MS 20
A folio volume of state tracts and papers relating chiefly to Privy Council matters, in several largely professional secretary hands, 266 leaves, in half-vellum marbled boards. c.1620s-30s.
Sotheby's, 15 March 1895, lot 207. In the library of Herbert Somerton Foxwell (1849-1936), economist and bibliographer.
ff. 108r-12r
• AndL 24: Lancelot Andrewes, A Discourse against Second Marriage after Divorce
Copy, headed ‘A discourse written by Doctor Androwes Byshop of Elie against second mariage after sentence of diuorce wth a former match the parties then liuing: in Anno, 1601’.
First published in LACT, Minor Works (1854), pp. 106-10.
ff. 189v-99r
• BcF 417: Francis Bacon, Speech(es)
Copy of four speeches by Bacon, delivered repectively to Sir John Denham (1617), to Sergeant Hutton, to Sir William Jones, and to the Star Chamber (1617).
ff. 199v-210
• RaW 1118: Sir Walter Ralegh, The Present Stat of Thinges as they now Stand betweene the three great Kingedomes, Fraunce, England, and Spaine
Ascribed to Ralegh.
Edited from this MS in Lefranc (1968), pp. 590-5, and discussed pp. 586-90; the attribution subsequently doubted by Professor Lefranc (privately communicated by letter).
A tract beginning ‘These three great kingdoms as they now stand are to be compared to the election of a king of Poland...’. First published in Lefranc (1968), pp. 590-5, and discussed pp. 586-90. The attribution to Ralegh subsequently doubted by Professor Lefranc (private communication). If the tract dates from 1623, as appears in one MS, it could not have been weitten by Ralegh.
ff. 210r-31v
• DaS 38: Samuel Daniel, A Breviary of the History of England
Copy, as ‘Written by Sr. Walter Raileighe Knight’.
First published (from a MS ‘found in the Library of a Person of High Quality’) as An Introduction to a Breviary of the History of England with the Reign of King William the I, ascribed to Sir Walter Ralegh (London, 1693). Works of Sir Walter Ralegh (Oxford, 1829), VIII, 509-37. Daniel's probable authorship discussed in Rudolf B. Gottfried, ‘The Authorship of A Breviary of the History of England’, SP, 53 (1956), 172-90, and in William Leigh Godshalk, ‘Daniel's History’, JEGP, 63.1 (1964), 45-57.
ff. 231v-48r
• BcF 119: Francis Bacon, Certain Articles or Considerations touching the Union of England and Scotland
Copy, unascribed.
First published in Resuscitatio, ed. William Rawley (London, 1657). Spedding, X, 218-34.
ff. 261v-5r
• SiP 180.96: Sir Philip Sidney, A Letter of Advice to Robert Sidney
Copy, headed ‘A letter written by Sr Phillip Sidney to a brother of his touching the direction of his Trauaile’.
A letter beginning ‘My most deere Brother. You have thought unkindness in me, I have not written oftner unto you...’. First published in Profitable Instructions. Describing what speciall Obseruations are to be taken by Trauellers in all Nations, States and Countries (London, 1633), pp. 74-103. Feuillerat (as Correspondence No. XXXVIII), III, 124-7.
MS 25
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with (ff. [ir-ivr]) a ‘Tabula’ of chapters and (ff. 1r-2r) the dedicatory epistle to the King subscribed ‘Sir John Dauyes’, vi + 95 folio leaves, in vellum boards. c.1620s-30s.
DaJ 278.5: Sir John Davies, The Question concerning Impositions
Bookplate of William Grant (1700/1-1764), Lord Prestongrange, Scottish politician and judge. Inscribed by William Herbert (1718-95), bibliographer and printseller. In the library of Herbert Somerton Foxwell (1849-1936), economist and bibliographer.
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 31
Copy of a four-line summary, in a mixed hand, ascribed to ‘Sergeant Hoskins’, with other speeches, on two quarto leaves, in modern half-morocco marbled boards. c.1630.
HoJ 350: John Hoskyns, Speech in the House of Commons, 2 April 1628
Speech, beginning (in a brief summary) ‘That knowing our own rights we might be better enabled to give...’.
MS 45
A folio composite volume of tracts, in several probably professional hands and paper sizes, 98 leaves (plus about thirty blanks), in vellum boards.
Inscribed (f. [iiv]) ‘Hen Ware’ and ‘John Edgar Ker / Willoughthorpe Herts’. In the library of Herbert Somerton Foxwell (1849-1936), economist and bibliographer.
ff. 1r-58r
• ClE 40.5: 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
Copy, in two or more predominantly italic hands, headed ‘A short view of the state of Ireland from ye yeare 1640 to the yeare 1652’, subscribed ‘March ye 5th. 1678’. c.1678.
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 189
A folio volume comprising two works by John Keymer, the first dated 1601, in a single professional small rounded secretary hand, 15 leaves, in modern half-morocco marbled boards. c.1620s.
Inscribed (f. 2r) ‘Jos. Ames his book 1753, at the Hermitage London’: i.e. Joseph Ames (1687-1759), bibliographer and antiquary. Later owned by James Crossley (1800-83), author and book collector. Sotheby's, 11 June 1885 (Crossley sale), lot 00. In the library of Herbert Somerton Foxwell (1849-1936), economist and bibliographer.
ff. 8r-15r
• RaW 1099: Sir Walter Ralegh, Observations touching Trade and Commerce with the Hollander
Copy, with a title-page ‘Keymers Booke of onservacons for your Most excellent Matie touchinge trade & traffique beyond ye seas in England...’.
A tract addressed to the monarch and beginning ‘According to my duty, I am emboldened to put your majesty in mind, that about fourteen or fifteen years past...’. First published, as by Sir Walter Ralegh, in London, 1653. Works (1829), VIII, 351-76.
Written by John Keymer (fl.1584-1622). See Adolf Buff, ‘Who is the author of the tract intitled “Some observations touching trade with the Hollander”?’, ES, 1 (1877), 187-212, and Lefranc (1968), p. 64.
MS 285
A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional predominantly secretary hands, with (f. 1r-v) a table of contents, 428 leaves, in half-calf marbled boards. Inscribed in a rounded hand (f. [ivr]) ‘This booke was Copyed At Sr Roger Mostyn of Mostyn house [in Flintshire] at my being there from Christomas to May.wch was drawen out of the bookes of that truely Noble gent. Richard Grosvenor Esque sole son, and heire vnto Sr Richard Grosvenor knight and Barronett of Eathen=boate in chestore. wch said Richard Grosvenor was marryed to mris Sidney Mostyn daughter to that honorable knight Sr Roger Mostyn...finished and bound vpp the 25th of Aprill 1637’. 1637.
Bookplate of Sir William Betham (1779-1853), Ulster King of Arms. In the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 13219. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
ff. 166r-96r
• BcF 95: Francis Bacon, Arguments of Law. The Arguments on the Jurisdiction of the Council of the Marches
Copy, headed ‘The Cause of the Marches of Walles’.
Spedding, VII, 567-611.
ff. 197r-225v
• BcF 749: Francis Bacon, The Office of Compositions for Alienations
Copy, as ‘Written by the right honoble ffrancis Lord Verulam late Lord Chancellor 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.
ff. 291r-309r, 316r-39r
• BcF 644: Francis Bacon, Letter(s)
Copy of a large number of letters by Bacon, to Queen Elizabeth, Essex, Burghley, Buckhurst, Southampton, Sir Robert Cecil, Sir John Davies, James I, Northampton, Northumberland, Tobie Mathews, and others.
ff. 309r-16r
• BcF 189: Francis Bacon, Considerations touching the Queen's Service in Ireland
Copy.
First published in Remaines (London, 1648). Spedding, X, 46-51.
ff. 403r-14r
• BcF 419: Francis Bacon, Speech(es)
Copy of Bacon's speech, 7 May 1617.
MS 286
Copy, in a professional rounded secretary hand, with (p. 119) an index, 119 octavo pages, in half-calf. c.1630s.
NaR 35: Sir Robert Naunton, Fragmenta Regalia
Bookplate of Francis Blomefield (1705-52), Norfolk topographer, ‘Rector of Fersfield in Norfolk 1736’. Signature (inside front cover) of Thomas Martin (1697-1771), of Palgrave, Suffolk, antiquary and collector. A tipped-in letter about the work by T.R. Maynard, from London, 2 October 1845. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
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).
MS 287
Copy, in one professional secretary hand, 64 octavo pages, in (now tipped-in at the end) a recycled vellum indenture, within later boards. Early 17th century.
EsR 147: Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, Apology
The original wrapper is an indenture of Sir Edward Osborne, leasing land in Harthill, Yorkshire, to Humfry Bark, 14 November 1586. The volume was once owned by Sir Julius Caesar (1558-1636), Master of the Rolls. His sale December 1757. Bookplate of Horace Walpole (1717-97), fourth Earl of Orford, author, politician, and patron. Bought at his sale in 1842. In the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 11788. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
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.
MS 290
A folio volume of state tracts and papers, in several professional secretary hands, 103 leaves, in half-calf marbled boards. c.mid-1630s.
Bookplate of Frederick Edward Morrice (d.1778). Inscribed (inside front cover) ‘Samuel Swire Plues with the brotherly love of J.W. Watson. M.A. January 11. 1871’. Stamp (on f. 1r) of ‘Samuel Swire Plues Belize 1872’. Inscribed (f. 1v) ‘Nord: [Norwood] Rand from his ffather Wm Rand’. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
ff. 1r-11r
• BcF 82: Francis Bacon, Answers to Questions touching the Office of Constables
Copy, as ‘Written by Sr ffrancis Bacon’.
First published in Cases of Treason (London 1641). Spedding, VII, 745-54.
ff. 47r-52r
• BcF 420: Francis Bacon, Speech(es)
Copy of a speech by Bacon in the star Chamber, 8 July 1617.
MS 293
A folio volume of texts relating to Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, in one professional secretary hand, 22 leaves, in later boards. Early 17th century.
In the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 26199. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
ff. 3r-21r
• EsR 248: Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, Essex's Arraignment, 19 February 1600/1
Copy.
ff. 21v-2v
• EsR 311: Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, Essex's speech at his execution
Copy, headed ‘The manner of the Demeaner of the Earle of Essex att the time of his Deathe’.
Generally incorporated in accounts of Essex's execution and sometimes also of his behaviour the night before.
MS 297
An octavo copy of an English translation by Michael Newman, in a predominantly italic hand (possibly Newman's), headed ‘A treatise of the Lord ffranc: Bacon of Verulam, High Chancelour of England concerning the Wisedome of the Ancients translated p MN’, iv + 101 leaves (including a table of contents), in half-morocco, dated 7 August to 2 October 1668. 1668.
BcF 293: Francis Bacon, De sapientia veterum
First published in London, 1609. Spedding, VI, 605-764.
MS 300
A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional hands, 118 leaves, in vellum boards.
Inscribed (f. [ir]) ‘Given me by T.H.L. from The Library of his gt Grand.father. the Revd. J[ohn]. Parkhurst, M.A. [1728-97] The Hebrew Lexicographer’.In the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 16896. Bookplate of Frederick Leigh Colvile (1818-86). Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
ff. 48r-60r
• EsR 148: Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, Apology
Copy, in two professional secretary hands. c.1600s.
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.
ff. 64r-77v
• BcF 421: Francis Bacon, Speech(es)
Copy of five speeches by Bacon, addressed respecively to Denham, to Serjeant Hutton, to Sir William Jones, to the Star Chamber (1617), and at the arraignment of Lord Sanquer (27 June 1612). c.1620s.
ff. 80r-97r, 102r-18r
• BcF 645: Francis Bacon, Letter(s)
Copy of about forty letters, headed ‘A Collection of certen Letters written by Sr ffrauncis Bacon knight and others’, including (81r-2v) ‘The Table’, addressed to Queen Elizabeth, Burghley, Essex, Robert Cecil, Buckhurst, James I, Sir John Davies, Northumberland, Northampton, Coke, Tobie Mathews, and others. c.1620s.
ff. 97v-102r
• BcF 190: Francis Bacon, Considerations touching the Queen's Service in Ireland
Copy. c.1620s.
First published in Remaines (London, 1648). Spedding, X, 46-51.
MS 302
MS, apparently by Herbert Palmer (1601-47), clergyman, President of Queens' College, Cambridge. c.1645.
BcF 696: Francis Bacon, The Character of a believing Christian in paradoxes and seeming contradictions
Owned in 1872 by Alexander B. Grosart (1827-99), literary scholar and theologian.
Edited from this MS by Grosart. Discussed in Spedding, VII, 289-97.
The work written by Herbert Palmer and first published in London, 1645. Edited by Alexander B. Grosart (1872).
MS 303
A quarto volume of papers relating to the Court of Chancery, in a single neat secretary hand, v + 60 leaves (including sixteen blanks, plus a further 137 blanks), in contemporary vellum. c.1635.
Later in the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 2785. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
ff. 1r-14r
• BcF 248: Francis Bacon, Ordinances in Chancery
Copy of 101 Ordinances, in a secretary hand, as ‘made by ye lord Chanc:...Tempore Bacon Cancell: 1619’, the text followed (ff. 14v-16v) by fifteen additional Ordinances dated 31 October 1620.
First published as Ordinances made by...Sir Francis Bacon Knight...being then Lord Chancellor For the better and more regular Administration of Iustice in the Chancery (London, 1642), beginning ‘No decree shall be reversed, altered, or explained, being once under the Great Seale...’. Spedding, VII, 755-74 (mentioning, on p. 757, having seen some ‘MSS and editions’ of this work but without specifying them or his copy-text).
MS 304
A quarto miscellany, in several hands, iii + 286 leaves (including numerous blanks), in old brown calf gilt. c.1620s-30s.
Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
ff. 1r-147r
• HuF 17: Sir Francis Hubert, Edward II (‘It is thy sad disaster which I sing’)
Copy of a 581-stanza version, untitled (but for a modern one supplied f. [iir]), here beginning ‘I sing thy sadd disastor fatall Kinge’, in three or more secretary and italic hands, following an apparent false start (f. [iiir]), and subscribed ‘Finis By Infortunio’.
First published, in an unauthorised edition as The Deplorable Life and Death of Edward the Second. Together with the Downefall of the two Unfortunate Favorits, Gavestone and Spencer. Storied in an Excellent Pöem, London, 1628. First authorised edition, as The Historie of Edward the Second, Surnamed Carnarvan, one of our English Kings. Together with the Fatall down-fall of his two vnfortunate Favorites Gaveston and Spencer, London, 1629. An edition of a 576-stanza version in three cantos, entitled The Life of Edward II, was printed in London 1721 from an unidentified MS.
Mellor, pp. 4-169 (664-stanza version, headed ‘The Life and Death of Edward the Second’, including ‘The Authors Preface’ beginning ‘Rebellious thoughts why doe you tumult so’?).
ff. 150r-64r
• CtR 426: Sir Robert Cotton, A Short View of the Long Life and Reign of Henry the Third, King of England
Copy, in a rounded secretary hand, headed ‘A short view of ye Rayne of King Henry ye third’, unascribed.
Treatise, written c.1614 and ‘Presented to King James’, beginning ‘Wearied with the lingering calamities of Civil Arms...’. First published in London, 1627. Cottoni posthuma (1651), at the end (i + pp. 1-27).
ff. 276v-7r
• JnB 183: Ben Jonson, Eupheme. or, The Faire Fame Left to Posteritie Of that truly noble Lady, the Lady Venetia Digby. 3. The Picture of the Body (‘Sitting, and ready to be drawne’)
Copy, in a neat secretary hand, headed ‘The Bodie ://: Daniell poet:’.
Edited from this MS in Sir John Simeon, ‘Inedited Poems of Daniel’, Miscellanies of the Philobiblon Society, 2 (London, 1855-6), No. 13 (pp. 8-9).
First published (Nos. 3 and 4) in John Benson's 4to edition of Jonson's poems (1640) and (all poems) in The Vnder-wood (lxxxiv) in Workes (London, 1640). Herford & Simpson, VIII, 272-89 (pp. 275-7).
ff. 277v-8v
• JnB 221: Ben Jonson, Eupheme. or, The Faire Fame Left to Posteritie Of that truly noble Lady, the Lady Venetia Digby. 4. The Mind (‘Painter, yo'are come, but may be gone’)
Copy, in a neat secretary hand, headed ‘The minde’.
Printed from this MS in Sir John Simeon, ‘Inedited Poems of Daniel’, Miscellanies of the Philobiblon Society, 2 (London, 1855-6), No. 13 (pp. 9-12).
Herford & Simpson, VIII, 277-81.
MS 307
Copy of ‘a letter Conceived to bee writt to the Late Duke of Buckingham when hee first became a fauourite to K: James / By Sr. ffrancis Bacon’, in a cursive secretary hand, 70 quarto leaves (plus blanks), in old calf. c.1630.
BcF 646: Francis Bacon, Letter(s)
Bookplate of Sir William Gregory (1625-96), of Woothope, Herefordshire, judge and Speaker of the House of Commons. In the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 6987. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
MS 308
A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional secretary hands including that of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, ii + 281 leaves (including blanks), in calf.
In the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 10464. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 250-1 (No. 78).
ff. 1r-29r
• CtR 313: 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 a professional secretary hand, headed ‘A Declation how Kinges of England have from tyme to tyme Supported and repared their Estates collected out of the Records remaining in the Tower of London by Sr Robert Cotton Knight & Barronett Anno: 9o: Jacobi Regis’. c.1620s-30s.
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].
ff. 117r-26v
• RuB 175: Sir Benjamin Rudyerd, Speech in the House of Commons, ?7 November 1640
Copy, in the professional secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, headed ‘An Introducted speeche by Sir Beniamyn Rudiard the 7th of November: 1640’. c.1640-1.
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.
ff. 183r-202r
• BcF 422: Francis Bacon, Speech(es)
Copy of a speech by Bacon on the naturalization of the Scots, 17 February 1606/7, in the professional secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’. c.1630s.
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, No. 78.4 (p. 251).
ff. 208r-11r
• RuB 192: Sir Benjamin Rudyerd, Speech in the House of Commons, 21-22 January 1640/1
Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed ‘Sr Beniamin Rudiardes speech in the howse of Commons the 2i Jan. 1640’. c.1641.
Speech beginning ‘It well becometh vs thankefully to acknowledge the prudent & painfull endeuours of my Lords the Peers Comissioners...’. First published in The Speeches of Sr. Benjamin Rudyer in the high Court of Parliament (London, 1641), pp. 11-‘18’ [i.e. 14]. Manning, pp. 169-72.
ff. 212r-14r
• RuB 134: Sir Benjamin Rudyerd, Speech in the House of Commons, ?15-25 April 1640
Copy, in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, headed ‘A Speech in Parliament: by Sr Beniamyn Rudyard on the < > of Aprill, 1640’.
Speech beginning ‘There is a great dore now opened unto us of doing good...’. Variant version in Manning, pp. 148-51.
ff. 230r-43v
• SiP 209: Sir Philip Sidney, A Letter to Queen Elizabeth touching her Marriage with Monsieur
Copy, the title-page and ff. 238r-43v in the secretary hand of the ‘Feathery Scribe’, ff. 231r-7v in another professional cursive secretary hand, entitled ‘The: Coppye: Off a Letter written by Sr. Phillipp Sednye, to Queene Elizabeth Touchinge hir Marryage wth Mounsieur’. c.1625-40.
Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 251 (No. 78.7) and p. 279 (No. 30).
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. 245r-9v
• BcF 519: Francis Bacon, Bacon's Humble Submissions and Supplications
Copy of the submission, 22 April 1621.
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.
ff. 273r-81r
• CtR 373: Sir Robert Cotton, A Relation of the Proceedings against Ambassadors who have miscarried themselves, etc. ...[27 April 1624]
Copy, in a bold professional secretary hand, as by ‘Sir Robert Cotton 27: Aprill. 1624’. c.1624-40.
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 309
A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional secretary hands, with (ff. 4r-6r) a table of contents, 222 leaves, in old half-calf.
Stamped (f. 1r) with name of Sir Richard Betenson, Bt (? the first Baronet, d.1679, of Hatton Garden, Holborn). Thomas Thorpe, ‘Catalogue of books, ancient and modern...[and] manuscripts’, Part 2 (1823), item 5903. In the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 2519. Sotheby's, 21 March 1895 (Phillipps sale), lot 301. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
ff. 179r-83r
• WoH 287: Sir Henry Wotton, A Parallel between Robert Earl of Essex and George Duke of Buckingham
Copy, in a mixed hand, closely written, unascribed. c.1628-30s.
First published in London, 1641. Edited by Sir Robert Egerton Brydges (Lee Priory Press, Ickham, 1814).
ff. 184r-205r
• ClE 12: 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, headed ‘The Disparitie betweene the Earle of Essex And The Duke of Buckinghame’, imperfect. c.1628-30s.
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. 208r-40v
• EsR 149: Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, Apology
Copy, in a predominantly secretary hand, dated 1599, inscribed ‘imprinted at 1633’. Early 17th century.
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.
ff. 291r-304r
• SuJ 142: John Suckling, An Account of Religion by Reason
Copy, headed ‘A Discourse written by Sr John Suckling Knt to ye Earle of Dorsett’, followed (on f. 304r) by a contemporary reader's extensive comments prompted by the work, in a closely written mixed hand. c.1640.
First published, with a separate title-page, in Fragmenta Aurea (London, 1646). Clayton, pp. 168-80.
ff. 305r-32v, 340r-8v
• BcF 647: Francis Bacon, Letter(s)
Copy of numerous letters by Bacon, as a collection of ‘divers letters...by that famous Councellor at lawe Sr ffrancis Bacon Knt late Lord Chancellor of England’, including (ff. 307r-8v) a ‘Table’ of contents, addressed to Queen Elizabeth, Burghley, Essex, Ellesmere, Robert Cecil, Buckhurst, James I, Sir John Davies, Northumberland, Northampton, Coke, Tobie Mathews, and others. c.1620s-30s.
ff. 333r-9r
• BcF 191: Francis Bacon, Considerations touching the Queen's Service in Ireland
Copy. c.1620s-30s.
First published in Remaines (London, 1648). Spedding, X, 46-51.
ff. 348v-52r
• BcF 520: Francis Bacon, Bacon's Humble Submissions and Supplications
Copy of Bacon's submission on 22 April 1620/1.
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 310
Copy of Bacon's submission on 30 April 1621, in a professional cursive secretary hand, 123 folio pages, written across 31 broadsheets with the spine uppermost, imperfect, lacking the last sheet, in later boards. c.1621.
BcF 521: Francis Bacon, Bacon's Humble Submissions and Supplications
In the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 25945. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
Once erroneously described as a draft in Bacon's own 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 312
A folio volume of legal and state tracts, 246 leaves (including blanks), in contemporary vellum boards, with initial ‘H’ in a gilt lozenge on the front cover and ‘F’ on a similar lozenge on the rear cover. Folios 5r-217r, 225r-31r in a semi-calligraphic secretary hand, formal title-pages and headings with heavily inked borders and decoration, associated with one Henry Feilde; folios 217v-24v in a different secretary hand; folios 232r-5v in a third hand. c.1630s.
Later in the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), book and manuscript collector: Phillipps MS 8989. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
ff. 5r-105r
• LeC 81: Anon, Leicester's Commonwealth
Copy, the decorated title-page dated 1592.
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.
f. 105v
• RaW 389: Sir Walter Ralegh, An epitaph on the Earl of Leicester (‘Here lyes the noble warryor that never bludyed sword’)
Copy of a four-line version, headed ‘An Epitaph of th E: of Leicester’ and here beginning ‘Here lyeth that noble souldier yt neur brandeth sword’.
First published as introduced ‘...yet immediately after his [Leicester's] death, a friend of his bestowed vpon him this Epitaphe’ and beginning ‘Heere lies the woorthy warrier’, in Richard Verstegan, A Declaration of the True Causes of the Great Troubles (London, ‘1592’), p. 54, which is sometimes entitled Cecil's Commonwealth: see E.A. Strathmann in MLN, 60 (1945), 111-14. Listed but not printed in Latham, p. 172, who notes that the epitaph was quoted, from a text among William Drummond's papers, in Sir Walter Scott's Kenilworth (1821). Rudick, No. 46, p. 120.
f. 180r
• RaW 384.7: Sir Walter Ralegh, An epitaph on the Earl of Leicester (‘Here lyes the noble warryor that never bludyed sword’)
Copy, here beginning ‘Here lies the worthie warrior / that never bloudied sword’, in a copy (on ff. 153r-91v) of A Declaration of the True Causes of the Great Troubles...1592 probably by Richard Verstegan.
First published as introduced ‘...yet immediately after his [Leicester's] death, a friend of his bestowed vpon him this Epitaphe’ and beginning ‘Heere lies the woorthy warrier’, in Richard Verstegan, A Declaration of the True Causes of the Great Troubles (London, ‘1592’), p. 54, which is sometimes entitled Cecil's Commonwealth: see E.A. Strathmann in MLN, 60 (1945), 111-14. Listed but not printed in Latham, p. 172, who notes that the epitaph was quoted, from a text among William Drummond's papers, in Sir Walter Scott's Kenilworth (1821). Rudick, No. 46, p. 120.
ff. 198r-231r
• BcF 148: Francis Bacon, Certain Observations made upon a Libel published this present year, 1592
Copy, in two hands.
A tract beginning ‘It were just and honourable for princes being in war together, that howsever they prosecute their quarrels...’. First published in Resuscitatio, ed. W. Rawley (London, 1657). Spedding, VIII, 146-208.
A letter to M. Critoy, Secretary of France, c.1589, ‘A Letter on the Queen's religious policies’, was later incorporated in Certain Observations made upon a Libel, and first published in Cabala, sive scrinia sacra (London, 1654), pp. 38-41.
For the Declaration of the True Causes of the Great Troubles (also known as Cecil's Commonwealth), the ‘Libel’ that Bacon answered, see RaW 383.8.
MS 313
A quarto volume of state trials, largely in a single semi-calligraphic secretary hand associated with Henry Feilde, with decorated and patterned headings, probably another secretary hand on ff. 59r-76r, with (f. 2r) a list of contents in a flourished italic hand, 81 leaves (including numerous blanks), in contemporary limp vellum.
Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
ff. 59r-73r
• EsR 249: Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, Essex's Arraignment, 19 February 1600/1
Copy, in a secretary hand, dated ‘29th of February Ano Dni 1600’, subscribed with a note about the time of the arraignment in a rounded hand.
ff. 74v-6r
• EsR 312: Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, Essex's speech at his execution
Copy, in a secretary hand, headed in a rounded hand ‘The Speeches of the Earle of Essex and his behauiour vsed the night before, and at the tyme of his execucon. Ano 1600’.
Generally incorporated in accounts of Essex's execution and sometimes also of his behaviour the night before.
MS 1018 [Special Collections [D.-L.L.] (XVII) [Bc {Bacon-Two or more works-1629}]
A quarto composite volume of ten largely printed works, chiefly Bacon's Certaine Miscellany Works, ed. William Rawley (London, 1629), in quarter-vellum marbled boards.
Inscribed on the main title-page ‘Jno Dowding’. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
item 5, ff. 1r-22r
• BcF 70: Francis Bacon, An Advertisement touching the Controversies of the Church of England
Copy, in a predominantly italic hand, headed ‘An advertisement touching ye Controversies of the Ch: of England’, 22 quarto pages. c.1630.
This MS collated in Burgoyne, Alnwick MS.
A tract beginning ‘It is but ignorance if any man find it strange that the state of religion (especially in the days of peace) should be exercised...’. First published as A Wise and Moderate Discourse concerning Church-Affaires ([London], 1641). Spedding, VIII, 74-95.
item 5, f. 23r
• BcF 423: Francis Bacon, Speech(es)
Extract from a speech by Bacon, 7 May 1617, in a predominantly italic hand.
[S L] V 21
Copy, closely written in one secretary hand, with a title-page ‘The Life and Death of Sr Thomas More knight sometymes Lord Chauncellor of England / Written by William Roper his sonne in Lawe Anno Domini 1535’, i + 64 quarto leaves, in modern red morocco. Late 16th-early 17th century.
MrT 103: Sir Thomas More, William Roper's Life of Sir Thomas More
First published in London, 1626. Edited, as The Lyfe of Sir Thomas Moore, knighte, written by William Roper Esquire, by Elsie Vaughan Hitchcock (EETS, London, 1935).
Special Collections [D.-L.L.] (XVII) Bc [Bacon - Poetical Works - 1625] Strong Room
Copy, in a roman hand, subscribed ‘Geor. Herbert Orat: Pub in Academ Cantab.’, on one side of a narrow folio leaf tipped-in between the frontispiece and the title-page of a printed quarto exemplum of Francis Bacon, The Translation of Certaine Psalmes (London, 1625), in modern calf gilt. Mid-17th century.
HrG 310: George Herbert, In Honorem Illustr. D.D. Verulamij, Sti Albani, Mag. Sigilli Custodis post editam ab eo Instaurationem Magnam (‘Qvis iste tandem? non enim vultu ambulat’)
Inscribed December 1850 (f. [ir]) by William Pickering (1796-1853), publisher, ‘Verses addressed by Herbert to Lord Bacon in his own hand writing’. Owned in 1870 by Mrs Seaman of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. A tipped-in letter about the volume by Richard Garnett (1835-1906), librarian and author, dated 14 March 1890. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
This MS leaf, erroneously said to be autograph, was recorded in Miscellanies of The Fuller Worthies Library, ed. A.B. Grosart, I (London, 1870).
First published in Emanuele Tesauro, Caesares, 2nd edition (Oxford, 1637). Hutchinson, pp. 436-7. McCloskey & Murphy, with a translation, pp. 168-71.
Special Collections [D.-L.L.] (XVII) Bc [Behn]
An exemplum of the printed quarto edition (London, 1677), marked-up in black ink in a neat roman hand as a promptbook, with cues for players' entrances and exits, various cuts, and various passages boxed off, imperfect, lacking the last leaf of the Epilogue, in old half-calf on marbled boards. Early 18th century.
BeA 23.5: Aphra Behn, The Rover. or, The Banish't Cavaliers
Inscribed (title-page verso) ‘Wm West. 1727’, who paid 3 shillings for it. Among the collections of Sir Edwin Durning-Lawrence, MP (1837-1914), Baconian scholar and book collector.
This volume discussed in Edward A. Langhans, ‘Three Early Eighteenth-Century Promptbooks’, TN, 20 (1965-6), 142-50.
First published in London, 1677. Todd, V, 452-521.