hermetical, and philosophical works, of which the MSS. catalogue is
now in the possession of my friend, the Rev. T. Corser. I have two
books which appear to have at one time formed part of his collection,
from having his favourite signature, Johannes Hyphantes, in his
autograph, on the title pages. Before I conclude with Webster, I ought
perhaps to observe, that in the valuable edition of the works of
Webster, the dramatic poet, published by the Rev. A. Dyce, that most
accurate and judicious editor has proved indisputably, by an elaborate
argument, that the John Webster, the writer of the _Examen
Academiarum_, and John Webster, the author of the _Displaying of
Supposed Witchcraft_, were one and the same person, who was not
identical with the dramatic writer of the same name. Mr. Dyce does
not, however, appear to have been aware, that the identity of the
author of the _Examen Academiarum_ and the writer on witchcraft is
distinctly stated by Dr. Henry More, in his _Præfatio Generalissima_,
to the Latin edition of his works, whose testimony being that of a
contemporary, who was, like Webster, "a Cambridge scholar," may
perhaps be considered sufficient, without resorting to internal and
circumstantial evidence. The inscription on Webster's monument in the
chapel of St. Mary Magdalen, at Clitheroe, is too characteristic and
curious to be omitted. I give it entire:--

"_Qui hanc figuram intelligunt
Me etiam intellexisse, intelligent._

[Illustration]

_Hic jacet ignotus mundo, mersusque tumultu
Invidiæ, semper mens tamen æqua fuit,
Multa tulit veterum ut sciret secreta sophorum