No CrossRef data available.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 July 2012
The two short Poems annexed, independently of the superiority they possess over most of the minstrel productions of their age, appear to present so lively a picture of the popular feeling towards the commencement of the weak and disastrous government of Richard the Second, that I am persuaded they will not be altogether unacceptable to the admirers of our ancient literature.
page 21 note a One of these, the well-known story of Damon and Pithias, commences with an entertaining specimen of the versifier's attainments in history and geography:
“Sum time men reden that ther was
In a cuntre clept Pitagoras.”
page 21 note b The King of Tars and the Soudan of Damas. Published by Mr. Ritson.
page 22 note c It will be found in the first part of his curious volume, and commences “Nou brnes “buirdes bolde & blythe.”
page 22 note d Unless it be durable.
page 22 note e So ready to take, and so lothe to forego.
page 22 note f That which is no longer seen is soon forgotten.
page 22 note g Doubt.
page 23 note h In every danger.
page 23 note i So the MS. waves ?
page 23 note k So the MS. Quære, if “semene,” compare.
page 23 note l They valued not France a single bean. (Vid. Bene. in Glossary to Tyrwhitt's Chaucer.) This expression, which appears to have been proverbial, is, I believe, now quite obsolete.
page 24 note m To remain as their captive.
page 24 note n Firm, secure.
page 24 note o This expression I do not understand. It may possibly be an error of the transcriber.
page 25 note p A trait. (Fr.) In my discourse, in earnest ?
page 25 note q Sarr.—I am unacquainted with this word.Can it be a corruption of savour? (Vid. “Sareless,” in Jamieson's Scottish Dict.)
page 26 note r So the MS.
page 26 note s Many.
page 26 note t To speak.
page 26 note u To tremble.
page 26 note x Q. As to this usage of dare?
page 27 note y This line appears capable of two interpretations:
1. “If men had had favour shewn them by the Deity.
2. If men had had benevolent and kind dispositions (towards their interiors)
page 27 note z Naturally, by kind.