attestation in the volume, of its having been given by the
Duke to his nephew, Henry VI. as "a most suitable present."
But the reader shall consult (if he can procure it) Mr.
Gough's curious little octavo volume written expressly upon
the subject.]

LYSAND. And not greater than what merits to be said of it. I have seen
this splendid bijou in the charming collection of our friend ----. It
is a small thick folio, highly illuminated; and displaying, as well in
the paintings as in the calligraphy, the graphic powers of that age,
which had not yet witnessed even the dry pencil of Perugino. More
gorgeous, more beautifully elaborate, and more correctly graceful,
missals may be in existence; but a more curious, interesting, and
perfect specimen, of its kind, is no where to be seen: the portraits
of the Duke and of his royal brother Henry V. being the best paintings
known of the age. 'Tis, in truth, a lovely treasure in the book way;
and it should sleep every night upon an eider-down pillow encircled
with emeralds!

LIS. Hear him--hear him! Lysander must be a collateral descendant of
this noble bibliomaniac, whose blood, now circulating in his veins,
thus moves him to "discourse most eloquently."

LYSAND. Banter as you please; only "don't disturb the stream of my
eloquence."

The period of this distinguished nobleman was that in which
book-collecting began to assume a fixed and important character in
this country. Oxford saw a glimmering of civilization dawning in her
obscured atmosphere. A short but dark night had succeeded the
patriotic efforts of De Bury; whose curious volumes, bequeathed to
Trinity College, had laid in a melancholy and deserted condition 'till
they were kept company by those of COBHAM, Bishop of Worcester, REDE,
Bishop of Chichester, and HUMPHREY the good Duke of Gloucester.[271]
Now began the fashion (and may it never fall to decay!) of making
presents to public libraries:--but, during the short and splendid
career of HENRY V., learning yielded to arms: the reputation of a
scholar to that of a soldier. I am not aware of any thing at this
period, connected with the subject of our discourse, that deserves
particular mention; although we ought never to name this illustrious
monarch, or to think of his matchless prowess in arms, without
calling to mind how he adorned the rough character of a soldier by
the manners of a prince, the feelings of a Christian, and, I had
almost said,