We are next led to the CABINET OF DEATH; a receptacle for skeletons and anatomical curiosities of every kind: and from thence, by a pleasing analogy, to the library, or, as it is termed, the MONUMENT OF BANISH’D MINDS. The feelings of his guests on entering this room are thus described:
Where, when they thought they saw in well-sought books
Th’ assembled souls of all that men held wise,
It bred such awful rev’rence in their looks
As if they saw the bury’d writers rise.
The poet then goes through a particular survey of the authors, distinguished into their several periods, countries, and professions; in which he exhibits a great extent of learning, and, much more to his honour, a sound and liberal judgment of what is truly valuable in learning. Of this, his account of the polemic divines will be thought no unfavourable specimen.
About this sacred little book did stand
Unwieldy volumes, and in number great;