iquarian _knowledge_, which belongs to the history of
book-collectors, are very poor, as you well know,--they being greatly
eclipsed by my _zeal_ in the same cause. But, as I love my country and
my country's literature, so no conversation or research affords me a
livelier pleasure than that which leads me to become better acquainted
with the ages which have gone by; with the great and good men of old;
who have found the most imperishable monuments of their fame in the
sympathizing hearts of their successors. But I am wandering--

LIS. Go on as you please, dear Lysander; for I have been too much
indebted to your conversation ever to suppose it could diverge into
any thing censoriously irrelevant. Begin where and when you please.

LYSAND. I assure you it is far from my intention to make any formal
exordium, even if I knew the exact object of your request.

PHIL. Tell us all about book-collecting and BIBLIOMANIACS in this
country--

LIS. "Commencez au commencement"--as the French adage is.

LYSAND. In sober truth, you impose upon me a pretty tough task! "One
Thousand and One Nights" would hardly suffice for the execution of it;
and now, already, I see the owl flying across the lawn to take her
station in the neighbouring oak; while even the middle ground of
yonder landscape is veiled in the blue haziness of evening. Come a
short half hour, and who, unless the moon befriend him, can see the
outline of the village church? Thus gradually and imperceptibly, but
thus surely, succeeds age to youth--death to life--eternity to
time!--You see in what sort of mood I am for the performance of my
promise?

LIS. Reserve these meditations for your pillow, dear Lysander: and
now, again I entreat you--"commencez au commencement."

PHIL. Pray make a beginning only: the conclusion shall be reserved, as
a desert, for Lorenzo's dinner to-morrow.

LYSAND. Lest I should be thought coquettish, I will act with you as I
have already done; and endeavour to say something which may gratify
you as before.

It has often struck me my dear friends, continued Lysander--(in a
balanced attitude, and seeming to bring quietly together all his
scattered thoughts upon the subject) it has often struck me that few
things have operated more unfavourably towards the encouragement of
learning, and of book-collecting, than the universal passion for
_chivalry_--which obtained towards the middle ages; while, on the
other hand, a _monastic life_ seems to have