But, as may be well imagined, Bodley was in these early days a host in
himself. All the details of management were referred to him, and as
the Library had as yet no endowment, all the accessions by purchase
were paid for by him. Fortunately a long series of letters from Bodley
to James between 1601 and 1612 is preserved, and displays to us every
stage of the evolution of the Bodleian, and also the humorous conflicts
between the Founder, pursuing an ideal and controlling at every point
the management of his institution, and his Librarian, a student intent
on his own literary aims, obstinate, and not over desirous of spending
the six hours a day at the Library which Bodley considered reasonable,
in addition to the four he needed for his own work. Bodley wished his
Librarians to be “some one that is noted and knowen for a diligent
Student, and in all his conuersation to be trustie, actiue, and
discreete, a graduat also and a Linguist, not encombred with mariage, nor
with a benefice of Cure,” and James greatly irritated him by extorting
a most reluctant leave both to marry and to hold the Rectory of St.
Aldate’s. The Founder’s style is racy and pertinent: when James desires
an increase of his stipend of £22: 13: 4 a year, Bodley writes “I do
not doubt but to give you very good satisfaction: but till your Travels
[i.e. travails] and Troubles are seen to every Student, it will be best
in my Opinion, not to charge the Spit with too much Roast-meat.” When
benefactors are about, Bodley is specially alert in converting promise
into performance: in a case of promise they “should be called on, with
all the good speed that Conveniency, fit Time and good Manners will
afford. For many Men’s Minds do alter so soon, as it will be requisite
always to open the Poak, when the Pig is presented.”[5] The relations
of the two were on the whole cordial, and James worked hard for the
Library. The worth of the nascent foundation was recognized in 1604 by
the conferment of knighthood on Bodley, and its permanent endowment began
in 1609 by the gift by him of lands at Cookham and in Distaff Lane,
London.[6]
[Sidenote: King James I.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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