for which I understand the present owner asks the sum of 160_l._ We find that in the sixteenth year of Elizabeth's reign, she was in possession of "Oone Gospell booke covered with tissue and garnished on th' onside with the crucifix and the Queene's badges of silver guilt, poiz with wodde, leaves, and all, czij. oz." _Archaeologia_, vol. xiii., 221. I am in possession of the covers of a book, bound (A.D. 1569) in thick parchment or vellum, which has the whole length portrait of Luther on one side, and of Calvin on the other. These portraits, which are executed with uncommon spirit and accuracy, are encircled with a profusion of ornamental borders of the most exquisite taste and richness. We shall speak occasionally of more modern book-binding as we proceed. Meanwhile, let the curious bibliomaniac glance his eye upon the copper-plate print which faces this concluding sentence--where he will see fac-similes of the portraits just mentioned.] [Footnote 184: See the recent very beautiful edition of Sir Ralph Sadler's _State Papers_, vol. ii., p. 590.] [Footnote 185: See the _Catalogue of R. Smith's Books_, 1682, 4to., p. 199 (falsely numbered 275), no. 94.] [Footnote D: Since created a Knight.] LIS. You allude to a late sale in Pall Mall, of one of the choicest and most elegant libraries ever collected by a man of letters and taste? "I do, Lisardo--but see we are just entering the smoke and bustle of London; and in ten minutes shall have reached the scene of action." PHIL. How do you feel? LIS. Why, tolerably calm. My pulse beats as leisurely as did my Lord Strafford's at his trial--or (to borrow Hamlet's phrase) --as yours, it doth temperately keep time, And makes as healthful music. PHIL. Ninety-five to the minute! You are just now in a fit frame of mind to write a political pamphlet. Pray consider what will be the issue of this madness? LIS. No more! Now for my catalogue; and let me attend to my marks. But our friend is not forgetful of his promise? PHIL. I dare say he will assist us in regulating the prices we ought to give--and more particularly in making us acquainted with the most notable book-collectors. Upon my readily acquiescing in their demand, we leapt from the chaise (giving orders for it to attend by three o'clock) and hurried immediately up stairs into THE AUCTION ROOM.