The only authentic will of his, therefore, that has descended to us is that preserved at Genoa, but which can only be called a codicil. It is written on the fly-leaf of a book of “Hours,” richly bound and adorned, which Columbus had received from Pope Alexander VI., and to which he attached the greatest value; indeed, this is apparent, from the fact that it is the first object of which he disposes in this same codicil: Codicillus more militari Christopheri Colombi. Cum SS Alexander, PP. VI., me hoc devatissimo precum libello honoravit, summum mihi præbente solatium in captivitatibus, præliis et adversitatibus meis, volo ut post mortem meam pro memoria tradatur amantissimæ meæ patriæ republicæ Genuensi; et ob beneficia in eadem urbe recepta volo ex stabilibus in Italia redditibus erigi ibidem novum hospitale, ac pro pauperum in patria meliori substentatione, deficientique linea mea masculina in admiraltu meo Indiarum et annexis juxta privilegiis dicti regis insuccessorem declaro et substituo eamdem rempublicam Sancti Georgii. Datum Valledoliti, 4 Maii, 1506. S. S. A. S. X. M. V. XPOFERENS. The initial letters which precede the signature of the Christian name of Columbus (altered, however, into Christo-_ferens_) have never been explained, any more than the two eagles which also precede it; this spelling, however, need throw no doubt on its authenticity, as it is identical with the signatures of two letters, dated respectively 1502 and 1504, addressed to the Ambassador, Nicolas Oderigo. WILL OF HENRY VII (1510) Henry VII. desires in his will that “our executors and supervisors and executors of our testament have a special respect, in our funeral, to the laud and praising of God, the health of our soul, and somewhat to our dignity royal, but avoiding damnable pomp and outrageous superfluities.” WILL OF ERASMUS (1536) The town of Bâle possesses together with the will of Erasmus, the ring, seal, sword, knife, pen, and the portrait by Holbein of that great and celebrated man. The will was drawn up in Latin, five months prior to his decease, 12th February, 1536; we subjoin a literal translation of this interesting document. “In the name of the Holy Trinity, “I, Dediderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, honoured with the flattering diplomas of the Emperor, the Sovereign Pontiff, and renowned magistrate of the celebrated city of Bâle, declare that this act, written in my own hand, contains my last wishes; and I desire that they may be ratified and confirmed in every particular, annulling all previous dispositions that I may have made. “Certain as I am that I have no legitimate heir (Erasmus was a natural son, and was never married), I appoint as my universal heir, the very honourable Boniface Amerbach; and I name as my testamentary executors Jerôme Froben and Nicholas Biscop, brother-in-law of Froben.