york00orns

222 YORK.
The revival of learning had its origin in Italy, and
dates from the Council of Florence (1439-1442), at
which an attempt was made to effect the reunion of
the Greek and Latin churches. It brought many
learned Greek theologians to Italy, some of whom
conformed to the Roman communion. Of these
Bessarion, Archbishop of Nicsea, aftenvards a cardinal,
was the most eminent. A great impulse was
given by these men to the study of Greek. But the
movement was not confined to Italy. It spread like
an advancing tide from one country to another, until
all Europe had felt its impulse. Youths went to Italy
from all parts to study classical
literature—especially
the Greek language. Grocyn, Linacre, and Colet
travelled thither from England with that end in view.
The latter, who in after days became Dean of St.
Paul's and the munificent founder of St. Paul's
school, was at this time connected with the diocese
of York. Young as he then was, and only in minor
orders, he was already canon and prebendary of
Botevant in its minster. On his return in 1497 he
became acquainted with Erasmus, who was then in
England for the first time. It was an acquaintance
which soon ripened into the closest friendship. It
was shared also with Grocyn and Linacre, as is
abundantly testified by the correspondence of that
great scholar who occupies so prominent a place in
the literary history of the generation immediately
preceding the Reformation.
The intimacy between Colet and Erasmus commenced
at O.xford, where the former was giving
lectures upon the Pauline episdes after his return