preservation of those noble
works, and preferment of good learning in our posterity, it
had been yet somewhat. But to destroy all without
consideration, is, and will be, unto England for ever, a
most horrible infamy among the grave seniors of other
nations. A great number of them which purchased those
superstitious mansions, reserved of those library-books,
some to serve the _jakes_, some to scour their candlesticks,
and some to rub their boots: some they sold to the grocers
and soap-sellers; some they sent over sea to the
book-binders, not in small number, but at times whole ships
full, to the wondering of the foreign nations. Yea, the
Universities of this realm are not all clear of this
detestable fact. But cursed is that belly which seeketh to
be fed with such ungodly gain, and shameth his natural
country. I know a merchant man, which shall at this time be
nameless, that _bought the contents of two noble libraries
for forty shillings price_; a shame it is to be spoken! This
stuff hath he occupied in the stead of grey paper, by the
space of more than ten years, and yet he hath store enough
for as many year to come!" Bale's Preface to Leland's
"_Laboryouse journey_, &c." Emprented at London by John
Bale. Anno M.D. xlix. 8vo.

After this, who shall doubt the story of the Alexandrian
Library supplying the hot baths of Alexandria with fuel for
six months! See Gibbon on the latter subject; vol. ix. 440.]

[Footnote 24: ASCHAM'S English letter, written when he was
abroad, will be found at the end of Bennet's edition of his
works, in 4to. They are curious and amusing. What relates to
the BIBLIOMANIA I here select from similar specimens. "Oct.
4. At afternoon I went about the town [of Bruxelles]. I went
to the frier [Transcriber's Note: friar] Carmelites house,
and heard their even song: after, I desired to see the
LIBRARY. A frier [Transcriber's Note: friar] was sent to me,
and led me into it. There was not one good book but _Lyra_.
The friar was learned, spoke Latin readily, entered into
Greek, having a very good wit, and a greater desire to
learning. He was gentle and honest, &c." p. 370-1. "Oct. 20.
to Spira: a good city. Here I first saw _Sturmius de
periodis_. I also found here _Ajax_, _Electra_, and
_Antigone Sophocl