turn.

ANSTIS[370] stands deservedly the first in the list; for he was, in
every respect, a man of thorough benevolent character, as well as a
writer of taste and research. I do not know of any particulars
connected with his library that merit a distinct recital; but he is
introduced here from his connection with the two latter
bibliographers. LEWIS[371] is known to us, both as a topographer and
bibliographical antiquary. His _Life of Caxton_ has been reprinted
with additions and corrections; and, in particular, his edition of
_Wicliffe's New Testament_ has been recently put forth by the Rev. Mr.
Baber, in a handsome quarto volume, with valuable emendations. Lewis
was a sharp censurer of Hearne, and was somewhat jealous of the
typographical reputation of Ames. But his integrity and moral
character, as well as his love of rare and curious books, has secured
for him a durable reputation. Of AMES, and here--though a little out
of order--I may add HERBERT--the public has already heard probably
"more than enough." They were both, undoubtedly, men of extraordinary
mental vigour and bodily activity in the darling pursuit which they
cultivated.[372] Indeed, Herbert deserves high commendation; for while
he was rearing, with his own hands, a lofty pyramid of typographical
fame, he seems to have been unconscious of his merits; and, possessing
the most natural and diffident character imaginable, he was always
conjuring up supposed cases of vanity and arrogance, which had no
foundation whatever but in the reveries of a timid imagination. His
_Typographical Antiquities_ are a mass of useful, but occasionally
uninteresting, information. They are as a vast plain, wherein the
traveller sees nothing, immediately, which is beautiful or inviting;
few roses, or cowslips, or daisies; but let him persevere, and walk
only a little way onward, and he will find, in many a shelter'd
recess, "flowers of all hue," and herbs of all qualities: so that
fragrance and salubrity are not wanting in this said plain, which has
been thus depicted in a style so marvellously metaphorical!

[Footnote 370: The reader will be pleased to consult the
account of Earl Pembroke, p. 325, ante, where he will find a
few traits of the bibliomaniacal character of ANSTIS. He is
here informed, from the same authority, that when Anstis
"acquainted BAGFORD that he would find in Rymer a commission
granted to Caxton, appointing him ambassador to t