e, or wholly unproductive of good. Under a proper spirit of
modification, it has done, and will continue to do, essential service
to the cause of English literature. It guided the taste, and
strengthened the judgment, of Tyrwhitt in his researches after
Chaucerian lore. It stimulated the studies of Farmer and Steevens, and
enabled them to twine many a beauteous flower round the brow of their
beloved Shakspeare.

It has since operated, to the same effect, in the labour of Mr.
Douce,[455] the PORSON of old English and French Literature; and in
the editions of Milton and Spenser, by my amiable and excellent friend
Mr. Todd, the public have had a specimen of what the _Black-Letter_
may perform, when temperately and skilfully exercised.

[Footnote 455: In the criticisms which have passed upon Mr.
DOUCE'S "_Illustrations of Shakspeare and Ancient Manners_,"
it has not, I think, been generally noticed that this work
is distinguished for the singular diffidence and urbanity of
criticism, as well as depth of learning, which it evinces;
and for the happy illustrations of the subjects discussed by
means of fac-simile wood-cuts.]

I could bring to your recollection other instances; but your own
memories will better furnish you with them. Let me not, however, omit
remarking that the beautiful pages of the '_Minstrelsy of the Scottish
Border_' and '_Sir Tristrem_' exhibit, in the notes, (now and then
thickly studded with black-letter references) a proof that the author
of '_The Lay_,' '_Marmion_,' and '_The Lady of the Lake_,' has not
disdained to enrich his stores with such intelligence as black-letter
books impart. In short, although this be a strong and general symptom
of the Bibliomania, it is certainly not attended with injurious
effects when regulated by prudence and discretion. An undistinguishable
voracious appetite to swallow _every thing_, because printed in the
black-letter, must necessarily bring on an incurable disease, and,
consequently, premature dissolution.

There is yet one other, and a somewhat generally prevailing, symptom,
indicative of the prevalence of the Bibliomania; and this consists in
a fondness for books which have been printed for PRIVATE
DISTRIBUTION[456] only, or at a PRIVATE PRESS. What is executed for a
few, will be coveted by many; because the edge of curiosity is
whetted, from a supposition that something very extraordinary, or very
curious, or very uncommon,