9 JUNE 1973, Page 25

Sir: Considering that I was sent, no proof of my

article (June 2) your reproduction of it was a miracle of exactitude. But there were two mistakes: Gabriel Towne should of course be Thomas Towne. And my harmless little joke about the beautiful Schonbaum is spoiled by putting it in the plural the first time — it should be in the 0 so singular. There is also a full stop missing, for your textual experts to complain about. Not my fault however, Editors should always send proofs.

A. L. Rowse All Souls, Oxford.