[29] “M.  Dibdin may well make the fourth copy—­as to size.” 
    CRAPELET, p. 115.

LETTER III.

THE SAME SUBJECTS CONTINUED.

Paris, June 14, 1818.

As I promised, at the conclusion of my last, you shall accompany me immediately to the ROYAL LIBRARY; and taking down a few of the more ancient MANUSCRIPTS relating to Theology—­especially those, which, from age, art, or intrinsic worth, demand a more particular examination—­we will both sit down together to the enjoyment of what the librarians have placed before us.  In other words, I shall proceed to fill up the outline (executed with a hurrying pencil) which was submitted to you in my previous letter.  First, therefore, for

BIBLES, LITURGIES, RITUALS, LEGENDS, MORAL TREATISES, &C.

Quatuor Evangelia.  “Codex Membranaceus, Olim Abbatiae S. Medardi Suessionensis in uncialibus litteris et auricis scriptus.  Saec.  VI." The preceding is written in an old hand, inserted in the book.  It is a folio volume of unquestionably great antiquity; but I should apprehend that it is antedated by at least two centuries.  It is full of embellishment, of a varied and splendid character.  The title to each Gospel is in very large capital letters of gold, upon a purple ground:  both the initial letter and the border round the page being elaborately ornamented.  The letter prefixed to St. Matthew’s Gospel is highly adorned, and in very good taste.  Each page consists of two columns, in capital letters of gold, throughout:  within borders of a quiet purple, or lilac tint, edged with gold.  It has been said that no two borders are alike altogether.  A portrait of each Evangelist is prefixed to the title; apparently coeval with the time:  the composition is rather grotesque; the colours are without any glaze, and the perspective is bad.

LATIN BIBLE OF CHARLES THE BALD.  Folio.  When this volume was described by me, on a former occasion,[30] from merely printed authorities, of course it was not in my power to do it, if I may so speak, “after the life,”—­for although nearly ten centuries have elapsed since this Bible has been executed, yet, considering its remote age, it may be said to be fresh and in most desirable condition.  The authority, just hinted at, notices that this magnificent volume was deposited in the library by Baluze, the head librarian to Colbert; but a note in that eminent man’s hand writing, prefixed, informs us that the Canons of the Cathedral church at Metz made Colbert a present of it.

The reverse of the last leaf but one is occupied by Latin verses, in capital letters of gold, at the top of which, in two lines, we make out—­” Qualiter uiuian monachus sci martini consecrat hanc bibliam Karolo ipatorj,” &c.  The ensuing and last leaf is probably, in the eye of an antiquarian virtuoso, more precious than either of its decorative precursors.  It exhibits the PORTRAIT OF CHARLES