uncertayne tymes by death, and when he thinketh least theron: made by thaforesayde Dan John Lydgate Monke of Burye." This volume has engravings on wood and ornamented capitals, but unfortunately has been visited by that reckless enemy to fine copies, the worm. John Lydgate " was a monk of the Benedictine abbey of Bury in Suffolk, and an uncommon ornament of his profession. Yet hia genius was so lively, and his accomplishments so numerous, that I suspect the holy father Saint Benedict would hardly have acknowledged him for a genuine disciple. After a short education at Oxford, he travelled into France and Italy; and returned a complete master of the language and the literature of both countries. He chiefly studied the Italian and French poets, particularly Dante, Boccacio, and Alain Chartier; and became so distinguished a proficient in polite learning, that he opened a school in his monastery, for teaching the sons of the nobility the arts of versification, and the elegancies of composition. Yet although philology was his object, he was not unfamiliar with the fashionable philosophy: he %vas not only a poet and a rhetorician, but a geometrician, an astronomer, a theologist, and a disputant. On the whole I am of opinion, that Lydgate made considerable additions to those amplifications of our language, in which Chaucer, Gower, and Occleve led the way: and that he is the first of our writers whose style is cloathed with that perspicuity, in which the English phraseology appears at this day to an English reader.—To enumerate Lydgate's pieces, would be to write the catalogue of a little library. No poet seems to have possessed a greater versatility of talents. He moves with equal ease in every mode of composition. His hymns and his ballads have the same degree of merit: and whether his subject be the life of a hermit or a hero, of saint Austin or Guy earl of Warwick, ludicrous or legendary, religious or romantic, a history or an allegory, he writes with facility. His transitions were rapid from works of the most serious and laborious kind to sallies of levity and pieces of popular entertainment. His muse was of universal access; and he was not only the poet of his monastery, but of the world in general."—Warton. 417. Lindsay (Sir David).—Ane Dialog betwix L at the Command and Expensis off Doctor, Machabevs, in Copmahouin.—Ulnck UcttCV.—RusSia, 1552. Quarto, pp. 232 ,£30. This is the first edition.—In the excellent edition of this author's works, edited by Mr. G. Chalmers, it is clearly demonstrated by a series of conclusive facts, that this edition was not printed at Copenhagen, but at St. Andrews, by John Skott, an English printer, who had been brought from London by Archbishop Hamilton. He also proves that the correct date is 1554, and not 1552, as it appears on the last page. It is worthy of observation, that neither the name of Macab;eus nor the name of Copmanhoun was fictitious, as appears from a passage in Knox's History: "In what honour, credit, and estimation, doctour Machabseus was with Christiern, King of Denmark, Coupmanhowen, and men of divers nations, can testify."—The present copy of this elegant specimen of early printing in Scotland, is a very fine one. 418. Lindsay (Sir David).—A Dialogue betweene Experience and a Courtier, of the miserable estate of the worlde, first compiled in the Schottishe tongue, by syr Dauid Lyndsey Knight, (a man of great learning and science) nowe newly corrected, and made perfit Englishe, pleasaunt & profitable for al estates: but chiefly for Gentlemen, and such as are in authoritie. Hereunto are annexid certaine other pithy posys of woorkes, inuented by the said Knight, as shal largely appeare in the table after following.—Ulatk %ttttX. —Imprinted at London by Thomas Purfoote, and William Pickering. An. 1566. Quarto, pp. 316: £20. At the back of the title to this very rare edition is a wood-cut figure of Lucretia stabbing herself, with the name of "Thomas Pvrfoote," the printer, underneath. Then follows " an Epistie to the Reader," which is not in some of the more modem editions; sixteen metrical lines, un-entitled, but in the edition of 1575 and 1581, addressed " To the Buyer of this booke," and a table of contents. There are many neat engravings on wood in various parts, and the present fine copy was formerly in the collection of the late Mr. Steevens; it has a letter attached in his hand-writing, addressed to a former proprietor. 419. Lindsay (Sir David).—A Dialogue betweene Experience and a Courtier, of the miserable state of the worlde. Compiled in the Scottish tung by Syr Dauid Lindsey Knight, a man of great learning and science: first turned and made perfect Englishe: And now the seconde time corrected and amended according to the first Copie. A worke very pleasant and profitable for all Estates, but cniefly for Gentlemen, and suche as are in aucthoritie. Heerevnto also are annexed certein other works inuented by the sayde Knight, as may more at large appeare in a Table following.—i$lacfe ILttttt.—Imprinted at London in Panics Churchyarde by Thomas Purfoote, 1575. Quarto, pp. 288 £8. 8s. The prefatory matter in this edition, also of considerable rarity, corresponds with the description annexed to the preceding article. The present copy is in good condition, being in the original and very curious stamped binding. Heron, in his History of Scotland, thus characterises the above work of Sir David Lindsay's:—" His book of The Monarchies, though for the most part nothing better than a very meagre and incorrect abstract of Universal History, exhibits here and there throughout its texture some poetical spangles of rare lustre. It is a Dialogue between Experience, represented under the character of a venerable old man, and a Courtier, who after much converse with men and their affairs, could perceive, amidst all the bustle and splendour of these, nothing fitted to give genuine happiness, nothing indeed but misery in disguise. In the progress of this poetical compend of general history, the Courtier still makes new inquiries; and the answers of Experience are given to satisfy all the demands of his curiosity. Many digressions to contemporary circumstances are interwoven: and many artful and vigorous attacks upon the Romish superstitions. Sometimes we are presented with paintings from external nature, of exquisite delicacy; sometimes sentiment and passion are with great felicity expressed; and not seldom the poet breaks out into strains of wit, humour and keen invective, which have not often been excelled. In not a few instances, he displays a sublimity of conception, which it is probable, that even Milton disdained not to imitate. This Poem probably contributed in an eminent manner to inflame that spirit of religious reformation, by which the Papal establishment was within no long time after overthrown." 420. Lyndsay (Sir David).—The Poetical Works of Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount, Lion King at Arms, under James V. A New edition, corrected and enlarged: with a Life of the Author; Prefatory Dissertations; and an appropriate Glossary. By George Chalmers, F. R. S. S. A.— Extra.—London, 1806. Three vols, octavo. . . . £,2. 5s. 421. Lodge (Thomas).—Rosalynde. Euphues golden legacie: found after his death in his Cell at Silexedra. Bequeathed to Philautus sonnes noursed vp with their father in England. Fetcht from the Canaries. By T. L. Gent. (Thomas Lodge.)—iJlark ^LtttCf.—Morocco.—London, Imprinted by Thomas Orwin for T. G. and John Susbie, 159O. Quarto, pp. 140 .£20. Dedicated "To the Right Honourable and his most esteemed Lord the Lord of Hunsdon, Lord Chamberlaine of her Maiesties houshold, and Gouernor of her Towne of Barwicke: T. L. G. wisheth increase of all honourable vertues," after which follows an address "To the Gentlemen Readers."—This is the first edition, but signature R. being four leaves, is unfortunately wanting, but supplied by a written transcript. 422. Another copy of the same work.—London, printed for Francis Smethicicke, and are to be sold at his shop in Saint Dunstanes Church-yard in Fleetstreet wider the Dyall, J 642. Quarto, pp. 112 <£?• Is. This edition varies from that of J 5QO in some particulars: the name of "Rosalynde," does not appear in the title; the prefatory matter is enlarged by a page of prose entitled "Th.e Seedule annexed to Euphues Testament, the tenour of his Legacie, the token of his love;" besides literal and verbal deviations. It is worthy of remark that to this tract of Lodge's, Shakespeare was indebted for the plot of his drama of "As you like it." 423. Lodge (Thomas).—A fig for Mom us: containing pleasant varietie, included in Satyres, Eclogues, and Epistles, by T. L. (Thomas Lodge) of Lincolnes Inne Gent.—At London, printed for Clement Knight and are to bee solde at his shop at the little North-door qfPaules Church, 1595. Quarto, pp. 70 .£'7. 7*. Dedicated "To the Right Honourable and thrice renowned Lord, William Earle of Darbie: Thomas Lodge, his most humble and deuoted seruant, wisheth all health and happines," this is followed by a prose address "To the Gentlemen Readers whatsocuer;" at the back of which is a list of errata.—Some of the poems in this volume are inscribed to Master E. Dig. (Digby); to reuerend Colin (qu. Spenser?); to Master Samuel Daniel; to Master W. Bolton; and to Master Michael Drayton. 424. LovELACE(Richard).—Lucasta: Epodes,Odes, Sonnets, Songs, &c. To which is added Aramantha, a Pastorall. By Richard Lovelace Esq. —Neat.—London, printed by Tho. Harper, and are to be sold by Tho. Ewster, at the Gun, in Ivie Lane, 1649. Small octavo, pp. 188. £,3. 13s. Gd. The dedication of this volume is a metrical epistle addressed 'To the Right Honourable my Lady Anne Lovelace" (who was c C |