THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES cy ■4' 07 f i ccc NOTABLE BOOKS !/ THREE HUNDRED NOTABLE BOOKS ADDED TO THE LIBRARY OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM UNDER THE KEEPERSHIP OF RICHARD GARNETT 1890-1899 PRINTED BY T. AND A. CONSTABLE FOR THE EDITORS AND SUBSCRIBERS MARCH MDCCCXCIX z r-v/3 I RE FACE. The project which has here taken shape was being talked of as a pleasant occupa- tion for the leisure of 1899, when a chance allusion to it led to the discovery that the book, to be ready at the right moment, had to be written, illustrated, and printed within less than ten weeks. That it seems likely that this will be achieved proves the greatness of its Editors' debt to many helpers, while they would fain place it on record that they had necessity itself as an excuse for some of their own shortcomings. Printed only for circulation among friends, the entirely private and unofficial character of this souvenir of Dr. Garnett's Keepership hardly needs emphasiz- ing. Most readers, again, will be aware already of the very small proportion which old books such as are here described bear to the Museum's purchases of current literature. It may be less superfluous to insert a reminder that a Keeper's purchases are dictated, not only by opportunity vii i'i.Bi:,:i;e3 PREFACE and his own tastes, but by what his predecessors and the great benefactors of the Museum have left for him to do. As this list will show, Dr. Garnett has been able to enhance the pres- tige of the Museum collections even where they were richest, and to bring at least one of the less flourishing sections, that of early Spanish books, to the level of the rest. The Editors can wish no better fortune to the Museum Library than that future Keepers may attain as much success. March 1899. ccc NOTABLE BOOKS. English Books, CURIA SAPIENTIAE. Begin. The laberous & the most merueylous werkes, etc. At the end of the first book : Explicit liber primus de curia sapiencie qualiter misericordia et Veritas obuiauerunt sibi, lusticia et pax obstulate \sic\ sunt. End. dredeful dedes of ioye and of peyne. folio. The Curia Sapientiae is a poem written in seven-line stanzas, containing descriptions of plants, fishes, birds, beasts, etc., and a survey of the arts and sciences. It is mentioned by Stephen Hawes as one of the works of John Lydgate, and is attributed to Lydgate by Stow in the manuscript copy of the poem at Trinity College, Cambridge. Of this edition only two other copies, be- sides fragments, are known. It is without place, date, or printer's name, but is printed in Caxton's type 4, and may be assigned to the year 148 1. The present copy, which is quite perfect, with the two blank leaves at the end, was purchased, early in the year 1878, from the representatives of Maurice Johnson, of Spalding, an eighteenth-century collector. CATC. Begin. Hie incipit paruus Chato. Leaf 2> verso: Hie incipit magnus Chato. End. Explicit Chato. FOLIO. The third edition printed by Caxton, but the first in folio, of the Disticha de nioribus of Dionysius Cato, a very favourite school- book in the Middle Ages. The Latin text is accompanied by a A I ENGLISH BOOKS translation in English verse. This edition is the first book in which Caxton used printed signatures, and the first English book containing woodcut illustrations. The two illustrations are found also in the Mirror of the World, but were evidently designed for the Cato, and are in a fresher condition here than in the Mirror. As in the Curia Sapientiae, there is no place, date, or name of printer to this book ; but it was probably printed about the same time, i.e. in 148 1, though the types used here are no. 2* and 3. Only two other copies are known to exist. This copy, which is perfect and in fine condition, was purchased with the Curia, and had been bound in one volume with it and several other Caxtons, of which copies were already in the Museum. SEX EPISTOLAE. Begin. Hercules dux Ferrarie, etc. Colopho7i. Finiunt sex quam elegantissime epistole, quarum tris a summo Pontifice Sixto Quarto et Sacro Cardinalium Collegio ad Illustrissimum Venetiarum ducem loannem Mocenigum totidemque ab ipso Duce ad eundem Pontificem et Cardinales, ob PRINTED BY CAXTON Ferrariense bellum susceptum, conscripte sunt, Impresse per willelmum Caxton, et diligenter emendate per Petrum Carmelianum Poetam Lau- reatum, in westmonasterio. quarto. This unique Caxton was discovered in 1874 in the Hecht- Heine Library at Halberstadt, and purchased from the owners of that library in April 1890. The book is of a different character from any other printed by Caxton, and appears to be the earliest known separate publication of diplomatic correspondence. It was apparently published in the interest of the Venetians, who were angry with Pope Sixtus for making separate terms with the Duke of Ferrara. The last letter— a reply of the Venetians to a letter of the Pope— is dated 13th February 1483, and the correspondence was probably printed by Caxton later in the same year. Its editor, Petrus Carmelianus, was an Italian scholar and priest, who had settled in England, and afterwards became Latin Secretary to Henry vn. A facsimile of the book was issued in 1892, with an introduction and translation by Dr. George Bullen, Dr. Garnett's predecessor as Keeper of the Department of Printed Books. DOCTRINAL OF SAPIENCE. Begin. This that is written in this lytyl boke, etc. Colophon. Thus endeth the doctrinal of sapyence the whyche is ryght vtile and prouffytable to alle crysten men, whyche is translated out of Frenshe in to englysshe by wyllyam Caxton at westmesster fynysshed the .vij. day of may the yere of our lord M, cccc Ixxx ix Caxton me fieri fecii {sic\. folio. The French Doctrinal de Sapience, ascribed to Guy de Roye, from which Caxton translated the Doctrinal of Sapience, was itself a translation from the Latin Manipulus curatoriim of Gui de Mont- rocher, of which seventy-five or more editions were published before the end of the fifteenth century. Of Caxton's edition, which is printed in his type 5, and contains two woodcuts, both first used in the Speculum vitae Christi, there are at least eleven existing copies, that in the library at Windsor Castle being printed on vellum, and having an additional chapter on the Cautels or Defects of the Mass. The present copy, bought at the sale of the first portion of the Earl of Ashburnham's library in June 1897, wants the first and last leaves, which are supplied in facsimile. 3 ENGLISH BOOKS XII. PROFITS OF TRIBULATION. Begin. Here begynneth a lytill shorte treatyse that telly th how there were vij. maysteres assembled togydre, etc. End. Thus endeth this treatyse shewynge the xij. proffytes of tribulacyon. QUARTO. The Twelve Profits of Tribulation, the Treatise of the Seven Points of True Love, and the Rule of St. Benet, are in most of the known copies bound together, and have been usually treated as a single volume under the title, probably dating from the eighteenth century, A Book of Divers Ghostly Matters. There is, however, no reason to suppose the connection to be due to any other cause tlian similarity of subject and form, combined with nearly simul- taneous publication. None of the three books has a date, though 4 MACHLINIA AND W. DE WORDE the Seven Points of True Love has Caxton's name, and the Rule of St. Benet gives the place of printing ; but as they are printed in Caxton's type 6, they must belong to the end of his life, and may be assigned to the year 1490. Only five copies of the Twelve Profits are mentioned by Blades, and of these two appear to be imperfect. The present copy, which is perfect, was bought at the third Ashburnham sale in May 1898. Printed by Machlinia. TERENTIUS. Begin. Vulgaria quedam abs Therencio in Angli- cam linguam traducta. Hunc studiose puer menti committe libellum Anglica qui cupis et verba latina loqui Namque docet nostra vulgaria plurima lingue Quo pacto lacius dicere sermo solet Suntque fere comici que sunt hie scripta Therenci Ad cuius sensum commoda multa dabunt. QUARTO. Short sentences in English and Latin, for use in schools. An edition had already been printed at Oxford together with the grammar of Anwykyll. This is printed in the fourth and fifth types used at London by Machlinia, probably about 1486-88. The present copy, which wants two leaves, was bought, in 1898, at the third Ashburnham sale. No other approaching completeness is known. Printed by IVynkyn de IVorde. ALCOCK, Bishop. Mons perfectionis, otherwyse in Englysshe, the hylle of perfeccyon. Colophon. Enprynted at West- mestre by Wynkin de worde, the yere of our lorde M.CCCClxxxxvij. and in the yere of y® reygne of y^ moost vyctoryous prynce our moost naturell souer- ayne lorde Henry the seuenth, at the Instaunce of the reuerende relygyous fader Thomas Pryour of 5 ENGLISH BOOKS the house of saynt Anne y^ ordre of the Chartrouse. And fynysshed the xxiij. day of the moneth of Maye in the yere aboue sayd. quarto. With woodcuts of a Bishop, the Crucifixion (Caxton's cut, used twice), and the Ascension, and Wynkyn de Worde's small device no. 2. Bought, with nine other books printed by Wynkyn de Worde, from the Maurice Johnson Library, in 1898. GUIDO DE MONTE ROCHERII. Manipulus curatorum. Colophon. Explicit libellus intitulatus Manipulus curatorum, pro instructione neophitorum curatorum editus a doctissimo viro domino Guidone de monte rocherii. Impressus in ciuitate Londoii. per Vvinandum de worde com- morantem in vico vulgariter nuncupato de Flete strete. Anno domini .M.ccccc.ii. Die vero .xxii. mensis Aprilis. octavo. Wynkyn de Worde's device no. 3 is on the title. Bought in 1897. FISHER, Cardinal. This sermon folowynge was compyled and sayd in the Cathedrall chyrche of saynt Poule within y*" cyte of London by the ryght reuerende fader in god lohii bysshop of Rochester, the body beynge present of the moost famouse prynce kynge Henry the .vij. the .X. daye of Maye, the yere of our lorde god .M.CCCCC.ix. whiche sermon was enprynted at the specyall request of y® ryght excellent pryncesse Margarete moder vnto the sayd noble prynce and Countesse of Rychemonde and Derby. Colophon. Thus endeth this notable sermon. Enprynted at London in Fletestrete at the sygne of the sonne by wynkyn de worde, prynter vnto the moost excellent princesse my lady the kynges graundame. Anno domini .M.CCCCC.ix. ouarto. 6 ^miljf^^^ ls:t)cc6uetcpon offOwcs. ENGLISH BOOKS An exposition of ' the fyrst psalme of the dirige.' With a cut of the preacher and the hearse with the king's effigy, unfortunately coloured in this copy. Device no. 5. This issue appears to be earlier than that in which the date is given as ' the fyrst yere of the reygne of our souerayne lorde Kynge Henry the .viij.,' and shows differences throughout, part being set up afresh in the later issue. From the Maurice Johnson Library. HAWES, Stephen. The conuercyon of swerers. Colophon. Thus endeth the conuersyon of swerers made and com- pyled by Stephen Hawys grome of y^ chambre of our souerayne lorde kynge Henry the seuenth. Enprynted at London in Flete strete at the sygne of the Sonne by Wynkyn de Worde. prynter vnto y^ moost excellent pryncesse my lady the kynges graundame. The yere of our lorde a M.CCCCC. and .ix. The fyrst yere of y^ reygne of our souerayne lorde kynge Henry the .viii. quarto. Woodcut of Christ in judgment within border on titlepage, and device no. 5. The poem does not show Hawes at his best. From the Maurice Johnson Library. JACOB AND HIS XH. SONS. Thystory of lacoby and his twelue sons. Colophon. Here endeth lacob and his .xij. sones. Enprynted at London in Fletestrete at the sygne of the sonne, by wynkyn de worde. quarto. In verse, of which this stanza is an unusually happy specimen : The stewarde to the chapman an C. pounde payd : Of lytell loseph, that of face was bryght, I have lost no money, than the marchaunt sayd ; Yet for his beaute he is worth of golde his wyght. And euerybody that of loseph had a syght They thought he had ben an aungell of pleasaunce, He was so fayre and louely of contenaunce. Without titlepage. Woodcut of Jacob and four of his sons. Device no. 5. From the Maurice Johnson Library. 8 PRINTED BY WYNKYN DE WORDE JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA. Here after foloweth a treatyse taken out of a boke FROM WYNKYN DE WORDE'S LYFE OF JOSEPH OF ARMATHY. whiche somtyme Theodosius the Emperour found in Iherusalem in the pretorye of Pylate of Joseph ENGLISH BOOKS of Armathy. Colophon. Thus endeth the lyfe of loseph of Armathy Enpryted \_sic\ at London in Flete strete at the sygne of the sonne by me Wynkyn de Worde. quarto. Each page is surrounded by a chain-work border. With woodcuts of the Crucifixion (repeated, copied from Kerver's) and of the Tree of Jesse ; and device no. 5. From the Maurice Johnson Library. NICODEMUS. Nychodemus gospell. Colophon. Thus endeth Nychodemus gospell. Enprynted at London in Fletestrete at the sygne of the sonne by wynkyn de worde. In the yere of our lorde god .M.CCCCC. and .xi. quarto. On the titlepage is a small cut of the Descent from the Cross and device no. 4 within a floral border. With numerous small cuts in the text (mostly copies from the French) and device no. S at end. From the Maurice Johnson Library. DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. The dystruccyon of Iherusalem by Vaspazian and Tytus. Coloplion. Thus endeth the dystruccyon and vengeaunce of Iherusalem by Vaspasyan Emperour of Rome. Enprynted at London in Flete strete at the sygne of the sonne by wynkyn de Worde. quarto. With numerous woodcuts, and device no. 6 in its second state. From the Maurice Johnson Library. ALCARON. Here begynneth a lytell treatyse of the turkes lawe called Alcaron. And also it speketh of Machamet the Nygromancer. Colophon. Thus endeth the Alcaron of the Turkes lawe made by the fals Nygromancer Machamet. Enprynted at London 10 3ntJ in tijc fpjfte (lagclje maue to put feepcte anu fee* geauntid . 3BnD itt t^e feconDe l^e niaDc to put ^^\m to tt)c cntic t^at t)c iJDcre bettec at ()i0 cafti attiD m t^e t^p;iDe^emabetoputnietiDfatme$» '^i^^'^fiti^ fl^oto a« f pjouoft of Hpf nnc itooltre ^aiw tafteit |(^ late out of t^ctoutefojto Ijauemauc cpccuf?>onr/ttj(b touceanD Opiate foutitwD inabpfme. (22236225) FROM WYNKYN DE WORDE'S THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. II ENGLISH BOOKS in Fletestrete in the sygne of the Sonne by me Wynkyn de worde. quarto. With two woodcuts and device no. 5. The cut on the title page represents a preacher holding a sword, and illustrates the passage in the text — 'Y" turkes ben charged to theyr byleue. But the cristen people be not soo, but amyably lerned and teched. And whan y" predycante or prechour shal go to preche theyr fals byleue he hath a naked swerde in his hande as longe as his sermon shall endure and last. Or elles he putteth y" sayd swerde in a hyghe place wher as euery body may beholde it y' is there for to fere and threten them therwithall. And we crysten people putteth a crucyfyxe in the myddes of y'' chyrche on hyghe for humylyte and not for fere or thretenynge lyke as the turkes do the forsayd swerde,' etc. From the Maurice Johnson Library. CHAUCER, Geoffrey. The noble and amerous auncyent hystory of Troylus and Cresyde, in the tyme of the syege of Troye. Compyled by Geffraye Chaucer. Colophon. 12 PRINTED BY WYNKYN DE WORDE Thus endeth the treatyse of Troylus the heuy By Geffraye Chaucer compyled and done He prayenge the reders this mater not deny Newly correcked in the cyte of London In Flete strete at the sygne of the sonne. Inprynted by me wynkyn de worde, The .M.CCCCC. and .xvii. yere of our lorde. QUARTO. With woodcuts at the beginning of each book, and device no. 5. Bought at the first Ashburnham sale in 1897. CHRISTIANI HOMINIS INSTITUTUM. Christiani hominis Institutum in fide lesu et in amore. Colophon. Explicit Christiani hominis ENGLISH BOOKS Institutum. Impressum London, per Wynandum de worde, in vico anglice nuncupate (the Flete strete) ad signum Solis commorantem. QUARTO. In hexameter verse. Without titlepage. Device no. 7 at end. From the Maurice Johnson Library. THE MIRROR OF THE CHURCH. The myrour of the chyrche. Here foloweth a deuout treatyse conteynynge many goostly medytacyons and instruccions to all maner of people, necessary and comfortable to the edyfycacion of the soule and body to the loue and grace of god. Colophon. Thus endeth this deuoute treatyse called the myrour of the chyrche made by saynt Austyn of Abyndon. Enprynted at London in the Fletestrete, at the signe of the Sonne by Wynkyn de Worde. The yere of our lorde .M.CCCCC.xxi. The xii. yere of y^ regyne of our moost naturall and vyctoryous souerayne lorde kynge Henry the .viii. Lenuoy of R. Coplande the prynter. Almighty lorde, o blyssed holy goost Whiche dide enflame, with vertue from on hy, Thy chosen seruauntes, y^ day of penthecost, To preche thy worde here unyuersally, This lytell boke of maters right goostly Thou wylt forth sende, endued with thy grace, In vertues the reder so to occupy Auoydinge vyce in heuen to haue a place. A"^^"- QUARTO. ' A sermon . . . rudely endyted for to auoyde & eschue curyosyte, that y« reders leue not the fruytefull sentence of within for the curyous fable of without.' With woodcut of Christ on title, several small cuts in text, and device no. 7. From the Maurice Johnson Library. 14 WYNKYN DE WORDE AND PYNSON SARUM HORAE. Hore beatissime virginis Marie ad consuetudinem insignis ecclesie Sarum. Nuper emaculatissimi multis orationibus pulcherrimis annexis. Impresse Londoniis per wynandum de worde [in the Flete strete] ad signum solis commorantem. Colophon. Expliciunt hore beatissime Marie virginis secundum vsum Sarum totaliter ad longum cum multis ora- tionibus iam vltimo in fine adiectis impresse in ciuitate London, per me winandum de worde in vice dicto y^ fletestrete ad signum solis commorantem Anno domini .M.ccccc.xxiii. die vero .xx. mensis Nouembris. Laus deo detur. quarto. With a few cuts (copied from French editions) in the text, and the border device no. 13. Imperfect, wanting thirteen leaves. The copy in Salisbury Cathedral Library is said to be the only other known. Bought in 1890. Printed by Pynson. YEAR BOOKS. 1. Begin. De termino Michaelis A", primo. E. iiii. End. Per me Ricardum Pynson. 2. Begin. De termino Pasche Anno ix Edwardi iiij. End. Explicit Annnus. \sic\ Nonus. Edwardi quarti. Per me Ricardum Pynson. Two year books of Edward the Fourth, printed about 1496. The second has at the end Pynson's device no. i. Bought in 1890. SULPITIUS. Joannes. Grammatica Sulpitiana cum textu Ascensiano recog- nito et aucto : vt proximo patebit epistolio. Colophon. Auctum atque recognitum est hoc opus opera 15 (5;ammsiticc ^ulptttatia en tejctu "^ki- (tano tecosntto $ aucto:l3t p;o]Cimo pate btteptaoUo. i6 PRINTED BY PYNSON Ascensiana. Impressumque in ciuitate Londn. Per Richardum Pynson : in vico dicto the Flete- strete, In signo Georgii commorantem. Anno .M.ccccc.v. xi. die Augusti. quarto. With a woodcut on the titlepage, and Pynson's device no. 3 at the end. Bought in 1891. SARUM MANUAL. Manuale ad vsum insignis ecclesie Sarum. sum- maque diligentia emendatum. Colophon. Huic volumini Ricardus Pynson Finem imponere iubet ad intersignium sancti Georgii in flestrete com- morans penes ecclesiam sancti Dunstani Anno domini .M.ccccc.vi. folio. Printed on vellum, in red and black ; one of the finest of Pynson's books. This copy, which wants leaves i and 11 2- 11 7, formerly belonged to the church at Harpole, Northamptonshire. Bought in 1891. JULIUS IL Begin. Willelmus PermissionediuinaCantuariensis Archiepiscopus tocius Anglie primas et apostolice sedis legatus. et Robertas permissione diuina Meneuensis episcopus in regno et dominijs Anglie sanctissimi domini nostri lulii eiusdem nominis Pape secundi ad hec commissarij generales, etc. End. Datum apud Lamehith. Anno a Natiuitate domini Millesimo quingentesimo octauo tercio die Maii Pontificatus prefati Sanctissimi domini nostri Pape anno quinto. folio. Letters of indulgence issued by Archbishop Warham and Bishop Sherborn in return for contributions towards the building of St. Peter's. Without imprint, but in Pynson's types, and found inside the cover of a copy of the Chronicles of England printed by him. It is slightly damaged in places. Presented in 1893 by Sir H. Edwardes, Bart. C 17 ENGLISH BOOKS HENRY VIII. Begin. Forasmoche as hit is opynly and Notoriously known vnto all persones of Cristes Religion that Lowes the Frensche Kynge, aduersary vnto our most drade Souereigne and naturall liege lord Kynge Henry the .viij. and to this his Realme of Englande hath moued and styred, and daylie moueth and styreth by all the subtyle meanes to his powre to sette and brynge Scisme variaunce. And as moche as in hym lieth studieth the meane of contynuall errour to be had in the chirche of Criste, takynge of late vpon hym ageyn the wyll and mynde of our holy Fader the Pope the hole court of Rome and holy chirche, to Somon and call a counceile to be holden at the Citie of Pyse, etc. FOLIO. A broadside proclamation, printed on vellum, concerning the levying of a fifteenth and a tenth, and of a subsidy granted by the Commons for the war against France. Without date, but issued in 15 12, and without imprint, but printed by Pynson. Purchased in 1895. HENRY VIII. Prouysion made by the Kynges hyghnes and his counsayll for puttynge a parte thexcessyue fare and redusynge the same to such moderacion as folowyngly ensueth thobseruance wherof to begyn the last daye of May the .ix. yere of the raygne of the Kynge nowe our Soueraygne lorde Henry the .viii. Colophon. Imprynted at the commaundement of our Soueraygne lord the Kynge and his Coun- sayll (by Richarde Pynson) prynter vnto his noble grace. God saue the kynge. folio. A broadside proclamation, headed by a woodcut of the royal arms, crowned, and supported by angels. Presented by Sir A. Wollaston Franks. SIXTEENTH CENTURY CONSTABLE, John. loannis Constablii Londinensis et Artium Pro- fessoris Epigram mata. Apud inclytam Londini urbem .M.D.XX. ColopJion. Ex officina Richardi Pynsonis, nonis Septembris. Cum priuilegio a rege indulto. quarto. The titlepage is surrounded by a woodcut border, and at the end is the printer's device. One of the first books printed in England in Roman type throughout. This copy has only the last eight leaves, the first eight being added in facsimile from the only other copy known, that in the Bodleian Library. Bought in 1892. Other English Books. SARUM MISSAL. Missale ad consuetudinem insignis ecclesie Sarum : nuper vna cum dicte ecclesie institutis consuetudini- busque elimatissime impressum : additis plurimis commoditatibus que in ceteris desiderantur. In alma Parisiorum Academia. Anno domini vir- tutum, conditorisque mundi : Millesimo quingen- tesimoquarto : die vero decimotertio kalendas mensis Septembris. Colophon. Absolutum in alma Parhisiorum Academia : Anno christi syderum con- ditoris, Millesimo quingentesimo quarto kalendas Septembris. Impensis atque sumptibus Gerardi cluen de ammerfort : et Francisci byrckman soci- orum : diligentia vero wolfgangi hopylij : in pago diui lacobi : apud edes sancti Benedicti : ad insigne sancti Georgij, etc. folio. The title is printed within two circles of a woodcut frame. The leaf preceding the Canon, with a woodcut of the Crucifixion, and the first leaf of the Canon itself, are printed on vellum. Bought at the second Ashburnham sale in 1898. 19 aDcofuctuliinnn s\ clefte inditutiecotumDi i\ tra)2(p eUmatilTime ip^cf mot)ttatib^qmceee/^ A£ % ^i fvl U ^ ■ r:'AJ i//J -$:. mnm.'Bnno Dommt^ I'muntt: illdtUetlmoqmtt' 9entefunoqttartp:Dtet)e rotietunotecttohalen^ li Dastnenfis5>epte- ''^ .« _w .^^ ^B. i^;ttuna Opes auf f erremon animum poteft> SIXTEENTH CENTURY CANUTUS. Begin. Here begynneth a litil boke the whiche traytied and reherced many gode thinges neces- saries for the infirmitie and graete sekeness called Pestilence the whiche often times enfecteth vs made by the most expert Doctour in phisike Bisshop of Arusiens in the realme of Denemark etc. QUARTO. Printed at Antwerp, about 1515-1520. The only copy known. From the Maurice Johnson Library. Bought in 1898. DEDICUS, Joannes. Questiones moralissime super libros Ethicorum eruditissimi viri loannis Dedicus artium liberalium triumque philosophiarum magistri optime meriti, et moralibus pre ceteris satis periti feliciter incipiunt subtilissimis Oxoniensibus in philosophia morali lucubrare cupientibus non magis vtiles quam neces- sarie. Colophon. Explicitum est loannis Dedici Oxoniensis in morali philosophia eruditissimi pre- clarum opusculum questionum . . . Impressumque in celeberrima vniuersitate Oxoniensi per me lohannem Scolar in viculo sancti loannis Baptiste moram trahentem. Anno domini .M.CCCCC. decimooctauo. Mensis vero Maij die decimoquinto, QUARTO. Of this book seven copies are known. The titlepage has a woodcut of the arms of the University, and on the verso are the royal arms. The present copy, which is not quite perfect, comes from the Inglis and Crawford collections. Bought in 1891. SARUM MANUAL. Manuale ad vsum insignis ecclesie Sarum. Rotho- magi impressum in officina Magistri Petri Oliuier. Impensis honesti viri lacobi cousin librarii in atrio 21 ENGLISH BOOKS bibliopolarum maioris ecclesie e regione curie archiepiscopalis commorantis. Anno salutis sexto- decimo supra millesimum et quingentesimum. QUARTO. On the titlepage is a woodcut of the Annunciation. Bought in 1895. FISHER, Cardinal. A sermon had at Paulis by the commandment of the most reuerend father in god my lorde legate, and sayd by lohn the bysshop of Rochester, vpon quinquagesom sonday, concernynge certayne here- tickes, whiche than were abiured for holdynge the heresies of Martyn Luther that famous hereticke, and for y^ kepyng and reteynyng of his bokes agaynst the ordinance of the bulle of pope Leo the tenthe. Cum priuilegio a rege indulto. Colophon. Imprinted at London, in fletestrete, in the house of Thomas Berthelet, nere to the Cundite, at y^ signe of Lucrece. quarto. This sermon was delivered on the 17th of February 1526. Bought in 1894. CONSTITUTIONS. A treatise concernynge diuers of the constitucyons prouynciall and legantines. Printed at London by Thomas Godfray. Cum priuilegio regali. OCTAVO. Herbert's copy, acquired in 1785, apparently after the sheet of his edition of Ames, in which it is imperfectly described, had been passed for press. Like all God fray's books, except the Chaucer, this Treatise is undated. Bought in 1892. PRIMER. A goodly prymer in englyshe, newly corrected and printed, with certeyne godly meditations and prayers 22 SIXTEENTH CENTURY added to the same, very necessarie and profitable for all them that ryghte assuredly vnderstande not y" latine and greke tongues. Colophon. Imprynted at London in Fletestrete by lohn Byddell, dwellynge at the signe of the Sonne, nexte to the cundite, for wylliam Marshall, the yere of our lorde god M.D.xxxv. the xvi. day of lune. quarto. The second edition of the first reformed Primer,commonly known as Marshall's Primer, as all the editions are printed for William Marshall, the reputed compiler. This edition is considerably enlarged from the first edition in octavo of 1534, the Litany of the Saints and other matter being added. On the titlepage is a wood- cut of the arms of Henry vm. and Anne Boleyn impaled, with the letters H A. This copy, which is printed on vellum, was pur- chased at the third Ashburnham sale in 1898. NEW TESTAMENT. [The Newe Testament dylygently corrected and compared with the Greke, by Willyam Tindale.] OCTAVO. A large fragment of an otherwise unknown edition, printed at Antwerp, and with the same peculiarities of spelling (faether, broether, maey, etc.) which are found in the octavo of 1535. It may be noted that similar spellings occur in a letter written to his brother by Thomas Foyntz, in whose house Tindale lived at Antwerp. Besides this unique Tindale fragment, three Coverdale Testaments have been acquired, two of them apparently from the press of James Nycolson at Southwark in 1538, and the third, which may belong either to that or the following year, printed by Matthew Crom at Antwerp. Like most New Testaments of this date, all three are imperfect ; the imperfections in each case un- happily including the titlepage. Bought in 1898. BROTBEYHEL, Matthias. A Pronostycacyon practysed by master Mathias Brothyel of Rauensburgh. Anno. 1545. Exctidebat Londini Ricardiis Graftomis clarissimi Pvincipis Edouardi tipographus. quarto. This Prognostication was 'wrytten for the pleasure of the itioost noble prynce and lorde, lorde Frederyke countye Palatine 23 ENGLISH BOOKS vpon Rhene, duke in Bauary, etc' In forecasting the fortunes of 1545, the astrologer ' sawe wrothful and contentious Mars newly entred into the house where Venus was,' and this, with the pros- pect of an eclipse on July 6th, and the balance of malign influence remaining over from one that had fallen the previous year, made him expect the worst. There were to be so many wars that he omits to mention who were to fight them, and men were to be afflicted with ' a whurlyng and gydynes in the heade.' The title- page has a woodcut border. Bought in 1896. ROY, William. The Boke : Reade me frynde and be not wrothe For I saye nothynge but the trothe The Byshoppes speake in the Cardynall. I wyll ascende makynge my state so hye, That my pompouse honoure shall neuer dye. The Christen Congregation speaketh. O catife, whan thou thynkest least of all, Wyth confusyon thou shalt haue a fall. Colophon. Prynted at Wesell in the yeare of our Lorde 1546 in the last of lune. By Henry Nycolson. The colophon is followed by a cut of the triple crown and keys and seven lines of abusive verse. This second edition, in which the text is altered to suit the changed circumstances, is almost as rare as the first. Bought at the third Ashburnham sale in 1898. GUEVARA, Antonio de. A Dispraise of the life of a Courtier, and a com- mendacion of the life of the labouryng man. M.D.XLVIII. Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum. ColopJwn. Excusum Londini, in aedibus Richardi Graftoni, typographi regii, mense Augustii. M.D.XLVIII. Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum. OCTAVO. The head-title tells us that Guevara's book was ' out of Cas- tilian drawen into Frenche by Antonio Alaygre, and now out of the 24 SIXTEENTH CENTURY Frenche toungue into our maternal language by Sir Frances Bryant Knight, one of the Kynges most honorable chambre,' who dedi- cates it to the Marquis of Northampton. Bought in 1891. BONNER, Richard. A treatyse of y^ ryght honourynge and wourshyp- Doacutpist aoo xoontf CDppppng of om; laui^ ouvjfittasiLtiiiQe tn toe faaamit ot bzeade ano tBpne.xxt^en it is mtoK ftccD topto tDanbts atf tt(ngatti)Ct)olp foppct: (ttufoitti bpK^tjjarec JSonuccpuc(l,tn?pcatc oJouclo;Ogoo.tjg.ccca A:itoiti.ana tlii^i.ofj^ uetnbeu ^, ^ 3loljn.f«f, C^e^oure tomtttii fsnirtut ttli»ntra>etoo?ii)fpp£tg dial kDo^l^tpthcfatUcrtnfpinti tJirpie , f oj t^e fat Jiir fchMb futile,^ map ttouftpp^pni. 'ii'^ 1^' 1^ 'JF-V'ET'AONOKOYT' pyng of our sauiour lesus Christe in the sacrament 25 D ENGLISH BOOKS of breade and wyne, when it is ministred wyth thankes geuing at the holy supper : sette forth by Rycharde Bonner priest, in y** yeare of our lord god .M.cccccxlviii. and the .xii. of Nouember. lohn .iiii. The houre cometh and is nowe when trwe [sic] worshippers, shal worship the father in spirit and veryte, for the father seketh suche, y* may worshyp hym. Colophon. Imprinted at London for Gawlter Lynne dwellyng on Somers kaye by Byllynges gate. Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum. OCTAVO. Written apparently from the Lutheran standpoint. The dedi- cation to Cranmer is signed ' Your obedyent Diocesen and dayly orator Rycharde Bonner.' Nothing seems to be known of the author. The title is surrounded by an unusually well cut border. Bought in 1891. T. W. An inuectyue agaynst Treason. End. God saue the Queene. Finis, quod T. W. ColopJwn. Im- printed at London by Roger Madeley, and are to be solde in Paules Church yearde at the sygne of the Starre. A broadside ballad on the attempt to keep Mary from the throne, beginning : — Remember well, O mortall man, to whom god geueth reason, How he truly most ryghtfully doth alwayes punyshe treason. Unique. Reproduced in facsimile in Dr. Garnett's edition of the Narrative of Queen Mary's Accession, by Antonio de Guaras. Bought in 1892. MARY, Queen. By the Quene. The Queue our souerayne Ladye graciouslye considering the good wylles, forward- nes, and harty dispositions of her trewe louynge subiectes, alweyes heretofore exhibited, to the ayde & succoure of the common weale, with theyr proper 26 SIXTEENTH CENTURY substaunce & goodes, when the seruyce, y** neces- sitie, & honour of the realme hath so required, etc. End. Geuen at oure manour of Rychemonde, the fyrste day of September. In the fyrste year of our moost prosperous reygne. God saue the Quene. Londini in cedibus lohannis Cawodi Typo- gvapJii RegincB excusum. Anno M.D.LIII. Cum Priuilegio ad iinprimendum solum. folio. A broadside proclamation foregoing a grant of ' two dismes and two fyftenes and one subsedie of four shyllynges of the pound,' which had been left uncollected at the death of Edward VI. The only proclamation of Q. Mary's known to exist in addition to those in the Library of the Society of Antiquaries. Bought in 1895. HEYWOOD, John. Two hundred Epigrammes, vpon two hundred prouerbes, with a thyrde hundred newely added and made by lohn Heywood. Anno Christi M.D.L.V. QUARTO. A hitherto unknown edition, proving that Hey wood's Epigrams were published apart from his Proverbs, and apparently more than once. Bought in 1894. Three years later the Museum acquired another previously unknown edition, entitled : A fourth hundred of Epygrams, Newly inuented and made by John Hey- wood. Imprinted in the house late Thomas Berthelettes, 1560. THE BOOK OF HAWKING. The boke of hawkynge huntynge and fysshynge with all the propertyes and medecynes that are necessarye to be kepte. Colophon. Here endeth the boke of Haukyng, Huntyng, and fysshyng, with other dyuers maters. Imprynted at London in Forster laen by lohfl Waley. Finis. QUARTO. This, with Edward Allde's edition of 1586, entitled : ' Hawking Hunting, and Fishing, with the true measures of Blowing. Newly corrected and amended,' was bought at the first Ashburnham sale 27 ENGLISH BOOKS in 1897. In both editions the 'treatyse of Fysshinge' has a separate title with the well-known cut of the angler landing a fish near an extensive castle. HAY, George. The Confutation of the Abbote of Crosraguels Masse set furth by Maister George Hay. [Quota- tions from Matt. xv. and Cyprian, Epist. iii. 2.] Imprinted at Edinburgh by Robert Lekpreuik and are to be saidd at his hoits at the nether Bow. Cum priuilegio. 1563. quarto. An answer to a book by Quintin Kennedy, Abbot of Cros- raguel, entitled: Ane familiar commune and ressoning anent the Misterie of the Sacrifice of the Mess, which, though never printed, seems to have had a wide circulation. In the epistle of 'The Prenter to the Reader,' Lekprevik explains how Hay's use of some Greek words, for which he had no type, has driven him to 'borrow the labour of some scoilers' to fill them by hand. Bought at the second Ashburnham sale in 1897. FORM OF PRAYERS. The Forme of Prayers and Ministration of the Sacraments &c. vsed in the English Church at Geneua, approued and receiued by the Churche of Scotland, whereunto besydes that was in the former bokes, are also added sondrie other prayers, with the whole Psalmes of Dauid in English meter. The contents of this boke are conteined in the page following. I Cor. iii. No man can lay any other fundation, than that which is laid, euen Christ lesus. Printed at Edinburgh by Robert Lekpreuik. M.D.LXV. ' OCTAVO. The Catechism of Calvin, which forms the third part, has an imprint with the date 1564. The first edition of the Scots Book of Common Order, or Knox' Liturgy, of which only two other perfect copies are known. • This copy, bought at the third Ashburnham sale in 1898, has the arms of Francis Russell, second Earl of Bedford, on a curious binding of two leather boards with no back. 28 SIXTEENTH CENTURY MALTA. A short forme of thanksgeuing to God for the delyuerie of the Isle of Malta from the inuasion and long siege therof by the great armie of the Turkes both by sea and lande, and for sundry other victories lately obteined by the christians against the saide Turkes, to be vsed in the common prayer within the prouince of Canturburie on Sondayes, Wednes- daies, and Fridaies, for the space of syx weekes next ensuinge the receipt hereof. Set forthe by the most Reuerend father in God, Matthew by Goddes prouidence Archebyshop of Canturburie, Primate of all Englande and Metropolitane. Psalme 50. Call vpon mee in the day of trouble, so will I deliuer thee, and thou shalte glorifie mee. Colophon. Im- prynted at London by Wyllyam Seres, dwellinge at the west end of Paules, at the sygne of the Hedgehogge. Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum. Anno .1565. quarto. The Collecte speaks of the divine ' assistence gyuen to dyuerse Chrystian prynces & potentates,' and prays ' as in this so in all other inuasions of Turkes and Infidelles saue and defende thy holy Churche.' The absence of any reference to doctrinal differences between Roman Catholics and Protestants would probably have been impossible at a later date. Bought in 1892. LINDSAY, Sir David. A Dialogue betweene Experience and a Courtier, of the miserable estate of the worlde, first compiled in the Schottische tongue, by syr Dauid Lyndsey Knight, (a man of great learning and science) nowe newly corrected, and made perfit Englishe, pleasaunt and profitable for al estates, but chiefly for Gentle- men and such as are in authoritie. Hereunto are anexid certaine other pithy posys \sic\ of woorkes, inuented by the said Knight, as shal largely appeare 29 ENGLISH BOOKS in the table after folowing. Anno .1566. Colophon. Imprinted at London by Thomas Purfoote, and William Pickering, hxv. 1566. quarto. This copy differs from that in the University Library, Cam- bridge, which reads (rightly) ' pieces ' instead of ' posys ' on the titlepage. A facsimile of the titlepage of the Cambridge copy is given in Mr. Gray's paper on Pickering in Vol. iv. of the Trans- actions of the Bibliographical Society. The 'pithy pieces' added to the Dialogue are The Tragedy of David Beton, and his epistles to the Prelates and the Princes, the Testament of the Popinjay, and four other ' Popinjay ' poems, Lindsay's Dream, and the Death of Queen Magdalene. Bought at the second Ashburnham sale, 1897. HART, John. A Methode or comfortable beginning for all vn- learned, whereby they may bee taught to read ^Kfftg. oii^dmfxSf9.\ FROM HART'S METHODE, 1570. English, in a very short time, with pleasure : So 30 SIXTEENTH CENTURY profitable as straunge, put in light, by I. H. Chester Heralt. Reason Order Experience of al humain perfections. r Mother 1 - the • Nurse Teacher Imprinted at London by Henrie Denham. Anno •1570- QUARTO. The first book on English phonetics. Dedicated 'to suche as vnderstande howe the most auncient and greatest languages \ s S%txrcs. ^BM, ofPcarc, ^Drnm. ^Trumpet. lACnifb^ppe/. V ThoSunne. I Z^cbcuf. "W^ ^A Kev. ^Ch Mine. ^Filbert, LfYhlmble. £ s A StjtftmU. FROM HART'S METHODE, 1570. haue vsed, and to this day doo vse their letters.' With pictures illustrating the new symbols Hart proposed to introduce, and the 31 ENGLISH BOOKS Lord's Prayer, the Apostles' Creed, etc., in phonetic spelling. Imperfect at beginning and end, but with the titlepage and dedi- cation supplied in facsimile. Bought in 1895. TURBERVILLE, George. Epitaphs, Epigrams, Songs and Sonets, with a Discourse of the friendly affections of Tymetes to Pyndara his Ladie. Newly corrected with additions, and set out by George Turberuile, Gentleman. Anno Domini 1570. Imprinted at London by Henry DenJiam. octavo. Dedicated by her ' daily orator ' to Anne, Countess of Warwick, with a prose preface to the Reader, and an address in verse 'To the Rayling Route of Sycophants.' Title in facsimile. Utterson's copy, with a pencil note apparently in his hand — ' Excessively rare : not in the British Museum.' Such notes are not uncommon in books in the Museum. Bought in 1891. I. T. The Pathway to the pleasant Pasture of delitesome and eternall Paradyse : so called, bicause herein is declared how and by what meanes, we shal easily obtaine the surpassing pleasures of heauenly felicity. Scene and allowed according to the order appointed, loel .2. Omnis qui inuocauerit nomen Domini saluus erit. Euery one that shall call vppon the name of the Lord shall be safe. Imprinted at London by Henry Bynneman. octavo. Licensed to Bynneman in 1569-70, and until this copy was found, only known from the entry in the Stationers' Register. I. T. seems to have been fond of strong language. His first sentence, which occupies a page and a half, begins : ' Although y'' grieuous abhomination of our poysoned and spiteful hartes, the most execrable endes of our malicious and deuilish endeuours, y" blasphemous villanies of our disdainefull deadly and desperate impietie, do deserue most terrible tormentes, most heauy plagues,' etc. The reference here is not to any newly committed offence, but to original sin ! Who I. T. was is not known. The book was bought in 1895. 32 SIXTEENTH CENTURY HAKE, Edward. Newes out of Powles Churchyarde Now newly renued and amplifyed according to the accidents of the present time. 1579: and Otherwise entituled, syr Nummus. Written in English Satyrs. Wherein is reprooued excessiue and vnlawfull seeking after riches, and the euill spending of the same. Compyled by E. H. Gent. Scene and allowed according to the order appointed. [Quotations.] Colophon. Imprinted at London by lohn Charlewood, and Richard I hones. QUARTO. Dedicated to the Earl of Leicester. In his address ' to the Gentle Reader,' Hake says, 'it pleaseth the Printer after twelue yeeres scilence to hale againe into the light this my litle booke of englishe Satyrs,' and adds, ' money I gaine none at this time, either for writing altering or correcting of the same ; & hereof I stand so cleere that bothe I and my booke may be bould to exempt our selues from the reache of mine owne Argument which consisteth in the reproouing of those who (by male engijie) lie in wait for sir Nummus.' Only one other copy known. Bought in 1894. JAMES [MURRAY], Regent. The act and Proclamatioun anent the vniuersall course of the new markit money. Begin. Forsa- mekle as sen the lait douncrying of the money callit the Hardheidis and new Plakkis, sindrie Im- pedimentis hes fallin out, to the hinderance of the full executioun of the Act and ordinance maid there- anent, etc. End. lames Regent. At Halyruidhous the last day of May M.D.LXXV. Imprentit at Edinburgh be me lohne Ros. Cum priuilegio regali. folio. A Broadside. Only one Scots proclamation earlier than this is in the Museum. Acquired by exchange in 1898. E 33 ENGLISH BOOKS ACONTIUS, Jac. Vna essortatione al timor di Dio. Con alcune rima Italiane, nouamente messe in luce. Ne piu Ne men, La volonta Di Dio. In Londra Appresso Giouanni Wolfio, Seruitore de I'lllustrissmio Signor Filippo Sidnei. twelves. Acontius was engineer to Queen Elizabeth, and a writer of some merit. The ' Essortatione ' was found among his papers after his death, and recognised as his from its style. M. Gaston Bonet-Maury, in his book Des Origines du Christiatiisme unitaire cJiez les Anglais, writes of the book as hopelessly lost, and it is believed that this copy is unique. Its printer, John Wolfe, is a very interesting figure among Elizabethan printers, and it would be curious to know how he was led to call himself the servant of Sir Philip Sidney. Bought in 1893. HUNNIS, William. A Hyue full of Hunnye : contayning the Firste Booke of Moses, called Genesis. Turned into English Meetre, by William Hunnis, one of the Gent, of her Maiesties Chappel, and Maister to the Children of the same. Seene and allowed, accordinge to the Order appointed. Imprinted at London in Fleetestreete, mere vnto Sainct Dim- stmies Church, by Thomas Marsh 1578. Cttm Priuilegio. quarto. Dedicated to the Earl of Leicester, with commendatory verses signed Thomas Newtonus Cestreshyrius. On leaf 3 is the Coat of Arms of three Hives, with crest of a head pierced by a dart, which Hunnis preferred to that of two branches of honeysuckle and an unicorn's head granted to him in 1568. Title in facsimile. Bought in 1892. STANYHURST'S VIRGIL. Thee first foure bookes of Virgil his Aeneis trans- lated intoo English heroical verse by Richard 34 SIXTEENTH CENTURY Stanyhurst, \vyth oother Poetical diuises theretoo annexed. Imprinted at Leiden in Holland by John Pates. Anno .M.D.LXXXII. quarto. FROM HUNNIS, A HYVE FULL OF HUNNYE, 1578. The first edition of Stanyhurst's translation of Virgil, remark- able alike for its extraordinary language and its metre. It was reprinted at London by Bynneman in 1583. Of the first edition only one other copy is known. This copy, purchased in 1898 at the third Ashburnham sale, wants the last leaf 35 ENGLISH BOOKS GREENE, Robert. Arbasto, The Anatomie of Fortune. Wherin is discouered by a pithie and pleasant Discourse, that the highest state of prosperitie, is oftimes the first step to mishap, and that to stay vpon Fortunes lotte, is to treade vpon brittle Glasse. Wherin also Gentlemen may finde pleasaunte conceytes to purge Melancholy, and perfite counsell to preuent misfortune. By Robert Greene Mayster of Arte. Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit vtile dulci. Im- printed at London, in Fleete-streate, beneath the Conduite, at the signe of S. John Etia^igelist , by H. lackson. 1584. quarto. One of the valuable collection of Elizabethan books found in 1867 at Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire, the seat of Sir Charles Isham. A full description of these ' Isham Books,' by Mr. R. E. Graves, will be found in vol. 3 of Bibliographica. Of those secured for the British Museum a valuable notice by a well-known Shakespearian scholar appeared in the Times of 31 August 1894. From both of these papers notes have been taken in some of the succeeding entries. Of Greene's Arbasto only two other copies are known. GREENE, Robert. Morando. The Tritameron of Loue : Wherein certaine pleasaunt conceites, vttered by diuers woorthy personages, are perfectly dyscoursed, and three doubtfull questyons of Loue, most pithely and pleasauntly discussed : Shewing to the wyse howe to vse Loue, and to the fonde, howe to eschew Lust : and yeelding to all both pleasure and profitt. By Robert Greene, Maister of Artes in Cambridge. At London Printed for Edwarde White, and are to be solde at his sJioppe, at the little North doore of S. Patties Chttrch, at the signe of the Gunne. 1584. quarto. 36 SIXTEENTH CENTURY Dedicated to the Earl of Arundel. With the continuation entitled : The Second part of the Tritameron of T.oue, Wherein is set forth a delightful discouerie of Fortune and Friendship, newly adioyned. Printed by lohn Wolfe for Edward White, 1587. Bought in 1S91. COSYN, John. Musike of Six and Fiue partes. Made vpon the common tunes vsed in singing of the Psalmes. By lohn Cosyn. London, Imprinted by lohn Wolfe. 1585. Cum priuilegio Regiae Maiestatis. QUARTO. Oblong. The 'Altus' part only. Unique. The Bodleian possesses one other part, and these are the only ones known. Bought in 1896. Nothing seems to be known about the composer, save that he may have been the father of the Benjamin Cosyn who wrote music during the next reign. GREENE, Robert. The Royal Exchange. Contayning sundry Apho- rismes of Phylosophie, and golden principles of Morrall and naturall Quadruplicities. Vnder plea- sant and effectuall sentences, dyscouering such strange definitions, deuisions, and distinctions of vertue and vice, as may please the grauest Cittizens, or youngest Courtiers. Fyrst written in Italian, and dedicated to the Signorie of Venice, nowe translated into English, and offered to the cittie of London. Rob. Greene, in Artibus Magister. At London, Printed by I. Charlewood for William Wright. Anno. Dom. 1590. quarto. As an example of Greene's ' Quadruplicities ' we may take : ' Foure thinges doo speciallie make a Cittie famous : i. Antiquitie of building. 2. Nobilitie of Cittizens. 3. Victories wonne in the field. 4. And obseruing leagues and promises.' Dedicated to the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London. The head-title gives an alternative name to the book, calling it ' Cornucopia, or the Royall Exchange.' Bought in 1891. 37 ENGLISH BOOKS S. R., Gent. The Court of ciuill Courtesie. Fitlie furnished with a pleasant port of stately phrases and pithy precepts : assembled in the behalfe of all young Gentlemen, and others, that are desirous to frame their behauiour according to their estates, at all times, and in all companies. Therby to purchase worthy praise of their inferiours : and estimation and credite among their betters. Out of the Italian, by S. R. Gent. Imprinted at London by Richard I hones. 1591. quarto. Dedicated by the printer ' To the flourishing Youthes and curteous young Gentlemen of England ' ; and with a further dedication, as of the supposed Italian original, headed ' Benga- lasso del Monte Prisacchi Retto, vnto Seig. Princisco Ganzar Moretto, For his behauiour.' A long letter about this copy appeared in the Athenceimi for Jan. 29, 1898. Mr. Huth's is the only other known. Bought in 1898. HAR., W. Epicedium. A Funerall Song, vpon the vertuous life, and godly death, of the right worshipfull the Lady Helen Branch. Virtus sola m,anet, caetera cuncta ruunt. [Creed's device.] London, Printed by Thomas Creede. 1594. quarto. W. Har. has been identified with William Herbert, or Harbert, author of ' A Prophecy of Cadwallader.' Shakespeare's ' Lucrece ' was published in the same year, and the ' Epicedium ' is chiefly noteworthy for the reference to it (a little spoilt by the needless dragging in of Kyd's ' Cornelia ' !) in the opening stanza : — You that to shew your wits haue taken toyle In registring the deeds of noble men : And sought for matter in a forraine soyle (As worthie subiects of your siluer pen), Whom you haue rais'd from darke obliuions den. You that haue writ of chaste Lucretia, Whose death was witnesse of her spotlesse life : Or pen'd the praise of sad Cornelia, 38 SIXTEENTH CENTURY Whose blamelesse name hath made her fame so rife : As noble Pompeys most renoumed wife. Hither vnto your home direct your eies: Whereas vnthought on, much more matter h"es. From the Heber collection. Only two other copies are known. Bought in 1894. EDWARDS, Thomas. Cephalus & Procris. Narcissus. Aurora musae arnica. [Wolfe's device.] London Imprinted by lohn Wolfe. 1595. quarto. A fragment of four leaves. A perfect copy, the only one known, is in the library of Peterborough Cathedral. From the Isham collection. Bought in 1894. SABIE, Francis. The Fissher-mans Tale : Of the famous Actes, Life and loue of Cassander a Grecian Knight. Written by Francis Sabie. Cedant arma togis, concedant laurea linguis. [Device.] Imprinted at London by Richard lohnes, at the Rose and Crowne, neere S. Andrewes Church in Holbnrne. 1595. QUARTO. With the continuation entitled : ' Flora's Fortune. The second part and finishing of the Fishermans Tale. Containing, The strange accidentes which chaunced to Flora, and her supposed father Thirsis : also the happie meeting with her desired Cassander.' Part i. is dedicated to ' the right Worshipfull his verie good friend and Benefactor, M. Henrie Mordant,' part ii. to ' M. Francis Tresham.' The Fisherman's Tale is a rhyming version of Greene's ' Pandosto.' Only one other copy is known. From the Isham collection. Bought in 1894. FRAUNCE, Abraham. The Lamentations of Aminta for the death of Phillis. Paraphrastically translated out of Latine into English Hexameters, by Abraham Fraunce. Newly Corrected. [Device.] At London Printed 39 ENGLISH BOOKS by Robert Robinson, for Thomas Gubbin. Anno Domini. 1596. quarto. Dedicated 'to the Right Honorable, vertuous and learned Lady, the Ladie Marie, Countesse of Penbroke.' The Latin poem of 'Amintas,' by Thomas Watson, from which Fraunce translated, is itself adapted from Tasso. This English version is one of the less unsuccessful essays in English hexameters. Unique. From the Isham collection. Bought in 1894. SABIE, Francis. Adams Complaint. The Olde Worldes Tragedie. Dauid and Bathsheba. A loue Musa. [Device.] Imprinted at London by Richard lohnes, at the Rose and Crowne next aboiie Saint Andrewes Church in Holborne. 1596. quarto. Dedicated, as to a ' learned Mecrenas,' to the ' Right Reuerend Father, Richard [Howland], by the Prouidence of God, Bishop of Peterborough.' Only one other copy known. Bought in 1894. The three books by Sabie bought in this year, with the three already in the Library, make the Museum set of his works nearly complete. RALEIGH, Sir Walter. The Discouerie of the large rich and bewtiful Empire of Guiana, with a relation of the Great and Golden City of Manoa (which the Spaniards call El Dorado) And the prouinces of Emeria, Arro- maia, Amapaia, and other countries, with their riuers, adioyning. Performed in the yeare 1595. by Sir W. Ralegh Knight, Captaine of her Maiesties Guard, Lo. Warden of the Stanneries, and her Highnesse Lieutenant generall of the Countie of Cornewair. Imprinted at London by Robert Robinson. quarto. Dedicated ' to the right honorable my singular good Lord and kinsman, Charles Howard, knight of the Garter, Barron and Counceller, and of the Admiralls of England the most re- nowmed : And to the Right Honorable Sr. Robert Cecyll Knight, 40 SIXTEENTH CENTURY Counceller in her Highnes priuie Councels.' There were three issues of the ' Discouerie ' in 1596, of which the Museum now possesses two. Bought in 1894. TOY, Robert. Laura. The Toyes of a Traueller. Or, The Feast of Fancie. Diuided into three Parts. By R. T. Gentleman. Poca fauilla gran fiamma seconda. London, Printed by Valentine Sims. 1597. OCTAVO. A sonnet sequence dedicated ' To the no lesse vertuous than faire, the honourable Ladie Lucie, sister to the thrice renowmed and noble Lord, Henry Earle of Northumberland.' From the Isham collection. Bought in 1894. BRETON, Nicholas. Brittons Bowre of Delights. Contayning Many most delectable and fine deuises, of rare Epitaphes, pleasant Poems, Pastoralls and Sonnets. By N. B. Gent. [Device of Bear and Ragged Staff.] Im- printed at London by Richard lo/mes, at the Rose and Crowne, neere Saint Atidrewes Church in Holborne. 1597. quarto. From the Isham collection. Only one other copy known. Bought in 1894. The five Bretons acquired in this year brought the Museum collection up to twenty-five separate works, or only just over half his total output, so rare are his thin volumes. MARLOWE, Christopher. Hero and Leander, Begun by Christopher Marloe ; and finished by George Chapman. Vt Nectar, In- genium. [Device.] At London Printed by Felix Kingston, for Paide Linley, and are to be solde in Patdes Church-yard, at the signe of the Blacke- beare. 1598. quarto. Until its discovery in 1867 this first edition of 'Hero and Leander' was unknown. A duplicate was found at the same time, but no third copy has been discovered. From the Isham collec- tion. Bought in 1894. F 41 HERO AND LEANDER: Begun by Chr'iEopher <:5^arloe^ and fimjhedby George Chapman. Vt J^etHATi Jngeuium,