Mary Astell

Verse

Affliction
('I know not what Affliction means')

Unpublished.

*AsM 1

Autograph.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

Ambition
('What's that with such vigour fills my breast?')

Unpublished.

*AsM 2

Autograph, the poem dated 30 March 1684.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

'Awake my lute, daughters of Musick come'

Unpublished.

*AsM 3

Autograph.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

The Complaint
('What dost thou mean my God (said I')

Unpublished.

*AsM 4

Autograph.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

Death
('It was a glorious and a cheerful day')

Unpublished.

*AsM 5

Autograph.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

Enemies
('I love you whom the World calls Enemies')

Unpublished.

AsM 6

Autograph, the poem dated 18 March 1683.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

Heaven
('In a poor simple Girl 'tis a bold flight')

Unpublished.

*AsM 7

Autograph.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

*AsM 8

Autograph of a shorter version of the poem.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

Hell
('With a short line, and scanty wit')

Unpublished.

*AsM 9

Autograph.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

In emulation of Mr Cowley's Poem called the Motto page 1
('What shall i do? not to be Rich or great')

Unpublished.

*AsM 10

Autograph, the poem dated 7 January 1687/8.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

The Invitation
('Come Muse, and leave those wings that soar')

Unpublished.

*AsM 11

Autograph, the poem made June 28 1683.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

Judgement
('Tis said: the sacred word is past')

Unpublished.

*AsM 12

Autograph.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

'Since Praise is nauteous to a modest ear'

Unpublished.

*AsM 13

Autograph.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

Solitude
('Now I with generous Cowley see')

Unpublished.

*AsM 14

Autograph, the poem dated 8 April 1684.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

The Thanksgiving
('Hence you complaining thoughts away')

Unpublished.

*AsM 15

Autograph.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

Virtue
('Go despicable Virtue go')

Unpublished.

*AsM 16

Autograph.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.

Prose

Dedicatory epistle to Sancroft
*AsM 18

Autograph.

In: A quarto composite volume of verse and prose, in various hands, v + 159 leaves, in half-calf.

An autograph manuscript of sixteen poems by Mary Astell, in her semi-calligraphic script, occupies ff. 50r-97v. It is a presentation copy with (f. 50v) a title-page, A Collection of Poems humbly presented and Dedicated To the most Reverend Father in God William [Sancroft] By Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury &c 1689 (f. 51r-v), a prose dedicatory epistle to Archbishop Sancroft, and (f. 94r) an address leaf To the most Reverend his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury These humbly present, 49 quarto leaves, bearing traces of a red wax seal.

The Astell MS discussed in Ruth Perry, A seventeenth-century feminist poet, TLS, 20 August 1982, p. 911. It is described also in the online Perdita project.