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 predecessor HERBERT (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 of CHURCHYARD'S _Pieces_--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."
(_July_ 27, 1789.)

A little further he adds: "In your vol. ii. p. 1920, you
have but an imperfect account of TYRO'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:

_Hampst