us suddenly changed from the
cold of Nova Zembla to the warmth of the torrid zone requires to be
ruled with discretion. And yet, luckily for you--

LIS. Speak--are you about to announce the sale of some bibliographical
works?

PHIL. Even so. To morrow, if I mistake not, GONZALVO'S choice gems, in
this way, are to be disposed of.

LIS. Consider them as my own. Nothing shall stay me from the
possession of them.

LYSAND. You speak precipitately. Are you accustomed to attend
book-auctions?

LIS. No; but I will line my pockets with pistoles, and who dare oppose
me?

PHIL. And do you imagine that no one, but yourself, has his pockets
"lined with pistoles," on these occasions?

LIS. It may be so--that other linings are much warmer than my
own:--but, at any rate, I will make a glorious struggle, and die with
my sword in my hand.

PHIL. This is _Book-Madness_ with a vengeance! However, we shall see
the issue. When and how do you propose going?

LIS. A chaise shall be at this door by nine in the morning. Who will
accompany me?

LYSAND. Our friend and Philemon will prevent your becoming absolutely
raving, by joining you. I shall be curious to know the result.

LIS. Never fear. _Bibliomania_ is, of all species of insanity, the
most rational and praise-worthy. I here solemnly renounce my former
opinions, and wish my errors to be forgotten. I here crave pardon of
the disturbed manes of the Martins, De Bures, and Patersons, for that
flagitious act of _Catalogue-Burning_; and fondly hope that the
unsuspecting age of boyhood will atone for so rash a deed. Do you
frankly forgive--and will you henceforth consider me as a worth
[Transcriber's Note: worthy] "_Aspirant_" in the noble cause of
bibliography?

LYSAND. Most cordially do I forgive you; and freely admit you into the
fraternity of Bibliomaniacs. Philemon, I trust, will be equally
merciful.

PHIL. Assuredly, Lisardo, you have my entire forgiveness: and I exult
a little in the hope that you will prove yourself to be a sincere
convert to the cause, by losing no opportunity of enriching your
bibliographical stores. Already I see you mounted, as a book
chevalier, and hurrying from the country to London--from London again
to the country--seeking adventures in which your prowess may be
displayed--and yielding to no competitor who brandishes a lance of
equal weight with your own!

LIS. 'Tis well. At to-morrow's dawn my esquire shall begin to burnish
up my armour--and