d the gay morocco
covers in red, blue, and green, were decorated with brilliant arabesques,
or sprinkled with golden lilies. Hardly any perfect specimens remain,
even in the National Library. They were all bequeathed by the Queen to
her niece the Duchesse de Vendome; but in the hands of a later possessor
they were put up for sale and dispersed, and have now for the most part
disappeared.

Henri Quatre is said to have fled to his books for consolation when
abandoned by Gabrielle d'Estrees. Though no bibliophile himself, he was
anxious that everything should be done that could promote the interests
of literature. He intended to establish a magnificent library in the
College de Cambray, but died before the plans were completed. The books
at Blois, however, were brought to Paris and thrown open to deserving
students; the library already transported from Fontainebleau and the MSS.
of Catherine de Medici were removed to the College de Clermont, and
placed under the guardianship of De Thou.

Marguerite de Valois agreed with the King, if in nothing else, at least
in a desire for the extension of knowledge. She was a most learned lady
as well as a collector of exquisite books. No branch of science, sacred
or profane, came amiss to the 'Reine Margot.' She may be regarded as the
Queen of the 'Femmes Bibliophiles' who occupied so important a position
in the history of the Court of France. In the domain of good taste she
excels all competitors; as regards intellect we can hardly estimate the
distance between Marguerite and the elegant collectors whom we
distinguish according to the names of their book-binders. Anne of Austria
is remembered for the lace-like patterns of Le Gascon; and Queen Marie
Leczinska is famous for the splendour of her volumes bound by Padeloup.
Even the libraries of the daughters of Louis Quinze, three diligent and
well-instructed princesses, are only known apart by the colours of the
moroccos employed by Derome. The dull contents of the Pompadour's shelves
would hardly be noticeable without her 'three castles,' or the 'ducal
mantle,' by Biziaux; and no one but Louis Quinze himself would have
praised the intelligent choice of Du Barry, or cast a look upon her
collection of odd volumes and 'remainders,' if they had not been
decorated like the rest of her furniture. In all the lists of these
'ladies of old-time' by M. Guigard, by M. Quentin-Bauchart, or by M.
Uzanne, it is difficult to find one who preferred the