It included Homer, Virgil, Tasso; novels of all countries; histories of all times; mathematics, legislation, and theology.

He detested what he called "the bombast and tinsel" of Voltaire.

The praises of Homer and Ossian he was never wearied of sounding.

"Read again," he said to an officer on board the BELLEROPHO--"read again the poet of Achilles; devour Ossian.

Those are the poets who lift up the soul, and give to man a colossal greatness." [1914] The Duke of Wellington was an extensive reader; his principal favourites were Clarendon, Bishop Butler, Smith's 'Wealth of Nations,' Hume, the Archduke Charles, Leslie, and the Bible.