[Footnote 96: That unknown ladies should write anonymous letters to poets expressive of their admiration and sympathy, is, it seems, no mere modern fashion. The epistle trom Amaryllis to Belardo, was certainly not written by Lope himself--it is too full of enthusiastic praise; and the style is not his. It is well written, and interesting. Amaryllis addresses him from the New World. She describes herself as a creole, born of noble parents, in Peru. She and her sister were left early orphans--both endowed with beauty and talent. Her sister marries, but she dedicates herself to a life of celibacy, though she does appear to be a nun; she loves and cultivates poetry. She writes to Lope de Vega to offer her friendship--_una alma pura á tu valor rendida--accepta el don, que puedes estimallo_--and to exhort him to write religious poetry; and in particular, to celebrate St. Dorothea--a saint hitherto unsung, whom she and her sister hold in particular reverence. Lope replies with praises of her talents, and enters into a succinct account of his life, from which we have quoted, and says "I have written to you, Amaryllis, more than I ever thought to do concerning myself--this freedom proves my friendship for you." He concludes by inviting her to celebrate St. Dorothea herself, and bids her immortalise the memory of her heroic ancestors, and bestow on them the eternal laurel of her pen.] [Footnote 97: Pellicer.] [Footnote 98: Lord Holland.] [Footnote 99: The translation is from Lord Holland. The Spanish runs thus:-- "Que no es minimo parte, aunque es exceso, De lo que está por imprimir, lo impreso."] [Footnote 100: Montalvan.] [Footnote 101: We cannot take leave of Montalvan without saying something of his merits as an author, and noticing his career. He was regarded by Lope as his favourite pupil and friend. He was notary to the inquisition. At the age of seventeen he wrote plays in the style of his friend and teacher, and continued to write after the death of Lope, with an assiduity and speed that rivalled him. He died in 1639, at the age of thirty-five only; and had already written nearly a hundred comedies and autos as well as several novels. These last are imaginative and entertaining. His comedies are not so finished nor well arranged as Lope's, but they have great merit, and indicate still greater powers, had he flourished in an age when such could have been developed, or if he had lived long enough to bring them to perfection.] [Footnote 102: Peliccer--Tratado sobre el Origen de la Comedia. Quarterly Review, No. 117.] [Footnote 103: Arte de hacer Comedias. Lord Holland's Translation.] VICENTE ESPINEL 1544-1634. ESTEBAN DE VILLEGAS 1595-1669.