The British Library: Harley Collection, numbers 1 through 999

http://www.bl.uk/

Harley MS 35

A folio volume of state tracts, in various professional hands, 522 leaves, in modern half-morocco gilt.
- EsR 8 f. 338r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand.
  
  This MS collated in May, pp. 124-5.
  
  May, Poems, No. 7, p. 47. May, Courtier Poets, p. 254. EV 8176.
  
  Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, 'Happy were Hee could finish foorth his Fate'
- CvG 18 ff. 342r-51r
  
  Copy, in a professional mixed hand, headed The Discourse of the life and death of Cardinall Woolsey, unascribed, imperfect, lacking the ending. Early 17th century.
  This MS believed by Humfrey Wanley to have been corrected from British Library, Harley MS 428: see his notes in Bodleian, Gough Oxford 22.
  
  Sylvester, No. 11.
  
  First published in George Cavendish, The Life of Cardinal Wolsey and Metrical Visions, ed. Samuel W. Singer, 2 vols (Chiswick, 1825). The Life and Death of Cardinal Wolsey by George Cavendish, ed. Richard S. Sylvester, EETS, orig. ser. 243 (London, New York and Toronto, 1959).
  
  George Cavendish, The Life of Cardinal Wolsey
- BcF 536 ff. 412r-17v
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary.
  
  Advice beginning Most Gracious Soveraign and most worthy to be a Soveraign / Care, one of the natural and true-bred children of unfeigned affection.... First published in The Felicity of Queen Elizabeth (London, 1651), pp. 121-56. Spedding, VIII, 43-56.
  
  Francis Bacon, A Letter of Advice to the Queen (1584)
- CtR 503 ff. 428r-50r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed Considerations for the represinge of the increase of Treists Jesuites and Recusants w^thout drawinge of bloud, unascribed.
  
  Tract beginning I am not ignorant, that this latter age hath brought forth a swarm of busie heads..., dated 11 August 1613. First published in two editions, as respectively Seriovs Considerations for Repressing of the Increase of Iesvites and A Treatise against Recusants (both London, 1641). Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [109]-159.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, Twenty-four Argvments, Whether it be more expedient to suppress Popish Practises against the due Allegeance of His Majesty, by the Strict Execution touching Jesuits and Seminary Preists? Or, to restraine them to Close Prisons, during life, if no Reformation follow?
Harley MS 36

A folio volume of state papers and tracts, in various professional hands, 396 leaves (plus blanks), in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.

Chiefly in the hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary, and also including the Feathery Scribe.

Later owned by Sir Simonds D'Ewes, Bt, MP (1602-50), diarist and antiquary.
- TiC 48 ff. 268v-9r
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, headed A lre written by Chediock Tuchburne the night before he suffered Death, vnto his wife as hereafter followeth Dated the <space> of an^o. 1586.
  
  Hirsch, pp. 311-12.
  
  Chidiock Tichborne, A letter written by Chidiock Tichborne to his wife, the night before he suffered
- TiC 20 f. 269v
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, headed verses made by Chediock Tucheburne of him selfe in the Tower the nighte before hee suffered death who was Executed in Lincolnes Inne feilds for Treason.
  
  This MS recorded in Hirsch.
  
  First published in the single sheet Verses of Prayse and Joy Written Upon her Maiesties Preseruation Whereunto is annexed Tychbornes lamentation, written in the Towre with his owne hand, and an answer to the same (London, 1586). Hirsch, pp. 309-10. Also The Text of Tichborne's Lament Reconsidered, ELR, 17, No. 3 (Autumn 1987), between pp. 276 and 277. May EV 15464 (recording 37 MS texts). For the answer to this poem, see KyT 1-2.
  
  Chidiock Tichborne, Tichborne's Lament ('My prime of youth is but a frost of cares')
- CmW 2.5 ff. 392-3v
  
  Extracts.
  
  Part I (to 1589) first published in London, 1615. Parts I-II (to 1603) published in Leiden, 1625-7.
  
  William Camden, Annales rerum Anglicarum et Hibernicarum regnante Elizabetha
- ToC 3 ff. 394r-6v
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, headed The character of Robart Earle of Salesburye Lord high Treasurer of Englande &c: written by m^r william Turneur and dedicated to the most vnderstanding and y^e most worthie Ladye the Ladie Theodosia Cecyll Dated an^o <blank>, subscribed Guil: Tourneur.
  
  Edited from this MS in Nicoll, pp. 259-63.
  
  A character, beginning He came of a parent, that counselled the state into piety, honour and power..., and dedicated to Lady Theodosia Cecil. First published in Logan Pearsall Smith, The Life and Letters of Sir Henry Wotton (Oxford, 1907), II, 487-9. Nicoll, pp. 259-63.
  
  Cyril Tourneur, The Character of Robert Earl of Salisbury
Harley MS 37

A folio composite volume of state tracts and speeches, 321 leaves (plus numerous blanks), in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.

In professional hands, including items by the Feathery Scribe and by Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary.

Later owned by Sir Simonds D'Ewes, Bt, MP (1602-50), diarist and antiquary.

Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 234-5 (No. 43), with facsimiles of ff. 254v and 275r on pp. 95 and 93.
- BcF 169 ff. 2r-25v
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary and italic hand, with a title-page, as written by S^r Fran: Bacon Kn^t Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England.
  
  This MS collated in Spedding.
  
  A tract dedicated to Prince Charles, beginning Your Highness hath an imperial name. It was a Charles that brought the empire first into France.... First published in Certaine Miscellany Works, ed. William Rawley (London, 1629). Spedding, XIV, 469-505.
  
  Francis Bacon, Considerations touching a War with Spain
Harley MS 38

A folio composite volume of state tracts, in various professional hands, 283 leaves, in modern morocco gilt.
- CtR 432 ff. 228r-9r
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, headed S^r Robert Cottons Speeche to his ma^tie: on Sonday ye .3. of September at the Councell table aboute the alteracion of the moneys. 1626, follwed (ff. 229r-31r) by the Answer of the Council.
  
  Speech, beginning Gold and silver haue a twofoeld estimacon in extrinsicke as they are moneyes..., relating to Cotton's principal speech on coinage. Cottoni Posthuma (1651), pp. 303-7.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, S^r Robert Cottons Speeche to his ma^tie: on Sonday ye .3. of September at the Councell table aboute the alteracion of the moneys. 1626
- CtR 450 ff. 232r-5r
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, headed S^r Robart Cottons Speeche to his ma^tis: Councell at whitehall touching the abating of the Goulde and Siluer proiected by the officers of the Mint, wherby is proued, it is to be agains the Honour, Profitt & Justice of the State: in An^o. 1626. 1626-8.
  
  Speech beginning My Lords, Since it hath pleased this Honourable Table to command.... Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [283]-294, with related texts (The Answer of the Committees Appointed...2 September 1626 and Questions to be proposed, etc.) on pp. 295-307. W.A. Shaw, Writers on English Monetary History, pp. 21-38.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, A Speech Made by Sir Rob Cotton Knight and Baronet, before the Lords of his Majesties most Honorable Privy Covncel, At the Councel Table being thither called to deliver his Opinion touching the Alteration of Coyne. 2. Sept. [1626]
Harley MS 39

A folio composite volume of state tracts, letters and speeches, in several professional hands, 432 leaves (plus blanks), in modern crushed morocco gilt.

In professional hands, including those of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), merchant and antiquary, and the Feathery Scribe.

Later owned, and annotated, by Sir Simonds D'Ewes, BT, MP (1602-50), diarist and antiquary. A note (f. 432v) by Humfrey Wanley (1672-1726), scholar and librarian, records on 30 July 1714 that eight or nine years earlier Robert Harley lent this book to Queen Anne upon the account of divers Original Letters &c. written by the Royal Family, which, on its return, Wanley extracted and inserted into a separate collection.

Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 235-6 (No. 45).
- BcF 240.5 ff. 206r-22v
  
  Copy of 101 Ordinances, in a professional secretary hand, as made by the Lord Chancellor...1618.
  
  First published as Ordinances made by...Sir Francis Bacon Knight...being then Lord Chancellor For the better and more regular Administration of Iustice in the Chancery (London, 1642), beginning No decree shall be reversed, altered, or explained, being once under the Great Seale.... Spedding, VII, 755-74 (mentioning, on p. 757, having seen some MSS and editions of this work but without specifying them or his copy-text).
  
  Francis Bacon, Ordinances in Chancery
- BcF 339 ff. 248r-8r, 279r-85v, 287r-8v
  
  Copy of speeches by Bacon, including his inaugural speech as Lord Chancellor on 7 May 1617, all in the secretary hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628).
  
  Francis Bacon, Speech(es)
- DaS 34 ff. 331r-50r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as written by s^r walter Raileigh Knight.
  
  This MS discussed in Gottfried.
  
  First published (from a MS found in the Library of a Person of High Quality) as An Introduction to a Breviary of the History of England with the Reign of King William the I, ascribed to Sir Walter Ralegh (London, 1693). Works of Sir Walter Ralegh (Oxford, 1829), VIII, 509-37. Daniel's probable authorship discussed in Rudolf B. Gottfried, The Authorship of A Breviary of the History of England, SP, 53 (1956), 172-90, and in William Leigh Godshalk, Daniel's History, JEGP, 63.1 (1964), 45-57.
  
  Samuel Daniel, A Breviary of the History of England
- RaW 882 ff. 351v-60r, 369r-72r
  
  Copy of letters by Ralegh, including letters to James I, to Lady Ralegh, to Winwood, to Queen Anne., and to Nottingham, in the hand of Ralph Starkey and another professional secretary hand.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, Letter(s)
- RaW 728.13 f. 360r-v
  
  Copy of Ralegh's arraignment.
  
  Accounts of the arraignments of Ralegh at Winchester Castle, 17 November 1603, and before the Privy Council on 22 October 1618. The arraignment of 1603 published in London, 1648. For documentary evidence about this arraignment, see Rosalind Davies, The Great Day of Mart: Returning to Texts at the Trial of Sir Walter Ralegh in 1603, Renaissance Forum, 4/1 (1999), 1-12.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, Ralegh's Arraignment(s)
- RaW 756 ff. 361r-8v
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, headed s^r Walter Raleghe his speeche Deliuered at his Deathe...An^o. 1618.
  
  Transcripts of Ralegh's speech have been printed in his Remains (London, 1657). Works (1829), I, 558-64, 691-6. VIII, 775-80, and elsewhere. Copies range from verbatim transcripts to summaries of the speech, they usually form part of an account of Ralegh's execution, they have various headings, and the texts differ considerably. For relevant discussions, see Anna Beer, Textual Politics: The Execution of Sir Walter Ralegh, Modern Philology, 94:1 (August 1996), 19-38, and Andrew Fleck, At the time of his death: Manuscript Instability and Walter Ralegh's Performance on the Scaffold, Journal of British Studies, 48:1 (January 2009), 4-28.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, Speech on the Scaffold (29 October 1618)
- RaW 39 f. 368v
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, headed This Epetath followinge was writtene by S^r walter Ralegh the Night before he died.
  
  First published in Richard Brathwayte, Remains after Death (London, 1618). Latham, p. 72 (as These verses following were made by Sir Walter Rauleigh the night before he dyed and left att the Gate howse). Rudick, Nos 35A, 35B, and part of 55 (three versions, pp. 80, 133).
  This poem is ascribed to Ralegh in most MS copies and is often appended to copies of his speech on the scaffold (see RaW 739-822).
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, 'Euen such is tyme which takes in trust'
- RaW 310 f. 368v
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, headed S^r walter Ralegh on the snuffe of a Candle, the night before he Suffered death.
  
  First published in Remains (London, 1657). Latham, p. 72. Rudick, No. 55, p. 133.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, Sir W. Raleigh, On the Snuff of a Candle the night before he died ('Cowards fear to Die, but Courage stout')
Harley MS 78

A folio composite volume of state and miscellaneous papers, in verse and prose, in several hands, 86 leaves, in modern half-morocco gilt.
Mid-late 16th century.
- WyT 444 ff. 5r-6v
  
  Copy, in a professional formal secretary hand, headed A Declaration made by S^r Thomas Wiatt knight of his Innocence beinge [in the Tower] vppon the false accusation of Doctor Bonarde Bishope of London vnto the Councell the yeare of o^r lorde, undated.
  
  Edited from this MS in Muir. Edited in Walpole from a transcript of this MS made by the poet Thomas Gray (1716-71).
  
  Wyatt's declation to the Privy Council while in the Tower after his indictment in early 1541. First published by Horace Walpole in Miscellaneous Antiquities (1772), II, 21-54. Muir, pp. 178-84.
  
  Sir Thomas Wyatt, Wyatt's Declaration of Innocence
- WyT 446 ff. 7r-15r
  
  Copy, in a professional formal secretary hand, headed To the Judges after the Indictemente and the evidence.
  
  Edited from this MS in Muir.
  
  Wyatt's speech composed for his defence c.January-March 1540/1. Muir, pp. 187-209.
  
  Sir Thomas Wyatt, Wyatt's Defence
- WyT 224 f. 27r
  
  Copy, in a neat secretary hand, subscribed S^r T. W.
  
  This MS collated in Muir & Thomson and in Harrier.
  
  First published in Songes and Sonettes (London, 1557). Muir & Thomson, p. 51.
  
  Sir Thomas Wyatt, 'Nature, that gave the bee so feet a grace'
- WyT 369 f. 27r
  
  Copy, in a neat secretary hand.
  
  This MS collated in Muir & Thomson and in Harrier.
  
  First pub in Songes and Sonettes (London, 1557). Muir & Thomson, pp. 57-8.
  
  Sir Thomas Wyatt, 'Venemus thornes that ar so sharp and kene'
- WyT 295 f. 27r
  
  Copy, in a neat secretary hand, inscribed Tho w. to Bryan.
  
  Edited from this MS in Muir & Thomson, p. 242.
  
  First published in Songes and Sonettes (London, 1557). Muir & Thomson, p. 242.
  
  Sir Thomas Wyatt, 'Syghes ar my foode, drynke are my teares'
- WyT 282 f. 27r
  
  Copy of lines 1-4, in a neat secretary hand, inscribed Tho w.
  
  This MS collated in Muir & Thomson and in Harrier.
  
  First published in Songes and Sonettes (London, 1557). Muir & Thomson, p. 44.
  
  Sir Thomas Wyatt, 'Some tyme I fled the fyre that me brent'
- WyT 180 f. 27v
  
  Copy, in a neat secretary hand, headed T. Wyat of Loue.
  
  Edited from this MS in Muir & Thomson.
  
  Not published in the 16th century. Muir & Thomson, pp. 242-3.
  
  Sir Thomas Wyatt, 'Lyke as the wynde with raginge blaste'
- WyT 230 f. 28r
  
  Copy, in a neat secretary hand, inscribed T. W.
  
  This MS collated in Muir & Thomson and in Harrier.
  
  Not published in the 16th century. Muir & Thomson, pp. 65-6.
  
  Sir Thomas Wyatt, 'O goodely hand'
- WyT 142 f. 28r
  
  Copy, in a neat secretary hand, headed A balad of witt.
  
  This MS collated (and lines 9-12 edited) in Muir & Thomson.
  
  Not published in the 16th century. Muir & Thomson, pp. 153-4.
  
  Sir Thomas Wyatt, 'I wyll allthow I may not'
- SuH 49 f. 29r
  
  Copy, with corrections, in a neat secretary hand.
  
  This MS collated in Padelford, p. 201.
  
  First published in Songes and Sonettes (London, 1557). Padelford, No. 42, pp. 94-5. Jones, p. 14.
  
  Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, 'Of thy lyfe, Thomas, this compasse well mark'
- WyT 373 f. 29v
  
  Copy, in a neat secretary hand, headed A Ridell. Tho. W., followed by the original Latin version headed sub Idem latine Pandulpho and beginning Vulcanus genuit peperit natura, Minerva.
  
  This MS collated in Muir & Thomson and in Harrier.
  
  First published in Songes and Sonettes (London, 1557). Muir & Thomson, p. 84.
  
  Sir Thomas Wyatt, 'Vulcane bygat me. Mynerua me taught'
- WyT 388 f. 29v
  
  Copy of lines 1-7, headed A Ridle followed by an Answer.
  
  This MS collated in Muir & Thomson.
  
  First published in Songes and Sonettes (London, 1557). Muir & Thomson, pp. 237-8.
  
  Sir Thomas Wyatt, 'What thing is that, that I both have and lack'
- SuH 19 f. 30v
  
  Copy, in a neat secretary hand, untitled.
  The page bearing lengthways in the margin a note of contents in the hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary.
  
  Edited from this MS in Padelford, where Surrey's authorship is doubted. See also Rollins, II, 322-3.
  
  First published in Songes and Sonettes (London, 1557). Padelford, No. 20, pp. 70-1.
  
  Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, 'I that Vlysses yeres haue spent'
- SuH 47 f. 30v
  
  Copy of the first stanza, in a neat secretary hand.
  The page bearing lengthways in the margin a note of contents in the hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary.
  
  This MS collated in Hughey, Harington of Stepney. Recorded in Padelford, p. 197.
  
  First published in Songes and Sonettes (London, 1557). Padelford, No. 21, pp. 71-2. Jones, pp. 21-2. Edited, and tentatively attributed to John Harington (1520?-82), in Hughey, Harington of Stepney, pp. 131-2, 286-9.
  
  Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, 'O happy dames, that may embrace'
Harley MS 132

Copy, in a professional secretary hand, inscribed in another hand (f. 1r) Virescit Vulneræ Virtus: Wylsforde, seventeen folio leaves, in modern half-morocco gilt.
c.1620s.
Bearing a pasted-down strip of vellum with the title of the tract in the hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary.
- RaW 1068
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  A treatise beginning Forasmuch as in every doubtfull and questionable matter, it is familiar and common amongst men to be diverse.... First published in London, 1734. It was probably written by Sir Thomas Wilford (1541-1601?), or possibly by Sir Francis De Vere or Nathaniel Boothe. See Lefranc (1968), pp. 64-5.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, A Military Discourse
Harley MS 158

A folio composite volume of state pqpers, in various hands, 295 leaves, in 19th-century calf gilt.
- ElQ 212 ff. 156r-7v
  
  Copy of Version I, in two secretary hands, introduced ...Ytt plesed hir highenes...in her owne pson most gratiouslye & wisely to giue aunswere as followeth:, on two folio leaves. Late 16th century.
  
  This MS partly quoted (as Text iv) in Hartley, II, 261. Cited in Heisch.
  
  First published in Robert Cecil, The copie of a letter to the right honourable the Earle of Leycester (London, 1586).
  Version I. Beginning When I remember the bottomless depth of God's great benefits towards me.... Hartley, II, 254-8 (Text ii, a summary) and II, 261 (cited only, as Text iv). Collected Works, Speech 17, pp. 186-90 (Version 1).
  Version II. Beginning The bottomless graces and immeasurable benefits bestowed upon me by the Almighty.... Hartley, II, 247-53 (Text i). Collected Works, Speech 17, pp. 190-6. Autograph Compositions, pp. 67-72 (Version 2). Selected Works, Speech 8, pp. 61-9.
  Version III. Beginning My lords and gentlemen, I cannot but accept with much kindness this your petition, wherein I perceive the great love you bear towards me.... Hartley, II, 259-60 (Text iii).
  
  Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth's First Reply to the Parliamentary Petitions Urging the Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, November 12, 1586
- ElQ 223 ff. 158r-60r
  
  Copy of Version I, in a secretary hand, introduced ......her Maiestie then spake as foloweth:, on three folio leaves. Late 16th century.
  
  This MS partly quoted (as Text ii) in Hartley (p. 271).
  
  First published in Robert Cecil, The copie of a letter to the right honourable the Earle of Leycester (London, 1586).
  Version I. Beginning I perceive you have well considered of my last message.... Hartley, II, 266-71 (2 versions). Hartley, II, 271 (cited only, as Text ii). Collected Works, Speech 18, pp. 196-200 (Version 1).
  Version II. Beginning Full grievous is the way whose going on and end breed cumber for the hire of a laborious journey.... Hartley, II, 266-70 (Text i). Collected Works, Speech 18, pp. 200-4 (Version 2). Autograph Compositions, pp. 73-8. Selected Works, Speech 9, pp. 70-6.
  
  Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth's Second Reply to the Parliamentary Petitions Urging the Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, November 24, 1586
- *HoH 114 ff. 165r-6r
  Autograph
  
  Howard's autograph docketing, Reasones of the Trinity howse touchinge shippinge of scotland, to a series of ten clauses in a professional hand, on a single broadsheet.
  
  Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton, Annotations
- *CtR 531 ff. 188r-95v
  Autograph
  
  Autograph drafts, with copious revisions, relating to royal revenues, and money matters, headed This belogeth to the Tabl Roll, with a wrapper (f. 188r) inscribed A Table Directory how y^e Kingkes of England hau supplied ther wants by Parlements: R. St. 1615 (the signature here doubtfully ascribed underneath to Ralph Starkey).
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, Miscellaneous
- CtR 470 ff. 197r-206v
  
  Copy, in a professional mixed hand, as by S^r: Ro: Cotton K^t: & Baronet. made at the begining of the pliam^t A^o Dni 1623, subscribed Ro: Co: Bt:.
  
  Tract beginning To search so high as the Norman Conquest.... First published, as The Forme of Governement of the Kingdome of England collected out of the Fundamental Lawes and Statutes of this Kingdome, London, 1642. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [11]-39.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, That the Kings of England have been pleased usually to consult with their Peeres in the great Councell, and Commons in Parliament, of Marriage, Peace, and Warre. Written...Anno 1611
- *CtR 532 ff. 207r-18v
  Autograph
  
  Autograph drafts, with revisions, headed The Charges of severall Kinges & Queenes of England w^th meanes to raise aides both by men & monie.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, Miscellaneous
Harley MS 160

A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various professional hands, 254 leaves, in modern crushed morocco gilt.
- CtR 158 ff. 1r-10v
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, unascribed.
  
  Tract beginning As soon as the house of Austria had incorporated it self into the house of Spaine.... First published London, 1628. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. 308-20.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, The Danger wherein this Kingdome now Standeth, and the Remedy
- CtR 282 ff. 125r-48v
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, untitled and unascribed.
  
  Tract beginning The Kings of England have supported and repaired their Estates.... First published, as An Abstract out of the Records of the Tower, touching the Kings Revenue: and how they have supported themselves, London, [1642]. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [161]-200 [i.e. 202].
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, The Manner and Meanes how the Kings of England have from time to time Supported and Repaired their Estates. Written...1609.
- BcF 340 ff. 168r-9r
  
  Copy of Bacon's inaugural speech as Lord Chancellor, 7 May 1617, imperfect.
  
  Francis Bacon, Speech(es)
Harley MS 165

A large folio composite volume of state papers and parliamentary speeches, in various hands, 291 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.

Much in the hand of Sir Simonds D'Ewes.
- RuB 148 ff. 27r-8v
  
  Copy, closely written in a professional secretary hand, headed S^r Benjamin Rudyards speech in Parliam^t 1640, on two probably once conjugate folio leaves.
  
  Speech (variously dated 4, 7, 9 and 10 November 1640) beginning We are here assembled to do God's business and the King's.... First published in The Speeches of S^r. Benjamin Rudyer in the high Court of Parliament (London, 1641), pp. 1-10. Manning, pp. 159-65.
  
  Sir Benjamin Rudyerd, Speech in the House of Commons, ?7 November 1640
- WaE 797.8 ff. 144r-5r
  
  An account of Waller's speech after the failure of his Plot, in the autograph diary of Sir Simonds D'Ewes.
  
  A speech beginning I acknowledge it a great mercy of God, and a great favor from you …. The Works of Edmund Waller, Esqr (London, 1772), p. 218 et seq.
  
  Edmund Waller, Speech in the House of Commons, on Tuesday, July 4, 1643, when Mr. Waller was brought to the Bar
Harley MS 168

A folio composite volume of state parpers, the great majority in the secretary hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary, 253 leaves, in modern red half-morocco.
- RaW 1069 ff. 221v-40r
  
  Copy, in Ralph Starkey's hand.
  
  A treatise beginning Forasmuch as in every doubtfull and questionable matter, it is familiar and common amongst men to be diverse.... First published in London, 1734. It was probably written by Sir Thomas Wilford (1541-1601?), or possibly by Sir Francis De Vere or Nathaniel Boothe. See Lefranc (1968), pp. 64-5.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, A Military Discourse
Harley MS 169

A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, 209 leaves, in modern morocco gilt.

All in the hand of Ralph Starkey except for two other hands on ff. 94r-100v, 205r, 207r and 208r.
c.1620s.
- ElQ 265 f. 45r-v
  
  Copy of Version II, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, headed Queene Elizabethes Speeche in the parlemente time one Mondaye the xxx^th. of Nouembere .1601. hir Ma^tie beinge sete vnder state in the Counsell chamber at Whitehall...[etc.].
  
  Edited from this MS (as third version) in Hartley (pp. 294-7)
  
  First published (Version III), as Her maiesties most princelie answere, deliuered by her selfe at White-hall, on the last day of November 1601 (London, 1601: STC 7578).
  Version I. Beginning Mr. Speaker, we have heard your declaration and perceive your care of our estate.... Hartley, III, 412-14. Hartley, III, 495-6. Collected Works, Speech 23, pp. 337-40 (Version 1). Selected Works, Speech 11, pp. 84-92.
  Version II. Beginning Mr. Speaker, we perceive your coming is to present thanks unto me.... Hartley, III, 294-7 (third version). Collected Works, Speech 23, pp. 340-2 (Version 2).
  Version III. Beginning Mr. Speaker, we perceive by you, whom we did constitute the mouth of our Lower House, how with even consent.... Hartley, III, 292-3 (second version). Collected Works, Speech 23, pp. 342-4 (Version 3). STC 7578.
  Version IV. Beginning Mr Speaker, I well understand by that you have delivered, that you with these gentlemen of the Lower House come to give us thankes for benefitts receyved.... Hartley, III, 289-91 (first version).
  
  Queen Elizabeth I, Elizabeth's Golden Speech, November 30, 1601
Harley MS 180

A duodecimo composite volume of one printed and three MS tracts, chiefly in one scribal hand, 169 leaves, in calf stamped with arms (a dog's head) in gilt and with silver clasps.

The volume entitled BAZILEGAMVS or Roial Marriages discussed approoued improued Betweene Queene Mary & King Philip finished A^o.D^o. 1554. fol. i. Queene Elizabeth and Mounsieur frustrated A^o.D^o. 15. fol. 3i..

Owned, 2 April 1627, and annotated by the diarist and antiquary Sir Simonds D'Ewes (1602-50). Book label with the motto Virtute et Fide.
- HoH 21 ff. 75r-147v
  
  Copy, entitled The Lord Henry Howard after Earle of Northampton his defence Of the ffrench Monsieurs desiring Queene Elizabeth in marriage written in A^o. 22^o. Eliz A^o. D^o. i580, in Answare To M^r. Stubbs treatyse foregoeing which was intituled The Discouerie of a gapeing Gulfe. &c., following a printed exemplum (on ff. 31r-74v) of John Stubbs's Gaping Gulf (1579).
  
  This MS recorded in Berry, pp. lix-lxi.
  
  An untitled rebuttal of John Stubbs's tract The Discovery of a Gaping Gulf (1579) which attacked the proposed Alençon marriage. Beginning Dutiful affection to my native country enforceth me at this present to disclose my opinion and conceit … and ending … to perform agreeable service to Her Majesty and the state I would rest, with sword in hand, ready to make adventure of the loss of my life. First published in John Stubbs's Gaping Gulf with Letters and Other Relevant Documents, ed. Lloyd E. Berry (Charlottesville, 1968), pp. 153-94.
  
  Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton, Answer to John Stubbs's Gaping Gulf
- CtR 376 ff. 149r-69r
  
  Copy, entitled A Declaration Against the Spanishe matche propounded betweene Prince Charles and the Infanta Maria of Spaine penned By that vnmatched Antiquarie Sir Robert Cotton by the Command of King Iames during The Parliament A^o D^o 1624. A^o. 22^o. Jacobi; subscribed by Sir Simonds D'Ewes And thus far onlie as S^r Robert Cotton himselfe tolde mee he proceeded, leauing the rest, that concerned the treatie of marriage between Prince Charles & the Infanta....
  
  Tract beginning Most excellent Majesty, Wee your Lords Spirituall and Temporal, and the Commons of your Realm assembled.... Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [91]-107.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, A Remonstrance of the Treaties of Amitie and Marriage before time, and of late, of the House of Austria and Spaine, with the Kinges of England, to advance themselves to the Monarchy of Europe
Harley MS 248

A folio composite volume of state papers and tracts.
- RaW 576 ff. 107r-8v
  
  Early-mid-17th century.
  
  A treatise, with a dedicatory epistle to James I beginning Those that are suppressed and hopeless are commonly silent ..., the dialogue beginning Now, sir, what think you of Mr. St. John's trial in the Star-chamber?.... First published as The Prerogative of Parliaments in England (Midelburge and Hamburg [i.e. London], 1628). Works (1829), VIII, 151-221.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, A Dialogue between a Counsellor of State and a Justice of the Peace
Harley MS 252

A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, 170 leaves, in mottled panelled leather gilt.

In professional hands, including Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), merchant and antiquary, the Feathery Scribe, and John Stow (1524/5-1605), historian.

Later owned by Sir Simonds D'Ewes, Bt, MP (1602-50), diarist and antiquary.

Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 238 (No. 48).
- CtR 394 ff. 129r-36r
  
  Copy, in three professional secretary hands, headed A short view of Hen: 3 life, inscribed by the second hand written by S^r Robarte Cottone in An^o 1614 and presented to kinge James the same yeare.
  
  Treatise, written c.1614 and Presented to King James, beginning Wearied with the lingering calamities of Civil Arms.... First published in London, 1627. Cottoni posthuma (1651), at the end (i + pp. 1-27).
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, A Short View of the Long Life and Reign of Henry the Third, King of England
Harley MS 286

A folio composite volume of state papers, in various hands, 326 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
- DaJ 288 ff. 248r-9r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed A conference betwene a Gent Huisher and a Post, before the Quene at M^r Secretaryes house, docketed in another hand by John Dauies, on two probably once conjugate folio leaves, endorsed I. D.
  
  First published in John Nichols, The Progresses and Public Processions of Queen Elizabeth, III (London, 1823), 76-8. Grosart, I, 15-20.
  
  Sir John Davies, A Dialogue between a Gentleman-Usher and a Post
Harley MS 290

A large folio composite volume of miscellaneous tracts and papers, principally relating to Mary Queen of Scots and William Davison, in various hands, 283 leaves, in modern morocco gilt.

Owned, and annotated, by Sir Simonds D'Ewes, Bt (1602-50), diarist and antiquary.
- TiC 54 ff. 170v-1r
  
  Copy, in a secretary hand, headed The confessio of Tichburne in like sorte, in an account of the Babington conspiracy (occupying ff. 159r-73v). Late 16th century.
  
  This MS recorded in Hirsch.
  
  First published in George Whetstone, The Censure of a Loyall Subiecte (London, 1587). Hirsch, p. 313.
  
  Chidiock Tichborne, Tichborne's Speech at his Execution
- FeO 78 f. 273r-v
  
  Copy of the beginning only, in a predominantly secretary hand, headed Three months observacions of the Lowe Countrys especially Holland, on both sides of a single quarto leaf, imperfect, lacking the rest. Mid-17th century.
  
  This MS discussed in Van Strien.
  
  First published as Three Monethes observation of the low Countries especially Holland by a traveller whose name I know not more then by the two letters of J:S: at the bottome of the letter. Egipt this 22th of Jannuary (London, 1648). Expanded text printed as A brief Character of the Low-Countries under the States. Being three weeks observation of the Vices and Vertues of the Inhabitants... (for Henry Seile: London, 1652).
  
  Owen Felltham, A Brief Character of the Low-Countries
Harley MS 291

A folio composite volume of state papers and tracts, chiefly relating to transactions between England and Scotland, in various hands, 212 leaves (plus blanks), in modern morocco gilt.
- HkR 44 ff. 183r-4r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand.
  
  This MS is a different version of the statements printed in Keble, I, 59-60 (see HkR 40-2). Recorded in Keble's footnotes (and see also HkR 50) and in Folger edition, Volume V, with a facsimile of f. 183r on p. 260.
  
  Folger edition, Volume V. pp. 289-91.
  
  Richard Hooker, Propositions taught and maynteined by m^r Hooker the same breefly confuted by L.T. [Lawrence Tomson] in a privat letter the 20^th of marche 1585
- HkR 43 ff. 184v-5r
  
  Copy, the first folio page in the same professional secretary hand as HkR 44, the second page and endorsement in the hand of Ralph Starkey and on a folio leaf of a different stock of paper.
  
  This MS is a different version of the statements printed in Keble, I, 59-60 (see HkR 40-2). Recorded in Keble's footnotes and in Folger edition, Volume V, with a facsimile of f. 184v on p. 281.
  
  Folger edition, Volume 5, pp. 283-7.
  
  Richard Hooker, Doctrin preached by m^r Hooker in the Temple the fyrst of Marche 1585
Harley MS 293

A folio composite volume of state papers, tracts and verse, 242 leaves (plus some blanks), in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.

In professional hands, including those of the Feathery Scribe, Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), merchant and antiquary, and John Stow (1524/5-1605), historian.

Later owned, and annotated, by Sir Simonds D'Ewes.

Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 238-9 (No. 50).
- *CtR 533 ff. 27r-30v
  Autograph
  
  Autograph drafts, relating principally to wayes and meanes vsed to fylle the Tresurye by the kinges prerogative and commissions for men and shipping.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, Miscellaneous
- WoH 270 ff. 132r-51v
  
  Copy, in two professional secretary hands.
  
  First published in London, 1641. Edited by Sir Robert Egerton Brydges (Lee Priory Press, Ickham, 1814).
  
  Sir Henry Wotton, A Parallel between Robert Earl of Essex and George Duke of Buckingham
- CtR 159 ff. 170r-8r
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, endorsed (f. 178v) S^r Robart Cottons Relacon of the dangers wherin the kingdom nowe standeth w^th the Remedyes.
  
  Tract beginning As soon as the house of Austria had incorporated it self into the house of Spaine.... First published London, 1628. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. 308-20.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, The Danger wherein this Kingdome now Standeth, and the Remedy
Harley MS 298

A large folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, 176 leaves, in modern half-morocco gilt.

In professional hands, including those of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary, the Feathery Scribe, Sir Simonds D'Ewes, Bt, MP (1602-50), diarist and antiquary, and Sir William Dugdale (1605-86), antiquary and herald.

Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 239 (No. 51).
- DaS 35 ff. 1r-8v
  
  Copy of the first half of the work only, in a professional secretary hand, with an engrossed title-page A Breviarie or A shorte discourse uppon the Historie & Conquest of William the .1. sirnamed the Conquerour Penned by that Learned knight S^r Walter Rawleigh A^o. D^o. 16, imperfect, lacking the rest.
  
  This MS discussed in Gottfried.
  
  First published (from a MS found in the Library of a Person of High Quality) as An Introduction to a Breviary of the History of England with the Reign of King William the I, ascribed to Sir Walter Ralegh (London, 1693). Works of Sir Walter Ralegh (Oxford, 1829), VIII, 509-37. Daniel's probable authorship discussed in Rudolf B. Gottfried, The Authorship of A Breviary of the History of England, SP, 53 (1956), 172-90, and in William Leigh Godshalk, Daniel's History, JEGP, 63.1 (1964), 45-57.
  
  Samuel Daniel, A Breviary of the History of England
- BcF 585 f. 13v
  
  Copy of two letters by Bacon, the second to James I.
  
  Francis Bacon, Letter(s)
Harley MS 304

A large folio composite volume of state papers, in various chiefly professional hands, 192 leaves (foliated to 178), in modern half crushed morocco gilt.
- CtR 347 ff. 40r-1r
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, as written by S^r Robarte Cotton the 27 of Aprill, 1624. 1624-8.
  
  Tract, addressed to George Villiers, first Duke of Buckingham, beginning In humble obedience to your Grace's Command, I am emboldned to present my poor advice.... Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. 1-9.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, A Relation of the Proceedings against Ambassadors who have miscarried themselves, etc. ... [27 April 1624]
- CtR 160 ff. 48r-57v
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand.
  
  Tract beginning As soon as the house of Austria had incorporated it self into the house of Spaine.... First published London, 1628. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. 308-20.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, The Danger wherein this Kingdome now Standeth, and the Remedy
- *CtR 283 ff. 99r-101v
  Autograph
  
  Autograph draft, with revisions, written largely with the broadsheet paper turned sideways in oblong format, untitled; docketed by Cotton (f. 99v) Anno 8 Jacobi Regis [i.e. 1610/11] for the Earl of Northampton; endorsed (f. [101v]) in the hand of Ralph Starkey An Abstract howe to Aduance the Revenues of the Crowne, devysed for the better defrayence of the kinges Charge An^o 1606.
  
  Tract beginning The Kings of England have supported and repaired their Estates.... First published, as An Abstract out of the Records of the Tower, touching the Kings Revenue: and how they have supported themselves, London, [1642]. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [161]-200 [i.e. 202].
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, The Manner and Meanes how the Kings of England have from time to time Supported and Repaired their Estates. Written...1609.
Harley MS 305

A large folio volume of antiquarian and state tracts, in various professional hands, 385 leaves, in modern mottled leather gilt.

annotated by, Dewes.
- CtR 395 ff. 216r-25r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed in the hand of Sir Simonds D'Ewes A fragmentarie discourse touchinge H. 3. raigne penned by S^r Robert Cotton. c.1620s-30s.
  
  Treatise, written c.1614 and Presented to King James, beginning Wearied with the lingering calamities of Civil Arms.... First published in London, 1627. Cottoni posthuma (1651), at the end (i + pp. 1-27).
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, A Short View of the Long Life and Reign of Henry the Third, King of England
- CtR 108 ff. 226r-30r
  
  Copy, in a stylish professional italic hand, with sidenotes in the hand of Sir Simonds D'Ewes, headed A Relation written by S^r Robert Cotton to S^r Edward Montague to prooue that the House of Commons had equall power with the Peeres in point of Judicature Anno Dom i62i.
  
  Tract, the full title sometimes given as A Brief discourse prouinge that the house of Comons hath Equall power with the Peeres in point of Judicature written by S^r Rob: Cotton to S^r Edward Mountague An^o Dni. 1621, beginning Sir, To give you as short an accompt of your desire as I can.... First published in London, 1640. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [341]-351.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, A Briefe Discovrse concerning the Power of the Peeres and Commons of Parliament in point of Judicature
- CmW 76 ff. 249r-51v
  
  Copy in a professional secretary hand, headed The Antiquitye of Parliaments in England, subscribed Written by M^r W: Camden, also docketed by Sir Simonds D'Ewes (f. 249v) Written by M^r William Cambden, author of the Britannia.
  
  A tract beginning That there were such like assemblies as parliaments now are, before the Romans arrival here.... First published in Sir John Doddridge et al., The Several Opinions of Sundry Learned Antiquaries...touching...the High Court of Parliament in England (London, 1658). Hearne (1771), I, 303-6.
  
  William Camden, Of the Antiquity of Parliaments in England
- CtR 161 ff. 363 bis r- 8r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with a lengthy heading in the hand of Sir Simonds D'Ewes A discourse penned by S^r Robart Cotton concerning our present dangers at home & the desolation of Gods church abroad....succinctlie done by comand ffro the Counsell this present yeare 1627.
  
  Tract beginning As soon as the house of Austria had incorporated it self into the house of Spaine.... First published London, 1628. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. 308-20.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, The Danger wherein this Kingdome now Standeth, and the Remedy
Harley MS 306

A large folio composite volume of state papers and tracts, in various hands, 138 leaves. in modern half-morocco.
- DnJ 1761.5 f. 100v
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary, untitled, here beginning I Cannot goe nor sytt nor stand yond begger Cries, written after a pedigree of the Starkey family on one side of a single folio leaf.
  
  First published in Thomas Deloney, Strange Histories (London, 1607), sig. E6. Poems (1633). Grierson, I, 76. Milgate, Satires, p. 51. Shawcross, No. 88. Variorum, 8 (1995), pp. 7 (as Zoppo) and 10.
  
  John Donne, A lame begger ('I am unable, yonder begger cries')
Harley MS 354

A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, 207 leaves, in modern half-morocco gilt.

In professional hands, including those of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), merchant and antiquary, and the Feathery Scribe.

Once owned by Sir Simonds D'Ewes, Bt, MP (1602-50), diarist and antiquary.

Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 239 (No. 52).
- CtR 504 ff. 10r-31v
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey. headed A Discours against Recusants & in defens of the oathe of Allegeans written by s^r Robart Cotton Knight and Baronet the .xj. Day of August Anno: 1613.
  
  Tract beginning I am not ignorant, that this latter age hath brought forth a swarm of busie heads..., dated 11 August 1613. First published in two editions, as respectively Seriovs Considerations for Repressing of the Increase of Iesvites and A Treatise against Recusants (both London, 1641). Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [109]-159.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, Twenty-four Argvments, Whether it be more expedient to suppress Popish Practises against the due Allegeance of His Majesty, by the Strict Execution touching Jesuits and Seminary Preists? Or, to restraine them to Close Prisons, during life, if no Reformation follow?
- DaJ 263.5 ff. 32r-3v
  
  Copy of the opening of the treatise only, in a professional secretary and italic hand, incomplete.
  
  A treatise, with dedicatory epistle to James I, comprising 33 chapters, beginning The Question it self is no more than this, Whether the Impositions which the King of England hath laid and levied upon Merchandize, by vertue of his Prerogative onely.... First published in London, 1656. Grosart, III, 1-116.
  
  Sir John Davies, The Question concerning Impositions
- RaW 1105 ff. 36r-42r
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary, as written by S^r walter Ralegh Knight.
  
  Edited from this MS in Lefranc (1968).
  
  A tract beginning These three great kingdoms as they now stand are to be compared to the election of a king of Poland.... First published in Lefranc (1968), pp. 590-5, and discussed pp. 586-90. The attribution to Ralegh subsequently doubted by Professor Lefranc (private communication). If the tract dates from 1623, as appears in one MS, it could not have been weitten by Ralegh.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, The Present Stat of Thinges as they now Stand betweene the three great Kingedomes, Fraunce, England, and Spaine
- CtR 396 ff. 44r-60v
  
  Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, as written by S^r Robert Cotton Knight & Barronet in an^o: 1614.
  
  Treatise, written c.1614 and Presented to King James, beginning Wearied with the lingering calamities of Civil Arms.... First published in London, 1627. Cottoni posthuma (1651), at the end (i + pp. 1-27).
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, A Short View of the Long Life and Reign of Henry the Third, King of England
Harley MS 358

A folio composite volume of state, legal and antiquarian tracts and papers, in various hands, 225 leaves, in modern green half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.

Among antiquarian collections compiled by Sir Simonds D'Ewes (1602-50)
- BcF 241 ff. 3r-9r
  
  Copy of 97 Ordinances, followed (ff. 9v-10v) by 15 Addicyonall Rules, in a cursive secretary hand.
  
  First published as Ordinances made by...Sir Francis Bacon Knight...being then Lord Chancellor For the better and more regular Administration of Iustice in the Chancery (London, 1642), beginning No decree shall be reversed, altered, or explained, being once under the Great Seale.... Spedding, VII, 755-74 (mentioning, on p. 757, having seen some MSS and editions of this work but without specifying them or his copy-text).
  
  Francis Bacon, Ordinances in Chancery
Harley MS 364

A folio composite volume of theological and miscellaneous tracts and papers, in various hands, 209 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco gilt.
- DnJ 4013.5 ff. 45*r-45**v
  
  A detached pair of conjugate folio leaves bearing the contemporary inscription in a secretary hand on the last page Docto^r Dunnes Sermon farewell the Lo. of Bridgwaters sermo. left here by M^r Thomas J 7. Dec. 1619, apparently once accompanying a MS copy of Donne's farewell sermon of 18 April 1619 intended for John Egerton (1579-1649), first Earl of Bridgewater, left while Donne was abroad in Germany possibly by Thomas James (1572/3-1629), Sir Thomas Bodley's librarian.
  
  First published in XXVI Sermons (London, 1661), No. 19. Potter & Simpson, II, No. 11, pp. 235-49.
  
  John Donne, A Sermon of Valediction at my going into Germany, at Lincoln's Inn, April 18, 1619, on Ecclesiastics 12.1
Harley MS 366

A folio composite volume of miscellaneous state papers, over 220 leaves.
- PtG 212 ff. 80v, 91v
  
  Tax assessments of George Puttenham in St Margaret's parish, Westminster, for £10 a year in lande[s], in a register of the taxation of lands and fees in the county of Middlesex in 1581 and 1594.
  
  Recorded in Eccles, p. 109.
  
  George Puttenham, Document(s)
Harley MS 367

A folio composite volume of miscellaneous papers, in verse and prose, in various hands, including that of John Stow (1524/5-1605), London historian, 192 leaves, in 19th-century half-leather gilt.
- SkJ 9 ff. 101r-9v
  
  Copy, in a secretary hand, untitled.
  
  Edited from this MS in Dyce.
  
  Canon, C2, p. 3. First published in Dyce (1843), I, 116-31. Scattergood, pp. 121-34.
  
  John Skelton, Poems against Garnesche ('Sithe ye haue me chalyngyd, Master Garnesche')
- HyJ 20 ff. 110r-19r
  
  Copy, in a rugged secretary hand, subscribed John Heywod, imperfect and lacking a title.
  
  Edited from this MS in Fairholt and in la Bère. Complete facsimile edition in Tudor Facsimile Texts (London, 1909). A facsimile of part of the last page is also in A.W. Reed, Early Tudor Drama (London, 1926), facing p. 124.
  
  First published in London, 1846, edited by F.W. Fairholt, Percy Society. R. de la Bère, John Heywood Entertainer (London, 1937), pp. 115-43.
  
  John Heywood, Wytty and Wytless
- SkJ 43 ff. 130r-43v
  
  Copy.
  
  Edited from this MS in Littledale.
  
  Canon, R70, pp. 22-3. First published in Sir John Littledale's Roxburghe Club edition of Skelton's Magnyfysence (London, 1821). Edited in Dyce, II, 400-13.
  
  John Skelton, Vox Populi, Vox Dei ('I pray yow, be not wrothe')
- DrW 117.23 f. 153r-v
  
  Copy, in a secretary hand, headed The senses, on a single folio leaf.
  
  Often headed in MSS The [Five] Senses, a parody of Patrico's blessing of the King's senses in Jonson's Gypsies Metamorphosed (JnB 654-70). A MS copy owned by Drummond: see The Library of Drummond of Hawthornden, ed. Robert H. Macdonald (Edinburgh, 1971), No. 1357. Kastner printed the poem among his Poems of Doubtful Authenticity (II, 296-9), but its sentiments are alien to those of Drummond: see C.F. Main, Ben Jonson and an Unknown Poet on the King's Senses, MLN, 74 (1959), 389-93, and MacDonald, SSL, 7 (1969), 118. Discussed also in Allan H. Gilbert, Jonson and Drummond or Gil on the King's Senses, MLN, 62 (January 1947), 35-7. Sometimes also ascribed to James Johnson.
  
  William Drummond of Hawthornden, For the Kinge ('From such a face quois excellence')
- *HeR 305 f. 154r
  Autograph
  
  Autograph fair copy of an elegy on John Browne, Fellow of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, on a single folio leaf, unsigned and subscribed Trinitall halls/Exequies, with folds and tears, possibly one of the papers originally attached to Browne's coffin.
  
  Edited from this MS, with a facsimile, in Croft. Facsimile and transcript also in Petti, English Literary Hands, No. 53. Facsimile in Hilton Kelliher and Sally Brown, English Literary Manuscripts (British Library, 1986), No. 16, p. 16, and in Chris Fletcher et al., 1000 Years of English Literature: A Treasury of Literary Manuscripts (British Library, 2003), p. 65.
  
  First published in Croft, Autograph Poetry (1973), I, 32.
  
  Robert Herrick, Chorus ('Is, is there nothing cann withstand')
- DeJ 10 ff. 169r-73v
  
  Copy, with corrections in another hand, imperfect at the beginning and now consisting of 270 lines, on five folio leaves, subscribed in a later hand The above is Part of Sir John Denham's Cooper's Hill - last Edition.
  
  This MS collated in Banks; used to correct Draft I in O Hehir; pp. 77-90, and collated and described on pp. 44-8.
  
  First published in London, 1642. Poems and Translations (London, 1668). Banks, pp. 62-89. O Hehir, Hieroglyphicks.
  
  Sir John Denham, Cooper's Hill ('Sure there are Poets which did never dream')
- HoJ 219 f. 187r
  
  Copy, in the secretary hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary, with full title, on one side of a single folio leaf.
  
  Osborn, No. XXXIX (p. 210). Whitlock, pp. 558-9.
  
  John Hoskyns, S^r Fra: Bacon. L: Verulam. Vicount S^t Albons ('Lord Verulam is very lame, the gout of go-out feeling')
Harley MS 374

A folio composite volume of largely original letters, in various hands, 305 leaves, in modern half-morocco gilt.
- *CmW 179 f. 20r
  Autograph
  
  Autograph eleven-line memorandum by Camden, relating to Roman Britain, beginning Desyre M^r Claxton [i.e. William Claxton (1530-97), antiquary] to certifye you what rare matter he knoweth as concerning the Picton wall.
  
  William Camden, Document(s)
Harley MS 389

A bound collection of letters by Joseph Mede (1586-1638), Cambridge Hebraist and biblical scholar, to Sir Martin Stutevile of Dalham, Suffolk.
- HrG 306 ff. 298r, 300r
  
  Copy, in one of Mede's autograph letters to Stutevile. 15 March 1622/3.
  
  This MS collated in Hutchinson.
  
  First published in True Copies Of all the Latine Orations, made on the 25. and 27. of Februarie 1622 (London, 1623). Hutchinson, pp. 437-8. McCloskey & Murphy, with a translation, pp. 172-3.
  
  George Herbert, Dum petit Infantem ('Dvm petit Infantem Princeps, Grantámque Iacobus')
Harley MS 405

A quarto volume of state and philosophical tracts, in several hands, 75 leaves, in modern quarter crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
- LeC 14 ff. 1*r-35v
  
  Copy, closely written in a small predominantly italic hand, with a title-page Leicestrensem Rempublicane: Anno Dom: 1584...Leycesters Common wealth...1615.
  
  This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225.
  
  First published as The Copie of a Leter, Wryten by a Master of Arte of Cambrige, to his Friend in London, Concerning some talke past of late betwen two worshipful and graue men, about the present state, and some procedinges of the Erle of Leycester and his friendes in England ([? Rouen], 1584). Soon banned. Reprinted as Leycesters common-wealth (London, 1641). Edited, as Leicester's Commonwealth, by D.C. Peck (Athens, OH, & London, 1985). Although various attributions have been suggested by Peck and others, the most likely author remains Robert Persons (1546-1610), Jesuit conspirator.
  
  Anon, Leicester's Commonwealth
- EsR 118 ff. 36r-41r
  
  Copy.
  
  First published, addressed to Anthony Bacon, as An Apologie of the Earle of Essex, against those which jealously and maliciously tax him to be the hinderer of the peace and quiet (London, [1600]), but immediately suppressed. Reprinted in 1603.
  
  Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, Apology
Harley MS 416

A composite folio volume of Foxe's papers.
[1557].
- FxJ 12 f. 145r
  
  Autograph untitled preface, beginning Although y^e studious mynd of thys godly brother coopiler hereof…, inscribed in a later hand Fox's Preface to a Book.
  
  Facsimile in IELM, I.ii (1980), Facsimile XV (p. 95).
  
  Unpublished.
  
  John Foxe, [Preface]
- *FxJ 11 ff. 148r-9r
  Autograph
  
  Autograph Latin preface to an edition of the works of St Chrysostom.
  
  First published in Opera D. Ioannis Chrysostomi, Vol. I (Basle, 1557).
  
  John Foxe, Praefationis operibus D. Johann Chrysostomi praemittendae
Harley MSS 416-417, 419-425, 590

A large collection of Foxe's papers.

A large collection of Foxe's papers bound in ten volumes, consisting of numerous letters, notes, transcripts and theological tracts, some autograph, some in other hands, many relating to his work as a martyrologist.
16th century.
Once owned by John Strype (1643-1737)

These MSS analysed in A Catalogue of the Harleian Manuscripts in the British Museum (London, 1808), I, 236-50, 359. For individual works see FxJ 9, FxJ 11, FxJ 12, FxJ 14.
- *FxJ 21
  Autograph
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  John Foxe, Miscellaneous Papers
Harley MS 418

Autograph translation into Latin of Thomas Cranmer's Answer unto a Crafty and Sophistical Cavillation.
[1556-7].
Discussed in Mozley, p. 56.
- *FxJ 7
  Autograph
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  Unpublished.
  
  John Foxe, De tota sacramenti eucharistiae causa
Harley MS 423

Composite volume of Foxe's papers.
c.1550.
- *FxJ 9 ff. 129r-47r
  Autograph
  
  Autograph.
  
  This MS recorded in Mozley, p. 243.
  
  Unpublished. Recorded in John Bale, Scriptorum illustrium (Basle, 1557), p. 733, as Expostulationem Christicum homine.
  
  John Foxe, Expostulatio Jesu Christi cum humano genere
Harley MS 425

A composite folio volume of papers of John Foxe.
c.1570.
Partly once owned by John Strype (1643-1737), ecclesiastical historian and biographer.
- *TiW 2 ff. 1r-2v
  Autograph
  
  Fragment of an autograph unfinished draft, on all four sides of a pair of conjugate folio leaves, endorsed in Strype's hand.
  
  This MS edited and discussed in W.R. Cooper, A Newly Identified Fragment in the Handwriting of William Tyndale, Reformation, 3 (1998), 323-47.
  
  Tindale's reworking of an old Lollard tract advocating a translation of the Bible. First published in Antwerp, 1530.
  
  William Tindale, A Compendious Olde Treatyse, shewinge, howe that we ought to haue ye scripture in Englysshe
- FxJ 14 ff. 131v-3v
  
  Notes of Foxe's sermon on 24 March 1569/70, headed M^r foxe at paules crosse in good frydaye the xxiiii of februari anno 1570 and inscribed getherde bi the p^son of S agnes and corrected by master fox.
  
  First published in London, 1570.
  
  John Foxe, A Sermon of Christ Crucified
Harley MS 426

Copy of canon laws, formerly belonging to Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, with Foxe's autograph annotations; used for Foxe's edition of the Reformatio.
[1571].
This MS discussed in Mozley, p. 80.
- *FxJ 13
  Autograph
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  First published in London, 1571.
  
  John Foxe, Reformatio legum ecclesiasticarum
Harley MS 428

Copy.

Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed The discourse of the lyffe & deathe of Cardinall Woolsey, inscribed written by one of his servants, Cavendish added in another hand, 74 folio leaves (plus numerous blanks), in quarter-calf marbled boards.
Late 16th-early 17th century.
Later owned by John Strype (1643-1737), ecclesiastical historian and biographer, who obtained it from Mr. Woodward.

Sylvester, No. 12.
- CvG 19
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  First published in George Cavendish, The Life of Cardinal Wolsey and Metrical Visions, ed. Samuel W. Singer, 2 vols (Chiswick, 1825). The Life and Death of Cardinal Wolsey by George Cavendish, ed. Richard S. Sylvester, EETS, orig. ser. 243 (London, New York and Toronto, 1959).
  
  George Cavendish, The Life of Cardinal Wolsey
Harley MS 444

A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, with (f. 1*r-v) an Index of contents, 247 leaves, in modern half morocco gilt.

In various professional hands, including those of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary, and the Feathery Scribe.

Later owned by Peter Le Neve (1661-1729), herald and antiquary. Then by Robert Harley.

Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 239-41 (No. 53).
- SiP 194 ff. 2r-13r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed A Letter written by S^r: Phillipp Sidney vnto Queene Elizabeth touching hir Marriage w^th Mounseir.
  
  This MS collated in Feuillerat, III, 325 et seq. Recorded in Duncan-Jones & Van Dorsten, p. 38. Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 277 (No. 15).
  
  First published in Scrinia Caeciliana: Mysteries of State & Government (London, 1663) and in Cabala: sive Scrinia Sacra (London, 1663). Feuillerat, III, 51-60. Duncan-Jones & Van Dorsten, pp. 46-57.
  This work and its textual transmission discussed, with facsimile examples, in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), Chapter 4, pp. 109-46 (with most MSS catalogued as Nos 1-37, with comments on their textual tradition, in Appendix IV, pp. 274-80).
  
  Sir Philip Sidney, A Letter to Queen Elizabeth touching her Marriage with Monsieur
- SiP 180.6 ff. 14r-17v
  
  Copy.
  
  A letter beginning My most deere Brother. You have thought unkindness in me, I have not written oftner unto you.... First published in Profitable Instructions. Describing what speciall Obseruations are to be taken by Trauellers in all Nations, States and Countries (London, 1633), pp. 74-103. Feuillerat (as Correspondence No. XXXVIII), III, 124-7.
  
  Sir Philip Sidney, A Letter of Advice to Robert Sidney
- HoH 10 ff. 54v-6r
  
  Copy, in the professional secretary hand of the Feathery Scribe.
  
  Beal, In Praise of Scribes, 1998), p. 41 (No. 53.14).
  
  A tract beginning By the bestowing of my La Eliz. grace and after hir grace shall be settled …. Unpublished?
  
  Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton, Abatements nowe in beinge: or to be verie shortlie vppon the Marryage of the Lady Elizabeth to the Counte Pallatyne of the Rhine, Anno 1613: and otherwise ffor the kings Bennifitt
- CtR 348 ff. 79r-83v
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as written by S^r: Robert Cotton the 27^th: of Aprill. 1624.
  
  Tract, addressed to George Villiers, first Duke of Buckingham, beginning In humble obedience to your Grace's Command, I am emboldned to present my poor advice.... Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. 1-9.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, A Relation of the Proceedings against Ambassadors who have miscarried themselves, etc. ... [27 April 1624]
- RaW 660 ff. 92r-108r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, as written by S^r Walter Rauleighe and presented to kinge James in the first yeare of his raigne 1602. c.1620s-30s.
  
  A tract addressed to James I and beginning It belongeth not to me to judge whether the king of Spain hath done wrong to the Netherlands.... First published in Three Discourses of Sir Walter Ralegh (London 1702). Works (1829), VIII, 299-316.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, A Discourse touching a War with Spain, and of the Protecting of the Netherlands
- CtR 471 ff. 144r-61r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, unascribed.
  
  Tract beginning To search so high as the Norman Conquest.... First published, as The Forme of Governement of the Kingdome of England collected out of the Fundamental Lawes and Statutes of this Kingdome, London, 1642. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [11]-39.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, That the Kings of England have been pleased usually to consult with their Peeres in the great Councell, and Commons in Parliament, of Marriage, Peace, and Warre. Written...Anno 1611
Harley MS 464

A folio composite volume of ecclesiastical papers principally relating to Richard Corbett, Bishop of Norwich, 90 leaves (plus blanks), in modern half crushed morocco gilt.

Fols 4r-15r are in the professional secretary hand of Richard Corbett's personal secretary at Norwich.

Later owned by William Hopkins (1647-1700), Prebendary of Worcester, and afterwards by George Hickes (1642-1715), Dean of Worcester.
- CoR 781 ff. 4r-5r
  
  Copy of a formal grant by Corbett, in Latin, to Archbishop Abbott, accepting the latter's nominee for the Archdeaconry of Norwich, 15 May 1632.
  
  Richard Corbett, Letter(s)
- CoR 785 f. 10r
  
  A secretarial copy of a letter by Corbett to Sir Hamond Le Strange, 31 March 1633.
  
  Recorded in Bennett & Trevor-Roper, p. xxxvi.
  
  Richard Corbett, Letter(s)
- CoR 786 f. 11r
  
  A secretarial copy of a letter by Corbett, in Latin, to [John Parvish], Vicar of St Mary the Virgin, Holme-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, 11 April 1633.
  
  Richard Corbett, Letter(s)
- CoR 787 f. 12r
  
  A secretarial copy of a letter by Corbett to Dr Jones (A Letter sent from my Lord to M^r Dcon Jones beinge almost 80^tie years of age), 26 July 1633.
  
  Richard Corbett, Letter(s)
- CoR 789 f. 13r
  
  A secretarial copy of a letter by Corbett, to Samuel Ward, from Ludham, 6 October 1633.
  
  Edited in Gilchrist, p. xxxv, and in Bennett & Trevor-Roper, p. xxxvi.
  
  Richard Corbett, Letter(s)
- CoR 56 f. 14r
  
  A secretarial copy.
  
  Edited from this MS in Gilchrist and in Bennett & Trevor-Roper.
  
  First published in Gilchrist (1807), pp. 154-5. Bennett & Trevor-Roper, p. 92.
  
  Richard Corbett, Certain true Woords spoken concerning one Benet Corbett after her death. she dyed October the Second Anno 1634 ('Here, or not many feet from hence')
- CoR 791 f. 15r
  
  A secretarial copy of a letter by Corbett, to the Ministers and Elders of the French Church in Norwich, 26 December 1634.
  
  Edited in Bennett & Trevor-Roper, pp. xxxviii-xxxix.
  
  Richard Corbett, Letter(s)
Harley MS 478

An oblong duodecimo volume, comprising a a journal by John More of proceedings in the House of Commons up to 1641, in a cursive secretary hand, in modern binding.
- ClJ 189 f. 131v.
  
  Copy.
  
  First published in Character (1647). Edited in CSPD, 1640-1641 (1882), p. 574. Berdan, p. 184, as Internally unlike his manner. Morris & Withington, p. 66, among Poems probably by Cleveland. The attribution to Cleveland is dubious. The epitaph is also attributed to Clement Paman: see Poetry and Revolution: An Anthology of British and Irish Verse 1625-1660, ed. Peter Davidson (Oxford, 1998), notes to No. 275 (p. 363).
  
  John Cleveland, Epitaph on the Earl of Strafford ('Here lies Wise and Valiant Dust')
Harley MS 530

A quarto composite volume of antiquarian collections, comprising papers of Camden and John Stow, including (f. 76c) an autograph note from Camden to Stow asking to borrow some abbey foundations, (ff. 77-8v) Camden's autograph emendations apparently to Stow's Survey of London, (ff. 81-94) Camden's copy of passages out of Roman and Greek writers concerning Britain possibly for Stow's use, and (f. 95r-v) Camden's autograph draft (imperfect) of a character of Henry VI (beginning Thus ended this Kinge his transitorye Life…), 124 leaves.

Later owned by Sir Simonds D'Ewes, Bt, MP (1602-50), diarist and antiquary.

This MS recorded in F.J. Levy, The Making of Camden's Britannia, Bibliothèque D'Humanisme et Renaissance, 26 (1964), 70-97 (p. 82). Facsimile of f. 76c in Greg, English Literary Autographs, plate LXXIII(b).
- *CmW 152
  Autograph
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  William Camden, Collectanea
Harley MS 532

A quarto composite volume of state tracts and verse, in Latin and English, in various hands, 128 leaves, in 19th-century half-calf gilt.
- SpE 27.3 ff. 1r-4r
  
  Copy of an anonymous Latin translation of the April Eclogue, in a neat roman hand, headed Hymnus Pastoralis in laudem serenissime Reginæ Elizabethæ: ex Anglico sermone in Latinu traductus and beginning Nymphe, candidulæ Nymphæ, sub flumine sancto.
  
  Recorded in Leicester Bradner, The Latin Translations of Spenser's Shepheardes Calender, MP, 33 (1935-6), 21-6 (p. 26n).
  
  First published in London, 1579. Variorum, Minor Poems, vol. I, 1-120.
  
  Edmund Spenser, The Shepheardes Calender
- BcF 216 ff. 45r-8r
  
  Copy, incomplete.
  
  Edited from this MS in Spedding.
  
  A brief history beginning The books which are written do in their hands represent the faculties of the mind of man.... Quoted in John Speed, History of Great Britain (London, 1611). First published complete in Cabala (London 1663). Spedding, VI, 17-22.
  
  Francis Bacon, The History of the reign of K. Henry the Eighth, K. Edward, Q. Mary, and part of the reign of Q. Elizabeth
- BcF 107 ff. 61r-4v
  
  Copy, in the hand of one of Bacon's amanuenses.
  
  Edited from this MS in Spedding.
  
  A tract beginning I do not find it strange (excellent King).... First published in London, 1603. Spedding, X, 90-9.
  
  Francis Bacon, A Brief Discourse touching the Happy Union of the Kingdoms of England and Scotland
Harley MS 537

A quarto composite volume of state tracts and papers, in several professional hands, 123 leaves (but ff. 50-5 removed), in modern panelled calf gilt.
- BcF 138 ff. 26r-49v, 71r-v
  
  Copy, in a cursive secretary hand, imperfect and one leaf misbound.
  
  This MS collated in Spedding.
  
  A tract beginning It were just and honourable for princes being in war together, that howsever they prosecute their quarrels.... First published in Resuscitatio, ed. W. Rawley (London, 1657). Spedding, VIII, 146-208.
  A letter to M. Critoy, Secretary of France, c.1589, A Letter on the Queen's religious policies, was later incorporated in Certain Observations made upon a Libel, and first published in Cabala, sive scrinia sacra (London, 1654), pp. 38-41.
  
  Francis Bacon, Certain Observations made upon a Libel published this present year, 1592
Harley MS 540

A quarto composite volume of historical papers, in several hands, the majority in the small cursive secretary hand of John Stow (1524/5-1605), London historian, 123 leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
- ElQ 204 f. 115r
  
  Copy, in the hand of John Stow, headed The qwenes maiesties oration, made in the parliament howse, at the breakyneg vp thore of, the xxix day of marche, in ann^o dom. 1585. a^o 27^o. Eliz., on one side of a quarto leaf.
  
  Edited from this MS in Hartley. Cited in Collected Works and in Heisch.
  
  Beginning My lords and you of the Lower House: My silence must not injure the owner.... Hartley, II, 31-3. Collected Works, Speech 16, pp. 181-3.
  
  Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth's Speech at the Closing of Parliament, March 29, 1585
Harley MS 541

A quarto composite volume of tracts, in various hands, 232 leaves, in modern half calf gilt.

Owned, at least in part, by Sir Simonds D'Ewes.
- CmT 205 f. 145r
  
  Copy, in an italic hand, headed The song at y^e ending, at the end of a copy (on ff. 138r-45r) of Francis Davison's Masque of Proteus. Late 16th-early 17th century.
  
  Edited from this MS in Davis and in Greg, p. xxi. Discussed in Greg, pp. vii-viii.
  
  First published in Gesta Grayorum (London, 1688). Edited by W. W. Greg, Malone Society (Oxford, 1914). Davis, p. 475.
  
  Thomas Campion, 'Shadowes before the shining sunne do vanish'
- RaW 1089 ff. 174r-82v
  
  Copy.
  
  A tract addressed to the monarch and beginning According to my duty, I am emboldened to put your majesty in mind, that about fourteen or fifteen years past.... First published, as by Sir Walter Ralegh, in London, 1653. Works (1829), VIII, 351-76.
  Written by John Keymer (fl.1584-1622). See Adolf Buff, Who is the author of the tract intitled Some observations touching trade with the Hollander?, ES, 1 (1877), 187-212, and Lefranc (1968), p. 64.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, Observations touching Trade and Commerce with the Hollander
Harley MS 551

Stow's volume of transcripts of Silouester Giraldus Cambrensis his Itinerarie of Wales & Description of Wales in English Never imprinted in that toung.
- CmW 57 ff. 63r-119v
  
  Copy in the hand of John Stow (1525?-1605), subscribed Translatyd owt of latyn into Englyshe by W. Camden and here writen by John Stow marchaunt taylowr in the monthe of June anno 1576.
  
  Unpublished tract, beginning ffor as muche as we have discoursed in owr Topographia of the bonndynge of Ireland....
  
  William Camden, Giraldus Cambrensis, Vaticinal, or propheticall historie of the conquests of Ireland
Harley MS 557

Copy, in the hand of Ralph Starkey, 81 leaves (plus blanks), with a title-page dated 1584, inscribed (f. 84v) Bonté seueté souuenance sont du Seigneur les sentiers; bound with a separate discourse by Edward Payton, 1633 (Harley MS 3364), in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
c.1620.
Among papers of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), antiquary; subsequently acquired by Sir Simonds D'Ewes, Bt (1602-50), diarist and antiquary. A MS of this work is No. 86 in a catalogue of papers in Starkey's study.

This MS recorded in Peck, p. 225. See Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes (Oxford, 1998), pp. 254, 273.
- LeC 15
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  First published as The Copie of a Leter, Wryten by a Master of Arte of Cambrige, to his Friend in London, Concerning some talke past of late betwen two worshipful and graue men, about the present state, and some procedinges of the Erle of Leycester and his friendes in England ([? Rouen], 1584). Soon banned. Reprinted as Leycesters common-wealth (London, 1641). Edited, as Leicester's Commonwealth, by D.C. Peck (Athens, OH, & London, 1985). Although various attributions have been suggested by Peck and others, the most likely author remains Robert Persons (1546-1610), Jesuit conspirator.
  
  Anon, Leicester's Commonwealth
Harley MS 558

Copy of the 581-stanza version, in the hand of Ralph Starkey (c.1569-1628), merchant and antiquary, with frequent corrections and emendations possibly in another hand, the heading deleted, subscribed ffinis by Infortune, 56 quarto leaves.
c.1620s.
A paper wrapper (f. [1*r]) inscribed Elizadethe Startt (sic).

This MS collated in Mellor.
- HuF 7
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  First published, in an unauthorized edition as The Deplorable Life and Death of Edward the Second. Together with the Downefall of the two Unfortunate Favorits, Gavestone and Spencer. Storied in an Excellent Pöem, London, 1628. First authorized edition, as The Historie of Edward the Second, Surnamed Carnarvan, one of our English Kings. Together with the Fatall down-fall of his two vnfortunate Favorites Gaveston and Spencer, London, 1629. An edition of a 576-stanza version in three cantos, entitled The Life of Edward II, was printed in London 1721 from an unidentified MS.
  Mellor, pp. 4-169 (664-stanza version, headed The Life and Death of Edward the Second, including The Authors Preface beginning Rebellious thoughts why doe you tumult so?).
  
  Sir Francis Hubert, Edward II ('It is thy sad disaster which I sing')
Harley MS 573

Copy of an early text, in an accomplished secretary hand, with a formal title-page, complete with the dedication to Queen Elizabeth, on 51 quarto leaves, in modern morocco gilt.
c.1598-9.
This MS collated in Krueger and described, p. 440.
- DaJ 72
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  A philosophical poem, with dedication to Queen Elizabeth beginning To that clear Majesty, which in the North. First published in London, 1599. Krueger, pp. 1-67.
  
  Sir John Davies, Nosce Teipsum ('Why did my parents send me to the schooles')
Harley MS 633

Camden's brief autograph list of contents, on f. 3v in a 12th-13th-century formal MS chronicle of the Papacy, on 90 folio-size vellum leaves, in modern half red morocco.
Late 16th-early 17th century.
Inscribed liber Briani Stapletoni.
- *CmW 121.5
  Autograph
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  William Camden, Gesta Pontificorum Romanorum a Sancto Petro ad Anacletum
Harley MS 677

A quarto composite volume of state and miscellaneous papers, in several hands, 115 leaves, with an Index (ff. 68r-77r), in modern quarter crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
- LyJ 0.1 ff. 80v-5r
  
  Extracts, headed Euph..
  
  First published in London, 1578. Bond, Vol. I. Edited by Leah Scragg, in Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit and Euphues and his England (Manchester, 2003), pp. 25-150.
  
  John Lyly, Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit
- SiP 106.5 ff. 85v-6r
  
  Prose extracts, headed Out of the Arcadia and beginning Let vs thinke w^th consderacon, & cosider w^th acknowleginge....
  
  Facsimile of f. 85v in Fred Schurink, Lives and Letters: Three Early Seventeenth-Century Manuscripts with Extracts from Sidney's Arcadia, EMS, 16 (2011), 170-96 (p. 175).
  
  The unfinished revised version of Arcadia (the New Arcadia) first published in London, 1590. Edited, as The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia (The New Arcadia), by Victor Skretkowicz (Oxford, 1987).
  
  Sir Philip Sidney, The New Arcadia
- SpE 15.5 ff. 87r-104r
  
  Copy, in a small cursive secretary hand, headed Mother Hubbardes tale, a slip with a copy of lines 1-6 in the same hand also pasted on f. 1r.
  
  First published in Complaints (London, 1591). Variorum, Minor Poems, II, 103-40.
  
  Edmund Spenser, Prosopopoia: or Mother Hubberds Tale ('It was the month, in which the righteous Maide')
Harley MS 703

A large folio volume of state papers and tracts, many relating to Sussex and dating up to 1627, in various secretary hands, 177 leaves, with remains of a vellum wrapper from a rubricated 15th-century antiphonal, within modern half morocco gilt.

Apparently compiled for Sir Walter Covert, High Sheriff and Deputy Lieutenant in Sussex.
c.1627.
The name Mary Chalone inscribed on the vellum wrapper (f. 177r).
- RaW 883 f. 162v
  
  Copy of a letter by Ralegh, to his wife, 1603.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, Letter(s)
- RaW 40 f. 162v
  
  Copy, in a neat secretary hand, untitled.
  
  First published in Richard Brathwayte, Remains after Death (London, 1618). Latham, p. 72 (as These verses following were made by Sir Walter Rauleigh the night before he dyed and left att the Gate howse). Rudick, Nos 35A, 35B, and part of 55 (three versions, pp. 80, 133).
  This poem is ascribed to Ralegh in most MS copies and is often appended to copies of his speech on the scaffold (see RaW 739-822).
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, 'Euen such is tyme which takes in trust'
Harley MS 736

A composite collection of legal tracts, in several hands, now bound in two folio volumes (ff. 1-399, 400-711 respectively), each in modern half-morocco on cloth boards gilt.
- CtR 136 Vol. I, ff. 2r-257r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, largely on rectos with versos retained for sidenotes in another secretary script, unascribed.
  
  Tract, in two parts, the first beginning There is a Booke called the Myrror of Justices mentioned in Plowden's Commentaries..., the second beginning There be Two manner of Powers & Process....
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, The Courte of Chauncerye
Harley MS 737

A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various professional hands (including, f. 33r, the Feathery Scribe), 456 leaves, in half mottled leather on marbled boards gilt.

Later owned by Edward Stillingfleet (1635-99), Bishop of Worcester. Bought by Robert Harley in 1707.

Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), pp. 241-2 (No. 54).
- CtR 472 ff. 151r-8r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, unascribed.
  
  Tract beginning To search so high as the Norman Conquest.... First published, as The Forme of Governement of the Kingdome of England collected out of the Fundamental Lawes and Statutes of this Kingdome, London, 1642. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [11]-39.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, That the Kings of England have been pleased usually to consult with their Peeres in the great Councell, and Commons in Parliament, of Marriage, Peace, and Warre. Written...Anno 1611
Harley MS 750

A large quarto theological miscellany, in English and Latin, 177 leaves, in modern half-morocco.

Volume III of the collections of Dr James Wedderburn (1585-1639), Bishop of Dunblane.
c.1634.
- MrT 12 f. 27v
  
  Copy.
  
  Yale, Volume III, Part 2, pp. 274-5, with English translation.
  
  Sir Thomas More, Epigrammata. 262. De fele et mvre ('Muscipula exemptum feli dum porrigo murem')
- MrT 9.5 f. 27v
  
  Copy.
  
  Yale, Volume 3, Part II, pp. 202-3, with English translation.
  
  Sir Thomas More, Epigrammata. 160. Altervm de Eodem [Abyngdon, the Singer] ('Hic iacet Henricus, semper pietatis amicus')
- AndL 32.5 ff. 82r-5r
  
  Copy, headed Articuli Lambethani.
  
  First published in Articuli Lambethani (London, 1651). LACT, Pattern of Catechistical Doctrine (1846), pp. 287-300.
  
  Lancelot Andrewes, Judgment of the Lambeth Articles
- CoR 770 ff. 171r-3r
  
  Copy of an abridged version, headed D. C. B. of N: to his Clergie, here beginning One word in y^e behalfe of St Paul..., subscribed D. C. B of N: to his Charge.
  
  Edited from this MS in Malcolm and in Gilchrist. Recorded in Bennett & Trevor-Roper, p. xl.
  
  Sermon, beginning My worthy freinds & brethren of the Clergy, I did not send for you before, though I had a commission..., first published in James Peller Malcolm, Londinium Redivivum, 4 vols (London, 1802-7), II (1803), 77-80. Edited (with omissions) in Gilchrist, pp. xli-xlviii.
  
  Richard Corbett, A speech made by Doctor Corbet Bpp of Norwich to the Clergie of his Diocesse about theire Benevolence for the repayre of S^t Paules Church London [29 April] Anno domini 1634
Harley MS 785

A folio composite volume of miscellaneous historical material, in various hands, c.105 leaves.
- FxJ 1.7 ff. 76-9v
  
  Extracts.
  
  First published (complete) in London, 1563. Edited by Josiah Pratt, 8 vols (London, 1853-70).
  
  John Foxe, Actes and Monuments
Harley MS 787

A folio volume of state letters and papers, in a single professional secretary hand (but for f. 98r-v), 128 leaves, in black morocco gilt.

According to an inscription on f. 1*r this MS comprises (presumably a transcript of) Severall papers found in M^r: Deas Study Secretary to Bishop Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury.
c.1650.
- RaW 1106 ff. 5r-9r
  
  Copy, headed A Suruey of y^e 3. great kingdomes of Europe as y^e State of them was in K. James his tyme.
  
  A tract beginning These three great kingdoms as they now stand are to be compared to the election of a king of Poland.... First published in Lefranc (1968), pp. 590-5, and discussed pp. 586-90. The attribution to Ralegh subsequently doubted by Professor Lefranc (private communication). If the tract dates from 1623, as appears in one MS, it could not have been weitten by Ralegh.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, The Present Stat of Thinges as they now Stand betweene the three great Kingedomes, Fraunce, England, and Spaine
- RaW 884 ff. 59r-60v
  
  Copy of letters by Ralegh, to Sir Robert Carr and to Lady Ralegh.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, Letter(s)
- TiC 49 f. 61r
  
  Copy, headed A L^r written by M^r Tichborne to his wife y^e night before he dyed, subscribed Chidiocke Tichbourne.
  
  Hirsch, pp. 311-12.
  
  Chidiock Tichborne, A letter written by Chidiock Tichborne to his wife, the night before he suffered
- ElQ 188 ff. 125r-6r
  
  Copy of Version I, headed Queen Elizabeths Speech in y^e Parl^t house y^e 13. of March. 1575.
  
  This MS cited in Hartley, in Selected Works, and in Heisch.
  
  First published (from a lost MS) in Nugae Antiquae, ed. Henry Harington (London, 1804), I, 120-7.
  Version I. Beginning Do I see God's most sacred, holy Word and text of holy Writ drawn to so divers senses.... Hartley, I, 471-3 (Text i). Collected Works, Speech 13, pp. 167-71. Selected Works, Speech 7, pp. 52-60.
  Version II. Beginning My lords, Do I see the Scriptures, God's word, in so many ways interpreted.... Hartley, I, 473-5 (Text ii).
  
  Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth's Speech at the Close of the Parliamentary Session, March 15, 1576
- ElQ 266 ff. 127r-8v
  
  Copy of Version IV, headed The Queens Speach.
  
  Edited from this MS (as first version) in Hartley (pp. 289-91).
  
  First published (Version III), as Her maiesties most princelie answere, deliuered by her selfe at White-hall, on the last day of November 1601 (London, 1601: STC 7578).
  Version I. Beginning Mr. Speaker, we have heard your declaration and perceive your care of our estate.... Hartley, III, 412-14. Hartley, III, 495-6. Collected Works, Speech 23, pp. 337-40 (Version 1). Selected Works, Speech 11, pp. 84-92.
  Version II. Beginning Mr. Speaker, we perceive your coming is to present thanks unto me.... Hartley, III, 294-7 (third version). Collected Works, Speech 23, pp. 340-2 (Version 2).
  Version III. Beginning Mr. Speaker, we perceive by you, whom we did constitute the mouth of our Lower House, how with even consent.... Hartley, III, 292-3 (second version). Collected Works, Speech 23, pp. 342-4 (Version 3). STC 7578.
  Version IV. Beginning Mr Speaker, I well understand by that you have delivered, that you with these gentlemen of the Lower House come to give us thankes for benefitts receyved.... Hartley, III, 289-91 (first version).
  
  Queen Elizabeth I, Elizabeth's Golden Speech, November 30, 1601
Harley MS 791

A folio composite volume of state tracts and miscellaneous verse and prose, in various hands, 69 leaves, in modern half-morocco gilt.
- RaW 757 ff. 49v-50v
  
  Copy, in a secretary hand, headed The sume of that w^ch S^r. Walter Rawley deliuered att his death.
  
  Transcripts of Ralegh's speech have been printed in his Remains (London, 1657). Works (1829), I, 558-64, 691-6. VIII, 775-80, and elsewhere. Copies range from verbatim transcripts to summaries of the speech, they usually form part of an account of Ralegh's execution, they have various headings, and the texts differ considerably. For relevant discussions, see Anna Beer, Textual Politics: The Execution of Sir Walter Ralegh, Modern Philology, 94:1 (August 1996), 19-38, and Andrew Fleck, At the time of his death: Manuscript Instability and Walter Ralegh's Performance on the Scaffold, Journal of British Studies, 48:1 (January 2009), 4-28.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, Speech on the Scaffold (29 October 1618)
- PeW 180 f. 54v
  
  Copy, in a secretary hand, untitled.
  
  This MS recorded in Krueger.
  
  First published in [John Gough], Academy of Complements (London, 1646), p. 202. Poems (1660), p. 76, superscribed P.. Listed in Krueger's Appendix I: Spurious Poems in the 1660 Edition as possibly by Walton Poole.
  
  William Herbert, third Earl of Pembroke, Of a fair Gentlewoman scarce Marriageable ('Why should Passion lead thee blind')
- DnJ 2963.5 f. 55r
  
  Copy of lines 1-4, in a secretary hand, untitled, here beginning Stay deere heart why doe yo^w rise.
  
  First published (in a two-stanza version) in John Dowland, A Pilgrim's Solace (London, 1612) and in Orlando Gibbons, The First Set of Madrigals and Mottets (London, 1612). Printed as the first stanza of Breake of day in Poems (London, 1669). Grierson, I, 432 (attributing it to Dowland). Gardner, Elegies, p. 108 (in her Dubia). Doughtie, Lyrics from English Airs, pp. 402-3. Not in Shawcross.
  
  John Donne, Song ('Stay, O sweet, and do not rise')
- CoR 742 f. 57
  
  Copy, in a secretary hand, untitled.
  
  First published in Witts' Recreations Augmented (London, 1641). Bennett & Trevor-Roper, pp. 95-6.
  
  Richard Corbett, Nonsence ('Like to the thund'ring tone of unspoke speeches')
- JnB 320 f. 59v
  
  Copy, in a secretary hand, untitled.
  
  This MS collated in Herford & Simpson.
  
  First published in John Payne Collier, Memoirs of Edward Alleyn (London, 1841), p. 54. Herford & Simpson, VIII, 295.
  
  Ben Jonson, Martial. <Epigram XLVII, Book X.> ('The Things that make the happier life, are these')
- GrJ 71 f. 64r
  
  Copy, in a secretary hand, untitled.
  
  This MS recorded in Krueger.
  
  First published in Poems (1660), pp. 53-4. Listed in Krueger's Appendix I: Spurious Poems in the 1660 Edition as by John Grange.
  
  John Grange, 'Since every man I come among'
- BcF 54.8 f. 69r
  
  Copy of a twenty-line version, in a secretary hand, untitled.
  
  First published in William Camden, Remaines (London, 1637), p. 400. For a contemporary attribution to Bacon see BcF 54.117.
  
  Francis Bacon, Upon the Death of the Duke of Richmond and Lennox ('Are all diseases dead? or will death say')
Harley MS 813

A folio composite volume of state tracts and papers, in various hands, 200 leaves, in modern crushed morocco gilt.
- EsR 165 ff. 7r-8r
  
  Copy, closely written in a cursive mixed hand, headed The Earle of Essex advice to the Earle of Rutl: in his travels.
  
  The letter, dated from Greenwich, 4 January [1596], beginning My Lord, I hold it for a principle in the course of intelligence of state....
  First published, as The Late E. of E. his aduice to the E. of R. in his trauels, in Profitable Instructions; Describing what speciall Obseruations are to be taken by Trauellers in all Nations, States and Countries (London, 1633), pp. 27-73. Francis Bacon, Resuscitatio (London, 1657), pp. 106-10. Spedding, IX, 6-15. W.B. Devereux, Lives and Letters of the Devereux, Earls of Essex (1853), I, No. xciii.
  Essex's three letters to Rutland discussed by Paul E.J. Hammer in The Earl of Essex, Fulke Greville, and the Employment of Scholars, SP, 91/2 (Spring, 1994), 167-80, and in Letters of Travel Advice from the Earl of Essex to the Earl of Rutland: Some Comments, PQ, 74/3 (Summer 1995), 317-22. It is likely that the first letter was written substantially by Francis Bacon.
  
  Robert Devereux, second Earl of Essex, First Letter of Advice to the Earl of Rutland
- RuB 149 f. 9r-v
  
  Copy, closely written in a cursive mixed hand, headed S^r Benjamin Rudiers Speech.
  
  Speech (variously dated 4, 7, 9 and 10 November 1640) beginning We are here assembled to do God's business and the King's.... First published in The Speeches of S^r. Benjamin Rudyer in the high Court of Parliament (London, 1641), pp. 1-10. Manning, pp. 159-65.
  
  Sir Benjamin Rudyerd, Speech in the House of Commons, ?7 November 1640
Harley MS 816

Copy of a version, in a professional secretary hand, as deliu^red to his Highnes by some of his Millitarie servants, otherwise unascribed, 68 folio leaves, in modern half crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
c.1620s-30s.
- CtR 15
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  A treatise beginning Frames of Policy, as well as works of Nature, are best preserved from the same grounds...., written in 1609. First published London, 1655. Also published as Warrs with Forregin Princes Dangerous to oyr Common-Wealth: or, reasons for Forreign Wars Answered (London, 1657); as An Answer to such Motives as were offer'd by certain Military-Men to Prince Henry, inciting him to affect Arms more than Peace... (London, 1665); and as A Discourse of Foreign War (London, 1690).
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, An Answer made by Command of Prince Henry, to Certain Propositions of Warre and Peace
Harley MS 829

A folio composite volume of legal and state tracts, in various hands, 177 leaves, in modern morocco gilt.
- BcF 274 ff. 137r-41r
  
  Copy of the last division, in a secretary hand, headed Lectio 25 Raysinge of vses, unascribed, very damp-stained. Early 17th century.
  
  Edited partly from this MS in Spedding.
  
  First published as The Learned Reading of Sir Francis Bacon...upon the Statute of Uses (London, 1642). Spedding, VII, 389-450.
  
  Francis Bacon, Reading on the Statute of Uses
Harley MS 830

A folio composite volume of state and legal tracts and speeches, in various professional hands, 229 leaves, in modern calf gilt.
- BcF 341 ff. 38r-52r
  
  Copy of Bacon's inaugural speech as Lord Chancellor, 7 May 1617, in a professional secretary hand, with a separate title-page.
  
  Francis Bacon, Speech(es)
- BcF 75.2 ff. 53r-60v
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand.
  
  Written c.January 1611/12. First published in Resuscitatio (London, 1657), pp. 265-70. Spedding, XI, 249-54.
  
  Francis Bacon, Advice to the King touching Sutton's Estate
- DaJ 263.8 ff. 167r-92v
  
  Copy, in a cursive secretary hand, headed An Argument vpon the question of Impositions...by his Ma^ts Attorney generall of Ireland, imperfect at the end.
  
  A treatise, with dedicatory epistle to James I, comprising 33 chapters, beginning The Question it self is no more than this, Whether the Impositions which the King of England hath laid and levied upon Merchandize, by vertue of his Prerogative onely.... First published in London, 1656. Grosart, III, 1-116.
  
  Sir John Davies, The Question concerning Impositions
- CtR 349 ff. 211r-17v
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, with (f. 211r) a lengthy title-page (Coppies of Records howe Ambassadors in England and els where haue been dealt with...), and (f. 212r) the usual heading, as written By Sir Robert Cotten, and dated 27 April 1624.
  
  Tract, addressed to George Villiers, first Duke of Buckingham, beginning In humble obedience to your Grace's Command, I am emboldned to present my poor advice.... Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. 1-9.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, A Relation of the Proceedings against Ambassadors who have miscarried themselves, etc. ... [27 April 1624]
Harley MS 831

Copy, with a lengthy formal title-page (f. 1r), on 137 pages (69 leaves), folio; the verso of the title-page (f. 1v) containing notes by a 17th-century reader about the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.

Copy, with lengthy formal title-page (f. 1r): An apologie, or | true defence of her Ma^ts : hono^r: | and good renowne against all such | as haue unduelie sought or | shall seek to blemish the fame, | with any injustice, crueltie, or | other unprincely behaviour in any parte of her Ma^ts: | proceedings against the | late Scotish Queene, | Be it for her first | surprince, imprison: | ment, process, att: | aynder or death. | By very firme reasons, authorities, & | examples, proveing that her Ma^tie: | hath done nothing in the said action a: | gainst the rules of hono^r: or armes | or otherwise, not warrantable | by the law of God & of | Man | Written by George Puttenham to the | service of her ma^tie: & for large satis: | faction of all such psons both prince: | ly & private, who by ignorance ¦ of the case, or partiallitie of mind | shall happen to be irresolute | & not well satisfyed in the | said cause; here beginning (f. 2r) There hath not happened since the memory of man…., on 137 pages (69 leaves), folio; the verso of the title-page (f. 1v) containing notes by a 17th-century reader about the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.
Early 17th century.
This MS recorded in Willcock & Walker, p. xxiii (n).
- PtG 4
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  A treatise on the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, beginning There hath not happened since the memorie of man…. First published, as A Justification of Queene Elizabeth in relation to the Affaire of Mary Queene of Scottes, in Accounts and Papers relating to Mary Queen of Scots, ed. Allan J. Crosby and John Bruce, Camden Society, 93 (1867), pp. 67-134.
  
  George Puttenham, An Apology or True Defence of Her Majesty's Honourable and Good Renown
Harley MS 836

A formal copy, with a title-page in engrossed lettering, the dedicatory epistle to Queen Elizabeth (ff. 2r-9r) in an accomplished italic hand and subscribed Henry Howard, the main text (ff. 10r-61v) in an accomplished secretary hand, 63 folio leaves.

Bound with a separate 86-leaf MS of A ffrench Satyre of State (Harley MS 6247), in (deteriorated) half calf on marbled boards.
Late 16th-early 17th century.
Inscriptions (f. 63v) including financial records p me Thoma Paleston, bought John Turner the xiij^th of novembr 1611, Evan Williams of Exeter, and Ralph Addisson [sic].
- HoH 32
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  An unpublished translation of a suppositious work, supposed (but unlikely) to be Charles V's instructions to his son Philip II, which was circulated in MS in 16th-century Europe and published in Spanish in Sandoval's Life of Charles V (1634). An Italian translation in MS was presented to James VI by Giacomo Castelvetro between 1591 and 1595 and is now in the National Library of Scotland (MS Adv. 23. I. 6): see The Works of William Fowler, ed. H.W. Meckle, James Craigie and John Purves, III, STS 3rd Ser. 23 (Edinburgh, 1940), pp. cxxvii-cxxx, and references cited in The Basilicon Doron of King James VI, ed. James Craigie, II, STS, 3rd Ser. 18 (Edinburgh, 1950), pp. 63-9. A quite different translation was published as The Advice of Charles the Fifth … to his Son Philip the Second (London, 1670).
  Howard's translation, dedicated to Queen Elizabeth, was allegedly written when he had been more than twelve years out of the Queen's favour [? in the early 1590s]. The Dedication begins If the faithful Cananite of whom we read in the holy writ …; the main text begins I have resolved (most dear son) to come now to the point …, and ends … to proceed in such a course as prayers may second your purposes. Sanctae Trinitati, &c.
  
  Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton, A Copy of the last instructions which the Emperor Charles the Fifth gave to his son Philip before his death translated out of Spanish
Harley MS 837

A folio composite volume of miscellaneous tracts and verse, in several hands, 97 leaves, in panelled mottled calf.

Folios 62r-78v comprise an independent verse miscellany in the hand of the Feathery Scribe, with his title-page A: Booke;, Off, verses &c.

Later owned by Edward Stillingfleet (1635-99), Bishop of Worcester. Bought by Robert Harley in 1707.

Briefly described in Peter Beal, In Praise of Scribes: Manuscripts and their Makers in Seventeenth-Century England (Oxford, 1998), p. 242 (No. 56).
- DeJ 11 ff. 63r-70v
  
  Copy of a 338-line version, beginning Sure we have Poets, that did never dreame.
  
  This MS collated in Banks and in O Hehir, pp. 91-105 et seq. (and described pp. 53-4). Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 232 (No. 56.1).
  
  First published in London, 1642. Poems and Translations (London, 1668). Banks, pp. 62-89. O Hehir, Hieroglyphicks.
  
  Sir John Denham, Cooper's Hill ('Sure there are Poets which did never dream')
- ShJ 10 ff. 77v-8v
  
  Copy of a 40-line version beginning Listen: gallants, to my wordes.
  
  Beal, In Praise of Scribes, p. 242 (No. 56.5).
  
  First published in Poems (London, 1646). Armstrong, p. 9.
  
  James Shirley, The Common-wealth of Birds ('Let other Poets write of dogs')
- WoH 270.5 ff. 79r-96r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand.
  
  First published in London, 1641. Edited by Sir Robert Egerton Brydges (Lee Priory Press, Ickham, 1814).
  
  Sir Henry Wotton, A Parallel between Robert Earl of Essex and George Duke of Buckingham
Harley MS 842

A folio volume of extracts from the Itinerary arranged according to the counties of England and Wales.
Late 16th-early 17th century.
Later owned by Edward Stillingfleet (1635-99), Bishop of Worcester.

This MS recorded in Smith, V, xii-xiii.
- LeJ 81
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  John Leland, The Itinerary of John Leland [Other transcripts and extracts]
Harley MS 850

A folio volume comprising two tracts, in a professional secretary hand, i + 83 leaves, bound with Harley MS 1298, an independent MS of Memoirs of Sir Henry Wotton when ambassador in Italy and Holland, in worn half calf on marbled boards.
- HoJ 341 ff. 2r-10v
  
  Copy of the first part of the work, lacking a title-page and imperfect at the end.
  
  This MS collated in Hudson edition (pp. 103-7). Selectively collated in Osborn.
  
  First published, as Directions for Speech and Style by John Hoskins, ed. Hoyt H. Hudson (Princeton, 1935). Osborn (1937), pp. 114-66.
  
  John Hoskyns, Directions for Speech and Style
- CwT 415.5 f. 10v
  
  Copy, headed A Contestation.
  
  First published in Poems (1640) and in Wits Recreations (London, 1640). Dunlap, p. 6.
  
  Thomas Carew, Lips and Eyes ('In Celia's face a question did arise')
Harley MS 852

A folio volume of state papers and speeches, in several professional hands, 41 leaves, in modern calf gilt.
c.1620s-30s.
- RaW 885 ff. 21r-3v
  
  Copy of a letter by Ralegh, to Winwood, in a professional secretary hand.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, Letter(s)
- RaW 758 ff. 29r-32r
  
  Copy, in a professional secretary hand, headed S^r Walter Raleighes speech at his death, Whoe was beheaded at the old Pallace, at Westminster 28th octob: betweene the houres of eight and nyne in the Morninge, these lordes being present....
  
  Transcripts of Ralegh's speech have been printed in his Remains (London, 1657). Works (1829), I, 558-64, 691-6. VIII, 775-80, and elsewhere. Copies range from verbatim transcripts to summaries of the speech, they usually form part of an account of Ralegh's execution, they have various headings, and the texts differ considerably. For relevant discussions, see Anna Beer, Textual Politics: The Execution of Sir Walter Ralegh, Modern Philology, 94:1 (August 1996), 19-38, and Andrew Fleck, At the time of his death: Manuscript Instability and Walter Ralegh's Performance on the Scaffold, Journal of British Studies, 48:1 (January 2009), 4-28.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, Speech on the Scaffold (29 October 1618)
Harley MS 856

Folio copy of 25 rules, untitled, with (ff. 1r-3v) the Dedication to Queen Elizabeth and Preface in one professional secretary hand, the main text (on ff. 4r-52r) in another, in modern speckled calf gilt.
Early 17th century.
This MS recorded in Spedding, VII, 309.
- BcF 220
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  First published in The Elements of the Common Lawes of England (London, 1630). Spedding, VII, 307-87.
  Bacon claimed to have collected 300 of them, of which only some few (25 maxims) were subsequently published. For an attempt to track down the missing maxims, see John C. Hogan and Mortimer D. Schwartz, On Bacon's Rules and Maximes of the Common Law, Law Library Journal, 76/1 (Chicago, Winter 1983), 48-77.
  
  Francis Bacon, Maxims of the Law
Harley MS 859

A folio composite volume of state tracts, in several professional hands, 164 leaves, in modern speckled calf gilt.
- BcF 150 ff. 39r-43r
  
  Copy of the third section only, in a professional secretary hand, entitled Of the proceedings against the pretended Catholiques &c.
  
  This MS collated in Spedding.
  
  A tract beginning It were just and honourable for princes being in war together, that howsever they prosecute their quarrels.... First published in Resuscitatio, ed. W. Rawley (London, 1657). Spedding, VIII, 146-208.
  A letter to M. Critoy, Secretary of France, c.1589, A Letter on the Queen's religious policies, was later incorporated in Certain Observations made upon a Libel, and first published in Cabala, sive scrinia sacra (London, 1654), pp. 38-41.
  
  Francis Bacon, Certain Observations made upon a Libel published this present year, 1592
Harley MS 881

A folio copy.
Late 17th century.
- ClE 108
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  Articles of Treason exhibited in Parliament against Clarendon, 14 November 1667 published in London, 1667. The Proceedings in the House of Commons touching the Impeachment of Clarendon 1667 published in London, 1700.
  
  Edward Hyde, First Earl of Clarendon, Impeachment Proceedings against Clarendon in 1667
Harley MS 902

A folio volume of tracts and chronicles, in various hands.
- MrT 33 ff. 158r-62r
  
  Copy of the opening pages of the Latin version, incomplete.
  
  This MS collated in Yale.
  
  An unfinished work. The English version first published in The chronicle of Ihon Hardyng (London, 1543). The Latin version first published in Thomae Mori...omnia...latina opera (Louvain, 1565). Three versions in Yale, Vol. 2, pp. 1-93, 94-149, and Vol. 15, pp. 313-485, with English translations.
  
  Sir Thomas More, Historia Richardi Tertii
Harley MS 944

Diary of the Royalist and antiquary Richard Symonds.

Edited in Diary of the Marches of the Royal Army during the Great Civil War, ed. C.E. Long, Camden Society, 1859.
- ShJ 135.5 f. 67v
  
  Copy of the song, superscribed Bass & treb, copied c.31 November-2 December 1645.
  
  James Shirley, The Cardinal, Act V, scene iii, lines 100-18. Song ('Come, my Daphne, come away')
Harley MS 963

A volume of extracts from Britannia, headed Collectanea varia...ex immortali Wilhelmi Camdeni Libro de chorographica Descriptione Angliæ, et Hyberniæ congesta.
17th century.
- CmW 13.148
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  First published in London, 1586, with additions in 1607 and successive editions.
  
  William Camden, Britannia
Harley MS 968

Copy of Ralegh's arraignment in 1603, a quarto volume.
Early 17th century.
- RaW 728.135
  
  No description or publication history available.
  
  Accounts of the arraignments of Ralegh at Winchester Castle, 17 November 1603, and before the Privy Council on 22 October 1618. The arraignment of 1603 published in London, 1648. For documentary evidence about this arraignment, see Rosalind Davies, The Great Day of Mart: Returning to Texts at the Trial of Sir Walter Ralegh in 1603, Renaissance Forum, 4/1 (1999), 1-12.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, Ralegh's Arraignment(s)
Harley MS 969

A quarto prose miscellany, chiefly a legal tract, almost entirely in a single secretary hand, 35 leaves, in modern quarter crushed morocco on cloth boards gilt.
c.1620s.
- HlJ 11 ff. 3r-4v
  
  Copy, entitled A breife Summe of the Principles of Religion by waye of Catechisme, docketed M^r Doctor Josuah Hall.
  
  First published in A Recollection of such Treatises as haue beene heretofore seuerally published (London, 1615). Wynter, VIII, 219-21.
  
  Joseph Hall, A Brief Sum of the Principles of Religion
Harley MS 980

A quarto miscellany of extracts chiefly from historical works, in Latin and English, in a single small mixed hand, compiled by one Thomas Gybbons, armiger, 237 leaves, in modern quarter-morocco gilt.
Mid-late 17th century.
- CmW 13.15 passim
  
  Numerous extracts, chiefly from Britannia, including examples on ff. 6r-v, 11r, 29r, 30r-2r, 33v-4r, 48v-9r, 146v.
  
  First published in London, 1586, with additions in 1607 and successive editions.
  
  William Camden, Britannia
- BcF 120.8 ff. 5r, 177v
  
  Extracts.
  
  First published in Resuscitatio, ed. William Rawley (London, 1657). Spedding, X, 218-34.
  
  Francis Bacon, Certain Articles or Considerations touching the Union of England and Scotland
- BcF 215.9 f. 6r
  
  Extract.
  
  First published in London, 1622. Spedding, VI, 23-245. Edited by Michael Kiernan, The Oxford Francis Bacon, Vol. VIII (Oxford, 2012), pp. 3-169.
  
  Francis Bacon, The History of the Reign of King Henry VII
- DaS 39.4 ff. 6v-11r
  
  Extracts.
  
  First part first published in London, 1612. First published complete in London, [1618?]. Grosart, IV, 69-299. V, 1-291.
  
  Samuel Daniel, The Collection of the History of England
- RaW 576.5 ff. 15r-v
  
  Extracts.
  
  A treatise, with a dedicatory epistle to James I beginning Those that are suppressed and hopeless are commonly silent ..., the dialogue beginning Now, sir, what think you of Mr. St. John's trial in the Star-chamber?.... First published as The Prerogative of Parliaments in England (Midelburge and Hamburg [i.e. London], 1628). Works (1829), VIII, 151-221.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, A Dialogue between a Counsellor of State and a Justice of the Peace
- CtR 109 ff. 22r-3v
  
  Copy of the first part, headed The commons right in point of Judicature By S^r. Robert Cotton.
  
  Tract, the full title sometimes given as A Brief discourse prouinge that the house of Comons hath Equall power with the Peeres in point of Judicature written by S^r Rob: Cotton to S^r Edward Mountague An^o Dni. 1621, beginning Sir, To give you as short an accompt of your desire as I can.... First published in London, 1640. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [341]-351.
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, A Briefe Discovrse concerning the Power of the Peeres and Commons of Parliament in point of Judicature
- HkR 65 ff. 29r, 38r, 40r et passim
  
  Extracts, headed Hooker Ecles. Pol.
  
  Richard Hooker, Extracts
- DnJ 4090 ff. 29v, 60v
  
  Extracts.
  
  First published in London, 1610. Edited by Anthony Raspa (Montreal, 1993).
  
  John Donne, Pseudo-Martyr
- HlJ 54.8 ff. 39v-40
  
  Extracts.
  
  First published in London, 1620. Wynter, VIII, 480-630.
  
  Joseph Hall, The Honour of the Married Clergy Maintained
- BcF 283.2 ff. 50v-1r
  
  Extracts.
  
  First published in London, 1626. Spedding, II, 323-680.
  
  Francis Bacon, Sylva Sylvarum: or A Natural History
- BcF 75.4 ff. 55r-6v
  
  Copy.
  
  Written c.January 1611/12. First published in Resuscitatio (London, 1657), pp. 265-70. Spedding, XI, 249-54.
  
  Francis Bacon, Advice to the King touching Sutton's Estate
- CtR 284 f. 62v
  
  Extracts.
  
  Tract beginning The Kings of England have supported and repaired their Estates.... First published, as An Abstract out of the Records of the Tower, touching the Kings Revenue: and how they have supported themselves, London, [1642]. Cottoni posthuma (1651), pp. [161]-200 [i.e. 202].
  
  Sir Robert Cotton, The Manner and Meanes how the Kings of England have from time to time Supported and Repaired their Estates. Written...1609.
- RaW 550.8 f. 142v
  
  Extracts.
  
  A tract beginning If the ill success of this enterprise of mine had been without example.... First published in Judicious and Select Essays and Observations (London, 1650). Works (1829), VIII, 477-507. Edited by V.T. Harlow in Ralegh's Last Voyage (London, 1932), pp. 316-34.
  
  Sir Walter Ralegh, Apology for his Voyage to Guiana
- DaJ 280.5 ff. 148r-52r
  
  Substantial extracts, headed Davies Treatise on Impositions.
  
  A treatise, with dedicatory epistle to James I, comprising 33 chapters, beginning The Question it self is no more than this, Whether the Impositions which the King of England hath laid and levied upon Merchandize, by vertue of his Prerogative onely.... First published in London, 1656. Grosart, III, 1-116.
  
  Sir John Davies, The Question concerning Impositions
- CmW 102.6 ff. 207r-8r
  
  Extracts.
  
  First published, dedicated to Sir Robert Cotton, in London, 1605. 2nd edition (with additions) London, 1614. 3rd edition (with a few further additions) London, 1623. Edited by R.D. Dunn (Toronto, Buffalo & London, 1984).
  
  William Camden, Remaines of a Greater Worke concerning Britaine
- FuT 5.22 ff. 316-17
  
  Extracts.
  
  First published in Cambridge, 1639.
  
  Thomas Fuller, The History of the Holy War

The British Library: Harley Collection, numbers 1 through 999

Harley MS 35

Harley MS 36

Harley MS 37

Harley MS 38

Harley MS 39

Harley MS 78

Harley MS 132

Harley MS 158

Harley MS 160

Harley MS 165

Harley MS 168

Harley MS 169

Harley MS 180

Harley MS 248

Harley MS 252

Harley MS 286

Harley MS 290

Harley MS 291

Harley MS 293

Harley MS 298

Harley MS 304

Harley MS 305

Harley MS 306

Harley MS 354

Harley MS 358

Harley MS 364

Harley MS 366

Harley MS 367

Harley MS 374

Harley MS 389

Harley MS 405

Harley MS 416

Harley MSS 416-417, 419-425, 590

Harley MS 418

Harley MS 423

Harley MS 425

Harley MS 426

Harley MS 428

Harley MS 444

Harley MS 464

Harley MS 478

Harley MS 530

Harley MS 532

Harley MS 537

Harley MS 540

Harley MS 541

Harley MS 551

Harley MS 557

Harley MS 558

Harley MS 573

Harley MS 633

Harley MS 677

Harley MS 703

Harley MS 736

Harley MS 737

Harley MS 750

Harley MS 785

Harley MS 787

Harley MS 791

Harley MS 813

Harley MS 816

Harley MS 829

Harley MS 830

Harley MS 831

Harley MS 836

Harley MS 837

Harley MS 842

Harley MS 850

Harley MS 852

Harley MS 856

Harley MS 859

Harley MS 881

Harley MS 902

Harley MS 944

Harley MS 963

Harley MS 968

Harley MS 969

Harley MS 980

Contents