atlas folios filled with engravings.  These 750 volumes contain about
    180,000 prints; of which the pecuniary value, according to the
    computation of the day, cannot be less than 3,300,000 “florins argent
    de convention”—­according to a valuation (says M. Bartsch) which I
    made last year.  This may amount to L300,000. of our money.  I apprehend
    there is nothing in Europe to be put in competition with such a
    collection.

[113] The reader may not be displeased to consult, for one moment, the
    Bibliog.  Decameron; vol. i. pp. xliii. iv.

[114] [A sad tale is connected with the procuring of a copy, or fac-simile,
    of the initial letter in question.  I was most anxious to possess a
    coloured fac-simile of it; and had authorised M. Bartsch to
    obtain it at almost any price.  He stipulated (I think with M.
    Fendi) to obtain it for L10. sterling; and the fac-simile was executed
    in all respects worthy of the reputation of the artist, and to afford
    M. Bartsch the most unqualified satisfaction.  It was dispatched to me
    by permission of the Ambassador, in the Messenger’s bag of
    dispatches:—­but it NEVER reached me.  Meanwhile my worthy friend M.
    Bartsch became impatient and almost angry at the delay; and the artist
    naturally wondered at the tardiness of payment.  Something like
    suspicion had began to take possession of my friend’s
    mind—­when the fact was disclosed to him ... and his sorrow and
    vexation were unbounded.  The money was duly remitted and received; but
    “the valuable consideration” was never enjoyed by the too enthusiastic
    traveller.  This beautiful copy has doubtless perished from accident.]

[115] Vol. ii. p. 458.

[116] Tasso, in fact, retouched and almost remodelled his poem, under the
    title of Jerusalem Conquered, and published it under that of
    Jerusalem Delivered.  See upon these alterations and corrections,
    Brunet, Manuel du Libraire, vol. iii. p. 298. edit. 1814;
    Haym Bibl. Ital. vol. ii. p. 28. edit. 1808; and particularly
    Ginguene Hist.  Lit. d’Italie, vol. v. p. 504.

[117] See p. 139, ante.

[118] Lord Spencer has now obtained a copy of it—­as may be seen in AEdes
    Althorpianae, vol. ii. pp. 39-40, where a facsimile of the type is
    given.

[119] See pages 98, 103, 228, 239, ante.  His Lordship’s first copy of the
    POLISH PROTESTANT BIBLE had been obtained from three imperfect copies
    at VIENNA; for which I have understood that nearly a hundred guineas
    were paid.  The Augsbourg copy now supplies the place of the previous
    one; which latter, I learn, is in the Bodleian library, at Oxford.

[120] A particular account of this edition will be found in the Bibl. 
    Spencer. vol. iv. page 522.