CICERO DE OFFICIIS. 1466. 4to.  Second Edition, upon paper; and therefore rare.  But this copy is sadly stained and wormed.

CICERO DE NATURA DEORUM, &c. Printed by Vindelin de Spiraa. 1471.  Folio.  A fine sound copy, in the original binding.

SILIUS ITALICUS. Printed by Laver. 1471.  Folio.  A good, sound copy; and among the very rarest books from the press of Laver, in such condition.

CATULLUS, TIBULLUS, ET PROPERTIUS. 1472.  Folio.  The knowing, in early classical bibliography, are aware that this Editio Princeps is perhaps to be considered as only one degree below the first impressions of Lucretius and Virgil in rarity.  The longest life may pass away without an opportunity of becoming the purchaser of such a treasure.  The present is a tall, fair copy; quite perfect.  In red morocco binding.

DANTE. Printed by Numeister. 1472.  Folio.  Considered to be the earliest impression.  This is rather a broad than a tall copy; and not free from stain and the worm.  But it is among the very best copies which I have seen.

* * * * *

It will not be necessary to select more flowers from this choice corner of the tenth and last room of the upper suite of apartments:  nor am I sure that, upon further investigation, the toil would be attended with any very productive result.  Yet I ought not to omit observing to you that this Library owes its chief celebrity to the care, skill, and enthusiasm of the famous Gabriel Naude, the first librarian under the Cardinal its founder.  Of Naude, you may have before read somewhat in certain publications;[104] where his praises are set forth with no sparing hand.  He was perhaps never excelled in activity, bibliographical diplomacy, or zeal for his master; and his expressive countenance affords the best index of his ardent mind.  He purchased every where, and of all kinds, of bodies corporate and of individuals.  But you must not imagine that the Mazarine Library, as you now behold it, is precisely of the same dimensions, or contains the same books, as formerly.  If many rare and precious volumes have been disposed of, or are missing, or lost, many have been also procured.  The late librarian was LUCAS JOSEPH HOOKE, and the present is Mons. PETIT RADEL.[105] We will descend, therefore, from these quiet and congenial regions; and passing through the lower rooms, seek the other collection of books attached to this establishment.

The library, which is more immediately appropriated to the INSTITUTE OF FRANCE, may consist of 20,000 volumes,[106] and is contained in a long room—­perhaps of one hundred feet—­of which the further extremity is supposed to be adorned by a statue of VOLTAIRE.  This statue is raised within a recess, and the light is thrown upon it from above from a concealed window.  Of all deviations from good taste, this statue exhibits one of the most palpable.