d classical moldings above a
plain cornice, which bears at intervals oblong tablets inscribed with the
subjects of the books beneath. The shelves are disposed in compartments,
alternately wide and narrow, the former being set slightly in advance of
the latter, so as to break the monotony of a bookcase of uniform width
extending the whole length of a long room.

While this work was proceeding Wren planned the New Library for Trinity
College, Cambridge[507], begun 23 February, 1675-6. His design is
accompanied by an explanation, contained in a rough draught of a letter to
some gentleman of Trinity College, probably the Master. It is not signed,
but internal evidence shews that it must have been written or dictated by
Wren.

This library was placed on a cloister, open both to the east and to the
west, at the end of Nevile's Court. The level of the library floor was
made to correspond with that of the first floor of the chambers on the
north and south sides of the court. This is shewn in Wren's design, part
of which is here reproduced (fig. 126), and explained in the following
passage of his memoir.

[Illustration: Fig. 126. Part of Wren's elevation of the east side of the
Library of Trinity College, Cambridge, with a section of the north range
of Nevile's Court, shewing the door to the Library from the first floor.]

[The design] shewes the face of the building next the
court with the pavillions for the stairecases and the
Sections of the old buildings where they joyne to the
new....

I haue given the appearance of arches as the Order
required fair and lofty: but I haue layd the floor of
the Library upon the impostes, which answar (_sic_) to
the pillars in the cloister and the levells of the old
floores, and haue filled the Arches with relieues of
stone, of which I haue seen the effect abroad in good
building, and I assure you where porches are lowe with
flat ceelings is infinitely more gracefull then lowe
arches would be and is much more open and pleasant, nor
need the mason freare (_sic_) the performance because
the Arch discharges the weight, and I shall direct him
in a firme manner of executing the designe.

[Illustration: Fig. 127. Elevation of one bay on the east side of the
Library of Trinity College, Cambridge, drawn to scale from the existing
building.]

By this contrivance the windowes of the Library rise
high and giue place for th