_gratis_, who chooses not himself to be a
purchaser of any of the books contained in it, that such
gentleman will be pleased to recommend it to any other whom
he thinks may be so, or to return it." To his catalogue of
1753 was the following: "To the Nobility and Gentry who
please to favour me with their commands. It is hoped, as I
intend to give no offence to any nobleman or gentleman, that
do me the honour of being my customer, by putting a price on
my catalogue, by which means they may not receive it as
usual--it is desired that such nobleman or gentleman as have
not received it, would be pleased to send for it; and it's
likewise requested of such gentleman who do receive it,
that, if they chuse not to purchase any of the books
themselves, _they would recommend it to any bookish
gentleman of their acquaintance, or to return it_, and the
favour shall be acknowledged by, their most obedient and
obliged,

T. OSBORNE."

I shall conclude with the following curious story told of
him, in Mr. Nichols's _Anecdotes of Bowyer_ the Printer.
"Mr. David Papillon, a gentleman of fortune and literary
taste, as well as a good antiquary (who died in 1762)
contracted with Osborne to furnish him with an 100_l._ worth
of books, at _threepence a piece_. The only conditions were,
that they should be perfect, and that there should be no
duplicate. Osborne was highly pleased with his bargain, and
the first great purchase he made, he sent Mr. P. a large
quantity; but in the next purchase, he found he could send
but few, and the next, still fewer. Not willing, however, to
give up, he sent books worth _five shillings_ a piece; and,
at last, was forced to go and beg to be let off the
contract. Eight thousand books would have been wanted!"--See
p. 101-2, note [symbol: double dagger].]

LIS. Let us rise to pay him homage!

PHIL. Lisardo is now fairly bewitched. He believes in the existence
of the group!--Help, ho! Fetters and warder for--

LOREN. Philemon loves to indulge his wit at his friend's expense. Is't
not so, Lisardo?

LIS. I forgive him. 'Twas a "glorious fault." But, indeed, I would
strip to the skin, if this said nobleman longed for my coat,
waistcoat, small clothes, and shirt, to form him a cushion to sit
upon! I have heard such wonderful things said of his library!--