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IV. Two English Poems of the time of Richard II. Communicated by the Rev. J. J. Conybeare, M. A. Professor of Poetry in the University of Oxford, in a Letter to Henry Ellis, Esq. F.R.S. Secretary

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 July 2012

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Extract

The two short Poems annexed, independently of the superiority they possess over most of the minstrel productions of their age, appear to present so lively a picture of the popular feeling towards the commencement of the weak and disastrous government of Richard the Second, that I am persuaded they will not be altogether unacceptable to the admirers of our ancient literature.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Society of Antiquaries of London 1817

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References

page 21 note a One of these, the well-known story of Damon and Pithias, commences with an entertaining specimen of the versifier's attainments in history and geography:

“Sum time men reden that ther was

In a cuntre clept Pitagoras.”

page 21 note b The King of Tars and the Soudan of Damas. Published by Mr. Ritson.

page 22 note c It will be found in the first part of his curious volume, and commences “Nou brnes “buirdes bolde & blythe.”

page 22 note d Unless it be durable.

page 22 note e So ready to take, and so lothe to forego.

page 22 note f That which is no longer seen is soon forgotten.

page 22 note g Doubt.

page 23 note h In every danger.

page 23 note i So the MS. waves ?

page 23 note k So the MS. Quære, if “semene,” compare.

page 23 note l They valued not France a single bean. (Vid. Bene. in Glossary to Tyrwhitt's Chaucer.) This expression, which appears to have been proverbial, is, I believe, now quite obsolete.

page 24 note m To remain as their captive.

page 24 note n Firm, secure.

page 24 note o This expression I do not understand. It may possibly be an error of the transcriber.

page 25 note p A trait. (Fr.) In my discourse, in earnest ?

page 25 note q Sarr.—I am unacquainted with this word.Can it be a corruption of savour? (Vid. “Sareless,” in Jamieson's Scottish Dict.)

page 26 note r So the MS.

page 26 note s Many.

page 26 note t To speak.

page 26 note u To tremble.

page 26 note x Q. As to this usage of dare?

page 27 note y This line appears capable of two interpretations:

1. “If men had had favour shewn them by the Deity.

2. If men had had benevolent and kind dispositions (towards their interiors)

page 27 note z Naturally, by kind.