Collection of political and parliamentary documents
Folger MS V.b.303
Folger Shakespeare Library
1.0 volume
(350 pages)
compiled circa 1550-circa 1650
Compiled by several people, this collection of political and parliamentary documents contains speeches; letters and petitions (including to Elizabeth I, Queen of England and James I, King of England); reports of famous trials; notes on the history of England (covering from the time of William the Conqueror through the Commonwealth), France (particularly the Huguenots and the death of Henry I, Duke of Guise), and Spain (including the West Indies and Central America); Anglo relations with the French, Spanish and Portuguese; relations between Turkey and Poland; many satirical poems, chiefly of the Civil War period; and several prophecies, including two by Merlin, telling of the coming of James I. The original writer(s) of some of the parliamentary speeches may have been a member of parliament. The first person singular occurs several times in the reports, e.g. "Mr. Mason his advice to me of my manner of proceeding in Parliament" (p. 145), and elsewhere, e.g. "I Thomas Gee ..." (p. 232 -- transcribed as Thomas Crepe in the sale catalog).
In English with a little French and Latin.
Other Formats
Also available on microfilm, Film Fo. 456 (reduction ratio 12:1, 24 feet).
Acquisition Information
The Collection of political and parliamentary documents was purchased at the Sotheby’s sale of June 26, 1967 (lot 596).
Provenance
Hon. Frederic North (later Earl of Guildford), bookplate on inside front cover. Phillipps manuscript, 7511.
Preferred Citation
[Item title and date], Collection of political and parliamentary documents, Folger MS V.b.303, [page], Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, DC.
Availability
Collection is open for research. For information about applying for a Reader Card see:
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Elizabeth I, Queen of England, 1533-1603
England and Wales. Parliament.
Guise, Henry, duc de, 1550-1588 -- Death and burial -- Manuscripts
James I, King of England, 1566-1625
Addresses -- Manuscripts
Colombia -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800 -- Manuscripts
England -- Foreign relations -- France -- Early works to 1800 -- Manuscripts
England -- Foreign relations -- Portugal -- Early works to 1800 -- Manuscripts
England -- Foreign relations -- Spain -- Early works to 1800 -- Manuscripts
France -- History -- 16th century -- Manuscripts
Great Britain -- History -- 1066-1687 -- Manuscripts
Great Britain -- History -- Civil war, 1642-1649 -- Poetry
Huguenots -- Manuscripts
Legislative proceedings -- Manuscripts
Letters -- Manuscripts
Manuscripts -- England
Merlin (Legendary character) -- Early works to 1800 -- Manuscripts
Panama -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800 -- Manuscripts
Petitions -- Manuscripts
Poems -- Manuscripts
Prophecies -- England -- Manuscripts
Satires -- Manuscripts
Spain -- History -- 16th century -- Manuscripts
Turkey -- Foreign relations -- Poland -- Early works to 1800 -- Manuscripts
West Indies -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800 -- Manuscripts
Documents
Partial list of contents
V.b.303, p. 1-3
Touching the general expense of flesh by the year according to the laws and customs of this realm / Edward Jenynges
V.b.303, p. 7-8
between 1558 and 1603
Scope and Contents note
A report on the consumption of meat in England suggesting how many animals could be saved by instituting Wednesday as a fish day.
Certain arguments which concern things very necessary to be considered of touching the maintenance of the navy and increase of mariners to furnish the same
V.b.303, p. 9-14
between 1558 and 1603
Scope and Contents note
Dwells on the importance of fish days in accomplishing this.
Letter from William Wyntere and William Borough
V.b.303, p. 15-16
1585?
Scope and Contents note
Probably part of the discussion preceding the repeal of Wednesday as a fish day, March 1585 (see
Elizabeth I and her Parliaments, 1584-1601, by J.E. Neale, p. 88).
Signed: W. Wyntere and W. Burrowes.
Both writers were officers of the Admiralty, S.P.D., 1589. Borough was treasurer of the navy, circa 1585-1586. The Navy Act of 1563 was up for renewal. There is also a reference to the death of Sir Humphrey Gilbert in 1583 on p. 16.
A remembrance of the navigation of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
V.b.303, p. 17
1584
Scope and Contents note
A petition that Wednesday may continue as a fish day.
My lord chancellor’s speech to my lord mayor of London and recorder
V.b.303, p. 18
bewteen 1558 and 1603
Scope and Contents note
About the conservation of the Thames. The Lord Mayor was conservator of the Thames.
Petition of the inhabitants of Cranbrook, Kent
V.b.303, p. 19-20
ca. 1593
Scope and Contents note
Show their concern about the wood-consuming industries in Cranbrook. See March 10, 1593/4, draft of an “Act for the maintenance of clothing within the parish of Cranbrooke...” (
Hist. Mss. Comm., 3rd report, p. 7.)
The humble suit of the Curriers of London for the repeal of two statutes
V.b.303, p. 21
1585/6 March?
General note
Dated: 28 Eliz.
For the draft of an Act dated March 8, 1585 (see
Hist. Mss. Comm., 3rd report, p. 5.) The Curriers bill was before the Commons in March 1585 (see D’Ewes, p. 366.)
A collection of the greatest contributions that have been given to the Crown, 1340-circa 1558
V.b.303, p. 22-25
compiled cica 1589, and between 1603 and 1625
Scope and Contents note
Refers to “30 years of her Majesty’s reign.”
Mr. Recorder of London, William Fleetwood, touching the Star Chamber
V.b.303, p. 26
1586/7 February 8
General note
Apparently not known.
The extract of the edict of France
V.b.303, p. 27-29
16th century?
Scope and Contents note
Against the Huguenots.
A commandment for armour and horse
V.b.303, p. 30-33
1580 and 1584
Scope and Contents note
With my lords’ letter, August 18, 1584 (p. 33).
A discourse written in praise of King Richard the third / by Sir William Cornwallis
V.b.303, p. 35-56
1612 June-1612/3 March 12
General note
Started June 1612; finished 12 March 1612/3.
Published as
The praise of king Richard the third in Essays of certain paradoxes, 1616 (STC 5779).
Historical notes
V.b.303, p. 57
undated
Scope and Contents note
Some on Henry VIII’s wives.
Charter of William I to the Abbot of Battle
V.b.303, p. 58
ca. 1067?
General note
Copied from the original in the possession of Robert Cotton, December 27, 1607.
Certain points usually objected by the King of Spain and his ministers against her majesty with sundry unkindness and injuries
V.b.303, p. 59
after 1587
The principle points arguing the King of Spain his ill affection, malice, and contempt of her majesty
V.b.303, p. 60-61
after 1584
Certain heads of matters whereof sufficient arguments may be gathered to prove that the causes of the troubles stirred up betwixt the King of Spain and her majesty have originally proceeded from the said king and so by course of times continued by his ministers and therefore all her majesty’s actions are justifiable as being ever grounded upon the defence of herself and her countries
V.b.303, p. 62-64
after 1584
Answers to the calumniations published against her majesty by the King of Spain and his ministers
V.b.303, p. 65-68
circa 1585?
A collection of such offices of friendships and kindness as have been showed by her majesty to the King of Spain and his ministers at sundry times
V.b.303, p. 69-70
after 1585
A brief of the matters controversied between the Lord Mayor of London and the seacoal meters (meaters) of London
V.b.303, p. 71-72
after 1597 June 14
The dearth of corn and victual in Gloucestershire
V.b.303, p. 75-77
ca. 1586
Scope and Contents note
An enquiry into employment.
A note of such aid as is thought meet to be granted for the maintenance and defence of the Queen
V.b.303, p. 79-80
1588/9 February 14
The effect of the preamble of the Parliament
V.b.303, p. 81-82
1589?
Scope and Contents note
Synopsis of the preamble to the Act for the granting of four fifteens and tenths and two entire subsidies (See
Statutes of the Realm, 31 Eliz., c. 15.) Preamble mentioned in J.E. Neale’s
Elizabeth I and her Parliaments, 205; D’Ewes, 444.
The bill passed on March 10, 1589.
The manner of levying subsidies within the city of London
V.b.303, p. 83
undated
How and in what time the fifteenths and tenths are to be paid
V.b.303, p. 85-87
1566?
Scope and Contents note
Synopsis of 8 Eliz., c. 18 - An act of a fifteenth and tenth granted by the temporalty.
Of an oath
V.b.303, p. 89-93
undated
Scope and Contents note
Treatise on oaths. Mentions David Brook’s (d. 1558) abridgement of examination and Sir James Dyer in Grevill, Pine and Hockon, p. 93.
The dangers that may ensue by the oath of association hereafter if it be not qualified by a convenient act of Parliament
V.b.303, p. 95
mid. 1580s
My motion for remedy
V.b.303, p. 98
after 1584
Scope and Contents note
A petition to the Privy Council suggesting a remedy against the Catholic menace.
The arraignment of Robert, Earl of Essex, and Henry, Earl of Southampton, at Westminster.
V.b.303, p. 101-118
1600/1 February 19
General note
Printed in
Cobbett’s Complete Collection of State Trials . . ., I, 1333. Cobbett version is fuller; there are certain differences between the texts.
The names of the baronets
V.b.303, p. 123-125
1611 and 1612
Guise's death: the lawfulness or unlawfulness of it
V.b.303, p. 129-132
circa 1588
The lord chancellor Sir Christopher Hatton’s speech in parliament
V.b.303, p. 133-139
1589? February 4
General note
Written 20 years after the Northern Rebellion. Very different from the one mentioned in
Elizabeth I and her Parliaments, by J.E. Neale, p. 195, or D’Ewes, 420, but with certain points in common.
Mr. Mason his advice to me of my manner of proceeding in Parliament / Sir Christopher Hatton Lord Chancellor
V.b.303, p. 145-146
1587?
General note
The title given in the list at the beginning of the volume: Mr. Mason advice to Sir Christopher Hatton for Parliament. Anthony Mason, previously Wyckes, was clerk of the Parliament, 1574. See S.P.D. - February 1595, still clerk; October 5, 1597, office of clerk of the Parliament granted to Tho. Smith. Mason described as late clerk.
Sir Thomas Heneage touching election of knights for the parliament
V.b.303, p. 147
undated
Biographical/Historical note
Sir Thomas Heneage is probably either the courtier who dies in 1553 or his nephew by the same name, also a courtier, who died in 1595.
Scope and Contents note
Cites the proclamation of 2 Edward IV.
Mr. Doctor Valentine Dale his discourse touching Don Antonio, King of Portugal
V.b.303, p. 151-153
1589
Scope and Contents note
On whether the Queen should give aid openly to Don Antonio.
According to the DNB, it has been stated that Vale went on an Embassy to Portugal.
Reasons for proceeding in the bills touching the Exchequer and Purveyors
V.b.303, p. 155-157
1589 February 27
General note
Referred to in D’Ewes’ Journal, p. 440. Referred to and in part quoted in
Elizabeth I and her Parliaments, by J.E. Neale, p. 211.
Letter from Thomas Radcliffe, Earl of Sussex and Lord Chamberlain to Elizabeth I, Queen of England
V.b.303, p. 158-166
1578 August 28
Scope and Contents note
Touching on the motion of Monsieur de Quessy about her majesty’s marriage with monsieur the King of France his brother the Duc d'Anjou.
Monsieur de Quissy was one of the Duc d'Anjou envoys.
The articles in libel laid down by the Lady Frances Howard against the Earl of Essex
V.b.303, p. 169-181 (a)
1613
General note
Printed in
Cobbett’s Complete Collection of State Trials . . ., II, 785. Manuscript differs from printed version with additions and subtractions to text. Transposition of passages towards the end. Manuscript lacks depositions, examinations, and sentence as given in Cobbett.
Certain demands to be presented to his majesty Don Antonio, King of Portugal, concerning the voyage pretended by Captain Bingham, Captain Fenton, Captain Yorke, and Captain Warde, with others
V.b.303, p. 181 (b)
1581?
Scope and Contents note
Captians include: Sir Richard Bingham (1528-1599), Edward Fenton (d. 1603), possibly Rowland Yorke (d. 1588), and Luke Warde (fl. 1587).
General note
See C.S.P. For. for April 1581, where the conditions upon which the English fleet was to serve Don Antonio are listed. The
Encyclopaedia Britannica states that the fleet of Portuguese exiles and English and French adventurers were defeated by Spain on July 27, 1582.
The lord chancellor's answer to the Speaker
V.b.303, p. 183-186
1589? March 29
General note
The Lord Chancellor was probably Sir Christopher Hatton.
See CSPD (1581-90) 585, no. 33 - a possible reference to this speech.
Fees and duties to be paid for burial above the steps in St. Paul’s Cathedral
V.b.303, p. 191-192
undated
Certain articles delivered to be read in the parliament house by Mr. Peter Wentworth
V.b.303, p. 193
1586/7 March 2
General note
Printed in D’Ewes’
Journals, 411, where they are dated March 1, 1586/7. Some differences - second and third articles interchanged.
Certain statutes concerning the cause of Parliament and privileges and liberties due to them which be of the parliament and their servants
V.b.303, p. 194-195 (a)
undated
General note
Dated from 36 Edward III through 34 Henry VIII.
Certain precedents by which appeareth that they of the parliament amongst themselves have accustomed to punish such members thereof as during the parliament have offened
V.b.303, p. 195 (b)-197
undated
General note
Dated from 36 Henry VIII through 27 Eliz.
See Wing E2675 (1641), p. 16.
The speech which my lord chancellor Sir Nicholas Bacon pretended to speak in Star Chamber if the Archbishop of Canterbury Edmund Grindal should come thither
V.b.303, p. 199
1577
Scope and Contents note
Unable to come because of illness.
The reconciling of Henry IV, King of France to the Roman religion
V.b.303, p. 201-203
1593 July
Scope and Contents note
A report apparently sent by English observers. “Here is all that I have learned . . . since we arrived here at St. Denis . . .”
Provision for the feast at the enthronization of George Neville, Archbishop of York and lord chancellor of England, 6 Edward 4, taken out of the Register book of an Abbey in Lincolnshire
V.b.303, p. 208
undated
General note
Forms the opening section of the description of the festivities published in
De rebus britannicis collectanea, 1715, by John Leland, vol. VI, 2.
The arraignment of Sir Thomas Wyatt knight at Westminster
V.b.303, p. 209-212
1554 March 15
General note
Printed in
Cobbett’s Complete Collection of State Trials . . ., I, 861.
The Lord Coke’s trial at the Council board
V.b.303, p. 213-216
1616 June 26-30
General note
Printed with considerable differences in
Biographia britannica, 1748, II, 1390, the manuscript being sometimes fuller. See also
The lives of the Chief Justices of England, by John C. Campbell, I.
The lord chancellor Egerton’s speech to serjeant Montague when he was to take his place in the King’s Bench being lord chief justice of the same
V.b.303, p. 217-218
1616 November 18
A friendly admonition to my Lord Coke
V.b.303, p. 220-225
1616?
General note
Attributed to Francis Bacon. Printed in
The remains of . . . Francis lord Verulam, 1648. See Spedding’s edition of
Bacon’s Works, XIII, 121.
Letter from Lord Robert Cecil, treasurer to Tobie Matthew, Archbishop of York
V.b.303, p. 227-228
circa 1608?
Biographical/Historical note
Matthew became archbishop of York in 1606; Cecil became lord treasurer May 4, 1608.
Letter from Sir Walter Raleigh to James I, King of England
V.b.303, p. 229 (a)
1618 September 24
General note
Printed in
The life of Sir Walter Raleigh . . . by E. Edwards, II, 368.
The words underwritten he wrote the night before he suffered : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 229 (b)
1618 October 28
Scope and Contents note
Poem by Sir Walter Raleigh, written the night before he died. First line: Even such is time that takes in trust.
Sir Walter Raleigh’s second testamentary note
V.b.303, p. 229 (c)-230 (a)
1618 October 29
General note
Printed in
The life of Sir Walter Raleigh . . ., by E. Edwards, II, 94.
Note on the Abbey of Reading
V.b.303, p. 230 (b)
undated
A prophecy found under the foundation of the church of St. Denis in France, and by the Pope’s nuncio sent to the Cardinal of Burgos
V.b.303, p. 231 (a)
circa 1616/7 January
In that same year when fully did expire : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 231 (b)
undated
General note
Poem title from first line.
Merlin’s prophecy : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 232 (a)
undated
General note
First line: A prince out of the North shall come.
Prophecy found by Thomas Gee in Medbourne Church, Leicestershire / translated by Owyn Lloyd
V.b.303, p. 232 (b)
undated
My lord Digby his speech
V.b.303, p. 233 (a)
1621 November 21
General note
Printed in Rushworth, I, 39 which differs considerably. In the
Lords’ Journals, III, 167 - the Report of the message delivered on November 24 is very different.
Letter from James I, King of England, to the Speaker Sir Thomas Richardson
V.b.303, p. 233 (b)
1621 December 3
Scope and Contents note
Delivered by Mr. Secretary George Calvert unsealed.
General note
See Rushworth, I, 43; the manuscript has an additional paragraph in a different ink. See also
Proceedings and debates of the House of Commons in 1620 and 1621 . . . 1766, II, 277.
The protestation of the Common house in Parliament made December 18, 1621
V.b.303, p. 234
1621
General note
See Rushworth, I, 53.
Conditions agreed upon between the Turkish Emperor Osman II and the crown of Polonia Sigismund III, 1621, as per Mr. Trussill
V.b.303, p. 237
1621
Biographical/Historical note
Peace was made October 9, 1621.
A copy of the King of Spain’s treasure which came from the West Indies this month of September 1587 to St. Lucar
V.b.303, p. 238
1587 September
General note
St. Lucar is Sanlucar de Barrameda, Spain.
Petition from Francis Phelips to James I, King of England
V.b.303, p. 239-241 (a)
1622
Scope and Contents note
Written on behalf of his brother, Sir Robert Phelips, who was arrested on January 1, 1622 and subsequently imprisoned in the Tower. Listed with the opening words in the Appendix to the
Hist. Mss. Comm., 3rd report, 204. There is another copy in this volume on p. 329.
Letter from lord keeper John Williams to the judges of Assize
V.b.303, p. 241 (b)
1622 August 2
General note
See Rushworth, I, 63; the manuscript is not written as reported speech and is also fuller. Copy in CSPD (1619-23), 436, no. 84 - vol. 132 - which has a few differences.
Letter from Philip IV, King of Spain, to the Duke of Buckingham
V.b.303, p. 241 (c)
1623 March
General note
This letter was written November 5, 1622, and was included in the report of Buckingham’s narration to the House of Lords, February 27. 1623/4. See The House of Lords’ Journals, III, 226.
The order of knighthood amongst the Saxons
V.b.303, p. 242-243
compiled after 1605
Scope and Contents note
And other passages taken from various authors. Includes Henry I’s charter to the Abbot of Reading, 1125.
The arms of the Knights Templars as appeareth upon record and in good authors
V.b.303, p. 244
undated
The arms of Lincoln’s Inn
V.b.303, p. 245
undated
The arms of Gray’s Inn
V.b.303, p. 246
undated
The arms of the Inns of the Chancery
V.b.303, p. 247-248
undated
Biographical/Historical note
Inns of the Chancery include: Thavies’ Inn, Furnival’s Inn, Barnard’s Inn, Staple Inn, Clifford’s Inn, Clement’s Inn, New Inn, Lyon’s Inn, and Strand Inn.
The effect of the relation to both houses at Whitehall by the Duke of Buckingham, etc.
V.b.303, p. 249-250 (a)
1623/4 February 24
Scope and Contents note
This is a different report of the same speech which Rushworth also reports, I, 119. See Lords’ Journals where the Lord Keeper gave the report of the narration on February 27, 1623/4; and the Commons’ Journals where the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave the report. See also CSPD (1623-25), 169, no. 72.
Resolutions concerning measures to be taken for the safety and defence of the realm
V.b.303, p. 250 (b)
undated
The king’s speech delivered at Whitehall to both houses of Parliament
V.b.303, p. 251
1624 April 23
General note
See Rushworth, I, 143 and the House of Lords’ Journals, III, 317.
The king’s speech concerning the lord treasurer Lionel Cranfield, made unto the Lords at Whitehall
V.b.303, p. 252-254
1624 May 5
General note
See Lords’ Journals, III, 343; and CSPD (1623-25), 235, no. 27.
The king's speech in Parliament
V.b.303, p. 255
1624 May 28
Scope and Contents note
"When I had concluded his Majesty began."
General note
See S.P.D. 14/165, no. 61, where it follows Sir Robert Heath’s presentation of grievances.
A brief of all the articles betwixt the King of England, King of France, the States of Venice, and the Duke of Savoy
V.b.303, p. 256
1625
General note
See History of England by S.R. Gardiner, V, 265 - League between France, Venice, and Savoy for the recovery of the Valtelline signed on August 26, 1624; and C.S.P. Ven. XIX, 276 - Talk of such an association in January 1626.
Upon William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1641 : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 257
1641
General note
First line: Y R I C poor Canterbury in tottering state.
In obitum principis Henrici / by Joshua Silvester : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 258 (a)
undated
General note
First line: Here lies dry eyes read not this epitaph. Reference to Crewe.
Knaves contrive and fooles determine : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 258 (b)
undated
General note
First line: Prine the Turke and White the Jew.
In obitum Regis Iacobi / by Sir Thusston Smyth : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 261
undated
General note
First line: All who have eyes now wail and weep.
His Majesty’s own sonnet, 1589 / by James VI, King of Scotland : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 262 (a)
1589
General note
First line: The nationis bandit gainst the Lord of micht.
Printed with a few differences in
The poems of James VI of Scotland, ed. J. Craigie, II, 182.
His Majesty's own sonnet / Translated into Latin by Metellanus Cancellariius : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 262 (b)
undated
General note
First line: Insano tumidae gentes coire tumultu.
I[acobus] R[ex] : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 263 (a)
undated
General note
First line: Buckinghamus io maris est praefectus et idem. Printed with a few differences in
The poems of James VI of Scotland, ed. J. Craigie, II, 176.
O joyful news for Buckingham is now : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 263 (b)
undated
General note
Poem title from first line.
The King's verses; The wiper of the people's tears / The drier up of doubts and fears : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 264-268
undated
General note
First line: Oh stay you tears you who complain. Printed with differences in
The poems of James VI of Scotland, ed. J. Craigie, II, 182.
Sir Walter Raleigh’s speech a little before his execution
V.b.303, p. 271-275
1618 October 19
General note
Dated: beinge the 19th of October 1618. Speech usually dated as October 29, 1618.
Printed in
The life of Sir Walter Raleigh . . ., by E. Edwards, I, 699, with considerable differences.
Merlin’s prophecy before the Conquest : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 276
General note
First line: If eighty eight be past then thrive.
A discourse of the West Indies written by Batista Antonia the king of Spain’s surveyor in these parts
V.b.303, p. 279-299
1596
Scope and Contents note
A report to the king, recommending the building of certain fortifications in the West Indies, specifically: Santa Marta, Columbia; Cartagena de Indias, Columbia; Nombre de Dios, Panama; Portobelo, Panama; Panama City, Panama; and the Chagres River, Panama.
General note
Manuel Serrano y Sanz's
Apuntes para una biblioteca de escritoras Espanolas, 1903, I, 83, refers to an ingeniero Juan Baptista (Bautista) Antonelli in a letter of May 14, 1558.
The charge of working a mount of copper ore weekly in a house and what benefit it will yield
V.b.303, p. 300
undated
The soldiers counterbuff to the Cambridge interludians : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 301-303
undated
General note
First line: When first in Cambridge I had spent my prime.
A character of the right honourable the Earl of Northumberland
V.b.303, p. 304-306
undated
Biographical/Historical note
The Earl of Northumberland is probably refering to Algernon Percy.
A character of the incomparable lady the Countess of Carlisle
V.b.303, p. 307-312
1660
General note
The character drawn is similar to that of Lucy Hay, Countess of Carlisle, sister of Algernon Percy, drawn by Sir Tobie Matthew's
A collection of letters.
As I about the town did walk : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 313-315 (a)
1642
General note
Poem title from first line.
Printed with differences in
Cavalier and Puritan, edited by Hyder E. Rollins, 1923, p. 155.
Sophos this riddle to me lately read : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 315 (b)
undated
General note
Poem title from first line.
On Mr. Pyme’s picture : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 316 (a)
1642
General note
First line: Reader behold the counterfeit of him.
Tell me Citts what you do lack that the knaves of the pack you will not see forthcoming : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 316 (b)-317 (a)
undated
General note
Poem title from first line.
To make Charles a great king and give him no power : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 317 (b)-318
undated
General note
Poem title from first line.
Upon the renowned valiant and prime colonel of the new militia for the city of London . . . : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 319-320 (a)
1642 May 10
General note
Poem by Alderman Atkins, sometime alderman of Norwich.
First line: I sing the strange adventure and sad fate.
The Irish petition : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 320 (b)
undated
General note
First line: Most sacred majesty grant that we may have.
The humble petition of the house of Commons : manuscript poems
V.b.303, p. 321-322
1642
General note
First line: If Charles thou wilt but be so kind.
Roundheads all a row to the tune of Cuckolds all a row : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 323
1642
General note
First line: A king or no king cry we still I fain resolved would be.
What’s there no God? let’s put it to a vote : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 324 (a)
1642
General note
Poem title from first line.
Upon his Majesty’s restraint at Holmeby : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 324 (b)
undated
General note
First line: Hold out good Charles and thou shalt win the field.
Printed with differences in
Political ballads of the seventeenth and eighteenth conturies annotated, by W.W. Wilkins, 1860, I, 38.
The English anarchy : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 325-328
undated
General note
First line: Now thanks to the powers below.
Printed with differences in
Political ballads . . . annotated, by W.W. Wilkins, 1860, I, 32.
Petition from Sir Francis Phelip to James I, King of England
V.b.303, p. 329-333
1622?
General note
Caption at top: To the Kinges most excellent Ma[jes]tie.
A second copy is in this volume on p. 239.
Speech of James I, King of England, at the opening of Parliament
V.b.303, p. 335-337 (a)
1623/4 February 19
General note
See Lords Journals, III, 209 where it differs considerably from the manuscript version; and CSPD (1623-25), p. 166, no. 55.
Letter from Abbas, Shah of Persia? to Elizabeth I, Queen of England
V.b.303, p. 337 (b)-339 (a)
circa 1600?
General note
There is a reference to Sir Anthony Sherley as the bearer of the letter. He returned from his journey 1599-1601.
Notes out of the History of the East Indies written by Anthony Dossen Romane, a monk of St. Bennitts
V.b.303, p. 339 (b)-344 (a)
undated
Nil corpus sentit in Nervo si anima sit in Caelo / Ita ominatur W.P. : manuscript poem
V.b.303, p. 344 (b)
1633/4 March 3
General note
Poem title from first line.
Notes from Mariana Histo
V.b.303, p. 346
undated
General note
Probably taken from Juan de Mariana’s
Historia general de Espana, which was published in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The sum or some points of my Lord Coke’s charge at Bury
V.b.303, p. 347-349
1609 July 26
General note
Bury in St. Edmunds, Suffolk.
Coke was a justice of assize for Suffolk, 1607.
See H.M.C. - Bury St. Edmunds, 140.; and 2nd edit. of Conyers Read.