Je celebre mon art; je dirai dans mes vers,
      Combien il eprouva de changemens divers;
      Je dirai ce que fut cet art en sa naissance;
      Je dirai ses progres, et, de sa decadence. 
      Je nommerai sans fard les ineptes auteurs: 
      Oui, je vais derouler aux yeux des amateurs: 
      Des mauvais procedes la deplorable liste. 
      Je nommerai le bon et le mauvais artiste;

LETTER IX.

MEN OF LETTERS.  DOM BRIAL.  THE ABBE BETENCOURT.  MESSRS.  GAIL, MILLIN, AND
LANGES.  A ROXBURGHE BANQUET.

Paris, June 20, 1818.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

We have had of late the hottest weather in the memory of the oldest Parisian:  but we have also had a few flying thunder showers, which have helped to cool the air, and to refresh both the earth and its inhabitants.  In consequence, I have made more frequent visits; and have followed up my morning occupations among BOOKS, by the evening society of those who are so capable, from their talents, of adding successfully to their number.  Among the most eminent, as well as most venerable of historical antiquaries, is the celebrated Dom BRIAL, an ex-Benedictin.  He lives in the Rue Servandoni, on the second-floor, in the very bosom, as it were, of his library, and of city solitude.  My first visit to him, about three weeks ago, was fortified by an introductory letter from our friend * * *.  The old gentleman (for he is about seventy four) was busily occupied at his dinner—­about one o’clock; and wearing a silk night cap, and habited en rocquelaure, had his back turned as his servant announced me.  He is very deaf; but on receiving the letter, and recognising the hand-writing of our friend, he made me heartily welcome, and begged that I would partake of his humble fare.  This I declined; begging, on the other hand that he would pursue his present occupation, and allow me to examine his library.  “With the greatest pleasure (replied he); but you will find it a very common-place one.”

His books occupy each of the four rooms which form the suite of his dwelling.  Of course I include the bed room.  They are admirably selected:  chiefly historical, and including a very considerable number in the ecclesiastical department.  He has all the historians relating to our own country.  In short, it is with tools like these, and from original MSS. lent him from the Royal Library—­which his official situation authorizes—–­ that he carries on the herculean labour of the Recueil des Historiens des Gaules, &c. commenced by BOUQUET and other editors, and of which he shewed me a great portion of the XVIIth volume—­as well as the commencement of the XVIIIth—­already printed.  Providence may be graciously pleased to prolong the life of this learned and excellent old man till the latter volume be completed;