de of the Table." Mine host, however,
does not have all the conversation to himself. The guests take a very
fair share. One of the interlocutors, Gingle-Spur, alludes to one of
Shakspeare's Plays. "This was a prettie Comedy of Errors, my round
Host."

[I shall place all the SHAKSPEARIAN ARTICLES consecutively; that the
Reader may observe in what a rapid ratio their pecuniary value has
increased. Of the sonnets, the Right Hon. Thomas Grenville possesses
one copy, and Thomas Jolley, Esq., another. The History of the
acquisition of the _latter_ copy is one of singular interest; almost
sufficient to add _another_ day to a Bibliographical Decameron. This
copy is in pristine condition, and looks as if snatched from the
press. Mr. Jolley also possesses a very fine and perfect copy of the
first edition of Shakspeare's Works, in folio; but a similar copy, in
the library of the Right Honourable Thomas Grenville, will, perhaps,
always continue UNRIVALLED.]

558 Shakspeare's Venus and Adonis; unique.
Edinburgh, by John Writtoun, and are
to bee sold in his shop, a little beneath
the Salt Trone, 1627 37 10 0

We are always extremely cautious in using the designation unique; but
we think we may safely do so upon the present occasion. We have made
very extensive inquiries on the subject, and have recently written to
David Laing, Esq., Keeper of the Library of the Writers to the
Signet, from whom we have received a confirmation of our belief.
Beloe, in describing this copy, says "it must be considered as an
indubitable proof that at a very early period the Scotch knew, and
admired, the genius of Shakspeare." He might have continued, its
proceeding from the press of Writtoun, was an additional proof, as he
only published small Popular Tracts. Beloe has erroneously given the
date 1607, and Lowndes has copied his error. The first books printed
by Writtoun were about 1624. His will is printed in the Bannatyne
Miscellany. The second edition of this precious Poem, printed in 1596,
produced the sum of L91, at the sale of Baron Bolland's library: see
page 591, ante.

974 [Transcriber's Note: 934]
Shakespeare's Comedies, Tragedies, and
Histories, first edition. The title a reprint,
but the Portrait Original. With
the Verses of Ben Jonson, original, but
inlaid, blue morocco, 1623 41 0 0

935 Shake-Speares Sonnets, neuer before