Appendix to Epigrams:
Reading edition
(FROM THE HARLEIAN MSS. 1836.)
As explained in the Note, page 6 ante, I have gleaned a few additions to these Epigrams. At close of those of Hutton,—in the MS. marked 60 and in Hutton's own volume 56,—on folio 15d, is the word 'finis.' Immediately under this, the MS. is continued in the same handwriting on to folio 19, whereon 'finis' is again placed: and on folios 19 and 20 Lines 'of Tobacco' with 'finis' once more. These Lines on 'Tobacco' are curious: and somewhat resemble those on 'Moly' given in the Hitherto Unpublished Poems of Davies, onward. G.
1. In Superbiam. Epi. 4.
I tooke the wall, one thrust me rudely by, And tould me the King's way did open lye. I thankt him yt he did me so much grace, to take the worse, leave me the better place; For if by th' owners wee esteeme of things, the wall's the subjects, but the way's the King's.
2. Epi. 5.
NIX& SNOW
IX 9
CORNIX A CROW
NIX:. I that the Winter's daughter am whilst thus my letters stand, Am whiter then the plumbe[130] of swan or any ladye's hand; IX:. Take but away my letter first, and then I doe encline That stood before for milke white snowe to be the figure nine. And if that further you desire by change to doe som trickes, As blacke as any bird I am.
CORNIX:. by adding COR to NIX.
3. Epi. 6.
Health is a jewell true, which when we buy Physitians value it accordingly.
4. In Amorosum. Epi. 7.
A wife you wisht me (sir) rich, faire and young with French, Italian, and the Spanish tongue: I must confesse yor kindnesse verie much but yet in truth, Sir, I deserve none such, for when I wed—as yet I meane to tarry— A woman of one language i'le but marry, and with that little portion of her store, expect such plenty, I would wish no more.
5. Epi. 9.
Westminster is a mill that grinds all causes, but grinde his cause for mee there, he yt list: For by demures and errours, stayes and clauses, the tole is oft made greater then the grist.
6. Epi. 10.
He that doth aske St. James they [?] say, shall speed: O yt Kinge James would answere to my need.