Chapter XXXV: Part VI: =The Alcove.= (1)

SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA.----PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE.

"One saith this booke is too long: another, too short: the
third, of due length; and for fine phrase and style, the
like [of] that booke was not made a great while. It is all
lies, said another; the booke is starke naught."

_Choice of Change_; 1585. 4to., sign. N. i.

=The Alcove.=

SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA.----PROBABLE MEANS OF ITS CURE.

Softly blew the breeze, and merrily sung the lark, when Lisardo quitted his bed-chamber at seven in the morning, and rang lustily at my outer gate for admission. So early a visitor put the whole house in commotion; nor was it without betraying some marks of peevishness and irritability that, on being informed of his arrival, I sent word by the servant to know what might be the cause of such an interruption. The reader will readily forgive this trait of harshness and precipitancy, on my part, when he is informed that I was then just enjoying the "honey dew" of sleep, after many wakeful and restless hours.

Lisardo's name was announced: and his voice, conveyed in the sound of song-singing, from the bottom of the garden, left the name of the visitor no longer in doubt. I made an effort, and sprung from my bed; and, on looking through the venetian blinds, I discovered our young bibliomaniacal convert with a book sticking out of his pocket, another half opened in his hand (upon which his eyes were occasionally cast), and a third kept firmly under his left arm. I thrust my head, "night-cap, tassel and all," out of window, and hailed him; not, however, before a delicious breeze, wafted over a bed of mignonette, had electrified me in a manner the most agreeable imaginable.

Lisardo heard, and hailed me in return. His eyes sparkled with joy; his step was quick and elastic; and an unusual degree of animation seemed to pervade his whole frame. "Here," says he, "here is _The British Bibliographer_[414] in my hand, a volume of Mr. Beloe's _Anecdotes of Literature and Scarce Books_ in my pocket, while another, of Mr. D'Israeli's _Curiosities of Literature_, is kept snugly under my arm, as a corps de reserve, or rallying point. If these things savour not of bibliography, I must despair of ever attaining to the exalted character of a Bibliomaniac!"

[Footnote 414: _The British Bibliographer_ is a periodical
publication; being a continuation of a similar work under
the less popular title of _The Censura Literaria_;
concerning which see p. 52, ante. It is a pity that Mr.
Savage does not continue his _British Librarian_; (of which
18 numbers are already published) as it forms a creditable
supplement to Oldys's work under a similar title; vide p.
51, ante. A few of the ensuing numbers might be well devoted
to an analysis of _Sir William Dugdale's_ works, with
correct lists of the plates in the same.]

"You are up betimes," said I. "What dream has disturbed your rest?" "None" replied he; "but the most delightful visions have appeared to me during my sleep. Since you left Lorenzo's, I have sipt nectar with Leland, and drunk punch with Bagford. Richard Murray has given me a copy of Rastell's _Pastime of People_,[415] and Thomas Britton has bequeathed to me an entire library of the Rosicrusian[416] philosophy. Moreover, the venerable form of Sir Thomas Bodley has approached me; reminding me of my solemn promise to spend a few autumnal weeks,[417] in the ensuing year, within the precincts of his grand library. In short, half the bibliomaniacs, whom Lysander so enthusiastically commended last night, have paid their devoirs to me in my dreams, and nothing could be more handsome than their conduct towards me."

[Footnote 415: The reader may have met with some slight
notices of this curious work in pp. 331; 337; 385; 392; 417;
ante.]

[Footnote 416: See p. 332, ante.]

[Footnote 417: See p. 49, ante.]

This discourse awakened my friends, Lysander and Philemon; who each, from different rooms, put their heads out of window, and hailed the newly-risen sun with night caps which might have been mistaken for Persian turbans. Such an unexpected sight caused Lisardo to burst out into a fit of laughter, and to banter my guests in his usual strain of vivacity. But on our promising him that we would speedily join his peripatetic bibliographical reveries, he gave a turn towards the left, and was quickly lost in a grove of Acacia and Laurustinus. For my part, instead of keeping this promise, I instinctively sought my bed; and found the observation of Franklin,--of air-bathing being favourable to slumber,--abundantly verified--for I was hardly settled under the clothes 'ere I fell asleep: and, leaving my guests to make good their appointment with my visitor, I enjoyed a sweet slumber of more than two hours.

As early rising produces a keen appetite for bodily, as well as mental, gratification, I found my companions clamorous for their breakfast. A little before ten o'clock, we were all prepared to make a formal attack upon muffins, cake, coffee, tea, eggs, and cold tongue. The window was thrown open; and through the branches of the clustering vine, which covered the upper part of it, the sun shot a warmer ray; while the spicy fragrance from surrounding parterres, and jessamine bowers, made even such bibliomaniacs as my guests forgetful of the gaily-coated volumes which surrounded them. At length the conversation was systematically commenced on the part of Lysander.

LYSAND. To-morrow, Philemon and myself take our departure. We would willingly have staid the week; but business of a pressing nature calls _him_ to Manchester--and _myself_ to Bristol and Exeter.

LIS. Some bookseller,[418] I warrant, has published a thumping catalogue at each of these places. Ha!--here I have you, sober-minded Lysander! You are as arrant a book-madman as any of those renowned bibliomaniacs whom you celebrated yesterday evening!--Yet, if you love me, take me with you! My pistoles are not exhausted.

[Footnote 418: I ought to have noticed, under Lysander's
eulogy upon _London Booksellers_ (see p. 308, ante) the very
handsome manner in which Mr. Roscoe alludes to their
valuable catalogues--as having been of service to him in
directing his researches into foreign literature. His words
are these: "The rich and extensive Catalogues published by
EDWARDS, PAYNE, and other _London Booksellers_, who have of
late years diligently sought for, and imported into England,
whatever is curious or valuable in foreign literature, have
also contributed to the success of my inquiries." _Lorenzo
de Medici_: pref. p. XXVII., edit. 1800, 8vo.]

PHIL. Peace, Lisardo!--but you are, in truth, a bit of a prophet. It is even as you surmise. We have each received a forwarded letter, informing us of very choice and copious collections of books about to be sold at these respective places. While I take my departure for Mr. Ford of Manchester, Lorenzo is about to visit the book-treasures of Mr. Dyer of Exeter, and Mr. Gutch of Bristol:--but, indeed, were not this the case, our abode here must terminate on the morrow.

LIS. I suppose the names you have just mentioned describe the principal booksellers at the several places you intend visiting.

LYSAND. Even so: yet I will make no disparaging comparisons.[419] We speak only of what has come within our limited experience. There may be many brave and sagacious bibliopolists whose fame has not reached our ears, nor perhaps has any one of the present circle ever heard of the late Mr. Miller of Bungay;[420] who, as I remember my father to have said, in spite of blindness and multifarious occupations, attached himself to the book-selling trade with inconceivable ardour and success. But a word, Lisardo!

[Footnote 419: Lysander is right. Since the note upon Mr.
Ford's catalogue of 1810 was written (see p. 123, ante), the
same bookseller has put forth another voluminous catalogue,
of nine thousand and odd articles; forming, with the
preceding, 15,729 lots. This is doing wonders for a
provincial town; and that a _commercial_ one!! Of Mr.
Gutch's spirit and enterprise some mention has been made
before at p. 404, ante. He is, as yet, hardly _mellowed_ in
his business; but a few years only will display him as
thoroughly _ripened_ as any of his brethren. He comes from a
worthy stock; long known at our _Alma Mater
Oxoniensis_:--and as a dutiful son of my University Mother,
and in common with every one who is acquainted with his
respectable family, I wish him all the success which he
merits. Mr. George Dyer of Exeter is a distinguished
_veteran_ in the book-trade: his catalogue of 1810, in two
parts, containing 19,945 articles, has, I think, never been
equalled by that of any provincial bookseller, for the value
and singularity of the greater number of the volumes
described in it. As Lysander had mentioned the foregoing
book-vending gentlemen, I conceived myself justified in
_appending_ this note. I could speak with pleasure and
profit of the catalogues of booksellers to the _north of the
Tweed_--(see p. 415, ante); but for fear of awaking all the
frightful passions of wrath, jealousy, envy--I stop:
declaring, from the bottom of my heart, in the language of
an auld northern bard:

I hait flatterie; and into wourdis plane,
And unaffectit language, I delyte:

(_Quod Maister Alexander Arbothnat; in anno_ 1572.)]

[Footnote 420: There is something so original in the
bibliomanical character of the above-mentioned Mr. Miller
that I trust the reader will forgive my saying a word or two
concerning him. Thomas Miller of Bungay, in Suffolk, was
born in 1731, and died in 1804. He was put apprentice to a
grocer in Norwich: but neither the fragrance of spices and
teas, nor the lusciousness of plums and figs, could seduce
young Miller from his darling passion of reading, and of
buying odd volumes of the _Gentleman's_ and _Universal
Magazine_ with his spare money. His genius was, however,
sufficiently versatile to embrace both trades; for in 1755,
he set up for himself in the character of _Grocer_ and
_Bookseller_. I have heard Mr. Otridge, of the Strand,
discourse most eloquently upon the brilliant manner in which
Mr. Miller conducted his complicated concerns; and which,
latterly, were devoted entirely to the _Bibliomania_.
Although Bungay was too small and obscure for a spirit like
Miller's to disclose its full powers, yet he continued in it
till his death; and added a love of portrait and coin, to
that of book, collecting. For fifty years his stock, in
these twin departments, was copious and respectable; and
notwithstanding total blindness, which afflicted him during
the last six years of his life, he displayed uncommon
cheerfulness, activity, and even skill in knowing where the
different classes of books were arranged in his shop. Mr.
Miller was a warm loyalist, and an enthusiastic admirer of
Mr. Pitt. In 1795, when provincial copper coins were very
prevalent, our bibliomaniac caused a die of himself to be
struck; intending to strike some impressions of it upon gold
and silver, as well as upon copper. He began with the
latter; and the die breaking when only 23 impressions were
struck off, Miller, in the true spirit of numismatical
_virtû_, declined having a fresh one made. View here, gentle
reader, a wood-cut taken from the same: "This coin, which is
very finely engraved, and bears a strong profile likeness of
himself, is known to collectors by the name of 'THE MILLER
HALFPENNY.' Mr. Miller was extremely careful into whose
hands the impressions went; and they are now become so rare
as to produce at sales from three to five guineas."
_Gentleman's Magazine_; vol. lxxiv., p. 664.

]

LIS. Twenty, if you please.

LYSAND. What are become of Malvolio's busts and statues, of which you were so solicitous to attend the sale, not long ago?

LIS. I care not a brass farthing for them:--only I do rather wish that I had purchased the Count de Neny's _Catalogue of the Printed Books and Manscripts [Transcriber's Note: Manuscripts] in the Royal Library of France_. That golden opportunity is irrevocably lost!

PHIL. You wished for these books, to _set fire_ to them perhaps--keeping up the ancient custom so solemnly established by your father?[421]

[Footnote 421: The reader may not object to turn for one
moment to p. 27, ante.]

LIS. No more of this heart-rending subject! I thought I had made ample atonement.

LYSAND. 'Tis true: and so we forgive and forget. Happy change!--and all hail this salubrious morning, which witnesses the complete and effectual conversion of Lisardo! Instead of laughing at our book-hobbies, and ridiculing all bibliographical studies--which, even by a bibliographer in the dry department of the law, have been rather eloquently defended and enforced[422]--behold this young bibliomaniacal chevalier, not daunted by the rough handling of a London Book-Auction, anxious to mount his courser, and scour the provincial fields of bibliography! Happy change! From my heart I congratulate you!

[Footnote 422: "Our nation (says Mr. Bridgeman) has been too
inattentive to bibliographical criticisms and enquiries;
for, generally, the English reader is obliged to resort to
foreign writers to satisfy his mind as to the value of
authors. It behoves us, however, to consider that there is
not a more useful, or a more desirable branch of education
than a knowledge of books; which, being correctly attained,
and judiciously exercised, will prove the touchstone of
intrinsic merit, and have the effect of saving many a
spotless page from prostitution." _Legal Bibliography_;
1807, 8vo. (To the reader.)]

LIS. From the bottom of mine, I congratulate you, Lysander, upon the resuming of your wonted spirits! I had imagined that the efforts of yesterday would have completely exhausted you. How rapturously do I look forward for the SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA to be told this morning in Lorenzo's ALCOVE! You have not forgotten your promise!

LYSAND. No, indeed; but if I am able to do justice to the elucidation of so important a subject, it will be in consequence of having enjoyed a placid, though somewhat transient, slumber: notwithstanding the occurrence of a very uncommon _dream_!

LIS. "I dreamt a dream last night;" which has been already told--but what was yours?

LYSAND. Nay, it is silly to entertain one another with stories of phantastic visions of the night. I have known the most placid-bosomed men grow downright angry at the very introduction of such a discourse.

PHIL. That may be; but we have, luckily, no such _placidly-moulded_ bosoms in the present society. I love this sort of gossipping during breakfast, of all things. If our host permit, do give us your dream, Lysander!

LIS. The dream!--The dream!--I entreat you.

LYSAND. I fear you will fall asleep, and dream yourself, before the recital of it be concluded. But I will get through it as well as I can.

Methought I was gently lifted from the ground into the air by a being of very superior size, but of an inexpressible sweetness of countenance. Although astonished by the singularity of my situation, I was far from giving way entirely to fear; but, with a mixture of anxiety and resignation, awaited the issue of the event. My Guide or Protector (for so this being must now be called) looked upon me with an air of tenderness, mingled with reproof; intimating, as I conceived, that the same superior Power, which had thus transported me above my natural element, would of necessity keep me in safety. This quieted my apprehensions.

We had travelled together through an immensity of space, and could discover the world below as one small darkened spot, when my Guide interrupted the awful silence that had been preserved, by the following exclamation: "Approach, O man, the place of thy destination--compose thy perturbed spirits, and let all thy senses be awakened to a proper understanding of the scene which thou art about to behold." So saying, he moved along with an indescribable velocity; and while my eyes were dazzled by an unusual effulgence of light, I found myself at rest upon a solid seat--formed of crystal, of prodigious magnitude.

My guide then fixed himself at my right hand, and after a vehement ejaculation, accompanied by gestures, which had the effect of enchantment upon me, he extended a sceptre of massive gold, decorated with emeralds and sapphires. Immediately there rose up a MIRROR of gigantic dimensions, around which was inscribed, in fifty languages, the word "TRUTH." I sat in mute astonishment. "Examine," said my Guide, with a voice the most encouraging imaginable, "examine the objects reflected upon the surface of this mirror." "There are none that are discernible to my eyes," I replied. "Thou shalt soon be gratified then," resumed this extraordinary being (with a severe smile upon his countenance), "but first let me purge thine eyes from those films of prejudice which, in the world you inhabit, are apt to intercept the light of TRUTH." He then took a handful of aromatic herbs, and, rubbing them gently upon my temples, gave me the power of contemplating, with perfect discernment, the objects before me.

Wonderful indeed was this scene: for upon the surface of the MIRROR the whole world seemed to be reflected! At first, I could not controul my feelings: but, like a child that springs forward to seize an object greatly beyond its grasp, I made an effort to leave my seat, and to _mingle_ in the extraordinary scene. Here, however, my guide interfered--and, in a manner the most peremptory and decisive, forbade all further participation of it. "_View_ it attentively," replied he, "and impress firmly on thy memory what thou shalt see--it may solace thee the remainder of thy days."

The authoritative air, with which these words were delivered, quite repressed and unnerved me. I obeyed, and intently viewed the objects before me. The first thing that surprised me was the representation of all the metropolitan cities of Europe. London, Paris, Vienna, Berlin, and Petersburg, in particular, occupied my attention; and, what was still _more_ surprising, I seemed to be perfect master of every event going on in them--but more particularly of the transactions of _Bodies Corporate_. I saw Presidents in their chairs, with Secretaries and Treasurers by their sides; and to whatever observations were made the most implicit attention was paid. Here, an eloquent Lecturer was declaiming upon the beauty of morality, and the deformity of vice: there, a scientific Professor was unlocking the hidden treasures of nature, and explaining how Providence, in all its measures, was equally wonderful and wise. The experiments which ensued, and which corroborated his ingenious and profound remarks, suspended a well-informed audience in rapturous attention; which was followed by instinctive bursts of applause.

Again I turned my eyes, and, contiguous to this scene, viewed the proceedings of two learned sister Societies, distinguished for their labours in _Philosophy_ and _Antiquity_. Methought I saw the spirits of NEWTON and of DUGDALE, looking down with complacency upon them, and congratulating each other upon the _general_ progress of civilization since they had ceased to mingle among men. "These institutions," observed my Guide, "form the basis of rational knowledge, and are the source of innumerable comforts: for the _many_ are benefitted by the researches and experiments of the _few_. It is easy to laugh at such societies, but it is not quite so easy to remedy the inconveniences which would be felt, if they were extinct. Nations become powerful in proportion to their wisdom; it has uniformly been found that where philosophers lived, and learned men wrote, there the arts have flourished, and heroism and patriotism have prevailed. True it is that discrepancies will sometimes interrupt the harmony of public bodies. But why is perfection to be expected, where every thing must necessarily be imperfect? It is the duty of man to make the _nearest approaches_ to public and private happiness. And if, as with a sponge, he wipe away such establishments, genius has little incentive to exertion, and merit has still less hope of reward. Now cast your eyes on a different scene."

I obeyed, and, within the same city, saw a great number of Asylums and Institutions for the ignorant and helpless. I saw youth instructed, age protected, the afflicted comforted, and the diseased cured. My emotions at this moment were wonderfully strong--they were perceived by my guide, who immediately begged of me to consider the manner by which _epidemic maladies_ were prevented or alleviated, and especially how _the most fatal of them_ had been arrested in its progress. I attentively examined the objects before me, and saw thousands of smiling children and enraptured mothers walking confidently 'midst plague and death! I saw them, happy in the protection which had been afforded them by the most useful and most nutritious of animals! "Enough," exclaimed my guide, "thou seest here the glorious result of a philosophical mind, gifted with unabatable ardour of experiment. Thou wilt acknowledge that, compared with the triumph which SUCH A MIND enjoys, the conquests of heroes are puerile, and the splendour of monarchy is dim!" During this strain, I fancied I could perceive the human being, alluded to by my guide, retire apart in conversation with another distinguished friend of humanity, by those unwearied exertions the condition of many thousand poor people had been meliorated.

"There is yet," resumed my guide, "another scene equally interesting as the preceding. From a pure morality flows a pure religion: look therefore on those engaged in the services of CHRISTIANITY." I looked, and saw a vast number of my fellow-creatures prostrate in adoration before their Creator and Redeemer. I fancied I could hear the last strains of their hallelujahs ascending to the spot whereon I sat. "Observe," said my Protector, "all do not worship in the same manner, because all assent not to the same creed; but the intention of each may be pure: at least, common charity teaches us thus to think, till some open act betray a malignity of principle. Toleration is the vital spark of religion: arm the latter with the whips of persecution, and you convert her into a fiend scattering terror and dismay! In your own country you enjoy a liberty of sentiment beyond every other on the face of the globe. Learn to be grateful for such an inestimable happiness."

These words had hardly escaped my guide, when I was irresistibly led to look on another part of the Mirror where a kind of imperial magnificence, combined with the severest discipline, prevailed. "You are contemplating," resumed my preternatural Monitor, "one of the most interesting scenes in Europe. See the effect of revolutionary commotions! While you view the sable spirit of the last monarch of France gliding along, at a distance, with an air of sorrow and indignation; while you observe a long line of legitimate princes, exiled from their native country, and dependant upon the contributions of other powers; mark the wonderful, the unparalleled reverse of human events! and acknowledge that the preservation of the finest specimens of art, the acquisition of every thing which can administer to the wants of luxury, or decorate the splendour of a throne--the acclamations of hired multitudes or bribed senates--can reflect little lustre on THAT CHARACTER which still revels in the frantic wish of enslaving the world! It is true, you see yonder, Vienna, Petersburg, Stockholm, and Berlin, bereft of their ancient splendour, and bowing, as it were, at the feet of a despot--but had these latter countries kept alive one spark of that patriotism which so much endears to us the memories of Greece and Rome--had they not, in a great measure, become disunited by factions, we might, even in these days, however degenerate, have witnessed something like that national energy which was displayed in the bay of Salamis, and on the plains of Marathon."

My Guide perceiving me to be quite dejected during these remarks, directed my attention to another part of the Mirror, which reflected the transactions of the _Western_ and _Eastern_ world.

At first, a kind of _mist_ spread itself upon the glass, and prevented me from distinguishing any object. This, however, gradually dissolved, and was succeeded by a thick, black smoke, which involved every thing in impenetrable obscurity. Just as I was about to turn to my guide, and demand the explanation of these appearances, the smoke rolled away, and instantaneously, there flashed forth a thousand bickering flames. "What," cried I, "is the meaning of these objects?" "Check, for one moment, your impatience, and your curiosity shall be gratified," replied my guide. I then distinctly viewed thousands of _Black Men_, who had been groaning under the rod of oppression, starting up in all the transport of renovated life, and shouting aloud "WE ARE FREE!" One tall commanding figure, who seemed to exercise the rights of a chieftain among them, gathered many tribes around him, and addressed them in the following few, but comprehensive, words: "Countrymen, it has pleased the Great God above to make man instrumental to the freedom of his fellow-creatures. While we lament our past, let us be grateful for our present, state: and never let us cease, each revolving year, to build an altar of stones to the memory, of that GREAT and GOOD MAN, who hath principally been the means of our FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY. No: we will regularly perform this solemn act, as long as there shall remain one pebble upon our shores."

"Thus much," resumed my Guide, "for the dawning felicities of the _western_ world: but see how the _eastern_ empires are yet ignorant and unsettled!" I was about to turn my eyes to Persia and India, to China and Japan, when to my astonishment, the surface of the Mirror became perfectly blackened, except in some few circular parts, which were tinged with the colour of blood. "The future is a fearful sight," said my Guide; "we are forbidden its contemplation, and can only behold the gloomy appearances before us: they are ominous ones!"

My mind, on which so many and such various objects had produced a confused effect, was quite overpowered and distracted. I leaned upon the arm of the chair, and, covering my face with my hands, became absorbed in a thousand ideas, when a sudden burst of thunder made me start from my seat--and, looking forward, I perceived that the MIRROR, with all its magical illusions had vanished away! My preternatural Guide then placed himself before me, but in an altered female form. A hundred various coloured wings sprung from her arms, and her feet seemed to be shod with sandals of rubies; around which numerous cherubs entwined themselves. The perfume that arose from the flapping of her wings was inexpressibly grateful; and the soft silvery voices of these cherubic attendants had an effect truly enchanting.

No language can adequately describe my sensations on viewing this extraordinary change of object. I gazed with rapture upon my wonderful Guide, whose countenance now beamed with benevolence and beauty. "Ah!" exclaimed I, "this is a vision of happiness never to be realized! Thou art a being that I am doomed never to meet with in the world below." "Peace:" whispered an unknown voice; "injure not thy species by such a remark: the object before thee is called by a name that is familiar to thee--it is 'CANDOUR.' She is the handmaid of Truth, the sister of Virtue, and the priestess of Religion."

I was about to make reply, when a figure of terrific mien, and enormous dimensions, rushed angrily towards me, and, taking me up in my crystal chair, bore me precipitately to the earth. In my struggles to disengage myself, I awoke: and on looking about me, with difficulty could persuade myself that I was an inhabitant of this world. My sensations were, at first, confused and unpleasant; but a reflection on the MIRROR OF TRUTH, and its divine expositor, in a moment tranquillized my feelings. And thus have I told you my dream.

* * * * *

Lysander had hardly concluded the recital of his dream--during which it was impossible for us to think of quaffing coffee or devouring muffins--when the servant entered with a note from Lorenzo:

"My dear Friend,

"The morning is propitious. Hasten to THE ALCOVE. My sisters are twining honey-suckles and jessamine round the portico, and I have carried thither a respectable corps of bibliographical volumes, for Lysander to consult, in case his memory should fail. All here invoke the zephyrs to waft their best wishes to you.

"Truly your's,

"LORENZO."

The note was no sooner read than we all, as if by instinct, started up; and, finishing our breakfast as rapidly as did the Trojans when they expected an early visit from the Grecians, we sallied towards Lorenzo's house, and entered his pleasure grounds. Nothing could be more congenial than every circumstance and object which presented itself. The day was clear, calm, and warm; while a crisp autumnal air

Nimbly and sweetly recommend itself
Unto our gentle senses.[423]

[Footnote 423: _Macbeth_; Act I., Sc. VI. Dr. Johnson has
happily observed, upon the above beautiful passage of
Shakespeare, that "_Gentle sense_ is very elegant; as it
means _placid_, _calm_, _composed_; and intimates the
peaceable delight of a fine day." Shakespeare's Works; edit.
1803; vol x., p. 73. Alain Chartier, in the motto prefixed
to the Second part of this Bibliographical Romance, has
given us a yet more animated, and equally characteristic,
picture. Thomson's serene morning,

Unfolding fair the last autumnal day,

is also very apposite; and reminds us of one of those soft
and aërial pictures of Claude Loraine, where a heaven-like
tranquillity and peace seem to prevail. Delightful
scenes!--we love to steal a short moment from a bustling
world, to gaze upon landscapes which appear to have been
copied from the paradise of our first parents. Delusive yet
fascinating objects of contemplation! You whisper sweet
repose, and heart-soothing delight! We turn back upon the
world; and the stunning noises of Virgil's Cyclops put all
this fair Elysium to flight.]

At a distance, the reapers were carrying away their last harvest load; and numerous groups of gleaners picking up the grain which they had spared, were marching homewards in all the glee of apparent happiness. Immediately on our left, the cattle were grazing in a rich pasture meadow; while, before us, the white pheasant darted across the walk, and the stock-dove was heard to wail in the grove. We passed a row of orange trees, glittering with golden fruit; and, turning sharply to our right, discovered, on a gentle eminence, and skirted with a profusion of shrubs and delicately shaped trees, the wished-for ALCOVE.

We quickly descried Almansa busied in twining her favourite honey-suckles round the portico; while within Belinda was sitting soberly at work, as if waiting our arrival. The ladies saluted us as we approached; and Lorenzo, who till now had been unperceived, came quietly from the interior, with his favourite edition of _Thomson_[424] in his hand.

[Footnote 424: This must be a favourite edition with every
man of taste. It was printed by BENSLEY, and published by DU
ROVERAY, in the year 1802. The designs were by Hamilton, and
the engravings principally by Fittler. The copy which
Lorenzo had in his hand was upon _large paper_; and nothing
could exceed the lustre of the type and plates. The editions
of _Pope_, _Gray_, and _Milton_, by DU ROVERAY, as well as
those of _The Spectator_, _Guardian_, _Tatler_, by Messrs.
SHARPE and HAILES, are among the most elegant, as well as
accurate, publications of our old popular writers.]

The Alcove at a distance, had the appearance of a rustic temple.[425] The form, though a little capricious, was picturesque; and it stood so completely embosomed in rich and variegated foliage, and commanded so fine a swell of landscape, that the visitor must be cold indeed who could approach it with the compass of Palladio in one hand, and the square of Inigo Jones in the other. We entered and looked around us.

[Footnote 425: Lorenzo was not unmindful that it had been
observed by Lipsius (_Syntag. de Bibliothecis_) and, after
him, by Thomasinus (_de Donar. et Tabell-votiv._ c. 3. p.
37.) that the ancients generally built their libraries near
to, or adjoining their _Temples_; "ut veram seram sedem
sacratorum ingenii fætuum loca sacra esse ostenderent:"
BIBLIOTHECAS (inquit) procul abesse (sc. a TEMPLIS)
noluerunt veteres, ut ex præclaris ingeniorum monumentis
dependens mortalium, gloria, in Deorum tutela esset. This I
gather from Spizolius's _Infelix Literatus_: p. 462.]

Those who have relished the mild beauties of Wynants' pictures would be pleased with the view from the Alcove of Lorenzo. The country before was varied, undulating, and the greater part, highly cultivated. Some broad-spreading oaks here and there threw their protecting arms round the humble saplings; and some aspiring elms frequently reared their lofty heads, as land-marks across the county. The copses skirted the higher grounds, and a fine park-wood covered the middle part of the landscape in one broad umbrageous tone of colouring. It was not the close rusticity of Hobbima--or the expansive, and sometimes complicated, scenery of Berghem--or the heat-oppressive and magnificent views of Both--that we contemplated; but, as has been before observed, the mild and gentle scenery of Wynants; and if a cascade or dimpling brook had been near us, I could have called to my aid the transparent pencil of Rysdael, in order to impress upon the reader a proper notion of the scenery. But it is high time to make mention of the conversation which ensued among the tenants of this Alcove.

LOREN. I am heartily glad we are met under such propitious circumstances. What a glorious day!

ALMAN. Have you recovered, Sir, the immense fatigue you must have sustained from the exertions of yesterday? My brother has no mercy upon a thoroughly-versed book guest!

LYSAND. I am indeed quite hearty: yet, if any thing heavy and indigested hung about me, would not the contemplation of such a landscape, and such a day, restore every thing to its wonted ardour?! You cannot conceive how such a scene affects me: even to shedding tears of pleasure--from the reflections to which it gives rise.

BELIN. How strangely and how cruelly has the character of a bibliographer been aspersed! Last night you convinced me of the ardour of your enthusiasm, and of the eloquence of your expression, in regard to your favourite subject of discussion!--but, this morning, I find that you can talk in an equally impassioned manner respecting garden and woodland scenery?

LYSAND. Yes, Madam: and if I possessed such a domain as does your brother, I think I could even improve it a little--especially the interior of the Alcove! I don't know that I could attach to the house a more appropriate library than he has done; even if I adopted the octagonal form of the _Hafod Library_;[426] which, considered with reference to its local situation, is, I think, almost unequalled:--but it strikes me that the interior of this Alcove might be somewhat improved.

[Footnote 426: Hafod, in Cardiganshire, South Wales, is the
residence of THOMAS JOHNES, Esq., M.P., and Lord Lieutenant
of the county. Mr. Malkin, in his _Scenery, Antiquities, and
Biography, of South Wales_, 1804, 4to., and Dr. Smith, in
his _Tour to Hafod_, 1810, folio, have made us pretty well
acquainted with the local scenery of Hafod:--yet can any pen
or pencil do this

--Paradise, open'd in the wild,

perfect justice! I have seen Mr. Stothard's numerous little
sketches of the pleasure-grounds and surrounding country,
which are at once faithful and picturesque. But what were
this "Paridise" of rocks, waterfalls, streams, woods,
copses, dells, grottos, and mountains, without the
hospitable spirit of the owner--which seems to preside in,
and to animate, every summer-house and alcove. The
book-loving world is well acquainted with the _Chronicles of
Froissart_, _Joinville_, _De Brocquiere_, and _Monstrelet_,
which have issued from the HAFOD PRESS; and have long
deplored the loss, from fire, which their author, Mr.
Johnes, experienced in the demolition of the greater part of
his house and library. The former has been rebuilt, and the
latter replenished: yet no Phoenix spirit can revivify the
ashes of those volumes which contained the romances notified
by the renowned Don Quixote! But I am rambling too wildly
among the Hafod rocks--I hasten, therefore to return and
take the reader with me into the interior of Mr. Johnes's
largest library, which is terminated by a Conservatory of
upwards of 150 feet. As the ancient little books for
children [hight _Lac Puerorum_!] used to express it--"Look,
here it is."

]

LOREN. What defects do you discover here, Lysander?

LYSAND. They are rather omissions to be supplied than errors to be corrected. You have warmed the interior by a Grecian-shaped stove, and you do right; but I think a few small busts in yonder recesses would not be out of character. Milton, Shakespeare, and Locke, would produce a sort of inspiration which might accord with that degree of feeling excited by the contemplation of these external objects.

LOREN. You are right. 'Ere you revisit this spot, those inspiring gentlemen shall surround me.

BELIN. And pray add to them the busts of Thomson and Cowper: for these latter, in my opinion, are our best poets in the description of rural life. You remember what Cowper says--

God made the country, and Man made the town?

ALMAN. This may be very well--but we forget the purpose for which we are convened.

LIS. True: so I entreat you, Master Lysander, to open--not the debate--but the discussion.

LYSAND. You wish to know what are the SYMPTOMS OF THE BIBLIOMANIA?--what are the badges or livery marks, in a library, of the owner of the collection being a bibliomaniac?

ALMAN. Even so. My question, yesterday evening, was--if I remember well--whether a _mere collector_ of books was necessarily a bibliomaniac?

LYSAND. Yes: and to which--if I also recollect rightly--I replied that the symptoms of the disease, and the character of a bibliomaniac, were discoverable in the very books themselves!

LIS. How is this?

ALMAN & BELIN. Do pray let us hear.

PHIL. At the outset, I entreat you, Lysander, not to overcharge the colouring of your picture. Respect the character of your auditors; and, above all things, have mercy upon the phlogistic imagination of Lisardo!

LYSAND. I will endeavour to discharge the important office of a bibliomaniacal Mentor, or, perhaps, Æsculapius, to the utmost of my power: and at all events, with the best possible intentions.

Before we touch upon the _Symptoms_, it may be as well to say a few words respecting the _General Character_ of the BOOK DISEASE. The ingenious Peignot[427] defines the bibliomania to be "a passion for possessing books; not so much to be instructed by them, as to gratify the eye by looking on them." This subject has amused the pens of foreigners; although we have had nothing in our own language, written expressly upon it, 'till the ingenious and elegantly-composed poem of Dr. Ferriar appeared; after which, as you well know, our friend put forth his whimsical brochure.[428]

[Footnote 427: "LA BIRLIOMANIE [Transcriber's Note:
BIBLIOMANIE] est la fureur de posséder des livres, non pas
tant pour s'instruire, que pour les avoir et pour en
repaître sa vue. Le bibliomane ne connait ordinairement les
livres que par leur titre, leur frontispice, et leur date;
il s'attache aux bonnes editiones et les poursuit à quelque
titre que ce soit; la relieure le seduit aussi, soit par son
ancienneté, soit par sa beauté," &c. _Dictionnaire de
Bibliologie_. vol. i. p. 51. This is sufficiently severe:
see also the extracts from the _Memoires de l'Institut_: p.
25, ante. The more ancient foreign writers have not scrupled
to call the BIBLIOMANIA by every caustic and merciless
terms: thus speaks the hard-hearted Geyler: "Tertia nola
est, multos libros coacervare propter animi voluptatem
curiosam. Fastidientis stomachi est multa degustare, ait
Seneca. Isti per multos libros vagant legentes assidue:
nimirum similles fatuis illis, qui in urbe cicumeunt domos
singulas, et earum picturas dissutis malis contuentur:
sicque curiositate trahuntur, &c. Contenti in hâc animi
voluptate, quam pascunt per volumina varia devagando et
liguriendo. Itaque gaudent hic de larga librorum copia,
operosa utique sed delectabilis sarcina, et animi jucunda
distractio: imo est hæc ingens librorum copia ingens simul
et laboris copia, et quietis inopia--huc illucque circum
agendum ingenium: his atque illis pregravanda
memoria."--_Navicula sive Sæculum Fatuorum_, 1511, 4to. sign
B. iiij rev. Thus speaks Sebastian Brandt upon the subject,
through the medium of our old translation:

Styll am I besy bokes assemblynge
For to have plenty it is a pleasaunte thynge
In my conceyt, and to have them ay in honde;
But what they mene do I nat understonde.

_Shyp of Folys_: see p. 206, ante.

There is a short, but smart and interesting, article on this
head in Mr. D'Israeli's _Curiosities of Literature_: vol. i.
10. "Bruyere has touched on this mania with humour; of such
a collector (one who is fond of superb bindings only), says
he, as soon as I enter his house, I am ready to faint on the
stair-case from a strong smell of Russia and Morocco
leather. In vain he shews me fine editions, gold leaves,
Etruscan bindings, &c.--naming them one after another, as if
he were shewing a gallery of pictures!" Lucian has composed
a biting invective against an ignorant possessor of a vast
library. "One who opens his eyes with an hideous stare at an
old book; and after turning over the pages, chiefly admires
_the date_ of its publication." But all this, it may be
said, is only general declamation, and means nothing!]

[Footnote 428: The first work, I believe, written expressly
upon the subject above discussed was a French publication,
entitled _La Bibliomanie_. Of the earliest edition I am
uninformed; but one was published at the Hague in 1762, 8vo.
Dr. Ferriar's poem upon the subject, being an epistle to
Richard Heber, Esq.--and which is rightly called by Lysander
'ingenious and elegant'--was published in 1809, 4to.: pp.
14: but not before an equally ingenious, and greatly more
interesting, performance, by the same able pen, had appeared
in the Trans. of the Manchester Literary Society, vol. iv.,
p. 45-87--entitled _Comments upon Sterne_; which may be
fairly classed among the species of bibliomaniacal
composition; inasmuch as it shews the author to be well read
in old books; and, of these, in Burton's Anatomy of
Melancholy in particular. Look for half a minute at p. 286,
ante. In the same year of Dr. Ferriar's publication of the
Bibliomania, appeared the _Voyage autour de ma bibliothèque
Roman Bibliographique_: by Ant. Caillot; in three small
duodecimo volumes. There is little ingenuity and less
knowledge in these meagre volumes. My own superficial work,
entitled, _Bibliomania_, or _Book-Madness: containing some
account of the History, Symptoms and Cure of this fatal
Disease; in an epistle addressed to Richard Heber, Esq._,
quickly followed Dr. Ferriar's publication. It contained 82
pages, with a tolerably copious sprinkling of notes: but it
had many errors and omissions, which it has been my
endeavour to correct and supply in the present new edition,
or rather newly-constructed work. Vide preface. Early in the
ensuing year (namely, in 1810) appeared _Bibliosophia, or
Book-Wisdom: containing some account of the Pride, Pleasure,
and Privileges of that glorious Vocation, Book-Collecting.
By an Aspirant. Also, The Twelve Labours of an Editor,
separately pitted against those of Hercules_, 12mo. This is
a good-humoured and tersely written composition: being a
sort of Commentary upon my own performance. In the ensuing
pages will be found some amusing poetical extracts from it.
And thus take we leave of PUBLICATIONS UPON THE
BIBLIOMANIA!]

Whether Peignot's definition be just or not, I will not stop to determine: but when I have described to you the various symptoms, you will be better able to judge of its propriety.

LIS. Describe them _seriatim_, as we were observing yesterday.

LYSAND. I will; but let me put them in battle array, and select them according to their appearances. There is, first, a passion for _Large Paper Copies_; secondly, for _Uncut Copies_; thirdly, for _Illustrated Copies_; fourthly, for _Unique Copies_; fifthly, for _Copies printed upon Vellum_; sixthly, for _First Editions_; seventhly, for _True Editions_; and eighthly, for _Books printed in the Black-Letter_.

BELIN. I have put these symptoms down in my pocket-book; and shall proceed to catechise you according to your own method. First, therefore, what is meant by LARGE PAPER COPIES?

LYSAND. A certain set, or limited number of the work, is printed upon paper of a _larger dimension, and superior quality_, than the ordinary copies. The press-work and ink are, always, proportionably better in these copies: and the price of them is enhanced according to their beauty and rarity.

_This Symptom_ of the Bibliomania is, at the present day, both general and violent. Indeed, there is a set of collectors, the shelves of whose libraries are always made proportionably stout, and placed at a due distance from each other, in order that they may not break down beneath the weight of such ponderous volumes.

BELIN. Can these things be?

PHIL. Yes; but you should draw a distinction, and not confound the GROLLIERS, De Thous, and Colberts of modern times, with "a set of collectors," as you call them, who are equally without taste and knowledge.

LIS. We have heard of De Thou and Colbert, but who is GROLLIER?[429]

[Footnote 429: The reader may be better pleased with the
ensuing soberly-written account of this great man than with
Philemon's rapturous eulogy. JOHN GROLLIER was born at
Lyons, in 1479; and very early displayed a propensity
towards those elegant and solid pursuits which afterwards
secured to him the admiration and esteem of his
contemporaries. His address was easy, his manners were
frank, yet polished; his demeanour was engaging, and his
liberality knew no bounds. As he advanced in years, he
advanced in reputation; enjoying a princely fortune, the
result, in some measure, of a faithful and honourable
discharge of the important diplomatic situations which he
filled. He was Grand Treasurer to Francis I., and was sent
by that monarch as ambassador to Pope Clement VII. During
his abode at Rome, he did not fail to gratify his favourite
passion of BOOK-COLLECTING; and employed the Alduses to
print for him an edition of Terence in 8vo., 1521: of which
a copy _upon vellum_, was in the Imperial library at Vienna;
See _L'Imp. des Alde_; vol. I., 159. He also caused to be
published, by the same printers, an edition of his friend
Budæus's work, _De Asse et partibus ejus_, 1522, 4to.;
which, as well as the Terence, is dedicated to himself, and
of which the presentation copy, _upon vellum_, is now in the
Library of Count M'Carthy, at Toulouse: it having been
formerly in the Soubise collection: vide p. 96, ante--and
no. 8010 of the _Bibl. Soubise_. It was during Grollier's
stay at Rome, that the anecdote, related by Egnatio, took
place. 'I dined (says the latter) along with Aldus, his son,
Manutius, and other learned men, at Grollier's table. After
dinner, and just as the dessert had been placed on the
table, our host presented each of his guests with a pair of
gloves filled with ducats.' But no man had a higher opinion
of Grollier, or had reason to express himself in more
grateful terms of him, than De Thou. This illustrious author
speaks of him as "a man of equal elegance of manners, and
spotlessness of character. His books seemed to be the
counterpart of himself, for neatness and splendour; not
being inferior to the glory attributed to the library of
Asinius Pollio, the first who made a collection of books at
Rome. It is surprising, notwithstanding the number of
presents which he made to his friends, and the accidents
which followed on the dispersion of his library, how many of
his volumes yet adorn the most distinguished libraries of
Paris, whose chief boast consists in having an _Exemplar
Grollerianum_!" The fact was Grollier returned to Paris with
an immense fortune. During his travels he had secured, from
Basil, Venice, and Rome, the most precious copies of books
which could be purchased: and which he took care to have
bound in a singular manner, indicative at once of his
generosity and taste. The title of the book was marked in
gilt letters upon one side, and the words--of which the
annexed wood-cut is a fac-simile--upon the other; surrounded
with similar ornaments to the extremities of the sides,
whether in folio or duodecimo.

PORTIO MEA DO
MINE SIT IN
TERRA VI
VENTI
VM.

Beneath the title of the book: 'IO: GROLLERII et AMICORUM.']

This extraordinary man, whom France may consider the first
Bibliomaniac of the sixteenth century, died at Paris in the
year 1565, and in the 86th of his age. Let us close this
account of him with an extract from Marville's _Melanges
d'Histoire et de Litérature_; "La Bibliothèque de M.
Grollier s'est conservée dans l'Hôtel de Vic jusqu'à ces
annêes dernieres qu'elle a été venduë à l'encan. Elle
meritoit bien, étant une des premieres et des plus
accomplies qu'aucun particulier se soit avisé de faire à
Paris, de trouver, comme celle de M. de Thou, un acheteur
qui en conservât le lustre. La plûpart des curieux de Paris
ont profité de ses débris. J'en ai eu à ma part quelques
volumes à qui rien ne manque: ni pour la bonté des editions
de ce tems là, ni pour la beauté du papier et la propreté de
la relieure. Il semble, à les voir, que les Muses qui ont
contribué à la composition du dedans, se soient aussi
appliquées à les approprier au dehors, tant il paroît d'art
et d'esprit dans leurs ornemens. Ils sont tous dorez avec
une delicatesse inconnuë aux doreurs d'aujourd'hui. Les
compartemens sont pients de diverses couleurs, parfaitemente
bien dessinez, et tous de differentes figures, &c.:" vol.
I., p. 187, edit. 1725. Then follows a description, of which
the reader has just had ocular demonstration. After such an
account, what bibliomaniac can enjoy perfect tranquillity of
mind unless he possess a _Grollier copy_ of some work or
other? My own, from which the preceding fac-simile was
taken, is a folio edition (1531) of _Rhenanus, de rebus
Germanicis_; in the finest preservation.]

PHIL. Lysander will best observe upon him.

LYSAND. Nay; his character cannot be in better hands.

PHIL. Grollier was both the friend and the treasurer of Francis the First; the bosom companion of De Thou, and a patron of the Aldine family. He had learning, industry, and inflexible integrity. His notions of _Virtû_ were vast, but not wild. There was a magnificence about every thing which he did or projected; and his liberality was without bounds. He was the unrivalled Mecænas of book-lovers and scholars; and a more insatiable bibliomaniacal appetite was never, perhaps, possessed by any of _his_ class of character.

LIS. I thank you for this _Grollieriana_. Proceed, Lysander with your large paper copies.

ALMAN. But first tell us--why are these copies so much coveted? Do they contain more than the ordinary ones?

LYSAND. Not in the least. Sometimes, however, an extra embellishment is thrown into the volume--but this, again, belongs to the fourth class of symptoms, called _Unique Copies_--and I must keep strictly to order; otherwise I shall make sad confusion.

BELIN. Keep to your large paper, exclusively.[430]

[Footnote 430: Let us first hear Dr. Ferriar's smooth
numbers upon this tremendous symptom of the Bibliomania:

But devious oft, from ev'ry classic Muse,
The keen collector meaner paths will choose:
And first the MARGIN'S BREADTH his soul employs,
Pure, snowy, broad, the type of nobler joys.
In vain might Homer roll the tide of song,
Or Horace smile, or Tully charm the throng;
If crost by Pallas' ire, the trenchant blade
Or too oblique, or near, the edge invade,
The Bibliomane exclaims, with haggard eye,
'NO MARGIN!'--turns in haste, and scorns to buy.

_The Bibliomania_; v. 34-43.

Next come the rivals strains of 'An Aspirant.'

FIRST MAXIM.

Who slaves the monkish folio through,
With lore or science in his view,
_Him_ ... visions black, or devils blue,
Shall haunt at his expiring taper;--
Yet, 'tis a weakness of the wise,
To chuse the volume by the size,
And riot in the pond'rous prize--
Dear Copies--_printed on_ LARGE PAPER!

_Bibliosophia_; p. IV.

After these saucy attacks, can I venture upon discoursing,
in a sober note-like strain--upon those large and
magnificent volumes concerning which Lysander, above, pours
forth such a torrent of eloquence? Yes--gentle reader--I
will even venture!--and will lay a silver penny to boot (See
Peacham's '_Worth of a Penny_'--) that neither Dr. Ferriar
nor the 'Aspirant' could withhold their ejaculations of
rapture upon seeing any one of the following volumes walk
majestically into their libraries. Mark well, therefore, a
few scarce

WORKS PRINTED UPON LARGE PAPER.