tion of the Old Abbots. Should the enemies of the Universities prevail against them and share their lands, as they formerly did the Abbey lands,* they would just so misrepresent the Collegest and

"

A quaint writer, DAVID LLOYD, whose characters contain much good sense delivered in a homely style, says, a jest of Sir Thomas Wyat's began that Reformation, which the seriousness of all Christendome could not commence. King Henry (VIII) was at a loss concerning the divorce, which he no less passionately desired, than the pope warily delayed. 'Lord, saith he, That a man cannot repent him of his sin but by the Pope's leave.' Sir Thomas hinted, Dr. Cranmer opened, and the universities of Europe made the way to Reformation." Observations on the Statesmen and Favourites of England since the Reformation. Edit. 8vo. Lond. 1665, page 46.

The writer just quoted, (LLOYD), attributes the preservation of the universities, their colleges, and their revenues, to the two Chancellors of these establishments during that disastrous period; Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, and Sir John Mason. The former, he says, was chosen by Cambridge to save itself," where though he did no great good, yet his greatness kept others from doing harm, in an age, when covetousness could quarrel a college, as well as an abbey, into superstition." (Statesmen and Favourites, p. 34.)

Of Sir John Mason, he tells us, that he was elected Chancellor of Oxford at the same time King Henry made him Treasurer of his Household. He adds, "Sacriledge it self then gaping after the university lands, durst not tempt so honest a man, nor persuade so great a scholar, nor fright so resolute a statesman to betray or yield up those ancient encouragements of learning and virtue. Loth was Oxford to

their Heads, as they did the Abbeys and Abbots then. For sacrilege spares nothing, neither the honour of God or man. As for Magdalen Hall, I will present them with a copy of my book, bu shall take it as a particular respect from Dr. Blechinton, if he pleases to take one copy for the Library of Worcester College. You will have as many copies of the small paper, at three guineas, the common price, as you shall give order for. I pray you to give my most humble thanks and acknowledgments to the Principal of Brazen-nose, Warden of Wadham, Provost of Oriel, and Master of Pembroke, for their kindness to me in taking copies of my book; and to all others who have so much kindness for me, and assure them I shall ever think myself obliged

part with him when a scholar, glad to entertain him a statesman, with a power to protect her, well tempered with obligations to love her; he who is now the father being lately the son; maintained by a part of it, as he now maintained the whole. That was a scrambling time, when it was catch who catch can."

*

*

* "Many hungry courtiers had hopes to catch fish (and fish it would be, whatever came into their nets,) on this turning of the tide, and alteration of religion. How easy was it for covetousness in those times to quarrel the college lands into superstition? Sacriledge stood ready to knock at their gates; and, alas! 'twas past their porter's power to forbid it entrance, had not Sir John Mason vigorously opposed it, and assisted the university on all occasions." Ibid, p. 182.

to them. I beg you to take the trouble upon you to receive the money, or to appoint somebody to receive it; and if Mr. Clements would take it, and charge a bill of the like sum upon his son, it would be an obligation to me.

Dear Sir, I pray God reward you for your kindness to me in this affair of my book, of which I had had no copies now to put off, had it not been for the late war. Being always sensible of this, and all your former obligations, I remain with true gratitude and respect

Your most affect. and faithful

Fro. Bausman. 1888.

friend, and servt.

GEO. HICKES.

LETTER C.

Dr. TURNER to Dr. CHARLETT.

On the learned Tailor of Norwich.

Norwich, March 4, 1714.

GOOD MASTER!

Ir was very pleasing to me to read in your last letter of that regard paid to the merit and industry of Mr. Hearne by the majority of the University in their choice of him to be Superior Beadle of Law and Architypographus. Which places he will be a credit to, and they will

afford him brave encouragement, and a good deal of time for his studies. I don't doubt but Dr. Hudson has long since been supplied with a Janitor for the Library, or else the Dean and I should have ventured to have recommended from hence a person who is a surprising instance of the power: of application to books. A taylor* of this town of about 30 years of age, who has within seven years mastered seven languages, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Chaldea, Syriac, Arabic, and Persic. Mr. Professor Ockley being here since Christmas

* His name was Henry Wild. See some account of him in the Gent. Mag. for March, 1755. The Memoir of his Life is very deficient in point of dates; but it appears that he went to Oxford, and on the recommendation of Dr. Prideaux, dean of Norwich, was employed in the Bodleian Library, in translating, or making extracts from, the Oriental MSS. He removed from Oxford to London, about the year 1720, and lived there under the patronage of Dr. Mead. In 1734, was published his translation from the Arabic of "Mahomet's Journey to Heaven," a posthumous work, and the only one of his that was ever printed.

A similar instance of surprising learning in a poor tailor (Robert Hill) who died at Buckingham, in 1777, is described in an interesting tract by Mr. Spence. "A Parallel in the manner of Plutarch: between a most celebrated Man of Florence, (Antonio Magliabechi) and one, scarce ever heard of, in England." This was first printed at the honourable Horace Walpole's private press, at Strawberry Hill, 8vo. 1757, and afterwards reprinted in Dodsley's Fugitive Pieces, 2 vol. 8vo. Lond. 1761. vol. 2, page 321.

has examined him, and given him an ample testimonial in writing of his skill in the Oriental languages. Our Dean also thinks him very extraordinary. But he is very poor, and his landlord lately seized a Polyglot Bible (which he had made shift to purchase) for rent. But there is care taken to clear his debts, and if a way could be thought of to make him useful, I believe we could get a subscription towards part of his maintenance.

LETTER CI.

T. HEARNE to BROWNE WILLIS.

On the Dissolution and Destruction of Monasteries.

I AM mightily pleased with your

transcript out of the Augmentation Office. The Pensions of the Abbots, both of Abingdon and Battle are large; nor are those of the monks inconsiderable. I look upon these pensions as evident proofs of the innocence of those places. I have not Burnet by me, at the writing this letter, so I cannot refer to the page where he allows of the argument. Yet I am sure he does allow it, and one that is so well versed as you