lack, and
_manser_, a bastard.

[4] The perfect copy was purchased by Mr. Pierpont Morgan at the sale of
the Hoe Library, in 1911, for L8,560. It formed originally one of the
twenty-two Caxtons which were dispersed in 1698 with the library of Dr.
Francis Bernard, Physician to King James the Second, when it realised two
and tenpence! It became the property of the great Robert Harley, Earl of
Oxford, and was acquired later by the Countess of Jersey for two and a
half guineas. Passing thus into the Osterley Park collection, it was
purchased, when that library was sold in 1885, by Bernard Quaritch for
L1,950, becoming the property, the same year, of Mrs. Abby E. Pope, of
Brooklyn, U.S.A.

[5] By Edward More of Hambledon, Bucks.

[6] Mr. E. G. Duff.

[7] For this romantic story see _Books in Manuscript_, by Mr. Falconer
Madan, 8vo, 1893, p. 107 _et seq._

[8] Book-collectors always speak of _The_ Farringdon Road; why, I know
not, but the definite article certainly gives it an old-world tang.

[9] Alas for romance! Truth compels me to add that as the Great Fire
swept across this very court, the existing house must date at earliest
from King Charles' reign. But the site and tradition as to its former
owner may well be true.

[10] _The Courtier_, by Baldassare Castiglione, was first printed at
Venice in 1528, folio. This letter was written by the fearless churchman,
then of Wolsey's household, on the great Cardinal's 'last lingering
journey north.' There is, perhaps, a certain significance in his wish to
study a volume which treats of the art of living in courts, and of
becoming useful and agreeable to princes, for he was shortly to transfer
his services to a royal master.

[11] At the sale of Baron Seilliere's books in 1887, a copy of this
prototype of the Elzevier volume, printed at Paris 'chez Jean Gaillard,'
1653, brought only L6, 10s. It was described as 'a beautiful copy, red
morocco, super extra, gilt edges, by Petit.' It is exceedingly rare,
but--it is not an Elzevier.

[12] A recent (1920) catalogue offers a copy for thirty-five shillings.

[13] I confess that I do, but then I am hopelessly out of date, or I
shouldn't be fond of Elzeviers.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER II

THE LIBRARY

'Unto their lodgings then his guestes he riddes:
Where when all drownd in deadly sleepe he findes,
He to his studie goes.'--SPENSER.

WHAT magic there is for the book-lover in that word 'library'! Do