Here thesandwichesmade their appearance: and Lorenzo seated his guests, with his sisters, near him,round a small circular table. The repast was quickly over: and Philemon, stirring the sugar within a goblet of hot madeira wine and water, promised them all a romantic book-story, if the ladies would only lend a gracious ear. Such a request was, of course, immediately complied with.
Phil.The story is short—
Lis.And sweet, I ween.
Phil.That remains to be proved. But listen.
You all know my worthy friend,Ferdinand: a veryHelluo Librorum. It was on a warm evening in summer—about an hour after sunset—that Ferdinand made his way towards a small inn, or rather village alehouse, that stood on a gentle eminence, skirted by a luxuriant wood. He entered, oppressed with heat and fatigue; but observed, on walking up to the porch "smothered with honey-suckles" (as I think Cowper expresses it), that every thing around bore the character of neatness and simplicity. The holy-oaks were tall and finely variegated in blossom: the pinks were carefully tied up: and roses of all colours and fragrance stood around, in a compacted form, like a body-guard, forbidding the rude foot of trespasser to intrude. Within, Ferdinand found corresponding simplicity and comfort.
The "gude" man of the house was spending the evening with a neighbour; but poached eggs and a rasher of bacon, accompanied with a flagon of sparkling ale, gave our guest no occasion to doubt the hospitality of the house, on account of the absence of its master. A little past ten, after reading some dozen pages in a volume of Sir Egerton Brydges'sCensura Literaria, which he happened to carry about him, and partaking pretty largely of the aforesaid eggs and ale, Ferdinand called for his candle, and retired to repose. His bed-room was small, but neat and airy: at one end, and almost facing the window, there was a pretty large closet, with the door open: but Ferdinand was too fatigued to indulge any curiosity about what it might contain.
He extinguished his candle, and sank upon his bed to rest. The heat of the evening seemed to increase. He became restless; and, throwing off his quilt, and drawing his curtain aside, turned towards the window, to inhale the last breeze which yet might be wafted from the neighbouring heath. But no zephyr was stirring. On a sudden, a broad white flash of lightning—(nothing more than summer heat) made our bibliomaniac lay his head upon his pillow, and turn his eyes in an opposite direction. The lightning increased—and one flash, more vivid than the rest, illuminated the interior of the closet, and made manifest—an old mahogany Book-Case,stored with books. Up started Ferdinand, and put his phosphoric treasures into action. He lit his match, and trimmed his candle, and rushed into the closet—no longer mindful of the heavens—which now were in a blaze with the summer heat.
The book-case was guarded both with glass and brass wires—and the key—no where to be found! Hapless man!—for, to his astonishment, he sawMorte d'Arthur, printed byCaxton—Richard Cœur de Lyon, byW. de Worde—The Widow Edyth, byPynson—and, towering above the rest, alarge papercopy of the original edition ofPrince's Worthies of Devon; while, lying transversely at top, reposedJohn Weever's Epigrams, "The spirit of Captain Cox is here revived"—exclaimed Ferdinand—while, on looking above, he saw a curious set of old plays, withDido, Queen of Carthage, at the head of them! What should he do? No key: no chance of handling such precious tomes—'till the morning light, with the landlord, returned! He moved backwards and forwards with a hurried step—prepared his pocket knife to cut out the panes of glass, and untwist the brazen wires—but a "prick of conscience" made him desist from carrying his wicked design into execution. Ferdinand then advanced towards the window; and throwing it open, and listening to the rich notes of a concert of nightingales, forgot the cause of his torments—'till,his situation reminding him of "The Churl and the Bird," he rushed with renewed madness into the cupboard—then searched for the bell—but, finding none, he made all sorts of strange noises. The landlady rose, and, conceiving robbers to have broken into the stranger's room, came and demanded the cause of the disturbance.
"Madam," said Ferdinand, "is there no possibility of inspecting thebooksin thecupboard—where is the key?" "Alack, sir," rejoined the landlady, "what is there that thus disturbs you in the sight of those books? Let me shut the closet-door and take away the key of it, and you will then sleep in peace." "Sleep inpeace!" resumed Ferdinand—"sleep inwretchedness, you mean! I can have no peace unless you indulge me with the key of the book-case. To whom do such gems belong?" "Sir, they are not stolen goods."—"Madam, I ask pardon—I did not mean to question their being honest property—but"—"Sir, they are not mine or my husband's." "Who, madam, who is the lucky owner?" "An elderly gentleman of the name of—Sir, I am not at liberty to mention his name—but they belong to an elderly gentleman." "Will he part with them—where does he live? Can you introduce me to him?"—The good woman soon answered all Ferdinand's rapid queries, but the result was by no means satisfactory to him.
He learnt that these uncommonly scarce and precious volumes belonged to an ancient gentleman, whose name was studiously concealed; but who was in the habit of coming once or twice a week, during the autumn, to smoke his pipe, and lounge over his books: sometimes making extracts from them, and sometimes making observations in the margin with a pencil. Whenever a very curious passage occurred, he would take out a small memorandum book, and put on a pair of large tortoise-shell spectacles, with powerful magnifying glasses, in order to insert this passage with particular care and neatness. He usually concluded his evening amusementsby sleeping in the very bed in which Ferdinand had been lying.
Such intelligence only sharpened the curiosity, and increased the restlessness, of poor Ferdinand. He retired to this said bibliomaniacal bed, but not to repose. The morning sun-beams, which irradiated the book-case with complete effect, shone upon his pallid countenance and thoughtful brow. He rose at five: walked in the meadows till seven; returned and breakfasted—stole up stairs to take a farewell peep at his belovedMorte d'Arthur—sighed "three times and more"—paid his reckoning; apologised for the night's adventure; told the landlady he would shortly come and visit her again, and try to pay his respects to the anonymous old gentleman. "Meanwhile," said he, "I will leave no bookseller's shop in the neighbourhood unvisited, 'till I gain intelligence of his name and character." The landlady eyed him steadily; took a pinch of snuff with a significant air; and, returning, with a smile of triumph, to her kitchen, thanked her stars that she had got rid of such a madman!
Ladies and gentlemen, I have done.
Lis.And creditably done, too!
Alman.If this be a specimen of your previous conversation, we know not what we have lost by our absence. But I suspect, that the principal ingredient of poetry, fiction, has a little aided in the embellishment of your story.
Belin.This is not very gallant or complimentary on your part, Almansa. I harbour no suspicion of its verity; for marvellous things have been told me, by my brother, of the whimsical phrensies of book-fanciers.
Loren.If you will only listen a little to Lysander'ssequel, you will hear almost equally marvellous things; which I suspect my liberally minded sister, Almansa, will put down to the score of poetical embellishment. But I see she is conscious of her treasonable aspersions of the noble character of bibliomaniacs, and is only anxious for Lysander to resume.
Alman.Sir, I entreat you to finish yourHistory of Bibliomaniacs. Your friend, Philemon, has regaled us with an entertaining episode, and you have probably, by this time, recovered strength sufficient to proceed with the main story.
Lysand.Madam, I am equally indebted to your brother for his care of the body, and to my friend for his recreation of the mind. The midnight hour, I fear, is swiftly approaching.
Loren.It is yet at a considerable distance. We have nearly reached the middle of the eighteenth century, and you may surely carry on your reminiscential exertions to the close of the same. By that time, we may be disposed for our nightcaps.
Lysand.Unheeded be the moments and hours which are devoted to the celebration of eminentBook-Collectors! Let the sand roll down the glass as it will; let "the chirping on each thorn" remind us of Aurora's saucy face peering above the horizon! in such society, and with such a subject of discussion, who—
Lis.Lysander brightens as his story draws to a close: his colouring will be more vivid than ever.
Belind.Tell me—are bibliographers usually thus eloquent? They have been described to me as a dry, technical race of mortals—quoting only title-pages and dates.
Lysand.Madam, believe not the malicious evidence of book-heretics. Let ladies, like yourself and your sister, only make their appearance with a choice set of bibliomaniacs, at this time of night, and if the most interesting conversation be not the result—I have very much under-rated the colloquial powers of my brethren. But you shall hear.
We left off with lauding the bibliomaniacal celebrity of Harley, Earl of Oxford. Before the dispersion of his grand collection, diedJohn Bridges,[378]a gentleman, a scholar, and a notorious book-collector. The catalogue of his books is almost the first classically arranged one in the eighteenth century: and it must be confessed that the collection was both curious and valuable. Bridges was succeeded byAnthony Collins,[379]the Free Thinker; a character equally strange and unenviable. Book-fanciers now and then bid a few shillings, for a copy of the catalogue of his library; and some sly free-thinkers, of modern date, are not backward in shewing a sympathy in their predecessor's fame, by the readiness with which they bid a half-guinea, or more, for apriced copyof it.
[378]Bibliothecæ Bridgesianæ Catalogus: or a Catalogue of the Library ofJohn Bridges, Esq., consisting of above 4000 books and manuscripts in all Languages and Faculties; particularly in Classics and History; and especially the History and Antiquities of Great Britain and Ireland, &c., London, 1725, 8vo. Two different catalogues of this valuable collection of books were printed. The one was analysed, or acatalogue raisonné, to which was prefixed a print of a Grecian portico, &c., with ornaments and statues: the other (expressly for the sale) was an indigested and extremely confused one—to which was prefixed a print, designed and engraved by A. Motte, of an oak felled, with a number of men cutting down and carrying away its branches; illustrative of the following Greek Motto inscribed on a scroll above—Δρυὸς πεσοὺσης πᾶς ἀνὴρ ξυλευεταὶ; "An affecting momento (says Mr. Nichols, very justly, in hisAnecdotes of Bowyer, p. 557) to the collectors of great libraries, who cannot, or do not, leave them to some public accessible repository." My friend, Dr. Gosset, was once so fortunate as to pick up for me alarge papercopy of the analysed catalogue, bound in old blue morocco, and ruled with red lines, for 4s.!—"Happy day!"[379]In the year 1730-1, there was sold by auction at St. Paul's Coffee House, in St. Paul's Church Yard (beginning every evening at five o'clock), the library of the celebrated Free Thinker,Anthony Collins, Esq. "Containing a collection of several thousand volumes in Greek, Latin, English, French, and Spanish; in divinity, history, antiquity, philosophy, husbandry, and all polite literature: and especially many curious travels and voyages; and many rare and valuable pamphlets." This collection, which is divided intotwo parts(the first containing 3451 articles, the second 3442), is well worthy of being consulted by the theologian who is writing upon any controverted point of divinity; as there are articles in it of the rarest occurrence. The singular character of its owner and of his works is well known: he was at once the friend and the opponent of Locke and Clarke, who both were anxious for the conversion of a character of such strong, but misguided, talents. The former, on his death-bed, wrote Collins a letter to be delivered to him after his decease, which was full of affection and good advice.
[378]Bibliothecæ Bridgesianæ Catalogus: or a Catalogue of the Library ofJohn Bridges, Esq., consisting of above 4000 books and manuscripts in all Languages and Faculties; particularly in Classics and History; and especially the History and Antiquities of Great Britain and Ireland, &c., London, 1725, 8vo. Two different catalogues of this valuable collection of books were printed. The one was analysed, or acatalogue raisonné, to which was prefixed a print of a Grecian portico, &c., with ornaments and statues: the other (expressly for the sale) was an indigested and extremely confused one—to which was prefixed a print, designed and engraved by A. Motte, of an oak felled, with a number of men cutting down and carrying away its branches; illustrative of the following Greek Motto inscribed on a scroll above—Δρυὸς πεσοὺσης πᾶς ἀνὴρ ξυλευεταὶ; "An affecting momento (says Mr. Nichols, very justly, in hisAnecdotes of Bowyer, p. 557) to the collectors of great libraries, who cannot, or do not, leave them to some public accessible repository." My friend, Dr. Gosset, was once so fortunate as to pick up for me alarge papercopy of the analysed catalogue, bound in old blue morocco, and ruled with red lines, for 4s.!—"Happy day!"
[379]In the year 1730-1, there was sold by auction at St. Paul's Coffee House, in St. Paul's Church Yard (beginning every evening at five o'clock), the library of the celebrated Free Thinker,Anthony Collins, Esq. "Containing a collection of several thousand volumes in Greek, Latin, English, French, and Spanish; in divinity, history, antiquity, philosophy, husbandry, and all polite literature: and especially many curious travels and voyages; and many rare and valuable pamphlets." This collection, which is divided intotwo parts(the first containing 3451 articles, the second 3442), is well worthy of being consulted by the theologian who is writing upon any controverted point of divinity; as there are articles in it of the rarest occurrence. The singular character of its owner and of his works is well known: he was at once the friend and the opponent of Locke and Clarke, who both were anxious for the conversion of a character of such strong, but misguided, talents. The former, on his death-bed, wrote Collins a letter to be delivered to him after his decease, which was full of affection and good advice.
We may here but slightly allude to the bibliographical reputation ofMaittaire, as so much was said of him the day before yesterday.[380]
[380]The reader will find some account ofMaittaire'sbibliographical labours atp. 47, ante; and of his editions of the ancient Classics, at p. 442, vol. ii., of myIntroduction to the Knowledge of rare and valuable editions of the Greek and Latin Classics. He need here only be informed that Maittaire's books were sold by auction in November, 1748, and January, 1749; the catalogue of them formingtwo parts, with one of these dates affixed to each. The collection must have been uncommonly numerous; and of their intrinsic value the reader will best judge by the following extract from the "Advertisement," by Cock the auctioneer, at the back of the title-page: "tho' the books, in their present condition, make not the most ostentatious appearance, yet, like the late worthy possessor of them, however plain their outside may be, they contain within an invaluable treasure of ingenuity and learning. In fine, this is (after fifty years' diligent search and labour in collecting)the entire library of Mr. Maittaire; whose judgement in the choice of books, as it ever was confessed, so are they, undoubtedly, far beyond whatever I can attempt to say in their praise. In exhibiting them thus to the public, I comply with the will of my deceased friend; and in printing the catalogue from hisown copyjust as he left it (tho' by so doing it is the more voluminous) I had an opportunity, not only of doing the justice I owe to his memory, but also of gratifying the curious." I incline strongly to think there were no copies of this catalogue printed upon large paper. When priced, the usual copy brings a fair round sum.
[380]The reader will find some account ofMaittaire'sbibliographical labours atp. 47, ante; and of his editions of the ancient Classics, at p. 442, vol. ii., of myIntroduction to the Knowledge of rare and valuable editions of the Greek and Latin Classics. He need here only be informed that Maittaire's books were sold by auction in November, 1748, and January, 1749; the catalogue of them formingtwo parts, with one of these dates affixed to each. The collection must have been uncommonly numerous; and of their intrinsic value the reader will best judge by the following extract from the "Advertisement," by Cock the auctioneer, at the back of the title-page: "tho' the books, in their present condition, make not the most ostentatious appearance, yet, like the late worthy possessor of them, however plain their outside may be, they contain within an invaluable treasure of ingenuity and learning. In fine, this is (after fifty years' diligent search and labour in collecting)the entire library of Mr. Maittaire; whose judgement in the choice of books, as it ever was confessed, so are they, undoubtedly, far beyond whatever I can attempt to say in their praise. In exhibiting them thus to the public, I comply with the will of my deceased friend; and in printing the catalogue from hisown copyjust as he left it (tho' by so doing it is the more voluminous) I had an opportunity, not only of doing the justice I owe to his memory, but also of gratifying the curious." I incline strongly to think there were no copies of this catalogue printed upon large paper. When priced, the usual copy brings a fair round sum.
Belin.All this may be very learned and just. But of these gentlemen I find no account in the fashionable necrologies.
Loren.Only wait a little, and Lysander will break forth with the mention of some transcendental bibliomaniac.
Lysand.Yes, ever renownedRichard Mead![381]thypharmacopæalreputation is lost in the blaze of thybibliomaniacalglory! Æsculapius may plant his herbal crown round thy brow, and Hygeia may scatter hercornucopia of roses at thy feet—but what are these things compared with the homage offered thee by the Gesners,Baillets, and Le Longs, of old? What avail even the roseate blushes of thousands, whom thy medical skill,may have snatched from a premature grave—compared with the life, vigour, animation and competition which thy example infused into thebook-world!
[381]It is almost impossible to dwell on the memory ofthis great man, without emotions of delight—whether we consider him as an eminent physician, a friend to literature, or a collector of books, pictures, and coins. Benevolence, magnanimity, and erudition were the striking features of his character. His house was the general receptacle of men of genius and talent, and of every thing beautiful, precious, and rare. His curiosities, whether books, or coins, or pictures, were freely laid open to the public; and the enterprising student, and experienced antiquary, alike found amusement and a courteous reception. He was known to all foreigners of intellectual distinction, and corresponded both with the artisan and the potentate. The great patron of literature, and the leader of his profession, it was hardly possible, as Lysander has well observed, "for modest merit if properly introduced to him, to depart unrewarded or ungratified." The clergy, and, in general, all men of learning, received his advice gratuitously; and his doors were open every morning to the most indigent, whom he frequently assisted with money. Although his income, from his professional practice, was very considerable, he died by no means a rich man—so large were the sums which he devoted to the encouragement of literature and the fine arts! The sale of Dr. Mead'sBookscommenced on the 18th of November, 1754, and again on the 7th of April, 1755: lasting together 57 days. The sale of theprintsanddrawingscontinued 14 nights. Thegems,bronzes,busts, andantiquities, 8 days.Hisbooks produced£5496150Pictures3417110Prints and drawings1908140Coins and medals1977170Antiquities3246150Amount of all the sales£16,047120It would be difficult to mention, within a moderate compass, all the rare and curious articles which his library contained—but the following are too conspicuous to be passed over. TheSpira Virgil, of 1470,Pfintzing's Tewrdanchk's, 1527,Brandt's Stultifera Navis, 1498, and theAldine Petrarch, of 1501,all upon vellum. The large paperOlivet's Cicerowas purchased by Dr. Askew, for 14l.14s., and was sold again at his sale for 36l.15s.The King of France bought the editio princeps ofPliny Seniorfor 11l.11s.: and Mr. Wilcock, a bookseller, bought the magnificently illuminatedPliny by Jenson, of 1472, for 18l.18s.: of which Maittaire has said so many fine things. TheFrenchbooks, and all the works upon theFine Arts, were of the first rarity and value, and bound in a sumptuous manner. Winstanley'sProspects of Audley Endbrought 50l.An amusing account of some of the pictures will be found in Mr. Beloe'sAnecdotes of Literature and scarce Books, vol. i., 166, 71. But consult alsoNichols's Anecdotes of Bowyer, p. 225, &c. Of the catalogue of Dr. Mead's books, there were only six copies printed uponlarge paper. SeeBibl. Lort, no. 1149. I possess one of these copies, uncut and priced. Dr.Meadhad parted, in his life-time, to the present king's father, with several miniature pictures of great value (Walpole Anec., vol. i., 165) by Isaac Oliver and Holbein, which are now in his majesty's collection. Dr. Askew had purchased his Greek MSS. for 500l.Pope has admirably well said,"Raremonkish manuscriptsforHearnealone,AndBooksfor Mead, andbutterfliesforSloane."Epistleiv.Upon which his commentator, Warburton, thus observes: "These were two eminent physicians; the one had an excellent library, the other the finest collection in Europe of natural curiosities." For nearly half a century did Dr. Mead pursue an unrivalled career in his profession. He was (perhaps "thrice") presented with the presidentship of the College of Physicians, which he ("thrice") refused. One year it is said he made 7000l., a great sum in his time! His regular emoluments were between 5000l.and 6000l.per annum. He died on the 25th of February, 1754, in the 81st year of his age. On his death, Dr.Askew, who seems to have had a sort of filial veneration for his character, and whose pursuits were in every respect congenial with Dr. Mead's, presented the College of Physicians with a marble bust of him, beautifully executed by Roubilliac, and for which he paid the sculptor 100l.A whimsical anecdote is connected with the execution of this bust. Roubilliac agreed with Dr. Askew for 50l.: the doctor found it so highly finished that he paid him for it 100l.The sculptor said this was not enough, and brought in a bill for 108l.2s.Dr. Askew paid this demand, even to the odd shillings, and then enclosed the receipt to Mr. Hogarth, to produce at the next meeting of artists. Nichols'sAnec. of Bowyer, p. 580. "I cannot help," says Mr. Edwards, the late ornithologist, "informing succeeding generations that they may see thereal featuresof Dr. Mead in this bust: for I, who was as well acquainted with his face as any man living, do pronounce this bust of him to be so like that, as often as I see it, my mind is filled with the strongest idea of the original." Hearne speaks of theMeadean Familywith proper respect, in hisAlured de Beverly, p.xlv.; and inWalter Hemingford, vol. i.,xxxv.In hisGulielmus Nubrigensis, vol. iii., p. 744 (note), he says of our illustrious bibliomaniac:—"that most excellent physician, and truly great man, Dr. Richard Mead, to whom I am eternally obliged." There is an idle story somewhere told of Dr. Mead's declining the acceptance of a challenge to fight with swords—alleging his want of skill in the art of fencing: but this seems to be totally void of authority. Thus far, concerning Dr. Mead, from the first edition of this work, and the paper entitled "The Director." The following particulars, which I have recently learnt of theMead Family, from John Nicholl, Esq., my neighbour at Kensington, and the maternal grandson of the Doctor, may be thought well worth subjoining.Matthew Mead, his father, was a clergyman. He gave up his living at Stepney in 1662; which was afterwards divided into the four fine livings now in the gift of Brazen-Nose College, Oxford. His parishioners built him a chapel; but he retired to a farm in the country, and had the reputation of handling a bullock as well as any butcher in the county. He went abroad in the reign of James II., and had his sons, Samuel and Richard, educated under Grævius.Samuel Mead,his brother, was a distinguished Chancery barrister, and got his 4000l.per ann.; his cronies were Wilbraham and Lord Harcourt. These, with a few other eminent barristers, used to meet at a coffee-house, and drink their favourite, and then fashionable, liquor—calledBishop, which consisted of red wine, lemon, and sugar. Samuel was a shy character, and loved privacy. He had a good country house, and handsome chambers in Lincoln's Inn, and kept a carriage for his sister's use, having his coachmaker's arms painted upon the panel. What is very characteristic of the modesty of his profession, he pertinaciously refused a silk gown! A word or two remains to be said of our illustrious bibliomaniacRichard. His brother left him 30,000l., and giving full indulgence to his noble literary feelings, the Doctor sent Carte, the historian, to France, to rummage for MSS. ofThuanus, and to restore the castrated passages which were not originally published for fear of offending certain families. He made Buckley, the editor, procure the bestink and paperfrom Holland, for this edition of Thuanus, which was published at his own expense; and the Doctor was remarkably solicitous that nothing of exterior pomp and beauty should be wanting in the publication. The result verified his most sanguine expectation; for a finer edition of a valuable historian has never seen the light. Dr. Ward, says Mr. Nichols, is supposed to have written Mead's Latin, but the fact is not so; or it is exclusively applicable to thelaterpieces of Mead. The Doctor died in his 83rd year (and in full possession of his mental powers), from a fall occasioned by the negligence of a servant. He was a greatdiagnosticphysician; and, when he thought deeply, was generally correct in judging of the disorder by the appearance of the countenance.
[381]It is almost impossible to dwell on the memory ofthis great man, without emotions of delight—whether we consider him as an eminent physician, a friend to literature, or a collector of books, pictures, and coins. Benevolence, magnanimity, and erudition were the striking features of his character. His house was the general receptacle of men of genius and talent, and of every thing beautiful, precious, and rare. His curiosities, whether books, or coins, or pictures, were freely laid open to the public; and the enterprising student, and experienced antiquary, alike found amusement and a courteous reception. He was known to all foreigners of intellectual distinction, and corresponded both with the artisan and the potentate. The great patron of literature, and the leader of his profession, it was hardly possible, as Lysander has well observed, "for modest merit if properly introduced to him, to depart unrewarded or ungratified." The clergy, and, in general, all men of learning, received his advice gratuitously; and his doors were open every morning to the most indigent, whom he frequently assisted with money. Although his income, from his professional practice, was very considerable, he died by no means a rich man—so large were the sums which he devoted to the encouragement of literature and the fine arts! The sale of Dr. Mead'sBookscommenced on the 18th of November, 1754, and again on the 7th of April, 1755: lasting together 57 days. The sale of theprintsanddrawingscontinued 14 nights. Thegems,bronzes,busts, andantiquities, 8 days.
It would be difficult to mention, within a moderate compass, all the rare and curious articles which his library contained—but the following are too conspicuous to be passed over. TheSpira Virgil, of 1470,Pfintzing's Tewrdanchk's, 1527,Brandt's Stultifera Navis, 1498, and theAldine Petrarch, of 1501,all upon vellum. The large paperOlivet's Cicerowas purchased by Dr. Askew, for 14l.14s., and was sold again at his sale for 36l.15s.The King of France bought the editio princeps ofPliny Seniorfor 11l.11s.: and Mr. Wilcock, a bookseller, bought the magnificently illuminatedPliny by Jenson, of 1472, for 18l.18s.: of which Maittaire has said so many fine things. TheFrenchbooks, and all the works upon theFine Arts, were of the first rarity and value, and bound in a sumptuous manner. Winstanley'sProspects of Audley Endbrought 50l.An amusing account of some of the pictures will be found in Mr. Beloe'sAnecdotes of Literature and scarce Books, vol. i., 166, 71. But consult alsoNichols's Anecdotes of Bowyer, p. 225, &c. Of the catalogue of Dr. Mead's books, there were only six copies printed uponlarge paper. SeeBibl. Lort, no. 1149. I possess one of these copies, uncut and priced. Dr.Meadhad parted, in his life-time, to the present king's father, with several miniature pictures of great value (Walpole Anec., vol. i., 165) by Isaac Oliver and Holbein, which are now in his majesty's collection. Dr. Askew had purchased his Greek MSS. for 500l.Pope has admirably well said,
Upon which his commentator, Warburton, thus observes: "These were two eminent physicians; the one had an excellent library, the other the finest collection in Europe of natural curiosities." For nearly half a century did Dr. Mead pursue an unrivalled career in his profession. He was (perhaps "thrice") presented with the presidentship of the College of Physicians, which he ("thrice") refused. One year it is said he made 7000l., a great sum in his time! His regular emoluments were between 5000l.and 6000l.per annum. He died on the 25th of February, 1754, in the 81st year of his age. On his death, Dr.Askew, who seems to have had a sort of filial veneration for his character, and whose pursuits were in every respect congenial with Dr. Mead's, presented the College of Physicians with a marble bust of him, beautifully executed by Roubilliac, and for which he paid the sculptor 100l.A whimsical anecdote is connected with the execution of this bust. Roubilliac agreed with Dr. Askew for 50l.: the doctor found it so highly finished that he paid him for it 100l.The sculptor said this was not enough, and brought in a bill for 108l.2s.Dr. Askew paid this demand, even to the odd shillings, and then enclosed the receipt to Mr. Hogarth, to produce at the next meeting of artists. Nichols'sAnec. of Bowyer, p. 580. "I cannot help," says Mr. Edwards, the late ornithologist, "informing succeeding generations that they may see thereal featuresof Dr. Mead in this bust: for I, who was as well acquainted with his face as any man living, do pronounce this bust of him to be so like that, as often as I see it, my mind is filled with the strongest idea of the original." Hearne speaks of theMeadean Familywith proper respect, in hisAlured de Beverly, p.xlv.; and inWalter Hemingford, vol. i.,xxxv.In hisGulielmus Nubrigensis, vol. iii., p. 744 (note), he says of our illustrious bibliomaniac:—"that most excellent physician, and truly great man, Dr. Richard Mead, to whom I am eternally obliged." There is an idle story somewhere told of Dr. Mead's declining the acceptance of a challenge to fight with swords—alleging his want of skill in the art of fencing: but this seems to be totally void of authority. Thus far, concerning Dr. Mead, from the first edition of this work, and the paper entitled "The Director." The following particulars, which I have recently learnt of theMead Family, from John Nicholl, Esq., my neighbour at Kensington, and the maternal grandson of the Doctor, may be thought well worth subjoining.Matthew Mead, his father, was a clergyman. He gave up his living at Stepney in 1662; which was afterwards divided into the four fine livings now in the gift of Brazen-Nose College, Oxford. His parishioners built him a chapel; but he retired to a farm in the country, and had the reputation of handling a bullock as well as any butcher in the county. He went abroad in the reign of James II., and had his sons, Samuel and Richard, educated under Grævius.Samuel Mead,his brother, was a distinguished Chancery barrister, and got his 4000l.per ann.; his cronies were Wilbraham and Lord Harcourt. These, with a few other eminent barristers, used to meet at a coffee-house, and drink their favourite, and then fashionable, liquor—calledBishop, which consisted of red wine, lemon, and sugar. Samuel was a shy character, and loved privacy. He had a good country house, and handsome chambers in Lincoln's Inn, and kept a carriage for his sister's use, having his coachmaker's arms painted upon the panel. What is very characteristic of the modesty of his profession, he pertinaciously refused a silk gown! A word or two remains to be said of our illustrious bibliomaniacRichard. His brother left him 30,000l., and giving full indulgence to his noble literary feelings, the Doctor sent Carte, the historian, to France, to rummage for MSS. ofThuanus, and to restore the castrated passages which were not originally published for fear of offending certain families. He made Buckley, the editor, procure the bestink and paperfrom Holland, for this edition of Thuanus, which was published at his own expense; and the Doctor was remarkably solicitous that nothing of exterior pomp and beauty should be wanting in the publication. The result verified his most sanguine expectation; for a finer edition of a valuable historian has never seen the light. Dr. Ward, says Mr. Nichols, is supposed to have written Mead's Latin, but the fact is not so; or it is exclusively applicable to thelaterpieces of Mead. The Doctor died in his 83rd year (and in full possession of his mental powers), from a fall occasioned by the negligence of a servant. He was a greatdiagnosticphysician; and, when he thought deeply, was generally correct in judging of the disorder by the appearance of the countenance.
The tears shed by virtuous bibliomaniacs at Harley's death were speedily wiped away, when the recollection of thine, and of thy contemporary's,Folkes's[382]fame, wasexcited in their bosoms. Illustrious Bibliomaniacs! your names and memories will always live in the hearts of noble-minded Literati: the treasures of your Museums and Libraries—your liberal patronage and ever-active exertions in the cause ofvirtu—whether connected with coins, pictures, or books—can never be banished, at least, from my grateful mind:—And if, at this solemn hour, when yonder groves and serpentinewalks are sleeping in the quiet of moon-light, your spirits could be seen placidly to flit along, I would burst from this society—dear and congenial as it is—to take your last instructions, or receive your last warnings, respecting the rearing of a future age of bibliomaniacs! Ye were, in good earnest, noble-hearted book-heroes!—but I wander:—forgive me!
[382]"A Catalogue of the entire and valuable library ofMartin Folkes, Esq., President of the Royal Society, and Member of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris, lately deceased; which will be sold by auction, by Samuel Baker, at his house in York Street, Covent-Garden. To begin on Monday, February 2, 1756, and to continue for forty days successively (Sundays excepted). Catalogues to be had at most of the considerable places in Europe, and all the booksellers of Great Britain and Ireland. Price sixpence." This collection was an exceedingly fine one; enriched with many books of the choicest description, which Mr. Folkes had acquired in his travels in Italy and Germany. The works on natural history, coins, medals, inscriptions, and on the fine arts in general, formed the most valuable department—those on the Greek, Latin, and English classics were comparatively of inferior importance. It is a great pity the catalogue was not better digested; or the books classed according to the nature of their contents. The following prices, for some of the more rare and interesting articles, will amuse a bibliographer of the present day. The chronicles of Fabian, Hall, and Grafton, did not, altogether, bring quite 2l., though the copies are described as perfect and fair. There seems to have been a fine set of Sir Wm. Dugdale's Works (Nos. 3074-81) in 13 vols., which, collectively, produced about 30 guineas! At the present day, they are worth about 250l.—InSpanish literature, the history of South America, by John Duan and Ant. di Ulloa, Madr., fol., in 5 vols., was sold for 5l.: a fine large paper copy of the description of the monastery of St. Lorenzo, and the Escorial, Madr., 1657, brought 1l.2s.; de Lastanosa's Spanish medals, Huesca, fol., 1645, 2l.2s.—InEnglish, the first edition of Shakspeare, 1623, which is now what a French bibliographer would say, "presque introuvable," produced the sum of 3l.3s.; and Fuller's Worthies, 18s.!——Fine Arts, Antiquities, and Voyages.Sandrart's works, in 9 folio volumes (of which a fine perfect copy is now rarely to be met with, and of very great value) were sold for 13l.13s.only: Desgodetz Roman edifices, Paris, 1682, 4l.10s.Galleria Giustiniano, 2 vols., fol., 13l.13s.Le Brun's Voyages in Muscovy, &c., in large paper, 4l.4s.De Rossi's Raccolta de Statue, &c., Rom., 1704, 6l.10s.Medailles du Regne de Louis le Grand: de l'Imp. Roy. 1. p. fol., 1702, 5l.15s.6d.——The works onNatural Historybrought still higher prices: but the whole, from the present depreciation of money, and increased rarity of the articles, would now bring thrice the sums then given.—Of theGreek and Latin Classics, the Pliny of 1469 and 1472 were sold to Dr. Askew, for 11l.11s.and 7l.17s.6d.At the Doctor's sale they brought 43l.and 23l., although the first was lately sold (A.D. 1805) among some duplicates of books belonging to the British Museum, at a much lower price: the copy was, in fact, neither large nor beautiful. Those in Lord Spencer's, and the Hunter and Cracherode collections, are greatly superior, and would each bring more than double the price. From a priced copy of the sale catalogue, uponlarge paper, and uncut, in my possession, I find that the amount of the sale, consisting of 5126 articles, was 3091l.6s.ThePrints, and Drawingsof Mr. Folkes occupied a sale of 8 days: and hispictures,gems,coins, andmathematical instruments, of five days. Mr.Martin Folkesmay justly be ranked among the most useful, as well as splendid, literary characters, of which this country can boast. He appears to have imbibed, at a very early age, an extreme passion for science and literature; and to have distinguished himself so much at the University of Cambridge, under the able tuition of Dr. Laughton, that, in his 23rd year, he was admitted a Fellow of the Royal Society. About two years afterwards he was chosen one of the council; and rose in succession to the chair of the presidentship, which, as Lysander above truly says, he filled with a credit and celebrity that has since never been surpassed. On this occasion he was told by Dr. Jurin, the Secretary, who dedicated to him the 34th vol. of the Transactions, that "the greatest man that ever lived (Sir Isaac Newton) singled him out to fill the chair, and to preside in the society, when he himself was so frequently prevented by indisposition; and that it was sufficient to say of him that he wasSir Isaac's friend." Within a few years afterwards, he was elected President of the Society of Antiquaries. Two situations, the filling of which may be considered as thene plus ultraof literary distinction. Mr. Folkes travelled abroad, with his family, about two years and a half, visiting the cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice—where he was noticed by almost every person of rank and reputation, and whence he brought away many a valuable article to enrich his own collection. He was born in the year 1690, and died of a second stroke of the palsy, under which he languished for three years, in 1754. He seems to have left behind him a considerable fortune. Among his numerous bequests was one to the Royal Society of 200l., along with a fine portrait of Lord Bacon, and a large cornelian ring, with the arms of the society engraved upon it, for the perpetual use of the president and his successors in office. The MSS. of his own composition, not being quite perfect, were, to the great loss of the learned world, ordered by him to be destroyed. The following wood-cut portrait is taken from a copper-plate in thePortraits des Hommes Illustres de Denmark, 4to., 7 parts, 1746: part 4th, a volume which abounds with a number of copper-plate engravings,worked offin a style of uncommon clearness and brilliancy. Some of the portraits themselves are rather stiff and unexpressive; but the vignettes are uniformly tasteful and agreeable. The seven parts are rarely found in an equal state of perfection.FolkesDr. Birch has drawn a very just and interesting character of this eminent man, which may be found in Nichols'sAnecdotes of Bowyer, pp. 562-7. Mr. Edwards, the late ornithologist, has described him in a simple, but appropriate, manner. "He seemed," says he, "to have attained to universal knowledge; for, in the many opportunities I have had of being in his company, almost every part of science has happened to be the subject of discourse, all of which he handled as an adept. He was a man of great politeness in his manners, free from all pedantry and pride, and, in every respect, the real, unaffected, fine gentleman."
[382]"A Catalogue of the entire and valuable library ofMartin Folkes, Esq., President of the Royal Society, and Member of the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris, lately deceased; which will be sold by auction, by Samuel Baker, at his house in York Street, Covent-Garden. To begin on Monday, February 2, 1756, and to continue for forty days successively (Sundays excepted). Catalogues to be had at most of the considerable places in Europe, and all the booksellers of Great Britain and Ireland. Price sixpence." This collection was an exceedingly fine one; enriched with many books of the choicest description, which Mr. Folkes had acquired in his travels in Italy and Germany. The works on natural history, coins, medals, inscriptions, and on the fine arts in general, formed the most valuable department—those on the Greek, Latin, and English classics were comparatively of inferior importance. It is a great pity the catalogue was not better digested; or the books classed according to the nature of their contents. The following prices, for some of the more rare and interesting articles, will amuse a bibliographer of the present day. The chronicles of Fabian, Hall, and Grafton, did not, altogether, bring quite 2l., though the copies are described as perfect and fair. There seems to have been a fine set of Sir Wm. Dugdale's Works (Nos. 3074-81) in 13 vols., which, collectively, produced about 30 guineas! At the present day, they are worth about 250l.—InSpanish literature, the history of South America, by John Duan and Ant. di Ulloa, Madr., fol., in 5 vols., was sold for 5l.: a fine large paper copy of the description of the monastery of St. Lorenzo, and the Escorial, Madr., 1657, brought 1l.2s.; de Lastanosa's Spanish medals, Huesca, fol., 1645, 2l.2s.—InEnglish, the first edition of Shakspeare, 1623, which is now what a French bibliographer would say, "presque introuvable," produced the sum of 3l.3s.; and Fuller's Worthies, 18s.!——Fine Arts, Antiquities, and Voyages.Sandrart's works, in 9 folio volumes (of which a fine perfect copy is now rarely to be met with, and of very great value) were sold for 13l.13s.only: Desgodetz Roman edifices, Paris, 1682, 4l.10s.Galleria Giustiniano, 2 vols., fol., 13l.13s.Le Brun's Voyages in Muscovy, &c., in large paper, 4l.4s.De Rossi's Raccolta de Statue, &c., Rom., 1704, 6l.10s.Medailles du Regne de Louis le Grand: de l'Imp. Roy. 1. p. fol., 1702, 5l.15s.6d.——The works onNatural Historybrought still higher prices: but the whole, from the present depreciation of money, and increased rarity of the articles, would now bring thrice the sums then given.—Of theGreek and Latin Classics, the Pliny of 1469 and 1472 were sold to Dr. Askew, for 11l.11s.and 7l.17s.6d.At the Doctor's sale they brought 43l.and 23l., although the first was lately sold (A.D. 1805) among some duplicates of books belonging to the British Museum, at a much lower price: the copy was, in fact, neither large nor beautiful. Those in Lord Spencer's, and the Hunter and Cracherode collections, are greatly superior, and would each bring more than double the price. From a priced copy of the sale catalogue, uponlarge paper, and uncut, in my possession, I find that the amount of the sale, consisting of 5126 articles, was 3091l.6s.ThePrints, and Drawingsof Mr. Folkes occupied a sale of 8 days: and hispictures,gems,coins, andmathematical instruments, of five days. Mr.Martin Folkesmay justly be ranked among the most useful, as well as splendid, literary characters, of which this country can boast. He appears to have imbibed, at a very early age, an extreme passion for science and literature; and to have distinguished himself so much at the University of Cambridge, under the able tuition of Dr. Laughton, that, in his 23rd year, he was admitted a Fellow of the Royal Society. About two years afterwards he was chosen one of the council; and rose in succession to the chair of the presidentship, which, as Lysander above truly says, he filled with a credit and celebrity that has since never been surpassed. On this occasion he was told by Dr. Jurin, the Secretary, who dedicated to him the 34th vol. of the Transactions, that "the greatest man that ever lived (Sir Isaac Newton) singled him out to fill the chair, and to preside in the society, when he himself was so frequently prevented by indisposition; and that it was sufficient to say of him that he wasSir Isaac's friend." Within a few years afterwards, he was elected President of the Society of Antiquaries. Two situations, the filling of which may be considered as thene plus ultraof literary distinction. Mr. Folkes travelled abroad, with his family, about two years and a half, visiting the cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice—where he was noticed by almost every person of rank and reputation, and whence he brought away many a valuable article to enrich his own collection. He was born in the year 1690, and died of a second stroke of the palsy, under which he languished for three years, in 1754. He seems to have left behind him a considerable fortune. Among his numerous bequests was one to the Royal Society of 200l., along with a fine portrait of Lord Bacon, and a large cornelian ring, with the arms of the society engraved upon it, for the perpetual use of the president and his successors in office. The MSS. of his own composition, not being quite perfect, were, to the great loss of the learned world, ordered by him to be destroyed. The following wood-cut portrait is taken from a copper-plate in thePortraits des Hommes Illustres de Denmark, 4to., 7 parts, 1746: part 4th, a volume which abounds with a number of copper-plate engravings,worked offin a style of uncommon clearness and brilliancy. Some of the portraits themselves are rather stiff and unexpressive; but the vignettes are uniformly tasteful and agreeable. The seven parts are rarely found in an equal state of perfection.
FolkesDr. Birch has drawn a very just and interesting character of this eminent man, which may be found in Nichols'sAnecdotes of Bowyer, pp. 562-7. Mr. Edwards, the late ornithologist, has described him in a simple, but appropriate, manner. "He seemed," says he, "to have attained to universal knowledge; for, in the many opportunities I have had of being in his company, almost every part of science has happened to be the subject of discourse, all of which he handled as an adept. He was a man of great politeness in his manners, free from all pedantry and pride, and, in every respect, the real, unaffected, fine gentleman."
Alman.Pray keep to this earth, and condescend to notice us mortals of flesh and blood, who have heard of Dr. Mead, and Martin Folkes, only as eminently learned and tasteful characters.
Lysand.I crave your forgiveness. But Dr. Mead's cabinet of coins, statues, and books, was so liberally thrown open for the public inspection that it was hardly possible for modest merit, if properly made known to him, to depart unrewarded or ungratified. Nor does the renowned President of the Royal and Antiquarian Societies—Martin Folkes—merit a less warm eulogy; for he filled these distinguished situations with a credit which has never since been surpassed.
But there is yet an illustrious tribe to be recorded. We have, first,Richard Rawlinson,[383]brother of therenownedTom Folio, whose choice and tasteful collection of books, as recorded in auctioneering annals, isdeserving of high commendation. But his name and virtues are better known in the University, to which he was a benefactor, than to the noisy circles of the metropolis. The sale ofOrator Henley'sbooks "followed hard upon" that of Richard Rawlinson's; and if the spirit of their owner could, from his "gilt tub," have witnessed the grimaces and jokes which marked the sale—with the distorted countenances and boisterous laughter which were to be seen on every side—how it must have writhed under the smart of general ridicule, or have groaned under the torture of contemptuous indignation! Peace to Henley's[384]vexedmanes!—and similar contempt await the efforts of all literary quacks and philosophical knaves!
[383]"Bibliotheca Rawlinsoniana,sive Catalogus Librorum Richardi Rawlinson, LL.D. Qui prostabunt Venales sub hasta, Apud Samuelem Baker, In Vico dicto York-street, Covent Garden, Londoni, Die Lunæ 29 Martimdcclvi." With the following whimsical Greek motto in the title-page:Και γαρ ὀ ταὼς διὰ τὸ σπάνίον θαυμάζεται.Eubulus.("The peacock is admired on account of its rarity.")This valuable library must have contained nearly 25,000 volumes, multiplying the number of articles (9405) by 3—the usual mode of calculation. Unfortunately, as was the case with Dr. Mead's and Mr. Folkes's, the books were not arranged according to any particular classification. Old black-letter English were mixed with modern Italian, French, and Latin; and novels and romances interspersed with theology and mathematics. Analphabeticalarrangement, be the books of whatever kind they may, will in general obviate the inconvenience felt from such an undigested plan; and it were "devoutly to be wished," by all true bibliographers, that an act of parliament should pass for the due observance of this alphabetical order. We all know our A, B, C, but have not all analytical heads; or we may differ in our ideas of analysis. The scientific and alphabeticalunitedis certainly better; like Mr. Harris's excellent catalogue, noticed atp. 99, ante. The "Méthode pour dresser une bibliothéque," about which De Bure, Formey, and Peignot have so solemnly argued, is not worth a moment's discussion. Every man likes to be his own librarian, as well as "his own broker." But to return to Dr. Rawlinson's collection. On examining a priced catalogue of it, which now lies before me, I have not found any higher sum offered for a work than 4l.1s.for a collection of fine prints, by Aldegrever. (No. 9405.) The Greek and Latin Classics, of which there were fewEditiones Principes, or onlarge paper, brought the usual sums given at that period. The old English black-letter books, which were pretty thickly scattered throughout the collection, were sold for exceedingly low prices—if the copies were perfect. Witness the following:£s.d.The Newe Testament in English, 1500029The Ymage of both Churches, after the Revelation of St. John, by Bale, 1550016The boke called the Pype or Tonne of Perfection, by Richard Whytforde, 1553019The Visions of Pierce Plowman, 1561020The Creede of Pierce Plowman, 1532016The Bookes of Moses, in English, 1530039Bale's Actes of English Votaryes, 1550013The Boke of Chivalrie, by Caxton0110The Boke of St. Alban's, by W. de Worde110These are only very few of the rare articles in English literature; of the whole of which (perhaps upwards of 200 in number) I believe the boke of St. Albans brought the highest sum. Hence it will be seen that this was not the age of curious research into the productions of our ancestors. Shakspeare had not then appeared in a propervariorum edition. Theobald, Pope, and Warburton, had not investigated theblack-letterlore of ancient English writers for the illustration of their favourite author. This was reserved for Capell, Farmer, Steevens, Malone, Chalmers, Reed, and Douce: and it is expressly to these latter gentlemen (for Johnson and Hanmer were very sparing, or very shy, of the black-letter), that we are indebted for the present spirit of research into the works of our ancestors. The sale of thebookslasted 50 days. There was a second sale ofpamphlets, books of prints, &c., in the following year, which lasted 10 days: and this was immediately succeeded by a sale of the doctor'ssingle prints and drawings, which continued 8 days. Dr. Rawlinson's benefactions to Oxford, besides his Anglo-Saxon endowment at St. John's College, were very considerable; including, amongst other curiosities,a series of medals of the Popes, which the Doctor supposed to be one of the most complete collections in Europe; and a great number of valuable MSS., which he directed to be safely locked up, and not to be opened till seven years after his decease. He died on the 6th of April, 1755. To St. John's College, where he had been a gentleman commoner, Dr. Rawlinson left the bulk of his estate, amounting to near 700l.a year:a plate of Abp. Laud, 31 volumes ofParliamentary Journals and Debates, a set ofRymer's Fœdera, hisGreek,Roman, andEnglish coins, not given to the Bodleian Library; all his plates engraved at the expense of the Society of Antiquaries; his diploma, and hisheart; which latter is placed in a beautiful urn against the chapel wall, with this inscription:Urbi thesaurus, ibi cor.Ric. Rawlinson, LL.D. & Ant. S.S.Olim hujus collegii superioris ordiniscommensalis.Obiit. vi. Apr.mdcclv.Hearne speaks of him, in the preface of hisTit. Liv. For. Jul. vita Hen. V., p. xvi., as "vir antiquis moribus ornatus, perque eam viam euns, quæ ad immortalem gloriam ducit."[384]This gentleman's library, not so remarkable for the black-letter as for whimsical publications, was sold by auction, by Samuel Paterson (the earliest sale in which I find this well known book-auctioneer engaged), in June, 1759, and the three ensuing evenings. The title of the Sale Catalogue is as follows:——"A Catalogue of the original MSS. and manuscript collections of the lateReverend Mr.John Henley, A.M., Independent Minister of the Oratory, &c., in which are included sundry collections of the late Mons. des Maizeaux, the learned editor of Bayle, &c., Mr. Lowndes, author of the Report for the Amendment of Silver coins, &c., Dr. Patrick Blair, Physician at Boston, and F.R.S., &c. Together with original letters and papers of State, addressed to Henry d'Avenant, Esq., her Britannic Majesty's Envoy at Francfort, from 1703 to 1708 inclusive." Few libraries have contained more curious and remarkable publications than did this. The following articles, given as notable specimens, remind us somewhat of Addison's memoranda for the Spectator, which the waiter at the coffee-house picked up and read aloud for the amusement of the company.——No. 166. God's Manifestation by a Star to the Dutch. A mortifying Fast-Diet at Court. On the Birth Day of the first and oldest young Gentleman. All corrupt: none good; no, not one.——168. General Thumbissimo. The Spring reversed, or the Flanderkin's Opera and Dutch Pickle Herrings. The Creolean Fillip, or Royal Mishap. A Martial Telescope, &c. England's Passion Sunday, and April Changelings.——170. Speech upon Speech. A Telescope for Tournay. No Battle, but worse, and the True Meaning of it. An Army beaten and interred.——174. Signs when the P. will come. Was Captain Sw-n, a Prisoner on Parole, to be catechised? David's Opinion of like Times. The Seeds of the plot may rise though the leaves fall. A Perspective, from the Blair of Athol. The Pretender's Popery. Murder! Fire! Where! Where!——178. Taking Carlise, catching an eel by the tail. Address of a Bishop, Dean, and Clergy. Swearing to the P——r, &c. Anathema denounced against those parents, Masters, and Magistrates, that do not punish the Sin at Stokesley. A Speech, &c. A Parallel between the Rebels to K. Charles I. and those to his successor.Jane Cameronlooked killing atFalkirk.——179. Let Stocks be knighted, write, Sir Bank, &c., the Ramhead Month. A Proof that the Writers against Popery, fear it will be established in this Kingdom. A Scheme wisely blabbed to root and branch the Highlanders. Let St. Patrick have fair Play, &c.——OfOrator HenleyI have not been able to collect any biographical details, more interesting than those which are to be found in Warburton's notes to Pope's Dunciad: He was born at Melton Mowbray, in Leicestershire, in 1692, and was brought up at St. John's College, in the University of Cambridge. After entering into orders, he became a preacher in London, and established a lecture on Sunday evenings, near Lincoln's-Inn Fields, and another on Wednesday evenings, chiefly on political and scientific subjects. Each auditor paid one shilling for admission. "He declaimed," says Warburton, "against the greatest persons, and occasionally did our poet (Pope) that honour. When he was at Cambridge, he began to be uneasy; for it shocked him to find he was commanded to believe against his own judgment in points of religion, philosophy, &c.: for his genius leading him freely todispute all propositions, andcall all points to account, he was impatient under those fetters of the free-born mind." When he was admitted into priest's orders, he thought the examination so short and superficial that he considered it "not necessary to conform to the Christian religion, in order either to be a deacon or priest." With these quixotic sentiments he came to town; and "after having, for some years, been a writer for the booksellers, he had an ambition to be so for ministers of state." The only reason he did not rise in the church, we are told, "was the envy of others, and a disrelish entertained of him, becausehe was not qualified to be a complete spaniel." However, he offered the service of his pen to two great men, of opinions and interests directly opposite: but being rejected by both of them, he set up a new project, and styled himself, "The restorer of ancient eloquence." Henley's pulpit, in which he preached, "was covered with velvet, and adorned with gold." It is to this that Pope alludes, in the first couplet of his second book of the Dunciad:High on a gorgeous seat, that far outshoneHenley'sgilt tub——"He had also an altar, and placed over it this extraordinary inscription, 'The primitive Eucharist.'" We are told by his friend Welsted (narrative in Oratory Transact. No. 1) that "he had the assurance to form a plan, which no mortalever thought of; he had success against all opposition; challenged his adversaries to fair disputations, andnone would dispute with him: he wrote, read, and studied, twelve hours a day; composed three dissertations a week on all subjects; undertook to teach inone yearwhat schools and universities teach infive: was not terrified by menaces, insults, or satires; but still proceeded, matured his bold scheme, and put the church andall that in danger!" See note to Dunciad, book iii., v. 199. Pope has described this extraordinary character with singular felicity of expression:But, where each science lifts its modern type,Hist'ry her Pot, Divinity her Pipe,While proud philosophy repines to shew,Dishonest sight! his breeches rent below;Imbrown'd with native bronze, lo! Henley stands,Tuning his voice and balancing his hands.How fluent nonsense trickles from his tongue!How sweet the periods, neither said nor sung!Still break the benches, Henley! with thy strain,WhileSherlock,Hare, andGibson, preach in vain.Oh great restorer of the good old stage,Preacher at once, and zany of thy age,Oh worthy thou, of Egypt's wise abodes,A decent priest, where monkeys were the gods!But fate with butchers plac'd thy priestly stall,Meek modern faith to murder, hack, and mawl;And bade thee live, to crown Britannia's praise,InToland's,Tindal's, and inWoolston'sdays.Dunciad, b. iii., v. 190, &c.Bromley, in his catalogue of engraved Portraits, mentionsfourof orator Henley: two of which are inscribed, one by Worlidge "The Orator of Newport Market;" another (without engraver's name) "A Rationalist." There is a floating story which I have heard of Henley. He gave out that he would shew a new and expeditious method of converting a pair of boots into shoes. A great concourse of people attended, expecting to see something very marvellous; when Henley mounted his "tub," and, holding up a boot, he took a knife, andcut away the leg part of the leather!
[383]"Bibliotheca Rawlinsoniana,sive Catalogus Librorum Richardi Rawlinson, LL.D. Qui prostabunt Venales sub hasta, Apud Samuelem Baker, In Vico dicto York-street, Covent Garden, Londoni, Die Lunæ 29 Martimdcclvi." With the following whimsical Greek motto in the title-page:
("The peacock is admired on account of its rarity.")
This valuable library must have contained nearly 25,000 volumes, multiplying the number of articles (9405) by 3—the usual mode of calculation. Unfortunately, as was the case with Dr. Mead's and Mr. Folkes's, the books were not arranged according to any particular classification. Old black-letter English were mixed with modern Italian, French, and Latin; and novels and romances interspersed with theology and mathematics. Analphabeticalarrangement, be the books of whatever kind they may, will in general obviate the inconvenience felt from such an undigested plan; and it were "devoutly to be wished," by all true bibliographers, that an act of parliament should pass for the due observance of this alphabetical order. We all know our A, B, C, but have not all analytical heads; or we may differ in our ideas of analysis. The scientific and alphabeticalunitedis certainly better; like Mr. Harris's excellent catalogue, noticed atp. 99, ante. The "Méthode pour dresser une bibliothéque," about which De Bure, Formey, and Peignot have so solemnly argued, is not worth a moment's discussion. Every man likes to be his own librarian, as well as "his own broker." But to return to Dr. Rawlinson's collection. On examining a priced catalogue of it, which now lies before me, I have not found any higher sum offered for a work than 4l.1s.for a collection of fine prints, by Aldegrever. (No. 9405.) The Greek and Latin Classics, of which there were fewEditiones Principes, or onlarge paper, brought the usual sums given at that period. The old English black-letter books, which were pretty thickly scattered throughout the collection, were sold for exceedingly low prices—if the copies were perfect. Witness the following:
These are only very few of the rare articles in English literature; of the whole of which (perhaps upwards of 200 in number) I believe the boke of St. Albans brought the highest sum. Hence it will be seen that this was not the age of curious research into the productions of our ancestors. Shakspeare had not then appeared in a propervariorum edition. Theobald, Pope, and Warburton, had not investigated theblack-letterlore of ancient English writers for the illustration of their favourite author. This was reserved for Capell, Farmer, Steevens, Malone, Chalmers, Reed, and Douce: and it is expressly to these latter gentlemen (for Johnson and Hanmer were very sparing, or very shy, of the black-letter), that we are indebted for the present spirit of research into the works of our ancestors. The sale of thebookslasted 50 days. There was a second sale ofpamphlets, books of prints, &c., in the following year, which lasted 10 days: and this was immediately succeeded by a sale of the doctor'ssingle prints and drawings, which continued 8 days. Dr. Rawlinson's benefactions to Oxford, besides his Anglo-Saxon endowment at St. John's College, were very considerable; including, amongst other curiosities,a series of medals of the Popes, which the Doctor supposed to be one of the most complete collections in Europe; and a great number of valuable MSS., which he directed to be safely locked up, and not to be opened till seven years after his decease. He died on the 6th of April, 1755. To St. John's College, where he had been a gentleman commoner, Dr. Rawlinson left the bulk of his estate, amounting to near 700l.a year:a plate of Abp. Laud, 31 volumes ofParliamentary Journals and Debates, a set ofRymer's Fœdera, hisGreek,Roman, andEnglish coins, not given to the Bodleian Library; all his plates engraved at the expense of the Society of Antiquaries; his diploma, and hisheart; which latter is placed in a beautiful urn against the chapel wall, with this inscription:
Urbi thesaurus, ibi cor.Ric. Rawlinson, LL.D. & Ant. S.S.Olim hujus collegii superioris ordiniscommensalis.Obiit. vi. Apr.mdcclv.
Hearne speaks of him, in the preface of hisTit. Liv. For. Jul. vita Hen. V., p. xvi., as "vir antiquis moribus ornatus, perque eam viam euns, quæ ad immortalem gloriam ducit."
[384]This gentleman's library, not so remarkable for the black-letter as for whimsical publications, was sold by auction, by Samuel Paterson (the earliest sale in which I find this well known book-auctioneer engaged), in June, 1759, and the three ensuing evenings. The title of the Sale Catalogue is as follows:——"A Catalogue of the original MSS. and manuscript collections of the lateReverend Mr.John Henley, A.M., Independent Minister of the Oratory, &c., in which are included sundry collections of the late Mons. des Maizeaux, the learned editor of Bayle, &c., Mr. Lowndes, author of the Report for the Amendment of Silver coins, &c., Dr. Patrick Blair, Physician at Boston, and F.R.S., &c. Together with original letters and papers of State, addressed to Henry d'Avenant, Esq., her Britannic Majesty's Envoy at Francfort, from 1703 to 1708 inclusive." Few libraries have contained more curious and remarkable publications than did this. The following articles, given as notable specimens, remind us somewhat of Addison's memoranda for the Spectator, which the waiter at the coffee-house picked up and read aloud for the amusement of the company.——No. 166. God's Manifestation by a Star to the Dutch. A mortifying Fast-Diet at Court. On the Birth Day of the first and oldest young Gentleman. All corrupt: none good; no, not one.——168. General Thumbissimo. The Spring reversed, or the Flanderkin's Opera and Dutch Pickle Herrings. The Creolean Fillip, or Royal Mishap. A Martial Telescope, &c. England's Passion Sunday, and April Changelings.——170. Speech upon Speech. A Telescope for Tournay. No Battle, but worse, and the True Meaning of it. An Army beaten and interred.——174. Signs when the P. will come. Was Captain Sw-n, a Prisoner on Parole, to be catechised? David's Opinion of like Times. The Seeds of the plot may rise though the leaves fall. A Perspective, from the Blair of Athol. The Pretender's Popery. Murder! Fire! Where! Where!——178. Taking Carlise, catching an eel by the tail. Address of a Bishop, Dean, and Clergy. Swearing to the P——r, &c. Anathema denounced against those parents, Masters, and Magistrates, that do not punish the Sin at Stokesley. A Speech, &c. A Parallel between the Rebels to K. Charles I. and those to his successor.Jane Cameronlooked killing atFalkirk.——179. Let Stocks be knighted, write, Sir Bank, &c., the Ramhead Month. A Proof that the Writers against Popery, fear it will be established in this Kingdom. A Scheme wisely blabbed to root and branch the Highlanders. Let St. Patrick have fair Play, &c.——OfOrator HenleyI have not been able to collect any biographical details, more interesting than those which are to be found in Warburton's notes to Pope's Dunciad: He was born at Melton Mowbray, in Leicestershire, in 1692, and was brought up at St. John's College, in the University of Cambridge. After entering into orders, he became a preacher in London, and established a lecture on Sunday evenings, near Lincoln's-Inn Fields, and another on Wednesday evenings, chiefly on political and scientific subjects. Each auditor paid one shilling for admission. "He declaimed," says Warburton, "against the greatest persons, and occasionally did our poet (Pope) that honour. When he was at Cambridge, he began to be uneasy; for it shocked him to find he was commanded to believe against his own judgment in points of religion, philosophy, &c.: for his genius leading him freely todispute all propositions, andcall all points to account, he was impatient under those fetters of the free-born mind." When he was admitted into priest's orders, he thought the examination so short and superficial that he considered it "not necessary to conform to the Christian religion, in order either to be a deacon or priest." With these quixotic sentiments he came to town; and "after having, for some years, been a writer for the booksellers, he had an ambition to be so for ministers of state." The only reason he did not rise in the church, we are told, "was the envy of others, and a disrelish entertained of him, becausehe was not qualified to be a complete spaniel." However, he offered the service of his pen to two great men, of opinions and interests directly opposite: but being rejected by both of them, he set up a new project, and styled himself, "The restorer of ancient eloquence." Henley's pulpit, in which he preached, "was covered with velvet, and adorned with gold." It is to this that Pope alludes, in the first couplet of his second book of the Dunciad:
"He had also an altar, and placed over it this extraordinary inscription, 'The primitive Eucharist.'" We are told by his friend Welsted (narrative in Oratory Transact. No. 1) that "he had the assurance to form a plan, which no mortalever thought of; he had success against all opposition; challenged his adversaries to fair disputations, andnone would dispute with him: he wrote, read, and studied, twelve hours a day; composed three dissertations a week on all subjects; undertook to teach inone yearwhat schools and universities teach infive: was not terrified by menaces, insults, or satires; but still proceeded, matured his bold scheme, and put the church andall that in danger!" See note to Dunciad, book iii., v. 199. Pope has described this extraordinary character with singular felicity of expression:
Bromley, in his catalogue of engraved Portraits, mentionsfourof orator Henley: two of which are inscribed, one by Worlidge "The Orator of Newport Market;" another (without engraver's name) "A Rationalist." There is a floating story which I have heard of Henley. He gave out that he would shew a new and expeditious method of converting a pair of boots into shoes. A great concourse of people attended, expecting to see something very marvellous; when Henley mounted his "tub," and, holding up a boot, he took a knife, andcut away the leg part of the leather!
There are, I had almost said, innumerable contemporaneous bibliomaniacal characters to be described—orrather, lesser stars or satellites that move, in their now unperceived orbits, around the great planets of the book world—but, at this protracted hour of discussion, I will not pretend even to mention their names.
Lis.Yet, go on—unless the female part of the audience be weary—go on describing, by means of your great telescopic powers, every little white star that is sprinkled in this bibliomaniacalVia Lactea![385]