It was a wise custom; for, as such travellers were received like brethren in each town by those of their own handicraft, they were sure, in every case, to have the means either of gaining or communicating knowledge.

When my ancestor returned to Nuremburg, he is said to have found his old master newly dead, and two or three gallant young suitors, some of them half-starved sprigs of nobility forsooth, in pursuit of the Yung-fraw Bertha, whose father was understood to have bequeathed her a dowry which might weigh against sixteen armorial quarters.

But Bertha, not a bad sample of womankind, had made a vow she would only marry that man who would work her father's press.

The skill, at that time, was as rare as wonderful; besides that the expedient rid her at once of most of her gentle suitors, who would have as soon wielded a conjuring wand as a composing stick.

Some of the more ordinary typographers made the attempt: but none were sufficiently possessed of the mystery--But I tire you." "By no means; pray, proceed, Mr.Oldbuck--I listen with uncommon interest." "Ah! it is all folly.