Alman. If this be a specimen of your previous conversation, we know not what we have lost by our absence. But I suspect, that the principal ingredient of poetry, fiction, has a little aided in the embellishment of your story.
Belin. This is not very gallant or complimentary on your part, Almansa. I harbour no suspicion of its verity; for marvellous things have been told me, by my brother, of the whimsical phrensies of book-fanciers.
Loren. If you will only listen a little to Lysander's sequel, you will hear almost equally marvellous things; which I suspect my liberally minded sister, Almansa, will put down to the score of poetical embellishment. But I see she is conscious of her treasonable aspersions of the noble character of bibliomaniacs, and is only anxious for Lysander to resume.
Alman. Sir, I entreat you to finish your History of Bibliomaniacs. Your friend, Philemon, has regaled us with an entertaining episode, and you have probably, by this time, recovered strength sufficient to proceed with the main story.
Lysand. Madam, I am equally indebted to your brother for his care of the body, and to my friend for his recreation of the mind. The midnight hour, I fear, is swiftly approaching.
Loren. It is yet at a considerable distance. We have nearly reached the middle of the eighteenth century, and you may surely carry on your reminiscential exertions to the close of the same. By that time, we may be disposed for our nightcaps.
Lysand. Unheeded be the moments and hours which are devoted to the celebration of eminent Book-Collectors! Let the sand roll down the glass as it will; let "the chirping on each thorn" remind us of Aurora's saucy face peering above the horizon! in such society, and with such a subject of discussion, who—
Lis. Lysander brightens as his story draws to a close: his colouring will be more vivid than ever.
Belind. Tell me—are bibliographers usually thus eloquent? They have been described to me as a dry, technical race of mortals—quoting only title-pages and dates.
Lysand. Madam, believe not the malicious evidence of book-heretics. Let ladies, like yourself and your sister, only make their appearance with a choice set of bibliomaniacs, at this time of night, and if the most interesting conversation be not the result—I have very much under-rated the colloquial powers of my brethren. But you shall hear.