MS 244
Annotations, supplying titles, incipits. etc., attributed to John Bale, in a 14th- or 15th-century quarto MS volume of tracts by John Wycliffe, 219 vellum leaves (plus blanks), in old speckled leather (rebacked).
BaJ 41: John Bale, Wycliffe, John. [Opera]
Inscribed (at foot of f. 1r) ‘Robert Cotton Bruceus’: i.e. signed by Sir Robert Bruce Cotton, first baronet (1571-1631), antiquary and politician.
This volume recorded in McCusker, The Library (1936), 163. The attribution to Bale is doubtful.
Unpublished?
MS 284
A quarto autograph notebook by Andrewes, in Latin, Greek and Hebrew, on ‘Politia Israelis Pphana seu ciuilis’ and on ‘Ministerium Novi Testamenti’, 147 leaves (plus blanks), in old calf. c.1600s.
Inscribed (f. 103r) ‘By me S C’. Old pressmark C. 2. 21.
item 1
• *AndL 43: Lancelot Andrewes, Politia Israelis
Systematic autograph notes on biblical chronology relating to government.
Unpublished.
item 2
• *AndL 54.5: Lancelot Andrewes, A Speech delivered in the Star-Chamber, concerning Vows, in the Countess of Shrewsbury's Case
An autograph narrative outline based on AndL 43.
A basis for the 1641 edition of A Summary View.
First published in Opuscula quaedam posthuma (London, 1629). LACT, Minor Works (1854), pp. 95-105.
item 3
• *AndL 13.5: Lancelot Andrewes, Sermons
Autograph notes and heavily revised drafts of two Court sermons, Of the Right and Power of Calling Assemblies (for the ‘second’ Hampton Court Conference, 1606), and for the Gunpowder Plot Anniversiary in 1606.
Unpublished.
MS 293
A quarto volume of Latin ecclesiastical treatises, compiled by John Dury (1596-1680), preacher. c.1634.
ff. 106-7v
• HlJ 113: Joseph Hall, Letter(s)
Copy of an epistle by Hall, in Latin, on the doctrine of Justus Lipsius, 25 February 1632/3. 1633.
MS 364
A folio composite compilation of legal and ecclesiastical tracts and notes, in several hands, written from both ends, 84 leaves, now bound in two volumes, in modern boards.
Old pressmark D. 1. 10.
Vol. 2, ff. 68v-84v
• *HkR 8: Richard Hooker, Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity
Autograph notes and drafts for the Polity, principally for Book VIII but also for Books V, VI and VII, with corrections and emendations in the hand of Archbishop Ussher, on sixteen folio and quarto leaves. c.1597-8.
Edited in Folger edition, Vol. III, pp. 463-538, Ussher's transcriptiion of Hooker's notes on ff. 68v-71r edited on pp. 540-4, with facsimile of f. 71 on pp. xxii-xxiii. Described, with a facsimile of f. 71r, in P.G. Stanwood, ‘The Richard Hooker Manuscripts’, Long Room (Spring-Summer 1975), 7-10. Facsimile of f. 75r in IELM, I.ii (1980), Facsimile XXI (p. 225).
Book VII first published in John Gauden's edition of the ‘complete’ Polity (London 1662). For publication of other ‘Books’ see individual Books below.
MS 412
A quarto musical part book, in several neat secretary and italic hands, with some initial-letter decoration, headed (f. 5r) ‘This is the fyrst Buke addit to the four psalme Bukkes, for songis of four or fyue partis, meit and apt for musitians, to recreat...’, with (ff. 2r-4r) a table of contents, 63 leaves, in old blind-stamped calf. One of the part books of the ‘St Andrews Psalter’. Early 17th century.
f. 22r
• CmT 160: Thomas Campion, ‘Where are all thy beauties now, all harts enchayning?’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in Two Bookes of Ayres (London, [c.1612-13]), Book I, No. iii. Davis, p. 61.
f. 22r
• CmT 199: Thomas Campion, ‘Do not, O do not prize thy beauty at too high a rate’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in Robert Jones, Ultimum Vale (London, 1605). Davis, p. 477. Doughtie, pp. 205-6.
ff. 23r
• CmT 236: Thomas Campion, ‘What if a day, or a month, or a yeare’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
Possibly first published as a late 16th-century broadside. Philotus (Edinburgh, 1603). Richard Alison, An Howres Recreation in Musicke (London, 1606). Davis, p. 473. The different versions and attributions discussed in A.E.H. Swaen, ‘The Authorship of “What if a Day”, and its Various Versions’, MP, 4 (1906-7), 397-422, and in David Greer, ‘“What if a Day” — An Examination of the Words and Music’, M&L, 43 (1962), 304-19.
See also CmT 239-41.
f. 23r
• SoR 148: Robert Southwell, S.J., Catholic Saint, Marie Magdalens complaint at Christs death (‘Sith my life from life is parted’)
Copy of line 25, in a musical setting by Thomas Morley, untitled.
First published in Saint Peters Complaint, 1st edition (London, 1595). Brown, pp. 45-6.
ff. 23v-4r
• CmT 42: Thomas Campion, ‘Good men, shew, if you can tell’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in Two Bookes of Ayres (London, [c.1612-13]), Book II, No. ix. Davis, p. 95.
f. 28v
• SiP 119: Sir Philip Sidney, Old Arcadia. Book I, No. 5 (‘Now thanked be the great God Pan’)
Copy of the incipit, in a musical setting, untitled.
Ringler, p. 13. Robertson, p. 51. this setting first published in Thomas Ravenscroft, Pammelia (London, 1609).
f. 29r
• B&F 210: Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, Song (‘Troule the blacke bowle to mee’)
Copy, in a musical setting.
Quoted in The Knight of the Burning Pestle. Bowers, II, 432. The Melvill Book of Roundels, ed. Granville Bantock and H. Orsmond Anderton (London, 1916), pp. 13, 52-3.
f. 30r-v
• B&F 91: Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, The Mad Lover, IV, i, 24-41. Song (‘Orpheus I am, come from the deeps below’)
Copy of the song, in a musical setting, untitled.
Edited from this MS in Cutts, Musique de la troupe de Shakespeare, pp. 60-1 (collated pp. 154-6).
Dyce, VI, 179-80. Bullen, III, 183. Bowers, V, 66-7.
f. 31v
• JnB 30: Ben Jonson, A Celebration of Charis in ten Lyrick Peeces. 4. Her Triumph (‘See the Chariot at hand here of Love’)
Copy of lines 21-30, in a musical setting by Robert Johnson, untitled and here beginning ‘Heave you seen bot a bright lillie grow’.
This MS collated in Cutts, Musique de la troupe de Shakespeare, pp. 150-1.
First published (all ten poems) in The Vnder-wood (ii) in Workes (London, 1640). Herford & Simpson, VIII, 131-42 (pp. 134-5). Lines 11-30 of poem 4 (beginning ‘Doe but looke on her eyes, they do light’) first published in The Devil is an Ass, II, vi, 94-113 (London, 1631).
f. 34v
• CmT 62: Thomas Campion, ‘If thou longst so much to learne (sweet boy) what 'tis to love’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book III, No. xvi. Davis, p. 151.
f. 35r
• CmT 149: Thomas Campion, ‘Were my hart as some mens are, thy errours would not move me’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book III, No. iii. Davis, p. 137.
ff. 35v-6r
• CmT 120: Thomas Campion, ‘Thou joy'st, fond boy, to be by many loved’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book IV, No. iii. Davis, p. 170.
f. 36r
• CmT 65: Thomas Campion, ‘Never love unlesse you can’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book III, No. xxvii. Davis, p. 163.
f. 36v
• BrN 17: Nicholas Breton, Astrophell his Song of Phillida and Coridon (‘Faire in a morne (o fairest morne)’)
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in Englands Helicon (London, 1600), <No. 33>, ascribed to ‘N. Breton’ (‘S. Phil. Sidney’ cancelled). Grosart, I (t), p. 8.
f. 39v
• CmT 138: Thomas Campion, ‘Though your strangenesse frets my hart’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in Robert Jones, A Musical Dreame (London, 1609). Campion, Two Bookes of Ayres (London, [c.1612-13]), Book II, No. xvi. Davis, pp. 106-7. Doughtie, pp. 319-20.
f. 40r
• CmT 61: Thomas Campion, ‘If Love loves truth, then women doe not love’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book III, No. xi. Davis, p. 146.
f. 40r
• CmT 6: Thomas Campion, ‘Breake now my heart and dye! Oh no, she may relent’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book III, No. x. Davis, p. 144-5.
f. 40v
• CmT 4: Thomas Campion, ‘Beauty, since you so much desire’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book IV, No. xxii. Davis, pp. 190-2.
f. 41r
• CmT 144: Thomas Campion, ‘Turne all thy thoughts to eyes’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book IV, No. xx. Davis, p. 188.
f. 41v
• CmT 70: Thomas Campion, ‘Respect my faith, regard my service past’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book IV, No. ii. Davis, p. 169.
f. 42r
• CmT 142: Thomas Campion, ‘Thrice tosse these Oaken ashes in the ayre’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book III, No. xviii. Davis, p. 154.
f. 42v
• CmT 84: Thomas Campion, ‘Sleepe, angry beauty, sleep, and feare not me’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book III, No. xxv. Davis, p. 161.
ff. 42v-3r
• CmT 152: Thomas Campion, ‘What is it that all men possesse, among themselves conversing?’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book III, No. xiv. Davis, p. 149.
f. 43r
• CmT 82: Thomas Campion, ‘Silly boy, 'tis ful Moone yet, thy night as day shines clearely’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book III, No. xxvi. Davis, p. 162.
f. 43v
• CmT 76: Thomas Campion, ‘Shall I then hope when faith is fled’
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London, [c.1617]), Book III, No. xxix. Davis, p. 165.
ff. 43v-4r
• CmT 177: Thomas Campion, ‘Young and simple though I am’
Copy in a musical setting.
First published in Alfonso Ferrabosco, Ayres (London, 1609). Campion, The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres (London [1617]), Book IV, No. ix. Davis, p. 177. Doughtie, p. 295.
f. 46r-v
• CmT 17: Thomas Campion, Canto Tertio (‘My Love bound me with a kisse’)
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published (first strophe) among ‘sundry other rare Sonnets of diuerse Noble men and Gentlemen’ appended to Sir Philip Sidney, Astrophel and Stella (London, 1591). Robert Jones, Second Booke of Songs and Ayres (London, 1601). Davis, p. 9. Doughtie, p. 151.
ff. 46v-7r
• WoH 126: Sir Henry Wotton, On his Mistress, the Queen of Bohemia (‘You meaner beauties of the night’)
Copy, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published (in a musical setting) in Michael East, Sixt Set of Bookes (London, 1624). Reliquiae Wottonianae (London, 1651), p. 518. Hannah (1845), pp. 12-15. Some texts of this poem discussed in J.B. Leishman, ‘“You Meaner Beauties of the Night” A Study in Transmission and Transmogrification’, The Library, 4th Ser. 26 (1945-6), 99-121. Some musical versions edited in English Songs 1625-1660, ed. Ian Spink, Musica Britannica XXXIII (London, 1971), Nos. 66, 122.
f. 55r-v
• SuH 28: Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, ‘If care do cause men cry, why do not I complaine?’
Copy of the incipit, in a musical setting, untitled.
First published in Songes and Sonettes (London, 1557). Padelford, No. 28, pp. 80-2. Jones, pp. 14-16.
ff. 58v-9r
• ShW 108.6: William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, II, iii, line 105. Song (‘Farewell dear heart, since I must needs be gone’)
Copy of the song, in a musical setting.
Edited from this MS in J. Stafford Smith, Musica Antiqua (London, 1812), II, 204-5.
Sir Toby Belch's song.
MS 419
A quarto miscellany of metaphysical and academic tracts and extracts, in two or more secretary hands, 185 leaves (plus blanks), in vellum boards. c.1625-30.
Scribbling (f. 1r) including several times the name ‘John Burleigh’: i.e. probably John Burley (b.1605/6), of Oriel College, Oxford, and of Chelsea College. Inscribed at the foot of f. 76r ‘Mr Dauies ye 29th of August 1630’ or ‘1650’. Old pressmark D. 3. 27.
ff. 72v-3r
• DnJ 4048: John Donne, Sermon preached upon the Penitential Psalms, on Psalms 6.4, 5
‘Dr Duns notes’ of the sermon as heard, possibly at Chelsea parish church, ‘ye 16th of October 1625, on the 6th psa v 5. or 6’.
This MS discussed in P.G. Stanwood, ‘John Donne's Sermon Notes’, RES, NS 29 (1978), 313-17, and by I.A. Shapiro in RES, NS 30 (1979), 194.
First published in LXXX Sermons (London, 1640), No. 52. Potter & Simpson, V, Nos 18 and 19, pp. 364-89.
f. 73r-v
• DnJ 4049: John Donne, Sermon preached upon the Penitential Psalms, on Psalms 6.4, 5
Notes of the sermon as heard on 16 October 1625, possibly at Chelsea parish church.
This MS discussed in P.G. Stanwood, ‘John Donne's Sermon Notes’, RES, NS 29 (1978), 313-17, and by I. A. Shapiro in RES, NS 30 (1979), 194.
First published in LXXX Sermons (London, 1640), No. 52. Potter & Simpson, V, Nos 18 and 19, pp. 364-89.
ff. 75r-6r
• DnJ 4039: John Donne, Sermon preached at Lincoln's Inn, on Colossians 1.24
Notes of the sermon, possibly as heard repeated in 1625, headed ‘Dr Dun. Coll. 1. 24.’
This MS discussed in P.G. Stanwood, ‘John Donne's Sermon Notes’, RES, NS 29 (1978), 313-17.
First published in Fifty Sermons (London, 1649), No. 16. Potter & Simpson, III, No. 16, pp. 332-47.
MS 480
Copy, in at least two probably professional cursive secretary hands, with a formal title-page ‘Leicesters Comon=Wealth / The Coppie of a Letter...[etc.]’, 65 tall folio leaves, in contemporary vellum. Early 17th century.
LeC 76: Anon, Leicester's Commonwealth
Old pressmark E. 1. 25.
This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.
First published as The Copie of a Leter, Wryten by a Master of Arte of Cambrige, to his Friend in London, Concerning some talke past of late betwen two worshipful and graue men, about the present state, and some procedinges of the Erle of Leycester and his friendes in England ([? Rouen], 1584). Soon banned. Reprinted as Leycesters common-wealth (London, 1641). Edited, as Leicester's Commonwealth, by D.C. Peck (Athens, OH, & London, 1985). Although various attributions have been suggested by Peck and others, the most likely author remains Robert Persons (1546-1610), Jesuit conspirator.
MS 481
Copy, in a single professional secretary hand, untitled, with a supplied title roughly inscribed in another hand ‘Leycesters comonwealth a Better Copy see (*: 3 :/’, 53 folio pages, in later calf. Late 16th-early 17th century.
LeC 77: Anon, Leicester's Commonwealth
Former call number E. 2. 18.
This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.
First published as The Copie of a Leter, Wryten by a Master of Arte of Cambrige, to his Friend in London, Concerning some talke past of late betwen two worshipful and graue men, about the present state, and some procedinges of the Erle of Leycester and his friendes in England ([? Rouen], 1584). Soon banned. Reprinted as Leycesters common-wealth (London, 1641). Edited, as Leicester's Commonwealth, by D.C. Peck (Athens, OH, & London, 1985). Although various attributions have been suggested by Peck and others, the most likely author remains Robert Persons (1546-1610), Jesuit conspirator.
MS 482
Copy, in a single secretary hand, with a title-page ‘Leicesters Comon Weale / The Coppie of a letter...Anno Dni. 1593’, including the meditation of Job, 60 small quarto leaves, in old blind-stamped calf. The title-page subscribed ‘John Aynworth’, probably the copyist of the MS. c.1593.
LeC 78: Anon, Leicester's Commonwealth
Old pressmark E. 5. 27.
This MS recorded in Peck. p. 226.
First published as The Copie of a Leter, Wryten by a Master of Arte of Cambrige, to his Friend in London, Concerning some talke past of late betwen two worshipful and graue men, about the present state, and some procedinges of the Erle of Leycester and his friendes in England ([? Rouen], 1584). Soon banned. Reprinted as Leycesters common-wealth (London, 1641). Edited, as Leicester's Commonwealth, by D.C. Peck (Athens, OH, & London, 1985). Although various attributions have been suggested by Peck and others, the most likely author remains Robert Persons (1546-1610), Jesuit conspirator.
MS 483
Copy, mainly in a probably professional secretary hand, a mixed hand on ff. 48r-50v, on the first 69 leaves in a quarto volume comprising two MSS bound together, 109 leaves in all (plus blanks) including (ff. 69v-109v) notes, tracts and a catalogue in later hands, with additions dated ‘1693/4’, in old vellum boards. Mid-17th century.
LeC 79: Anon, Leicester's Commonwealth
Scribbling (f. 1r) including the name ‘Ai Bealken’. Old pressmark F. 4. 21.
This MS recorded in Peck, p. 226.
First published as The Copie of a Leter, Wryten by a Master of Arte of Cambrige, to his Friend in London, Concerning some talke past of late betwen two worshipful and graue men, about the present state, and some procedinges of the Erle of Leycester and his friendes in England ([? Rouen], 1584). Soon banned. Reprinted as Leycesters common-wealth (London, 1641). Edited, as Leicester's Commonwealth, by D.C. Peck (Athens, OH, & London, 1985). Although various attributions have been suggested by Peck and others, the most likely author remains Robert Persons (1546-1610), Jesuit conspirator.
MS 497
Autograph annotations by Camden on at least f. 161r (eight lines), in a 14th-century MS volume of chronicles, 271 folio leaves of vellum, in old blind-stamped calf (rebacked). Inscribed (f. 1r) by Sir Robert Cotton ‘Ro. Cottoni Brucei ex dono Domini Guillimi Camdeni amicorum prestantissimorum...1609’, and signed by Camden on f. 271v. c.1609.
*CmW 133.5: William Camden, Rupescissa, Johannes de. Vade-Mecum in Tribulatione [etc.]
MS 532
A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional hands, 273 leaves, in contemporary calf. c.1635-40.
Old pressmark E. 2. 7.
ff. 99r-115r
• KiT 17: Thomas Killigrew, Letter about the possessed Nuns of Tours, from Orleans, 7 December 1635
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, headed ‘Mr Thomas Kilgrewes Letter of his Travayles Dated the seaventh of December newe stile 1635’. c.1635-40.
Letter, to Lord Goring, beginning ‘Being thus far from London...’. Published in European Magazine, 43 (1803), 102-6. Edited in J. Lough and D. E. L. Crane, ‘Thomas Killigrew and the Possessed Nuns of Loudun: The Text of a Letter of 1635’, Durham University Journal, 78 (1986), 259-68.
ff. 129r-45r
• RaW 1124: Sir Walter Ralegh, The Scepticke
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, unascribed. c.1630s.
This MS discussed in Richard H. Popkin, ‘A Manuscript of Ralegh's “The Scepticke”’, PQ, 36 (1857), 253-9.
A tract beginning ‘The Scepticke doth neither affirm nor deny any position...’. First published, as by Sir Walter Ralegh, in London, 1651. Works (1829), VIII, 548-56. William M. Hamlin, ‘A Lost Translation Found? An Edition of The Sceptick (c.1590)’, ELR, 31/1 (Winter 2001), 34-51 (pp. 42-51).
A translation of extracts from the Hypotyposes of Sextus Empiricus. See S.E. Sprott, ‘Ralegh's “Sceptic” and the Elizabethan Translation of Sextus Empiricus’, PQ, 42 (1963), 166-75, and Lefranc (1968), pp. 66-7.
ff. 147r-78v
• BcF 104.5: Francis Bacon, Arguments of Law. Arguments in the Case De Commenda
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand.
Unpublished.
ff. 185r-204r
• CtR 494: Sir Robert Cotton, That the Soveraignes Person is Required in the Great Covncells, or Assemblies of the State, aswell at the Consultations as at the Conclusions
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, headed A Treatise Written by Sr Robert Cotton knight and Barronett concerning the Soueraignes presence in the great Councells or assemblies of State of the Kingdome by Comand from King James. c.1630s.
Tract beginning ‘Since at these Assemblies few Diaries, or exact Iournall Books are remaining...’. First published as A Treatise, shewing that the Soveraignes Person is Required in the great Councells or Assemblies of the State, aswell at the Consultations as at the conclusions, London, 1641. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [41]-57.
MS 535
A folio volume of parliamentary proceedings on 2 April 1571, in a single professional secretary hand, 36 leaves (plus numerous blanks), in contemporary vellum. Late 16th century.
Old pressmark E. 2. 9.
f. 1v
• ElQ 179: Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth's Speech Opening the 1571 Parliament, April 2, 1571
Copy, introduced ‘...After a long stay shee spake a fewe words to this effect, or thus’.
Edited from this MS in Hartley.
Brief speech beginning ‘My right loving lords and you all, our right faithful and obedient subjects, we in the name of God....’. First published in Simonds D'Ewes, The Journalls of All the Parliaments during the Raign of Queen Elizabeth (London, 1682), p. 137. Hartley, I, 195. Collected Works, Speech 11, pp. 108-9.
MS 541
A folio composite volume of proceedings in Parliament in November 1640, in secretary hands, 134 leaves, in contemporary vellum boards.
Old pressmark E. 2. 10.
ff. 30r-6r
• RuB 171: Sir Benjamin Rudyerd, Speech in the House of Commons, ?7 November 1640
Copy, headed ‘Sr Beniamin Rudyards speech in Parliament 7th Nouemb: 1640’. c.1640s.
Speech (variously dated 4, 7, 9 and 10 November 1640) beginning ‘We are here assembled to do God's business and the King's...’. First published in The Speeches of Sr. Benjamin Rudyer in the high Court of Parliament (London, 1641), pp. 1-10. Manning, pp. 159-65.
MS 545
A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional secretary hand, with a table of contents, i + 221 pages (including some blanks), in old vellum boards. Early-mid-17th century.
Old pressmark E. 1. 36.
pp. 1-10
• RaW 646: Sir Walter Ralegh, A Discourse touching a Marriage between Prince Henry and a Daughter of Savoy
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Walter Rawleigh’, dated 1612. c.1620s-30s.
A tract beginning ‘There is nobody that persuades our prince to match with Savoy, for any love to the person of the duke...’. First published in The Interest of England with regard to Foreign Alliances, explained in two discourses:...2) Touching a Marriage between Prince Henry of England and a Daughter of Savoy (London, 1750). Works (1829), VIII, 237-52. Ralegh's authorship is not certain.
pp. 133-9
• CtR 368: Sir Robert Cotton, A Relation of the Proceedings against Ambassadors who have miscarried themselves, etc. ...[27 April 1624]
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sr: Robt Cotton 27th: of Aprill 1624’. c.1624-30s.
Tract, addressed to George, Duke of Buckingham, beginning ‘In humble obedience to your Grace's Command, I am emboldned to present my poor advice...’. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. 1-9.
pp. 147-69
• EsR 146: Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, Apology
Copy, in a professional secretary hand. c.1620s.
First published, addressed to Anthony Bacon, as An Apologie of the Earle of Essex, against those which jealously and maliciously tax him to be the hinderer of the peace and quiet (London, [1600]), but immediately suppressed. Reprinted in 1603.
pp. 173-87
• WoH 289: Sir Henry Wotton, A Parallel between Robert Earl of Essex and George Duke of Buckingham
Copy, in a professional secretary hand. c.1625.
Of Robert...etc. date?
First published in London, 1641. Edited by Sir Robert Egerton Brydges (Lee Priory Press, Ickham, 1814).
MS 580
A tall folio composite volume of state letters and tracts, in various professional hands, with (f. 1r-v) a table of contents, 141 leaves, in contemporary vellum boards.
Old pressmark E. 3. 8.
ff. 36r-58v
• CtR 30: Sir Robert Cotton, An Answer made by Command of Prince Henry, to Certain Propositions of Warre and Peace
Copy, in three secretary and italic hands, unascribed, possibly incomplete. Early 17th century.
A treatise beginning ‘Frames of Policy, as well as works of Nature, are best preserved from the same grounds...’., written in 1609. First published London, 1655. Also published as Warrs with Forregin Princes Dangerous to oyr Common-Wealth: or, reasons for Forreign Wars Answered (London, 1657); as An Answer to such Motives as were offer'd by certain Military-Men to Prince Henry, inciting him to affect Arms more than Peace... (London, 1665); and as A Discourse of Foreign War (London, 1690).
MS 588
A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various hands and paper sizes, with (f. 1r) a table of contents, 232 leaves, in old blind-stamped calf.
Purchased in December 1806 from Mr Mercier. Old pressmark E. 3. 25.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 222 (No. 17).
ff. 2r-16r
• SiP 212: Sir Philip Sidney, A Letter to Queen Elizabeth touching her Marriage with Monsieur
Copy, in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, with a title-page ‘The: Coppye: Off: a; Letter: wrytten by Sr: Phillipp Sidnye to Queene Elizabeth. Touchinge her Marryage, wth Mownsieur &tc.’, inscribed ‘AA May. 7. 1641’ (or ‘1691’) and ‘N. 52’. c.1625-30s.
This MS collated in Feuillerat, III, 326 et seq. Recorded in Duncan-Jones & Van Dorsten, p. 38. Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 222 (No. 17) and p. 280 (No. 34), with a facsimile of f. 10v on p. 138.
First published in Scrinia Caeciliana: Mysteries of State & Government (London, 1663) and in Cabala: sive Scrinia Sacra (London, 1663). Feuillerat, III, 51-60. Duncan-Jones & Van Dorsten, pp. 46-57.
This work and its textual transmission discussed, with facsimile examples, in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), Chapter 4, pp. 109-46 (with most MSS catalogued as Nos 1-37, with comments on their textual tradition, in Appendix IV, pp. 274-80).
MS 589
Copy, in a single secretary hand, unascribed, subscribed ‘Finis 1596’, 141 folio pages, the first leaf imperfect, in half-vellum marbled boards. c.1596-early 17th century.
SpE 62: Edmund Spenser, A View of the Present State of Ireland
Owned by James Ussher (1581-1656), Archbishop of Armagh, scholar. Formerly MS E.3.26.
Edited from this MS in Ware's edition of 1633. Collated in Variorum.
First published in Sir James Ware, The Historie of Ireland (Dublin, 1633). Variorum, Prose Works (ed. Rudolf Gottfried), pp. 39-231.
Spenser's authorship of this ‘View’ is generally accepted, especially in light of the comparable views about Ireland in The Faerie Queene. A cautionary note about authorship is sounded, however, in Jean R. Brink, ‘Constructing the View of the Present State of Ireland’, Spenser Studies, 11 (1994), 203-28; in her ‘Appropriating the Author of The Faerie Queene: The Attribution of the View of the Present State of Ireland and A Brief Note of Ireland to Edmund Spenser’, in Soundings of Things Done: Essays in Early Modern Literature in Honor of S.K. Heninger, Jr., ed. Peter E. Medine and Joseph Wittreich (Newark, Delaware, 1997), 93-136. See also, inter alia, Andrew Hadfield, ‘Certainties and Uncertainties: By Way of Response to Jean Brink’, Spenser Studies, 12 (1998), 197-202, and Jean R. Brink, ‘Spenser and the Irish Question: Reply to Andrew Hadfield’, Spenser Studies, 13 (1999), 265-6.
MS 619
Copy, in a single professional secretary hand, the headings in italic, with a title-page ‘An Abridgement of the Parliamentary Rolls from Ed: 2: to Rich: 3. Collected by Sr Robt Cotton’, 634 leaves, in contemporary calf. c.1630s.
CtR 271: Sir Robert Cotton, An Exact Abridgement of the Records in the Tower of London, from the reign of Edward the Second unto Richard the Third, of all the Parliaments holden in each King's reign
Old pressmark G. 1. 5.
First published, as ‘Collected by Sr. R. Cotton’, in London, 1657. Probably collected rather by William and Robert Bowyer, Keepers of the Records in the Tower, and revised and edited by William Prynne.
MS 623
A folio volume of speeches in Parliament, in two professional secretary hands, written from both ends, with two tables of contents, 44 leaves, in contemporary limp vellum with ties. c.1640s.
Purchased from Mr Mercier, December 1806. Old pressmark I. 3. 17.
ff. 7v-12r
• WaE 795: Edmund Waller, Speech in the House of Commons, 22 April 1640
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Mr Wallers speech in the howse of Comons Anno 1640’.
Recorded in Proceedings of the Short Parliament of 1640 (1977), p. 297.
A speech beginning ‘I will use no preface, as they do who prepare men to something to which they would persuade them...’ First published in two variant editions, as A Worthy Speech Made in the house of commons this present Parliament 1641 and as An Honorable and Learned Speech made by Mr Waller in Parliament respectively (both London, 1641). In Proceedings of the Short Parliament of 1640 (1977), pp. 306-8. It is doubted whether Waller actually delivered this speech in Parliament, though ‘He may have prepared and circulated the speech in manuscript to impress contemporaries’.
MS 651
Copy, in probably two professional secretary hands, with a title-page, on 63 folio leaves (plus blanks), ff. 67v-65r at the reverse end occupied by a tract on ecclesiastical law in another hand, in old blind-stamped calf. c.1620s-30s.
DaJ 274: Sir John Davies, The Question concerning Impositions
Old pressmark P. 4. 8.
A treatise, with dedicatory epistle to James I, comprising 33 chapters, beginning ‘The Question it self is no more than this, Whether the Impositions which the King of England hath laid and levied upon Merchandize, by vertue of his Prerogative onely...’. First published in London, 1656. Grosart, III, 1-116.
MS 652
A quarto composite volume of miscellaneous MSS, in various hands, 368 leaves, in old blind-stamped calf (rebacked). Folios 357r-68v comprising a portion of a quarto verse miscellany, in a neat italic hand, probably associated with the Inns of Court, c.1620s-30s.
Old pressmark F. 4. 20.
ff. 71r-113r
• DaJ 275: Sir John Davies, The Question concerning Impositions
Copy, in a single predominantly secretary hand, the first page heavily stained. c.1620s-30s.
A treatise, with dedicatory epistle to James I, comprising 33 chapters, beginning ‘The Question it self is no more than this, Whether the Impositions which the King of England hath laid and levied upon Merchandize, by vertue of his Prerogative onely...’. First published in London, 1656. Grosart, III, 1-116.
f. 357r
• HoJ 174: John Hoskyns, Incipit Johannes Hoskins (‘Even as the waues of brainelesse butter'd fish’)
Copy, headed ‘John Hoskins in Coriat’. c.1620s.
Osborn, No. XXIX (pp. 199-202), in English and Latin.
ff. 357v-8r
• CoR 551: Richard Corbett, A Poeme Upon Tom Coriatts Crudities. in Commendation of the Author, and Worke (‘I do not wonder Coryate that thou hast’)
Copy, headed ‘On Tom Coriat. Dr Corbet’.
First published in Coryats Crudities (London, 1611). Bennett & Trevor-Roper, pp. 4-5.
f. 358r
• DaJ 41: Sir John Davies, Love's All (‘I love thee not for sacred chastitie’)
Copy, headed ‘Epigram: Sr Jo: Dauijs’.
Krueger, p. 179.
First published in Epigrammes and Elegies (‘Middleborugh’ [i.e. London?] [1595-6?]). Krueger, p. 179.
f. 358v
• DaJ 60: Sir John Davies, A Lover out of Fashion (‘Faith (wench) I cannot court thy sprightly eyes’)
Copy, headed ‘Epigram: Sr Jo: Dauijs’.
First published in Epigrammes and Elegies (‘Middleborugh’ [i.e. London?] [1595-6?]). Krueger, p. 180.
f. 358v
• DaJ 68: Sir John Davies, No Muskie Courtier (‘Sweet wench I love thee, yet I wil not sue’)
Copy, headed ‘Epigram: Jo. Dauijs’.
First published in Epigrammes and Elegies (‘Middleborugh’ [i.e. London?] [1595-6?]). Krueger, pp. 180-1.
f. 359r
• BcF 54.113: Francis Bacon, Upon the Death of the Duke of Richmond and Lennox (‘Are all diseases dead? or will death say’)
Copy, headed ‘An Elegey on the Duke of Richmond who died on the Parliament day’.
First published in William Camden, Remaines (London, 1637), p. 400. For a contemporary attribution to Bacon see BcF 54.117.
ff. 359r-60v
• CoR 646: Richard Corbett, To the Lord Mordant upon his returne from the North (‘My Lord, I doe confesse, at the first newes’)
Copy, headed ‘Doctor Corbetts encounter wth the Guarde at winsor’ and here beginning at line 111 (‘Here might I end my Lo: and then subscribe’).
First published in Certain Elegant Poems (London, 1647). Bennett & Trevor-Roper, pp. 23-31.
f. 360v
• CoR 278: Richard Corbett, In Quendam Anniversariorum Scriptorem (‘Even soe dead Hector thrice was triumph'd on’)
Copy, headed ‘Dr. Corbett against Dr. Price's Anniversarys on Prince Henery’.
First published in Certain Elegant Poems (London, 1647). Bennett & Trevor-Roper, pp. 8-9.
The poem is usually followed in MSS by Dr Daniel Price's ‘Answer’ (‘So to dead Hector boyes may doe disgrace’), and see also CoR 227-46.
f. 361r-v
• CoR 246: Richard Corbett, In Poetam Exauctoratum et Emeritum (‘Nor is it griev'd (graue youth) the memory’)
Copy, headed ‘Doctor Corbetts Replye’.
First published in Certain Elegant Poems (London, 1647). Bennett & Trevor-Roper, pp. 10-11.
For related poems see CoR 247-78.
ff. 361v-2v
• CoR 160: Richard Corbett, An Elegie Upon the death of the Lady Haddington who dyed of the small Pox (‘Deare Losse, to tell the world I greiue were true’)
Copy, headed ‘An Elegie on the death of the La: Haddington; Dr: Corbett’.
First published in Certain Elegant Poems (London, 1647). Bennett & Trevor-Roper, pp. 59-62. The last 42 lines, beginning ‘O thou deformed unwomanlike disease’, in Parnassus Biceps (London, 1656), p. 48.
MS 658
Copy, in a single mixed hand but for p. 5 in another hand, 253 quarto pages (plus blanks etc.), in contemporary blind-stamped calf. Late 17th century.
ClE 39: Edward Hyde, First Earl of Clarendon, A shorte view of the State and condicon of the kingdome of Ireland from the year 1640 to this tyme
Three pages among blanks at the end containing, in another hand, a short catalogue of books of John Stearne (1660-1745), Bishop of Clogher, dated ‘March: 18. [16]83[/4]’.
This MS discussed in Belford.
First published in Dublin, 1719-20. Published in London, 1720. Incorporated into the 1816, 1826 and 1849 editions of The History of the Rebellion. Reprinted as Vol. II of A Collection of Several Valuable Pieces of Clarendon (2 vols, London, 1727).
MS 659
A small quarto miscellany, in several hands, the greater part in one rounded mixed hand, written from both ends, 357 pages, in old blind-stamped calf. Mid-late 17th century.
Bookplate of Thomas Madden, of the Inner Temple and Rousky Castle, Fermanagh. Also once owned by John Sterne (1660-1745), Bishop of Clogher. Old pressmark F. 4. 28.
pp. 73-172
• CrR 338: Richard Crashaw, Epigrammatum sacrorum liber
Copy of all Crashaw's epigrams published in 1634 except the final one and the end of the penultimate one, in a rounded mixed hand, 104 Epigrams in the first part (pp. 73-121) headed ‘Epigrammata Divina Siue Occurrentia Quæda ex Xti: Uitâ et Quatuor Euangelijs decerpta’, 74 Epigrams in the ‘Secunda Pars’ (pp. 121-72), all apparently transcribed from a MS source.
This MS selectively collated in Martin and described pp. lvii-lviii.
First published in Cambridge, 1634. Martin, pp. 5-64.
MS 672
A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers largely relating to Ireland, in various hands, 318 leaves, in vellum boards.
Old pressmark F. 3. 15.
ff. 93v-4v
• RaW 985: Sir Walter Ralegh, Letter(s)
Copy of a letter by Ralegh to his wife, [1603], in a secretary hand. c.1620s.
MS 676
A quarto miscellany, in one or possibly two hands, one of which may be Sir Charles Calthorpe (d.1616), judge and Attorney-General of ireland, 279 leaves, imperfect. c.1600.
p. 159
• SoR 39.5: Robert Southwell, S.J., Catholic Saint, Content and rich (‘I dwell in grace's courte’)
Copy.
First published in Saint Peters Complaint, 1st edition (London, 1595). Brown, pp. 67-9.
p. 160
• HrJ 247.5: Sir John Harington, Of Lynus borrowing (‘Lynus came late to me, sixe crownes to borrow’)
Copy.
First published in 1615. 1618, Book IV, No. 16. McClure No. 270, p. 259.
p. 161
• SoR 254.5: Robert Southwell, S.J., Catholic Saint, The Virgins salutation (‘Spell Eva backe and Ave shall you finde’)
Copy.
First published in Moeoniae, 1st edition (London, 1595). Brown, p. 5 (a doubtful version also on p. 117).
p. 161
• SoR 98.5: Robert Southwell, S.J., Catholic Saint, Lifes death loves life (‘Who lives in love, loves least to live’)
Copy.
First published in Saint Peters Complaint, 2nd edition (London, 1595). Brown, pp. 54-5.
p. 162
• SoR 111.5: Robert Southwell, S.J., Catholic Saint, Losse in delaies (‘Shun delaies, they breede remorse’)
Copy.
First published in Saint Peters Complaint, 1st edition (London, 1595). Brown, pp. 58-9.
p. 163
• SoR 92.5: Robert Southwell, S.J., Catholic Saint, Life is but Losse (‘By force I live, in will I wish to die’)
Copy.
First published in Saint Peters Complaint, 2nd edition (London, 1595). Brown, pp. 50-1.
p. 163
• SoR 70.5: Robert Southwell, S.J., Catholic Saint, I dye alive (‘O life what lets thee from a quicke decease?’)
Copy, here beginning ‘life who lettest’.
First published in Saint Peters Complaint, 2nd edition (London, 1595). Brown, pp. 52-3.
p. 164
• SoR 255.5: Robert Southwell, S.J., Catholic Saint, What joy to live? (‘I wage no warre yet peace I none enjoy’)
Copy.
First published in Saint Peters Complaint, 2nd edition (London, 1595). Brown, pp. 53-4.
p. 164
• SoR 237.5: Robert Southwell, S.J., Catholic Saint, Time goe by turnes (‘The lopped tree in time may grow againe’)
Copy.
First published in Saint Peters Complaint, 1st edition (London, 1595). Brown, pp. 57-8.
p. 165
• SoR 13.5: Robert Southwell, S.J., Catholic Saint, A childe my Choyce (‘Let folly praise that fancie loves, I praise and love that child’)
Copy.
First published in Saint Peters Complaint, 1st edition (London, 1595). Brown, p. 13.
p. 363b-365b
• DaJ 113.5: Sir John Davies, Verses given to the Lord Treasuer upon Newyeares Day upon a Dosen of Trenchers, by Mr. Davis (‘Longe have I servd in Court, yet learned not all this while’)
Copy of poems 1-3, 6, 9-12 (‘The Courtier’, ‘The Divine’, ‘The Souldier’, ‘The Merchaunt’, ‘The Married Man’, ‘The Wyfe’, ‘The Widowe’, ‘The Mayde’).
First published as ‘Yet other 12. Wonders of the World never yet published’ in Francis Davison, A Poetical Rhapsody (London, 1608). Doughtie, Lyrics from English Airs, pp. 381-4. Krueger, pp. 225-8.
MS 690
A duodecimo miscellany, of verse and generally religious prose, in Latin and English, in several hands, largely in one small cursive predominantly italic hand, written from both ends, 151 leaves, in old blind-stamped calf. Compiled by a Cambridge University man. c.late 1630s.
Inscribed name (f. 151v) ‘John graves’. Old pressmark F. 5. 24.
f. 4r
• RnT 469: Thomas Randolph, The Combat of the Cocks (‘Go, you tame gallants, you that have the name’)
Copy, headed ‘A terrible true troublesome tragicall relation of a duell fought at Wisbech’.
(Sometimes called A terible true Tragicall relacon of a duell fought at Wisbich June the 17th: 1637.) Published, and attributed to Randolph, in Hazlitt, I, xviii. II, 667-70. By Robert Wild.
f. 140v
• HrJ 289: Sir John Harington, Of Women learned in the tongues (‘You wisht me to a wife, faire, rich and young’)
Copy, witten along the length of the page with the spine uppermost, untitled.
First published in 1615. 1618, Book IV, No. 7. McClure No. 261, pp. 255-6. Kilroy, Book I, No. 7, p. 96.
f. 150v rev.
• HrJ 98: Sir John Harington, Of a certaine Man (‘There was (not certain when) a certaine preacher’)
Copy, in a predominantly secretary hand, untitled and here beginning ‘It was not certaine when a cteine teacher’.
First published in 1615. 1618, Book IV, No. 23. McClure No. 277, p. 262. Kilroy, Book IV, No. 105, p. 250.
MS 698
A formal copy of the Title of Lady Anne Clifford to the baronies of Clifford, Westmorland and Vesey, in a single professional secretary and italic hand, with a table of contents, iii + 135 tall folio pages, in contemporary vellum boards. Mid-17th century.
CdA 13: Lady Anne Clifford, The title of the La: Anne Clifford...to the style and title of...three Baronies
Old pressmark G.1.3.
Lady Anne Clifford's evidences for her claim to the title and banonies of Clifford, Westmorland and Vesey, 1606.
MS 710
A folio composite commonplace book, arranged under subject headings, much in double columns, in possibly several secretary and italic hands, two predominating, 156 leaves, in contemporary vellum boards. Early-mid-17th century.
Old pressmark G. 2. 8.
f. 139v
• BcF 54.934: Francis Bacon, The Advancement of Learning
Extract from ‘Bac: Aduanc: of Learn’, in a predominantly secretary hand, under a heading ‘Tepiditas’.
First published, as The Twoo Bookes of Francis Bacon. Of the proficience and aduancement of Learning, diuine and humane, in London, 1605. Spedding, III, 253-491. Edited by Michael Kiernan, The Oxford Francis Bacon, Vol. IV (Oxford, 2000).
MS 713
A folio commonplace book, with entries in Latin, English and Greek, under subject headings, largely in one secretary hand, mainly in triple columns, 348 pages, in contemporary calf (rebacked). c.1640.
Inscribed (five times) ‘Roger Boyle’: i.e. Roger Boyle (1617/18?-87), Scholar of Trinity College Dublin (1638, Fellow 1646), later Bishop of Down and Connor and of Clogher. Inscribed also ‘Daniell Clay’ (deleted) and again with the date ‘1640 August 26’: i.e. probably Daniel Clay, student of Jesus College, Cambridge, in 1637. Old pressmark G. 2.12.
passim
• SiP 243: Sir Philip Sidney, Extracts
Various extracts, including entries on ff. 28r, 37v, 45r, and 53r.
MS 717
A folio volume of antiquarian tracts, in three professional hands, 261 leaves (plus numerous blanks), dated in ink on the fore-edge ‘1637’, in contemporary calf. c.1637.
Bequeathed by Sir Jerome Alexander (c.1600-70), Justice of the Irish Common Pleas. Old pressmark G. 3. 5.
ff. 1r-3v
• CmW 23.8: William Camden, The Antiquity and Office of the Earl Marshall of England
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘The Etimology Antiquitie and office of the Earle Marshall of England’, unascribed.
A tract beginning ‘Such is the vncertainety of etimologyes...’ and sometimes entitled in manuscripts ‘The Etymology, Antiquity and Office of the Earl Marshall of England’. First published, as ‘Commentarius de etymologia, antiquitate, & officio Comitis Marescalli Angliae’, in Camdeni epistolae (London, 1691), Appendix, pp. 87-93. Hearne (1771), II, 90-7.
ff. 24v-9r
• CtR 264: Sir Robert Cotton, A Discourse Off the Offyce of the Lord Steward of England, Written by Sr Robte Cotton, knight, and Baronnett
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robt Cotton knight and Baronett’.
Tract beginning ‘For the Clearinge whereof wee will intreate off the name...’. Hearne (1771), II, 1-12.
ff. 29r-30r
• CmW 33.8: William Camden, The Antiquity, Authority, and Succession of the High Steward of England
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A discourse of the office of the Lo: Steward of England Collected by mr Willm Cambden’.
A tract beginning ‘Whom we call in English steward, in Latine is called seneschallus...’. First published in Hearne (1771), II, 38-40.
ff. 30v-1v
• CtR 250: Sir Robert Cotton, A Discourse Of the Offyce of the Lord Highe Connstable of England, written by Sr: Robte Cotton, knight, and Baronett
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robt Cotton knigh [sic] and Baronett’.
Tract beginning ‘Yff wee curiouslye will looke the Roote of this question...’. Hearne (1771), II, 65-7.
ff. 31v-4r
• CtR 67: Sir Robert Cotton, The Antiquitye and Offyce of Earle Marshall of England, Written by Sr Robte Cotton, knight, and Baronett
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr. Robt Cotton knight and Baronett’.
Tract beginning ‘The plentye of this discourse, the last question of Highe Connstables, whereto...’. Hearne (1771), II, 97-103.
ff. 34r-8r
• CtR 231: Sir Robert Cotton, A Discourse Of the Antiquitye, and Offyce of the Earle Marshall of England, written by Sr Robte Cotton, knight, Att the request of the Lord Henrye Howard, Earle of Northampton [25 November 1602]
Copy, complete with letter to Northampton, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by Sr Robt Cotton knight’.
A dedicatory epistle beginning ‘Sir, Yor small tyme, I must Ballance, wth as sclendr Aunswere...’ followed by a tract beginning ‘Because the Jurisdiction att the Comon Lawe was vncertayne...’.
ff. 56r-62r
• HoH 67: Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton, Duello Foiled
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as ‘written by the lord H: Howard Earle of Northampton Anno dni [blank]’.
A discourse, with a dedicatory epistle to ‘my very good Lord’, beginning ‘Reasons moving me to write this thing which handleth not the whole matter...’, the tract beginning ‘The two parties between whom this single fight was appointed...’. Published in Thomas Hearne, A Collection of Curious Discourses written by Eminent Antiquaries (London, 1771), II, 223-42, where it is attributed to Sir Edward Coke. It is not certain whether this tract is by Howard or simply annotated by him as a reader.
MS 723
A folio volume of state and antiquarian tracts and parliamentary speeches, in several professional hands, written and paginated from both ends, 238 pages, in contemporary vellum with traces of ties. c.1630s-40s.
Purchased in December 1806 from Mr Mercier. Old pressmark I. 3. 18.
pp. 35-42
• CtR 441: Sir Robert Cotton, A Speech Delivered in the Lower House of Parliament Assembled at Oxford: In the first year of the Reign of King Charles [6 August 1625]
Copy, in a professional rounded predominantly secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sir Robert Cotton Knight and Baronett’, dated ‘Anno dni 1625’.
Speech beginning ‘Mr. Speaker, Although the constant Wisdome of this House of Commons...’. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [271]-281.
pp. 43-70
• CtR 312: Sir Robert Cotton, The Manner and Meanes how the Kings of England have from time to time Supported and Repaired their Estates. Written...1609.
Copy, in two professional predominantly secretary hands, as ‘Written by Sir Robert Cotton knight and Baronett Jacobi Regis Annoque Dni 1609’.
Tract beginning ‘The Kings of England have supported and repaired their Estates...’. First published, as An Abstract out of the Records of the Tower, touching the Kings Revenue: and how they have supported themselves, London, [1642]. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [161]-‘200’[i.e. 202].
pp. 73-82
• CtR 95: Sir Robert Cotton, A Breife Abstract of the Question of Precedencie between England and Spaine: Occasioned by Sir Henry Nevill the Queen of Englands Ambassador, and the Ambassador of Spaine, at Calais Commissioners appointed by the French King...
Copy (first of four in this volume), in a professional predominantly secretary hand, as ‘Collected by Ser Robert Cotton Esqr At the Comandment of her Maty Anno dni 1590’.
Tract, relating to events in 1599/1600, beginning ‘To seek before the decay of the Roman Empire...’. First published in London, 1642. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [73]-‘79’ [i.e. 89].
pp. 83-9
• CtR 96: Sir Robert Cotton, A Breife Abstract of the Question of Precedencie between England and Spaine: Occasioned by Sir Henry Nevill the Queen of Englands Ambassador, and the Ambassador of Spaine, at Calais Commissioners appointed by the French King...
Copy (second of four in this volume), in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Collected by Sr Robert Cotton Esqr at the Comandment of her Maty Anno Dni 1590’.
Tract, relating to events in 1599/1600, beginning ‘To seek before the decay of the Roman Empire...’. First published in London, 1642. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [73]-‘79’ [i.e. 89].
pp. 91-6
• CtR 97: Sir Robert Cotton, A Breife Abstract of the Question of Precedencie between England and Spaine: Occasioned by Sir Henry Nevill the Queen of Englands Ambassador, and the Ambassador of Spaine, at Calais Commissioners appointed by the French King...
Copy (third of four in this volume).
Tract, relating to events in 1599/1600, beginning ‘To seek before the decay of the Roman Empire...’. First published in London, 1642. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [73]-‘79’ [i.e. 89].
p. 97
• CtR 98: Sir Robert Cotton, A Breife Abstract of the Question of Precedencie between England and Spaine: Occasioned by Sir Henry Nevill the Queen of Englands Ambassador, and the Ambassador of Spaine, at Calais Commissioners appointed by the French King...
Copy (fourth of four in this volume), in a professional secretary hand, as ‘Collected by Sr Robert Cotton Esqr at the Comandment of her Maty Anno Domini 1590’, incomplete, comprising only the title and first paragraph before the copy was abandoned.
Tract, relating to events in 1599/1600, beginning ‘To seek before the decay of the Roman Empire...’. First published in London, 1642. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [73]-‘79’ [i.e. 89].
pp. 9-27 rev.
• BcF 745: Francis Bacon, The Office of Compositions for Alienations
Copy, in an accomplished professional secretary hand, headed ‘Of the lately Erected seruice called the Office of Compositions for Alyenations / Written by The Right Honoble: ffrancis Lord Verulam late Chauncellour of England’.
A tract, beginning ‘All the finances of revenues of the imperial crown of this realm of England...’. Discussed in Spedding, IX, 120-1. By William Lambarde (1536-1601), whose partly autograph MS (1590) is in the Folger (MS V.a.208), but the work is frequently ascribed to Bacon, who may have used and adapted it at the time of the debate on alienations in October 1601.
MS 727
A quarto volume of state tracts and speeches, in possibly a single professional secretary hand, with a table of contents, 129 leaves, in contemporary limp vellum. c.1630s.
Inscribed on the last page ‘Elizabeth Tyrrell’. Old pressmark K. 4. 15.
ff. 8v-10r
• BcF 718: Francis Bacon, An Essay of a King
Copy, headed ‘An Essaij of a kinge, by Sr ffrances Bacon’.
Essay, beginning ‘A king is a mortal god on earth...’. Spedding, VI, 595-7 (discussed pp. 592-4).
ff. 63r-5v
• RuB 80: Sir Benjamin Rudyerd, Speech in the House of Commons, 28 April 1628
Copy, headed ‘Sr Beniamin Rudiards his speech the 28. of April 1628 in the House of Commons’.
Speech beginning ‘We are here upon a great business...’. Yale 1628, III, 127-9 and 133-4. Variants: III, 138-9, 141, 143, and 161. Variant version in Manning, pp. 126-8.
MS 731
A folio volume of state tracts and speeches, in several professional hands, 586 leaves, in old calf. c.late 1620s-30s.
Bequeathed by Sir Jerome Alexander (c.1600-70), Justice of the Irish Common Pleas. Former pressmark G. 4. 9.
Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 222-3 (No. 17A).
ff. 1r-54r
• HoH 83: Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton, A dutiful defence of the lawful regiment of women
Copy of the Dedication to the Queen only, in a professional secretary hand, headed An answere to the Coppy of a rayleing Invectiue against the Regiment of Woemen, in generall, with certaine Malipart exceptions to diverse and sundry matters of State, written to Queene Elizabeth by the right honble Henry lord Howard late Earle of Northton.
An unpublished answer to, and attack upon, John Knox's ‘railing invective’ against Mary Queen of Scots, First Blast of the Trumpet against the Monstrous Regiment of Women (1558). Written, Howard claims in his Dedication, some thirteen years after he was asked to do so by a Privy Councillor [i.e. c.1585-90]. The Dedication to Queen Elizabeth beginning ‘It pricketh now fast upon the point of thirteen years (most excellent most gratious and most redoubted Soveraign...’; the main text, in three books, beginning ‘It may seem strange to men of grounded knowledge...’, and ending ‘...Sancta et individuae Trinitati sit omnis honor laus et gloria in secula seculorum. Amen.’
ff. 55r-174r
• CvG 44: George Cavendish, The Life of Cardinal Wolsey
Copy, in probably three professional secretary hands, with a title-page ‘The Negotiacons of Thomas Woolsey the greate Cardinall of England Conteyninge his Life & Death...Composed by one of his own servntes being his Gentlemn. Vsher’.
This MS recorded in Sylvester, p. 286.
First published in George Cavendish, The Life of Cardinal Wolsey and Metrical Visions, ed. Samuel W. Singer, 2 vols (Chiswick, 1825). The Life and Death of Cardinal Wolsey by George Cavendish, ed. Richard S. Sylvester, EETS, orig. ser. 243 (London, New York and Toronto, 1959).
ff. 175r-220v
• RaW 1054: Sir Walter Ralegh, The Cabinet-Council: containing the Chief Arts of Empire and Mysteries of State
Copy, the title-page and most of ff. 176r-83v in an unidentified professional secretary hand, ff. 183v-220v in the professional secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, entitled ‘Observations Polliticall and Civil’, unascribed.
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 222 (No. 17A.1).
A treatise beginning ‘A Commonwealth is a certain sovereign government of many families...’. First published, attributed to Sir Walter Ralegh in John Milton's preface ‘To the Reader’, as The Cabinet-Council [&c.] (London, 1658). Works (1829), VIII, 35-150.
Widely circulated in MSS as Observations Political and Civil. The various attributions include ‘T.B.’, for whom Thomas Bedingfield (early 1540s?-1613), translator of Machiavelli, is suggested in Ernest A. Strathmann, ‘A Note on the Ralegh Canon’, TLS (13 April 1956), p. 228, and in Lefranc (1968), p. 64.
ff. 221r-68v
• NaR 33: Sir Robert Naunton, Fragmenta Regalia
Copy, the title-page only in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, the rest in another professional secretary hand.
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 222 (No. 17A.2).
Fragmenta Regalia (or, Observations on the late Q. Elizabeth, her Times and Favorites), first published in London, 1641. Edited by John S. Cerovski (Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C., etc., 1985).
ff. 318r-36v
• ClE 12.5: Edward Hyde, First Earl of Clarendon, The Difference and Disparity betweene the Estates and Condicions of George Duke Buckingham and Robert Earle of Essex
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a title-page ‘The Disparitie betweene the Earle of Essex and the late Duke of Buck:’.
First published in Reliquiae Wottonianae (London, 1651), where it is ascribed to Sir Henry Wotton. First ascribed to Clarendon in the third edition (1672). First published separately as The characters of Robert Earl of Essex…and George Duke of Buckingham (London, 1706). Reprinted in An Appendix to the History of the Grand Rebellion (London, 1724), pp. 247-71, and in A Collection of several Valuable Pieces of Clarendon (2 vols, London, 1727), I, 247-71.
ff. 337r-60r
• WoH 262.7: Sir Henry Wotton, A Parallel between Robert Earl of Essex and George Duke of Buckingham
Copy, in a professional secretary hand.
First published in London, 1641. Edited by Sir Robert Egerton Brydges (Lee Priory Press, Ickham, 1814).
ff. 571r-7v
• CtR 369: Sir Robert Cotton, A Relation of the Proceedings against Ambassadors who have miscarried themselves, etc. ...[27 April 1624]
Copy, in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, as ‘Wrytten by Sr: Robte Cotton, Knight, and Barronett, xxvijo: Aprill, 1624: By expresse Comaund, ffrom the Duke: of Buckingham’.
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 223 (No. 17A.4).
Tract, addressed to George, Duke of Buckingham, beginning ‘In humble obedience to your Grace's Command, I am emboldned to present my poor advice...’. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. 1-9.
MS 732
A folio composite volume of state tracts, in various professional hands, including the ‘Feathery Scribe’, 385 leaves (plus blanks), in old calf.
Once owned by Sir Jerome Alexander (c.1600-70), Justice of the Irish Common Pleas. Old pressmark G. 4.10.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 223 (No. 18).
ff. 33r-45r
• SiP 213: Sir Philip Sidney, A Letter to Queen Elizabeth touching her Marriage with Monsieur
Copy, ff. 38r-45r in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, as well as his title-page (f. 33r) ‘The Coppye Off a Lre written by Sr: Phillipp: Sidnye to Queene Elizabeth, touching hir Marryage wth: Mounsieur’, ff. 34r-7v in another professional secretary hand.
This MS collated in Feuillerat, III, 326 et seq. Recorded in Duncan-Jones & Van Dorsten, p. 38. Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 223 (No. 18.1) and p. 280 (No. 35), with facsimiles of ff. 33r and 45r on pp. 133 and 137.
First published in Scrinia Caeciliana: Mysteries of State & Government (London, 1663) and in Cabala: sive Scrinia Sacra (London, 1663). Feuillerat, III, 51-60. Duncan-Jones & Van Dorsten, pp. 46-57.
This work and its textual transmission discussed, with facsimile examples, in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), Chapter 4, pp. 109-46 (with most MSS catalogued as Nos 1-37, with comments on their textual tradition, in Appendix IV, pp. 274-80).
ff. 68r-83r
• RaW 618: Sir Walter Ralegh, A Discourse of the Original and Fundamental Cause of Natural, Arbitrary, Necessary, and Unnatural War
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, with a title-page ‘A Discourse of Warr Written by Sr Walter Raleigh’ followed by the fuller heading.
A tract beginning ‘The ordinary theme and argument of history is war...’. First published (in part), as ‘The Misery of Invasive Warre’, in Judicious and Select Essays and Observations (London 1650). Published complete in Three Discourses of Sir Walter Ralegh (London 1702). Works (1829), VIII, 253-97.
See also RaW 610.
ff. 103r-32v
• RaW 1063: Sir Walter Ralegh, The Life and Death of Mahomet
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, as ‘Written by Sr Walter Raleigh’.
A treatise beginning ‘Most writers accord that Mahomet which name in the Arabique signifies Indignation or Furie...’. First published in London, 1637, with a dedication to Carew Ralegh. This is a synopsis of a translation (or a translation of a synopsis) of a work by Miguel de Luna: see Lefranc (1968), pp. 65-6.
ff. 284r-385v
• DaJ 276: Sir John Davies, The Question concerning Impositions
Copy, ff. 285r-385v in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’ but for a correction on f. 294r; the title-page (f. 284r) and two-line heading on f. 285r in yet another professional cursive secretary hand.
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 223 (No. 18.2).
A treatise, with dedicatory epistle to James I, comprising 33 chapters, beginning ‘The Question it self is no more than this, Whether the Impositions which the King of England hath laid and levied upon Merchandize, by vertue of his Prerogative onely...’. First published in London, 1656. Grosart, III, 1-116.
MS 734
A folio volume of state letters and tracts, in various professional hands, 390 leaves (plus numerous blanks), in old calf. c.1635-40.
Bequeathed by Sir Jerome Alexander (c.1600-70), Justice of the Irish Common Pleas. Old pressmark G. 4.12.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 223-4 (No. 19).
ff. 191r-8r
• KiT 18: Thomas Killigrew, Letter about the possessed Nuns of Tours, from Orleans, 7 December 1635
Copy, in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, headed ‘The Coppye Off a Letter written by Mr: Thomas Killegrewe, dated att Orleans, the, vijo: daye of december, newe stile, 1635’.
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 224 (No. 19.8).
Letter, to Lord Goring, beginning ‘Being thus far from London...’. Published in European Magazine, 43 (1803), 102-6. Edited in J. Lough and D. E. L. Crane, ‘Thomas Killigrew and the Possessed Nuns of Loudun: The Text of a Letter of 1635’, Durham University Journal, 78 (1986), 259-68.
ff. 199r-208v
• BcF 639: Francis Bacon, Letter(s)
Copy of a letter of advice by Bacon to Sir Edward Coke, in two professional secretary hands.
ff. 208v-17r
• BcF 75.7: Francis Bacon, Advice to the King touching Sutton's Estate
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand.
Written c.January 1611/12. First published in Resuscitatio (London, 1657), pp. 265-70. Spedding, XI, 249-54.
ff. 217v-20v
• BcF 719: Francis Bacon, An Essay of a King
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, as ‘writen by Sir francis Bacon’.
Spedding, VI, 595-7; discussed 592-4.
Essay, beginning ‘A king is a mortal god on earth...’. Spedding, VI, 595-7 (discussed pp. 592-4).
ff. 220v-5r
• BcF 728: Francis Bacon, An explanation what manner of persons those should be, that are to execute the power or Ordinance of the King's Prerogative
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, as ‘written by the saide Sr frances Bacon late Lo: Chanc: of St Albans’.
Spedding, VI, 597-600; discussed 592-4.
An essay beginning ‘That absolute prerogative according to the king's pleasure revealed by his laws...’. Spedding, VI, 597-600 (discussed pp. 592-4). Probably by Thomas Egerton, Lord Ellesmere.
ff. 225r-6v
• BcF 280: Francis Bacon, Short Notes for Civil Conversation
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, as ‘By Syr ffrances Bacon’.
First published in Remaines (London, 1648). Spedding, VII, 105-10. Spedding notes (VII, 107) Basil Montagu's reference to an unspecified MS in the British Museum, but he could not find it.
ff. 227r-35r
• BcF 723: Francis Bacon, An Essay on Death
Copy, in a professional cursive secretary hand, as ‘by the Lo: Chancellor. Bacon’.
Spedding, VI, 600-4 (discussed p. 594).
ff. 335r, 343r-57v, 359r-60r, 378v-87v
• BcF 640: Francis Bacon, Letter(s)
Copy of various letters by Bacon, to Burghley, Essex, James I, Northampton, Sir John Davies, Tobie Mathews, Sir Edward Coke, and others, in a prefessional secretary hand, with a general title-page (f. 335r) ‘Remarkable letters of the Lord Chancellors Bacons and others’ followed by a list of them partly in another hand.
ff. 360v-65r
• BcF 514: Francis Bacon, Bacon's Humble Submissions and Supplications
Copy of Bacon's submission on 22 April 1620/1, in a professional secretary hand.
The Humble Submissions and Supplications Bacon sent to the House of Lords, on 19 March 1620/1 (beginning ‘I humbly pray your Lordships all to make a favourable and true construction of my absence...’); 22 April 1621 (beginning ‘It may please your Lordships, I shall humbly crave at your Lordships' hands a benign interpretation...’); and 30 April 1621 (beginning ‘Upon advised consideration of the charge, descending into mine own conscience...’), written at the time of his indictment for corruption. Spedding, XIV, 215-16, 242-5, 252-62.
MS 774
A tall folio composite volume of ecclesiastical writings chiefly by Hooker, in various hands and paper sizes, with an index at the end, 85 leaves (plus some blanks), in contemporary vellum boards. Collected, and sometimes annotated, by James Ussher (1581-1656), Archbishop of Armagh, scholar. c.1640.
Old pressmark D. 3. 3.
f. 56r-v
• HkR 1: Richard Hooker, The Causes of the continuance of these Contentions concerning Church-government
Copy, in the predominantly italic hand of a scribe who worked for Archbishop Ussher and who also wrote HkR 2, HkR 6 and HkR 12, with corrections and annotations in Ussher's hand.
This MS used as the printer's copy in 1641. Its authenticity discussed in Keble, I, xlviii-xlix. Edited from this MS in Folger edition, Volume III, with a facsimile of f. 56r on p. 450.
First published in Certain briefe Treatises, written by diverse learned men, concerning the ancient and modern Government of the Church (Oxford, 1641). Keble, III, 460-5. Folger edition, Volume III, pp. 455-9.
ff. 56v-7r
• HkR 26: Richard Hooker, Sermon on Matthew xxvii. 46
Copy, in the hand of Archbishop Ussher.
Edited from this MS in Elrington and in Folger, Volume V. Discussed and attributed to Hooker in Laetitia Yeandle and P.G. Stanwood, ‘Three Manuscript Sermon Fragments by Richard Hooker’, Manuscripta, 21, No. 1 (March 1977), 33-7.
A sermon beginning ‘There is a dereliction of probation and reprobation, of utter refuseal, and a dereliction of triall onely’. First published in Elrington, XVII (1864), xxiv-xxvi. Folger edition, Volume V, pp. 399-401.
ff. 57r-9r
• HkR 24: Richard Hooker, Sermon on Hebrews ii. 14, 15
Copy, in the hand of Archbishop Ussher.
Edited from this MS in Elrington. Discussed and attributed to Hooker in Laetitia Yeandle and P.G. Stanwood, ‘Three Manuscript Sermon Fragments by Richard Hooker’, Manuscripta, 21, No. 1 (March 1977), 33-7.
A sermon beginning ‘God gave his people, the Jewes, a law, which law is set down in the 25th of Leviticus...’. First published in Elrington, XVII (1864), xxvii-xxxviii. Folger edition, Volume V. pp. 402-13.
f. 59v
• HkR 27: Richard Hooker, Sermon on Proverbs iii. 9, 10
Copy of part of a sermon, in the hand of Archbishop Ussher, imperfect, lacking the ending.
Edited from this MS in Elrington and in Folger edition, Volume V, with a facsimile on p. 415. Discussed and attributed to Hooker in Laetitia Yeandle and P.G. Stanwood, ‘Three Manuscript Sermon Fragments by Richard Hooker’, Manuscripta, 21, No. 1 (March 1977), 33-7.
Part of a sermon, beginning ‘Unto the precept of honouring the Lord with our riches...’. First published in Elrington, XVII (1864), xxxix-xli. Folger edition, Volume V, pp. 414-17.
f. 60r
• HkR 7: Richard Hooker, A Learned Sermon of the Nature of Pride
A few notes taken from the first part of the sermon (that published in 1612) in the hand of Archbishop Ussher.
First portion published in Oxford, 1612. Additional portion first published in Keble (1836). Keble (1888), III, 597-642. Folger edition, Volume V, pp. 309-61.
f. 60r
• HkR 22: Richard Hooker, A Remedy against Sorrow and Fear: Delivered in a Funeral Sermon
A few brief references to the sermon, in the hand of Archbishop Ussher, beginning ‘Mr. Hookers Remedye against sorrow...’.
First published in Oxford, 1612. Keble, III, 643-53. Folger edition, Volume V, pp. 367-77.
ff. 68v-71r
• HkR 9: Richard Hooker, Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity
Notes made by Archbishop Usser from Hooker's autograph notes (HkR 8), chiefly relating to ‘Lib. VIII’.
Facsimile of f. 68v in Folger edition, Volume III, p. 541.
Book VII first published in John Gauden's edition of the ‘complete’ Polity (London 1662). For publication of other ‘Books’ see individual Books below.