Royal MS 4 D XI

ALEXANDER NEQUAM, al. Neckam, 'Expositio super Cantica Canticorum in laudem gloriose ac perpetue uirginis Marie' (cf. f. 44b); in six books. Book i is introductory, and relates wholly to the Virgin; the commentary on the Song of Solomon begins with book ii. The 'prooemium' beg. 'Humilitas vera gloriam excellentie' (f. 2*); the prologue, 'Ortus deliciarum paradisi celestis' (f. 1) ; the first book, 'In principio creavit, &c. : Domine puteus sacre scripture altus est' (ib.). A table of capitula is prefixed to each book, Vellum; ff. i + 205. 1 ft. 3 in. x 9.3/4 in. XIII cent. Gatherings of 8 leaves (except xxii6). Double columns. Sec. fol. 'ut ipsas'. Initials flourished in red and blue. On f. i b is an obliterated title and note of ownership, the name of Richard Parker (17th cent.), the monogram of john Theyer, and a note by him recording the purchase of this volume with six others from Thomas Jackson, 22 May, 1636, for, £7 15s. od. Theyer sale-cat. no. 6; CMA. 6547.