somebody to present you to him, before you leave Rome; and without hesitation kiss his slipper, or whatever else the etiquette of that court requires. I would have you see all those ceremonies; and I presume that you are, by this time, ready enough at Italian to understand and answer il Santo Padre in that language. [March 19, 1750.]
Bibliomania.—When you return here, I am apt
to think that you will find something better to do
than to run to Mr. Osborne's at Gray's-Inn, to pick
up scarce books. Buy good books, and read them;
the best books are the commonest, and the last editions
are always the best, if the editors are not blockheads;
for they may profit of the former. But take
care not to understand editions and title-pages too
well. It always smells of pedantry, and not always
of learning. What curious books I have, they are
indeed but few, shall be at your service. I have
some of the Old Collana, and the Macchiavel of
1550. Beware of the Bibliomanie. [Same date.]
Constitutional Monarchy.—England is now
the only monarchy in the world that can properly be
said to have a constitution; for the people's rights
and liberties are secured by laws. I cannot reckon
Sweden and Poland to be monarchies. [March 29,
1750.]
