Bernard's works, and when he went to Zwolle he composed and
wrote out a chronicle of the brotherhood.
The Abbey of St. Bavon at Ghent was endowed with a great number of books
by Rafael de Mercatellis, the reputed son of Philippe le Bon, Duke of
Burgundy. As Abbot he devoted his life to increasing the splendour of
his monastery. The illuminated MSS. survived the perils of war and the
excesses of the Revolution, and are still to be seen in the University
with the Abbot's signature on their glittering title-pages.
A more important collection belonged to Louis de Bruges, Seigneur de La
Gruthuyse. As titular Earl of Winchester he was in some degree connected
with this country. When Edward IV. fled from England, and was chased by
German pirates, this nobleman was Governor of Holland. He rescued the
fugitives, and paid their expenses; and when Edward recovered his throne
he rewarded his friend with a title and a charge on the Customs. The
dignity carried no active privileges, and in 1499 it was surrendered to
the King at Calais. The books of La Gruthuyse have been described as 'the
bibliographical marvel of the age.' They were celebrated for their choice
vellum, their delicate penmanship, and their exquisite illustrations.
Louis de Bruges was the friend and patron of Colard Mansion, who printed
in partnership with Caxton. Three copies are known of his work called the
'Penitence of Adam.' One belonged to the Royal Library of France: another
was borrowed from a monastery by the Duc d'Isenghien, an enthusiastic but
somewhat unscrupulous collector, and this copy was sold at the Gaignat
sale in 1769; the third was the property of M.
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