“That, Sir, is the librarian:”—­observed my guide:  “he waits to receive you.”  I walked quickly forward and made obeisance.  Anon, one of the larger keys in this said bunch was applied to a huge lock, and the folding and iron-cramped doors of the library were thrown open.  I descended by a few steps into the ante-room, and from thence had a completely fore-shortened view of the library.  It is small, but well filled, and undoubtedly contains some ancient and curious volumes:  but several hiatuses gave indication that there had been a few transportations to Vienna or Munich.  The small gothic windows were open, and the rain now absolutely descended in torrents.  Nevertheless, I went quickly and earnestly to work.  A few slight ladders were placed against the shelves, in several parts of the library, by means of which I left no division unexplored.  The librarian, after exchanging a few words very pleasantly, in the French language, left me alone, unreservedly to prosecute my researches.  I endeavoured to benefit amply by this privilege; but do not know, when, in the course of three or four hours, I have turned over the leaves of so many volumes ... some of which seemed to have been hardly opened since they were first deposited there ... to such little purpose.

However, he is a bad sportsman who does not hit something in a well-stocked cover; and on the return of the librarian, he found me busily engaged in laying aside certain volumes—­with a written list annexed—­“which might possibly, be disposed of ... for a valuable consideration?” “Your proposal shall be attended to, but this cannot be done immediately.  You must leave the consideration to the Principal and the elder brethren of the monastery.”  I was quite charmed by this response; gave my address, and taking a copy of the list, withdrew.  I enclose you the list or catalogue in question.[87] Certainly I augur well of the result:  but no early Virgil, nor Horace, nor Ovid, nor Lucretius, nor even an early Greek Bible or Testament!  What struck me, on the score of rarity, as most deserving of being secured, were some little scarce grammatical and philological pieces, by the French scholars of the early part of the sixteenth century; and some controversial tracts about Erasmus, Luther, and Eckius.

So much for the monastic visit to St. Peter’s at Salzburg; and yet you are not to quit it, without learning from me that this town was once famous for other similar establishments[88]—­which were said anciently to vie with the greater part of those in Austria, for respectability of character, and amplitude of possessions.  At present, things of this sort seem to be hastening towards a close, and I doubt whether the present principal will have half a dozen successors.  It remains only to offer a brief sketch of some few other little matters which took place at Salzburg; and then to wish you good bye—­as our departure is fixed for this very afternoon.