A whimsical circumstance once occurred, which seems not altogether unworthy of being recorded. A self-taught genius of very humble situation, who, with great and strong natural talents, possessed but very limited opportunities of cultivating them, had made considerable progress in a particular branch of science. Having, however, access but to very few books, he had adopted without reserve the system of his teachers, with all their prejudices and all their errors, and had formed, which is a common mistake in similar circumstances, the absurd idea, that few, if any other books than those which he had seen, were necessary. On being introduced into the library of our Barrister, his astonishment was excessive, at the number of the books. He was informed that he was welcome to the loan of any, which he might conceive to be useful or essential to the prosecution of his immediate pursuits. He accordingly commenced, after examination of the library, to transcribe the titles of such as he should like to possess. At first the number was limited to five or six. On a second visit, and after a second survey, the number was more than doubled; after a third visit, they were yet more extended; till at length, from repeated visits and examinations, the catalogue of this self denying philosopher, who habitually exclaimed against all luxurious indulgences, and particularly against the passion of collecting books, exceeded in number two thousand; which he honestly confessed he thought important and useful to the object of his own confined and particular pursuit. Now, mark the sequel of this Barrister’s most eventful history. Some years since, the Sexagenarian being, by accidental circumstances, on the spot which had been the scene of his varied and multiplied performances, made enquiry after him. He had witnessed his progress from obscurity to distinction—from ignorance to no inconsiderable knowledge—and felt both curiosity and a portion of friendly interest concerning him: indeed, he acknowledged obligations to him. Judge of his astonishment and regret, on receiving the information that the Barrister was in prison—his lucrative office filled by another—his library dispersed by a public auction—his bronzes, drawings, antiques, scattered among collectors and amateurs. That he subsequently found ways and means to extricate himself from his bonds—to obtain a second time, under extraordinary difficulties, no contemptible portion of employment in his profession; that he a second time laid the foundation of a valuable library, and again got together many curiosities of antiquity and specimens of art; is an evident demonstration of no common abilities—of a mind, which, properly directed and exercised, must, by an undeviating path, have conducted him to affluence and honour. Adde repertores doctrinarum, atque leporum Adde Helicomadum comites, quorum unus Homerus Sceptra potitus, eâdem aliis sopitu, quiete est. CHAPTER XXVII.