SMITH, Richard. Vita illustrissimae ... Magdalenae Montis-Acuti in Anglia vicecomitissae, Rome: G. Mascardi, 1609. 8°, woodcut arms of the dedicatee, Cardinal Odoardo Farnese, on title (a few stains including inkstains on last 2 leaves). Contemporary (original?) sewn-over limp boards (rather rubbed and faded). Provenance: Giuseppe Minnillo? (contemporary deleted ownership inscription at foot of title). FIRST EDITION of this eulogistic obituary of Magdalen Browne (1538-1608), first Viscountess Montague, widow of Antony Browne (1526-92), a devout catholic whose religion did not preclude his being of great service to Elizabeth I. The author, Bishop of Chalcedon, makes great play of all her virtues, humility, chastity, patience, good works, piety, etc. The work was translated into German in 1611, and into English by J.C. Fursdon in 1627, printed at the English College Press at St Omer. Not in BL STC or Vinciana.