THIS principle of reasoning extends to all political associations; to all order, decorum, and rank. The sturdy republican may cavil at the emerald sceptre and diamond crown; he may ridicule the ermined robes of the judge, and despise the scarlet gown of the mayor: but are a leaden crown and an iron sceptre, grasped by a human being in the habit of a watchman, more expressive, more virtuous, or more salutary? It is the principle, and not the outward form, that we are to consider: oppression still is oppression, as slavery still is slavery, however disguised!, But this style is too declamatory for the quiet bibliographer; I dismiss it therefore, with only one additional remark-that illustrated and large paper copies exercise the ingenuity, and administer to the necessities, of many artizans and mechanics who have large families, with scanty means of support: and that if the severe and precise logician call all this superfluous, or an excrescence of refinement, he should be told that that can

not be superfluous which relieves the wants of humanity, nor that an excrescence, which, like a knot upon the trunk of an oak, only gives greater picturesque beauty to the object.

IT was due to the opening of the second volume of 'The Director,' to make these preliminary remarks. I now proceed with the subject matter of my article.

IN the year 1755 was published at Venice, printed by J. B. Pasquali, a ca→ talogue of the books of

JOSEPH SMITH, Esq.

Consul at Venice.

The catalogue was published under the following Latin title: 'Bibliotheca Smithiana, seu Catalogus Librorum D. Josephi Smithii, Angli, per Cognomina Authorum dispositus, Venetiis, typis Jo. Baptista Pasquali, M,DCCLV. In quarto, with the arms of Consul Smith. The title page is succeeded by a Latin preface of Pasch ali, and an alphabetical

list of 43 pages of the authors mentioned in the catalogue: then follow the books, arranged alphabetically, without any regard to size, language, or subject. These occupy 519 pages, marked with the Roman numerals; after which are 66 pages, numbered in the same manner, of addenda et corrigenda.' The most valuable part of the volume, is The Prefaces and Epistles prefixed to those works in the Library, which were printed in the 15th century:' this occupies 348 pages. A Catalogue, (in three pages) of the Names of those illustrious Men mentioned in these prefaces, &c.' closes the book.

6

It would be superfluous to mention to bibliographers the rare articles contained in this collection, which are so generally known and so justly appreciated. They consist chiefly of early editions of Italian, Greek and Latin classics; and of many copies of both printed UPON VELLUM. The library, so rich in these articles, was, however, de

fective in English Literature and Antiquities. There was scarcely any thing of Shakspeare or Dugdale.

On the death of Mr. Smith, in 1772, his collection was sold in 1773, by Baker and Leigh; and the books were announced to the public, as being 'in the finest preservation, and consisting of the very best and scarcest editions of the Latin, Italian, and French authors, from the invention of printing; with manuscripts and missals upon vellum finely illuminated.'

ON comparing Pasquali's with the sale catalogue, it will be obvious that a great number of rare and very valuable articles was disposed of before the books came to public auction. Indeed it is known that his present MAJESTY enriched his collection with many of the Consul's first editions, and VELLUM COPIES, during the life of the latter. The sale continued thirteen days only; and on the last day. were sold all the English books in the

black letter. Some of these are rather

curious.

OF CONSUL SMITH *I have not been able to collect any biographical details. Pasquali (whose Latin preface is curious enough, abounding with as many interrogatories as Hamlet's soliloquies) has told us that 'as the Consul himself was distinguished for his politeness, talents, and prudence, so was his house for splendid and elegant decorations. You might there view, says he, the most beautifully painted pictures, and exquisite ornaments, whether gems, vases, or engravings. In short, the whole furniture was so brilliant and classical, that you admired at once the magnificence and judgment of the owner.' He tells us a

* It did not occur to me to state in the last number, when giving a few anecdotes of Dr. RAWLINSON'S life, that the Doctor was zealously attached to the interests of the Pretender; and used frequently to dress himself in a velvet suit, bag wig, and brilliant sword, in order to pay his respects to that august personage, whom he really thought would every morning arrive at the metropolis.