poyntz has also, 
 in his possession, a copy of the printed edition of these Genealogies, 
 which had belonged to General Mordaunt j but which his Lordship 
 did not take, being already in possession of the copy here described — 
 and for which he gave GO guineas to Mr. White, the late bookseller. 
 
 • That copy, inferior to the present, was sold for 56/. 1 4s. 
 
 t I saw this copy. It was a very sound and desirable one : and was, I believe, sold to 
 Sir M. Svkes, Bart, for fourscore guineas.
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 189 
 
 But the General's copy is much more magnificently bound than the pre- 
 sent ; it being in old red morocco binding, covered with rich gilt 
 tooling. 
 
 HoRTus Gramineus Woburnensis :*By George 
 Sinclair, Gardener to his Grace the Duke of 
 Bedford. London. 1816. Folio. 
 
 This is not only a very sumptuous volume, but a very useful and valu- 
 able work. In the fly-leaf of the present copy, we observe, from the 
 hand writing of his Grace, that it was a present from the Duke of 
 Bedford to his Lordship. I understand that his Grace has the prin- 
 cipal distribution of the copies, as he was at the exclusive cost of the 
 printing of the work: a circumstance, equally redounding to his judg- 
 ment and liberality. The author is sufficiently grateful, not only for 
 the particular kindness of his patron, but for the aids and helps he has 
 received from the different scientific gentlemen who are occasionally 
 visitors at Woburn Abbey. The plan is excellent of its kind. Every 
 specimen, whether seed or plant, is stuck on with gum ; beneath which 
 the name and property of the grasses are printed. These are always 
 on the rectos of the several leaves : and each leaf is prevented from 
 rubbing against the other, by the insertion of two blank leaves, pasted ; 
 of which the one, coming in contact with the opposite plant, is silver 
 paper. The reverses of the leaves, upon which the plants are pasted, 
 contain more extended accounts of their properties. This magnificent 
 volume is appropriately and splendidly bound in green morocco, by 
 Hering. 
 
 Hasted's History of the County of Kent. 
 17/8-99. Folio. 6 vol. 
 
 One of the only six copies, printed upon large paper. The 
 present copy is indeed of a most splendid description ; as all the 
 ARMS of the principal families, described in the notes or text, are 
 EMBLAZONED by the pencil of an heraldic illuminator. There are se- 
 veral hundred decorations of this kind ; which were charged at half a 
 
 • " Or an Account of the results of Experiments on the produce and nutritive Quali- 
 ties of Different Grasses, and other plants, used as the food of the more valuable 
 domestic animals : instituted by John Duke of Bedford. Illustrated with dried speci- 
 mens of Plants upon which these Experiments have been made, &c." 
 VOL. I. B b
 
 190 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 guinea each. The present work is among the costliest in this Library, 
 and is bound in russia, with gilt leaves. 
 
 Lister's Conchology. 1685. Small Folio. 
 
 This copy is precious in many respects. On the first fly-leaf, we 
 read the following memorandum, or autograph : — ' For the right ho- 
 nourable my Lord Marlborough by his tnost humble Servant M. Lister.' 
 On the second fly-leaf we observe, with something like pretensions to 
 caligraphy (of which the preceding is wholly destitute), .the following 
 memorandum: " Humphrey Fyshe. This book was given me by Her 
 Grace the Dutchess of Marlborough, Dec, 1720;" and so pleased was 
 ' Humphrey Fyshe with the donation, that he inscribed his name again 
 in the engraved title page of the work ; but with less attention (which 
 was incorrect) to caligraphical execution. The work itself, or ra- 
 ther, perhaps, this copy of it, presents a beautiful specimen of art ; 
 each plate being engraved upon French paper of thin and most delicate 
 texture. What is singular, it should seem that the sisters, Susanna 
 and Ann, painted the subjects for ' the amusement of their leisure 
 hours '* and tliat the plates were engraved at the expense of the 
 brother: a spirited and praise worthy effort! The cabinet of the 
 ' illustrious D. William C." of the Middle Temple, appears to have 
 supplied the chief materials of the work. The present copy, sumptu- 
 ously bound in yellow morocco by Hering, cannot be exceeded for size 
 and condition. 
 
 Museum Worsleyanum.-j- London. 1794-1802. 
 Folio, 2 vols. 
 
 There is an engraved title-page to this costly, distinguished, and ex- 
 ceedingly scarce and high-priced work. Some account of the expense 
 
 • Tlie General Biographical Dictimarti. (Edit. Chalmers, vol. \\. p. 324.) says that this 
 work contains " very accurate figures of all the shells known at the time, amounting to 
 upwards of a thousand." The last plate is numbered 1057. Many of the plates contain 
 two or more subjects. The title page says, " Susanna et Anna Lister Figuras pin." In 
 the authority just quoted, these are called the author's daughters. In the dedication which 
 follows, these paintings are called " ludcutis otij Tabulas." One is almost at a loss to 
 mention a parallel case of tJius " amusing one's leisure hours.'' 
 
 t • Or a Collection of Antique Basso RelicTos Bustos Statues and Gems with Views of 
 Places in the Levant taken on the Spot in the Years JIDCCLXXXV. VI. and VII. 
 ' Docti rationem artis intelligunt, indocti voluptatcm.' Quin. lib. IX. 4."
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 191 
 
 and nature of it may be seen in the Bibliomania, p. 712. My pre- 
 sent object, is a description of the pages themselves. The editor was 
 the late Right Hon. Sir Richard Worsley, Bart. M. P. ; whose portrait, 
 in a stippled small oval form, faces the title-page. An Introduction (in 
 English and ItaUan) of seven pages, follows. Then a list of the Plates 
 of the Marbles containedin this first volume,' with a pleasing vignette of 
 ' Apuldurcombe House ' at top : these plates appear to be thirty-six in 
 number.* One leaf, ' Class I. Antique Basso-Relievos,' follows. The 
 plates, with their appropriate descriptions, ensue, as far as page 100. 
 Each description is translated into Italian. At page 103, the first 
 volume seems to end, with a small plate of the interview of Glaucus 
 and Scylla. 
 
 A title-page (the same as before) is prefixed to the Second Volume. 
 
 An address in Latin, of the University of Cambridge to the author 
 
 returning thanks for the present of his Book — follows this title-page. 
 Then a prefix, entitled " Museum AVorsleyanum" — mentioning the 
 favourable reception of the first volume of this work, " by the friends 
 of the Author in 1798." Next, " Observations on Antique Gems:" three 
 pages not numbered, concluding with an antique head in profile. The 
 same in ItaUan, in the same number of pages, follows. Ne.xt, " Gems, 
 Sculptures, and Views, contained in Volume II." These are eighty-four 
 in number ,- the first thirteen (with the exception of the very first 
 plate) containing two subjects in each plate. The forty-three plates 
 devoted to the Alto Relievos of the Temple of Minerva, now in the 
 Britisli Museum — and called the Elgin Marbles — being inserted im- 
 mediately after page 67. After the last of these plates, comes a half- 
 title : " Class IV. Antique Gems." The pages here begin to be num- 
 bered anew, and continue consecutively to page 120 — where the se- 
 cond volume ends. This fine work was printed at the Shakspeare 
 Press, in every style of typographical luxury. 
 
 A copy of this book has been sold as high as £l00. It is a noble 
 monimaent of individual spirit, taste, and liberality of feeling and senti- 
 ment. To criticise the plates, were equally an envious and profitless task. 
 Considering the enormous expense and difficulties of such an under- 
 taking, this production is equally creditable to the classical accomplish- 
 ments of the author, and to the state of British Art. It abounds 
 with beautiful subjects beautifully executed. The present, like every 
 copy extant, during the life time of Sir Richard, came from its author 
 
 * Some plates have two, and some three, subjects.
 
 192 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 in the shape of a Gift — and is treasured accordingly. In handsome 
 russia binding. 
 
 Treatise called Parvula. Printed by N. Mar- 
 cant. Tf^ithout Date. Quarto. 
 
 Probably this little volume is unique. The printer of it no where 
 appears in the Typographical Antiquities of our own country. On look- 
 ing into the recent edition of the work so called, vol. ii. p. 1.50, it should 
 seem that this was a reprint of what is there designated as Longe 
 Paruhla and Peruula ; as it commences {sign, a j. having no title- 
 page) with precisely the same words, But this edition has only four 
 leaves : ending on the reverse of the 4th, thus : 
 
 J^nrc otbctfj a trcatijfe caHcb guula. for tljc injettru 
 ction of cljilDom. <!BniprfntpD 6p inc. li^icolc marcat. 
 
 The types of this impression are a beautiful gothic. There are 34 
 lines in a full page. In calf binding. 
 
 Prynne's Records. London. 1666. Folio. 3 
 volumes. 
 
 A fine genuine copy, in old calf binding, with marble-edged leaves. 
 This is usually called large paper : but till 1 see a small paper copy 
 of the work, I shall be persuaded that every copy is of nearly the same 
 dimensions as the present. At least, every copy which I have seen may 
 be so designated. I am not sure that there are thirty copies of this 
 work in existence. Dr. Rawlinson thought there were only twenty. 
 
 Rapin's History of England; with the Con- 
 tinuation BY N. TiNDALL. 1732-47. FoHo. 
 5 vol. 
 
 One of the very few copies struck off on fine writing paper ; 
 with choice impressions of the portraits from Houbraken and Vertue. 
 This copy was purchased at the sale of the library of the late George 
 Steevens : but at a price not below sixty guineas. It is bound in 
 russia, with marbled and gilt edges.
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 193 
 
 Rycharde Cuer de Lyon. Printed by IV. de 
 IVorde. 1509. Quarto. 
 
 FiKST Edition'. This exceedingly rare book (of which I believe no 
 other perfect copy exists but that in the Bodleian Library,) was wholly 
 unknown to late antiquaries and bibliographers. The authorities 
 mentioned in the note at p. 273, &c. of vol. ii. of our Typographical 
 Antiquities, had no knowledge of such an impression : the reprint of 
 1528 having been considered as the first. Mr. Weber, the late editor 
 of the printed text of 1528, collated by MSS., has observed that ' the 
 savage meal which Richard made upon the heads of the Saracens, and 
 the feast he prepared for the messengers of Soliman, are omitted in the 
 present edition :' that is, in the edition of 1528. But it is found in the 
 edition under consideration ; and the curious reader may compare Mr. 
 Weber's text, (Romances, vol. i. p. 129-1 : 133,) with the variations 
 which appear in the ensuing extracts. During the siege of Acre, 
 upon Richard's being sick, and longing for pork, and not being able 
 to find any : — 
 
 (But after porke he was alonged 
 Though all his men sholde be honged 
 They ne myght in that countree 
 Neyther for golde nor for fee 
 No porke fynde take ne gete 
 That Kyiige Rycharde myght ete) 
 Sign. I ui. rev. 
 
 a. ' noble knight' goes to the steward privily, and tells him to say no- 
 thing to any body — but to 
 
 Take a sarasjne yonge and fat 
 
 And in haste that deed be slawe 
 
 And his heed of hym he fawe (Ibid.) 
 
 The Saracen is taken and slaughtered : and his head is dressed with 
 ' good powder, spicery, and saffron of good color' — and served up be- 
 fore the King as pork. The King mtikes a heart)' supper of it — eat- 
 ing faster than his carver can supply him with slices — goes to bed, and 
 awakes the next morning cured. Again, on sign. K. ii - iii, Richard 
 thinks that neither himself nor his men ought to die with hunger, while 
 they can get a Saracen to feast upon. Indeed the King thus expatiates
 
 194 THE LIBRARY. [Miscelianeous 
 
 upon the superiority of Saracenic flesh to that of even partridge, heron, 
 
 pheasant, &c. : 
 
 Kjiige R^cliarde sayd I you wraunt 
 There is uo flesshe so nonryssaunt 
 To none englysshe crystcn man 
 Partryche lieron fesaunt ne swan 
 Cowe ne oie shepc ne swyne 
 Than is the fleshe of a Saiasync 
 
 Further extracts, from a work so thoroughly kno>vn to the curious, 
 and of which such copious particulars have been detailed by the writer 
 mentioned in the preceding page, are wholly unnecessary. The sig- 
 natures of this edition run from A to Q, alternately in eights and fours. 
 Q has six leaves ; on the recto of the vjth of which, is the colophon in 
 six lines — ' Thus endeth the story of the noble kynge Rycharde cuer de 
 lyon. Enprynted at London in y^ Fletestrete at the sygne of the sonne 
 by fVynkyn de IVorde, prynter vnto the moost excellent pryncesse my lady 
 the kynges moder. In the yere of our lorde god. m. ccccc. ix.' 
 
 This copy is in a sombre but sound condition ; and perfect, with the 
 exception of the first leaf, which contains the prologue only of the 
 poem. It was presented to his Lordship by the Rev. Mr. Slater, having 
 been found in a very wretched state in tlie cottage of a poor woman 
 in Lincolnshire. It is now beautifully bound in black morocco, by C. 
 Lewis. 
 
 Shake -Speares Sonnets. Never before Im- 
 printed. At London, &c. 1609. Quarto. 
 
 First edition ; of the greatest rarity. This copy cannot be ex- 
 ceeded perhaps for colour and soundness of condition. It has yet an 
 additional (and perhaps a very precious) claim to notice and value. At 
 the end, is the following ms. subscription, in the hand writing of the 
 time: ' Commendacions to my very kind Ffriend 23 : 3/.' but by whom, 
 is pure matter of conjecture. This beautiful copy is bound by Roger 
 Payne, in green morocco. 
 
 Shakespeare's Works, 1623. Folio. 
 
 First folio edition. The knowing need not be informed of the 
 price and importance of this impression : yet a tougher question is 
 rarely agitated among bibliographers than ' as to what constitutes a 
 fine and genuine copy of it ? ' After having seen the copy lately
 
 English Books.] THE LIBRARY. 195 
 
 obtained by Mr. GrenviUe, and that, yet more recently, by INIr. James 
 Boswell,* and carefully examined the present — I am abundantly con- 
 vinced that this is, after all, but a disagreeable book — as to tyjjogra- 
 phical execution. Every leaf of the present copy was carefully examin- 
 ed by the late George Steevens, for his Lordship ; a task, requiring 
 no ordinary skill, as copies of it are sometimes made up from leaves 
 of the subsequent editions. This copy was purchased by Mr. Stee- 
 vens, at Folkes's Sale. The leaves are, throughout, exceedingly clean. 
 The verses, facing the portrait, are inlaid ; which is usually the case : 
 but the two copies before mentioned contain them regularly printed, 
 in the centre of the page. The binding of this copy, by Walther, 
 is worthy of its intrinsic worth. It is in blue morocco, lined on the 
 sides in the Grolier style, and the back is thickly studded with gold in 
 the manner of Roger Payne. 
 
 SoNGES and Sonnettes written by the late Earle 
 OF Surrey, and others. Apud Richardum 
 Tottell. 1567. Octavo. 
 
 With the well known small outline portraits, in profile, of Surrey 
 and Wyatt, from drawings in the Royal Collection introduced. In the 
 whole, 117 leaves, with 2 leaves of a table, and a third leaf of the im- 
 print. A fine sound copy, in red morocco binding. Consult Dr. Nott's 
 edition of the Works of Surrey and Wyatt, where this copy is parti- 
 cularly mentioned. 
 
 Terence, the Andria of. Attempted in English 
 Metre. Not published. London. Buhner. 
 1814. Duodecimo. 
 
 The translator is well known to be Sir Harry Englefield, Bart. : and 
 the ' attempt" does credit to his classical pen. But the present copy 
 is a ' very jewel' of its kind : it being nothing less than ' one of eight 
 
 • A name, now requiring the melancholy qualification of — the l.ite. That gentleman 
 died about a fortnight before this portion of my text went to press, and about six months 
 after the publication of the Shakspeare (in 22 volumes, octavo) of his late friend Mr. Ma- 
 lone ; of which publication he was the Editor. His tribute of respect to the memory of his 
 departed friend, does equal credit to his head and heart. There will not be found want- 
 ing a similar tribute of respect to his own memory. Mr. Boswell's copy of the first 
 Shakspeare had belonged to Mr. Kemble, the Tragedian ; and was purchased at the sale 
 uf his library for 120/. It was however inlaid throughout, with the above exception.
 
 196 THE LIBRARY. [Miscellaneous 
 
 copies' printed in a folio form — reminding us of the copy of Bacon's 
 Essays, described at p. 164. The usual copies are in the duodecimo 
 form : so that the effect of the one before us may be easily conceived. 
 It was a present to his Lordshij) ; all the copies extant being distri- 
 buted as presents. But, although well and neatly printed, upon paper 
 of the best (piality, there is a failure of eifect as a typographical pic- 
 ture — which arises from the body of the text being perpetually broken 
 in upon by the short speeches of the Dramatis Personae. The pre- 
 sent copy is very handsomely bound in russia. 
 
 Turner's Herbal. Printed at Cologne. 1568. 
 Folio. 
 
 The most celebrated Herbal before Gerard's, was that of Wil- 
 liam Turner, Dean of Wells, and Doctor in Physick ; which was 
 printed at Cologne, hy Arnold Birckman* To be perfect, it should 
 have three parts — as is the copy of it in the library under descrip- 
 tion. As a confirmation of the very low ebb in whicli the study of 
 Botany was, at the period of Turner's iniblication, the author, in his 
 dedication of it to Queen Elizabeth, tells her Majesty that ' he is able 
 to pro\ e by good witnesses, that he had, above thirty years ago, writ- 
 ten an Herbal in Latin, wherein were contained the Greek, Latin, 
 and English names of so many herbs and trees as he could get any 
 knowledge of, even being yet fellow of Pembroke Hall, in Cambridge, 
 where, as he coidd learn, [was] never one Greek, neither Latin, nor 
 English name, even amongst the Physicians, of any herb or tree — such 
 was the ignorance in simples at that time ! ' &c. In the earlier part 
 of his dedication, he mentions an anecdote relating to the Queen worth 
 repeating. ' As for your Knowledge [meaning the Queen's] in the 
 Latin tongue, eighteen years ago, I had, in the Duke of Somerset's 
 
 • I subjoin tlie full title, from an earlier edition, of the (late of 1562 ; with the note 
 attached — from one of the catalogues of Mr. R. Tripliook. — ' Turner's (William) 
 Herball, wherein arc contejned the Names of Ilerbes in Greke, Latin, Duche, Frenche, 
 and in the Apothccarie's Latin, and somelymc in Italiane, wjth the Vertucs of the same 
 Herbes, wyth diverse Confutationes of no small Errours, that men of no small Learning 
 have committed in the intreatinge of Ilerbes of late Yeares, Part second, with figures of 
 the plants, black letter, in line condition, very rare, 15s. Cologn. MDLXII.' 
 
 * Dr. Turner, who was born at Morpeth, was unquestionably the earliest writer among 
 us that discovered learning and critical judgment iu the knowledge of Plants.' — PuUeney. 
 
 Dr. Bulleyn also observes, ' That Dr. Turner's Book of Herbs will always grow green, 
 and never wither as long as Dioscorides is held in mind by us mortal wights.'
 
 EngUs/i Books.] T H E L I B R A R Y. 1 97 
 
 House (being his Physician at that time), a good trial thereof — when, 
 as it pleased your Grace to speak Latin unto me : for although I have, 
 both in England, low and high Germany, and other places of my long 
 travail & pilgrimage, never spake with any noble or gentlewoman that 
 spake so well and so much congriie fine and pure Latin, as your Grace 
 did unto me so Ions ago.' &c. Possibly it may be answered, that this 
 is only the language of a dedication. But Elizabeth certainly knew 
 Latin well, and spoke it fluently. Turner, at the end of his dedica- 
 tion, talks of intending to ' set out a book of the names and natures 
 of FISHES that were within her Majesty's dominions ' Qu. Did he do 
 so ? I suspect not — for he then talks of having ' rest and quietness 
 in his old age, & defence from his enemies ' — besides ' sickness.' Had 
 such a work been accompanied with wood-cuts, of equal merit to 
 those in the Herbal here noticed, it would have been equally valuable 
 and curious. 
 
 VOL. r. c c
 
 198 THE LIBRARY. [Brugfiers 
 
 ILLUSTRATED WORKS. 
 
 As a splendid termination of this ' Concise View of the Althorp 
 Library,' I have thought it would not prove unacceptable to make 
 mention of a few V'olumes whicli are enriched with the efforts of 
 the Pencil or Burin ; and accordingly the reader is here presented 
 with a list of such works as bear a more peculiar character for costli- 
 ness of decoration — in the Library under description : commencing 
 with a volume whicli is entirely destitute of text, but which has long 
 been an object of admiration with the visitors at Althorp. 
 
 Volume of Original Drawings, by Plter 
 Brughel ; called, Brughel's Common Place 
 Book. 
 
 This exceedingly precious and amusing volume was purchased 
 abroad, by the late Earl Spencer, for the sum of one hundred guineas,- 
 a price by no means beyond its merits : for a more admirable ' Liber 
 Veritatis,' of its kind, does not grace the shelves of any Collection. It 
 consists of a series of water and body-coloured drawings (100 in num- 
 ber, and measuring about 6 inches by 4), after nature ; which are of a 
 great diversity of character, and of an equal fidelity of execution. Fi- 
 gures are the chief subjects of composition : all ranks, orders, and 
 occupations, from the prince to the peasant, are here delineated ; and 
 especially the amusements, pursuits, and occupations of the lower or- 
 ders of society. These subjects are in the fonn of vignettes : spiritedly 
 composed, and the greater number of them vividly coloured. Tlieir 
 state of preservation is almost perfect. Although I cannot pretend to 
 describe each of these perfonnances, yet I cannot reconcile it to my- 
 self to withhold from the reader a brief account of a few of the more 
 elegant and elaborate, or which have the greater interest, in shewing 
 the characters, and exhibiting the manners and customs, of the day. 
 
 The fourth subject presents us with a very pleasing delineation of 
 a Horse exercising in the Ring : the man is clothed in scarlet, relieved 
 and enriched with gold. He wears a yellow and a red featlier in his
 
 Drawings.] THE LIBRARY. 199 
 
 hat; his saddle is green cloth, bordered with gold. It is a gray horse; 
 and four horsemen are seen in the back ground, beyond the ring. 
 
 Shipping and Soldiers succeed. At no. lO we have a representation 
 of the diversion of shooting at a bird fastened to the end of a long 
 pole ; illustrative of the old game of the Popinjay. No. 11 is a pro- 
 cession; and no. 12 has the word loubn (probably meaning the city of 
 Louvain) above a procession of a Prince and Princess of Orange, with 
 attendants — beautifully executed — especially the countenance and dra- 
 pery of the Princess. The Prince [Prins] follows — very spirited : but 
 the figures are on a smaller scale. We pass on to no. 16, ' Bidder' — 
 in which the exercise of tilting at the ring is most spiritedly exemplified. 
 The ' Collonel,' which follows, is an admirable specimen of a small 
 whole-length. The Game of the Ball is minutely and curiously repre- 
 sented ; as well as the Game of Shuttlecock in no. SO of the series. 
 This .subject is again represented at no 22, but with less grace. The 
 Babbit-catcher, no. 25, cannot be exceeded. It is literally ' ad vivum.' 
 Catching of Birds with the broad perpendicular net (no. 26) : and with 
 the flat horizontal net (no. 28) are charming little pieces of compo- 
 sition, especially the latter. Playing at the Shuffle-board (no. 29) 
 might call aloud for a graphic representation of it. 
 
 Let us continue the series of Sports and Pastimes ; and regretting 
 that there should be no representation of Hawking, as there is of Hunt- 
 ing, (no. 2") let us delight ourselves with the representation of our 
 old and favourite game of Hockey — which forms no. 31 in the series 
 before us. The Astronomer, Scrivener, Painter, Engraver, and Sculptor, 
 form a charming little group, in one piece, at no. 33. Perhaps the 
 Painter is a portrait of Brughel himself. Costumes and occupations, 
 in civil life, succeed : many of them strikingly executed. Rural occu- 
 pations follow. The river scenes are, many of them, natural and sim- 
 ple ; but at no. 67, there commences a series of characters quite origi- 
 nal — and many of them with all the raciness of the Flemish school : 
 such as our AVilkie might more than endure. They t!onsist of Dwarfs 
 dancing. Posture-masters, and various Games peculiar to the Low 
 Countries. 
 
 The drunken, and somewhat low-lived scenes, which follow, are 
 equally happy of their kind. Various Trades, among which an Apple- 
 woman and a Batcatcher, are particularly worthy of notice, are next 
 represented ; and the concluding leaves are devoted to occupations or 
 occurrences upon the water and on the ice. The Fishermen, at no. 87, 
 make a pleasing little vignette : the woman crying fah, in the following
 
 200 THE LIBRARY. [S/iaksjjeares 
 
 number, is quite admiraljle : you might almost fancy that you hear 
 her voice, though you cannot commend her beauty. Nor is the Fisher- 
 man, at no. 90, less characteristically imagined and finished. At no. 
 91 commence the Ice-scenes, nearly all full of wit and drollery. One 
 of them (not quite the last) of a quiet cast of character, represents our 
 favourite game of Hockey again. The man and woman tumbling, in 
 the fulloaing subject, is perfectly humorous ; and divested of that 
 crossness which we sometimes see in similar subjects by tlie Dutch 
 and Flemish masters. 
 
 This precious volume is bound in red velvet ; each drawing having 
 been mounted within a neat gilt border, and inlaid upon a gray and 
 appropriate coloured paper. It is preserved in a green morocco case, 
 and is placed at the extremity of the Long Library, among the books 
 seen between the pillars in the foregoing view. 
 
 The Historical Plays of Wm. Shakspeare. 
 5 vols. Folio. From the superb edition printed 
 at the Shakspeare Press for 3Iessrs. Boi/dell 
 and Nicol. 
 
 It is now eleven years ago since a sketchy account of the magical 
 embellishments of these sumptuous volumes was introduced in the 
 pages of the Bibliomania, edit. 1811 ; and a repetition of the view 
 of their contents has only confirmed me in the truth of the senti- 
 ments before delivered.* Leaving therefore the expressions of ge- 
 neral admiration to the note below, I proceed to make the reader ac- 
 quainted with the leading features of this Illustrated Shakspeare 
 — which has obtained so deservedly an established reputation in other 
 countries besides our own. 
 
 The thought of confining the illustration of our Bard to his historical 
 plays, was certainly most hajjjjy ; because the characters introduced, 
 
 * ' an illustrated Shakspeare in tlic jiosscssioii of Earl Spencer ; which owes its 
 
 magic to the (lerscverance and taste of the Dowager Countess of Lucan, niotliir to the 
 present Countess Spencer. For sixteen jears did this accomplished lady pursue the 
 pleasurable toil of illustration ; having commenced it in her 5Uth, and finished it in her 
 66th year. ^\ hatever of taste, beauty, and judgment in decoration — by means of por- 
 traits, landscapes, houses, and tombs — flowers, birds, insects, heraldic ornaments and 
 devices — could dress our immortal bard in a yet more fascinating form, has been accom- 
 plished by the noble hand which undertook so Herculean a task — and with a truth, deli- 
 cacy, and finish of execution, which have been raielj equalled ! ' p. 667.
 
 Hist. Plays.'] THE LIBRARY. 201 
 
 the events in which they were engaged, and the places which were the 
 most remarkable scenes of their transactions, were capable of being 
 judiciously represented by means of portraits, or of local transcripts. 
 On the other hand, let us only take up the Tempest and the Midsum- 
 mer Night's Dream, and ask how such exuberant and wild creations of 
 fancy could be represented with any thing like sobriety, or even an 
 approach to truth, by means of the pencil ? The historical plays are 
 therefore, for the reasons just assigned, the proper foundation of an 
 Illustrated Shakspeare. 
 
 The work under consideration begins with the earliest, in chrono- 
 logical order ; namely, that of King John. Each of the five volumes 
 contains two plays ; and accordingly King John and Richard II. will 
 be found to occupy the first vohune. Before the volume is opened, 
 the visitor will not fail to notice its exterior embellishments : each 
 volume being bound in green velvet, with silver-gilt clasps ornamented 
 in the Gothic style, and with the cognizance of the particular monarch 
 whose deeds the poet describes. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 It so happens that the first volume contains two of the most beauti- 
 ful specimens of the skill of its late noble Illustrator ; namely, the 
 portrait of Shakspeare, and that of his patron tlie Earl of Southampton. 
 The portrait of tlie Bard is taken from the late Ozias Humphreys's 
 copy of the supposed original, belonging to the Duke of Chandos ; 
 that of his patron from the fine original oil painting in the gallery at 
 Althorp, by iMytens. Many of the heads here are necessarily bor- 
 rowed from printed authorities ; namely, from IMontfaucon and Me- 
 zeray; and some from illuminations in old MSS. at Lambeth and the 
 British Museum. Among the portraits in Richard II. those of Thomas 
 of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, from a curious portrait of Lord 
 Onslow's, collected by the Speaker Onslow, and Robert de Vere, Duke of 
 Ireland, from an old portrait of Lord Orford's, considered by him to 
 to be original — are to be particularly distinguished. In this play are 
 also several illuminations, chiefly from the treasures contained in the 
 British Museum : but there is one subject, representing Northumber- 
 land's parley with King Richard, which is composed by Lady Lucan 
 herself — ' the only falsity (says she) in the book : therefore I put my 
 initials to it, not to deceive. I wished to try an illumination of my 
 own : the costume is true." Thus, indirectly, has an additional 
 interest been excited bv this embellishment.
 
 a02 THE LIBRARY. [Shakspeares 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 Henry IV., First and Second Parti. 
 
 The decorations commence with a copy of an iltumination of the Co- 
 ronation of the King, from a IMS. in the British Museum : followed by 
 a portrait of Henry, from a picture formerly belonging to Lady Francis 
 Coningsby, and now to the Earl of Essex, her descendant, by whom it 
 has been removed from Hampton-Court, in Hcreford.shire, to his seat at 
 Cassiobury, in Hertfordshire. The red rose and portcullis, emblems 
 of the Lancastrians, soon strike us among the vignette-embellishnienls. 
 Among the portraits to this first part of Henry IV. that of Archibald 
 the Black, Earl of Douglas, has very considerable merit ; but the ori- 
 ginal whence it was taken, seems to have been forgotten — from a ms. 
 memorandum by the illustrator. The Second Part commences with 
 the Shakspeare Jubilee Medal, introduced in the title ; and amongst the 
 portraits are those of Sir William and Lady Gascoigne, from an illumi- 
 nation in the British Museum ; Prince of Wales, afterwards Henry y., 
 from the same. Among the more striking vignettes, are serpents de- 
 stroying poppies (p. 53), a forked radish (p. 67), a pye and tan- 
 kard on a table (p. 102), and monkeys playing with a royal mantle 
 (p. 121). 
 
 VOL. III. 
 
 Henrv V. Henrv VI., Part the First. 
 
 Among the portraits, those of Henry V. and his Queen Catharine, 
 from ancient illuminations, are the most striking. The vignettes are 
 numerous ; that of Creil in Picardy (p, 41), was copied from an old 
 print given to Lady Lucan by the celebrated, but unfortunate, Mons. 
 Bailly, Mayor of Paris. The Battle of Agincourt (p. 92) is taken from 
 an illumination in the Archicpiscopal library at Lambeth. 
 
 The frontispiece to the First Part of Henry VI. is a copy of the faqatje 
 of what was once known as the Shakspeare (lallery ; of which the late 
 Banks was the sculptor. The cognizance of the monarch is the Leo- 
 pard. Here is a portrait of the historian Froissart, from the original 
 in the collection of the late Mr. Johnes. At page 36 is a marginal 
 decoration or device of the Bear and ragged Staff, the cognizance of 
 the famous Earl of Warwick ; and at page 40, is a marginal orna- 
 ment of the Rising Sun, the device of the Yorkists ; assumed when 
 these latter ' only looked for the throne at a distance, but hoped ' — to
 
 Hist. Plays.] THE LIBRARY. 203 
 
 borrow the language of the Designer. This volume contains several 
 choice portraits taken from illuminations, &c. among which are recog- 
 nized the portraits of John Duke of Bedford, and his wife the Duchess, 
 from the celebrated Bedford Missal. Here is also (p. 9r>) a portrait of 
 Joan of Arc, (together with a view of her prison at Rouen*) from ' a 
 
 very old original portrait brought to England by Sir Smyth, 
 
 the grand coustumier of England in the time of Henry Vllth, and still 
 in the possession of the Smyth family. ' She is described (says the ms. 
 note of Lady Lucan) on her trial to be exactly so dressed.' This, and 
 the previous portions or parts of volumes, conclude with a vignette 
 of naval trophies, emblematical ' of the naval success with which God 
 was pleased to bless his Lordship's efforts, when at the head of the 
 Admiralty." 
 
 VOL. IV. 
 
 He.vry VL Parts Second and Third. 
 
 The two portraits in this volume, of Margaret of Anjou, and Hum- 
 phrey D. of Gloucester, have very great merit ; and are from interesting 
 originals : in the possession of the late Lord Orford. Many of the 
 vignettes (especially that at the beginning of Act. IL Scene I.) are 
 exceedingly tasteful and striking. The conclusion of the play, has a 
 vignette of the Battle of the Nile, surrounded by the George and 
 riband. 
 
 The Third Part presents us at the opening with the Antelope and 
 Swans, the cognizance of Henry \'l. with a vignette of white roses 
 above red ; with a dagger below. The portraits of Edward IV. and his 
 Queen Elizabeth Woodville, (from originals at Cambridge) are very 
 striking. The coronation of King Edward IV. is from an illuminated 
 MS. in the British Museum, and the portrait of George Duke of Cla- 
 rence is from an old picture in the possession of the present Marquis 
 of Hastings. The vignette attached to Act. IV. Scene I. has great 
 merit : but more particularly in the whole of the composition of the 
 last vignette, being an " Altar to the success of patriotic Labour." 
 
 VOL. V. 
 Richard III. Henry \TII. 
 
 The most splendid and successful of the labours of the noble illustra- 
 tor, seem to have been reserved for the execution of the last volume — 
 ' Viewi of tb!s prison ma; be seen in the publications of Millet and Cotlman.
 
 204 THE LIBRARY. [ShaJcipeare's 
 
 which literally, from one end to the other, is in a blaze with gold and 
 radiant colours. The plays themselves are hi^^lily favourable for such 
 extension of illustration. That of Richard III. displays on the exte- 
 rior, the cognizance of the boar. The interior commences with the 
 arms of his lordship. The luilf-tillc c.\liibits a ple.ising vignette of the 
 white boar trampling upon the red rose. The margin at the beg in- 
 ning displays the white rose, gilded like a sun. The portraits are nu- 
 merous. That of Hichanl, from an oil painting in Kensington i'alace, 
 is executed with great vigour and intelligence. Those of the Countess 
 of Richmond, Mother of llennj VII. Jane Shore, and the Lords Derby 
 and Stanley, are also beautifully executed. Tliere is a very singular 
 one of George Duke of Clarence, ' cut out of a very old wainscot in 
 .\udley End Palace, and now in the Marcpiis of Hastings's collection.' 
 At page 40, is the well known illumination of Edward IV. it'j//j his 
 Queen and Prince, with Earl Rivers, and a Priest (absurdly called 
 Caxton — our first printer) kneeling and presenting a book — wliich has 
 been most faithlessly copied in Waljiole's Anecdotes of Painters. • The 
 events relating to the battle of Bos worth Field, are represented in seve- 
 ral very interesting vignettes. The concluding vignette, reverses, in a 
 very striking manner, the triumph of tlie wiiite boar ;n the first. 
 The red and white roses are joined together upon an altar ; and the 
 boar lies dead at the base of it, stricken with a sword. 
 
 The half title of henry \'I1I. is one of the most magnificent pre- 
 ludes imaginable, to the embellishments contained in the ensuing 
 pages. It specifies, in ])rint, the illustration of the historical |)lays of 
 the bard, by Marg.\ket Coi'.NTEs.s of Lucan; and the ornaments in 
 gold and various colours, by which it is surrounded, are executed in 
 the purest taste after the models of the time of Henry Mil. The 
 arms of Lady Lucan are in the centre at bottom, within the lozenge, 
 indicative of her widowhood. We observe a pair of spectacles on one 
 side, and a pallet with brushes, on the other ; denoting that the aid of 
 the fornur was resorted to towards the completion of such a long-pro- 
 tracted labour. The talents of the noble illustrator, seem, without 
 compliment, to have increased with her declining years. The ])ages of 
 this portion of the work are filled by double the number of embellish- 
 ments contained in some of the former. 
 
 • Consult also our T\jp. Antiij. vol. i. edit. 1810. A duplicate copy, in colours, of the 
 above illumination, appears in tlie Dii les and sa^ ingcs of Earl Rivers, printed by Caxton, 
 in the library in St. James's Place. See Bibl. Spencer, vol. iv. p. 217.
 
 Hist. Plays.] THE LIBRARY. 205 
 
 The portraits first claim our attention. Those of Catherine Howard, 
 Catherine of Arragon, Anne of Cleves, two of Wohey, the Bishops of 
 Winchester and Rochester, Anne Boleyn, the Dukes of Suffolk and Nor- 
 folk, Dr. Butts, Lord Chancellor Audletj, and Sir A. Deiiny, have, in 
 particular, the brilliancy and finish of highly wrought miniatures. 
 Others, less elaborate, from the comparative rudeness, are not less 
 interesting from the authenticity of their originals. Nearly the whole 
 are from oil-paintings. The two Queens of Scotland, Margaret and 
 Mary, are also here ; as are Philip II. (from the original at Althorp) 
 and Mary, Queen of England. The Vignettes are well worthy of their 
 graphic companions. That at the end of Act I. is perhaps the most 
 exquisite of the whole. It is a view of Hampton Court Palace, sur- 
 rounded by a crimson mantle, to which nets are attached, and which 
 nets are supported above by flying children, one of whom is almost en- 
 tirely covered by a cardinal's hat. The vignette of two cornucopias in 
 Act IV. — from one of which roses fall, and from the other thorns and 
 the a.\e — (alluding to the sudden elevation and as sudden downfall of 
 Anne Boleyn), is exceedingly happy and impressive. One page repre- 
 sents three portraits of Elizabeth ; one in infancy, the other in matu- 
 rity, and the third in old age. But there is not room for further enu- 
 meration ; and I hasten to the colophon — which is sufficiently impressive, 
 and which is illustrated, in turn, by a drawing, in sapia, of the portrEiit 
 of Lady Lucan, in her 66th year ; attended by Genius, Affection, and 
 Persf.vebance ; executed by her daughter, Lavinia, the present Coun- 
 tess Spencer. The words of the colophon are these : 
 
 INIARGARET 
 
 Countess of Lucan 
 
 ^T. Sv.E LXVI. 
 
 Genius 
 
 Affection 
 
 and 
 
 Perseverance 
 
 Record the Completion 
 
 OF tuis Beautiful Work, 
 
 Happily Conceived, 
 
 CoBDiALLY Undertaken, 
 
 AND 
 
 Zealously Pursued, 
 Begun in MDCCXC. Finished in MDCCCVI. 
 
 VOL. I. D d
 
 306 THELIBRARY. [Steevens's S/iaksp. 
 
 Such is the account, limited and inadequate as it is, of perhaps the 
 most splendid copy, in ejtistence, of any portion of the printed text of 
 our IMMORTAL Bard. The beauties of the pencil are worthy of the 
 celebrity of the text ; and when every other memorial of the talents of 
 Her, by whom this splendid monument was achieved, sliali have passed 
 away, these Volumes wiU transmit the name of Bingham to pos- 
 terity, in a manner worthy of the antiquity of that family. And let it 
 not be forgotten that such labours as these, exalt rank and ennoble 
 virtue. 
 
 The Plays of William Shakspeare. Edited 
 by George Steevens. 17.^3. Octavo. 15 vols, 
 in 18 vols. 
 
 Some slight mention of this very extraordinary copy has been made 
 in the pages of the Bibliomania, 1811, 8vo. p. 171- The present is 
 the proper place to enlarge somewhat upon its peculiarities and value. 
 In the first place, this is one of the twenty-Jive copies only upon Large 
 Paper. In the second place, it was the editor's own copy, and was 
 bequeathed by him to its present noble owner, enriched and enlarged by 
 a profusion of bare prints and drawings of the editor's own selection 
 and introduction. In the third place, it has continued to receive Illus- 
 trations, of the like nature, since it has been in the possession of his 
 Lordship, to an amount, in value, even twice as great as that at which 
 it was estimated, when it came into his Lordship's possession. Need I 
 therefore add, that this octavo set of our immortal Bard may be consi- 
 dered unique in almost every sense ? 
 
 To give a particular description of the contents of such a set of vo- 
 lumes, would be to write a catalogue of almost every rare graphic em- 
 bellishment capable of being introduced within the pages of an octavo 
 Shakspeare. Suffice it therefore to observe, that these ' embellish- 
 ments,' consist not onlyof portraits of the contemporaries of our Bard, 
 as well as of the Bard himself; but of commentators and editors of his 
 works ; of players of his characters ; and of tlie numerous persons of 
 all descriptions mentioned in the notes to this edition. Nor are the 
 heads of the principal characters themselves, (especially of the histori- 
 cal ones) wanting to render the series complete. There are also plates 
 of places and of events described ; and of each of these, nearly all the 
 varieties which claim any pretension to authenticity. In short, this
 
 Magna Carta.] THE LIBRARY. 807 
 
 copy is replete with some of the most exquisite and precious treasures, 
 which belong to an Illustrated Shakspeare. These treasures afford 
 a perpetually varied source of anausement, both from the commodious- 
 ness of their form, and from the facility of access (by means of an 
 index written by its late, and enlarged by its present owner) to every 
 ornament which they display. It is bound in blue morocco. 
 
 JHagna Carta* 
 
 Printed in Letters of Gold, by John fVhitta- 
 ker, UPON white vellum ; and illl 3Iinated 
 BY Richard Thomson. Imperial Folio. 
 
 It is just possible that the reader may not have forgotten the ac- 
 count of various splendid copies of this work, (illuminated in a similar 
 manner) which is to be found in the Bibliographical Decameron, vol. ii. 
 p. 416. The libraries of several of our noblemen, as well as that of 
 his PRESENT Majesty, are graced by copies of this splendid monu- 
 ment of legislative wisdom : — emblazoned by the efforts of British 
 Art. But there are few, I apprehend, if any of these copies, which 
 have a more decided claim to admiration, than that now about to be 
 described — by the pen of the artist, who has here accomplished such 
 a trophy by his pencil. I am aware that this description is somewhat 
 minute ; but it is to be hoped that it will not be considered either 
 wearisome or digressive, as it appertains strictly to the objects 
 delineated. 
 
 Description or the Illuminations. 
 
 The principle upon which this volume has been decorated, was two- 
 fold ; first, it aimed at the introduction of as many differont kinds 
 of illuminations as could be collected into one body : and secondly, 
 the bringing forward of as many interesting historical facts, peculiarities 
 of costume, heraldic illustrations, and fragments of antiiiuity, relating 
 to the thirteenth century, as were at all relevant to the history of 
 Magna Carta, King John, or his contemporaries. For these purposes 
 an extensive and laborious search was commenced, in consequence of 
 which, the work advanced slower than it would have done, if less care 
 had been employed ; as nearly forty different printed authorities were 
 consulted : while the selections from illuminated manuscripts, were
 
 S08 THE LIBRARY. [Magna Carta. 
 
 scarcely less numerous. Nor was the illustration of this work confined 
 to painting only ; for to every page an essay was attached, descriptive 
 of the decorations thereon, the historical events to which they related, 
 and the sources from whence they were derived. These essays, out of 
 which the following account has been iibstracted, amount to twenty 
 quarto sheets fairly written, with a list of authorities, preface, index, 
 and title-page, as follows. " A series of Historical Essays, illustrative 
 of the Illuminations and Ancient Drawings, in the Magna Carta of 
 King John; printed in Letters of Gold by John WTiittaker: and exe- 
 cuted for tlie Right Honourable George John Earl Spencer, &c. &c. 
 &c. Jielected and Arranged by Richard Thomson." 
 
 In point of heraldic insignia, however, the volume is most rich, as 
 there are few persons who were of any importance in King John's 
 time, of whom some armorial bearing may not be found upon these 
 pages. The shields of the most powerful and active knights and 
 barons, the de\'ices of the ancient crusaders, the arms of celebrated ec- 
 clesiastics, and religious houses, and tlie more well known ensigns of 
 contemporary sovereigns : all that could be found to illustrate the 
 history of the time of the instrument itself, have been introduced. 
 Before proceeding to a more minute description of the pages them- 
 selves, it may be proper to notice one peculiarity concerning them ; 
 as a distinguishing mark, each has its own proper name ; derived 
 either from the general cast of the decorations, the historical matter 
 contained in them, or from some ancient custom alluded to in the text 
 at that part ; by which method any ornament or painting can be more 
 easily referred to, and a greater portion of variety is given to the 
 whole. 
 
 The frontispiece to Magna Carta, is. 
 
 The Spencer Quarterings, 
 
 painted from the collection made by Sir Isaac Heard, and consisting of 
 150 lineal and collateral coats ; above which are placed the family crest, 
 and an earl's coronet surrounded by branches of palm, mantling, and 
 banners. Below the large shield, are placed the principal quarterings 
 of Earl Spencer, encircled by the Garter, and marshalled with those of 
 his Countess, thus introduced to show the supporters and motto ; 
 these are placed within a clamp shell, an escallopp being the Spencer 
 device. The collar and George of the order of the garter, are seen 
 falling beneath the shields. The upper part of the border contains two 
 open mantles with coronets above them ; beneath which are inscribed
 
 Magna Carta.l THELIBRARY. 209 
 
 the dates of the various patents of peerage, which have been granted 
 to the family. Lower down upon the sides, are the armorial ensigns 
 of Trinity College, Cambridge ; and the town of St. Albans, in the 
 county of Hertford ; his lordship, the present Earl, having been edu- 
 cated at the former place, and at one period Seneschal of the latter. 
 Corresponding with these, on the lower part are two other shields, 
 which bear the Arms of the Trinity and Charter Houses ; alluding to 
 Lord Spencer's being an elder brother of the one, and a governor of 
 the other. At the angles of the border line are the family devices of 
 the fret and escallop, placed quarterly. This painting is executed on 
 a vellum leaf, and the exterior ornaments advance almost to the 
 edges. 
 
 Title. The Plantagenet Page. 
 
 The border here consists of a series of gothic panels, executed in 
 a brown tint, heightened with gold, originally taken from King 
 John's cenotaph at Worcester, where the body has been lately disco- 
 vered. On some of these pannels are placed the armorial ensigns of 
 John's dukedoms, namely, Jsormandy, Anjou, Aquitain, and Corn- 
 wall : while the remainder are occupied with branches of the broom 
 plant and flower, the emblem of the Plantagenets. At the corners, 
 are portraits of the four principal English monarchs, by whom charters 
 of liberties were granted to the kingdom ; namely, Henry the First, 
 John, Henry the Third, and Edward the First, who confirmed the 
 whole. Immediately round the words of the title, which are elegantly 
 disposed in ornamental writing, designed by Mr. Paton, is the collar of 
 the order of the broom flower, placed as a border ; it having been from 
 this plant, that the name of Plantagenet, of which family King John 
 was descended, was originally derived. At the upper and lower parts 
 of the page, surrounded by their armorial ensigns, and various other 
 emblems, are the portraits of Lord Chief Justice Coke, and Sir William 
 Blackstone, the two admirable commentators and historians of Magna 
 Carta. 
 
 Dedication . The Garter Page. 
 
 The present volimie being unique in its illuminations and historical 
 essays, is dedicated to its noble owner in a splendid page of elegant 
 writing, designed by Mr. Paton, and afterwards prepared for the golden 
 typography. As the noble possessor of the work, is a knight of the 
 most ancient order of the garter, it was thought proper that this page 
 should record some of the splendors and antiquities belonging to that
 
 210 THE LIBRARY. [Magna Carta. 
 
 magnificent institution. Tlie sides are decorated with a selection of 
 gothic ornaments and panels taken from St. George's Chapel, Uind- 
 sor, coloured in purple and gold, being the tinctures of the order. 
 Upon different parts of the page are introduced the star, and various 
 badges of the knights and officers, while close around the printing, is 
 suspended the collar of the order. At the upper part is shown a portion 
 of the history of St. George, and at the lower part are represented 
 some of the ceremonies of an installation. 
 
 Magna Carta, folio 1. The Shrine Page. 
 
 This border is so denominated, because it represents the entrance to 
 a shrine erected to the memory of King John, and those barons and 
 ecclesiastics, who were concerned with him, in the execution of the 
 great charter. The uppermost part consists of a flat pointed arch, 
 surmounted by the ancient arms of England, and the radiated crown 
 used by King .John. The back ground, which appears most promi- 
 nently from this part of the illumination ; is divided between a mosaic 
 and an emblematical diapered screen. That part of the painting which 
 forms the sides, consists of two narrow pointed arches ; in the left- 
 hand of which appears the sliield of Richard Earl of Clare, above 
 which are the armorial ensigns of his Earldom of Hertford : on the 
 right is seen the shield of William de Fortibus Earl of Aumerlc, sur- 
 mounted by the coat of the first earl who bore that name ; both these 
 shields are placed upon a damasked back-ground. Beyond these ar- 
 ches, nearer the printing, is a narrow borrow of ornamental work, from 
 a psalter in the Cottonian Library, executed for Henry \'I. whilst a 
 child. The upper parts of the side divisions, consist of gilded panels, 
 with cornices, &c. to corresjiond with the centre, and are finished by 
 two gothic domes. The lower part of the drawing is divided into four 
 compartments, the centre of which is a wide spreading arch, contain- 
 ing the figure of William Earl of Warren, in chain armour, habited in 
 a crusade surcoat, in order to point out the manner of his death : he 
 bears the shield of his family, and is mounted on a barbed-horse, capa- 
 risoned also with the ensigns of Warren, and a foot-cloth of blue, 
 powdered with letter W. in gold; this figure has been copied from a 
 seal, belonging to the above mentioned family. Immediately on the 
 left hand of this arch, is a smaller one, wherein is placed the arms of 
 the See of Canterbury, surmounted by a mitre, and corresponding with 
 those of the private coat of the Archbishop on the other side, as ex- 
 pressed by the scrolls beneath them. On each of the lower sides is a
 
 Magna Carta.} THE LIBRARY. 211 
 
 gothic gilded panel, enclosing a shield and scroll ; that on the left, 
 being the Arms of King John's dukedom of Aquitain, and the escut- 
 cheon on the right that of Anjou. The capital initial on the page, 
 represents the King in his robes, on his throne; decorated with co- 
 loured foliage and flowers ; the whole upon a back-ground of burnished 
 gold. The lower part of this letter contains the arms of the Spencer 
 family. 
 
 2. The Skeleton Page. 
 
 King John's sudden death in 1216, the year following the conclusion 
 of Magna Carta, gave rise to the mortuary title and decorations of this 
 page : and at the same it was intended to exhibit some specimens of 
 the ancient death-dance border, once so common in early decorated 
 works, adapted to the circumstances of the present history. In 1214, 
 King John granted to the ecclesiastics of his kingdom, a charter con- 
 cerning the liberties of the church, this is hinted at by the turretted 
 roofs of two abbies which appear at the upper part of this page, at- 
 tended by their respective guardian angels, holding their armorial 
 ensigns, mitres, and scrolls containing their names ; by which the 
 building on the left is shown to be the Abbey of Westminster, and 
 that on the right the Abbey of Reading. The figures of the angels 
 have been drawn from a Saxon volume of Prayers in the Cottonian 
 Library. The abbies are decorated with windows of stained glass, 
 and are connected in the centre by a building with square towers, before 
 which are placed the arms of Alan Basset, Geoffry Earl of Essex and Glou- 
 cester, Allan de Galloway, Constable of Scotland ; these Barons having 
 been importantly engaged in the execution of Magna Carta. Beneath 
 the shields are scrolls containing the various names, and on a larger one 
 extended between the two abbies, are written in Latin the words 
 ' Glory to God in the Highest,' as appropriate to the ecclesiastical 
 emblems. 
 
 Descending upon the left, in an arch of Westminster Abbey, is seen a 
 skeleton laying hold of Pope Innocent 111. with his right hand, and 
 with the other carrying a spade upon his shoulder. The pontifiF, who 
 is dressed in the whole of his ecclesiastical robes, utters in Latin as he 
 departs, " death conquers aU." Beneath the figures is the following 
 verse antiquely spelled, and written in the hand of Magna Carta. 
 
 Innocent III. 
 Come, laye thy triple Crowne asyde. 
 From alle thy worldlie gloryes seuer j
 
 212 THE LIBRARY. [Magna Carta. 
 
 And when thy mightie cause is tryde, 
 Mayest thow be Innocent for euer. 
 
 Immediately beneath the scroll on which the above verse is written, are 
 placed the Arms of Saher, Earl of Winchester, one of the Baronial sure- 
 ties to M.igna Carta. This is succeeded by another arch, under which 
 is a fleshlcss spirit, holding an emptied sand-glass, leading by the hand 
 King John, and at the same time uttering to him in Greek, the words 
 applied to the destruction of Babylon, " In one moment is thy judg- 
 ment come," alluding to the King's sudden death, (as some histo- 
 rians relate) by poison. This group is succeeded by another scroll 
 with the following lines : 
 
 John, the Kynge. 
 Sceptres and Crownes doe soone decaye, 
 And regal honours melte awaie. 
 And while our life is glowing bryghte. 
 It settes in euerlastyng nyghte. 
 
 On the upper part of the right hand beneath an arch of Reading 
 Abbey, Death is seen leading Peter de Rupibus Bishop of Winchester, 
 and Lord Chief Justice, to the tomb. The Bishop appears advancing, 
 holding his episcopal shield, while the skeleton is fantastically diverted 
 with the mitre and crosier, and is saying in English, ' The magistracy 
 shows the man,' allusive to the office above-mentioned. These figures, 
 like the former, are walking upon a scroll, with the following verse, 
 which puns upon a part of the habits of nobles and ecclesiastics called 
 a pall, and referring it to the funeral covering of the same name. 
 
 To THE Bishop. 
 
 Thy glittering robes of priestly pride. 
 Must be for ever cast aside j 
 Yet thou shalte be by Dethe allowde. 
 To weare thy Palle aboue thy shrowde. 
 
 Beneath them are the armorial ensigns of Henry Earl of Hereford, 
 which are succeeded by the two last performers in the awful dance. 
 Death is here represented as leading a soldier, bearing his spear and 
 shield with the Arms of Bigod : the skeleton excites him to the march 
 by beating with one hand upon a small drum, and with the other draw- 
 ing him forward ; uttering at the same time in French ' advance to the 
 Sepulchre." The verse beneath is as follows.
 
 Magna Carta.] THE LIBRARY. 213 
 
 To THE KnYGHTE. 
 
 Save Soldier, where is now thy victor pryde, 
 UTiiche 'twyned its verdaunt laurels rounde thy browe ; 
 
 And held thee fyrme amidst the battle tyde, 
 Dethe ben a myghtyer conqueror than thou. 
 
 The lower part of the page is parted into three divisions : each of 
 the two sides forming an arch with square towers, and arches in the 
 distance. In the left of these, appears Robert Fitzwalter, clothed in 
 his armour and surcoat of arms, bearing his banner ; and on the right 
 is seen William de Hardies, Lord Mayor of London, advancing with the 
 city standard. The centre compartment represents the meeting at 
 Stamford, between the royal party and the barons, in which the prin- 
 cipal characters are distinguished by their arms, and scrolls containing 
 their names; and in the back ground is a view of the baronial 
 encampment. 
 
 3. The Knights Templars Page. 
 
 In the commencement of Magna Carta the Barons and Ecclesiastics 
 who were upon the King's side are all detailed by name, and one of the 
 principal of these, was Almeric, Master of the Knights Templars in Eng- 
 land. To commemorate therefore the ecclesiastical orders of Knighthood 
 of King John's time, and more especially to record the extensive influence 
 of the Templars, was the intention of the name, and the designs of this 
 page. At the upper centre appears one of their early badges, namely, 
 a holy lamb, with the usual motto from St. John's gospel, written in 
 Greek. On the left hand are the arms of the Patriarch of Constantino- 
 ple, and on the right those of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, which are 
 bounded by the heraldic device of the Trinity to the right, and on the 
 verge of the left by the ensigns of the city of Jerusalem. On the left 
 hand margin appear the arms of the Middle Temple, the first habitation 
 of the Templars in England; from which is suspended the cross of 
 the order. Beneath them is the shield of Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk 
 and Suffolk, one of the Baronial witnesses for King John ; and his armo- 
 rial ensigns are succeeded by those of Baldwin, second Christian King 
 of Jerusalem, with another cross used by the Knights Templars hanging 
 round the arms. Proceeding next to the right-hand margin, occur the 
 arms of Ethiopia, with the order of St. Anthony of Ethiopia pendant 
 from them. These are followed by the shield of Robert Earl of Ox- 
 ford, another of the witnessing Barons ; and the right hand border is 
 
 VOL. I. E e
 
 814. THE LIBRARY. [Magna Carta. 
 
 terminated with the arms of Malta, and a representation of the cross 
 of that order. Bcliind the shields is a waving line of gilded and co- 
 loured foliage, upon which they are suspended, and which was drawn 
 from a French manuscript of Songs and Romances, in the Harleian 
 Collection. The inner border consists of lines branching out at either 
 end into foliage, which spreads over a ground of burnished gold, from 
 the leaves of which, at the upper part, issue the figures of a knight 
 Templar and a knight of St. John of Jerusalem. The lower division 
 of the page represents A^'illiam Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, seated on 
 horseback before the entrance of his tent, clothed in mail, and wearing 
 his surcoat and shield of arms, while his horse is caparisoned in a scar- 
 let foot-cloth powdered with the letter M in gold. The tent is em- 
 broidered with the collateral arms of the Pembroke family, viz. Mar- 
 shal Ancient, Strongbow Ancient, Strongbow Modern, and Clare. On 
 either side of the equestrian figure are illuminated flowers, from an 
 English Missal of the xivth century; and the border is wholly closed 
 bv the arms of the Papal See on the left hand, and those of France on 
 the right, introduced on account of the intimate connection of Magna 
 Carta with Pope Innocent the Third, and Philip the Second, King of 
 
 France. 
 
 4. The Montjoie Page. 
 
 Arthur, Duke of Bretagne, was the next heir to the English crown, 
 after the decease of King Richard the First, although the last will of 
 that monarch gave the kingdom to his brother John. When it seemed 
 probable that young Arthur would entirely lose his right, Constance, 
 his mother, solicited the aid of Philip the Second of France to seat 
 him on that throne which was his real inheritance. Varying circum- 
 stances and clashing interests proved, however, that Philip's friendship 
 was not to be depended on : and at length, after many vicissitudes, the 
 Prince was taken captive by his uncle John, and in a short time was 
 found lifeless in his prison. 
 
 WTien Philip first received Arthur and Constance under his protec- 
 tion, in the year 1200, he created the former a knight of the star, one 
 of the most ancient orders in France ; and it is to this circumstance, 
 and to tlie subsequent connection of Philip with King John, that the 
 fourth page alludes ; which, as it contains also several French armorial 
 ensigns, is named Montjoie, after the principal herald of France. On 
 the left hand of the upper centre is represented a chapteral assembly 
 of the knights of the star, in their full dresses, with their arms placed 
 above them, and attended by Montjoie. Beneath an embroidered
 
 Magna Carta.] THE LIBRARY. 215 
 
 canopy, in the centre, is seated King Philip, and at his feet the young 
 Arthur, holding the arms of those French counties which the sovereign 
 bestowed upon him at that meeting. The other compartment of this 
 division represents the plain ceremonial imposed on the new knight by 
 the statutes of this order, namely, to defend the lists during the festival, 
 without placing his feet in the stirrups. On either side of the centre 
 are the armorial ensigns of Arthur, Duke of Bretagne, and Reginald, 
 Count of Boulogne, who was made a knight of the same order, and at 
 the same time as the former. The collar of the star is suspended round 
 the shields. The sides of the page are divided into panels, over which, 
 supported by a larger representation of the same collar, are the shields 
 of several early kings of France, and its divisions, embracing those of 
 Pharamond, Clo^is, and those borne by the latter king after he became 
 converted to Christianity. The lower part is di^nded into three com- 
 partments ; the centre representing the approach of Louis the Dau- 
 phin's fleet to Dover, after he had been in\ited to assume the Crown 
 of England by the Barons. On the left is seen the vessel of Louis, 
 having the caparison cloths embroidered with his initials, and his armo- 
 rial ensigns suspended at the prow. On the shore is the baronial en- 
 campment, \vith the town and towers of Dover; other vessels of the 
 Dauphin's fleet are seen coming in from the distance. In the two outer 
 divisions, which are formed into Gothic panels, the arms of the Dau- 
 phin are placed on one side, and those of Blanche of Castile, King 
 John's niece, whom he married, upon the other. 
 
 5. The Fitzwalter Page. 
 
 So eminent an actor in the great political Drama of Magna Carta, 
 could not be allowed to exist without engaging at least one scene to 
 his own share. There is however but little left concerning the private 
 life of this once powerful and haughty baron ; but that little is here 
 brought forward, and the page in consequence has been called by his 
 name. On the upper part, in the centre, is the armorial shield of 
 Fitzwalter, on which are placed his helmet, battle-axe, sword, shirt of 
 mail, and robe as standard bearer of London : on the right side of the 
 shield is a representation of the ancient city banner, and on the left a 
 forked pennon, on which are the initials of the words ' MarescaUum 
 exercitus Dei et Sancte Ecclesiae,' alluding to Fitzwalter's situation in 
 the baronial army. Round about the shield are illuminated flowers 
 and foliage, in the nature of those used in the French and Flemish 
 MSS. of the fifteenth century. Farther from the centre, blended with
 
 216 THE LIBRARY. [Magna Carta. 
 
 the foliage, are two armed figures; that on the left being William, 
 Earl of Arundel, and that on the right Warren Fitzgerald, two barons, 
 who were attached to the cause of the King, and mentioned as such in 
 the commencement of Magna Carta. Beyond them are two shields of 
 some of the collateral branches of Fitzwalter's family, namely, Richard 
 Strongbow, third Earl of Buckingham, and Simon de St. Lis, second 
 Earl of Huntingdon. On the left hand margin is represented the 
 French King summoning the castle of Ruil, in France, which Fitz- 
 walter was placed to protect ; but which he finally yielded to King John's 
 enemy. Beneath this, and each of the corresponding paintings, is an 
 inscription indicative of the subject of the miniature. Following the 
 above, are the arms of William, fifth Earl Marshal, another of the 
 witnesses to Magna Carta ; and the left hand margin is closed by a 
 drawing of Fitzwalter's marriage to Gunnora de Valoins. On the 
 upper part of the opposite side, is the reconciliation of Fitzwalter with 
 King John ; this is succeeded by the arms of Gilbert de Clare, another 
 of the baronial sureties ; and the right hand is terminated by a draw- 
 ing of Fitzwalter's mission to Louis, the Dauphin of France, to offer 
 to that prince the crown of England. The inner border of this page 
 is drawn from a Sanscrit mythological roll in the Asiatic Museum. 
 The lower part of the page is occupied by a coloured and gilded fo- 
 liage, similar to that on the upper} in the centre is an equestrian 
 figure of Lord Fitzwalter before his tent, in the lists, in France. 
 Interspersed with the flowers are the arms of Dunmow Priory, 
 where Maud, Fitzwalter's beautiful daughter, was buried ; and those 
 of Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Esse.x, who married Christina, another 
 daughter of the same Baron. 
 
 6. The Effigy Page. 
 
 Tliis page is dedicated to the Ecclesiastics of England ; some of 
 whom are represented on the margin, placed in a manner similar to the 
 effigies in ancient churches ; and from this circumstance its tiame has 
 been derived. About the year 1207, King John banished his ecclesi- 
 astics from his kingdom ; but after undergoing considerable privations, 
 the effects of their resentment, he found himself at length obliged 
 to recal them ; and to this reversion of his own sentence he added 
 every sign of repentance and humility which could be suggested. The 
 King met the returning priests at Winchester ; and immediately pro- 
 ceeding to the Chapter-house there, he repeated after Archbishop 
 Langton, an oath to grant all the liberties of Magna Carta at a future
 
 Magna Carta.] THE LIBRARY. 217 
 
 period. Absolution was then given him, and the kingdom was once 
 more reduced to quietness. The upper centre therefore represents the 
 assembly at Winchester, with John making this promise to Langton, 
 the Bishops, and the Peers. The style in w hich this painting is exe- 
 cuted, is almost peculiar to the Saxon period ; namely, that of placing 
 figures in a single brown tint upon a back ground of figured and mas- 
 sive gold. Upon the left hand margin is a figure of Pandulph, to 
 whom King John first resigned his crown. He is standing beneath a 
 Gothic arch, in the dress of a Cardinal Bishop (for he was afterwards 
 nominated to the See of Norwich), with his armorial ensigns at his 
 feet. The legate is succeeded by a figure of John, somewhat altered 
 from the ' Norfolk window ;' beneath this is the effigy of Cardinal 
 Langton, and the left hand border is terminated by a monumental fi- 
 gure of Arthur Duke of Bretagne, kneeling in a shrine. On the upper 
 part of the riglit hand is a statue of Innocent III. ; followed by those 
 of Philip King of France, Hubert Walter, Langton's predecessor in 
 the See of Canterbury, and Lewellin the young Prince of Wales, who 
 is mentioned towards the close of Magna Carta. On a variegated bor- 
 der nearer the text, are the arms of those Sees whose prelates are stated 
 to have been of the King's party in the commencement of this instru- 
 ment. At the lower part, beneath a gothic canopy, is a representation 
 of King John's cenotaph and effigy, in Worcester cathedral, placed 
 against a rich mosaic back-ground. 
 
 7. The Forest Page. 
 
 .Although Magna Carta was, strictly speaking, a charter of liberties, 
 yet it did not particularise many relating to the forests ; but the few it 
 did contain occur upon the present page, from which circumstance its 
 name has been derived, and to illustrate which the marginal ornaments 
 were intended. Its general colour is the forest green, over which ap- 
 pears a foliage or scroll work of white, heightened with gold, sometimes 
 met with in Saxon manuscripts. At the upper part is the attendant of 
 Harvey de Yuon (who, in the time of King John, was the royal bow- 
 bearer in the New Forest), leading a leash of white hounds as the 
 tenure by which he held. Farther onward is the King pursuing a 
 hart, w hile the bow-bearer himself is seen on the right hand in the act 
 of striking the animal. On different parts of the scroll-work are pla- 
 ced a hawk, a falcon, a greyhound, a squirrel, and a coney ; some of 
 which, together with the figures of the bow-bearer, his attendant, and 
 King John, have ben drawn from manuscripts in the Cottonian col-
 
 218 THE LIBRARY. [Magna Carta. 
 
 lection. The sides of this page contain a continuation of the same orna- 
 ment as that which appears upon the upper part ; connected with 
 which are some of those forest quadrupeds and birds, which were in- 
 terdicted by the Norman forest-laws from being hunted and taken. 
 In the centre of the left hand are the arms of Eustace de Vescy, cor- 
 responding with those of Hugh le Bigot upon the right, both of whom 
 were witnesses for the perfonuance of Magna Carta. The lower part 
 is occupied by the figures of Stephen, Archbishop of Canterbury, and 
 Henry, Archbishop of Dublin, in the act of protesting against the 
 clause which the text of this page contains, concerning the abolition of 
 forest customs being taken in too unlimited a sense. Near them are 
 placed two cross-bow soldiers, alluding to an engagement, also men- 
 tioned on the present leaf, of removing the foreign stipendiaries, &c. 
 in the service of King John, out of the kingdom. In the lower centre 
 is an equestrian figure of William de Albency, seventh Earl of .\rundel, 
 between two Barons holding patents of abbeys of their own foundation : 
 the former figure is allusive to one of the witnesses mentioned in the 
 beginning of this grant ; and the latter relate to certain liberties for 
 chartered religious houses and their founders, as detailed in the text of 
 the present page. 
 
 8. The Crusade Page. 
 
 One of the many evasions used by King John to escape the confirm- 
 ing of Magna Carta, was his assiunption of the cross, as if about to 
 depart for Palestine. By this device, and by giving up to the Ecclesi- 
 astics a part of those liberties which they claimed in the great Charter, 
 he secured their favourable interpretation of his conduct, and as far as 
 their authority extended, their support of it. The present page con- 
 tains several assurances respecting liberties to be granted, abuses to be 
 removed, and more excellent regulations to be adopted for the future, 
 by the Sovereign himself, if not in the crusade in Palestine, or by his 
 Chief Justiciary in his absence. Mention is also made that the King's 
 intention to proceed upon this expedition, was a principal reason why 
 he himself would be unable to perform these engagements. The name 
 and design of the present page have therefore been given from these 
 circumstances ; as well as to record some others which were more im- 
 mediately connected with the first crusade. The marginal border 
 consists of entwined flowers over a ground of gold, which were copied 
 from a splendid French chronicle, executed about the xivth century, in 
 the Royal Library. At the upper part, Ijetween a gilded and coloured 
 foliage, are two miniatures ; the one representing Peter the Hermit,
 
 Magna Carta.] THE LIBRARY. 219 
 
 preaching the first crusade, and the other the fleets and the early cru- 
 saders at sea. On the sides of these miniatures are two figures, with 
 appropriate arms, the one being Godfrey of Boulogne, first Christian 
 King of Jerusalem, and the other Peter the Hermit. The side margins 
 are also decorated with the arms assigned to these celebrated charac- 
 ters, and those once worn by King Richard the First, the Sultan Sala- 
 din, Roger de Mowbray, and William de LanvaUey: the two latter 
 were witnesses to Magna Carta. The lower part of the page contains 
 two miniatures, placed in a manner similar to the upper. The first of 
 these represents the Siege of Jerusalem by the united armies under 
 Godfrey of Boulogne, and the latter the procession of the soldiers to 
 Mount Calvary after the victory. 
 
 9. The Golden Page. 
 
 The political connection of King John with ^'iUiam and Alexander, 
 Kings of Scotland, and Lewellin Prince of Wales, form the subject of 
 this page; which received its name from the circumstance of gold being 
 the principal metal of the arms of Scotland and Wales. The arrange- 
 ment of the ornaments is taken from two magnificent volumes of 
 sacred history in the Harleian library ; which were selected as affording 
 the best opportunity of shewing a modern imitation of the ancient art 
 of raising or embossing gold. On the left hand, which contains the 
 history of Scotland, are three circular medalhons, with figures, painted 
 in a manner mentioned in tlie account of page 6, upon an entire back- 
 ground of gold. In the first circle is contained the demand which 
 W'ilUam, King of Scots, made by his ambassadors for certain of the 
 northern counties of England. The second shews the homage of WU- 
 Ham to King John at Lincoln: and the third refers to the truce made 
 between the Sovereigns in the year 1209. On the right hand, which is 
 dedicated to the Welsh histor}', are three similar medallions : the first 
 being the homage of Prince Lewellin to King John at AVoodstock ; the 
 second the delivery of hostages after the revolt in ^A'■ales ; and the 
 third the conchision of the Welsh peace, between the Regent Earl of 
 Pembroke, and Lewellin, Anno 1218, temp. Hen. 3. The upper part 
 of the page consists of a series of Gothic arches, beneath which, at the 
 extremities, are placed the supporters of Scotland and Wales, holding 
 their respective banners ; the saints of the two countries, and their ar- 
 morial ensigns placed beneath a royal pavilion or mantle in the centre. 
 At the outsides of the lower part are placed the arms of John de Lacy, 
 Constable of Chester, and WiUiam de Hardies, Lord Mayor of London,
 
 220 THE LIBRARY. [Magna Carta. 
 
 two more of the baronial witnesses to Magna Carta. Under a series 
 of arches, similar to those above, is placed an equestrian figure of Allan 
 de Galloway, Constable of Scotland, one of King John's sureties, situ- 
 ated between the effigies of Williatn, King of Scotland, and Lewellin, 
 Prince of Wales. 
 
 10. The Innocent Page. 
 
 As one page has been already devoted to Archbishop Langton, and 
 the Ecclesiastics of England, the great Pontiff, Innocent the Third, 
 could not be by any means forgotten, especially as he made so eminent 
 an appearance in the reign of King John. The side ornaments of the 
 present page have, on this account therefore, been copied from some 
 of the splendid borders of the Vatican Palace. At the upper part is a 
 representation of the Inthronization of Innocent the Third into the Pon- 
 tifical See, which took place on the death of Celestine the Third, in the 
 year 1198. Corresponding with this drawing is another, recording 
 the excommunication of King John by Pope Innocent at the High 
 Altar, at the time when he delivered over the kingdom of England to 
 Philip the Second of France. On the sides, which consist of varie- 
 gated and gilded circles, taken from the Papal palace already menti- 
 oned, are the shields of llobert de Percy and Robert de Ross, two more 
 of the baronial witnesses and sureties. At the lower part of the page 
 is a painting, which occupies its whole width, representing Archbishoj) 
 Langtons translation of the body of St. Thomas h Becket, from the 
 plain tomb wherein it was first interred, to that magnificent shrine 
 which half the christian world combined to decorate. On one side of 
 this drawing is shown Canterbury catliedral, and on the other the grand 
 ecclesiastical procession entering the church. 
 
 1 1 . The Meadow Page. 
 
 As the present is the last page of this celebrated Charter, and as it 
 contains the name of Runnemede for its place of conclusion, it has 
 been denominated the Meadow Page ; and the decorations around it 
 are allusive to the persons and events relating to that spot. At the 
 upper part is a drawing, representing the encampment of the King 
 and the Barons on the plain of Runnemede, ^^ith Windsor Castle 
 seen in the distance, and the different tents, distinguished by the 
 sliields and banners of the various Peers, &c. who attended upon 
 that memorable occasion. Beneath this painting are four scrolls, con- 
 taining, in the character in which Magna Carta was written, the fol-
 
 Magna Carta.] THELIBRARY. 221 
 
 lowing account of the meeting, translated from the Histories of Mat- 
 thew of Westminster, folio 1570, and Matthew Paris, folio 1644. 
 
 ' The Yere of Grace Mccxv y* xvij Yere of y* Reigne of Kynge 
 John." 
 
 ' In y* same Yere there was held y' greate treatie betweene y* Kynge 
 and y* Barons cocernynge y* peace of y* Reakne betweene Stanes and 
 AVyndesor, in a fayre meadowe called Runemede ; the wch is also 
 interpreted the Councell Meade, inasmuch as that of olde tyme, the 
 Councelles wch treated of y^ goode of the Kyngdome dyd oftentymes 
 vse to meete thereinne. The fyrste dale of thys memorable treatie was 
 upo y'^ Tuesdaie before the Festivall of Sainte John y'^ Baptyste, y' xv 
 dale of Jvne. There were on the Kynges parte ij Archbyshoppes, vij 
 Byshoppes and xvij others of ranke and valoure, but on y* Barons parte 
 there were so manie that they mighte not alle be named, for it was as 
 thoughe the whole nobylitie of the Realme were in one bodie.' 
 
 The sides of the page are ornamented with a rich scarlet damasked 
 hanging or tapestry, containing a perpendicular line of white foliage, 
 heightened with silver, and equestrian figures of the four firmest friends 
 of King John, whose names are placed upon a scroll beneath them. 
 They were — Peter Fitzherbert, William Earl of Pembroke, William 
 Earl of Salisbury, and Hubert de Burgh r the shields of John Fitz 
 Robert and William Malet, two more of the witnessing Barons, are 
 placed on each side, between the eflBgies. At the lower part, sur- 
 rounded by royal, military, and ecclesiastical emblems, is a drawing of 
 King John's great seal, somewhat reduced in size from a fine original, 
 suspended from a charter in the GuildhaU of the city of London. 
 
 Covenant between King John and the Barons, A. D. 1215. 
 
 Title-Page to the Covenant. — The Tower Page. 
 
 Though the Charter, for which the Barons had so long contended, 
 was concluded, sealed, and delivered, yet they were still unsatisfied, 
 and demanded of the King a security that the statutes contained in it 
 should be carried into effect. The security which they thus required, 
 was nothing less than the custody of the City and Tower of London, 
 until they should have full proof of the sincerity of the King's inten- 
 tions. The instrument which now commences, is a copy of the covenant 
 in which these terras are stated, and the page in consequence has been 
 denominated the Tower Page. At the upper part is a drawing, repre- 
 senting the conclusion of the treaty upon Tower-hill, with a view of 
 
 VOL. I. F f
 
 222 THE LIBRARY. [Magna Carta. 
 
 the fortress, and ancient London in the back-ground. The sides are 
 ornamented with thirty-two shields of arms of some of the most pow- 
 erful Barons who were engaged against John, done in colours upon a 
 rich ground of dead and burnished gold, in jianels, taken from a beau- 
 tiful missal executed for the late Josephine, Empress of France. At 
 the centres, on eitlier side, surrounded with weapons, are placed two 
 shields of the witnessing Barons, namely, Geoifry de Say and Roger 
 de Montbegon. The lower part is occupied by a view of the Baronial 
 army entering the city of London at Aldgate, by the hour of sun- 
 rise, on the 24tli of May, 1215, which was the step that finally re- 
 duced the King to agree to the terms and demands which had so long 
 been offered to, and made upon him in vain. 
 
 Covenant. — 1. The City Page. 
 
 The reason for this title has been sufficiently explained in the ac- 
 count of the last page ; and for the present it is requisite only to 
 describe the decorations which surround it. The top consists of an 
 illumination , representing the building of the first stone bridge across 
 the Thames, by Peter of Cole-Church, a priest, wliich was finished 
 about the year 1208 (10th John) ; in which painting the probable 
 appearance of London at that time is endeavoured to be sliown. The 
 sides consist of a gothic wreatli of vine leaves, emblematical of the 
 plenty of the city, stretched over a back-ground of gold fret-work. A 
 short distance below the upper painting, are two ornaments of brown 
 oak heightened with gold, enclosing a shield, civic key, swords, and 
 scroll ; the one containing the arms of Henry Fitz Alwyn, first Lord 
 
 Mayor of London, and the other those of his successor Serle. 
 
 Beneath these are two more shields of arms, belonging to the witness- 
 ing Barons, namely, WiUiam de Huntingfield, and Richard de Mont- 
 fichet. Nearer the lower part are two groups of foliagCj surrounding 
 a gilded cajiital L, witli a portcullis in the centre, allusive to the cities 
 of London and Westminster. At the lower part is the completion of 
 the side ornaments ; and in the centre, surrounded by appropriate em- 
 blems, a portrait of Henry Fitz Alwyn, first Lord Mayor of London, 
 after the original in Draper's Hall. The initial letter H represents an 
 equestrian figure of the Baron Fitzwalter, copied from his own silver 
 seal, which has been engraved in the Archaeologia. The liberty of 
 annually electing a mayor for the government of the city, was granted 
 to tlie citizens by a charter from King John, in the year 1215.
 
 Magna Carta.] THE LIBRARY. 223 
 
 Covenant 2. — The Peer's Page. 
 
 As the Peerage of England had so prominent a part both in the se- 
 curing of Magna Carta, and the Covenant which succeeded it, the last 
 page of that covenant has been dedicated to their memory. The Great 
 Charter, as is usual with royal grants, was directed to all the different 
 degrees of rank at that time in existence ; but the list contains only 
 the Earls and Barons of the present day, the other dignities having 
 been instituted at subsequent periods ; but it is for the commemoration 
 of the latter as well as of the former, that the present page was de- 
 signed. For these reasons, at the upper part is placed a painting of 
 King John sitting in fuU Parliament, with his temporal and spiritual 
 Lords, whose shields of arms appear above them. At the sides are 
 shown effigies of Edward the Black Prince, the first Duke ; Robert de 
 Vere, the first Marquis ; William de Albany, the first Earl ; and John 
 Beaumont, the first Viscount, which were created in England. These 
 figures are accompanied by their various armorial ensigns, and are 
 placed upon a rich purple background, the ornaments for which were 
 copied from the beautiful enamelling on the tomb of Will, de Valence, 
 Earl of Pembroke, erected in Westminster Abbey. This will appear 
 the more appropriate, when it is remembered that the Earl was a na- 
 tural son of King John, by Isabella of Angoul^me. At the lower 
 part of the page is a representation of the reverse side of King John's 
 Great Seal, from the original already mentioned. This is supported 
 by figures of two of that monarch's most powerful and persevering 
 enemies, namely. Pope Innocent the Third, and Philip the Second, 
 King of France. 
 
 Such is the account, furnished by the Illuminator's o^vn pen, of the 
 GRAPHIC TREASURES of a volumc, which may be probably pronounced 
 matchless in its way. The chief excellence of the decorations con- 
 sists in the propriety of their selection, and in the happy manner in 
 which they are made to harmonise with the text. This resplendent 
 volume is bound in russia, richly tooled, by C. Lewis.
 
 224 THE LIBRARY. [Churchyarde's 
 
 The Three First Bookes of Ouids de Tristi- 
 Bus. Translated into EiigUsh. 1578. Quarto. 
 
 The translator was Chuhchyakde : the printer Thomas Marsh. This 
 is one of the copies of the original edition^ in his Lordship's Library at 
 Althorp (and hitherto considered as unique), which was printed upon 
 VELLUM ; being the only one of such reinii)rcssion* so executed. But 
 it has other and strong claims to the attention of the curious ; inas- 
 niucli as it is embellished by the pencil of the artist to whom the work, 
 previously described, is indebted for its chief attractions, in a manner 
 worthy of the place which it here occupies. As before, I shall avail 
 myself of the minute and appropriate descriptions of the ornaments, by 
 the pen of the same person whose pencil has been so advantageously 
 exercised. 
 
 Account of the Illuminations in Churchyarde's Translation of Ovid 
 
 de Tristibus. 
 
 Ovid's book ' of Sorrows' is not by any means so wide a field for 
 the illuminator's pencil as Magna Carta : indeed tlie author himself 
 is continually deprecating the idea of ornamenting his volume j as for 
 instance, in the commencement of the first book are the following 
 lines, which allude to the ancient custom of staining veUum purple. 
 
 ' Go now thy way : yet sate thy selfe, in sad and simple geare. 
 Such exiles weede as time requyre I will y' thou do weare. 
 No hastie violet shalt thou vse, nor robe of purple hue. 
 Those costlie coulours be vnfit, our carefuU cause to rue. 
 With ruddy redde dye not thy face, nor sappe of Cedar tree. 
 Such outwarde hue see that thou have, as cause assignes to thee. 
 
 But notwithstanding this disclaiming of decoration, the margins of 
 every page in the present vellum copy are illuminated, either after the 
 best or the most peculiar models now in preservation. This reprint 
 of Churchyarde's Ovid is in small quarto; and the number of painted 
 pages is sixty-five, which are carefully described in a small octavo 
 manuscript, written to illustrate the paintings, and to state from 
 whence they were copied. From tlus description the present account 
 has been abstracted. 
 
 * Tbe reimpressioD was for the Boiburghe Club, of which bis Lotdahip is President.
 
 Ovid de Trisiibus.] THE LIBRARY, 225 
 
 The volume commences with the 
 
 Half-Title. 
 
 Round which is a border drawn from a copy of the Evangelists in Greek, 
 written and illuminated in the thirteenth century, (no. 5970, Harleian.) 
 
 Reverse of the Half-Title. 
 
 Armorial ensigns of the late Duke of Roxburghe. 
 
 Names of the Members of the Roxburghe Club. 
 
 This page is surrounded by their various heraldic devices, placed in the 
 same order as the printing : viz. the sL\ titles at the upper part, the 
 others counting from left to right. 
 
 Modern Title Page. 
 
 Ornamented with a border of subjects taken from the work. The 
 upper part contains a representation of Churchyarde presenting his 
 translation to Sir Christopher Hatton ; on either side of which minia- 
 ture, are scrolls expressive of the dates in which these elegies were 
 written and translated. On the left hand margin is a picture of Ovid's 
 friend, (to whom many of the subsequent poems are addressed,) with a 
 scroU beneath, containing the motto of the Spencer family. As it was 
 usual for the ancient illuminators to place what were denominated the 
 name-saints of those persons by whom they were employed : this scroll 
 is followed by a drawing of St. George, taken from the ' Bedford Mis- 
 sal,' corresponding with another of Saint John on the opposite side, 
 from an Italian book of Horae, (No. 2936, Harleian) both of them 
 being allusive to the christian names of the noble owner of the volume. 
 The devices of the fret, escallop, and fleur de lis, alluding to the same 
 nobleman, are also scattered over the ground of the whole page. Im- 
 mediately beneath the portrait of St. George, are the armorial en- 
 signs of Augustus Caesar, Emperor of Rome, in whose time Ovid flou- 
 rished, and by whom he was banished to the country of Tomos on the 
 banks of the Euxine Sea, then inhabited by the Scythae. It was in this 
 exile that he composed the present work, which he entitled the ' Book 
 of Sorrows.' On the right hand border at the top is a drawing of the 
 wife of Ovid, to whom also several of the epistles were addressed ; 
 and beneath this miniature is the garter bearing the name of Spencer, 
 as an allusion to the knighthood of his Lordship. This is followed by 
 the portrait of St. John, as already described. Below the drawing of
 
 THE LIBRARY. [Churchyardes 
 
 the Saint, are the Arms of Queen Elizabeth, in whose time Church- 
 yarde translated and published these poems. The lower part of the 
 page is filled up with a miniature of the banishment of Ovid, composed 
 from an illuminated manuscript of Valerius Maximus, in the Harleian 
 Library, (no. 4374"5) from whence also the portraits in the upper divi- 
 sion of this page were copied. On the title itself, above the imprint, is 
 placed the Spencer crest. 
 
 Dedication Modem. To the Roxburghe Club. 
 
 The border which surrounds this page is composed of eight armo- 
 rial ensigns connected with the Spencer family ; namely, Spencer, 
 Grant, WiUoughby, Digby, ChurchiU, Jennings, Gran\illc, and Carte- 
 ret, suspended together by the cordon of the order of the garter, which 
 meets at the lower part in the effigy of St. George. Trophies and 
 wreaths are placed round each shield, as allusive to the ecclesiastical, 
 martial, and scientific members of each family. The upper part of the 
 page is crowned with the arms of Earl Spencer, as a knight of the gar- 
 ter, and the back ground is diapered with golden studs, crosses, and 
 the letter S. 
 
 Ancient Title Page. 
 
 The border which is painted on this page, is intended to unite the 
 appearance of a book printed early in the sixteenth century, with the 
 colouring and gilding of an illuminated manuscript ; a practice not un- 
 common at that i)criod, as may be proved by a reference to Archbishop 
 Parker's ' De Antiquitate Britannica? Ecclesia?, 1572, or to the ' Me- 
 thodus Medendi ' of Galen, as it was presented to King Henry the 
 Eighth. — For this reason a part of the border has been drawn from a 
 Breviary in the Harleian Library, (No. 2971) and the other ornaments 
 have been adopted from various printed authorities. At the upper 
 part are placed the Stationers' Arms and supporters, in consequence of 
 their having been used in the original wood-cut title to this work. On 
 the left, is a skeleton under a gothic arch, holding a dart stained with 
 blood, and a scroll on which is written the following verse, alluding to 
 the near connection between Death and a Churchyard. 
 
 The hero bleeds to triumph in the fight. 
 
 And Minstrel honours deck the Minstrel bard ; 
 Each Son of Earth on Earth hath his delight. 
 
 And Death hath triumphed o'er his own Churchyard. 
 Under a similar arch on the opposite side, stands a figure representing
 
 Ovid de Tristibus.] THE LIBRARY. 227 
 
 that voluminous poet, who also liolds a scroll on which is inscribed his 
 epitaph, as it is preserved in Camden's Remains : 
 
 Come Alecto, — and lend me thy torch. 
 To find a Churchyard, in the church-porch. 
 
 Poverty and Poetry this tomb doth enclose. 
 Therefore gentlemen, — be merry in prose. 
 
 Above each of these figures is a shield and heraldic device. The 
 lower part is occupied by a portrait of Ovid, taken from an antique 
 gem, around which are boys playing with arabesque foliage, after Hol- 
 bein, taken from one of the titles to Grafton's Chronicle, Folio, 1569. 
 
 ' The occasion of this Book.' 
 
 This note or prologue is surrounded by a border from a psalter of 
 the fourteenth century ; and beneath it is placed a coloured drawng 
 from the seal used by Sir Christopher Hatton, after he was created a 
 knight of the bath. 
 
 Dedication Ancient. To Christopher Hatton, Esq. 
 
 The border and capital initial on the first page of this epistle, are 
 drawn from a manuscript of Froissart in the library of the London In- 
 stitution. In the letter are the arms of the Hattons, and on a shield in 
 the margin, is the monogram device of Thomas Marsh, the printer of 
 Churchyarde's Ovid. On the second page is a border somewhat similar 
 to the former, in which are introduced several armorial ensigns, allu- 
 sive to works mentioned in this dedication, or others produced by T. 
 Churchyarde. The arms and publications to which they refer are as 
 follow. — Ancient Wales — 'The Worthinesse of Wales,' printed in 1580. 
 — Leith — ' The Seige of Leeth.' — Frobisher, — ' A prayse and reporte 
 of Maister Martyne Frobysher's Voyage to Meta Incognita,' printed 
 15/8. — St. Quentin, The Seige of St. Quentin. — Scotland, Ireland, and 
 England, — ' The miserie of Flavnders, Calamitie of Fra\Tice, Misfor- 
 tune of Portugall, Unquietnes of Irelande, Troubles of Scotland, and 
 the blessed state of Englande ;' printed in quarto without a date. 
 
 Ovid de Tristibus. — Booke 1st. 
 
 The poems of Ovid are divided into three books, to each of which a 
 general illuminated border is adapted, the commencement and conclu- 
 sion of the same have other borders, and the beginning of every elegy 
 in the volume is varied again. As the greater part of these illumina-
 
 228 THE LIBRARY. [C/iurc/njarde's 
 
 tions consist of the usual ornaments of fiovvers, foliage, and waving 
 lines : a very few words will be requisite for the description of each 
 book. The opening illumination for the first book, is taken from a 
 beautiful ' Office of the Holy Virgin," in the Ilarleian Library (no. 
 2948). The general border for this book is a simple line ornamented 
 with golden leaves, drawn from a psalter illuminated for King Henry 
 VI. when young ; preserved in the Cottonian Library (Domitian 
 A XVII.). The other principal borders in this part of the volume, are 
 two from Persian MSS. in the library of the East India Comi)any ; one 
 singularly grotesque, from a breviary in the Harleian collection; (no. 
 2975) and one which concludes the book, composed of flowers and 
 birds, drawn from the celebrated alchemical manuscript, executed in 
 the sixteenth century (Harleian no. 34G0). 
 
 ' Here heginneth the second book.' 
 
 As the whole of this book is occupied by one elegy, and as the con- 
 clusion occurs on the commencement of the third book, there is but 
 one border used for the whole of it. This is taken from the splendid 
 Valerius Maximus already mentioned : and, as the book itself is ad- 
 dressed to Augustus Ca;sar, a miniature of that prince, from the same 
 authority is placed on the right hand margin of the first page. 
 
 ' The thirds Booke.' 
 
 This commences with a border composed from various manuscripts, 
 and contains two drawings of the Roman poet ; one representing him in 
 exile, and the other at court. The Spencer arms also appear upon this 
 page. The general border of the third book is a rich French illumina- 
 tion taken from a beautiful breviary in the Harleian library (no 2971). 
 The remaining decorations in this division, are principally as follow. 
 A border from an exquisite missal formerly belonging to Elias Ash- 
 niole, the antiquary (Harleian, no. 2900) ; three singular borders from 
 a manuscript missal (Harleian, nos. 2950, 3000). A curious ornament 
 from an English manuscript on hunting, ' clepyd y'' Maistre of y' 
 Game ' (^"esp. B. xii.) and a very remarkable border from a volume of 
 Petrarcha's Sonnets in the Lansdowne library, which concludes the 
 third book (no. 787.) 
 
 On the reverse of the last page is a vignette of Italian illuminating, 
 from a manuscript of Boetius, on ' the Consolations of Philosophy ;' in 
 which the arms of Spencer are introduced in lieu of those of Medici,.
 
 Ovid de Triitibus.] THELIBRARY. 329 
 
 which appear in the original. This manuscript is in the Lansdowne 
 collection. 
 
 Imprint. — London : from the Shakspeare Press, 8<c. 
 
 The border on this page, which is drawn in pen and ink, was copied 
 from a book of the original designs of ^Eneas V ico of the imperial 
 coins of Rome ; for the work which he published entitled ' Le Imagini 
 degl' Imperadori,' &c. Ven. 1548. Quarto. Attheupper part of the draw- 
 ing, is a coin of Augustus Caesar, and the whole design formed the 
 title-page to the coins of that reign. This manuscript is of vellum, 
 and is preserved in the Harleian Library : no. 5381. 
 
 It may with perfect truth be said, that Mr. Thomson has here 
 woven another garland of bright and lasting flowers to perpetuate his 
 name as a careful and skilfiil illuminator of ancient lore. It is impos- 
 sible to open the leaves of this decorated book, without being struck 
 with the variety, the richness, and the good taste of the embellishments. 
 The binding, by C. Lewis — in green velvet, within a morocco case — is 
 worthy of what it envelopes. 
 
 Romeo and Juliet. 
 
 We have here a very limited reprint, struck off upox vellum, of the 
 original edition of the well known story of Romeo and Juliet, upon 
 which our immortal dramatist has founded one of the most popular of 
 his plays. But such a copy as the present, illustrated with seven 
 ORIGINAL DRAWINGS, by the illimitable pencil of GiambattistaGigola, 
 can with difficulty be conceived, and is with still greater difficulty de- 
 scribed. It is not without due consideration that I venture to pro- 
 nounce it an almost unrivalled gem — of its kind. Those only, who 
 possess other copies of the same impression, illustrated in the like 
 manner, have it in their power to place any thing in competition with 
 it. I proceed to give a detailed account of it, leaving the reader to 
 form his own opinions as he travels with me in the description. 
 
 This is a thin octavo volume, executed upon fair sound vellum, in a 
 roman type sufficiently bold, and skilfully printed. There are two ti- 
 tles. The first is printed, and is as follows : ' Storia di Due Nobili 
 Amanti colla loro Pietosa Morte Avvenuta gia in I'erona nel tempo del 
 Signer Bartolomeo dalla Scala, e scritta da Luigi da Porto.' The second 
 is e.xecuted with the pencil, in letters of gold, red and black lines alter- 
 nately ; within a border of gold and light blue. This ms. title is as 
 follows : ' Historia Noueltamente Ritrouata di due nobili Amanti con la 
 
 VOL. I. G g
 
 230 THE LIBRARY. [Borneo 
 
 loro Pietosa Morte inieruenuta gia nella Cilta di Verona nel Tempo del 
 Signor Bartholomco dalla Scala.' This is executed in the gothic letter. 
 The frame-work is not among the most successful efforts of Gigola, 
 but the small group below, in cameo gris (as it is called), upon a gold 
 ground, is very beautiful. Above this group, on each side, a weeping 
 Cupid is sitting. Then follows the 
 
 Address to tue Reader. 
 Prefi.xed to this address, is a most exquisite specimen of the taste of 
 of the artist in vignette composition. The forms are gracefully 
 arabesque, and the colours, although extremely vivid, harmonize in 
 a striking manner. This address informs us, that ' the number of 
 copies of this edition is restricted to six — all upox vellum : because 
 the illuminator purposed to ornament only that number ... In the 
 course of his labours, he endeavoured to discover the ancient method 
 of gilding, &c. ; and he leaves the learned to judge whether he has 
 succeeded, or whether that method be still to be considered as a desi- 
 deratum.* In order that eacli copy may be considered as an original 
 performance, and not as displaying a mere repetition of the orna- 
 ments of its precursor, he lias endeavoured to vary the attitudes of the 
 figures, and sometimes even the subject, as well as the accompanying 
 ornaments — which he trusts will be an additional reason for valuing 
 each respective copy.' This is the substance of Gigola"s address. 
 
 Dedication. 
 The dedication is 'Alla bellissima e leggiadra Madonna Lu- 
 ciNA Savorgnana.' It is preceded and terminated by a vignettef of 
 equal elegance and effect. 
 
 First Illumination. J 
 Two Knights on horseback, in a gentle trot, are in earnest dis- 
 course with each other. One horse is brown, the other black. The 
 
 * Candidly speating, Gigola appears to have failed in his gilding. Oar countryman, 
 Mr. Richard Thomson, nhose merits have been detailed in tlie previous pages, approaches 
 much nearer to llie splendor of the gilding of the xiilh and following centuries. But he 
 has not yet reached it. 
 
 t The vignettes are in the manner of some of those attached to the famous Giulio 
 Clovio, in tJie possession of Mr. Grenville ; see the Bibtiographical Decameron, vol. i. 
 p. cU.xxviii. 
 
 } These illuminations are of small dimensions : measuring only three inches and a half 
 by two inches and a quarter. The borders are about an inch in breadth.
 
 and Juliet.] THE LIBRARY. 231 
 
 nearest knight has pink, green, and yellow feathers upon his helmet, 
 beautifully executed. A distant mountainous back-ground : bright, 
 and well preserved in the keeping. A delicious atmospherical trans- 
 parency pervades this picture. The border consists of a gray ground, 
 with yellow ornaments, shaded ; very sweet. 
 
 Second Illumination. 
 A Dance. The figures are forming a circle ; in which Juliet, dressed 
 in light blue, is immediately conspicuous. Her countenance is of the 
 sweetest expression. At top, being a portion of the border, is a band, 
 or orchestra, of Cupids playing. A most captivating composition. 
 
 Third Illumination. 
 The Marriage of Romeo and Juliet. The former is sitting at the 
 extremity of a bench, placing his left leg under his right, turning to 
 Juliet — whose head and shoulders only appear through an aperture in 
 the wainscot. Her countenance is the most perfect that can be ima- 
 gined. Romeo is putting the ring on her finger ; while by the side 
 of them stands the friar, raising his right arm, and apparently pro- 
 nouncing a benediction. Romeo is habited in a rich crimson velvet 
 cloak. His hat and feather lie upon the seat : his profile is turned to 
 the spectator. The ornaments in the surrounding border are pro- 
 phetic of woe. Above, is a Cupid with sable wings, with a thought- 
 ful brow : at bottom, is a figure with sable wings, and shrouded in a 
 black hood and mantle. The colouring and general effect are perfect. 
 
 Fourth Illumination. 
 
 Duel between Tibalt and Romeo. The artist has chosen the moment 
 when the latter runs the former through the body ; but I submit that 
 he has erred in the altitude of the successful assailant. It is an atti- 
 tude of defence rather than of attack : a full, bold lunge always accom- 
 panying the passing of the sword through the body. This piece is full 
 of brilliant colour ; and the border, consisting chiefly of warlike instru- 
 ments, is elaborate and splendid in the extreme. 
 
 Fifth Illumination. 
 
 Juliet in a Trance. Her countenance is, if possible, more lovely than 
 before. Her relations surround her — stretched out as if a corpse — 
 with anxious looks and throbbing hearts. The border is full of por- 
 tentous omens. Above, is a heart within a flame of fire ; whilst two
 
 232 T H E L I B R A RY. [Romeo and Juliet. 
 
 furies, enth on horseback, are about to contend for it. Below, is 
 a similar heart, environed with flame — having a cord round it, fastened 
 to two Cupids, each on horseback — pulling it a different way. 
 
 Sixth Illumination. 
 
 Death of Romeo. Juliet awakes ; and with frantic looks, and 
 dishevelled hair, is receiving the last breath of her expiring husband ; 
 whose right hand, gently raised to accompany his expiring sigh, is 
 touchingly conceived and executed. The friar is in the foreground to 
 the right. The light of a lamp, placed below, gleams upon the dis- 
 tracted countenance of Juliet, and throws a fine effect of chiar-oscuro 
 about the vault. The borders become yet more and more typical of 
 death. A bat, with extended wings, on each side and at bottom, 
 prepares us for the melancholy sequel. 
 
 Seventh Illumination. 
 Death of Romeo and Juliet. The unfortunate lovers are extended 
 upon a bier — side by side — each beautiful in death. It is impossible to 
 conceive any thing more placid, and yet more touching, than are the 
 countenances of this hapless pair. A figure, overwhelmed with misery, 
 is prostrate in the fore-ground, habited and wholly co^•ered in a white 
 drapery. The attitude and execution of this figure are beyond praise. 
 Hehind the dead bodies is a gothic interior; while the crucifix is raised, 
 and the surrounding relatives and friends of each party appear to be 
 overwhelmed in woe. At the top of the border. Mercury is conducting 
 the departed spirits of the deceased towards the banks of the river 
 Styx : below, Charon is advancing to receive them. It is evident that 
 such an illustration, or concetto, is ill-placed, considering the time 
 when the event is supposed to have happened. This last illumination 
 is worthy of every thing that precedes it. 
 
 A notice at the end says, that the text of this edition is faitlifully 
 taken from that of Benedetto Bendoni, in octavo, supposed to be the 
 first.* A word respecting the binding — which I consider as impossible 
 
 • Mr. Malone (Varinrum Sliakspeare, edit. 1813, vol. xi. B. 1.) sajs, ihat the novel of 
 Romeo and Juliet did not appear till 1535, when it was printed at Venice, under the title 
 of Giulietta ; a second edition was published in 1539, and a third in 1533 — without the 
 aullior's name. However tJiis may be, it is certain that a dateless edition of this novel, 
 printed by Btnedetlo Bendoni, at Venice, quarto, and whicli seems to have been reprinted 
 for llic purpose of Gigola's illustrations, is considered to be the fihst ; and was, in con- 
 >equence, reprinted by the Rev. W. H. Can, for the Members of tlie Roxburghe Club.
 
 Clarendon's Hist. %c.] THELIBRARY. 233 
 
 to be surpassed. It is by C. Lewis. The volume is bound in black 
 velvet, entirely plain; having the insides^ of vellum, thickly and richly 
 covered with gilt ornaments of the most delicate forms, and tasteful 
 disposition. His Lordship's coronet and cipher are in the centre. 
 The whole is preserved in a wooden case, covered with black leather, 
 which shuts up in the form of a book, and bears the lettering of the 
 title. Upon the whole, the noble owner of this volume may place it 
 among the choicest treasures of his Library. It was obtained, from 
 Milan, through the polite intercession of the Marquis of Trivulzio, at a 
 price by no means disproportionate to its extraordinary merits. 
 
 Clarendon's History of the Rebellion ; with 
 his Religion and Polity. Printed at the Cla- 
 I'endon Press. Octavo. 
 
 From the beauties of the Pencil, we descend naturally and plea- 
 santly, as it were, to those of the Burin. ^Vllatever merit may be due 
 to either, or even to the whole, of the treasures previously described, 
 is abundantly due to the present set of volumes . . . which comprise the 
 labours of the immortai. Clarendon. The copy of the History of the 
 Rebellion, now under consideration, is divided into the same number of 
 Volumes as there are Books: namely, sixteen — as it would have been 
 difficult to adopt any other plan which should so readily have suited 
 itself to the purpose of Illustration. Another preliminary observation 
 must be submitted. The form of this impression being the large 
 PAPER OCTAVO, recently printed at the University of Oxford, it has uni- 
 formly been his Lordship's object to obtain only those engravings which 
 could be adapted to the size of the printed page — without folding, or 
 much cutting down. The text therefore is not inlaid, and thereby 
 made to become tlie veliicle of a larger set of volumes — as may be seen 
 in the matchless copy, of this description, which was in the possession 
 of the late Mr. Sutherland.* 
 
 Although such a plan as the present, wlien compared with that of Mr. 
 Sutherland, would necessarily deprive this work of a great number of 
 magnificent, and curious embellishments, yet, at the same time, it has 
 
 That edition is a small quarto, coolaining A B f! 1), in eights, and having a red and 
 black title-page, in the gotliic letter, in which the name of the author is omitted. The 
 cuiophuu: Qui F'mhse lo iiifelkx Innamoramento di Romeo Montecchi Et di Giulietta 
 Capelletti. Stampato in la incUtta citla di Fenetia Per Benedetto de Bendmi.' 
 ' This copy is brieBy noticed in the Bibliomania, p. 668.
 
 234 THE LIBRARY. [Clarendon's Hht. 
 
 not led to the exclusion of a great number, which are not less distinguish- 
 ed for brilliancy of execution and rarity of occurrence. The reader will 
 therefore readily conjecture that a profusion of exquisite specimens of 
 the talents of Hollar,* Pass, Delaram, Faithorne, &c. enrich the pages 
 
 • To give some notion of the value of the impressions from all these artists, collectivety, 
 the reader is here presented with a list of those only which were engraved by Hollar : 
 the favourite of our countrymen. 
 
 Bishop Andrews. 
 
 Aima Maria, Q. of Philip IV. of Spain. 
 
 View of Antwerp. 
 7 Thomas Earl of .\rundel, 4 portraits. 
 10 AJathea Countess of .\riindel, 3 portraits. 
 
 Countess of Kent 
 
 View of Arundel Castle 
 
 Arundel House, 2 views. 
 15 J. Bastwick. 
 
 View of Beeston Castle. 
 
 Sir Robert Berkley. 
 
 View of Birmingham. 
 
 View of Bonne. 
 20 View of Brussels. 
 
 George Duke of Buckingham. 
 
 Earl of Bullinbroke. 
 
 Henry Burton. 
 
 View of Cadiz. 
 25 Small Plan of Cambridge. 
 
 Charles I. Prince of Wales. 
 
 Ditto King, 7 portraits. 
 
 His Statue at Charing Cross. 
 
 Charles II. Prince of Wales. 
 34 Ditto King, 5 portraits. 
 
 Charles Lewis, Elector Palatine. 
 
 Tumults in Cheapside. 
 
 View of Chester. 
 
 Christina Q. of Sweden. 
 
 View of Cologne. 
 40 Sir Francis Cotlinglon. 
 
 View of Covent G.irden. 
 
 View of Coventry. 
 
 View of Crew House. 
 
 Sir George Croke. 
 45 Sir Ed. Deering. 
 
 Basil Earl of Denbigh, 2 portraits. 
 
 Lord Denny. 
 
 Ed. Earl of Dorset. 
 50 View of Dort. 
 
 Dover, 4 views. 
 57 Dover Castle, 3 views. 
 
 Tlie Downs, 4 views. 
 
 View of Deal Castle. 
 
 Plan of Edinburgh. 
 
 Edward VI. 
 65 Prss. Elizabeth, Daughter to Charles I. 
 
 Robert Earl of Essex. 
 
 View of Royal E.xchange, 
 
 Sir Thomas Fairfax. 
 
 John Lord Finch. 
 71 James Marquess of Hamilton, S portraits. 
 
 Sir Robert Heath. 
 
 Alexander Henderson. 
 80 Queen Henrietta Maria, 7 portraits. 
 
 Ditto sent away by Sea. 
 
 Henry \UI. 
 
 Lord Herbert of Ragland. 
 
 Earl of Hertford. 
 85 Richard Hooker. 
 
 Queen Katharine Howard. 
 
 View of Hull. 
 
 H. Earl of Huntingdon. 
 90 Judge Hutton, 2 portraits. 
 
 Queen Jane Seymour. 
 9.5 Castles in Jersey, 4 views. 
 
 Lord Klmbolton. 
 
 Prentices, &c. assaulting the Gate of 
 Lambeth. 
 
 View of Lambeth. 
 
 Abp. Laud, and Lord Strafford. 
 101 Abp. Laud, 2 portraits. 
 
 Trial of ditto, 2 views. 
 
 John Lilbum. 
 
 London, 5 views. 
 110 Christopher Love. 
 
 Col. Lunsford driving the Londoners out 
 of Westminster. 
 
 Elizabeth Lady Maltravers.
 
 of the Rebellion.] THE LIBRARY. 
 
 235 
 
 of this very extraordinary copy ; especially as the size of the book does 
 not exclude a great number of small whole-length portraits, whether 
 on foot or on horseback, which are well known to the curious for their 
 extreme rarity and value. Thus, these volumes comprise not fewer 
 than one hundred and four whole-length portraits, which may be called 
 pedestrian ; and one hundred and twenty whole-lengths of such as are 
 usually called equestrian — portraits. This copy also contains several 
 drawings, in black and white, of portraits, of which there exist no en- 
 gravings ; among which, is one of Sir Arthur Hesilrige, from an original 
 picture now preserved at his family seat in Leicestershire ; of which 
 his Lordship was permitted by its owner, to have a copy, on the con- 
 dition that it should never be engraved. Several impressions, from 
 private plates, also adorn this copy. 
 
 Of course it would be as injudicious as impracticable — consistently 
 with the plan of this work — to give a detailed account of every engrav- 
 
 The Isle of Man, 2 views. 
 116 Mary Prss. of Orange, '2 portraits. 
 
 Mary of Medici. 
 
 View of tlie Church of St. Mary Overy. 
 120 Mentz, 2 views. 
 
 Lionel Earl of Middlesex. 
 
 Samuel Morland. 
 
 Lord Mowbray, 2 portraits. 
 125 Marquess of Newcastle. 
 
 Earl of Newport. 
 
 Fred. H. Prince of Orange, 2 portraits. 
 130 William II. Prince of Orange, 2 ditto. 
 
 Bishop Overall. 
 
 Small Plan of Oxford. 
 
 View of Oxford. 
 
 Parliamentary Mercies. 
 135 Philip Earl of Pembroke i Montgomery. 
 
 Philip IV. King of Spain. 
 
 Plymouth, 3 views. 
 140 Jerome Earl of Portland. 
 
 Frances Countess of Portland. 
 
 Protestation taken by Ministers and 
 People. 
 
 William Prynne. 
 
 John Pyra. 
 145 Reconciliation of the English & Scotch 
 Armies. 
 
 John dc Reede. 
 
 James Duke of Bichmond and Lenox. 
 
 Mary Duchess of Richmond, 2 portraits. 
 150 View of Richmond. 
 
 Sir Benjamin Rudyard. 
 
 Prince Rupert, 3 portraits. 
 156 W. Earl of Salisbury, 2 portraits. 
 
 Bishop Sanderson. 
 
 Lord Say and Sele, 2 portraits. 
 160 Abp. Spottiswood. 
 
 Lord Strafford, 2 portraits. 
 
 Execution of ditto. 
 
 Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk. 
 165 View of the Texel. 
 
 View of the Tower of London. 
 
 Bishops 'committed to the Tower, 
 
 Sir V,'. WaUer. 
 
 Robert Earl of Warwick. 
 170 View of Warwick Castle. 
 
 View of Westminster Abbey. 
 
 View of Westminster Hall. 
 
 Earl of Westmoreland. 
 
 Philip Lord Wharton. 
 170 Whitehall, 2 views. 
 
 View of the Isle of Wight. 
 
 John Wildman. 
 176 Abp. Williams, 2 portraits. 
 
 Marquess of Winchester. 
 
 Windebank & Fynch flying beyond Sea, 
 
 View of Windsor Castle . 
 
 Cornelius de Witt.
 
 236 THE LIBRARY. [Clarendon's Hist. ^c. 
 
 ing even of a few of the more celebrated portraits : but when it is 
 known that, of Chari.es I., there are here not fewer that one hundred 
 and seventy engraved portraits — of Charles II., one hundred and 
 twenty-two — and of Cromwell, seventy-four — each, and all, of a size 
 proportioned to these pages — it will be naturally concluded that almost 
 every thing exquisite and uncommon, of such a form, may be found 
 ^vithin these matchless volumes. This pleasurable toil of illustration 
 has engaged his Lordship's attention for the last fifteen years ; and 
 although such a pursuit may be considered as endless, yet it is now 
 terminated in a manner to satisfy even the most fastidious and most 
 unremitting of Print-Collectors. The united diligence and judgment 
 of Messrs. Woodburn and W.Scott, have chiefly contributed to such a 
 Collection; which has necessarily been attended with an expense pro- 
 portionate to the number and value of the engravings ; which amount 
 to at least three thousand two hundred. 
 
 These volumes have been recently bound, in the most splendid and 
 appropriate manner, by C. Lewis, in dark green morocco. 
 
 Thus has the reader been conducted round the Library at Althorp. 
 The circuit, or rather bibliographical journey, has been necessarily 
 rapid ; yet enough has been seen to convince him of what a more lei- 
 surely survey would produce. The preceding may indeed be called 
 little better than an Epitome of the contents of this extensive and mag- 
 nificent Collection,
 
 [ 237 ] 
 
 THE STAIR CASE. 
 
 On passing through the door, immediately opposite the entrance 
 into the house, in the hall before described, (see page 1) the 
 visitor casts his eye, vnth no small gratification, on the scene— 
 which is represented in the annexed Engraving. This is the 
 stair case of which such handsome mention is made in the Travels 
 of Cosmo III., Grand Duke of Tuscany, at page xxxiv. ante ; 
 and of which the fair Sacharissa, as has been before observed, 
 was the architectress or planner. But this magnificent ascent to 
 the upper, or what was formerly used as state apartments, led to 
 scarcely any thing but the rooms immediately connected with it ; 
 and in order to remedy so palpable an inconvenience, the present 
 proprietors of Althorp caused those galleries to be buUt, 
 which are seen in the annexed view; and which, while they greatly 
 add to the beauty of the coup d'oeil, contribute as essentially to 
 the convenience of the mansion. The whole of this interior view 
 has a very pleasing and peculiar effect. 
 
 Before we mount the stair-case, and join the party who are 
 represented in the engraving, as in the act of ascending, we may 
 linger for a few minutes below— and make ourselves acquainted 
 with the pictures which are seen on the floor. The portrait, 
 opposite — which is over a door — leading into the billiard library, 
 is Elizabeth, Duchess of Bridgewater, third daughter of John 
 Duke of Marlborough. She was, first, Countess, and afterwards 
 Duchess of Bridgewater, by her marriage with Scroop Egerton, 
 Duke of Bridgewater, and was also the mother of Lady Ann 
 Egerton, to be presently described. She had also two sons. 
 The countenance of this lady is certainly that of a fine and 
 beautiful woman. The artist was Jarvis ; and the performance 
 is more creditable to his memory than most of the specimens 
 which have survived him. 
 
 To the left, is her sister Henrietta, Eldest Daughter of 
 THE Duke of Marlborough, and wife of the son of Francis, 
 VOL. I. H h
 
 238 THE STAIR CASE. 
 
 the famous Eail of Godolphin ; the great favourite of Henrietta's 
 mother; see page 78, ante. The painter is Kneller. Still more to 
 the left, is a portrait of Sir Robert Spencer, of Offley ; in the 
 county of Herts. Facing the bottom of the staircase, is a large 
 painting, representing William Godolphin, Lady Anne Eger- 
 TON, and Viscount Brackley ; being whole lengths of them 
 when young. Godolphin was grandson of John Duke of Marl- 
 borough, by Henrietta, his eldest daughter, and on the death of 
 the Duke, became Marquis of Bland ford ; but died in 1731, 
 (having married a lady of Dutch extraction at Utrecht, in 1729) 
 without issue. See page Iv. ante. Lady Ann Egcrton was the 
 only daughter of EUzabeth, third daughter of the Duke of 
 Marlborough, and first wife of Scroop Egerton, first Duke of 
 Bridgcwater. She married, first, Wriothesley, third Duke of 
 Bedford ; and secondly, William, grandfather of the present 
 Earl of Jersey. John, Viscount Brackley, was lier brother. 
 
 To the right of this picture, is a portrait of Helen, Lady 
 Spencer, wife of Sir Robert Spencer of Offley. Below, is a 
 portrait of Henry Spencer of Offley. Over a closed door, 
 under the gallery, to the left on entering the area — as in the 
 view — is a half-length portrait of MARY,_/b«/7// daughter of the 
 Duke of Marlborough, who married John Duke of Montagu. 
 Over the door or entrance, to the left of the Duchess of Mon- 
 tagu, is a portrait of the twelfth Earl, and only Duke of Shrews- 
 bury ; prime minister of Wilham HI. and whose name has 
 recently received a good share of popular attention, from his 
 Private and Original Correspondence with King William, ^c. 
 edited by the Rev. ^Ii'. Coxe, and of which some use has been 
 made in the preceding pages of this work ; vide p. xxxix- 
 xlii. 
 
 The portraits tinder the gallery, on the left hand of the fire- 
 place, are as follow : Lady Clancarty, an Unknown Lady, 
 General Sir John Mordaunt, K. B. Mary, Duchess of 
 Richmond, a copy from Vandyke. Lord Chancellor Mac- 
 clesfield, in his robes of Office. The portraits under the gal- 
 lery on the right of the fire-place, are as follow : two of Ladies, 
 Unknown. Charles IL a full length in his robes as a knight of 
 the garter. Next to this portrait, is one of which the annexed
 
 MAjE(,^!ffIS ©IF ®ILAH]E)"Jr©!g.^.
 
 THE STAIR CASE. 239 
 
 ENGRAVING afFoids the best idea. It is that of John, Marquis 
 OF Blandford, eldest son of John Duke of Marlborough, who 
 died of the small-pox in the sixteenth year of his age. A very 
 particular and interesting account of his last illness and death 
 will be found in the XVth. chapter of Mr. Coxe's Memoirs of 
 the Duke of Marlborough. The painting is by Sir Godfrey 
 Kneller. Next to this is a whole length portrait of Charles, se- 
 cond Duke of Marlborough, in his coronation robes, as fifth 
 Earl of Sunderland. 
 
 Having surveyed this curious collection of Family Portraits 
 on the ground floor, I must again call upon the visitor to make 
 the circuit of the lower apartments complete, before he mount 
 the stair case. Accordingly, passing round under the north 
 gallery, he will be conducted into 
 
 Lord Spencer's Bed Chamber. 
 
 Over the chimney-piece is a very beautiful specimen of the talents 
 of Pompeio Baftoni, in a portrait of the First Countess Spen- 
 cer; mother of the present Earl : — of which the opposite En- 
 graving is a faithful representation. This picture was painted 
 at Rome in 1 763. Over the entrance-door, is a portrait of her 
 husband, John, First Earl Spencer, by Gainsborough. His 
 Lordship (father of the present Earl) was about the age of 
 thirty-five, at the time of its execution. On the other side of the 
 chimney, there is another portrait of him when he was fourteen 
 years old. The painter is unknown. On the opposite side of 
 the room, are portraits of the present Countess Spencer, 
 Lady Ann Bingham, her sister, and the late Countess of Bess- 
 BOROUGH, sister of the present Earl Spencer. They are all three 
 executed by Sir Joshua Reynolds ; the two first being yet fresh 
 and vigorous specimens of his pencil. They are known to the 
 virtuoso by the charming engravings of them, in stippling, by 
 Bartolozzi. The portrait of the Countess of Bessborough has 
 been engraved in mezzotint. In the pier between the windows, 
 is a portrait of the present Earl of Bessborough, also by 
 Reynolds ; but a less favourable performance, in every respect, 
 than that of the Countess, his late consort. In this room is 
 preserved the original drawing, by the late Mr. Alexander,
 
 210 THE STAIR CASE. 
 
 (draftsman to the British Museum) of the large Silver Vase 
 presented to liis Lordship, by his tenantry at Altlicrp, on the 
 23d of December, 1815. Opposite his Lordship's bed chamber, 
 having the entrance passage between, are 
 
 Lady Spencer's Dressing and Bed Room. 
 
 These room,s look into a small flower-garden. The dressing 
 room is wainscoted in pannels, and painted in arabesque by Boi- 
 leau. We pass through it into her Ladyship's bed-room, where 
 are the following portraits. Over the door, on entrance, is a por- 
 trait of Charles, first Earl of LucAN,by Sir Joshua Reynolds 
 — in fine preservation. To the right, is a portrait of Richard, 
 the PRESENT Earl of Lucan (when Lord Bingham) by the same 
 artist. Over the chimney, is a picture containing small whole 
 lengths of Georgiana, the late Duchess of Devonshire, Hen- 
 rietta Frances, late Countess of Bessborough, and the 
 present Earl Spencer, their brother, when in his sixteenth year. 
 Tlie artist is Angelica Kaiiffmaii. 
 
 But a most brilliant specimen of the pencil of Angelica Kavff- 
 man — is a small whole length portrait of the late first Countess 
 of LucAN, mother of the present Countess Spencer — and of which 
 the opposite Engraving, beautiful and faithful as it is,* is 
 hardly sufficient to give an adequate idea. The original mea- 
 sures four feet by three : and is in a perfectly fine state of pre- 
 servation. The visitor and reader will contemplate such a pic- 
 ture with increased satisfaction, when it is known to be a resem- 
 blance of the Illustrator of the Shakspeare, of which so particular 
 .in account has been given in the preceding pages, t Opposite 
 the bed, is a head of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, when 
 a child. In the centre, is a group of four children of the late 
 Earl Spencer, and on the right is a head of the present Earl 
 Spencer, when a child. All these are in crayons, by Miss Read. 
 To the left of the group by Angelica Kauffinan, is another por- 
 trait of the present Earl Spencer, when a child ; with a black 
 cap and feather, and a dog by the side of him. 
 
 • From the necessity of adapting it to the pages of this work, the above en- 
 jfraving occupies only two thirds of the figure of the original. 
 t See p. 200, ante.
 
 ..(yAi^isT.eoni
 
 Father of the first Baroja Spencer. 
 /. D.1.590.,Ctat S7 
 
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 f/^'//^t f < ?l 
 
 .■fi^i'i^ . ^c^^ftY.^£<^^f ^^ C'>a^t€ . ^.ff^- /?<-f^. iSrC ^'^i^tyt^- . 
 
 f*-Cnefd tr I. Ah*. 
 
 shed for the Rey. rF.Diidin. /f??
 
 THE STAIR CASE. 241 
 
 We now mount the Stair Case, with the company in the en- 
 graved view— so often referred to — and stop at the landing- 
 place, to notice the following pictures, which face the visitor 
 on ascending. Four kit-kat pictures — the first on the left hand, 
 Queen Anne with her son the Duke of Glocester: the next, 
 Sarah Duchess of Marlborough, with the key as groom of the 
 stole. Next, Mary Queen of England, and lastly George, Prince 
 of Denmark. Above these four pictures on the left hand, is 
 John Carteret, first Earl Granville : whole length of Robert, first 
 Lord Spencer : in the centre Lord Lisle, and his sister, children 
 of the Earl of Leicester, nephew and neice of Dorothy, Countess 
 of Sunderland ; a charming, and interesting picture by Sir P. 
 Lely. Next to them, Margaret Willoughby Lady Spencer, wife 
 to Robert first Lord ; Frances Worsley Countess Granville, she 
 was Mother to Lady Georgiana Carteret, wife to the Honourable 
 John Spencer, and grandmother of the present Earl. In the 
 right hand gallery, the Duke of Roxburghe, and five ftill length 
 pictures — First, Ann Churchill, Countess of Sunderland, with 
 her daughter Diana, afterwards Duchess of Bedford — Ann Vis- 
 countess Bateman, sister to Charles Duke of Marlborough — 
 Lady Longueville, — her son was created Earl of Sussex ; — Ann 
 Countess of Sunderland with her son Robert, who died young at 
 Paris. On the left side of the window — Adelaide, Widow of the 
 Marquis Paleotti — Duchess of Shrewsbury ; Anna Maria Brude- 
 nell. Countess of Shrewsbury, Mother of the only Duke of 
 Shrewsbury; under her, the portrait of Sir John Spencer, 
 the father of the first Lord Spencer.* On the right hand of 
 the window, the Duke of INIanchester ; under him. Sir John 
 Spencer of Offley ; over the door, Lady Georgiana Carteret, 
 wife of the Honourable John Spencer, and grandmother to the 
 present Earl. In the left hand gallery, a portrait of a Lady un- 
 known, and three full length pictures : — first, Charles third Earl 
 of Sunderland : second. Lady Georgiana Spencer, and her son 
 John, first Earl Spencer, and Lady Masham ; third, Heneage 
 Finch, Earl of Nottingham. Over a door a portrait of a Lady 
 unknown, and next to her, a portrait of JuUana Coimtess of 
 Burlington. 
 
 • See the Opposite Engraving.
 
 24« THE STAIR CASE. 
 
 In the lobbies are five portraits of the Spencers of Offley, in 
 the county of Herts. 
 
 In the anti-chamber of the picture gallery is the marble bust 
 of the Earl of Godolphin, by Rysbrach ; and a terra cotta of 
 Vandyck ; two landscapes by Moore, painted at Rome in 1786, 
 and over the door into the gallery, a man in armour sleeping on 
 a drum head. 
 
 Over the chimney of the stair case is a window of ancient 
 painted glass, representing armorial bearings ; and under it is 
 fixed a banner inscribed with the word gratitude: presented to 
 the present Earl Spencer by his tenants.
 
 [ 243 ] 
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 ' ... the G.VLLERY at Althorp, one of those enchanted scenes which a thou- 
 sand circumstances of history and art endear to a pensive spectator.' 
 
 W.^LPOLE : Anecdotes of Painting, vol. iii. p. 18; edit. 1765. 
 
 This highly interesting Collection of Pictures, or rather of His- 
 torical Portraits, is contained in a room of one hundred and 
 fifteen feet in length, by twenty feet and a half in width, and 
 nineteen in height. It is usually entered at the northern extre- 
 mity; from which a splendid coup d'ceil is obtained of the entire 
 series— terminated, at bottom, by one of the finest whole-length 
 specimens of Vandyke's pencil, between two similar specimens, 
 of scarcely less brilliancy, from the pencil of Sir Joshua Rey- 
 nolds. These shall be described in their proper order. We 
 begin by tiuning round to the left, as we enter the room, with 
 the pictures which are placed opposite the windows. Over the 
 entrance door is an original portrait of 
 
 Monsieur de Colbert, by Mignard.— This fine picture has 
 been described in the Bibliographical Tour, vol. ii. p. 477 ; and 
 was purchased at the sale of the late Quintm Craufurd's col- 
 lection, at Paris. It was fitting that the portrait of a great 
 Minister, and great Collector of Books— from whose librarj- so 
 many fine copies grace the shelves below— should find a place 
 in a Gallery hke this. We proceed to the right 
 
 John Duke of Marlborough, by Sir G. Kneller.— This is 
 a half-length, and the usually received portrait of Marlborough. 
 It has been recently, but not very faithfully, engraved, for Mr. 
 Coxe's Life of that hero.
 
 244 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 Philip IL King of Spain, by Sir Antony More. — A ge- 
 nuine picture ; painted upon wainscot. Philip is in a black 
 ilress, richly studded ; with a gold chain across the neck, and a 
 belt and sword below. The countenance exactly resembles that 
 in the fine whole-length of the same monarch, in the collection 
 of his Grace the Duke of Devonshire. 
 
 Kino Henry VIII., Queen Mary, and Will. Sommers the 
 Jester. — The opposite engraving will give the best notion of the 
 composition of this picture, which I consider as one of the most 
 curious and valuable in the collection. It is presumed that Hans 
 Holbein was the painter of it ; for although the tone of colour 
 be darker than that which is usually seen in his productions, yet 
 the groundr-tvork of the King's tunic, or vestment, in crimson foil, 
 such as we see in the undoubtedly genuine picture of the same 
 monarch, by the same artist at Somerset House; is strongly indi- 
 cative of that painter's style. That Will Sommers was also a 
 subject upon which his pencil was exercised, may be seen on 
 consulting Granger, vol. i. p. 116-17. I should add, that all the 
 figures are of the size of Ufe. 
 
 Tile Sforzas, by Albert Durer. 
 
 Maximilian Sforza, Duke of Milan, in 1512. Eldest son 
 to Ludovico, sumamed the Moor, and Beatrix D'Est : died in 
 15.30, unmarried. 
 
 Francis Sforxa, Duke of Milan, in 1529. Second son to the 
 Moor, married Cliristiana, daughter to Christian II. King of 
 Denmark : died in 1 535, without issue. 
 
 The above portraits are curious and interesting specimens of 
 Albert Durer's art ; they appear in one of the compai-tments of 
 a picture painted in wood by that artist ; the middle division of 
 which represents a man sitting at a table with a skull before him; 
 and the opposite compartment to that above described, contains 
 the Salutation of the Virgin. It is in good preservation. 
 
 Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland, by Sir Peter Lely. — 
 She was daughter to Villiers, Viscount Grandison, who was son 
 to Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. She married Palmer, Earl of
 
 
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 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 245 
 
 Castlemain ; and being mistress to Charles IL was created Du- 
 chess of Cleveland by that monarch : by whom she had several 
 children. ' She was,' says Bishop Burnet, ' a woman of great 
 beauty, but most enormously vicious and ravenous ; foolish but 
 imperious ; very uneasy to the King ; and always carrying on in- 
 trigues with other men, while yet she pretended she was jealous 
 of him. His passion for her and her strange behaviour to him did 
 so disorder him, that often he was not master of himself, nor 
 capable of minding business, which in so critical a time required 
 great application.' Granger observes that 'she was the most 
 inveterate enemy of the Earl of Clarendon, who thought it an 
 indignity to his character to show common civilities, much more 
 to pay his court, to the mistress of the greatest monarch upon 
 earth. WHien this honoured nobleman was going fi'om court, 
 upon his resignation of the Great Seal, the Duchess of Cleveland, 
 who knew him to be her enemy, insulted him from a window of 
 the palace. He tm-ned to her and said, with a calm but spirited 
 dignity, ' Madam, if you live you will grow old.' After a life of 
 continued profligacy, she died of a dropsy, in her sixty-ninth 
 year, A. D. 1709. 
 
 She is here painted in the character of a shepherdess, with a 
 crook in her hand. This is in every respect a genuine picture — 
 in fine preservation. 
 
 La Comtesse de Grammont, by Sir Peter Lely. — A charm- 
 ing portrait of a beautiful and virtuous woman. The drapery is 
 blue, with a straw-coloured handkerchief. The Countess of 
 Grammont was sister to Count Hamilton, whose interesting me- 
 moirs make us so intimately acquainted with the manners of 
 the court of Charles IL Her father was Sir George Hamilton, 
 one of the sons of the first Earl of Abercorn. By PhiUbert, 
 Comte de Grammont, her husband, she had two daughters ; 
 one married the Earl of Stafford, the other was Lady Abbess of 
 the Canonesses in Lorraine. Her conduct was without reproach 
 at the court of Charles II., and of Louis XIV. — A sure test of 
 her virtue and good taste. There is an engraving of her (but I 
 know not whether from this picture) in the edition of the 3/e- 
 moires de Grammont, published at Strawbernj Hill in 1772,
 
 346 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 quarto. The engraving is by G. Powle — ' executed in a style 
 of beauty and spirit that has been seldom surpassed.' Biblio- 
 mania, p. 720. It is, I presume, to this engraving that Bromley 
 refers : p. 244. 
 
 Sir p. p. Reubens, by Vandyke. — A whole length. The at- 
 titude is as graceful as the finishing is delicate. A gold chain, 
 pending from the right shoulder, vanishes a little below the left 
 arm. A key is stuck in the girdle ; and tlie gloves are held in 
 the left hand. The subject is dressed wholly in black. 
 
 Unknown Portrait : apparently of a Man of Letters, by Sir 
 Antony More. — A very fine specimen of the master. It is 
 painted upon panel. The following engra^^ng of it is by Profes- 
 sor Hesse of Munich, from an exquisite copy, in water colours, 
 of the same size, by the late Mr. Satchwell.
 
 T.Tw~iG.s del. 
 
 WE]L]L '^ifT^mm 
 
 FnamaFalneingliySir r.I^elf.in therofsefsioE of 
 Earl Spencer, a.t Altbopp. 
 
 /.'//,/. ■//. /hh/i:--hrd far th^ /it.r. r.Fnibriir 
 
 A^/Vi'A/^. r.,h
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 247 
 
 Sir Antony Vandyke, by Sir P. P. Reubens, — A head 
 and shoulders only. 
 
 Nell Gwynn, by Sir Peter Lely. — The Opposite Engraving 
 will convey some notion of the beauty and elegance of this pic- 
 ture. It has greater feminine attraction than any one which I 
 remember to have seen of the Original. Granger, in his list, does 
 not describe the present ; of the genuineness of which there can- 
 not be a doubt.* She is dressed in a yellow or straw-coloured 
 gown, with a lavender-coloured mantle thrown over it. The cha- 
 racter of the Original is too notorious to need recital. Granger, 
 vol. iv. p. 188, has given a brief but vigorous delineation of her. 
 She was the most celebrated low comic actress of her day ; and 
 having become mistress to Lord Dorset, and afterwards to Charles 
 II., she had, by the latter, two sons ; the Duke of St. Albans 
 and James Beauclerk. She was a taunting rival of the Duchess 
 of Portsmouth ; and Madame de Sevigne, in one of her letters, 
 gives an amusing anecdote of her spirit and impertinence, upon 
 some occasion in which the Duchess was concerned. See the 
 Memoires de Grammont, Paris, 1812, octavo, p. 381. Burnet calls 
 her ' the most indiscreet and extravagant person that ever ap- 
 peared at court.' Notwithstanding she had grossly abused the 
 King's liberahty, or rather profligacy, (for Charles had bestowed 
 not less than .^60,000. upon her,) she was remembered by the 
 dying monarch m his last moments. ' Do not let poor Nelly 
 starve!' — were his words to those who stood round his death- 
 bed. Drijdens Works, Edit. Scott: vol. x. p. 82, edit. 1821. 
 The anecdote of her, related in the ixth volume, p. 426, of the 
 same work, is better told in Granger. 
 
 '&'- 
 
 The Duchess of Portsmouth, by Sir Peter Lely. — The 
 most constant, and the most favoured, but most unpopular of 
 all the mistresses of Charles II. Her name was Louise de 
 
 • The portrait of lier, among Harding's uTctched engravings, in the quarto 
 edition of Grammont, p. 269, seems to be a copy of the above. That of her, 
 sitting between her two sons, and considered to be so very rare and expensive, 
 is, to the best of my recollection, a vulgar and insipid performance. 
 VOL. I. I i
 
 248 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 QuEROUAiLLE. She came over in the train of the King's sister, 
 who was married to Philip, Duke of Orleans, in order to entice 
 Charles into an union with Louis XIV. — which unhappily suc- 
 ceeded but too well. She was created Duchess of Portsmouth 
 on August 9th, 1 673 ; and is thus noticed by Evelyn, about three 
 years before her creation: ' Nov. 4, 1G70, I now also saw that fa- 
 mous beauty, but in my opinion of a childish, simple, and baby 
 face. Mademoiselle Querouaille, lately Maide of Hon'' to Madame, 
 and now to be so to y' Queene.' Memoirs, vol. i. p. 432. Evelyn 
 relates a droll story about her, in the following year, when she 
 was ' coming to be in greate favor with the King' — and in which 
 story he seems to repel, with some degree of indignation, the 
 charge imputed to him, of having witnesssed some indiscretions 
 of that ' young wanton.' There were certainly strange proceed- 
 ings at Euston, a ' place of Lord Arlingtons.' 
 
 Charles was unwearied in his attentions, and unbounded in 
 his gifts and marks of distinction, to this extraordinary woman. 
 Her apartments at ^Vllitehall, in 1675, were (says Evelyn) 'lux- 
 uriously furnished, and with ten times the richnesse and glory 
 beyond the Queenes ; such massy pieces of plate, whole tables, 
 and stands of incredible value.' Memoirs, vol. i. p. 480. Again, 
 at p. 539, Evelyn describes an entertainment given to the Am- 
 bassador of Morocco 'at the Dutchesse of Portsmouth's glo- 
 rious apartments at Wliitehall.' In the company, he describes 
 Lady Lichfield and Sussex, the Duchess of Portsmouth, Nelly, 
 &c. concubines, and cattell of that sort, as splendid as Jewells 
 and excess of bravery could make them.' The foreigners ' tooke 
 leave with this compliment, that God would blesse the Duchesse 
 of Portsmouth and y" Prince her Sonn, meaning the little Duke 
 of Richmond ;' p. 539. This took place in 1682. 
 
 These apartments (says Evelyn) had been pulled down and 
 rebuilt three times to please the Duchess: but in 1691 were 
 destroyed by fire, which consumed ' other lodgings of such lewd 
 creatures, who debauched both King Cha. 2, and others, and 
 were his destruction.' Granger says (apparently ujion the au- 
 thority of Voltaire's Steele de Louis XIV.) that 'her beauty, 
 which was not of the most delicate kind, seemed to be very little
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 24« 
 
 impaired at seventy years of age.* Charles, on his death-bed, 
 particularly recommended her and her son to the protection of 
 his successor. She herself died as late as the year 1734, in the 
 eighty-ninth of her age. To return to the portrait ; of which so 
 beautifully an engraved copy embellishes these pages. The 
 Duchess is dressed in an orange-coloured gown. The mantle is 
 light blue. Her right hand holds a sprig, or some leaves, which 
 are offered to a lamb— here obliged to be omitted for want of 
 room. The colouring and expression of the face are perfect ; 
 and, on the whole, this fine original picture merits every thing 
 said of the painter by Walpole, in his Works, vol. iii. p. 27. The 
 back-ground is among the happiest specimens of the master ; 
 and the back-grounds of Leiy appear occasionally to have been 
 successfully imitated by Sir Joshua Reynolds. 
 
 Penelope Wriothesley, Second Lady Spencer, by Van- 
 dyke.— A ' Spencer' by Vandyke is a treasure : as was the lady 
 herself to her husband. See p. xxv. ante. This is a whole- 
 length portrait, well conceived, and as ably executed : and ap- 
 parently a most faithful resemblance. The subject is looking 
 over the right shoulder ; habited in light blue satin. A favourite 
 little dog is before her, with his back to the spectator. 
 
 William, Duke of Devonshire, by Sir Joshua Reynolds. 
 A head and shoulder portrait : admirably pencilled and coloured, 
 
 * Dryden addressed her in a song, not long after her arrival, entitled, ' 'I'he 
 Fair Stranger' — of which the two concluding stanzas are these : 
 
 Your smiles have more of conquering charms. 
 Than all your native country's arms ; 
 Their troops \vc can expel with ease, 
 Wlio vanquish only when we please. 
 
 But in your eyes, O ! there's the spell 
 Who can see thera, and not rebel } 
 You make us captives by your stay; 
 Yet kill us if you go away. 
 
 But Evelyn was not far short »f the mark, when he described her counte- 
 nance as having something in it ' childish and baby-like.'
 
 250 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 and in a fine state of preservation. The resemblance to his 
 son, the present Duke, is most striking. 
 
 Marechale de Mury, by Sir Joshua Reynolds. — She was 
 an intimate friend of the late Countess Spencer ; and is here re- 
 presented sitting, with her head resting upon her left hand and 
 arm, supported by the knee. She is decorated with a blue ri- 
 band, indicating her being (at the time this picture was painted) 
 a Chanoinesse of the noble Chapter of Nuys, near Dusseldorff. 
 
 Lady Denham, by Sir Peter Lely. — This lady makes a 
 brief, but a brilliant figure, also, upon the canvas of Grammont. 
 In other words, she is there introduced almost for the sake of 
 ridiculing her husband, Sir John Denham, the famous poet, 
 whose wife she became when she was only eighteen years of age, 
 and when her husband was in his seventy-ninth year. A short 
 time afterwards, she became lady of the bed-chamber to the 
 Duchess of York, and sullied her reputation by her intrigues 
 with the Duke. She was the beautiful Miss Brooks. The 
 fruits of her marriage were only jealousy on the one part, and 
 indifference on the other; and her death is supposed to have 
 been precipitated at Sir John's house, where she was confined, 
 by poison.* The annexed engraving is doubtless the most 
 faithful of those which have been executed of the subject. The 
 drapery consists of a light blue mantle upon a straw-coloured 
 gown ; very harmonious in its effect. Walpole has certainly 
 treated the draperies of Lely with too much severity — in saying 
 that they appear to be ' supported by a single pin.' 
 
 • In the Athen. Oxon. vol. iii. col. 82.3-7, edit. BUu — we are informed, on 
 the authority of Aubrey, tliat ' Sir John was ancient & limping. The Duke 
 of York fell desperately in love with his second wife ; whitli occasioned Sir 
 John's distemper of niadnesse. His second Lady had no child, and was poy- 
 soncd by the hands of the co. of Roc. with chocolate.' Sir John was Clerk of 
 the Board of Works, and Architect in ordinary to the King. Evehii, however, 
 had but a poor opinion of his architectural talents — 'knowing him to be a 
 better poet than architect, tho' he had Mr. M'ebb, (Inigo lones's man) to 
 assist him.' Memoirs, vol. i. p. 341.
 
 TTtwins Del 
 
 ^iNMAM, 
 
 TFrarm. As Origiiaal Brtraiit W Sir P.IL®lj;iinL tike GaUitryatAldbiiiMp. 
 
 Zan^im,^iiiU:r/ial^ae Si!y.TEDiMin^lS2^
 
 V.VtaSh' 
 
 ?roni an. ©riginal ?or 
 
 ZLid.zTy «.; iiiUiorp.
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 251 
 
 'Mrs. Jane Middleton, by Sir Peter Lely. — " La Middle- 
 ton, bien faite, blonde et blanche, avoit dans les manieies et le 
 discours quelque chose de piecieux et d'afFecte. L'indolente lan- 
 gueur dent elle se paroit n'ttoit pas du gout de tout le monde. 
 On s'en donnoit aux sentiniens de delicatesse quelle vouloit expU- 
 quer sans les comprendre, et elle ennuyoit en voulant briller. A 
 force de se tourmenter la-dessus, eUe tourmentoit tous les autres; 
 et I'anihition de passer pour bel esprit ne lui a donne que la re- 
 putation d'ennuyeuse, qui subsistoit long-temps apres sa beaute." 
 Such is the pointed and ungallant opinion of Mrs. Middleton by 
 Grammont. The Count selected her as one of his early favou- 
 rites : " Les gants parfumes, les mirroirs de poche, les etuis gamis, 
 les pates d'abricot, les essences et autres menues denrees d'amour, 
 arrivoient de Paris chaque semaine avec quelque nouvel habit 
 pour lui," &c. Memoires, p. 126, edit. Renouard, 1812. 8vo. 
 The picture in question, of which a faithful copy is here sub- 
 joined, is preferable to its precursor. All the engravings of the 
 original which I have seen, appear to be at once feeble and 
 faithless. 
 
 Henri De Lorraine, Troisieme Due de Guise, by Francis 
 Porbus the younger. — This exceedingly fine whole length por- 
 trait, of the size of life, was obtained at the sale of the late Quin- 
 tin Craufurd's pictures, at Paris. It is in the finest state of 
 preservation. The back ground is a scarlet curtain. The 
 Duke rests his right hand upon a table, and his left is placed 
 upon his hip. He is clothed in a rich black dress. The scar 
 upon his right cheek, occasioned by a buUet-wound, in a rencontre 
 near Chateau-Thierri— and which obtained him the nick-name of 
 Balafre — is sufficiently visible. A dog, of what is called the 
 Talbot-breed, is sitting down, and looking at his master with a 
 sort of intensity of affectionate respect. The whole is a fine 
 piece of art, not unworthy even of Titian. 
 
 The Original was one of the most famous, and most ambi- 
 tious men, which France — in the turbulent period of the League 
 — ever produced. He was the idol of the people: as well from 
 the beauty of his person, as from the elegance of his manners, the 
 affability of his address, and the courage which he manifested on
 
 252 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 all occasions, on which it could be displayed. He became the 
 first minister, and afterwards the deteniiined opponent of his 
 monarch, Henri III : — and if his end had not been hastened by the 
 audacity of his own conduct, there is no saying into what yet 
 deeper misery his country might have been plunged. He fell 
 beneath the daggers of assassins, on a visit to the king. The 
 day before his death, he found, beneath a napkin, near his plate, 
 at dinner, a note — which apprised him of his quickly approach- 
 ing end. On reading it, all he said was, He dare not! — and 
 coolly finished his dinner. Having called a council that same 
 evening, with his brother the Cardinal de Guise, and the Arch- 
 bishop of Lyons, it was resolved — in a desperate moment — that 
 he should force himself, the next day, upon the King. On 
 the 23d of December, 1588, this sudden and fatal visit was paid. 
 The Duke had no sooner entered, than he saw the guard dou- 
 bled; and the hundred Swiss soldiers ranged upon the steps. This 
 disconcerted him a little ; when, on being admitted into the first 
 hall, the doors were instantly closed upon him. Nevertheless, he 
 assumed a cheerful air ; saluted the privy counsellors with his 
 accustomed gracious manner; and, on entering the cabinet to pay 
 his respects to the King, was overwhelmed by the daggers of se- 
 veral assassins, posted there for the purpose of his destruction ; 
 before he could even put his hand upon his sword to defend him- 
 self; and expired, exclaiming — " Lord hare nierai/ upon me!" 
 He was only in his thirty-eighth year. Such an end was doubt- 
 less most execrable, and seems to redeem many of the errors of an 
 infatuated hfe. Yet we must not fail to reflect, that the Duke was 
 a fierce and inexorable persecutor of the Hugonots, and wished 
 for the estabUshment of the inquisition in France, to accelerate, 
 by civil means, the destruction of those whom the sword had 
 spared. Such men are as gi-eat enemies to mankind as to their 
 own country. 
 
 AnneSpekcer; Painter unknown. A Head. She was third 
 daughter to Wilham, second Lord Spencer, and Penelope M rio- 
 thesley, his wife. She married Sir Robert Townsend, second 
 son to Sir George Townsend.
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 253 
 
 Elizabeth Spencer ; Painter unknown. A Head. She was 
 sister to the preceding ; and married, first, Lord Craven ; second, 
 the Hon. H. Howard ; and third Lord Crofts. 
 
 Dorothy Percy, Countess of Leicester, by Vandyke. 
 Lady Leicester was daughter to Henry, the ninth Earl of Nor- 
 thumberland. She married Robert, the second Earl of Leices- 
 ter, by whom she had four sons and eight daughters. Consult 
 the account of Illustrious Characters, with their portraits sub- 
 joined — of which Mr. Lodge is the able editor. 
 
 Anne, Countess of Arran, by Sir Godfrey Kneller. She 
 was eldest daughter to the second Earl and Countess of Sun- 
 derland ; and married, first, James Earl of Arran ; eldest son to 
 the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon ; see p. xlvii. ante. This 
 is a whole-length of the size of life : and a pleasing picture. 
 The Countess, habited in dark blue, with a mulberry-coloured 
 mantle, is sitting upon a bank. An orange-tree is at her right, 
 and a paroquet is pecking at her finger. 
 
 Anne Carr, Countess of Bedford, by Vandyke. The por- 
 trait of this lady is engraved in Mr. Lodge's splendid work otPor- 
 taits of Illustrious Characters, from a whole length of her at Wo- 
 burn ; and an excellent account of the amiable Original is there 
 given. Her mother, Frances Countessof Essex, whose second hus- 
 band was Carr Earl of Somerset, the profligate favourite of James 
 I. — was among the most infamous of women. Lady Bedford was 
 the ofi'spring of this second match. It is said that she was per- 
 fectly imacquainted with the character of her mother, till after 
 her marriage with \\'ilham, the fifth Earl of Bedford — when the 
 mere accidental perusal of a book (jirobably entitled " Truth 
 brought to Light by Time,"*), put her in possession of the heart- 
 
 • This is a most curious and interesting book, developing the first fourteen 
 Tears of the reign of James I. The edition of it, at Althorp, is of the 
 date of 1651 ; with an appendix, of the same date, ginng an account of 
 the revenue of King James. Tliis work contains, I think, the most clear 
 and irrefragable proofs of both Lord and Lady Somerset being privy to 
 ihe murder of Sir Thomas Overbury, in the Tower of London. Sir Thuina:i
 
 25i THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 distressing fact. She swooned away at the discovery. Her own 
 hfe, however, was a perfect contrast to that of her parent. This 
 picture has uncommon sweetness of expression, and is most beau- 
 tifully painted. The hands are exquisitely drawn and placed. 
 The drapery is of a subdued lake-colour, surmounted by a gray- 
 ish yellow mantle. 
 
 HoRTENCE Mancini Duchesse de Mazarin, by Sir Godfrey 
 Kneller. She is mentioned in Grammont, and was niece of Car- 
 dinal Mazarin. She is here represented in a turbanned head- 
 dress, as Cleopatra in the act of dissolving the pearl. A fine 
 animated countenance, and a warmly coloured picture. 
 
 Henry Wriothesi.ey, Earl of Southampton, by Mytens. 
 A channing picture of the patron of Shakspeare, and guardian 
 of the first Earl of Sunderland : see page xxviii. ante. A half- 
 length. — The painter has dressed him in armour, with a ruff and 
 crimson flowered sash. An engraving of the same portrait ap- 
 pears in Mr. Lodge's Illustrious Characters^ 
 
 Unkng^vn Lady, by Cornelius Jansen. — In the costume of 
 the times. A portrait to the waist. 
 
 Henrietta, Queen of Charles I. by Vandyke. — A whole 
 length, and a most pleasing picture. The Queen is dressed in 
 white satin ; with some white roses in a glass vase, and the 
 crown, upon a table covered with green velvet flowered with gold, 
 is beside her. A dark-ochre and green curtain is behind. A land- 
 was poisoned : because he dissuaded liis once friend and patron. Lord Somer- 
 set, from marrying Lady Essex ; who chose to divorce herself from her first 
 husband. Sir Thomas wrote a poem called " The ffife," intended as the 
 contrast of that of his patron — which had a great run in its day. But, criminal 
 — and deserving even of capital punishment, as was the conduct of Lord and 
 Lady Somerset — it is forgotten, and almost even pardonable, compared with 
 the mean and miserable demeanor of J.tjuKs! — who again pressed to his bosom 
 the murderer of one of the most respectable subjects of his realm. Sir Ed- 
 ward Coke (who about this time was made Chief Justice of the Court of King's 
 Bench, and a Privy Counsellor), must hare been under the influence of court- 
 opium.
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 255 
 
 scape is seen in part of the back-ground. A Turkey carpet 
 is spread on the floor. This is a sweetly painted picture, in a fine 
 state of preservation. The satin gown, with a twisted cord or 
 belt, of pearl and emeralds, are managed to perfection. The 
 arms and hands are in the best style of the master. 
 
 Anne Genevieve de Bourbon, Duchesse de Longueville, 
 by MiGNARD. A beautiful little picture, measuring eight inches 
 and three-quarters, by seven ; of the head and shoulders only. 
 A written memorandum, at the back, fiirnishes us with the follow- 
 ing particulars relating to the original : " Fille de Henri, second 
 du nom, Prince de Conde, Sceur du Grand Conde, Femme du 
 Due DE Longueville, et Mere du dernier Due de Longueville, 
 qui fut tue au passage du Rhin en 1672. EUe fut du nombre 
 de ces Intrigantes de haut rang, qui figurerent pendant la Fronde. 
 Apres una penitence de 27 ans, quelle fit pour les folies et les 
 pechcs de sa jeunesse, elle mourut en 1679." This original por- 
 trait was given to the present Countess Spencer by the late Quin- 
 tin Craufurd, Esq. who resided principally at Paris — where he 
 bought it in 1817. 
 
 Lady Jane Grey, by Lucas de Heere. It is just possible that 
 the reader may not have forgotten the print — if he have the de- 
 scription — of this exquisite ornament of the Althorp Gallery, 
 which is to be found in the Bibliographical Decameron, vol. iii. 
 p. 249, &c.* A reconsideration of what is there written, toge- 
 ther with frequent revisions of the picture itself, has confirmed 
 me in the opinion fii-st entertained, not only that the porti'ait of 
 Lady Jane Grey introduced into Holland's Heroologia, is an 
 ideal portrait (indicative of a person very much beyond the age 
 of Lady Jane) but that the present is, upon the whole, one of 
 the most precious cabinet pictures in the kingdom. It is in a 
 perfect state of preservation. 
 
 • The exact measurement is one foot nine inches by one foot three 
 inches. This is mentioned here, because the measurement, in the authority 
 above referred to, was stated from memory, and is not quite correct. 
 
 VOL. I. K k
 
 256 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 Diane de Poictieks, by Janet. — The original picture : de- 
 scribed in the B'tbliograpliical, Anliquariau, and Picturesque 
 Tour ; vol. ii. p. 478 : from which I may be allowed to borrow the 
 description. " This highly curious portrait is a half length, mea- 
 suring only ten inches by about eight. It represents the original 
 without any drapery, except a crimson mantle thrown over her 
 back. She is leaning upon her left arm, which is supported by 
 a bank. A sort of tiara is iipon her head. Her hair is braided. 
 Above her, witliin a frame, is the following inscription, in capital 
 roman letters : " Comnie le Cerf brait apres le dicours des Eauex : 
 aiiisi brait mon Ame apres Toy, 6 Dieii, Ps. xlii." Upon the 
 whole, this is perhaps the most legitimate representation of the 
 original which France possesses." 
 
 This was written when that picture was in the collection of 
 the late Quintin Craufurd, at Paris. On the death of that gen- 
 tleman, his pictures were sold by auction ; and I became the jjur- 
 chaser of this, and of a few other articles, which have found their 
 way into this noble collection. France therefore no longer pos- 
 sesses the treasure in cjuestion — which I still continue to think the 
 purest representation of the original, as a painting, which exists. 
 The name of Janet is at the back ; but, apparently, not of the time 
 of the artist. There is good reason to think, that either Janet 
 or Primaticcio, was the artist who executed it.* 
 
 • A pleasing sequel to the purchase of the above picture may here find its 
 way in a note. In the year 1820, when 1 revisited Paris, the collection of Mr. 
 Craufurd was not sold — altlioujjh the oxvncr was deail. I requested M. 
 Cauirc, to whose pencil 1 had been indebted for several pleasing ornaments in 
 the Tour, to make a copv, in water colours, of the portrait in question : — 
 which he executed with his usual spirit and success. From that copy (mea- 
 suring about seven inches, by five and a half) an engraving was made, by Mr. 
 J. Thomson. The plate was considered as a private one, and a limited im- 
 pression was taken ; of which each copv was sold at i.'l..l. and I have reason 
 to think that the whole impression is exhausted — and I h)w>r the plate to be 
 ilestioi/cd. Mr. Thomson, an artist of great modesty and merit, is allowed to 
 have done ample justice to his model. That "model," or copy of the original, 
 was s(dd at the sale of my drawings for the Tour, on St. Valentine's Day, of 
 this year, for twenty guineas ; being about five guineas more than were given 
 for the Orioinal Picti re — and about eight beyond what were paid to the 
 French artist who copied it. Of such striking beauty was the portrait itself 
 considered !
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 257 
 
 Portrait of Hans Holbein, by Himself. — A head in a very 
 small circle, brilliantly executed. It is the head which Walpole 
 has prefixed to his account of our painters ; and Walpole him- 
 self was always in the habit of considering this to be an original. 
 
 Henry VIII. King of England, by the Same. — A beauti- 
 ful and well preserved specimen of the master, measuring only 
 eleven inches by seven and a half. Henry is dressed in gray 
 puckered with white. He has a brown surcoat, turned up with 
 cloth of gold. Wliat is seen of the hands makes us only regret 
 that so little is seen. Upon the whole, a gem of its kind. 
 
 Francis II. King of France ; when Dauphin, by Janet. — 
 Mary, Queen of Scots ; his Wife, by the Same. — These two 
 small pictures are perfect curiosities of their kind. They are 
 doubtless genuine pictures of the master ; and are painted upon 
 pannel, which in many places is perforated by the worms. 
 They retain nevertheless all their pristine delicacy and lustre of 
 colouring. Francis was scarcely fourteen when he married the un- 
 fortunate Mary, he himself dying in 1560 — the second year after 
 his nuptials. Whoever compares this portrait of him, (although 
 it be not in profile) with the profile portrait of him in the Promp- 
 tuarium Iconum Insigniorum, &c. first published in 1553, and 
 afterwards in 1578, 4to. will find a striking conformity between 
 the two countenances. Mary is represented as a girl of about 
 sixteen, shortly after her marriage with Francis. She is in the 
 costume of the court of Catherine de Medicis. A picture in the 
 anti-chamber to the Louvre Gallery at Paris, representing a 
 court ball in the presence of Catherine and her children, proves 
 that Mary of Scotland's dress was that which she must have 
 worn as one of the court of France. This picture is a highly 
 interesting one, and was bought at Paris during the revolution, 
 when the anarchy and plunder of those days dispersed family 
 pictures, as well as other treasures, amongst the brokers of 
 the metropolis. 
 
 Monsieur de St. Evremond, by Sir G. Kneller. — One of 
 the characters mentioned in Memoires de Graminont : and among
 
 258 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 the most fashionable philosophers of his day. His works were 
 formerly held in some repute, but, within the last century, they 
 have been rarely looked into, and still more rarely quoted. He 
 read frequent lectures to the Chevalier de Grammont, who was at 
 once his hero and his pupil ; and to which lectures no attention 
 was paid. This satisfied St. Evreniond just as well as if he had 
 received the most devoted homage. He was a Norman by birth, 
 and died in ITO.'J, at the advanced age of ninety. Charles II. 
 (through the interest of the Duchess of Portsmouth, and the 
 Duchesse de Mazarin, who united in protecting " the Norman 
 bel-esprit") shewed him great attentions, and gave him a small 
 pension ; " on which he lived, amusing himself by the composition 
 of lighter pieces of Hterature, .and despising the country, which 
 attbrded him refiige, so very thoroughly, that he did not even 
 deign to learn English." Scott's Dryden, vol. xvik. p. ii. prefixed 
 to Dryden's own character of him. Desmaiseaux published his 
 works in 1705. Walpole (Works, vol. iii. p. iJ91) calls him "a 
 channing historiographer." A good account of him (from Des- 
 maiseaux) appears in the English Grammont, pubUshed by Mr. 
 Miller, in 1811 :* where (vol. i. p. 141) may be seen an engraving 
 of his ])ortrait from a painting by Parmcntier : precisely similar 
 to the present ; which is of the size of life, and in a perfect state 
 of ))reservation. The wen, between the eyebrows, renders this 
 portrait immediately recognisable. 
 
 * A still more particular account of this ori)^inal character appears in the 
 /iifroHurtori/ Memoir to this edition ; p. xxvii. — xxx — where wc 6nd his dress 
 and habits thus described : — 
 
 His ancient studying cap he wore, 
 
 Well tann'd, of good morocco hide ; 
 The eternal double loop before, 
 
 That lasted till its master died. 
 In fine, the self-same C(|uipagc, 
 
 As when, with lovely Mazarine, 
 Still boasting of the name of Sage, 
 
 He drowned, in floods of generous wine. 
 The dulness and the frost of age, 
 
 And daily paid the homage due. 
 
 To charms that secm'd for ever new.
 
 •'©law iRnr^ 

 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 259 
 
 Colonel John Russell, by Dobson.— A charming por- 
 trait of the gallant Original, as the opposite engraving testi- 
 fies. The sleeves are yellow ; the riband, at the top of the 
 shoulder, is crimson ; as is also the sash. The bow beneath the 
 cravat is blue. Colonel Russell was brother to the first Duke of 
 Bedford. He served in the royal cause, and after the Restora- 
 tion was made colonel of the first regiment of foot guards, and died 
 unmarried. 
 
 Unknown Portrait of a Lady, by Hans Holbein.— This 
 very singular and precious portrait has sti-ong claims upon the 
 attention of tlie curious. A notion once prevailed that it was in- 
 tended as a representation of Mary L, daughter of Henry VIIL : 
 but, besides that the costume of the dress, and especially of the 
 head-dress, is different to what has been handed down to us as 
 that of Mary — the inscription, upon a gold medal hanging at her 
 breast, of the words ' BoTznEiM,*^TATis xxv.'— clearly proves 
 it to have no connection with our Queen. That the subject is 
 executed by the pencil of Holbein, there can be no doubt : for no 
 contemporaneous artist possessed the same freedom of design and 
 delicacy of touch combined. This pictin-e measures two feet by 
 one foot and seven inches ; representing about one-third of the 
 figure, of the size of life. The head-dress is white muslin, em- 
 broidered with gold. The same kind of muslin is adopted for 
 the frill and covering of the breast. The body and shoulders 
 are covered with a crimson satin, lined with crimson velvet, finely 
 touched and shaded. The sleeves are white linen. The hands, 
 
 • It is possible, and even probable, that the lady in question may be some 
 relation, or wife, to a civilian of Constance, of the same name ; for, in the 
 Progymnasmata Grceca: Liltemtura: of O/tomnnis Lmcimus, a Strasbourg 
 civitian— published at Strasbourg, by J. Knoblouch, in 1521, octavo, there 
 is a mmcupatory, or prefatory epistle dedicated to one Johx Botzheim. " Ju- 
 ricons. & Canonioo Constantiensi prfficcptori et amieo suavissimo'— by the 
 author— who thus addresses him : ' m-M-U Virtulc insigni(|ui' cruditione.' In 
 this is the foUowing passage—' Quid (piod musurmn et grati;irum nostri seculi 
 unicum delitium Erasmus Roterodamus, &c. ct C. Pforlzhemius Germania 
 nostra sempitemum decus, iam olim cditis doctissirais libris, et mmc fre- 
 quentissimo Ingolstadiensi auditorio, penitiores nobiliorum trium linguarum 
 recessus, ut egrcgic callet, ita summa facilitate studiosis aperit, et citra fas- 
 tidiura publieitus authores iusignes profitetur,' &c.
 
 260 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 with the rings and other ornaments (especially the gold medal) 
 are touched in a perfectly artist-like style. The subject is 
 painted upon linen glued on wainscot. 
 
 Henry Sydney, Earl of Romney, by Sir P. Lely.— A whole- 
 length, of the size ofHfe, when the Original was about fourteen. 
 The Earl is preparing for the chase, with a spear in his hand, 
 and two greyhounds by his side. A pleasing, and delicately 
 drawn and executed picture. Henry Sydney was youngest son 
 of Robert Earl of Leicester, and brother to Earl Philip. lie was 
 one (says Granger) of the memorable Seven who invited Wil- 
 liam, Prince of Orange, over to England ; and was, in the reign 
 of that Prince, created Earl of Romney, and made Lord-Lieu- 
 tenant of Ireland, Master of tlie Ordnance, Warden of the 
 Cinque Ports, Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Foot Guards, 
 and one of the Privy Council. He died a bachelor, in 1700. 
 
 Dorothy Sydney, First Countess of Sunderland, by 
 Vandyke. This is a picture of the master well deserving of a 
 place in that mansion, where the Original once presided with so 
 much grace and eclat. Consult the preceding pages of this 
 work : p. xxviii., &c. 
 
 William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle, by Vandyke. — 
 A whole-length. The Duke married, 1st, Elizabeth, daughter 
 to Henry Howard, Earl of Suffolk ; and 2dly, Mai'garet, daugh- 
 ter to Thomas Lucas, Esq. He left four sons and four daugh- 
 ters. The attitude and drawing of the whole figure are admi- 
 rable. The Duke holds his hat in his right hand, which hangs, 
 carelessly down : his left is placed on the hilt of his sword. He 
 is dressed in black. 
 
 Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, by Sir G. Kneller. — 
 A portrait of her at her toilette ; very different from the usually 
 received portraits, such as we shall presently find it. There is a 
 disagreeable pout in her countenance, the eyes are looking down, 
 and the hair, long and dishevelled, is flowing over her left 
 shoulder.
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 261 
 
 Ann Churchill, Fourth Countess of Sunderland, by Sir 
 G. Kneller. — Head and shoulders, in an oval. A slight, and 
 pleasingly painted picture ; and superior, in expression, to the 
 whole-length in the South Corridore above the stair case. 
 
 Henry, First Earl of Sunderland, by Walker. — Con- 
 cerning this incomparable and lamented young nobleman, peruse 
 the preceding pages ; beginning at p. xxvi. An engra\'ing of 
 this highly valued portrait will be found facing p. xxviii. 
 
 Oliver Cromwell, by the Same. — This is one of the many 
 portraits of the same subject, and by the same pencil, which re- 
 presents a page tying on the sash of Oliver. It has been fre- 
 quently engraved. 
 
 Elizabeth, Countess of Falmouth, by Sir P. Lely. — A 
 three-quarters portrait ; and a rich and warmly coloured picture. 
 The Countess is sitting upon a bank ; her left hand is placed at 
 her breast ; her right is resting on a cannon ball in her lap ; 
 which, together with the deep sorrow expressed in her counte- 
 nance, proves that the picture is meant to allude to her husband's 
 death, which took place in the sea fight with the Dutch on the 3rd 
 of June, 1665. She wears a richly golden flowered mantle, a fa- 
 vourite piece of drapery with Lely. The Countess of Fahnouth 
 was daughter to Henry Bagot, second son to Su- Harvey Bagot. 
 She married, 1 st, Charles Berkeley, Earl of Fahnouth, and after- 
 wards Charles, first Duke of Dorset. 
 
 Henrietta, Duchess of Orleans. — She was daughter to 
 Charles I., and came over to England (with Mademoiselle Que- 
 rouaille, afterwards Duchess of Portsmouth, in her train ; see 
 p. 248, ante), to persuade her brother, Charles II., to enter into 
 an alliance with Louis XIV. : in other words, to debase his own 
 character, and in such proportion, that of his country. The 
 countenance of Henrietta is fair and cheerful. Her hair is light 
 and profuse ; dressed in the style of the ladies of Louis XIV. 's 
 reign.
 
 262 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 Frances Jennings, aftenvards Duchess of Tyrconnel. — 
 She was sister to Sarah Jennings, Duchess of Marlborough ; and 
 is celebrated in the Mcmolres de Grammont, as the rival of Miss 
 Temple; the former being a fair,* and the latter a brown beauty. 
 Miss Jennings first married George Hamilton, brother of the 
 Count ; and afterwards Richard Talbot, who was created by 
 James H. Duke of Tyrconnel. She never lived upon good terms 
 with the family ; and died in Ireland in 1730-1, at a very ad- 
 vanced age. Theie is a good notice relating to her in the En- 
 gUsh Grammont, vol. ii. p. 324, edit. 1811 : and rather a beau- 
 tiful engraving of her head, opposite p. 126 — very unlike what 
 appears in the recent Me/noires de Grammont, 1812, at p. 267, 
 and to the picture now under review — which represents her with 
 light hair, dressed in blue, with a crimson cloak trimmed with 
 ermine. 
 
 Mary D'Este, Second Wife to James Duke of York, by 
 Sir P. Lely. — This Lady was daughter of Alphonso III. Duke 
 of Modcna, and was born in IdoS. She was married by proxy, 
 the Earl of Peterborough being the proxy, who attended her 
 and the Duchess Dowager, her mother, with a grand retinue, 
 into France ; and after remaining some time at Paris, they pro- 
 ceeded to Dover, where she was met by the Duke of York, in 
 November 1673. Mary was crowned with King James, attended 
 him in his misfortunes during his exile, and died at St. Ger- 
 main's, in April 1718. 
 
 Sir Antonio More, painted by Himself. — The opposite 
 ENGRAVING will give a very good notion of the beauty and ex- 
 pression of this portrait ; which is a very fine one, in the best 
 style of the master, and in the highest preservation. The au- 
 
 * ' Mademoiselle Jennings, parce des premiers tr&ors de la jeunesse, 6toitde 
 la plus dclatantc blancheur ([ui fiit jamais. Scs chevcux ctoicnt d'lui blond 
 parfait. Quclijue chose de vif et d'animi; ddfendoit son teint du fade qui d'or- 
 dinaire se mflc dans une Itlancheur extreme. Sa bouclie n'dtoit pas de la 
 plus petite; mais c'dtoit la plus belle bouche du monde. La nat^ire I'avoit 
 cmbellie de ces charmcs ([n'on ne pcut exprimcr ; lc» griccs y avoicnt lu 
 dernifere main.' EdiC. Renouard, p. 267. 8.
 
 r'.'4ru5Ji Rjjrtrail llr,- Sir Crojlfri"-, 
 
 . IJCL* '&aM<i"rv.nl .Ajl'ir-r- 
 
 ■vffinhf fir
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 263 
 
 thenticity of this portrait is put out of all doubt, by the resem- 
 blance it bears to the strong features of that painted by him- 
 self, in the GaUery at Florence ; as well as by the circumstance 
 of the weighty gold chain round his neck, the anecdote relating 
 to which is recorded in the Museo Fiorentino, vol. i. p. 127, as 
 follows : ' II premio delle sue opere fu una gran somma di de- 
 naro, ed una pesante coUana d'oro.' 
 
 Rachel, Countess of Southampton, by Vandyke The 
 
 Countess is drawn with a globe, sitting in the clouds ; and, ac- 
 cording to Granger, ' is said to have been mad.' She was of 
 French extraction, having first married Daniel de Masseu, Ba- 
 ron of Ruvigny ; and afterwards Thomas Wriothesley, Earl of 
 Southampton, brother to Penelope Lady Spencer, and Lord 
 High Treasurer of England, in the reign of Charles II. She 
 was mother to Rachel, Lady Russell. The enamel from this 
 picture, by Pettitot, in the possession of the Duke of Devonshire 
 — * allowed (says Granger) to be the most capital work of its kind 
 in the world ' — throws even the original picture, by Vandyke, 
 into shade. 
 
 Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, by Sir G. Kneller. — 
 We have here the haughty Duchess, in the pride of her youth, 
 and in the consciousness of her beauty. This picture is full of 
 expression, and in very fine condition; justifying what a living 
 noble poet has said in commendation of the artist by whom it 
 was executed. 
 
 ' Dark was the hour, the age an age of stone, 
 WTien Hudson claim'd an empire of his own; 
 And, from the time, when, darting rival hght, 
 Vandyke and Reubens cheer 'd our northern night, 
 Those twin stars set, the Graces all had fled, 
 Yet paused to hover o'er a Lely's head; 
 And sometimes bent, when won with earnest prayer. 
 To make the gentle Kneller all their care :' 
 
 Earl of Carlisle's Poems, attached to the Father's 
 Revenge, p. 150, edit. 1800, 4tQ. 
 VOL. I. L I
 
 264 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 Of a portrait of such a Character, and probably the most in- 
 teresting portrait of her extant, it was thought that tlie annexed 
 ENGRAVING would be an acceptable accompaniment of tliese 
 pages. It should be noticed, however, that the painting is an oval. 
 
 Mrs. Jennings, Mother to the Duchess of Marlborough, 
 by the Same. — This is doubtless an original, and as such, a va- 
 luable picture. The head is full of natural expression ; but one 
 looks in vain for the traces of that beauty wliich slione forth so 
 conspicuously in the countenance of the daughter. The nose is 
 wholly dissimilar. The dress is brown; over the head is a 
 black veil. 
 
 Anne Hyde, Duchess of York, by Sir P. Lely. — An un- 
 doubted original ; of a kit-cat size, hke most of the celebrated por- 
 traits in this Gallery by the same artist. The Duchess is sitting, 
 with her right hand raised, touching her hair, which is long and 
 dishevelled on the right side. The left side of the head repre- 
 sents the hair tied up very gracefully, with a pearl band, and a 
 small lock pendent behind. Pearl necklace and pearl ear-rings. 
 She was the eldest daughter of the famous Chancellor Clarendon, 
 and wife of the Duke of York, afterwards James II. She was a 
 lady of fine understanding, beauty, and accomplishments. But 
 her indiscretions as Miss Hyde, before her marriage, were highly 
 censurable ; and Queen Henrietta, mother of the Duke of York, 
 naturally resented this marriage of her son, violently. The 
 anger of her father was likewise vehemently expressed. But 
 such was her prudence and circmspection, after her elevation, 
 that they became reconciled to her ; and slie lived to deserve, 
 what she obtained, universal esteem. Mr. Lodge, in the Par- 
 traits of lUiistrions Characters, has condensed almost every 
 thing which is interesting relating to this distinguished lady. A 
 portrait of her graces the pages where such an account is to be 
 found. 
 
 Elizabeth Wriotheslev, Countess of Northumberland, 
 by Sir P. Lely. — This lady was daughter and coheir of Thomas 
 Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, Lord High Treasurer of
 
 
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 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 265 
 
 England. She was the wife of Jocelyn, eleventh and last Earl 
 of Northumberland, of the direct male line. After the death of 
 the Earl, in 1670, she married Ralph Lord Montague; by whom 
 she had a son, afterwards John, Duke of Montague. By her 
 first husband she had a daughter, Elizabeth Percy, who be- 
 came one of the greatest heiresses in England. Lady Northum- 
 berland was celebrated for her beauty. She was niece to Pene- 
 lope, Lady Spencer, and sister to Rachel, Lady Russell. 
 
 Lady Elizabeth Thimbleby, and Catherine Countess Ri- 
 vers, by Vandyke.— Half-length portraits, on the same piece of 
 canvas. Lady Rivers is sitting, receiving a basket of flowers 
 from a winged boy. Her sister-m-law stands by the side of her. 
 Lady Rivers was daughter to Lord Morley and Monteagle, and 
 wife to I. Savage, Earl Rivers. This is in perfect preservation, 
 and is one of the finest pictures by Vandyke in the Gallery. 
 
 Otway the Poet, by Sir P. Lely. — Head and shoulders. 
 
 Cowley the Poet, by the Same. — The same. 
 
 Sir Kenelm Digby, by Cornelius Jansen. — The opposite 
 ENGRAVING will give a good notion of the expression and manner 
 of treatment of this valuable portrait, of which I have understood 
 that Sir Joshua Reynolds considered it to be one of the finest, 
 of the master, in the kingdom. It represents the well known 
 Original when a very young man ; and the colouring of the coun- 
 tenance, and of the hand, is of the most delicate transparency. 
 The dress is black. The present engraving is the more interest- 
 ing, since it is the first which has been made of this particular 
 portrait. Another portrait, together with an interesting memoir 
 of him, appears in INIr. Lodge's work, so frequently referred to . 
 
 Charles I. of England, after Vandyke. — Head and shoul- 
 ders, within an oval. It has the date of 1638. 
 
 Michel de Montaigne. — A curious old picture. Obtained at 
 the sale of Mr. Quintin Craufurd's collection, at Paris, in 1820.
 
 266 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 David Garrick, by Zoffani. — An interesting origin.il pic- 
 ture. Garrick is dressed in white, with a bag wig, and wand in his 
 hand, looking, in profile, at a medal of Shakspeare ; being the 
 dress he wore as master of the ceremonies, at the Shakspeare 
 Jubilee, in 17G9, celebrated at Stratford-upon-Avon. Of this 
 portait there is, to the best of my recollection, a stippled engraving. 
 
 Frederick, Duke of Sciiomberg. — In the dress of the time of 
 Louis XIV. He served under William, when Prince of Orange ; 
 and his name, as a soldier, was known and respected in France, 
 the Low Countries, Prussia, and Spain. He came with William 
 from Holland into England, and was killed at the battle of the 
 Boyne, after having completely routed the Irish uifanhy, and 
 exposed his person with all the indifference of a common soldier. 
 He fell, full of honours ; and esteemed, in every country where 
 he had served, as a soldier, statesman, and general. 
 
 Cardinal Pole, By Perino del Vaga. — A valuable and ori- 
 ginal picture. It represents this celebrated character before he 
 had obtained the Cardinal's hat. The fingers of the right hand 
 are charged with rings, most brilliantly touched. The whole is 
 rather a dark picture ; in the style of the Roman school. 
 
 The pi'eceding magnificent Series of Portraits, which abun- 
 dantly justifies what has been said of this Gallery by Walpole, 
 covers the eastern side, or the entire wainscot which faces the 
 windows ; and affords an inexhaustible subject of reflection, as 
 well as objects of contemplation, for ' the pensive spectator.' The 
 journey round the other divisions, or portions of the Gallery, is 
 comparatively short ; and yet the following three Portraits 
 — which occupy the extremity, or south end of the Gallery, are 
 perhaps— as objects of Art— superior to all that have preceded 
 them. 
 
 Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire, by Sir Jo- 
 shua REYNOLDS.—This is the celebrated whole-length picture,
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 267 
 
 from which a large mezzotint was published by Valentine Green, 
 and of which two-thirds, on a smaller scale, and with greater de- 
 licacy of execution, are presented to the reader in the opposite 
 Plate. The Original is full of all the excellences, with none of 
 the defects, of the great artist by whom it was painted. The 
 composition is full of grace ; while the colours are yet warm and 
 fresh, and the drawing is deficient neither in correctnes nor force. 
 Her Grace was sister to the present Earl Spencer, and died in 
 1806, in the 49th year of her age. The present subject was 
 executed when she was in her 18th year. 
 
 George Digby, Second Earl of Bristol ; and William, 
 Earl, and afterwards First Duke, of Bedford, by Vandyke. — 
 A most magnificent performance ; and which may be considered 
 as the Sum of the Althorp Gallery. We have here two young no- 
 blemen, brothers-in-law, in the full bloom of health and beauty ; 
 exhibited by the pencil of the painter, in dresses, attitudes, and 
 expression, worthy of their distinguished station, and of the 
 artist's high fame. They are whole-lengths. The Duke, habited 
 in red, reheved by silver lace, first bespeaks our attention. His 
 attitude is more commanding, and he occupies a larger portion 
 of the canvas. His right arm, supporting a scarlet cloak, is bent, 
 and rests on his side. He looks to the right, and is stepping 
 forward with admirable spirit. A finer expression of a noble 
 character can hardly be seen. He holds his hat in his left hand, 
 which hangs down. He is booted (in gray leather) with spurs. 
 A coat of ai-mour is placed on the ground before him, and a 
 hehnet behind. 
 
 The Earl of Bristol, a little behind the Duke, occupies the 
 left part of the picture. He is dressed in black satin, with a 
 broad-laced falling ruff. He leans with his right aiTn upon the 
 pedestal of a column ; his left is turned up, holding a piece of 
 drapery. These hands are the perfection of drawing and colour- 
 ing. The Earl's countenance is nearly full ; he being considered, 
 according to Grammont, one of the handsomest men of his time. 
 Had the beauty of his moral character equalled that of his face and 
 form, he had been more respected by posterity than the pages of 
 Clarendon and Lord Orford will allow us to consider him. Even 
 from Grammont, we may infer that he was, latterly, little better
 
 268 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 than the pander to the illicit pleasures of Charles IL His daugh- 
 ter Anne, the second Countess of Sunderland (who has occupied 
 so large a portion of these pages), has, in some measure, redeem- 
 ed the character of her parent. Lord Orford, in his Anecdotes 
 of Painting, vol. ii. p. 101, edit. 1705, quarto, has the following 
 remarks upon this picture. Among the works of Vandyke, at 
 Althorp, is ' a celebrated double whole-length of the first Duke 
 of Bedford, and the famous Lord Digby, afterwards Earl of 
 Bristol. The whole figure of the latter is good, and both the 
 heads fine' — and then he goes on (strange enough) to say, that 
 * the body of Bedford is flat, nor is this one of Vandyke's capital 
 works.' On the contrary, this picture, as a whole, may be pro- 
 nounced one of the finest works of Vandyke in the kingdom. 
 There is a copy of it, by Knapton, at Woburn- Abbey. Two- 
 thirds of the upper part of the figure of the Duke of Bedford 
 were copied for the purpose of supplying an engraving of that 
 character, in Mr. Lodge's Illustrious Portraits; and my friend 
 Mr. Utterson has been allowed, by the pi-esent noble owner of 
 the picture, to have a copy of the whole, in oil, on a small cabi- 
 net scale — by Mr. Steevens — as a companion to a similar copy, 
 by the same artist (and in the possession of the same friend), of 
 Vandyke's celebrated picture of Algernon Earl of Nortlumiber- 
 land, with the Countess and their daughter. The Memoirs of 
 Grammont, edit. Miller, 1811, vol. ii. p. SG, contain an en- 
 graving, by Scriven, of the head and shoulders only of the Earl 
 of Bristol. 
 
 Geokge John Earl Spencer, by Sir J. Reynolds. — Van- 
 dyke is here supported by two of Sir Joshua's most splendid per- 
 fonnances — that of the Duchess of Devonshire, before mentioned, 
 and this of her brother, the present Earl Spencer, when in his 
 seventeenth year ; and the opposite Engraving, which gives us 
 the upper half of the Original, will convey a pretty accurate no- 
 tion of the beauty and harmony of this picture. The figure is 
 dressed in black. A view in a park aftbrds at once a pleasing 
 and appropriate back-ground. This picture is in a fine state of 
 preservation ; and it must be allowed, without flattery, that both 
 the artists, who were engaged in a copy of it, have rendered 
 ample justice to the Original.
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 269 
 
 Window Side of the Gallery. 
 Portrait of a Boy, Unknown. — Sir P. Lely. 
 
 Portrait of a Man, Unknown. 
 
 Venetia Lady Digby, after Vandyke. — She was the wife of 
 the celebrated Sir Kenelm Digby ; and as distinguished for her 
 gallantries and indiscretions, as her husband was for his hterary 
 and philosophical attainments. Granger mentions this very por- 
 trait " done after she was dead, by Vandyck." The figure ap- 
 pears sleeping, and resting upon the right hand, supported by a 
 pillow. Of this picture, Walpole had a miniature by Peter OUver. 
 Consult the Anecdotes of Painting, vol. ii. p. 102, edit. 1765. 
 Lord Clarendon throws out a strong insinuation against her fame, 
 with an unqualified admission of her beauty. Mr. Lodge men- 
 tions the unbridled frailties of the same lady. Sir Kenehn survi- 
 ved her, and erected a superb monument to her memory in 
 Christ Church, Newgate Sti-eet, where he was himself interred. 
 It should seem that several portraits and busts of her are extant. 
 
 Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, after Vandyke. 
 
 Hugo Grotius.— When a boy. An extremely interesting 
 head ; but diflfering fiom a similar head of the same character, 
 inserted in the Sattjricon of Martianus Capella, 1599, 8vo. al- 
 though the period of life, in each, be pretty nearly the same. 
 
 Bianca di Capello, Artist unknown. — Head and shoulders 
 only ; one size smaller than life. A countenance full of fire and 
 intelligence. The Original was daughter to Barto Capello, a 
 Venetian gentleman ; and wife, first, to Pietro Buenaventura, a 
 young Florentine ; and secondly, to Francis, first Duke of Tus- 
 cany. Her elevation to this high rank precipitated her death, 
 which was occasioned, together with that of her husband— at 
 nearly the same moment — by poison : administered by the bribed 
 servants of Ferdinand de Medicis, the brother of the Grand 
 Duke. Her life, so full of singular and splendid events, has 
 afforded ample materials for the leading biographical memoirs 
 of the times.
 
 270 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 Verrio the Painter, by Himself. — A curious and original 
 portrait. He wears spectacles ; which rest upon the nose, 
 without any communication with the temples. 
 
 Algernon, tenth Earl of Northumberland. — A copy 
 from Vandyke. 
 
 Robert Smyth, Esq. by Sir P. Lely. — He was second hus- 
 band to Dorothy, first Countess of Sunderland. Consult page 
 xxix — XXX. ante. 
 
 Dorothy Sydney, wife of the preceding. Painter unknown. — 
 She is here advanced in life, with somewhat of an elongated 
 countenance, diiFerent from all the preceding pictures of her. 
 
 Thomas, third Earl of Southampton, after Vandyke. 
 Husband of Lady Southampton, mentioned at p. 263, ante. 
 
 Philip, third Earl of Leicester, brother to Dorothy, first 
 Countess of Sunderland, by Sir P. Lely. He married Cathe- 
 rine Cecil, daughter to the second Earl of Salisbury. His survi- 
 ving children were, Robert, afterwards fourth Earl of Leicester : 
 and Dorothy, married to Thomas Cheek, Esq. 
 
 Anne Digby, Countess of Sunderland, Sir P. Lely. — The 
 original picture from which the engraving appears at page li. 
 ante. Her character has occupied a large portion of the pre- 
 ceding pages. 
 
 Lady Dorothy Sydney, after Vandyke. — This is her por- 
 trait before her man-iage with the first Earl of Sunderland. It is 
 gay and beautiful. She wears a hat, Uned with light blue, which 
 is turned up : and holds a crook in her hand, being attired in 
 the character of a shepherdess. A kit-cat size. 
 
 Robert, Second Earl of Sunderland, by Sir P. Lely. — 
 A dark, but not unpleasing picture : differing much, in the ex- 
 pression of countenance, from the large whole length picture of 
 the same character, by Carlo Maratti, now placed in the bed-
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 271 
 
 chamber of King William — as it is called. The right hand rests 
 upon a female bust; the left, which is charmingly painted, but 
 perhaps a little too effeminate, is placed above the hilt of a sword. 
 A fine countenance, and in good preservation. The date of 
 1660 is upon the canvas. Note ; the portrait of this nobleman, in 
 the 3rd volume of Thane's Autographs, though said to be en- 
 graved from a picture at Althorp, is unlike both the portraits 
 here. 
 
 Henry Percy, created Lord Percy of Alnwick, after Van- 
 dyke. — He was second son of Henry, the ninth Earl of Nor- 
 thumberland, and a favourite of Queen Henrietta. He died a 
 bachelor, at Paris, in attendance upon her majesty ; before the 
 restoration. A finely composed half length picture, with a 
 countenance at once noble and commanding. This is an old copy. 
 
 Anthony, Earl of Shaftesbury, by Sir P. Lely. — He is 
 clothed in armour, and holds a truncheon in his right hand. The 
 aquiline nose leaves little doubt of its being intended for Shaftes- 
 bury. In the IXth. volume of the new edition of Drydens 
 Works, the reader will find many interesting notices of this won- 
 derful man — whose latter days, spent in a foreign land, show the 
 melancholy fruits of unsettled principles in matters of politics and 
 religion. Lord Shaftesbury seems to have died as much out of 
 humour with himself as with mankind. His parts were great 
 and briUiant; but wanting that ballast or equipoise which can 
 only be sought in habits of right thinking and moral action, he 
 became a prey to those conflicting passions which seem to have 
 hurried him to his grave. Dryden has drawn a masterly cha- 
 racter of him, in his celebrated Achitophel. 
 
 Henry Howard, third son to Thomas Earl of Berkshire, 
 by Sir P. Lely. — This head will be found engraved in Birch's Il- 
 lustrious Portraits. 
 
 Margaret Spencer, Countess of Shaftesbury, by Sir P. 
 Lely. — She was sixth daughter to William, the second Baron 
 
 VOL. I. Mm
 
 272 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 
 
 Spencer. A darkly painted picture; but the composition of the 
 background is in good taste. 
 
 Lord Crofts, Painter unknown. — In a Roman military cos- 
 tume ; resting his right hand upon a tiuncheon. The body 
 dressed in a blue and gold vesture, with a crimson tunic. An 
 apparently original picture. 
 
 Anne Countess of Suffolk, by Sir P. Lely. — She was 
 daughter to the third Earl of Manchester, and wife of James 
 Howard, 3rd Earl of Suffolk. This is a sound, genuine, and beau- 
 tiful picture. It is of a kit-cat size. The Countess is habited 
 in red velvet, with a white satin petticoat. 
 
 Robert E.\rl of Leicester, after Vandyke. — This picture, 
 which is an old copy, is unluckily a good deal defaced. The 
 Earl was father of the famous Sacharissa, and of the yet more 
 famous Algernon Sidney. 
 
 Algernon Sidney, by Sir P. Lely. — The Opposite Engra- 
 ving, testifies the present to be one of the most interesting por- 
 traits in this extensive collection of the worthies of former times. 
 This picture represents the Original probably from his 2i2nd to 
 his 25th year. The inscription " Algernon Si/dnei/, second son 
 to Robert Earl of Leicester,'' is painted in white, in an old form 
 of character, upon the canvas. The expression of the counte- 
 nance is most intellectual ; and the reader is introduced to it, in 
 this engraving, for the first time. The history and fate of the 
 original, are too well known to require any detail in the present 
 place. 
 
 The Hon. John Spencer, and the first Earl Spencer, by 
 Knapton. — We have here a large family picture, by no means 
 of an uninteresting description, as it relates either to the compo- 
 sition, or to the colouring ; add to which, the whole length por- 
 traits of Knapton are of uncommon occurrence. This picture 
 represents the present Earl Spencer's grandfather and father.
 
 K •HfS.-.i,^ 
 
 i..iL©]Ei8.: s-jTiowieir. 
 
 In tbc Gatlery 
 
 /'••ntiM. fiUlishtJ !
 
 THE PICTURE GALLERY. 273 
 
 The former is standing with a gun in his hand, about to raise it 
 to his shoulder ; as his eyes are indicative of taking aim at some 
 object. He is dressed in the sporting costume of the time. His 
 figure is Uterally of the most perfect manly form. His son, 
 the first Earl Spencer, is to the left of him, on horseback : 
 turning gently to the right, and looking at his father. A black 
 servant is in the foreground, holding back a dog (apparently a 
 setter). 
 
 Two Unknown Portraits. 
 
 Ignatius Loyola. These are by unknown masters — appa- 
 rently of the XVIth. century. The portiait of Ignatius Loyola 
 has all the force and severity of the pencil of Spagnoletto. 
 
 North End of the Gallery. 
 Over the door, next the window, 
 
 Lady Morton, by Vandyke. — This was the famous beauty of 
 whom Waller has recorded the charms. Her portrait is not 
 uncommon. 
 
 George John Earl Spencer, K. G. by Copley. — A whole 
 length ; painted in the full robes of the order of the garter, A. D. 
 1800. From this picture a large mezzotint print was engraved by 
 Dunkarton. 
 
 Margaret Lemon, Mistress of Vandyke, by Vandyke.
 
 [ 274 ] 
 
 BED ROOMS. 
 
 The First Apartment, on the left hand, on reaching the top 
 of the Great Stair-case. 
 
 Opposite the Bed. 
 Lady Caroline Lamb, by Hopner. 
 
 Head of a ftL\N, in a large hat, with a sprig of holly in his 
 hand, by Francis Hals. — Probably the portrait of some lively 
 tavern companion ; for the painter sorted nuich with such. Van- 
 dyke highly and justly esteemed the talent of Hals. He went 
 to Haerlem expressly to pay him a visit. On his amval Hals 
 was, as usual, at the tavern. On his answering Vandyke's sum- 
 mons, he was desired by him to draw his likeness, premising, that 
 only two hours would he give him to perfonn this task. Hals 
 undertook it, and executed it within the specified time. Vandyke 
 expressed his approbation of the result, but coldly added, that 
 drawing was an art which appeared so easy, that he was sure he 
 could do the like himself. Hals with readiness took the seat 
 Vandyke had just quitted, and at the end of the two hours was 
 shown his own portrait, drawn with equal skill and despatch. 
 ' You are either Vandyke or the devil,' cried out Hals. 
 
 Mrs. Godfrey, by Sir P. Lely. — She was sister to John, 
 Duke of Marlborough ; and Mistress to James II., by whom she 
 had a son, aftei-wards Marechal de Berwick. Charles II. said, 
 that his brother's confessors chose his mistresses as penances, 
 they were so ugly. This portiait, however, does not justify this 
 opinion.
 
 BED ROOMS. 275 
 
 Head of a Young Man, in a green robe, by Rembrandt. 
 
 On the side opposite the Windows. 
 
 Amongst other pictures — a full-length of Georgiana, Du- 
 chess of Devonshire, by Gainsborough ; and a portrait of a 
 Woman, by Tintoretto. 
 
 Dressing Room to the Apartment. 
 
 Five Heads of Apostles, by Vandyke. — Admirable sketches 
 for tapestry. They are engraved. 
 
 A good portrait of a Woman, by Spagnoletto. 
 
 A spirited sketch of an Old Man's Head, by Rembrandt. 
 
 Over the Bed room Door, 
 
 A Mountebank and Peasants, by Lucas Van Leyden.— A 
 curious specimen of the early state of oil-painting. His style is 
 more dry, and less graceful than that of Albert Durer, his friend 
 and contemporary ; but his compositions are generally considered 
 as superior in merit. This patriarch of the Dutch school was 
 born in 1404, and died in 1533. 
 
 Two oblong pictures, representing Taylors at work, by 
 QuiNTiN Matsys, commonly known as the Antwerp blacksmith. 
 
 A pretty oval Landscape, by Salvator Rosa. 
 
 Architecture and Figures, by Viviani.— A good picture. 
 
 Fifth Apartment, on left hand side of the Great Stair-case. 
 
 Portrait of Charles V., Emperor, and King of Spain.— School 
 of Reubens. 
 
 Witches at their Incantations, by Salvator Rosa. — A 
 disagreeable composition.
 
 276 BED ROOMS. 
 
 Job, and his Wife aggravating his misery by her ill-timed 
 arguments, by Spagnoletto. 
 
 Sixth, or following Apartment. 
 
 Among many others, the following pictures may be noticed. 
 
 An old and highly interesting picture, a copy, by Miciiele 
 Venusti, of Michel Angelo's famous ' Last Day,' in the Sixtine 
 Chapel at Rome. 
 
 Hagar and the Angel, by Domenico Fetti. — A good and 
 rare painter, for he died young, and few of his pictures are seen 
 out of Italy. 
 
 An Assumption of the Virgin, by Rothenhamer. 
 
 Bed Room, called King William's Room, on account of that 
 Monarch's ha%'ing occupied it for a week in the time of Ro- 
 bert, Lord Sunderland. 
 
 A large picture, by Guercino, of St. Luke painting, and 
 Angels assisting him. 
 
 In the centre of the side, opposite the Bed, is 
 
 An Allegorical picture, by Bronzing, or Allori. — He was 
 contemporary of Michel Angelo, and a Florentine. This pic- 
 ture, a very fine one of the master, was painted for Francis L 
 King of France. 
 
 Lord Roscommon on the left hand, and on the right hand, 
 Robert, Earl of Sunderland ; both by Carlo Marratto. 
 
 Bed Room next to the North End of Gallery. 
 
 Among various pictures, may be noticed the following. 
 
 Over the Chimney. 
 
 A portrait of Julie D'Argennes, Duchesse de Montausier, 
 
 by MiGNARD. — A very beautiful and interesting countenance,
 
 BED ROOMS. 877 
 
 and an admirably executed picture. Of this picture (mentioned 
 in the Tour, vol. ii. p. 473), an Engraving is now in the cour.se 
 of execution, by Mr. Wright. It may be added, that the picture 
 was purchased at the sale of Mr. Craufurd's collection. 
 
 A portrait of Madame de Montespan, the beautiful, witty, 
 and capricious mistress of Louis XIV., by Mignard. Purchased 
 from the same collection. 
 
 Over the Door into Gallery. 
 Artemisia Gentileschi, by Herself. 
 
 South east Angle Bed Room. 
 
 Annunciation, by Parmigiano. — Avery good specimen of 
 the master. His merits, and above all his defects, are glaringly 
 exhibited in this composition. 
 
 A Woman's Head, by Rembrandt. — She is fantastically 
 dressed. A very beautiful picture. 
 
 A spirited Portrait of a Wolf Dog, by Stubbs. 
 
 Dressing Room to South Apartment. 
 
 Among a number of Cabinet Pictures may be selected, as worthy 
 of notice, the following. 
 
 The Miracle of Bolsena, by Nicolo Poussin. — This is a 
 copy of part of the Original, painted by Raphael, in the Vatican. 
 
 Landscape and Figures, representing the Flight into Egypt, 
 by Mola. — A very pretty picture. 
 
 A Subject from Scripture, but not cleaily specified, by 
 Andrea Sacchi. — Our Saviour is conversing with his Follow- 
 ers ; but the exact moment of the conversation, or its subject, is 
 not decided.
 
 278 BED ROOMS. 
 
 A School-Mistress and her Scholars, by Ludovico Car- 
 RACCi. — A good picture of the master. 
 
 South Bed Room. 
 
 Nine Three-quarter Portraits, by Sir P. Lely, and by Sir 
 Godfrey Kneller. 
 
 Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, by Kneller. 
 Two of her Daughters, Henrietta and Anne Churchill, 
 by the Same. 
 
 Queen Mary, by the Same. 
 
 Lady Unknown, by Sir P. Lely.— An excellent picture. 
 
 Mrs. Middleton. 
 
 Queen Anne, by Kneller. 
 
 Nell Gwynn, Copy from Sir P. Lely. 
 
 Lady Middleton, by Kneller. — A very pretty portrait. 
 
 Anne Hyde, Duchess of York, by Sir P. Lely. 
 
 A Nativity, by Sasso Ferrato. — A beautiful specimen of 
 the master. 
 
 South West Angle Apartment. 
 
 There are several family portraits in these Apartments — 
 mostly of the Poyntz family. One of William Poyntz, Esq., 
 the uncle of the present Earl Spencer, is worthy of being re- 
 garded as one of the best portraits produced by the pencil of 
 Gainsborough. He is in a shooting costume of that day, and is 
 pursuing his amusement by the side of a brook, amongst willows 
 and aquatic ti'ecs, beautifully painted. His dog, a water spaniel, 
 is resting by his side, watching his master, and is admirably 
 painted. 
 
 A Nun and Sleeping Cupid, by Simone da Pezaro. 
 
 A Boy's Head, by Annibale Carracci.
 
 BED ROOMS. 279 
 
 Christ presented at the Temple, by Luca Giordano. 
 
 The Circumcision, by Rembrandt. 
 
 The Nativity, by Sebastian Ricci. 
 
 A Frost Scene and Skaiters, by Brughel. 
 
 THE END. 
 
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