of books, as objects of
beauty or curiosity, but that he had some affection for literature and
literary characters; for how could the firm friend and generous
patron of TIPTOFT, EARL of WORCESTER--with whom this monarch had spent
many a studious, as well as jovial, hour--be insensible to the charms
of intellectual refinement! Pause we here for one moment--and let us
pour the juice of the blackest grape upon the votive tablet,
consecrated to the memory of this illustrious nobleman! and, as Caxton
has become so fashionable[277] among us, I will read to you, from
yonder beautiful copy of his English edition of "_Tully upon
Friendship_," a part of our printer's affecting eulogy upon the
translator:--"O good blessed Lord God, what great loss was it of that
noble, virtuous, and well-disposed lord! When I remember and advertise
his life, his science, and his virtue, me thinketh God not displeased
over a great loss of such a man, considering his estate and cunning,"
&c. "At his death every man that was there, might learn to die and
take his (own) death patiently; wherein I hope and doubt not, but that
God received his soul into his everlasting bliss. For as I am informed
he right advisedly ordained all his things, as well for his last will
of worldly goods, as for his soul's health; and patiently, and holily,
without grudging, in charity, to fore that he departed out of this
world: which is gladsome and joyous to hear."--What say you to this
specimen of Caxtonian eloquence?

[Footnote 276: Consult the recent edition of the
_Typographical Antiquities_ of our own country: vol. i., p.
56, 137, 268.]

[Footnote 277: As a proof of the ardour with which the books
printed by him are now sought after, the reader shall judge
for himself--when he is informed that an imperfect copy of
the _Golden Legend_, one of Caxton's commonest productions,
produced at a book sale, a few months ago, the sum of
_twenty-seven_ guineas!]

LIS. It has a considerable merit; but my attention has been a good
deal diverted, during your appropriate recital of it, to the beautiful
condition of the copy. Thrice happy Lorenzo! what sum will convey this
volume to my own library!

LOREN. No offer, in the shape of money, shall take it hence. I am an
enthusiast in the cause of Tiptoft; and am always upon the watch to
discover any volume, printed by Caxton, which contains the composition
of the hapless Earl of Worceste