BOD'LEY, Sir THOMAS (1545-1612). An English scholar and diplomatist. now best known through the Bodleian Library (q.v.). During the reign of Mary his parents were for a time in Geneva. where Thomas studied Greek, and divinity, the last with Calvin. The family returned on the accession of Elizabeth, and the son, entering Magdalen College, Oxford, was duly graduated B.A. in 1563, and was made a proba tioner fellow of Merton College. The following year he was made actual fellow, and in 15116 re ceived M.A. For a while he delivered a Greek lecture, was in 1569 elected proctor, and on one occasion was public orator. Employed by the Queen in diplomatic missions, be was sent to the courts of Denmark, France. and Holland. lie was proficient in the Continental tongues. and his diplomatic career was so distinguished that he was solicited to hecome Secretary of State, but the seholarly quiet of the Oxford life appealed to him more strongly, and he returned thither in 1596. Now relieved of 'midic cares. he consid.
erect how he might "do the true part of a profit able member of the State," and the of the library seemed to him a rare opportunity. He was fortunate in securing the hearty tion of his countrymen. Himself indefatigable, he had an agent go to the Continent and buy largely. lie also permanently endowed the library, and in his will he made the university his chief beneficiary. Knighted by James I., he desired that he might be buried in keeping with his knightly rank. and accordingly directed that f666 13s. 4d. he expended for great ceremony. His remains were laid in the Chapel of :Merton College. There, too, a monument was erected in 1615. Bodley's autobiography up to 1609, with his letters, was published under the title of Reliquite Bodleiance (London, 1703). See BOD LEIAN LIBRARY.