BIBLIA LATINA. Printed by Fust and Schoiffher:  Without Date, but supposed to be in the year 1455 or 1456.  Folio. 2 vols.  For the last dozen years of my life, I had earnestly desired to see this copy:  not because I had heard much of its beauty, but because it is the identical copy which gave rise to the calling of this impression the MAZARINE BIBLE.[102] Certainly, all those copies which I had previously seen—­and they cannot be fewer than ten or twelve—­were generally superior; nor must this edition be henceforth designated as “of the very first degree of rarity.”

BIBLIA LATINA. Printed by the Same, 1462.  Folio. 2 vols.  A fair, sound, large copy:  UPON VELLUM.  The date is printed in red, at the end of each volume—­a variety, which is not always observable.  This copy is in red morocco binding.

BIBLIA ITALICA. Printed by Vindelin de Spira, Kalend.  August. 1471.  Folio. 2 vols.  A fine copy of an extremely rare edition; perhaps the rarest of all those of the early Italian versions of the Bible.  It is in calf binding, but cropt a little.

LEGENDA SANCTORUM.  Italice. “Impresse per Maestro Nicolo ienson, &c.  Without Date.  Folio.  The author of the version is Manerbi:  and the present is the first impression of it.  It is executed in double columns, in the usually delicate style of printing by Jenson:  and this volume is doubtless among the rarer productions of the printer.

SERVIUS IN VIRGILIUM. Printed by Ulric Han.  Without Date.  Folio.  This is a volume of the most unquestionable rarity; and such a copy of it as that now before me, is of most uncommon occurrence.[103] Can this be surprising, when I tell you that it once belonged to Henri II. and Diane de Poictiers!  The leaves absolutely talk to you, as you turn them over.  Yet why do I find it in my heart to tell you that, towards the middle, many leaves are stained at the top of the right margin?!  There are also two worm holes towards the end.  But what then?  The sun has its spots.

PLAUTUS. 1472.  Folio.  Editio Princeps.  Although this volume came also from the collection of the illustrious Pair to whom the previous one belonged, yet is it unworthy of such owners.  I suspect it has been cropt in its second binding.  It is stained all through, at top, and the three introductory leaves are cruelly repellent.

CAESAR. 1469.  Folio.  Editio Princeps.  A very fine, genuine copy; in the original binding—­such as all Sweynheym and Pannartz’s ought to be.  It is tall and broad:  but has been unluckily too much written upon.

LACTANTIUS. 1470. By the same Printers.  Perhaps, upon the whole, the finest copy of this impression which exists.  Yet a love of truth compels me to observe—­only in a very slight sound, approaching to a whisper—­that there are indications of the ravages of the worm, both at the beginning and end; but very, very trivial.  It is bound like the preceding volume; and measures thirteen inches and nearly three quarters, by about nine inches and one eighth.