at
first been by the ancient Christians. But, notwithstanding
this, the copies of the Toletan missal are become now so
exceeding rare that it is at present almost in as much
danger of being buried in oblivion as it was when committed
to the press by Cardinal Ximenes." _Bibl. Harl._, vol. iii.,
p. 117. But let the reader consult the more extended details
of De Bure (_Bibl. Instruct._, vol. i., no. 210, 211),
and De La Serna Santander (_Dict. Chois. Bibliogr. du_ xv.
_Siecle_, part iii., p. 178); also the very valuable notice
of Vogt; _Cat. Libror. Rarior._, p. 591; who mention a fine
copy of the missal and breviary, each struck off UPON
VELLUM, in the collegiate church of St. Ildefonso. If I
recollect rightly, Mr. Edwards informed me that an Italian
Cardinal was in possession of a similar copy of each. This
missal was republished at Rome, with a capital preface and
learned notes, by Lesleus, a Jesuit, in 1755, 4to.: and
Lorenzana, archbishop of Toledo, republished the breviary in
a most splendid manner at Madrid, in 1788. Both these
re-impressions are also scarce. I know not whether the late
king of Spain ever put his design into execution of giving a
new edition of these curious religious volumes; some ancient
MSS. of which had been carefully collated by Burriel.
Consult Osmont's _Dict. Typog._, vol. i., p. 477; _Cat. de
Gaignat_, nos. 179, 180; _Cat. de la Valliere_, nos.
271, 272; _Bibl. Solger._, vol. ii. no. 1280; and _Bibl.
Colbert_, nos. 342, 366. Having expatiated thus much, and
perhaps tediously, about these renowned volumes, let me
introduce to the notice of the heraldic reader the _Coat of
Arms_ of the equally renowned Cardinal--of whose genuine
editions of the Mozarabic Missal and Breviary my eyes were
highly gratified with a sight, in the exquisite library of
Earl Spencer, at Althorp.

[Illustration]]

[Footnote 226: Of the _Tower_ or _Rook_ (or _Elephant_) one
may indeed--to speak in the scripture style--(and properly
speaking, considering its situation) call this piece "the
head stone of the corner." There are two of them; and,
whilst they remain firm, his majesty is ever in safety. The
common enemies, therefore, of them and their king watch
their least motion very narrowly, and try a hundred tricks