[409]If Lysander's efforts begin to relax—what must be the debilitated mental state of the poor annotator, who has accompanied the book-orator thus long and thus laboriously? CanSteevensreceive justice atmyhands—when my friends, aided by hot madeira, and beauty's animating glances, acknowledge their exhausted state of intellect?! However, I will make an effort:'nothing extenuateNor set down aught in malice.'The respectable compiler of theGentleman's Magazine, vol. lxx. p. 178, has given us some amusing particulars of Steevens's literary life: of his coming from Hampstead to London, at the chill break of day, when the overhanging clouds were yet charged with the 'inky' purple of night—in order, like a true book-chevalier, to embrace the first dank impression, or proof sheet, of his own famous octavo edition ofShakspeare; and of Mr. Bulmer's sumptuous impression of the text of the same. All this is well enough, and savours of the proper spirit ofBibliomaniacism: and the edition of our immortal bard, in fifteen well printed octavo volumes, (1793) is a splendid and durable monument of the researches of George Steevens. There were from 20 to 25 copies of the octavo edition printed uponlarge paper; and Lord Spencer possesses, by bequest, Mr. Steevens' own copy of the same, illustrated with a great number of rare and precious prints; to which, however, his Lordship, with his usual zeal and taste, has made additions more valuable even than the gift in its original form. The 8vo. edition of 1793 is covetted with an eagerness of which it is not very easy to account for the cause; since the subsequent one of 1803, in 21 octavo volumes, is more useful on many accounts: and contains Steevens's corrections and additions in every play, as well as 177, in particular, in that of Macbeth. But I am well aware of the stubbornness and petulancy with which the previous edition is contended for in point of superiority, both round a private and public table; and, leaving the collector to revel in the luxury of an uncut, half-bound, morocco copy of the same, I push onward to a description of theBibliotheca Steevensiana. Yet a parting word respecting this edition of 1803. I learn, from unquestionable authority, that Steevens stipulated with the publishers that they should pay Mr. Reed 300l.for editorship, and 100l.to Mr. W. Harris, Librarian of the Royal Institution, for correcting the press: nor has the editor in his preface parted from the truth, in acknowledging Mr. Harris to be 'an able andvigilandassistant.' Mr. H. retained, for some time, Steevens' corrected copy of his own edition of 1793, but he afterwards disposed of it, by public auction, for 28l.He has also at this present moment, Mr. Josiah Boydell's copy of Mr. Felton's picture of our immortal bard; with the following inscription, painted on the back of the pannel, by Mr. Steevens:May, 1797.Copied by Josiah Boydell, at myrequest, from the remains of theonly genuine Portrait of WilliamShakspeare.George Steevens.The engraved portrait of Shakspeare, prefixed to this edition of 1803, is by no means a faithful resemblance of Mr. Boydell's admirably executed copy in oil. The expenses of the edition amounted to 5844l.; but no copies now remain with the publishers. We will now give rather a copious, and, as it must be acknowledged, rich, sprinkling of specimens from theBibliotheca Steevensiana, in the departments of rareold poetryandthe drama. But first let us describe the title to the catalogue of the same.A Catalogue of the curious and valuable Library ofGeorge Steevens,Esq., Fellow of the Royal and Antiquary Societies (Lately deceased). Comprehending an extraordinary fine Collection of Books, &c., sold by auction by Mr. King, in King Street, Covent Garden, May, 1800. 8vo. [1943 articles: amount of sale 2740l.15s.]Old Poetry.NO.£s.d.867.Gascoigne's (Geo.) Workes, or a Hundreth sundrie Flowers bounde in one small Poesie, (including) Supposes, com. from Ariosto; Jocosta, Tr. from Euripides, &c. b.l.first edition. Lond. impr. by Bynneman, 1572, 4to.1190'With MS. notes respecting this copy and edition by Mr. Steevens.'868.Another copy, 2d edition (with considerable additions); among other, the Princely Pleasures of Kenilworth Castle, the Steele Glass, the Complainte of Phylomene, b.l.ib. impr. by Abell Jeffes, 1587, 4to.,with MS. references, by Messrs. Bowles and Steevens.440869.Another copy, including all the aforementioned, and a Delicate Diet for Daintie Mouthde Droonkardes, b.l.Lond. impr. by Rich. Jhones, 1576, 8vo.The Glasse of Gouernement, 4to.b.l. russia, with MS. references.The Droome of Doomesday, 3 parts, b.l.ib.1576, 4to. 'The above two volumes are supposed to comprise the compleatest collection of Gascoigne's works extant.'5156876.Googe (Barnabe) Eglogs, Epytaphes, and Sonnettes newly written, b.l.,small 8vo. fine copy in Russia, Lond. impr. by Tho. Colwell for Raffe Newbery, dwelynge in Fleet Streete a little above the Conduit, in the late shop of Tho. Bartelet. See Mr. Steevens's note to the above; in which he says there is no scarcer book in the English language, and that Dr. Farmer, Messrs. T. Warton and Js. Reed, had never seen another copy.10150949.Lodge (Tho.) Life and death of William Longbeard, the most famous and witty English traitor, borne in the citty of London, accompanied with manye other most pleasant and prettie Histories, 4to.b.l. printed by Rich. Yardley and Peter Short, 1593. [cost Mr. Steevens 1s.9d.!]470995.The Paradyse of Dainty Devises, MS. a fac-simile of the first edition, in 1576,finished with the greatest neatness by Mr. Steevens, 4to. in russia.5150996.The Paradice of Dainty Devises, devised and written for the most part by M. Edwardes, sometime of her Majestie's Chappell; the rest by sundry learned Gentlemen, both of Honor and worship.Lond. printed by Edwd. Allde, 1595, 4to.460997.The Paradice of Daintie Devises, b.l. interleaved,ib. printed for Edw. White, 1600, 4to.Breton (Nich.) Workes of a young Wyt, trust up with a Fardell of Prettie Fancies, profitable to young Poetes, prejudicial to no Man, and pleasant to every Man, to pass away Idle Tyme withal,b.l. 4to. interleaved with a MS. list of the Author's Works by Messrs. Steevens, Ritson, and Park: impr. at Lond. nigh unto the Three Cranes in the Vintree, by Tho. Dawson, and Tho. Gardyner.Soothern's Odes, 4to. b.l. interleaved with copious MS. Notes, and an Extract from the European Magazine relative to the Author:wants title, no date.Watson (Tho.) Passionate Centurie of Love, 4to. b.l. interleaved: the 12 first sonnets, and the latter ones, from 78, in MS.Lond. impr. by John Wolfe."The above curious Collection of Old Poems are bound together in russia, with border of gold, and may be deemed with propriety,Matchless."211061037.Puttenham's Arte of English Poesie, in 3 bookes, with a wood-cut of Queen Elizabeth;choice copy, in morocco, 4to. ib. printed by Rich. Field, 1589.71001073.Roy (Will.) Satire on Cardinal Wolsey, a Poem;b.l. sm.8vo.russia, no date nor place.7701078.Skelton (Jo.) Poet Laureat, lyttle Workes, viz. Speake Parot. The Death of the Noble Prynce, King Edwarde the Fourthe. A Treatyse of the Scottes. Ware the Hawke, The Tunnynge of Elynoure Rummyng, sm. 8vo. b.l.Impr. at Lond. in Crede Lane, Jhon Kynge, and Thomas Marshe, no date. 12mo.Hereafter foloweth a lyttle Booke, called Colyn Clout,b.l. impr. by John Wyght, 12mo.Hereafter foloweth a little Booke of Phyllip Sparrow,b.l. impr. by Robert Tob.12mo.Hereafter foloweth a little Booke which has to name, Whi come ye not to Courte,b.l. impr. by John Wyght. 12mo.4501079.Skelton (Master, Poet Laureat) Merie Tales, b.l. 12mo.Lond. impr. by Tho. Colwell, no date.5156"See Note, in which Mr. Steevens says he never saw another copy."1119.Warren (Will.) A pleasant new Fancie of a Foundling's Device intitled and cald the Nurcerie of Names, with wood borders, b.l. 4to.ib. impr. by Rich. Jhones, 1581.21601125.Watson (Tho.) Passionate Centurie of Love;b.l. 4to. the title, dedication, and index, MS. by Mr. Steevens."Manuscript Poems, transcribed from a Collection of Ancient English Poetry, in the possession of Sam. Lysons, Esq., formerly belonging to Anne Cornwallis, by Mr. Steevens."51001126.—— Passionate Centurie of Love, divided into two parts, b.l. 4to.russia. Lond. impr. by John Wolfe.51801127.England's Helicon, collected by John Bodenham, with copious additions, and an index in MS. by Mr. Steevens, 4to.russia, ib. printed by J.R.1600.111501128.Weblee [Webbe] (Will.) Discourse of English Poetrie, together with the author's judgment, touching the Reformation of our English Verse,b.l.4to.russia, ib. by John Charlewood, 1586.880The Drama; and early Plays of Shakespeare.1216.The Plot of the Plays of Frederick and Basilea, and of the Deade Man's Fortune, the original papers which hung up by the side scenes in the playhouses, for the use of the prompter and the acter, earlier than the time of Shakspeare.11001218.Anonymous, a pleasant Comedie, called Common Conditions,b.l. imperf. 4to. in russia.6100"Of this Dramatick Piece, no copy, except the foregoing mutilated one, has hitherto been discovered: with a long note by Mr. Steevens, and references to Kirkman, Langbaine, Baker, Reed," &c.1221.Bale (John) Tragedie, or Enterlude, manifesting the chiefe Promises of God unto Man, compyled An. Do. 1538, b.l. 4to.now first impr. at Lond. by John Charlewood, 1577.121501248.Marlow (Chr.) and Tho. Nash, Tragedie of Dido, Queene of Carthage, played by the Children of her Majesties' Chappell, 4to.russia, Lond. printed by the Widdowe Owin, 1594.17001259.Peele (Geo.) The Old Wives Tale, a pleasant conceited Comedie played by the Queene's Majesties' Players; 4to.in russia; ib. impr. by John Danter, 1595.1200"N.B. A second of the above is to be found in the Royal Library; a third copy is unknown." Steevens' note.Early Plays of Shakspeare.1263.The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, no title, 4to.Lond.1611.With MS. notes, &c., by Mr. Steevens.2201264.The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, 4to.ib. printed by R. Young, 1637.0701265.The History of Henrie the Fourth, with the Battell of Shrewsburie, &c.; with the famous conceits of Sir John Falstaffe, part I. 4to.ib. printed by S.S.1599.31001266.The same,ib. printed for Mathew Lay, 1608, 4to.1701267.The same,ib. printed by W.W.1613.With MS. notes, &c. by Mr. Steevens.1201268.The same,ib. printed by Norton, 1632.01001259.The 2d part of Henry the Fourth, continuing to his Death, and Coronation of Henrie the Fift, with the Humours of Sir John Falstaffe and Swaggering Pistoll, as acted by the Lord Chamberlayne his Servants.First Edit. 4to. ib. printed by V.S.1600.31301270.The same,ib. 4to. printed by Val. Simmes, 1600.21501271.The Chronicle History of Henry the Fift, with his Battell fought at Agincourt in France, together with Auntient Pistoll, as playd by the Lord Chamberlayne his servants.First Edit.4to.inlaid on large paper, ib. printed by Thomas Creede, 1600.27601272.The Chronicle History of Henry the Fift, &c. 4to.Lond.1608.1101273.The true Tragedie of Richarde, Duke of Yorke, and the Death of good King Henrie the Sixt, as acted by the Earle of Pembroke his Servants, 4to.inlaid on large paper, ib. printed by W.W.1600.11601274.The whole contention betweene the two famous Houses, Lancaster and Yorke, with the Tragicall Ends of the good Duke Humphrey, Richard, Duke of Yorke, and King Henrie the Sixt,divided into 2 parts, 4to.ib. no date.1501275.The first and second part of the troublesome Raigne of John, King of England, with the discoverie of King Richard Cordelion's Base sonne (vulgarly named the Bastard Fauconbridge) also the Death of King John at Swinstead Abbey, as acted by her Majesties Players, 4to.Lond. impr. by Val. Simmes, 1611.11801276.The first and second part of the troublesome Raigne of John, King of England, &c.,ib. printed by Aug. Matthews, 1622.1101277.The True Chronicle History of the Life and Death of King Lear, and his three Daughters, with the unfortunate Life of Edgar, Sonne and Heire to the Earl of Glocester, and his sullen and assumed Humour of Tom of Bedlam, by his Majestie's servants.First Edit.4to.ib.1608.28001578.Another Edition, differing in the title-page and signature of the first leaf. 4to.ib.1608.2201279.The most excellent Historie of the Merchant of Venice, with the extreme crueltie of Shylocke the Jew towards the sayd Merchant, in cutting a just pound of his flesh: and the obtayning of Portia by his choyce of three chests, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his servants,First Edit. inlaid oil large paper; 4to. at London, printed by John Roberts, 1600.2001280.The excellent History of the Merchant of Venice, with the extreme crueltie of Shylocke the Jew;First Edit. 4to. inlaid on large paper, printed by John Roberts, 1600.2201281.A most pleasant and excellent conceited Comedie of Syr John Falstaffe and the Merrie Wives of Windsor, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine's Servants.First Edit. 4to. Lond. printed by T.C.1602.28001282.A most pleasant and excellent conceited Comedy of Sir John Falstaffe and the Merry Wives of Windsor, with the swaggering vaine of Antient Pistoll and Corporal Nym,4to. inlaid. Lond.1619.1401283.The Merry Wives of Windsor, with the Humours of Sir John Fallstaffe, also the swaggering Vaine of Ancient Pistoll and Corporal Nym, 4to.Lond. printed by T.H.1630.01061284.A Midsommer Night's Dreame, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine's Servantes, First Edit.impr. at Lond. for Thos. Fisher, 4to. 1600,part of one leaf wanting.251001285.Another copy,First Edit. inlaid, ib.1600.11501286.Much adoe about Nothing, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his Servants,First Edit.4to.ib. printed by Val. Simmes, 1600.251001287.The Tragedy of Othello the Moore of Venice, as acted at the Globe and at the Black Friers, by his Majesties Servants, 4to.Lond. printed by N.O.1622,with MS. notes and various readings by Mr. Steevens.29801288.The Tragedy of Othello the Moore of Venice, as acted at the Globe and at the Black Friers, 4to.Lond. printed by A.M.1630.01301289.Tragedie of Othello;4th Edit.4to.ib.1665.0401290.The Tragedie of King Richard the Second, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his Servants, 4to. Lond.printed by Val. Simmes, 1598.41461291.Tragedie of King Richard the Second, as acted by the Lord Chamberlaine his Servants, 4to.printed by W.W.1608.10001292.The Tragedie of King Richard the Second, with new Additions of the Parliament Scene, and the deposing of King Richard, as acted by his Majestie's Servants at the Globe, 4to.Lond.1615,with MS. notes, &c. by Mr. Steevens.11201293.The Life and Death of King Richard the Second, with new Additions of the Parliament Scene, and the deposing of King Richard, as acted at the Globe by his Majesties Servants, 4to.Lond.1634.0501294.The Tragedie of King Richard the Third, as acted by the Lord Chamberlain his Servants, 4to. Lond.printed by Tho. Creede. 1602.Defective at the end.01001295.The Tragedie of King Richard the Third, containing his treacherous Plots against his Brother Clarence, the pitiful murther of his innocent Nephews, his tirannical usurpation, with the whole course of his detested Life, and most deserved Death, as acted by his Majesties Servants, 4to.Lond. printed by Tho. Creede, 1612,with notes and various readings by Mr. Steevens.1501296.The same, 4to.ib.1629.0701297.Tragedie of King Richard the Third, as acted by the King's Majesties Servants, 4to.ib.1634.0601298.The most excellent and lamentable Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet, 4to.A fragment. Lond.1599.0561299.The same, compleat, inlaid on large paper, 4to.ib., impr. by Tho. Creede, 1599. [Second Edition.]6001300.The same, 4to. Lond. 1609,with MS. notes and readings by Mr. Steevens.2201301.The same, 4to.ib. printed by R. Young, 1637.0901302.A pleasant conceited Historie, called the Taming of the Shrew, as acted by the Earle of Pembroke's Servants.First Edit.4to.inlaid on large paper, ib., printed by V.S.1607.20001303.A wittie and pleasant Comedie, called the Taming of a Shrew, as acted by his Majesties Servants, at the Blacke Friers and the Globe, 4to.,ib., printed by W.S.1631.01101304.The most lamentable Tragedie of Titus Andronicus, as plaide by the King's Majesties Servants, 4to.inlaid, ib., printed for Edward White, 1611.21261305.The History of Troylus and Cresseide, as acted by the King's Majesties Servants at the Globe.First. Edit.4to.,ib., imp. by G. Alde, 1609.51001306.The lamentable Tragedie of Locrine, the eldest sonne of King Brutus, discoursing the Warres of the Brittaines and Hunnes, with ther discomfiture, 4to.ib., printed by Thomas Creede, 1595.3501307.The London Prodigall, as plaide by the King's Majesties Servants, 4to.ib., printed by T.C.1705.1901308.The late and much admired Play called Pericles, Prince of Tyre, with the true relation of the whole Historie and Fortunes of the said Prince, as also the no lesse strange and worthy accidents in the Birth and Life of his Daughter Marianna, acted by his Majesties Servants at the Globe on the Banck-side, 4to.ib., 1609.1201309.Another edition, 4to.ib.1619.01501310.The first part of the true and honourable History of the Life of Sir John Old-castle, the good Lord Cobham, as acted by the Earle of Nottingham his servants, 4to.Lond.1600.01001311.A Yorkshire Tragedy, not so new, as lamentable and true, 4to. Lond. 1619.0901312.(Twenty Plays) published by Mr. Steevens, 6 vols.large paper, ib., 1766.Only 12 copies taken off on large paper5156Editions of Shakspeare's Works.1313.Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies, published according to the true originall copies, by John Heminge and Hen. Condell,fol. russia. Lond. printed by Isaac Juggard and Edwd. Blount. 1623;with a MS. title, and a fac-simile drawing of the portrait by Mr. Steevens.22001314.The same: 2d edit. folio, fine copy morocco, gilt leaves,ib.1632.In this book is the hand writing of King Charles I. by whom it was presented to Sir Tho. Herbert, Master of the Revels.181801315.The same: 3d edit. with the 7 additional Plays, fol., neat and scarce,ib.1664. SeeNote by Mr. Steevens.8801316.The same: 4th edit. 1685, folio.21261326.Hammer's (Sir Tho.) edition; 9 vols. 18mo.Lond.1748.11301327.The same: with cuts, 6 vols. 4to.elegantly bound in hog-skin.1328.Pope and Warburton, 8 vols. 8vo.Lond.1747.1001329.—— —— —— 8 vols. 12mo., with Sir Thos. Hammer's Glossary.Dub.1747.01501330.Capell, (Edw.) 10 vols. 8vo. Lond.printed by Dryden Leach, 1768.2601331.Johnson, (Sam.) 8 vols. 8vo.Lond.1765.11901332.—— and Geo. Steevens, 10 vols. 8vo.ib.1773.21401333.—— —— —— —— in single Plays, 31 vols.boards, ib.11101334.Johnson and Steevens: 10 vols. 2d edit. with Malone's Supplement, 2 vols., and the plates from Bell's edition,ib.1778.41601335.—— —— —— 10 vols. 3d edit.ib.1785.3501336.—— —— —— 4th edit. with a glossarial Index, 15 vols. 8vo.ib.1793.61661337.Malone, (Edm.) 11 vols. 8vo.ib.1790.4801338.—— Another copy, 11 vols. 8vo.ib.41801339.Ran (Jos.) 6 vols. 8vo. Oxf. 1786.11161340.—— with Ayscough's Index, 2 vols. 8vo. russia, marbled leaves, published by Stockdale,ib.1784-90.01561341.Eccles, 2 vols. 8vo.ib.1794.11101342.From the Text of Mr. Malone's edit. by Nichols, 7 vols. 12mo. Lond. 1790.01801343.From the Text of Mr. Steevens, last edit. 8 vols. 12mo.ib.1797.1001344.—— 9 vols. 12mo.ib.1798.1301345.—— 9 vols. 12mo. Birm. by R. Martin.1101346.—— 9 vols. Bell's edit. no plates. Lond. 1774.01801347.—— 20 vols. 18mo. with annotations, Bell's edit. fine paper, with plates, beautiful impressions,ib.1788.81361348.—— 20 vols. 12mo. Bell's edition;large paper, finest possible impressions of the plates, superbly bound in green turkey, double bands, gilt leaves,ib.171701349.The Dramatic Works of; Text corrected by Geo. Steevens, Esq.; published by Boydell and Nichol, in large 4to., 15 nos. with the large and small plates; first and finest impressions, 1791, &c. N.B. Three more numbers complete the work.36461348.Harding, no. 31, l.p. containing 6 prints, with a portrait of Lewis Theobald, as published by Richardson, and some account of him, by Mr. Steevens.0461349.Ditto, ditto.0461350.Traduit de l'Anglois, 2 toms. Par. 1776.0601351.In German, 13 vols. 12mo. Zurich, 1775.01601352.King Lear, Macbeth, Hamlet, Othello, and Julius Cæsar, by Jennings, Lond. 1770.01101353.Macbeth, with Notes by Harry Rowe, 12mo. York, 1797.0161354.—— 8vo. 2d edit.ib.1799.0501355.Antony and Cleopatra, by Edw. Capell; 8vo. Lond. 1758.0101356.1357.The Virgin Queen; a Drama, attempted as a Sequel to Shakspeare's Tempest, by G.F. Waldron, 8vo. 1797.—— Annotations on As You Like it, by Johnson and Steevens, Bell's edit.0101358.—— Another copy1359.Shakspeare's Sonnets, never before imprinted, 4to. at Lond. by G. Ald, 1609.31001360.—— Poems, 8vo.ib.1640.0461361.——Venisand Adonis, 8vo.ib.1602.11161362.Rymer (Tho.) Short View of Tragedy, with Reflection on Shakspeare, &c. 8vo. b. 1698.0161363.Shakspeare restored, by Lewis Theobald, 4to.ib.1726.0461364.Whalley's (Peter) on the Learning of;ib.1748. Remarks on a late edition of Shakspeare, by Zach. Grey,ib.1755, and other Tracts.0861365.Morris (Corbyn) Essay towards fixing the true Standard of Wit, Humour, &c. 8vo.ib.1744.0801366.Critical Observations on, by John Upton; 8vo. 2d edit. Lond. 1748.0161367.—— Illustrated, by Charlotte Lennox; 3 vols. 12mo.ib.1754.0901368.Notes on Shakspeare, by Zachary Grey; 2 vols. 8vo.ib.1734.0301369.Beauties of Shakspeare, by William Dodd, 2 vols. 12mo.ib.1757.0361370.Beauties of Shakspeare, by Wm. Dodd; 3 vols. 12mo.ib.1780.0601371.—— (Revival of) Text, by Heath, 8vo.ib.1765.0101372.Observations and Conjectures on some passages of, by Tho.Trywhit; 8vo. Oxford, 1766.0501373.Farmer (Rich) on the Learning of; 8vo. morocco. Camb. 1767.Only 12 copies on this paper.01601374.—— London. 8vo. 1789, with Mr. Capell's Shakspeariana, 8vo.,only 20 copies printed, 1779.0161375.Malone (Edm.) Letter on, to Dr. Farmer; 8vo.ib.1792.0461376.Letter to David Garrick (on a Glossary to) by Rich. Warner, 8vo.ib.1768.026There were copies of the Catalogue of Steeven's books struck off onlarge paper, on bastardroyal octavo, and inquarto.It remains to say a few words of the celebrated collector of this very curious library. The wit, taste, and classical acquirements ofGeorge Steevensare every where recorded and acknowledged. As an editor of his beloved Shakspeare, he stands unrivalled; for he combined, with much recondite learning and indefatigable research, a polish of style, and vigour of expression, which are rarely found united in the same person. His definitions are sometimes both happy and singular; and his illustrations of ancient customs and manners such as might have been expected from a head so completely furnished, and a hand so thoroughly practised. I will not say that George Steevens has evinced the learning of Selden upon Drayton, or of Bentley upon Phalaris; nor did his erudition, in truth, rise to the lofty and commanding pitch of these his predecessors: nor does there seem much sense or wit in hunting after everypencil-scrapwhich this renowned bibliomaniac committed to paper—as some sadly bitten book-collectors give evidence of. If I have not greatly misunderstood the characteristics of Steevens's writings, they are these—wit, elegance, gaiety, and satire, combined with almost perfect erudition in English dramatic antiquities. Let us give a specimen of his classical elegance in dignifying a subject, which will be relished chiefly byGrangerites. Having learnt that a copy of Skelton's Verses on Elinour Rummin, the famous Ale-wife of England, with her portrait in the title-page, was in the Library of the Cathedral of Lincoln (perhaps, formerly, Captain Coxe's copy; videp. 266, ante), he prevailed on the late Dean, Sir Richard Kaye, to bring the book to London; but as it was not suffered to go from the Dean's possession, Mr. S. was permitted to make afac-similedrawing of the title, at the Dean's house in Harley-street. This drawing he gave to Richardson, the printseller, who engraved and published it among the copies of scarce portraits to illustrate Granger. The acquisition of this rarity produced from him the followingJeu d'Esprit; the merit of which can only be truly appreciated by those who had the pleasure of knowing the eminentPortrait Collectorstherein mentioned, and whose names are printed in capital letters.Eleonora Rediviva.To seek this Nymph among the glorious dead,Tir'd with his search on earth, isGulstonfled:—Still for these charms enamouredMusgravesighs;To clasp these beauties ardentBindleydies:For these (while yet unstaged to public view,)ImpatientBrando'er half the kingdom flew;These, while their bright ideas round him play,From ClassicWestonforce the Roman lay:Oft too, myStorer, Heaven has heard thee swear,Not Gallia's murdered Queen was half so fair:"A new Europa!" cries the exultingBull,"My Granger now, I thank the gods, is full:"—EvenCracherode'sself, whom passions rarely move,At this soft shrine has deign'd to whisper love.—Haste then, ye swains, whoRumming'sform adore,Possess your Eleanour, and sigh no more.It must be admitted that this is at once elegant and happy.We will now say somewhat of the man himself. Mr. Steevens lived in a retired and eligibly situated house, just on the rise of Hampstead Heath. It was paled in; and had, immediately before it, a verdant lawn skirted with a variety of picturesque trees. Formerly, this house has been a tavern, which was known by the name of theUpper Flask: and which my fair readers (if a single female can have the courage to peruse these bibliomaniacal pages) will recollect to have been the same to which Richardson sends Clarissa in one of her escapes from Lovelace. Here Steevens lived, embosomed in books, shrubs, and trees: being either too coy, or too unsociable, to mingle with his neighbours. His habits were indeed peculiar: not much to be envied or imitated; as they sometimes betrayed the flights of a madman, and sometimes the asperities of a cynic. His attachments were warm, but fickle both in choice and duration. He would frequently part from one, with whom he had lived on terms of close intimacy, without any assignable cause; and his enmities, once fixed, were immovable. There was, indeed, a kind of venom in his antipathies; nor would he suffer his ears to be assailed, or his heat to relent, in favour of those against whom he entertained animosities, however capricious and unfounded. Inonepursuit only was he consistent:oneobject only did he woo with an inflexible attachment; and that object wasDameDrama.I have sat behind him, within a few years of his death, and watched his sedulous attention to the performances of strolling players, who used to hire a public room in Hampstead; and towards whom his gallantry was something more substantial than mere admiration and applause: for he would make liberal presents of gloves, shoes, and stockings—especially to the female part of the company. His attention, and even delight, during some of the most wretched exhibitions of the dramatic art, was truly surprising; but he was then drooping under the pressure of age, and what passed before him might serve to remind him of former days, when his discernment was quick and his judgment matured. It is, however, but justice to this distinguished bibliomaniac to add that, in his literary attachments he was not influenced by merely splendid talents or exalted rank. To my predecessorHerbert(for whose memory I may be allowed, at all times, to express a respectful regard) Steevens seems to have shewn marked attention. I am in possession of more than a dozen original letters from him to this typographical antiquary, in which he not only evinces great friendliness of disposition, but betrays an unusual solicitude about the success of Herbert's labours; and, indeed, contributes towards it by nearly a hundred notices of rare and curious books which were unknown to, or imperfectly described by, Herbert himself. At the close of a long letter, in which, amongst much valuable information, there is a curious list ofChurchyard'sPieces—which Steevens urges Herbert to publish—he thus concludes:"Dear Sir,"I know not where the foregoing lists of Churchyard's Pieces can appear with more propriety than in a work like yours; and I therefore venture to recommend them as worth republication. If you publish, from time to time, additions to your book, you may have frequent opportunity of doing similar service to old English literature, by assembling catalogues of the works of scarce, and therefore almost forgotten, authors. By occasional effusions of this kind you will afford much gratification to literary antiquaries, and preserve a constant source of amusement to yourself: for in my opinion, no man is so unhappy as he who is at a loss for something to do. Your present task grows towards an end, and I therefore throw out this hint for your consideration." (July27, 1789.)A little further he adds: "In your vol. ii. p. 1920, you have but an imperfect account ofTyro's'Roaring Megge,' &c. I shall therefore supply it underneath, as the book now lies before me. I have only room left to tell you I am always your very faithfully,G. Steevens." But the bibliomanical spirit of the author of this letter, is attested by yet stronger evidence:Hampstead Heath, August42th, 1780."Sir,"I have borrowed the following books for your use—Dr. Farmer's copy of Ames, with MS. notes by himself, and an interleaved Maunsell's Catalogue, with yet more considerable additions by Baker the antiquary. The latter I have promised to return at the end of this month, as it belongs to our University Library. I should not choose to transmit either of these volumes by any uncertain conveyance; and therefore shall be glad if you will let me know how they may be safely put into your hands. If you can fix a time when you shall be in London, my servant shall wait on you with them; but I must entreat that our library book may be detained as short a time as possible. I flatter myself that it will prove of some service to you, and am,"Your very humble Servant,"G.Steevens."The following was Herbert's reply."Cheshunt, August 20th, 1780."Sir,"As it must give you great satisfaction to know that the books were received safe by me last night, it affords me equal pleasure to send you the earliest assurance of it. I thank you sincerely for the liberty you have allowed me of keeping them till I come to London, on Monday, the 4th of September; when I shall bring them with me, and hope to return them safe at Mr. Longman's, between 10 and 11 o'clock; where, if it may be convenient to you, I shall be very happy to meet you, and personally to thank you for the kind assistance you have afforded me. If that may not suit you, I will gladly wait on you where you shall appoint by a line left there for me; and shall ever esteem myself,"Your most obliged humble Servant,"W. Herbert."The following, and the last, epistolary specimen of the renowned G. Steevens—with which I shall treat my reader—is of a general gossipping black-letter cast; and was written two years before the preceding.Hampstead Heath, June 26th, 1788."Dear Sir,"A desire to know how you do, and why so long a time has elapsed since you were seen in London, together with a few queries which necessity compels me to trouble you with, must be my apology for this invasion of your retirement. Can you furnish me with a transcript of the title-page to Watson's Sonnets or Love Passions, 4to. bl. l.? As they are not mentioned by Puttenham, in 1589, they must, I think, have appeared after that year. Can you likewise afford me any account of a Collection of Poems, bl. l., 4to. by one John Southern? They are addressed 'to the ryght honourable the Earle of Oxenforde;' the famous Vere, who was so much a favourite with Queen Elizabeth. This book, which contains only four sheets, consists of Odes, Epitaphs, Sonnets to Diana, &c. I bought both these books, which seem to be uncommonly rare, at the late sale of Major Pearson's Library. They are defective in their title-pages, and without your assistance must, in all probability, continue imperfect. Give me leave to add my sincere hope that your long absence from London has not been the result of indisposition, and that you will forgive this interruption in your studies, from"Your very faithful and obedient Servant,"Geo. Steevens.""P.S. I hope your third volume is in the press, as it is very much enquired after."It is now time to bid farewell to the subject of this tremendous note; and most sincerely do I wish I could 'draw the curtain' upon it, and say 'good night,' with as much cheerfulness and satisfactionatAtterbury did upon the close of his professional labours. But the latter moments ofSteevenswere moments of mental anguish. He grew not only irritable, but outrageous; and, in full possession of his faculties, he raved in a manner which could have been expected only from a creature bred up without notions of morality or religion. Neither complacency nor 'joyful hope' soothed his bed of death. His language was, too frequently, the language of imprecation; and his wishes and apprehensions such as no rational Christian can think upon without agony of heart. Although I am not disposed to admit the whole of the testimony of the good woman who watched by his bed-side, and paid him, when dead, the last melancholy attentions of her office—although my prejudices (as they may be called) will not allow me to believe that the windows shook, and that strange noises and deep groans were heard at midnight in his room—yet no creature of common sense (and this woman possessed the quality in an eminent degree) could mistake oaths for prayers, or boisterous treatment for calm and gentle usage. If it be said—why"draw his frailties from their drear abode?"the answer is obvious, and, I should hope, irrefragable. A duty, and a sacred one too, is dueto the living. Past examples operate upon future ones: and posterity ought to know, in the instance of this accomplished scholar and literary antiquary, that neither the sharpest wit, nor the most delicate intellectual refinement, can, alone, afford a man 'peace at the last.' The vessel of human existence must be secured by other anchors than these, when the storm of death approaches!
[409]If Lysander's efforts begin to relax—what must be the debilitated mental state of the poor annotator, who has accompanied the book-orator thus long and thus laboriously? CanSteevensreceive justice atmyhands—when my friends, aided by hot madeira, and beauty's animating glances, acknowledge their exhausted state of intellect?! However, I will make an effort:
The respectable compiler of theGentleman's Magazine, vol. lxx. p. 178, has given us some amusing particulars of Steevens's literary life: of his coming from Hampstead to London, at the chill break of day, when the overhanging clouds were yet charged with the 'inky' purple of night—in order, like a true book-chevalier, to embrace the first dank impression, or proof sheet, of his own famous octavo edition ofShakspeare; and of Mr. Bulmer's sumptuous impression of the text of the same. All this is well enough, and savours of the proper spirit ofBibliomaniacism: and the edition of our immortal bard, in fifteen well printed octavo volumes, (1793) is a splendid and durable monument of the researches of George Steevens. There were from 20 to 25 copies of the octavo edition printed uponlarge paper; and Lord Spencer possesses, by bequest, Mr. Steevens' own copy of the same, illustrated with a great number of rare and precious prints; to which, however, his Lordship, with his usual zeal and taste, has made additions more valuable even than the gift in its original form. The 8vo. edition of 1793 is covetted with an eagerness of which it is not very easy to account for the cause; since the subsequent one of 1803, in 21 octavo volumes, is more useful on many accounts: and contains Steevens's corrections and additions in every play, as well as 177, in particular, in that of Macbeth. But I am well aware of the stubbornness and petulancy with which the previous edition is contended for in point of superiority, both round a private and public table; and, leaving the collector to revel in the luxury of an uncut, half-bound, morocco copy of the same, I push onward to a description of theBibliotheca Steevensiana. Yet a parting word respecting this edition of 1803. I learn, from unquestionable authority, that Steevens stipulated with the publishers that they should pay Mr. Reed 300l.for editorship, and 100l.to Mr. W. Harris, Librarian of the Royal Institution, for correcting the press: nor has the editor in his preface parted from the truth, in acknowledging Mr. Harris to be 'an able andvigilandassistant.' Mr. H. retained, for some time, Steevens' corrected copy of his own edition of 1793, but he afterwards disposed of it, by public auction, for 28l.He has also at this present moment, Mr. Josiah Boydell's copy of Mr. Felton's picture of our immortal bard; with the following inscription, painted on the back of the pannel, by Mr. Steevens:
The engraved portrait of Shakspeare, prefixed to this edition of 1803, is by no means a faithful resemblance of Mr. Boydell's admirably executed copy in oil. The expenses of the edition amounted to 5844l.; but no copies now remain with the publishers. We will now give rather a copious, and, as it must be acknowledged, rich, sprinkling of specimens from theBibliotheca Steevensiana, in the departments of rareold poetryandthe drama. But first let us describe the title to the catalogue of the same.A Catalogue of the curious and valuable Library ofGeorge Steevens,Esq., Fellow of the Royal and Antiquary Societies (Lately deceased). Comprehending an extraordinary fine Collection of Books, &c., sold by auction by Mr. King, in King Street, Covent Garden, May, 1800. 8vo. [1943 articles: amount of sale 2740l.15s.]
Old Poetry.
The Drama; and early Plays of Shakespeare.
Early Plays of Shakspeare.
Editions of Shakspeare's Works.
There were copies of the Catalogue of Steeven's books struck off onlarge paper, on bastardroyal octavo, and inquarto.
It remains to say a few words of the celebrated collector of this very curious library. The wit, taste, and classical acquirements ofGeorge Steevensare every where recorded and acknowledged. As an editor of his beloved Shakspeare, he stands unrivalled; for he combined, with much recondite learning and indefatigable research, a polish of style, and vigour of expression, which are rarely found united in the same person. His definitions are sometimes both happy and singular; and his illustrations of ancient customs and manners such as might have been expected from a head so completely furnished, and a hand so thoroughly practised. I will not say that George Steevens has evinced the learning of Selden upon Drayton, or of Bentley upon Phalaris; nor did his erudition, in truth, rise to the lofty and commanding pitch of these his predecessors: nor does there seem much sense or wit in hunting after everypencil-scrapwhich this renowned bibliomaniac committed to paper—as some sadly bitten book-collectors give evidence of. If I have not greatly misunderstood the characteristics of Steevens's writings, they are these—wit, elegance, gaiety, and satire, combined with almost perfect erudition in English dramatic antiquities. Let us give a specimen of his classical elegance in dignifying a subject, which will be relished chiefly byGrangerites. Having learnt that a copy of Skelton's Verses on Elinour Rummin, the famous Ale-wife of England, with her portrait in the title-page, was in the Library of the Cathedral of Lincoln (perhaps, formerly, Captain Coxe's copy; videp. 266, ante), he prevailed on the late Dean, Sir Richard Kaye, to bring the book to London; but as it was not suffered to go from the Dean's possession, Mr. S. was permitted to make afac-similedrawing of the title, at the Dean's house in Harley-street. This drawing he gave to Richardson, the printseller, who engraved and published it among the copies of scarce portraits to illustrate Granger. The acquisition of this rarity produced from him the followingJeu d'Esprit; the merit of which can only be truly appreciated by those who had the pleasure of knowing the eminentPortrait Collectorstherein mentioned, and whose names are printed in capital letters.
Eleonora Rediviva.
It must be admitted that this is at once elegant and happy.
We will now say somewhat of the man himself. Mr. Steevens lived in a retired and eligibly situated house, just on the rise of Hampstead Heath. It was paled in; and had, immediately before it, a verdant lawn skirted with a variety of picturesque trees. Formerly, this house has been a tavern, which was known by the name of theUpper Flask: and which my fair readers (if a single female can have the courage to peruse these bibliomaniacal pages) will recollect to have been the same to which Richardson sends Clarissa in one of her escapes from Lovelace. Here Steevens lived, embosomed in books, shrubs, and trees: being either too coy, or too unsociable, to mingle with his neighbours. His habits were indeed peculiar: not much to be envied or imitated; as they sometimes betrayed the flights of a madman, and sometimes the asperities of a cynic. His attachments were warm, but fickle both in choice and duration. He would frequently part from one, with whom he had lived on terms of close intimacy, without any assignable cause; and his enmities, once fixed, were immovable. There was, indeed, a kind of venom in his antipathies; nor would he suffer his ears to be assailed, or his heat to relent, in favour of those against whom he entertained animosities, however capricious and unfounded. Inonepursuit only was he consistent:oneobject only did he woo with an inflexible attachment; and that object wasDameDrama.
I have sat behind him, within a few years of his death, and watched his sedulous attention to the performances of strolling players, who used to hire a public room in Hampstead; and towards whom his gallantry was something more substantial than mere admiration and applause: for he would make liberal presents of gloves, shoes, and stockings—especially to the female part of the company. His attention, and even delight, during some of the most wretched exhibitions of the dramatic art, was truly surprising; but he was then drooping under the pressure of age, and what passed before him might serve to remind him of former days, when his discernment was quick and his judgment matured. It is, however, but justice to this distinguished bibliomaniac to add that, in his literary attachments he was not influenced by merely splendid talents or exalted rank. To my predecessorHerbert(for whose memory I may be allowed, at all times, to express a respectful regard) Steevens seems to have shewn marked attention. I am in possession of more than a dozen original letters from him to this typographical antiquary, in which he not only evinces great friendliness of disposition, but betrays an unusual solicitude about the success of Herbert's labours; and, indeed, contributes towards it by nearly a hundred notices of rare and curious books which were unknown to, or imperfectly described by, Herbert himself. At the close of a long letter, in which, amongst much valuable information, there is a curious list ofChurchyard'sPieces—which Steevens urges Herbert to publish—he thus concludes:
"Dear Sir,"I know not where the foregoing lists of Churchyard's Pieces can appear with more propriety than in a work like yours; and I therefore venture to recommend them as worth republication. If you publish, from time to time, additions to your book, you may have frequent opportunity of doing similar service to old English literature, by assembling catalogues of the works of scarce, and therefore almost forgotten, authors. By occasional effusions of this kind you will afford much gratification to literary antiquaries, and preserve a constant source of amusement to yourself: for in my opinion, no man is so unhappy as he who is at a loss for something to do. Your present task grows towards an end, and I therefore throw out this hint for your consideration." (July27, 1789.)
"Dear Sir,
"I know not where the foregoing lists of Churchyard's Pieces can appear with more propriety than in a work like yours; and I therefore venture to recommend them as worth republication. If you publish, from time to time, additions to your book, you may have frequent opportunity of doing similar service to old English literature, by assembling catalogues of the works of scarce, and therefore almost forgotten, authors. By occasional effusions of this kind you will afford much gratification to literary antiquaries, and preserve a constant source of amusement to yourself: for in my opinion, no man is so unhappy as he who is at a loss for something to do. Your present task grows towards an end, and I therefore throw out this hint for your consideration." (July27, 1789.)
A little further he adds: "In your vol. ii. p. 1920, you have but an imperfect account ofTyro's'Roaring Megge,' &c. I shall therefore supply it underneath, as the book now lies before me. I have only room left to tell you I am always your very faithfully,G. Steevens." But the bibliomanical spirit of the author of this letter, is attested by yet stronger evidence:
Hampstead Heath, August42th, 1780."Sir,"I have borrowed the following books for your use—Dr. Farmer's copy of Ames, with MS. notes by himself, and an interleaved Maunsell's Catalogue, with yet more considerable additions by Baker the antiquary. The latter I have promised to return at the end of this month, as it belongs to our University Library. I should not choose to transmit either of these volumes by any uncertain conveyance; and therefore shall be glad if you will let me know how they may be safely put into your hands. If you can fix a time when you shall be in London, my servant shall wait on you with them; but I must entreat that our library book may be detained as short a time as possible. I flatter myself that it will prove of some service to you, and am,"Your very humble Servant,"G.Steevens."
Hampstead Heath, August42th, 1780.
"Sir,
"I have borrowed the following books for your use—Dr. Farmer's copy of Ames, with MS. notes by himself, and an interleaved Maunsell's Catalogue, with yet more considerable additions by Baker the antiquary. The latter I have promised to return at the end of this month, as it belongs to our University Library. I should not choose to transmit either of these volumes by any uncertain conveyance; and therefore shall be glad if you will let me know how they may be safely put into your hands. If you can fix a time when you shall be in London, my servant shall wait on you with them; but I must entreat that our library book may be detained as short a time as possible. I flatter myself that it will prove of some service to you, and am,
"Your very humble Servant,
"G.Steevens."
The following was Herbert's reply.
"Cheshunt, August 20th, 1780."Sir,"As it must give you great satisfaction to know that the books were received safe by me last night, it affords me equal pleasure to send you the earliest assurance of it. I thank you sincerely for the liberty you have allowed me of keeping them till I come to London, on Monday, the 4th of September; when I shall bring them with me, and hope to return them safe at Mr. Longman's, between 10 and 11 o'clock; where, if it may be convenient to you, I shall be very happy to meet you, and personally to thank you for the kind assistance you have afforded me. If that may not suit you, I will gladly wait on you where you shall appoint by a line left there for me; and shall ever esteem myself,"Your most obliged humble Servant,"W. Herbert."
"Cheshunt, August 20th, 1780.
"Sir,
"As it must give you great satisfaction to know that the books were received safe by me last night, it affords me equal pleasure to send you the earliest assurance of it. I thank you sincerely for the liberty you have allowed me of keeping them till I come to London, on Monday, the 4th of September; when I shall bring them with me, and hope to return them safe at Mr. Longman's, between 10 and 11 o'clock; where, if it may be convenient to you, I shall be very happy to meet you, and personally to thank you for the kind assistance you have afforded me. If that may not suit you, I will gladly wait on you where you shall appoint by a line left there for me; and shall ever esteem myself,
"Your most obliged humble Servant,
"W. Herbert."
The following, and the last, epistolary specimen of the renowned G. Steevens—with which I shall treat my reader—is of a general gossipping black-letter cast; and was written two years before the preceding.
Hampstead Heath, June 26th, 1788."Dear Sir,"A desire to know how you do, and why so long a time has elapsed since you were seen in London, together with a few queries which necessity compels me to trouble you with, must be my apology for this invasion of your retirement. Can you furnish me with a transcript of the title-page to Watson's Sonnets or Love Passions, 4to. bl. l.? As they are not mentioned by Puttenham, in 1589, they must, I think, have appeared after that year. Can you likewise afford me any account of a Collection of Poems, bl. l., 4to. by one John Southern? They are addressed 'to the ryght honourable the Earle of Oxenforde;' the famous Vere, who was so much a favourite with Queen Elizabeth. This book, which contains only four sheets, consists of Odes, Epitaphs, Sonnets to Diana, &c. I bought both these books, which seem to be uncommonly rare, at the late sale of Major Pearson's Library. They are defective in their title-pages, and without your assistance must, in all probability, continue imperfect. Give me leave to add my sincere hope that your long absence from London has not been the result of indisposition, and that you will forgive this interruption in your studies, from"Your very faithful and obedient Servant,"Geo. Steevens.""P.S. I hope your third volume is in the press, as it is very much enquired after."
Hampstead Heath, June 26th, 1788.
"Dear Sir,
"A desire to know how you do, and why so long a time has elapsed since you were seen in London, together with a few queries which necessity compels me to trouble you with, must be my apology for this invasion of your retirement. Can you furnish me with a transcript of the title-page to Watson's Sonnets or Love Passions, 4to. bl. l.? As they are not mentioned by Puttenham, in 1589, they must, I think, have appeared after that year. Can you likewise afford me any account of a Collection of Poems, bl. l., 4to. by one John Southern? They are addressed 'to the ryght honourable the Earle of Oxenforde;' the famous Vere, who was so much a favourite with Queen Elizabeth. This book, which contains only four sheets, consists of Odes, Epitaphs, Sonnets to Diana, &c. I bought both these books, which seem to be uncommonly rare, at the late sale of Major Pearson's Library. They are defective in their title-pages, and without your assistance must, in all probability, continue imperfect. Give me leave to add my sincere hope that your long absence from London has not been the result of indisposition, and that you will forgive this interruption in your studies, from
"Your very faithful and obedient Servant,
"Geo. Steevens."
"P.S. I hope your third volume is in the press, as it is very much enquired after."
It is now time to bid farewell to the subject of this tremendous note; and most sincerely do I wish I could 'draw the curtain' upon it, and say 'good night,' with as much cheerfulness and satisfactionatAtterbury did upon the close of his professional labours. But the latter moments ofSteevenswere moments of mental anguish. He grew not only irritable, but outrageous; and, in full possession of his faculties, he raved in a manner which could have been expected only from a creature bred up without notions of morality or religion. Neither complacency nor 'joyful hope' soothed his bed of death. His language was, too frequently, the language of imprecation; and his wishes and apprehensions such as no rational Christian can think upon without agony of heart. Although I am not disposed to admit the whole of the testimony of the good woman who watched by his bed-side, and paid him, when dead, the last melancholy attentions of her office—although my prejudices (as they may be called) will not allow me to believe that the windows shook, and that strange noises and deep groans were heard at midnight in his room—yet no creature of common sense (and this woman possessed the quality in an eminent degree) could mistake oaths for prayers, or boisterous treatment for calm and gentle usage. If it be said—why
"draw his frailties from their drear abode?"
the answer is obvious, and, I should hope, irrefragable. A duty, and a sacred one too, is dueto the living. Past examples operate upon future ones: and posterity ought to know, in the instance of this accomplished scholar and literary antiquary, that neither the sharpest wit, nor the most delicate intellectual refinement, can, alone, afford a man 'peace at the last.' The vessel of human existence must be secured by other anchors than these, when the storm of death approaches!
Loren.You have seen a few similar copies in the library; which I obtained after a strenuous effort. Therewas certainly a very great degree of Book-Madness exhibited at the sale of Steevens's library—and yet I remember to have witnessed stronger symptoms of the Bibliomania!
Lis.Can it be possible? Does this madness
'Grow with our growth, and strengthen with our strength?'
Will not such volcanic fury burn out in time?
Phil.You prevent Lysander from resuming, by the number and rapidity of your interrogatories. Revert to your first question.
Lis.Truly, I forget it. But proceed with your history, Lysander; and pardon my abruptness.
Lysand.Upon condition that you promise not to interrupt me again this evening?
Lis.I pledge my word. Proceed.
Lysand.Having dispatched our account of the sale of the last-mentioned distinguished book-collector, I proceed with my historical survey: tho', indeed, it is hightime to close this tedious bibliomaniacal history. The hour of midnight has gone by:—and yet I will notslur overmy account of the remaining characters of respectability.
The collections ofStrange[410]and Woodhouse are next, in routine, to be noticed. The catalogue of the library of the former is a great favourite of mine: the departments into which the books are divided, and the compendious descriptions of the volumes, together with the extent and variety of the collection, may afford considerable assistance to judicious bibliomaniacs. PoorWoodhouse:[411]thy zeal outran thy wit: thou wert indefatigable in thy search after rare and preciousprints and books; and thy very choice collection of both is a convincingproof that, where there is wealth and zeal, opportunities in abundance will be found for the gratification of that darling passion, or insanity, now called by the name of Bibliomania!