etermine, God willing, some time
before Easter, I will then acquaint the self same parties
with some notes of a platform, which I and Mr. Savile have
conceived here between us: so that, meeting altogether, we
shall soon resolve upon the best, as well for shew, and
stately form, as for capacity and strength, and commodity of
students. Of this my motion I would pray you to take some
notice in particular, for that my letter herewith to your
public assembly doth refer itself in part to your delivery
of my mind. My chiefest care is now, the while, how to
season my timber as soon as possible. For that which I am
offered by the special favour of Merton College, although it
were felled a great while since, yet of force it will
require, after time it is sawed, a convenient seasoning;
least by making too much haste, if the shelves and seats
should chance to warp, it might prove to be an eye sore, and
cost in a manner cast away. To gain some time in that
regard, I have already taken order for setting sawyers
a-work, and for procuring besides all other materials;
wherein my diligence and speed shall bear me witness of my
willingness to accomplish all that I pretend, to every man's
good liking. And thus I leave and commend you to God's good
tuition. From London, March 19, --97

Your assured to use in all your occasions,

THO. BODLEY."

Neither this nor the preceding letter are published in Mr.
Gutch's valuable edition of Wood's original text: but are to
be found, as well as every other information here subjoined,
in Hearne's edition of _Joh. Confrat. &c., de Reb.
Glaston._, vol. ii., pp. 612 to 645. We will next peruse the
curious list of the first benefactors to the Bodleian
Library.

_My Lord of Essex_: about 300 volumes: greater part in
folio.

_My Lord Chamberlain_: 100 volumes, all in a manner new
bound, with his arms, and a great part in folio.

_The Lord Montacute_: 66 costly great volumes, in folio; all
bought of set purpose, and fairly bound with his arms.

_The Lord Lumley_: 40 volumes in folio.

_Sir Robert Sidney_: 102 new volumes in folio, to the value
of one hundred pounds, being all very fair, and especially
well bound with his arms.

_Merton College_: 38 volumes of singular good books in
fol