observe
my yearly custom, in acquainting the University with the
increase of their store: as my care shall be next, and that
very shortly, to endow them with that portion of revenue and
land that I have provided, whensoever God shall call me, for
the full defraying of any charge that, by present
likelihood, the conservation of the books, and all needful
allowances to the keeper and others, may from time to time
require. I will send you, moreover, a draught of certain
statutes, which I have rudely conceived about the employment
of that revenue, and for the government of the library: not
with any meaning that they should be received, as orders
made by me (for it shall appear unto you otherwise) but as
notes and remembrances to abler persons, whom hereafter you
may nominate (as I will also then request you) to consider
of those affairs, and so frame a substantial form of
government, sith that which is a foot is in many thinges
defective for preservation of the library: for I hold it
altogether fitting that the University Convocation should be
always possessed of an absolute power to devise any
statutes, and of those to alter as they list, when they find
an occasion of evident utility. But of these and other
points, when I send you my project, I will both write more
of purpose, and impart unto you freely my best cogitations,
being evermore desirous, whatsoever may concern your public
good, to procure and advance it so, to the uttermost of my
power: as now in the meanwhile, reminding unto you my
fervent affection, I rest for any service,

Your most assured, at commandment,

THO. BODLEIE.

London, June 30, 1608."

In a letter to his "dearest friends, Doctor Kinge,
Vice-Chancellor, the Doctors, Proctors, and the rest of the
Convocation House in Oxon," (16th June, 1609) after telling
them how he had secured certain landed property for the
payment of the salaries and other expenses attendant upon
the library, Sir Thomas thus draws to a conclusion: "Now
because I presuppose that you take little pleasure in a
tedious letter, having somewhat besides to impart unto you,
I have made it known by word to Mr. Vicechancellor, who, I
know, will not fail to acquaint you with it: as withall I
have intreated him to supply, in my be