George Wither

Verse

The Author's Resolution in a Sonnet
('Shall I wasting in despair')

First published in Fidelia (London, 1615). Sidgwick, I, 138-9. A version, as Sonnet 4, in Faire-Virtue, the Mistresse of Phil'Arete, generally bound with Juvenilia (London, 1622). Spenser Society No. 11 (1871), pp. 854-5. Sidgwick, II, 124-6.

For the answer attributed to Ben Jonson, but perhaps by Richard Johnson, see Sidgwick, I, 145-8, and Ben Jonson, ed. C.H. Herford and Percy & Evelyn Simpson, VIII (Oxford, 1947), 439-43. MS versions of Wither's poem vary in length.

WiG 1

Copy in a musical setting.

In: A folio volume of songs, madrigals and motets, 48 leaves, the leaves now mounted with other MSS (1015-1019) in a double-folio guardbook. Early 17th century.

Formerly at St Michael's College, Tenbury Wells.

A complete facsimile of this volume in English Song 1600-1675, ed. Elise Bickford Jorgens, Vol. 6 (New York & London, 1987).

WiG 1.5

Copy of a Latin version of the poem, headed Shall I wastinge in despaire, turn'd into Latin meetr and beginning A: Cor quid te dolore teris.

In: A quarto miscellany of verse and prose, in three or more hands, probably compiled principally by a member of New College, Oxford, 163 pages, in calf-backed marbled boards. c.1620s-30s.

The name George Brown inscribed on p. 14. Inscribed on p. i by Edmond Malone (1741-1812), literary scholar, biographer and book collector Feb 13. 1790. I this day purchased this Manuscript Collection of Poems, at the sale of Mr Brander's books, at the exorbitant price of Ten Guineas. EMalone.

WiG 2

Copy, untitled.

In: A folio composite volume of separate MSS of verse and some prose, in various secretary and italic hands, written over an extended period, with a table of contents (f. 3r-v), 186 leaves.

Comprising papers of the Skipwith family of Cotes, Leicestershire, including 60 poems by John Donne (and one Problem), the text related in part to the Edward Smyth MS (DnJ Δ 45); also 15 poems (and second copies of two) by Henry King; and 19 poems (and two of doubtful authorship) by Carew.

c.1620-50.

Including poems ascribed to William Skipwith (? Sir William Skipwith, d.1610, or his grandson, William, or possibly a cousin, William Skipwith, of Ketsby, Lincolnshire, fl.1633); to Sir Henry Skipwith (fl.1609-52); and to Thomas Skipwith, and several poems by Donne's friend Sir Henry Goodyer (1571-1627), to whom a branch of the Skipwith family was related by marriage. Later owned by Robert Sherard (1719-99), fourth Earl of Harborough. Sotheby's, 10 June 1864, lot 605, to Boone.

This MS is the curious folio volume lent to John Nichols (1745-1826) by the late Lord Harborough and cited in Nichols's account of the Skipwith family in his History of Leicestershire, 4 vols (1795-1815), III, part i (1800), 367.

Cited in IELM, I.i (1980) and II.i (1987), as the Skipwith MS: DnJ Δ 21; CwT Δ 14; KiH Δ 8. Also described in Mary Hobbs's thesis, pp. 119-29 (see KiH Δ 6). For Sir William Skipwith and his literary connections, see James Knowles, Marston, Skipwith and The Entertainment at Ashby, EMS, 3 (1992), 137-92 (esp. pp. 171-2).

WiG 2.5

Copy, untitled, on both sides of single quarto leaf, once folded as a letter or packet. c.1700s.

In: An unbound collection of verse manuscripts, in various hands and paper sizes, 212 leaves.

Volume CCCLV of the Evelyn Papers.

WiG 3

Copy, headed in a later hand The Shepherd's Resolution. Bal. 111. 190, here beginning Shall I wrastle in despair.

In: A quarto verse miscellany, in a Scottish secretary hand, paginated 5-132, bound with a later verse MS on 98 pages, in brown calf. c.1630s-40s.

Bookplate of John Pinkerton (1758-1826), historian and poet. Sotheby's, April 1812 (Pinkerton sale), lot 593, to Richard Heber (1774-1833), book collector. Sotheby's, 1836 (Heber sale, Part XI), lot 1104, to Thomas Thorpe. His catalogue, 1836, bought by Laing.

WiG 4

Copy, headed A Song.

In: A sextodecimo pocket miscellany, ff. 3r-53r in a single hand, other hands and scribbling on ff. 1r-2r, 54v, 87v-90v, 90 leaves in all (including blanks ff. 55r-87r), in contemporary calf, with remains of clasps.

Including 12 poems by Carew.

c.1650s.

Inscribed Richard Archard his booke Amen 1650; Richard Archard his penn Amen 1657; to Mr Satars[?] towads the Casting of ye lead 1657; Tho: Wise; John Smith of halmortaine and I…went to Thornebury; and Edward Watt. Bookplate of William Harris Arnold.

Cited in IELM, II.i, as the Archard MS: CwT Δ 24.

WiG 5

Copy, headed A Song.

In: A quarto verse miscellany, in English and Latin, 210 pages, comprising 38 unnumbered pages and 172 numbered pages (plus four blank leaves), perhaps largely in a single predominantly secretary hand, with additions in four other hands on the unnumbered pages and pp. 167-71, including the scribbled title Divers Sonnets & Poems compiled by certaine gentil Clarks and Ryme-Wrightes, probably associated with Oxford University and the Inns of Court, in contemporary vellum.

Including 14 poems by Strode (and a second copy of one poem).

c.1637-51.

Inscribed (front pastedown) Wakelin EeK Hering / Blows of Whitsor, and (rear pastedown) R. J. Cotton. Formerly Folger MS 2073.4.

Cited in IELM, II.ii (1993) as the Cotton MS: StW Δ 20.

WiG 6

Copy, in double columns, untitled.

In: A quarto verse miscellany, in several hands, a neat mixed hand predominating up to f. 55r, 151 leaves (including a few blanks), in contemporary calf. c.1730.

Inscribed (in another hand) on the front pastedown Thomas Boydell. Formerly Folger MS 4108.

WiG 7

Copy, in the hand of Thomas Gell, MP (1595-1657), of the Inner Temple, untitled, on one side of a single folio leaf.

In: Papers of the Gell family, formerly of Hopton Hall, Derbyshire, in different hands and paper sizes, now disbound in folders.

Sotheby's, 16 December 1950, lot 560. Owned by Arthur A. Houghton, Jr (1906-90), American businessman and collector. Given to the Houghton Library by Robert S Pirie in 1959.

WiG 8

Copy, headed A songe of Ben: Jonsons, followed (p. 18) by Withers paralel to Ben Jonson (beginning Shal I my affection slacke).

In: A small quarto miscellany, in various hands, possibly compiled in part by one William Leigh, in modern leather. c.1650.

Inscribed (f. 1v) Buckley 1772. Acquired in 1950 from P.M. Mill. Formerly MS Leigh, William (?), comp., Commonplace Book (ca. 1650).

This volume offered in Maggs's sale catalogue No. 640 (1937), item 302.

WiG 9

Copy of the first stanza, headed Of a great man and here beginning Shall I lye wasting in despare?.

In: An octavo miscellany, probably compiled by an Oxford University man, written from both ends, 76 leaves, in contemporary calf. Mid to late 17th century.

Sotheby's, 20 July 1981, lot 30.

WiG 10

Copy, headed The Careless Lover, ascribed in another hand to Mr. John Fountain (d.1663).

In: A quarto volume of Poems on Several Occasions, Written by Iohn Fountain Gent., in a single hand, 163 pages, in contemporary vellum boards. c.1721.

The title-page inscribed Liber Georgij Newell emptus 22o Martii Annoque 1720/21 Pretium 3s, and inside the lower cover This Book was paid for the 10th of May Anno Domini 1721. Sotheby's, 10 July 1986, lot 17.

WiG 11

Copy, in a musical setting, untitled and here beginning Sall I wrastling in despair.

In: An oblong quarto songbook, the lyrics in two or more secretary and italic hands, iv + 43 leaves, in modern quarter-calf.

Inscribed (f. 31r) MAY 1639 and Williane Stirling. A long note (f. iir) in the hand of John Leyden (1775-1811), linguist and poet, dated 5 March 1800, recording his purchase of the MS in 1788 from the library of the Rev. Mr Cranstow, minister of Ancrum; his lending it to Alexander Campbell in 1795 and retrieving it in December 1799; and his now consigning it to Richard Heber (1774-1833), book collector.

c.1639.

A complete facsimile of this volume is in English Song 1600-1675, ed. Elise Bickford Jorgens, Vol. 11 (New York & London, 1987).

Edited from this MS in Nelly Diem, Beiträge zur Geschichte der Schottischen Musik im XVII. Jahrhundert (Zürich & Leipzig, 1919), pp. 95-6.

WiG 12
Copy, untitled, written on the back of a probate inventory relating to Ann Vander Poest of Norwich, 1615. c.1615.
WiG 12.2

Copy, untitled.

In: An octavo verse miscellany, including 13 poems by or attributed to Herrick, almost entirely in a single small predominantly italic hand, 250 pages (plus numerous blanks), originally in contemporary calf, but now disbound.

Inscribed four times on a flyleaf Tobias Alston his booke: i.e. probably Tobias Alston (1620-c.1639) of Sayham Hall, near Sudbury, Suffolk. His half-brother Edward (b.1598) was a contemporary of Herrick at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, while his cousin, Edward Alston, later President of the College of Physicians, was a contemporary of Herrick at St John's College, Cambridge, some of the other contents also relating to Cambridge, besides some relating to Suffolk. The date 1639 occurs on p. 241, and pp. 243-50 contains verses written in two later hands (to c.1728) and some prose pieces written from the reverse end.

c.1639 [-c.1728].

Names inscribed on a flyleaf including Henry Glisson (later Fellow of the College of Physicians); Thomas Avral(?); Horace Norton; Henry Rich; and James Tavor (Registrar of Cambridge University). Later owned by one John Whitehead, and by Dr Mary Pickford. Sotheby's, 27 June 1972, lot 309.

Cited in IELM, II.i (1987), as the Alston MS: HeR Δ 7. A complete set of photocopies of the MS is in the British Library, RP 772. Facsimile of pp. 6-7 in Sotheby's sale catalogue (see HeR 176, HeR 405) where the MS is described at some length. See also letters by Peter Beal and Donald W. Foster in TLS (24 January 1986), pp. 87-8.

Britain's Remembrancer
('One Storm is past, & though some clouds appear')

First published, with preliminary material including a dedication to Chares I, in London, 1628. Spenser Society, Nos 28-29 (1980; reprinted in New York, 1967).

See also WiG 22.

WiG 12.4

Extracts.

In: An octavo commonplace book of extracts from state tracts and proceedings, largely in one mixed hand, paginated 1-133 (but lacking many leaves), in paper wrappers.

Annotated in the rugged italic hand of Francis Russell, MP (1593-1641), fourth Earl of Bedford, politician.

c.1630s.

Recorded in HMC, 2nd Report (1871), Appendix, p. 1.

WiG 12.5

Extracts.

In: An octavo miscellany of verse, prose and drama, written over a period in various hands, 179 leaves, in remains of contemporary calf. c.1620-late 17th century.

Inscribed (f. 31v) Henry Gould his Book 1620. Compiled in part by one Henry Gould (c.1620). Other scribbling in the volume includes names of Robert Carter, John and Peggy Marriot, Thomas and John Allsopp (1746), George and Thomas Swindell, Richard Fowles, and George and Catherine Bindale, as well as an acrostic on Mrs Anne Boulton, and, on the first page, the inscription Mend the play Booke Gilbert Carter. Sotheby's, 15 December 1988, lot 13.

Campo-Musæ
('Yes,; now Ile write againe, and neither care')

First published, with preliminary material, in London, 1643. Spenser Society, Miscellaneous Works of George Wither. First Collection (1872), item 2 (pp. 1-78).

WiG 12.8

Extracts, comprising c.600 lines, headed Taken out of withers campo musæ.

In: A folio volume of state tracts, speeches, and verse, closely written from both ends in a single hand, 260 pages, lacking a number of pages and some fragments (pp. 25-38, 48-64) now removed to MS Gg. 4. 13*, in quarter-calf. Mid-17th century.
A Christmas Carroll
('So, now is come our ioyfulst Feast')

First published in A Miscelany of Epigrams [&c.] appended to Faire-Virtue, the Mistresse of Phil'Arete, generally bound with Juvenilia (London, 1622). Spenser Society No. 11 (1871), pp. 915-19. Sidgwick, II, 178-81.

WiG 13

Copy.

In: A long ledger-size miscellany of recusant verse and some prose, including 32 poems by Robert Southwell, largely in the single neat hand of Gertrude Thimelby (1617-68), a second hand on pp. 119-21, viii + 130 pages, some leaves partly torn away, in contemporary vellum. c.1651-7.

Associated with the Fairfax family of Wootton Wawen, Warwickshire, including Thomas Fairfax (d.1691), yeoman. Later inscribed with the name Harriet Marcusden. Sold by P.J. Dobell, 1948.

Discussed in Cedric C. Brown, Recusant Community and Jesuit Mission in Parliament Days: Bodleian MS Eng. poet. b. 5, Yearbook of English Studies, 23 (2003), 290-315.

WiG 14
Copy of an untitled version.

Copy of an untitled version beginning now is come our merrie time, in a secretary hand, in double columns, subscribed John foster, on one side of a single folio leaf.

Early-mid-17th century.
An Epitaph, on A Child, Sonne to Sir W.H. Knight
('Here lyes, within a Cabinet of stone')

First published in A Miscelany of Epigrams [&c.] appended to Faire-Virtue, the Mistresse of Phil'Arete, generally bound with Juvenilia (London, 1622). Spenser Society No. 11 (1871), pp. 922-3. Sidgwick, II, 184.

WiG 15
In: A large folio composite verse miscellany, chiefly folio, partly quarto, 243 pages, in contemporary calf.

Including 18 poems by Carew and two of doubtful authorship, compiled by Nicholas Burghe (d.1670), Royalist Captain during the Civil War and one of the poor Knights of Windsor in 1661 (references to I Nicholas Burgh occurring on ff. 165r, with the date 3d of June 1638, and 166r, and his name partly in cipher on other pages); predominantly in his hand, with some later additions in other hands.

c.1638.

Afterwards owned by Elias Ashmole (1617-92), astrologer and antiquary.

Cited in IELM, II.i (1987), as the Burghe MS: CwT Δ 1.

This MS collated in Sidgwick.

An Epitaph vpon a Gentlewoman, who had fore-told the Time of her death
('Her, who beneath this stone, consuming lyes')

First published in A Miscelany of Epigrams [&c.] appended to Faire-Virtue, the Mistresse of Phil'Arete, generally bound with Juvenilia (London, 1622). Spenser Society No. 11 (1871), p. 922. Sidgwick, II, 183.

WiG 16

Copy, headed Vppon a Gentle woman that had far told the tyme of her death.

In: A large folio composite verse miscellany, chiefly folio, partly quarto, 243 pages, in contemporary calf.

Including 18 poems by Carew and two of doubtful authorship, compiled by Nicholas Burghe (d.1670), Royalist Captain during the Civil War and one of the poor Knights of Windsor in 1661 (references to I Nicholas Burgh occurring on ff. 165r, with the date 3d of June 1638, and 166r, and his name partly in cipher on other pages); predominantly in his hand, with some later additions in other hands.

c.1638.

Afterwards owned by Elias Ashmole (1617-92), astrologer and antiquary.

Cited in IELM, II.i (1987), as the Burghe MS: CwT Δ 1.

This MS collated in Sidgwick.

An Epitaph vpon a Woman, and her Child, buried together in the same Graue
('Beneath this Marble Stone doth lye')

First published in A Miscelany of Epigrams [&c.] appended to Faire-Virtue, the Mistresse of Phil'Arete, generally bound with Juvenilia (London, 1622). Spenser Society No. 11 (1871), p. 915. Sidgwick, II, 177.

WiG 17

Copy, headed Vppon A mother and her Child buried In on graue.

In: A large folio composite verse miscellany, chiefly folio, partly quarto, 243 pages, in contemporary calf.

Including 18 poems by Carew and two of doubtful authorship, compiled by Nicholas Burghe (d.1670), Royalist Captain during the Civil War and one of the poor Knights of Windsor in 1661 (references to I Nicholas Burgh occurring on ff. 165r, with the date 3d of June 1638, and 166r, and his name partly in cipher on other pages); predominantly in his hand, with some later additions in other hands.

c.1638.

Afterwards owned by Elias Ashmole (1617-92), astrologer and antiquary.

Cited in IELM, II.i (1987), as the Burghe MS: CwT Δ 1.

This MS collated in Sidgwick.

WiG 18

Copy, headed In eundem.

In: A quarto verse miscellany of c.150 poems, in several hands; associated with Oxford, probably Christ Church, 279 pages (plus index and blanks).

Including twelve poems (plus one of uncertain authorship) by Corbett and 32 poems (plus four of doubtful authorship) by Strode.

c.1630s-40s.

Thomas Thorpe's sale catalogue (1836), item 1044. Later in the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), manuscript and book collector: Phillipps MS 9561. Sotheby's, 19 June 1893 (Phillipps sale), lot 628, and 21 March 1895, lot 903. Hodgson's, 23 April 1959, lot 528.

Cited in IELM, II.i-ii (1987-93), as the English Poetry MS: CoR Δ 3 and StW Δ 6.

WiG 19

Copy.

In: An octavo verse miscellany, including sixteen poems by Strode and one of doubtful authorship, in several hands, including a small mixed hand on ff. 2r-43v, cursive secretary hands thereafter, and Latin entries in italic at the reverse end, 139 leaves, in contemporary calf gilt. c.1630s.

A flyleaf inscribed [?] Johannes Philips. Acquired from H. Stevens 11 December 1852.

Cited in IELM, II.ii (1987), as the John Philips MS: StW Δ 8.

WiG 19.5

Copy, headed An Epitaph on a woeman and her child buried in one grave.

In: A sextodecimo pocket miscellany, ff. 3r-53r in a single hand, other hands and scribbling on ff. 1r-2r, 54v, 87v-90v, 90 leaves in all (including blanks ff. 55r-87r), in contemporary calf, with remains of clasps.

Including 12 poems by Carew.

c.1650s.

Inscribed Richard Archard his booke Amen 1650; Richard Archard his penn Amen 1657; to Mr Satars[?] towads the Casting of ye lead 1657; Tho: Wise; John Smith of halmortaine and I…went to Thornebury; and Edward Watt. Bookplate of William Harris Arnold.

Cited in IELM, II.i, as the Archard MS: CwT Δ 24.

An Epitaph vpon the Porter of a Prison
('Here lye the bones of him, that was of late')

First published in A Miscelany of Epigrams [&c.] appended to Faire-Virtue, the Mistresse of Phil'Arete, generally bound with Juvenilia (London, 1622). Spenser Society No. 11 (1871), pp. 919-20. Sidgwick, II, 181-2.

WiG 20

Copy, headed On the porter of a prison.

In: A large folio composite verse miscellany, chiefly folio, partly quarto, 243 pages, in contemporary calf.

Including 18 poems by Carew and two of doubtful authorship, compiled by Nicholas Burghe (d.1670), Royalist Captain during the Civil War and one of the poor Knights of Windsor in 1661 (references to I Nicholas Burgh occurring on ff. 165r, with the date 3d of June 1638, and 166r, and his name partly in cipher on other pages); predominantly in his hand, with some later additions in other hands.

c.1638.

Afterwards owned by Elias Ashmole (1617-92), astrologer and antiquary.

Cited in IELM, II.i (1987), as the Burghe MS: CwT Δ 1.

This MS collated in Sidgwick.

An Epitaph vpon the Right Vertuous Lady, the Lady Scott
('Let none suppose this Relique of the Iust')

First published in A Miscelany of Epigrams [&c.] appended to Faire-Virtue, the Mistresse of Phil'Arete, generally bound with Juvenilia (London, 1622). Spenser Society No. 11 (1871), p. 914. Sidgwick, II, 177.

WiG 21

Copy, headed An Epitaph on the Ladie Scott.

In: A large folio composite verse miscellany, chiefly folio, partly quarto, 243 pages, in contemporary calf.

Including 18 poems by Carew and two of doubtful authorship, compiled by Nicholas Burghe (d.1670), Royalist Captain during the Civil War and one of the poor Knights of Windsor in 1661 (references to I Nicholas Burgh occurring on ff. 165r, with the date 3d of June 1638, and 166r, and his name partly in cipher on other pages); predominantly in his hand, with some later additions in other hands.

c.1638.

Afterwards owned by Elias Ashmole (1617-92), astrologer and antiquary.

Cited in IELM, II.i (1987), as the Burghe MS: CwT Δ 1.

This MS collated in Sidgwick.

Geo. Withers his Salutation to Robt. Rich's more especiall freinds in Comon assembled by his appointment. 24 Jan. 1667.
('When in professing Europe, Lust and Pride')

Unpublished?

Haleluiah, or, Britains Second Remembrancer
('Come, oh come in pious Laies')

First published in London, 1641. Spenser Society, Nos 26-27 (1879; reprinted in New York, 1967).

See also WiG 47.

WiG 21.9

Extracts, comprising six hymns and religious meditations.

In: A verse miscellany, comprising Volume I of A Collection of Poems by Thomas Binns of Liverpool, paginated 4 to 625, including an index. 1789.
The History of the Pestilence
('The Storme is past and loe, wee now obteyne')

First published as The History of the Pestilence (1625), ed. J. Milton French (Cambridge, Mass., 1932).

This poem is an early and substantially different version of the first two cantos of Britain's Remembrancer (1628).

WiG 22
Fair copy of a poem in two cantos, with a lengthy title-page, The History of the Pestilence or the proceedinges of Justice and Mercy Manifested att the great Assizes holden about London, in the yeere 1625 wherein soe many were executed by that Plague…[&c.], a prose dedication to the King, and an introductory twenty-line poem beginning Our Aucthor, first wth God beginns, in a professional hand throughout, 93 folio pages. c.1626.

Edited from this MS in Milton French, with facsimiles of pp. 4-5 after p. xxxvi. It has been doubtfully suggested (by Milton French and others) that the MS is autograph.

A Metricall Paraphrase vpon the Creede
('Lord, at thy Mercy-seat, our selues we gather')

First published in Workes (London, 1620). appended to Fidelia (London, 1622). Spenser Society No. 10 (1871), pp. 619-20.

WiG 23
In: A quarto miscellany of verse and prose generally on affairs of state, in several hands, one neat hand predominating, vii + 701 pages, in contemporary blind-stamped calf with metal clasps. c.1690s.

Inscribed (f [ir]) Tho: Mercer. Later bookplate of Charles Gordon of Beldorny and Wardhouse. Sotheby's, 14 December 1976, lot 21.

Mr George Withers, to the king when hee was Prince of wales
('Thoughe to bee to Obsequious weare a Sinn')

First published in Allan Pritchard, An Unpublished Poem by George Wither, MP, 61 (1963-4), 120-1.

WiG 24

Copy of a verse appeal to Prince Charles, here ascribed to Wither and evidently written not long after his release from prison (after 15 March 1621/2 and before 17 February 1622/3).

In: A large folio composite verse miscellany, chiefly folio, partly quarto, 243 pages, in contemporary calf.

Including 18 poems by Carew and two of doubtful authorship, compiled by Nicholas Burghe (d.1670), Royalist Captain during the Civil War and one of the poor Knights of Windsor in 1661 (references to I Nicholas Burgh occurring on ff. 165r, with the date 3d of June 1638, and 166r, and his name partly in cipher on other pages); predominantly in his hand, with some later additions in other hands.

c.1638.

Afterwards owned by Elias Ashmole (1617-92), astrologer and antiquary.

Cited in IELM, II.i (1987), as the Burghe MS: CwT Δ 1.

Edited from this MS in Pritchard.

Of the Labours of Hercules
('First, he the strong Nemean Lyon slew')

First published in A Miscelany of Epigrams [&c.] appended to Faire-Virtue, the Mistresse of Phil'Arete, generally bound with Juvenilia (London, 1622). Spenser Society No. 11 (1871), p. 912. Sidgwick, II, 174-5.

WiG 25

Copy.

In: A quarto verse miscellany of c.150 poems, in several hands; associated with Oxford, probably Christ Church, 279 pages (plus index and blanks).

Including twelve poems (plus one of uncertain authorship) by Corbett and 32 poems (plus four of doubtful authorship) by Strode.

c.1630s-40s.

Thomas Thorpe's sale catalogue (1836), item 1044. Later in the library of Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bt (1792-1872), manuscript and book collector: Phillipps MS 9561. Sotheby's, 19 June 1893 (Phillipps sale), lot 628, and 21 March 1895, lot 903. Hodgson's, 23 April 1959, lot 528.

Cited in IELM, II.i-ii (1987-93), as the English Poetry MS: CoR Δ 3 and StW Δ 6.

Prosopopæia Britannica: Britans Genius, or Good-Angel
('When, in his might, the Dogstar, raigned here')

First published, with preliminary material, in London, 1648. Spenser Society, Miscellaneous Works of George Wither. Fourth Collection, pp. 1-117.

WiG 25.5

Extracts, in a mixed hand, headed Some verses taken out of Mr George Withers his Prosopopæia Britanica, or Britagnes Genius, Edited Ano 1648 When ye King was at ye Isle of Weight; Beginning towards ye end of Page 98, & ending p. 101, here beginning And since men Wandring in a Wood by night, in double columns, on two pages of two conjugate quarto leaves.

In: A large folio composite volume of state latters, tracts and verse, in various hands, 282 leaves, in modern morocco gilt.

Largely Burghley papers, with some later additions.

Bookplate of Shelburne.

WiG 25.8

Copy.

In: An octavo miscellany of verse, prose and drama, written over a period in various hands, 179 leaves, in remains of contemporary calf. c.1620-late 17th century.

Inscribed (f. 31v) Henry Gould his Book 1620. Compiled in part by one Henry Gould (c.1620). Other scribbling in the volume includes names of Robert Carter, John and Peggy Marriot, Thomas and John Allsopp (1746), George and Thomas Swindell, Richard Fowles, and George and Catherine Bindale, as well as an acrostic on Mrs Anne Boulton, and, on the first page, the inscription Mend the play Booke Gilbert Carter. Sotheby's, 15 December 1988, lot 13.

The Psalmes of David
('The man is blest, who neither straies')

First published in Amsterdam, 1632. Spenser Society Nos. 31-2 (1881). For an account of the reasons why Wither's Psalms were prevented from publication in England, see James Doelman, George Wither, the Stationers Company and the English Psalter, Studies in Philology, 90 (1993), 74-82.

*WiG 26
Fair copy of an early version.

The title-page reading Psalmes of Kinge David, paraphras'd for our English Lire (accordinge the the [sic] Translation allowed in the Church of England) and fitted vnto such Tunes as were heretofore in vse by George Wither, and a prose epistle To the Reader (ff. 4-7), the text in the hand of a professional scribe, the formal title-page (f. 3) and some textual corrections and revisions elsewhere in Wither's autograph and the epistle also signed by him, on 112 small folio leaves.

c.1625-32.

Later owned in 1801 by Henry White of Lichfield. This MS was later in the library of Richard Heber (1773-1833), sold at Sotheby's (Heber sale, Part XI, 10 February 1836, lot 1688); afterwards owned by John Matthew Gutch (sold at Sotheby's, 16 March 1858, lot 2668, to Boone) and then by the Rev. Thomas Corser (sold by Capes, Dunn & Pilcher, Manchester, 14 December 1876, lot 459).

This MS substantially different from the later version published in 1632. It has occasionally, and erroneously, been described as entirely autograph. Discussed in Allan Pritchard, A Manuscript of George Wither's Psalms, HLQ, 27 (1963-4), 73-7. A fine proof impression of a later edition of these Psalmes, apparently containing a Summary transcript, and facsimile title-page, and other parts of this Original Manuscript, was offered in Joseph Lilly's book catalogue of 1861 (pp. 71-2).

Sonnet
('Hence away you sirens')

First published in Fidelia (London, 1619).

WiG 26.5

Copy, in a musical setting, headed Glee for four Voices/ the Poetry by George Wither 1614. Music by R.J. Stevens 1800, subscribed Revised 1819 by R.J. Thoms.

In: An oblong folio volume of part-songs, madrigals, glees, etc., the second in a set of three part books, in a single hand, 214 leaves, in 19th-century half-morocco. c.1780-1833.

Bookplate of Julian Marshall (1836-1903), music and print collector and writer.

WiG 26.8

Copy.

In: A quarto verse miscellany, in several hands, a neat mixed hand predominating up to f. 55r, 151 leaves (including a few blanks), in contemporary calf. c.1730.

Inscribed (in another hand) on the front pastedown Thomas Boydell. Formerly Folger MS 4108.

Sonnet
('Lordly Gallants, tell mee this')

First published in Faire-Virtue, the Mistresse of Phil'Arete, generally bound with Juvenilia (London, 1622). Spenser Society No. 11 (1871), pp. 894-900. Sidgwick, II, 160-5.

WiG 27

Copy, untitled.

In: A folio verse miscellany, comprising nearly 250 poems, in five hands, vii + 135 leaves (with a modern index), in contemporary calf gilt (rebacked), with remains of clasps.

Including 16 poems (plus second copies of two) by Carew, 19 poems by or attributed to Herrick (and second copies of six of them), 23 poems (plus second copies of two and four of doubtful authorship) by Randolph, 18 poems (plus two of doubtful authorship) by Strode, and eleven poems by Waller.

c.1630s-40s.

Inscribed on a flyleaf Peeter Daniell and his initials stamped on both covers. Later scribbling including the names Thomas Gardinor, James Leigh and Pettrus Romell. Owned in 1780 by one A. B. when it was given to Thomas Percy (1768-1808), later Bishop of Dromore. Sotheby's, 29 April 1884 (Percy sale), lot 1. Acquired from Quaritch, 1957.

Cited in IELM, II.i-ii (1987-93), as the Daniell MS: CwT Δ 5, HeR Δ 2, RnT Δ 1, StW Δ 5, WaE Δ 9. Briefly discussed in Margaret Crum, An Unpublished Fragment of Verse by Herrick, RES, NS 11 (1960), 186-9. A facsimile of f. 22v in Marcy L. North, Amateur Compilers, Scribal Labour, and the Contents of Early Modern Poetic Miscellanies, EMS, 16 (2011), 82-111 (p. 106). Betagraphs of the watermark in f. 65 in Ted-Larry Pebworth, Towards a Taxonomy of Watermarks, in Puzzles in Paper: Concepts in Historical Watermarks, ed. Daniel W. Mosser, Michael Saffle and Ernest W. Sullivan, II (London, 2000), pp. 229-42 (p. 241).

Speculum Speculativum
('Our Modern Prophet (so did Paul)')

First published, with preliminary material including a prose dedication to James I, in London, 1660. Miscellaneous Works of George Wither. Fifth Collection, Spenser Society No. 22 (1877; reprinted in New York, 1967), item 5 (pp. 1-176).

WiG 27.5

Copy of 64 lines of the poem, headed Withers in his Speculum, Speculativum, here beginning Seav'n Numerals the Roman Empire had, on three pages.

In: A miscellany compiled by Benjamin Brown (1664-1748), of Troutbeck, High Constable of Kendal Ward. Late 17th century.
WiG 27.8
Copy of two different versions of stanza 30 on folio 85, beginning And being met to praise thee, in a contemporary hand, on a blank page in an exemplum of the printed edition of 1660. Late 17th century.
To his ingenious and (wch is more worthy) his truely honest Frend, Mr Christ: Brooke
('I have surveid the Structure thow hast here')

First published in The Complete Poems of Christopher Brooke, ed. the Rev. Alexander B. Grosart (privately printed, 1872), pp. 201-2.

WiG 28

Copy of a commendatory poem ascribed to Geor: Wyther prefixed to a fair copy of Christopher Brooke's A Funerall Poem Consecrated to the Memorie of … Sr Arthure Chichester.

In: Quarto volume of 25 leaves written throughout in a single accomplished hand, evidently prepared by or for Christopher Brooke (c.1570-1628), politician and poet, for the licensers of the press. c.1625.

Later owned by the Rev. Thomas Corser, FSA (1793-1876), book collector. Capes, Dunn & Pilcher, Manchester, 14 December 1876, lot 462.

Edited from this MS in Grosart.

To his worthie & much honored ffreind, John Raven Doctor of Phisike, &c George Wither wisheth all happines, & sendeth as a token of his hartie love and thankfullnes, these following Poems
('It cannot, Sir, in Reason well be thought')

First published in J. Milton French, George Wither's Verses to Dr. John Raven, PMLA, 63 (1948), 749-51.

*WiG 29
Autograph of 46 dedicatory verses, in Wither's neat secretary hand, and signed by him Geo: Wither, on one side of a folio leaf.

Formerly inserted in a printed exemplum of Wither's Emblems (London, 1634-5) evidently presented by the author to Dr John Raven (d.1636), Royal Physician (see WiG 44). Facsimile of the MS in Freeman and Hensley edition, at the end.

c.1635.

Edited from this MS in Milton French, loc. cit. Facsimile in George Wither, A Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne (1635), ed. Rosemary Freeman and Charles S. Hensley (Columbia, S.C., 1975).

Vox et Lacrimae Anglorum
('Renowned patriots, open your eyes')

First published in London, 1668. Probably not by Wither; possibly by Edward Raddon: see Stephen K. Roberts, A Poet, a Plotter and a Postmaster: a Disputed Polemic of 1668, Bulletin of the Institute of Historical Research, 53 (1980), 258-65. See also David Norbrook, Some Notes on the Canon of George Wither, N&Q, 241 (1996), 276-81.

WiG 30

Copy, including a title-page and prefatory poem (beginning These lines had kissed your hands October last), but without the postscript.

In: A quarto composite verse miscellany, principally of poems upon affairs of state, in two hands, i + 52 leaves. Late 17th century.
WiG 31

Copy, including the prefatory poem and the postscript (beginning If e'er you leave us in a lasting peace).

In: A quarto miscellany of poems on affairs of state, chiefly Advice to Painter poems, 82 leaves, in quarter-brown morocco. Late 17th century.

Sold by P.J. & A.E. Dobell, 1938.

WiG 32
Copy, including a title-page, prefatory poem To the Parliament, and postscript, in a predominantly secretary hand, on 21 quarto pages (plus blanks), in later calf. c.1660s.

Bookplate of the Huth library.

WiG 33

Copy, including the prefatory poem To ye Parliamt and Postscript.

In: A quarto miscellany of poems on affairs of state, in several cursive hands, viii + 136 pages, in contemporary calf. Late 17th century.

Ownership inscription (p. [iv]) by Edward Dowden (1843-1913), of Trinity College, Dublin. Colbeck Radford & Co., undated sale catalogue, item 207. Item 117 in an unidentified sale catalogue.

WiG 34
Copy, including the prefatory poem and postscript, on 18 octavo pages. c.1667.
Vox Vulgi
('Words are but winde, and when that they are spoken')

First published as Vox Vulgi: A Poem in Censure of the Parliament of 1661, ed. the Rev. W. Dunn Macray, Anecdota Bodleiana, Gleanings from Bodleian MSS. II (Oxford & London, 1880).

*WiG 35

Autograph draft of an unfinished 732-line poem, seized by order of the Privy Council before the final revisions could be made, with an elaborate title-page (f. 83r: Vox Vulgi. being, A Well-come home from the Counties, Citties or Bouroughs, to their prevarications Trvstes; with a premised Savinge of the honor of everie faithfull & discreet member of Parliament…), and a prefatory poem (f. 84r-v: To the right horll: the Earle of Clarendon Lo: Chanceller of England, beginning Sir, he, that hath nought left, nor ought to do), the main text on ff. 85-91v, on nine quarto leaves, endorsed on a blank (f. 80) in Clarendon's hand Withere's libell 1661.

In: A composite volume of letters and papers of the Earl of Clarendon, for July-December 1661, 478 leaves.

Edited from this MS in Macray. For a facsimile of f. 85v, see Facsimile XXII above.

'When Pirrhous did wedd Hipodama'

Unpublished epithalamion and dramatic poem of 77 lines (including performance directions such as Enter Musick and Enter a Page with wine in a Cup of Massy Gold), apparently written by the young George Wither for the marriage of Sir Francis Willoughby and Lady Cassandra Ridgeway in 1610.

WiG 36

Copy, in a scribal hand, on three pages of a pair of conjugate folio leaves, untitled, subscribed Finis George Withers, corrected and endorsed in the hand of Cassandra Willoughby By Mr George Withes ye Poett Feb: 1610.

In: Unbound miscellaneous papers of Cassandra Willoughby, Duchess of Chandos, five items in all. End of 17th-early 18th century.

Among the Stowe Papers of the Brydges and related families, brought together at Stowe House, Buckinghamshire.

Poems Uncertainly or Spuriously Ascribed to Wither

George Withers Close Prisoner writte with a cole on a wall, thes verses
('Though I am shutt from freinds, & penne, & Inke')

Six lines, unpublished.

The title recalls the sub-heading, Writ on three fair Trenchers, with a Piece of Char-Coal, of A Declaration of Major George Wither, Prisoner in the Tower of London, published in 1662.

WiG 37

Copy, added to the volume in a later hand.

In: A small folio volume of legal opinions and arguments. c.1638.

Once owned by one John Boulton.

WiG 38

Copy, subscribed Finis G. Withers.

In: An octavo verse miscellany, including 13 poems by or attributed to Herrick, almost entirely in a single small predominantly italic hand, 250 pages (plus numerous blanks), originally in contemporary calf, but now disbound.

Inscribed four times on a flyleaf Tobias Alston his booke: i.e. probably Tobias Alston (1620-c.1639) of Sayham Hall, near Sudbury, Suffolk. His half-brother Edward (b.1598) was a contemporary of Herrick at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, while his cousin, Edward Alston, later President of the College of Physicians, was a contemporary of Herrick at St John's College, Cambridge, some of the other contents also relating to Cambridge, besides some relating to Suffolk. The date 1639 occurs on p. 241, and pp. 243-50 contains verses written in two later hands (to c.1728) and some prose pieces written from the reverse end.

c.1639 [-c.1728].

Names inscribed on a flyleaf including Henry Glisson (later Fellow of the College of Physicians); Thomas Avral(?); Horace Norton; Henry Rich; and James Tavor (Registrar of Cambridge University). Later owned by one John Whitehead, and by Dr Mary Pickford. Sotheby's, 27 June 1972, lot 309.

Cited in IELM, II.i (1987), as the Alston MS: HeR Δ 7. A complete set of photocopies of the MS is in the British Library, RP 772. Facsimile of pp. 6-7 in Sotheby's sale catalogue (see HeR 176, HeR 405) where the MS is described at some length. See also letters by Peter Beal and Donald W. Foster in TLS (24 January 1986), pp. 87-8.

'my mind's my Kdome & I will pmitt'

Eight lines, unpublished.

WiG 39

Copy, docketed Withers verses.

In: A quarto verse miscellany, almost entirely in a single cursive secretary hand, with a later title-page supplied in 1832, x + 116 leaves (plus blanks), in 19th-century black leather elaborately gilt.

Inscribed (f. 1r), possibly by the compiler, Richardus Jackson 1623 and Richard Jackson his booke, who is described in a later pencil note as perhaps the brachygrapher. On ff. 113v-16r, in a later hand, is a Catalogue of ye Books lately belonging to ye. Rev. Mr Jackson Rectr of Tatham.

c.1628-30s.

Also inscribed (f. 1r) John Pecke. Sold by Thomas Thorpe, bookseller, in 1831-2. Among collections of James Orchard Halliwell (from 1872 Halliwell-Phillipps) (1820-89), literary scholar and book collector. Bought by him in 1871 from Sotheran's, London.

A 247-page transcript of this volume made c.1830 is in the Folger Shakespeare Library, MS M.b.26.

Withers song he made in prison
('I who ere whiles the worelds sweet aire did draw')

Ten quatrains, unpublished.

WiG 40

Copy, in a musical setting, anonymous.

In: A folio songbook, 121 leaves (including c.20 blanks and an index), in contemporary calf (rebacked).

Including ten poems by Carew and twelve poems by or attributed to Herrick, in musical settings, predominantly in a single hand (ff. 2r-63v, 92r-9r, 100r, with a change of style on ff. 64r-5v and in the index probably by the same hand), with 18th-century additions on ff. 81v-7v, 89r-v and 145v-53r, and scribbling elsewhere.

c.1640s-60s.

Later owned by Colonel W.G. Probert, of Bevills, Bures, Suffolk. Sold by Quaritch in 1937.

Cited in IELM, II.i (1987), as the Probert MS: CwT Δ 4, HeR Δ 1. Discussed and analysed in John P. Cutts, A Bodleian Song-Book: Don. C. 57, M&L, 34 (1953), 192-211. Also briefly discussed in George Thewlis, Some Notes on a Bodleian Manuscript, M&L, 22 (1941) 32-5, and in Willa McClung Evans, Shakespeare's Harke Harke ye Larke, PMLA, 60 (1945), 95-101 (with a facsimile of f. 78r). A facsimile of the volume in English Song 1600-1675, ed. Elise Bickford Jorgens, Vol. 6 (New York & London, 1987).

WiG 41

Copy.

In: A quarto verse miscellany, almost entirely in a single cursive secretary hand, with a later title-page supplied in 1832, x + 116 leaves (plus blanks), in 19th-century black leather elaborately gilt.

Inscribed (f. 1r), possibly by the compiler, Richardus Jackson 1623 and Richard Jackson his booke, who is described in a later pencil note as perhaps the brachygrapher. On ff. 113v-16r, in a later hand, is a Catalogue of ye Books lately belonging to ye. Rev. Mr Jackson Rectr of Tatham.

c.1628-30s.

Also inscribed (f. 1r) John Pecke. Sold by Thomas Thorpe, bookseller, in 1831-2. Among collections of James Orchard Halliwell (from 1872 Halliwell-Phillipps) (1820-89), literary scholar and book collector. Bought by him in 1871 from Sotheran's, London.

A 247-page transcript of this volume made c.1830 is in the Folger Shakespeare Library, MS M.b.26.

Emblems

A Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne
('How Fond are they, who spend their pretious Time')

First published, in four books, with preliminary material including a dedication to Charles I, in London, 1634-5. Facsimile edition of it edited by Rosemary Freeman and Charles S. Hensley (Columbia, SC, 1975).

WiG 42

A list of Wither's Emblems, on four pages.

In: A MS book of epigrams. Late 17th century.
WiG 43

A series of 200 mottos, headed Withers Emblemes & Mottoe's, on leaves vertically trimmed to a single narrow column.

In: A quarto miscellany, in more than one hand, 68 leaves, in contemporary calf. c.1666.

Inscribed A Present from Dr Storer to Henry Cole, Peterborough. Later donated by Laurence Heyworth.

Inscribed Presentation Exempla of Works by Wither

A Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne (London, 1634-5)
WiG 44
A printed exemplum presented to John Raven (d.1636), Royal Physician, formerly including Wither's autograph verses to him (WiG 29). c.1635.
Britains Remembrancer (London, 1628)
WiG 45
A printed exemplum of the London edition of 1628 bearing Wither's autograph thirteen-line presentation inscription to Edmund Prideaux, Attorney General, dated 16 June 1656, the duodecimo volume in later calf gilt. 1656.

Booklabels of Herschel V. Jones and Louis H. Silver.

The inscription edited and discussed in Norman E. Carlson, A George Wither Presentation Copy, N&Q, 222 (December 1977), 535-6.

Fides-Anglicana (London, 1660)
*WiG 46
A printed exemplum alleged to be a presentation copy bearing the name in Wither's handwriting of Mr. James Calthrop on the title-page.

Offered in the early years of the twentieth century in Pickering's undated sale catalogues Nos 214 (item 2618) and 243 (item 11107) [sic].

Haleluiah, or, Britains Second Remembrancer (London, 1641)
WiG 47

A printed exemplum of the edition of 1641 inscribed in an unknown hand as being The guift of my worthy freind Mr Georg Wither receavd from his own hand the 12th of August Anno dni 1641.

1641.

Later owned by Richard Heber (1774-1833), book collector. Sotheby's, 8 December 1834 (Heber sale, 4th Part, 15th day), lot 2939, to Thorp. Facsimile of the inscription in an unidentified auction catalogue, lot 1212.

Letters

Letter(s)
*WiG 48

Autograph letter signed by Wither, to the Earl of Clarendon, about his unfinished poem Vox Vulgi seized by the Council, from The Messengers' House, 9 August 1661.

In: A composite volume of letters and papers of the Earl of Clarendon, for July-December 1661, 478 leaves.

Edited in Macray, pp. 1-2.

*WiG 49

Autograph letter signed by Wither, to John Thurloe, 28 December 1657.

In: A folio composite volume of state letters and papers of John Thurloe (1616-68), government official, for, in various hands, 395 leaves.

Volume LVI of the Thurloe papers.

1657.

Edited in Wither, Vox Vulgi, ed. W. Dunn Macray (Oxford & London, 1880), pp. ix-xi.

*WiG 50
Autograph letter signed by Wither, to the Mayor and Corporation of Guildford, 28 November 1645. 1645.

Formerly in the Guildford Muniment Room.

WiG 50.1
Official copy of Wither's letter to the Mayor and Corporation of Guildford on 28 November 1645. c.1645.

Formerly in the Guildford Muniment Room.

Documents

Document(s)
*WiG 51
A deed of acquitance from Richard Trewe of Church Oakley, to William Trewe of Worthing, Hampshire, signed as a witness by George Wither, 8 June 1613. 1613.

Given by a Fellow of the College at Christmas 1884, and probably to be identified with the Letter of Attorney, 1 page folio signed by Wither as witness…June 8, 1613 sold at Puttick & Simpson's, 28 February 1851, lot 215.

*WiG 52
Wither's answer to articles against him by Ecclesiastical Commissioners for publishing The Schollers Purgatory without licence, in a professional hand and signed by him. c.1624.
WiG 53
Severall answeres by Wither to Thomas Knollis's bill of complaint, entirely in a professional hand and unsigned, 15 December 1645. 1645.
*WiG 54
Wither's autograph bill of complaint, to the Privy Council, against Humphrey Fledger, on a single large membrane of vellum, 6 May 1647. 1647.
*WiG 55

An order signed by Wither and other Commissioners for the Sale of the Late King's Goods, addressed to Carew Mildmay, Groom of His Majesty's Jewels and Plate, demanding the delivery up certain goods, books and papers in his custody, 25 September 1649.

In: State papers.

The documents signed by Wither cited in Allan Pritchard, George Wither and the Sale of the Estate of Charles I, MP, 77 (1979-80), 370-81.

*WiG 56

An order signed by Wither and other Commissioners for the Sale of the Late King's Goods, addressed to Carew Mildmay, Groom of His Majesty's Jewels and Plate, demanding the delivery up certain goods, books and papers in his custody, 21 January 1649/50.

In: State papers.

The documents signed by Wither cited in Allan Pritchard, George Wither and the Sale of the Estate of Charles I, MP, 77 (1979-80), 370-81.

*WiG 57

An order signed by Wither and other Commissioners for the Sale of the Late King's Goods, addressed to Carew Mildmay, Groom of His Majesty's Jewels and Plate, demanding the delivery up certain goods, books and papers in his custody, 19 Otober 1651.

In: State papers.

The documents signed by Wither cited in Allan Pritchard, George Wither and the Sale of the Estate of Charles I, MP, 77 (1979-80), 370-81.

*WiG 58
A report by Wither and Colonel John Humphreyes concerning René Augier, the text and signature of Wither (as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods) in the same hand, 10 December 1651. 1651.

Later among the MSS of the Egerton-Warburton family, of Arley Hall, Cheshire. Sotheby's, 16 March 1937, lot 525, to Sawyer.

Recorded in HMC, 3rd Report (1872), Appendix, p. 291.

*WiG 59

An order signed by Wither and other Commissioners for the Sale of the Late King's Goods, addressed to Carew Mildmay, Groom of His Majesty's Jewels and Plate, demanding the delivery up certain goods, books and papers in his custody, 23 November 1652.

In: State papers.

The documents signed by Wither cited in Allan Pritchard, George Wither and the Sale of the Estate of Charles I, MP, 77 (1979-80), 370-81.

*WiG 60

An order signed by Wither and other Commissioners for the Sale of the Late King's Goods, addressed to Carew Mildmay, Groom of His Majesty's Jewels and Plate, demanding the delivery up certain goods, books and papers in his custody, 30 November1652.

In: State papers.

The documents signed by Wither cited in Allan Pritchard, George Wither and the Sale of the Estate of Charles I, MP, 77 (1979-80), 370-81.

*WiG 61
An autograph bill of complaint by Wither, to the Privy Council, concerning a suit against him by one Thomas Beauchamp a pore Tradsman in London, on a single membrane of vellum, 28 January 1657/8. 1558.
Inventories
*WiG 62
A true Inventory of ye Goods that are in the Tower Wardrobe, signed at the end by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods. c.1649.

Edited in Millar, pp. 1-19.

*WiG 63
A true inventory of the plate now being in the Jewell=house of Whitehall in the Custody of Mr Carew Mildmay taken the 31th of July. 1649, signed at the end by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods. 1649.

Edited in Millar, pp. 20-1.

*WiG 64
Goods belonging to ye late King vallued as followeth, signed near the end by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods. c.1649.

Edited in Millar, pp. 322-6.

*WiG 65
An Inventory of goods Taken at Oatelands. ye 131 septembr 1649. vewed & appraised, 29 folio leaves chiefly on guards, signed at the end by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods. 1649.

Later owned by Anthony Methuen (1925-94), sixth Baron Methuen, of Corsham Court, Wiltshire. Sotheby's, 11 July 1996, lot 379, to Fine Art Society, with a facsimile of the last page in the sale catalogue.

Edited in Millar, pp. 281-321.

Petitions
*WiG 66
Wither's autograph petition to the Privy Council, concerning a Book of Hymns, unsigned, 21 March 1633/4. 1634.
*WiG 67
An agreement between Wither and Robert Crosse concerning Books of Hymns, signed by both men, 11 June 1635. 1635.
*WiG 68

A petition by Wither, to the House of Lords, for payment of money owed him, in a small professional secretary hand, written across the width of one side of a single broadsheet, with Wither's autograph signature Geo: Wither. [15 March 1647/8].

In: A large guardbook of parliamentary papers from 11 to 27 March 1647/8, in various hands and paper sizes, foliated ff. 14 to 120.

Formerly House of Lords Record Office, Main Papers, H.L., 15 March 1647/8. Recorded in HMC, 7th Report (1879), Appendix, p. 15.

*WiG 69

Petition by George Wither to Parliament, for money owed him, probably in his neat secretary hand and signed by him Geo. Wither, on the first page of a pair of conjugate folio leaves, 19 September 1649.

In: A large guardbook of parliamentary papers from 9 January 1648/9 to 25 February 1649/50, in various hands and paper sizes, 144 leaves foliated ff. 1-126, 1-8.

Recorded in HMC, 7th Report, pp. 70-1.

*WiG 70

A petition by Wither, to the House of Commons, requesting his release from imprisonment and applying for the office of Chief Searcher of Dover, a printed document with four words added in Wither's own hand.

In: A folio composite volume of state papers, in various hands, c.285 leaves.
Warrant(s)
*WiG 71
Forty-seven warrants, signed by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods. c.1649-56.
*WiG 72
At least 255 warrants, signed by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods (plus some others also possibly signed by him but the signatures now crumbled away). 1651.
*WiG 73
A warrant authorizing payment to Nathaniel Hardraid[?], signed by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods, 10 October 1651. 1651.

Reduced facsimile in The Curtis Museum, 3rd Annual report (1936), p. [10].

*WiG 74
A warrant authorizing payment to Edward Basse, the assignee of Francis Dodsworth, signed by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods, 10 October 1651. 1651.

Sotheby's, 12 May [4th day 26 May] 1988, lot 1479, to Buckland. Sotheby's, 15 November 1991, lot 1023, to Quaritch.

*WiG 75
A warrant authorizing payment to Sir Henry Hene, signed by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods, 10 October 1651. 10 October 1651.

Facsimiles in The History of the Pestilence (1625), ed. J. Milton French (Cambridge, Mass., 1932), after p. xviii, and in Seventeenth-Century British Nondramatic Poets, First Series, ed. M. Thomas Hester, DLB, 121 (Detroit, 1992), p. 282.

*WiG 76
A warrant authorizing payment to Edward Basse, the assignee of Peter Pulliard, signed by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods, 10 October 1651. 1651.
*WiG 77
A warrant authorizing payment to Edward Basse, the assignee of William Cotton, signed by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods, 10 October 1651. 1651.
*WiG 78

A warrant authorizing payment to Edward Basse for goods supplied, signed by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods, 10 February 1651/2.

Donated in 1910 by Mr E. Leggatt.

In: A folio composite volume of miscellaneous letters and papers, in various hands, 248 leaves.
*WiG 79
275 warrants, signed by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods. 1651-2.
*WiG 80
317 warrants, signed by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods. 1653-8.
*WiG 81

A warrant authorizing the delivery of specified goods to William Gregory, signed by Wither as member of the Committee of Trustees for the Sale of the Late King's Goods, 11 January 1652[/3].

In: A composite volume of letters and papers of the Earl of Clarendon, for January 1652/3-June 1653, 512 leaves.

Miscellaneous

Faire-Virtue, the Mistresse of Phil'Arete

Generally bound with Juvenilia (London, 1622). Spenser Society No. 11 (1871).

WiG 82
A complete transcript of the London edition of 1633, dated 1708. 1708.

Miscellaneous Extracts from Works by Wither

Extracts
WiG 83

Adapted verse extracts from Wither's miscelany, Faire-Virtue (London, 1622).

In: A quarto miscellany of verse and prose, in a single italic hand, entitled Gospell Obseruations & Religius manifestations, 370 pages, in contemporary calf.

Entirely in the hand of Robert Overton (1608/9-1678/9), parliamentarian army officer, whose signature appears on a flyleaf. Prepared as a memorial and tribute to his wife, Ann Gardiner (d.1665), and written when in prison, either on Jersey or in the Tower of London.

c.1671/2.

Inscribed inside the front cover Saml Atkins Wykeham and inside the rear cover 17 Feby 1879. Purchased this Book of Prescot Bookseller. Upper Arcade. Bristol...Edwd G. Doggett.

This volume discussed extensively, with facsimile examples (of pp. 85-6, 151-2, 162, 166, 190-2), in David Norbrook, This blushinge tribute of a borrowed muse: Robert Overton and his Overturning of the Poetic Canon, EMS, 4 (1993), 220-66.

Facsimile of p. 152 in Norbrook, p. 223 (Plate 2).