LYSAND. I was going to mention some _Vellum_ and _Presentation_ copies--but I shall hurry forward. LIS. Nay, if you love me, omit nothing about "vellum and presentation copies." Speak at large upon these glorious subjects. LYSAND. Poor Lisardo!--we must build an iron cage to contain such a book-madman as he promises to become! PHIL. Proceed, dear Lysander, and no longer heed these interruptions. LYSAND. Nay, I was only about to observe that, as Caxton is known to have printed _upon vellum_,[276] it is most probable that one of his presentation copies of the romances of _Jason and Godfrey of Boulogne_ (executed under the patronage of Edward IV.), might have been printed in the same manner. Be this as it may, it seems reasonable to conclude that Edward the Fourth was not only fond of books, as objects of beauty or curiosity, but that he had some affection for literature and literary characters; for how could the firm friend and generous patron of TIPTOFT, EARL of WORCESTER--with whom this monarch had spent many a studious, as well as jovial, hour--be insensible to the charms of intellectual refinement! Pause we here for one moment--and let us pour the juice of the blackest grape upon the votive tablet, consecrated to the memory of this illustrious nobleman! and, as Caxton has become so fashionable[277] among us, I will read to you, from yonder beautiful copy of his English edition of "_Tully upon Friendship_," a part of our printer's affecting eulogy upon the translator:--"O good blessed Lord God, what great loss was it of that noble, virtuous, and well-disposed lord! When I remember and advertise his life, his science, and his virtue, me thinketh God not displeased over a great loss of such a man, considering his estate and cunning," &c. "At his death every man that was there, might learn to die and take his (own) death patiently; wherein I hope and doubt not, but that God received his soul into his everlasting bliss. For as I am informed he right advisedly ordained all his things, as well for his last will of worldly goods, as for his soul's health; and patiently, and holily, without grudging, in charity, to fore that he departed out of this world: which is gladsome and joyous to hear."--What say you to this specimen of Caxtonian eloquence? [Footnote 276: Consult the recent edition of the _Typographical Antiquities_ of our own country: vol. i., p. 56, 137, 268.] [Footnote 277: As a proof of the ardour with which the books printed by him are now sought after, the reader shall judge for himself--when he is informed that an imperfect copy of the _Golden Legend_, one of Caxton's commonest productions, produced at a book sale, a few months ago, the sum of _twenty-seven_ guineas!]