ollectively,
for only 2_l._ 16_s._ 6_d._!--what must be his reproaches
upon the lack of spirit which was evinced at this sale!
Especially must his heart melt within him, upon looking at
the produce of some of these articles at the sale of George
Steevens' books, only 36 years afterwards! No depreciation
of money can account for this woful difference. I possess a
wretchedly priced copy of the _Bibl. Huttoniana_, which I
purchased, without title-page or a decent cover, at the sale
of Mr. Gough's books, for 11_s._ Lysander ought also to have
noticed in its chronological order, the extensive and truly
valuable library of ROBERT HOBLYN; the catalogue of which
was published in the year 1769, 8vo., in two parts: pp. 650.
I know not who was the author of the arrangement of this
collection; but I am pretty confident that the judicious
observer will find it greatly superior to every thing of its
kind, with hardly even the exception of the _Bibliotheca
Croftsiana_. It is accurately and handsomely executed, and
wants only an index to make it truly valuable. The
collection, moreover, is a very sensible one. My copy is
upon _large paper_; which is rather common.]

ALMAN. Upon my word, Lisardo, there is no subject however barren, but
what may be made fruitful by your metaphorical powers of imagination.

LIS. Madam, I entreat you not to be excursive. Lysander has taken a
fresh sip of his nectar, and has given a hem or two--preparing to
resume his narrative.

LYSAND. We have just passed over the bar that separates the one half
of the 18th century from the other: and among the ensuing eminent
collectors, whose brave fronts strike us with respect, is GENERAL
DORMER:[386] a soldier who, I warrant you, had faced full many a
cannon, and stormed many a rampart, with courage and success. But he
could not resist the raging influence of the Book-Mania: nor could all
his embrasures and entrenchments screen him from the attacks of this
insanity. His collection was both select and valuable.

[Footnote 386: "_A Catalogue of the genuine and elegant
Library of the late_ Sir C.C. DORMER, collected by
Lieutenant General James Dormer; which will be sold, &c., by
Samuel Baker, at his house in York-Street, Covent Garden; to
begin on Monday, February the 20th, 1764, and to continue
the nineteen following evenings." At the e