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 th