Royal MS 10 B IX

TRACTS on Dictamen or official letter-writing, with models and commonplaces in Latin, French, and English, several translations from the Classics, a romance and other miscellaneous matter. Some of the model letters may be copies of actual state papers, &c. As the composition of the different parts of the MS. is complex and the quire-signatures indicate more than one change of arrangement, it may be convenient to distinguish the following original components:-(A) State letters, in French, tempp. Rich. II-Hen. IV, many of them con. nected with the king's secretary or the Archbishop of Canterbury. ff. 1-12, 254-256,-(B) Treatises and models of dictamen in Lat., including letters written in mystedous language, temp. Hen. IV or V. ff. 13-45, 123-124,129-132b, 168-174b, 178-201;-(C) Dictionary of law terms, &c. (see artt. 83, 84). ff. 91-120;-(D) Classical and other works, including one translation by Poggio Bracciolini. ff. 140-167;-(E) Law tract' by Johannes Calderinus. ff. 202-222;-(F) Other law tracts in two other hands. ff. 223-253;-(G) Additions, in one hand, made at various dates, but probably about A.D. 1430-1447, to various parts of the volume, usually following B, but occurring also after C and on f. 90 (previously a blank leaf ?). They are referred to below as in hand G. Some refer to the Council of Basel, but many to carlier events, especially the Council of Constance (1414-1418), and the part played there by Robert Hallam, Bishop of Salisbury;-(H) Other additions made after

1452, when the book was acquired by Henry Crane. broke, a monk of Christ Church, Canterbury, including apparently the letters at ff. 60, 61, and 121, and other letters and articles wholly or in part in Cranebroke's hand. Among them are translations by Leonardus Aretinus and others, and letters of the Earl of Worcester ff. 61 b-64, 64 b-89, 122. The full contents are as follows:-

1. Royal command to 'la dame de Pomynge'[Isebel, widow of Sir Richard de Ponymges or Poynings] to visit the King and Queen at Eltham for Christmas. Dat. Windsor, 6 Dec. [temp. Rich. III Fr. f. 1.

2. R[obert] S[elby], treasurer of Calais, to Roger Walden, secretary to Richard II. He is bringing obli. gations of Johan de Bloys [for payment of his ransom, cf. Foedera, Hague ed., iii, Pt. iv, p. 17], but has fallen ill by the way and prays Walden to send Richard Clitherow to him. Dat. Canterbury, 6 Sept. [1392-1395]. Fr. Walden was himself treasurer of Calais till 1392,

and Selby ceased to hold the office before 28 Sept. 1395 (Cal. Patent Rolls, p. 620). f. 1.

3. John Campeden, Master of St. Cross Hospital, Winchester, to Roger Walden, Treasurer of England. - He is ill and sorry not to have been able to meet Walden at St. Cross, but is sending John Elcombe his clerk. Dat. St. Cross, Thursd. SS. Felix and Adauctus [30 Aug. 1397]. Fr. f. 1 b.

4. [John of Gaunt, Duke of] Lancaster, to the King [Richard II], thanking him for granting him the house of Sir William Walworth (Mayor of London, d. I385), protesting loyalty in his own name and that of his brothers [Edmund, Duke of] York, and [Thomas, Duke of] Gloucester, and his nephew [Edward, Earl of] Rutland, and accrediting the bearer, Sir Richard Abberbury the son. Dat. Pontefract,' Tuesd. 25 Aug. [1394]. Fr. This letter and several following have Engl. and Lat. glosses superscribed. f. 2.

5. W[alter Skirlaw], Bishop of Durham, to Roger Walden, secretary to Richard II, reciting his letter to the king asking for letters of credit for the bearer, Thomas de Weston, Chancellor of Durham, who goes to Rome for leave for the bishop to found a chantry. Dat. Durham, 4 Oct.[1392-1394?]. Fr. f. 2b.

6. The King [Richard II] to Roger Walden, Treasurer, concerning the office of customer of Lynn [co. Norf.], in which Roger has superseded John B. and appointed Roger G. Dat. Bridlington Priory, 22 Mar. [1396-1394 ?]. Fr. f. 3.

7. [Roger Mortimer,] Earl of March and Ulster [Lieutenant of Ulster, &c.], to the same, accrediting Sir Walter de B[ermingham?] and Sir Thomas de 0., and asking that [Alexander de Balscot,] Bishop of Meath, Chancellor of Ireland, may be allowed to retum to Ireland immediately. Dat. Kilmainham, 16 Apr. [1396-1398]. Fr. f. 3.

8. Richard II to [Walter Skirlaw,] Bishop of Durham, announcing the submission of the Irish, and accrediting [Thomas,] Duke of Gloucester, Roger de Walden, secre-

tary, Richard A., and Philip la B. Dat. Dublin, 8 Jan. [13951 Fr. f 3 b.

9. The same to the Dean and Chapter of Llandaff congé d'élire in favour of Tydeman de Wynchecomb, Abbot of Beaulieu. No date [1393]. Fr. f. 4. xo. The same to the abbot and convent of Sherborne, to transfer to Henry H. the pension lately held by John Boor, dean of the chapel in the King's household. Dat. Westminster, 10 Jan. s.a. Fr. f. 4 b.

11. [John, Duke of] Lancaster, to Richard II, that he is detained by winds at Blovet [Port Louis] in Brittany on his voyage to Gynee [Guienne ?], forwards a letter received from Charles de Beaumont, Alferez of Navarre, and asks for instructions about the surrender of Mauléon, Dat. on board ship, Blovet, 7 Nov. [1394]. Fr. f. 5.

12. Richard II to [Maud de Vere,] Countess of Oxford [widow of Thomas, 8th Earl], on behalf of Wauter H., late clerk-purveyor and cook to her late son [Robert de Vere,] Duke of Ireland (d. 1392), who desires the keeping of her park at Boksham. Dat. Westminster, 21 May, s.a. Fr. f. 5b.

13. [Charles III,] King of Navarre, to Richard II, acknowledging letters received 23rd inst., and acceding to his request to send his alferez, Charles de Beaumont, to discuss matters. Dat. Pampeluna, 28 Sept. [1394]. Fr. f.5 b.

14. J[ohn], Duke of Lancaster, to Roger Walden, Dean of York and Treasurer of England, about negotiations with John, Duke of Brittany. Dat. Paris, 9 Apr. [1395]. Fr. f. 6.

15. Richard II to [the Lords of the Council?] to excuse from customs in the port of London goods of Henry Vandrede, who is bringing the King a present of two bodies of the Holy Innocents. Dat. Nottingham Castle, 7 Mar. [1396?]. Fr. f. 6.

16. John S. to the Treasurer, accrediting Thomas Chipstede to arrange about the writer's application for the ward and marriage of Thomas, son and heir of Sir William Marche, a minor in the King's hands. Dat. Northampton, 22 July, s.a. [the father's inquisition p.m. is 21 Rich. III Fr. f. 6 b.

17. J[ohn de Waltham] Bishop of Salisbury, to Richard II, that he reached the coast on 7 Sept., but has been detained by contrary winds from crossing to Milford. No date [Sept. 1394 ?]. Fr. f. 7.

18. [Sirl P[hilip] la Vache and R. Wad. to Richard II, that the Treasurer and others have prepared ships for his passage [from Ireland] into England, and that they have repaid 200 marks to Sir Guy Mone. Dat. Bristol, 22 Apr. [1395]. Fr. f. 7.

19. P[hilippa], Queen of Portugal [daughter of John of Gaunt, wife of john 11 to Richard II, recommending her chancellor Adam Danport [al. Davenport], who wishes to return to England. Dat. Guimaraes, i Oct. s.a. Fr. f. 7 b.

20. Lawrence Hake to master John Snare, commending Sir Matthew Down, who desires an audience cif the Archbishop of Canterbury [Roger Walden or

Thomas Arundel?]. 'Dat. Clyst [co. Devon], 6 July, s.a. Fr. f. 8.

21. [Henry,] Prince [of Wales] to his uncle [Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Lincoln 1398, of Winchester 1404, Cardinal 1426], in favour of John Caterwey claiming the prebend of 'Histake' in Salisbury cathedral. Dat. Eardisley castle [co. Heref.], 11 July [temp. Hen. IV]. Fr. f. 8 b.

22. John [Duke of Bedford. 1414.], the King's son, Constable of England, to [Thomas Arundel,] Archbishop of Canterbury, with reference to his next visitation, in favour of the College of St. Mary in the Fields, Norwich, and Raymond Careman his chaplain, who is to be admitted to a chantry there. Dat. London, 1 Apr. [1404-1414]. Fr. f. 9.

23. Thomas T. to Bartholomew Brown, esq., that he learns from William Maydeston, 'escuier a mon treshonure et tresbontuous seigneur', that Brown has obtained the said lord's consent to the writer's retirement from his service owing to illness, and hopes for further good offices, that his service to the Queen may be approved, and that the said lord may be reminded of his petition concerning the prior of the Charterhouse, sent by the writer's companion Richard de Orell. Dat. Hertford, 18 Aug. s.a. Fr. f. 9.

24. Henry IV to [Thomas Arundel,] Archbishop of Canterbury, asking him to suspend a second commission which he has issued for the visitation of Oxford University, other than that issued to [the King's cousin] master Richard C[ourtenay] and the King's confessor, master Roger C[oringhaml as the University fears it may extend to other matters than heresy. Dat. 'Statfell' [Stratford Langthorn) Abbey, 24 July [1411]. Fr. f. 10.

25. Thomas Lancastre [second son of Henry IV, Duke of Clarence 1411] to the same, recommending the bearer, William Halles, who is coming to the King on the writer's business. Dat. Kilmainham, 11 May [1402-1403?]. Fr. f. 10.

26. [Henryj Prince [of Walesl to the same, on the occasion of his visitation at Norwich (as in art.22), recommending, at his brother John's request, the same college and Reynauld Pulham to be admitted a canon. Dat. London, 1 Apr. [1404-1414]. Fr. f. 10 b.

27. Henry IV to [the University of Oxford?] not to delay summoning the great congregation of regents and non-regents to which Richard F[leming, Bishop of Lincoln 1420, Founder of Lincoln College], master of arts, has appealed from certain deputy judges. [Groby, 4. Dec. 141O.] Incomplete (cf. art. 139). Fr. f. 11.

28. The King to -, summons to [a convocation at?] Oxford on 18 Apr. Dat. Tewkesbury, 30 Mar. s.a. Fr. f. 11. The above are in hand A. For continuation see below, artt. 139- 142. Artt. 29-33 are in Latin and in hand E.

29. Model of a letter to a friend. Above are some specimens of flourished initials. f. 11 b.

30. Model, or extract, of a letter from an English

prelate to the Pope, to complain of the excesses of the mendicants. f. 12.

31. Model, or extract, of a letter of [a doctor] at the university to a friend, asking for a guarantee of his cautela of 10 marks or one year's profits. f. 12.

32. Copy, or model, of a letter of [an English prelate] at the Council of Basel to [the Duke of M-, cf. art. 66] on behalf of his kinsmen H. and J. C., sons of the late Sir F. C., knight, who have come to claim an inheritance. f. 12 b.

33. Letter to a prelate, accrediting G. de B., doctor of laws of Perugia. Perugia, n. d. f. 12 b. Artt. 34-49 are in hand B.

34. Rules for making a will. Beg. 'In cuiuslibet testamenti exordio hec sunt inspicienda'. With three models dated in 1408 or i4og in the parish of S. Peter in the East at Oxford (mentioning Cat Street and William Lane), and a model inventory and accompt of executors, &c. f. 13.

35. Sundry model writs, libels, &c., in ecclesiastical causes. The names (e.g. Dysshwasher, cf. 12 B. XXIV, art. 3) appear to be fictitious. f. 16 b.

36. 'Computacio numeralis': table of Roman numerals. f. 25.

37. 'Incipit de litteris missiuis', &c.: a Compendium dictaminis, or treatise on epistolary diction. Beg. 'Arridet in prosperis amicus amico . . . Domini et amici carissimi, quia meum salutare ad manus'. No names are given in the models. f. 25 b.

38. Model letter to a prior [of some mendicant order?] at Lincoln, asking for help in hiring an aula and camera [at Oxford?] for their order. f. 31 b.

39. Model family correspondence of an Oxford scholar, in four letters. Beg. 'Salutem tuis propriis demeritis congnuentem'. f. 32.

40. Letter of Prester John to 'universi terrigene': a description of 'regnum collegii Cantuariorum', being a satire on certain persons under the style of king, bishops, and other high officials of England, but probably referring to members of Canterbury College, Oxford. Beg. 'Presbiter Iohannes totius monarchic sp[h]ere corruptibilium'. Imperf at end. f. 32b.

41. Model letter from some society [an Oxford college?] to a bishop [of Lincoln ?], for support in a dispute about an advowson. Beg. 'Reuerende pater et domine, frequens experiencia'. f. 34.

42. Model letter of [a university or college] to the Pope, recommending J[ohn] G[reen], Bishop-elect of Worcester (1395-1396). Beg. 'Ad solem vestre sanctitatis'. f. 34.

43. Model letter of [some society] to the King [Hen. IV or V], offering 2,000 lances for the French war. Beg. 'Magnifice princeps, innata vobis probitas'. f. 34 b.

44. Model (?) letter of [a chancellor ?] of the university after quitting office [probably Philip de Repington, Chancellor 1400-1402, Bishop of Lincoln 1405] to -, on the importance of securing a legal basis for the

university's privileges and of secrecy in pursuing this end. Incomplete. Beg. 'Reuerende magister et domine, nuper in officio'. f. 34 b.

45. Address [by Repington] to the King [Henry IV] on the misgovernment of the realm. Printed in the Official Correspondence of Bekynion (Rolls Ser.), i, p. 151, and in the Chronicle of Adam of Usk (ed. Sir E. M. Thompson), p. 63. Dat. London, Wedn. 4 May [1401]. Another copy is in Stowe MS. 67. Beg. 'Illustrissime princeps et domine serenissime'. f. 35.

46. 'Conclusio in secunda cessione post recessum pape': constitution of the Council of Constance, 30 Mar. 1415 (Mansi, Concilia, xxvii, col. 585). Beg. 'In nomine . . . Et primo quod ipsa in spiritu sancto'. f. 36.

47. 'Prohemium memoriale super uisitacione dom. Laurencii Ratholdi, militis et baronis Ungarie, facta de purgatorio sancti Patricii in insula Hibernie': account by James Yonge, notary, of Dublin, of Rathold's visit to S. Patrick's Purgatory in 1411 (see Ward, Cat of Romances, ii, p. 489). f. 36b.

48. 'Remissio cuiusdam scolaris ad Franciam propter guerras inter ipsam et Angliam': letter of John [Woodnesberghl Prior, and the Chapter of Christ Church, Canterbury, to the Dean and Chapter of Lyons, with certificate of good conduct of Petrus Correry, a French scholar brought over by the prior's predecessor, who is now returning. No date. f. 44 b.

49. 'Tractatus per universitatem Paris[i]ensem ex parte Francorum regis compositus super unione ecclesie': possibly only an exercise, but purporting to be a circular letter of Charles VI on the schism in the papacy. No date [after 1394]. Imperfect. Not the same as the letter of 1407 on the same subject in Bekynton's Correspondenceii, p.125. Beg. 'Karolus dei gracia . . . Rex eternus pia semper'. f. 45. Artt. 50-56 are in the hand of Henry Cranebroke, see above.

50. Treatise on rhetoric. Beg. 'Rethorica est bene sciendi scientia in ciuilibus'. f. 46 b.

51. Another treatise on the same. Beg. 'Plato in Thimeo ait'. f. 48.

52. 'Ars uersificandi et componendi omnia metra', &c. Beg. 'Quoniam versus metrica est oratio'. f. 51.

53. Another treatise on the same. Beg. 'Versus est metrica oratio', with colophon, 'Expliciunt regule omnium metrorum et versuum'. f. 52.

54. 'Oracio': speeches from Livy, viz.:-(a) Speeches of Hannibal and Scipio (xxx. 30, 31). f. 53;-and (b) of Fabius and Scipio (xxviii. 40-44). f. 53 b.

55. Four Latin epigrams, viz.:-(a) 'In buculam Mironis'(two), by Ausonius, Epigr. lviii, lix;-(b) 'Aliud epigramma', epigr. x by the same, lines 1-8 only;-(c) 'In Nioben', a tetrastich on Praxiteles' statue, beg. 'Viuebam, sum facta silex, qua deinde polita'. f. 55.

56. Philippus de Argentina, doctor of laws and licentiate in canon law, secretary to [Philip the Good,] Duke of Burgundy, to the Prior, &c., of Christ Church, Canterbury, for assistance after being robbed on his journey home from Edward IV's court at Durham, and

mentioning gifts already received from [George,] Duke of Clarence, [John de la Pole,] Duke of Suffolk, and [George Neville,] Bishop of Exeter. Dat. 13 Dec. 1462. Lat. f. 55 b. Artt. 57-68 are in hand G, but from the changes of ink seem to have been written at different times.

57. 'Supplicacio': model letter from a prisoner to a bishop. f. 57.

58. 'Missiua r[eceptoris?]': excuses to a prelate for not sending money owing to a prevailing dearth. f. 57.

59. 'Martinus papa quintus Londoniensi', &c.: letter to [Richard Clifford,] Bishop of London, assuring him of friendly interest and asking for news of his health. Dat. S. Peter's, 27 Apr. ao 4 [1421]. f. 57 b.

60. 'Idem Lincolniensi': extract from the brief translating [Richard Fleming,] Bishop of Lincoln, to the archbishopric of York. [14 Feb. 1424, see Twemlow, Cal. Papal Registers, vii, p. 345.] f. 57 b.

61. 'De papaad consilium Basiliense': Eugenius IV to an unnamed prelate, not yet at the Council, for his interest there and with the King. Circ. 1431. f. 57 b.

62. Form of certificate by the Bishop of Ely's official,

regens scolas in iure canonico' in Clambridge] University, of performance of exercises, matriculation, &c., of W. L., priest, of L. diocese. No date. f. 58.

63. Eugenius IV to H[enry Beaufort], Cardinal of England, inviting him to Rome. [Circ. 1437 ?] f. 53.

64. 'De amico ad amicum', from A. at Rome to W. in England, that the change of their lords' plans will prevent their meeting at the Gencral Council. In spite of the alarming wars the devotion of princes, it may be hoped, will restore to the apostolic see the honours taken away by the malice of the Council at Basel. R. will write a longer letter to their common lord. Commends himself to their teacher Y. S., subprior of Canterbury. [1431-1443.] f. 58b.

65. 'Littera super scismate tollendo', from [a prior?] of the order of Augustinian [friars ?] to a prelate at the Council of Constance, accrediting P. de B., preceptor of Limoges. [1414-1418.] f. 58b.

66. 'Missiua pro consanguineis ad ducem M. mittendis': another copy of art. 32. f. 59.

67. [Henry Chicheley, Archbishop of Canterbury?] to [Robert Hallam,] Bishop of Salisbury, at Constance, about the Council's proceedings and affairs at home, including troubles at S. Augustine's, Canterbury. [Circ. Apr. 1415.] f. 59.

68. 'Copia discripcionis duelli in Fabricampo' description, addressed to a prelate, of arrangements at Smithfield for a duel, upon appeal for high treason, between [Thomas Fitzgerald,] deprived Prior of K[ilmainhaml of the order of S. John in Ireland, and [James Butler, 4th] Earl of Ormond, to take place on Wedn. in the first week of Lent. The writer asserts that the Countess was the presumed 'origo malorum'. The. combatants' shields of arms are described, the prior's with abatements, the Earl's a trefoil arrangement of three coats, viz.:-(a) S. Thomas, (b) the Earl, (c) the

Countess. The duel never took place, see Fabyan (Chronicle, ed. Ellis, p. 618), who dates the dispute in 1445, and Archdall (Monasticon, p. 240), who dates it in 1447. f. 59 b. Artt. 69, 70 seem to be in another hand.

69. 'Littera testimonii consecracionis capelle' : certificate of dedication of an altar of SS. Edward Confessor and John the Evangelist in the chapel at the manor of 0. [Orpington?] by [John Low,] Bishop of Rochester, by authority of J[ohn Stafford], Archbishop of Canterbury, and in presence of J[ohn] E[Ilam], Prior of Christ Church, with an indulgence of 40 days for the dedication day and its octave. Witnesses, J. G., precentor, J. A., chamberlain of Christ Church, R. A., rector of 0., T. D. esquire, the prior's marshal. Dat. 6 Mar. 1446/7. f. 60.

70. Letters relating to the consecration at Lincoln, on the occasion of the translation of S. Hugh, in Oct. 1280, of T[homas] B[eckl Bishop of S. Davids, viz (a) Edward [I] to the Prior, &c., of Christ Church, 4 Aug. [1280];-(b) J[ohn Peckhaml Archbishop of Canterbury, to the same, n.d. f. 60 b. The title of a third letter, from R., Archbishop, to R., Bishop of Lincoln, for consecration of a bishop of S. Davids, is added. Art. 71 is in Cranebroke's hand.

71. 'Historia Peccham de Trinitate': homily in twelve lessons on the doctrine of the Trinity, with office for Trinity Sunday, by John Peckham, Archbishop of Canterbury. The office is contained in a breviary printed at Cremona, 1499, and also printed separately, with a commentary, as Liber de sacrosancta et super. benedicta Trinitate, Antwerp, 1580. There is also said to be an edition by Pynson, De summa Trinitate et fide calholica, 1510. Homily beg. 'Ingenuitas fidei Christiane terrene consideracionis imagini'; office, 'Sedenti super solium congratulans trisagium'. f. 61 b. The first part of art. 72 is in another hand, but the end, and art. 73, in Cranebroke's.

72. 'Zenophontis historia qui dicitur Tirannus': Xenophon's Hiero, translated into Latin by Leonardo Bruni of Arezzo (d. 1444). Often printed, frequently (Hain, Repert. 15982-16003) with artt. 74, 82. Translator's preface beg. '[Z]enophontis philosophi qui quemdam libellum'; translation, 'Cum ad Hieronem tirannum Simonides poeta'. The colophon is dated I459. f. 64 b.

73. 'Quedam excerpta ab opusculo contra raptores Edwardo regi Anglie tercio transmisso, &c. per H. Cranebroke'. excerpts from the remonstrance to Edw. III commonly attributed to Simon Islip (cf. 10 B. XI). Beg. 'Iusticia enim est reddere'. f. 67 b.

74. S. Basil, (Migne, Patr. Gr. xxxi. 564), translated by Leonardo Bruni, with dedication to Collucius. Often printed, Hain, nos. 2683-2696, and as above, art. 72. In the same two hands as art. 72 in reversed order. At the end of the preface Cranebroke gives the date, 10 June, 1459. Preface beg. 'Ego tibi hunc librum'; translation, 'Multa sunt, filii, que hortantur me'. f. 68. The hand of the latter part of art. 74 continues to the end of art. 82.

75. 'Socrates de morte contempnenda ex Greco factus a Cincio Romano': the pseudo-platonic Axiochus. The translator is described in a MS. work of Poggio Bracciolini as 'ex-pontificis-secretarius' (Valentinelli, Bibl. S. Marci Venet iv, p. 196). Apparently never printed; a copy at Bologna is mentioned by Tiraboschi, Storia della Letteratura Ital. vi, p. 179. Beg. 'Cum ex Athenis discederem'. f. 70 b.

76. 'Isocratis oracio ad Demonicum'. The translation is not that of Martinus Phileticus nor that printed in an edition of 1702. Beg. 'Cum in aliis permultis bonorum atque improborum'. f. 72.

77. 'Isocratis oracio aniclolem (sic) de regno': the speech ad Nicoclem. The translation is not that of the 1702 edition nor that contained in art. 80 below. Beg. 'Qui vobis regibus Nichodes (sic) soliti sunt'. f. 73 b.

78. 'Gwarinus Veronensis ad illustrissimum principem dominum Leouellum (sic) Estensem de assentatoris et amici differentia, ex Plutarco': translation by Gua. rinus of Verona (d. 1460) of Plutarch, with dedication to Leonello d'Este (d. 1450). A single undated edition is mentioned by Hain, Rep. I3'49. Preface beg. 'Platonem virum doctissimum'; text, 'Maximos et prestanti ingenio'. f. 75 b.

79. 'Invictiua Leonardi Aretini contra ypocritas'. This satire by Leonardo Bruni was printed by 0. Gratius in his Fasciculus Rerum Expetendarum (E. Brown's reprint, London, 1690, i, p. 307). Beg. 'Ex omni genere hominum'. f. 79 b.

8o. 'Oracio Ysocratis ad Nichodem de rege': another version of the oration to Nicocles (cf. art. 77) by Bernardo Giustiniani, the Venetian historian (d. 1489). Beg. 'Consuevere plerique, o Nichodes'. Printed, with Giustiniani's speeches and letters, Venice, 1492, but suppressed and rare. f. 81. Si. 'Oracio de subditis penes regem': translation (with preface addressed to Leonello d'Este) of the speech of Isocrates called Nicocles or Symmachica. A MS. at Venice (S. Mark's, Cod. 264 Chart.) attributes this translation to Leonardo Bruni. It seems to be unprinted (see Valentinelli, Bibl. S. Marci Venet. iv, p. 196). Preface beg. 'Sepius ante oculos'; text, 'Plerique sunt qui graues'. f. 83.

82. 'Sequitur Plutharcus de ingenuorum educacione'. translation by Guarinus Veronensis of Plutarch, with preface addressed to Angelus Cornelius. There are many editions, see Hain, 13146-13148 and 15982-16003 (cf. art. 22). Preface beg. 'Maiores nostros, Angeli (sic) mi'; text, 'Quidnam est ingenuorum'. f. 85 b. The next two artides are in hand C.

83. 'Exposicio dictionum iuris maxime ciuilis': an anonymous dictionary from Abigere to Vulgaris substp tutio, with brief preface, beg. 'Quoniam omnium habere memoriam'. f. 91.

84. 'Ad sciendum quando peccatum aliquid sit mortale vel veniale': tract with colophon 'istud composuit sapientissimus sacre pagine professor magister Matheus de Cracouia, et cum hoc artium valentissimus'. Forthe author see 6 E. III, art. 48. Apparently unprinted. Beg. 'Nota quinque regulas. prima est hoc quod quando amor'. f. 119. Art. 85 is in hand G.

85. 'Graciarum actiones triplices in scolis pro audiencia': speech on inception or graduation as doctor. f. 121. Artt. 86-91 are in the hands classed above as H, all except the first being in Cranebroke's hand.

86. 'Littera indulgenciarum': indulgence of ioodays to pilgrims to Christ Church, Canterbury. Dat. D[over], dioc. Canterbury, 7 July, 12 Martin V [1429]. The 'titulus' is strangely confused, beg. 'Eugenius miseracione diuina tituli sancti B.', though the words following show that the grant is meant to be by Cardinal Henry Beaufort as legate. f. 121 b.

87. W- Alde to H[enry] C[ranebroke], thanking him for procuring him a place as schoolmaster (?). n. d. Lat. f. 121 b.

88. J[ohn de Tiptoft], Earl of Worcester, to H[enry] C[ranebroke], thanking him for his letter 'stilo Tulliano comptis'. Dat. 9 Jan. 1451/2. f. 122.

89. The same to the same, in English. Promises to procure him a sight of the jewel he wishes to see. Asks for prayers for 'her soule whom I loved best' (his first wife?). Dat. 4 Apr. 1452. f. 122.

90. H[enry] C[ranebroke] to the Earl of Worcester, Treasurer of England. Dat. Dec. 1452. Lat. f. 122.

91. Stephanus Triuisano, captain of Venetian galleys, to Thomas [Goldston, the elder], Prior of the 'monasterium S. Thome' (i.e. Christ Church), Canterbury, to send back Johannes de Franga, a deserting barbersurgeon. He is under contract for the whole voyage, owes money to the crew, and is incompetent as a surgeon. Dat. Sandwich, 30 May, 1453. f. 122b. Artt. 92-94 are in hand B.

92. A priory [Holy Trinity, Norwich?] to [Thomas Arundel?] Archbishop of Canterbury, complaining of the imprisonment of their prior [perhaps in 1406, see Cal. Pat. Rolls, 7 Hen. IV, p. 236]. Dat. Norwich, tercio, &c.' f. 123.

93. 'Littera ad totum clerum directa': a mysterious warning subscribed 'discipulus veritatis, occultus tamen propter metum Iudeorum'. f. 123.

94. The Abbot of Pershore to [Thomas Arundel?] Archbishop of Canterbury, to allow John G., a monk of Glastonbury, removed to Pershore by the archbishop in his visitation, to return, in consideration of his penitence and good conduct. No date. Followed by the title only of a letter to the Abbot of Glastonbury (see art. 113). Lat. f. 123 b. Art. 95 is in hand G.

95. Two sermons, both incomplete, viz. :-(a) On John x. 16, probably for S. Thomas the Martyr (29 Dec.). Beg. 'Fiat unum ouite, &c.: 0 ciues celi celibes' f. 124b;-(b) On Lamentations v. 16. Beg. 'Cadit al' cecidit corona, &c.: Quantum ad sensum litteralem'. f. 127. Art. 96 is in hand B, but there is a change of ink after the third epistle.

96. Letters in fantastic mythological phraseology, connected probably with some kind of Twelfth-night revels, viz.:-(a) 'Penteus deorum prepositus tocius regni racionis dominus et monarcha pacificus... cunctis regni Fabe proceribus', &c. (see Hampson's Katendarium,i, p. 135). It contains denunciations of 'quidani semideus nomine Bacchus' and his 'nepos nouellus aut spurium vitulamen', who is described as 'tanquam secundus presbiter Iohannes . . . cuiusdam Alani et Matilde filiusin insulade Byndesey fontaliter oriundus', and there are also allusions to election of a new king. f. 129;-(b) 'Celestis progenies Meptunus' to the same concerning election of a new king. f. 129 b-(c)'Elous (Aeolus?) rex ventorum' to the same, of like purport f. 129 b;-(d) 'Ieo. archiepiscopus Constantinopolita. norum' and 'Poli. dux Suessundorum' to R. de C. 'principi regni florum', purporting to relate negotiations with the empress 'Sapientia' for the marriage of her daughter. f. 130;-(e) 'Percheus princeps', &c., to the 'proceres regni Fabe'. f. 131 b;-(f) 'Philomancius archimandrita mandrarum ultra montes yperboreos' to the same. f. 132 b. Artt. 97-103 are in hand G.

97. Declamation by a native of Friuli in Venctia, formerly a student at Padua, in praise of the Emperor Sigismund and of Robert [Hallaml Bishop of Salisbury, to whose household at the Council of Constance (1414- I4i8) he was, or desired to be, attached. Lat. f. 133.

98. A bishop to a chapter, asking them to elect the bearer, Gilbert de S., his chancellor, to a canonry, with as little expense as possible. Lat. f. 136.

99. 'Littera ad amicum super obligacione cancellata et iuramento non relaxato'; concerning the building of a bridge over a ditch called S. f. 136 b.

100. 'Littera confraternitatis', from J[ohn Watford ?], Abbot of S. J[ames?] near N[orthampton?] in the diocese of Lincoln, for admission of Ro[bert] N[eville], Bishop of Salisbury, and T[homas] F[aux], rector of St. Bride's, London. [1437-1438.] f. 137. ioi. Similar letters (a) from J., Provincial of Friars Minor in England, to T. F., capellanus, n. d., and (b) from J. de B., Provincial of Friars Preachers in England, to G. R., canon of St. Davids, n. d. f. 137 b. io2. Model letters in ecclesiastical and other matters without names or dates, entitled 'Supplicacio iusticie', 'Littera pro subsidio purgacionis', 'Littera ad amicum

pro mutua consolacione visitacionis', 'Littera de medicis nelinquendis' (an attack on doctors), Ut honor in purgacione scruetur', 'Littera deprecabilis in causa purga. cionis', and 'Littera per viam credencie'. f. 137b.

103. 'Confirmacio officii': grant by J., Archbishop of Canterbury, and confirmation by J., prior, and the convent of Christ Church, Canterbury, to G. M., of a pension of 44 from the manor of S. on his resignation of the office of bailiff of H., co. Kent. f. 139.

Artt. 104-111 are in hand D, a small hand of Italian character, of the latter half of the 15th cent.

104. Paraphrase from S. Jerome, ep. lxxii, Migne, Patr. Lat. xxii. 672. f. 140.

105. Translation [by Giovanni Francesco Poggio Bracciolini] of Lucian's Printed in Poggio's works, Basel, 1538, p. 138, and elsewhere. The translator (d. 1459) was a protégé of Card. Beaufort. Preface beg. 'Cum quondam eum qui de asino'; text, 'Cum in Tessaliam ubi michi'. f. 140 b.

106. Dialogue between Dorias, Philonus, and Ilarius on the merits of town and country life. Perhaps an exercise. Beg. 'Dorias ciuis atichus (sic) iter faciens erore (sic) uie'. f. 144 b.

107. Declamation in defence of suicide. Preface beg. 'Cum Grece lego declamacionis genus'. f. 145 b.

108. Model letter. Beg. 'Feruet animus te uidendi desiderio, pater alme'. Dat. 'Rure, Kal. Martii'. f. 147 b.

109. Dialogue, apparently in imitation of Lucian, between Mercury and Virtus. Beg. 'Virtus deos perorauerat'. f. 148.

110. Isocrates ad Nicoclem: Giustiniani's translation as above, art. 80. Imperfect, a leaf being torn out after f. 150. f. 148 b.

111. Extracts from the Geographica of Strabo. Im. perfect at the beginning. f. 151. Artt. 112-116 are in hand B.

112. Petition, imperfect at the beginning, to the King, for recommendation to some benefice in the gift of the Bishop of Ely. Lat. f. 168.

113. Art. 94 repeated, with the letter to the Abbot of Glastonbury, completc, and a letter from the monk himself to the archbishop. Dat. Pershore, 14 Aug. s. a. f. 168.

114. Three letters of the same character as art. 40 or perhaps art. 96, from Letitia, Sobrietas, and Discrecio. f. 170 b.

115. 'Lupus ad pastores salutem': probably another Oxford Satire under fictitious names. f. 173.

116. Letter of Allec on its controversy with Caro: a similar piece. f. 173b. Artt. 117-121 are in hand G.

117. 'Littera ad excer[cen]dum studium': to a friend, advising continued study of civil law in preference to return to the court. f. 174 b.

118. 'Littera episcopo Ardacadensi directa': letter, from - to a friend, concerning the case of the Dominican H[enry Nony], appointed by the Pope in 1392 to the see of Ardagh and consecrated, although the see was not vacant. The writer appeals for help in obtain. ing a dispensation for him to hold a benefice and prebend, he being old and destitute. f. 175 b.

119. 'Littera excusacionis pro absencia in Parliamento': from a bishop of Bath and Wells [? Nicholas Bubwith, 1407-1424] to a brother prelate, on his age and infirmity, his tomb in Wells Cathedral, and his will, of which his correspondent and the Archbishop of York are executors. f. 176.

120. 'Missiua pro creacione notarii, ad episcopum': recommending the writer's nephew J. L. f. 176 b.

121. 'Pro confirmanda manumissione seruorum': letter from a prelate to [a monastery?] to confirm his manumission of two nativi, his 'commensales', P. B. and J. L. Followed by the title only of a letter 'A (sic) commissarium pro correctione inobedientis'. f. 177. Art. 122 is in hand B.

122. 'Valde compendiosus tractatus de dictamine nomine Regina sedens Rethorica, cum ceteris epistolis tam superioribus quam inferioribus cum earum responsio. nibus gradatim directis': dialogue between Rhetorica and Philomena, beg. 'Regina sedens Rethorica in suo solio', followed by fictitious examples, such as a letter from Pope'Slmon 'to King Henry bidding him use the secular arm to coerce Oxford University, and the King's reply defending the university. Letters from the Prince [of Wales?] to the King of Denmark, the Duke of Lancaster to the Earl of Arundel, and the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Bishop of Lincoln are also probably inventions. Others are in general terms. f. 178. Art. 123 is perhaps in the same hand.

123. 'Littera testimonialis' from Oxford University in favour of Richard S., master of arts. f. 195 b. Artt. 124-130 are in hand G.

124. 'Ad amicum': the King [Richard II] to his kings man [William Courtenay, Archbishop of Canterbury?] to support him in urging the Pope to settle a dispute between [John de Waltham?] Bishop of Salisbury, Treasurer of England, and the chapter of Salisbury. [Circ. 1391-1392.] f. 195 b.

125. 'SUMMO pontifici' (this title is false): the exbishop of Salisbury [Ralph Erghum, Bishop of Bath aiid Wells ?] to a prelate to whom the above dispute was referred. f. 196.

126, 'Missiua regraciatoria ad magistrum': request for legal advice, with thanks for former help in resisting R[ichard] de C[lifford], keeper of the Privy Seal [Bishop of Worcester 1401], who had threatened to spend 1,000 marks in litigation if the writer would not surrender to him the prebend of W. f. 196 b.

127. 'Inuectiua super vita dissoluta unius claustralis corrigenda': exhortation to an incontinent monk. f. 197.

128. 'Pro vita bona perseueranda, &c.'. a similar epistle. L2w.

32Q

129. 'Missiua imperatoria per viam credencie ad episcopum Saresburiensem': Sigismund, King of the Romans [and Emperor elect], to [Robert Hallam] at Constance, accrediting Ottobonus de B. de W., doctor of both laws, Michael J., Petrus de Ge. de C., milites, Jodocus R., secretary, and Simon [de Dominis], Bishop of Trau. Dat. Aachen [1414-1417]. f. 2O1.

130. John, Duke of Burgundy, credentials for G. de P., miles, dominus de Tricastro, his chamberlain, J. R., councillor, J. de M. and R. P. de Vremze, scutiferi, ambassadors to Sigismund, King of the Romans. n. d. f. 201 b. The title only of a letter 'Ad dominum Saris. buriensem' follows. Art. 131 is in hand E.

131. Johannes Calderinus, 'De ecclesiastico interdicto'. Printed, Pavia, 1488, &c. (see Schulte, Gesch. der Quellen des can. Rechis, ii, p. 250). Beg. 'Quamuis dubia plurima circa materiam'. f. 202. Artt. 132-137 are in the first of the two hands noted above as F.

132. 'Tractatus Francisci episcopi Clusini de quarta relicta fratribus': tract by Francesco [degli Atti], Bishop of Chiusi (1348-1353), on the right of bishops to a fourth part of bequests to hospitals, &c. Other MSS. are mentioned by Mazzuchelli, Scrittori d'Italia, i, p. 1217. Beg. 'Quoniam aliqui curiosi contra doctrinam'. f. 223.

133. 'Tractatus Bantholi de testimoniis' (so colophon): the tract by Bartolus de Saxo Ferrato, printed in the collected editions of Bartolus' Consilia, &c., Venice, 1471, 1485, &c., and in the Tractatus Universi Iuris (Venice, 1584), iv, fol. 63 (sce Mazzuchelli, op. cit. ii, p. 464). Beg. 'Testimoniorum usus frequens'. f. 226 b.

134. 'Tractatus alimentorum compositus a domino Bartholo de Saxo Ferrato legum doctore'; printed in the Consilia, as above, and elsewhere. Beg. 'Alinientorum materiam tractaturus'. f. 231 b.

135. 'Tractatus de cessionibus': anonymous civil law tract, a variant form of which is printed in Tract. Univ. Iuris, iii, pt. ii, f0l. 77 b. Beg. 'Quoniam materia de cessionibus iurium utilis est'. f. 234.

136. 'Iohannes de Lyniano' (so colophon): tract on Istatuta' in civil and canon law by Joh. de Lignano (see Schulte, op. cit. ii, p. 257). Beg. 'Circa materiam statutorum quam tangit Innocentius'. f. 237.

137. De argumentis, tract on civil and canon law pleading. Beg. 'Quia in omni iuris remedio prius ad ordinarium'. f. 245 b. Art. 138 is in the second of the two hands classed as F.

138. 'Tractatus Bartholi de expensis' (so colophon): not mentioned by Mazzuchelli, l.c., among the writings of Bartolus de Saxo Ferrato, and printed as the work of Jacobus de Arena, Tract. Univ. Iuris, iii, Pt. ii, fol. 394 b. Beg. 'Expensarum que fiunt in iudicio quandoque habetur racio'. f. 248. Artt. 139-142 are in hand A.

139. Art. 27 repeated and completed, with date, Groby, 4 Dec. [1410]. f. 254. ROYAL MANUSCRIPTS 10 B. X, 10 B. XI 140. Thomas de Lancastre [Duke of Clarence 1412 cf. art. 251 Seneschal of England and Lieutenant of Ireland, to-, accrediting R. G., doctor of laws. Dat. Kenilworth, 15 Jan. [perhaps 1411, when the court was at that place]. Fr. f. 254.

141. [Henry IV] to [the University of Oxford ?] for the imprisonment of all persons maintaining the heretical articles condemned by the doctors appointed by the Archbishop and provincial council. In case of their refusal to submit they are to be sent to him for punishment. Accredits the above R. G. Dat. Groby, 22 Oct. [141O ?]. Fr. f. 254b.

142. J. G., parson of E., to 'la dame L.' [Maud, Baroness Holand, widow of John Lovel, 5th Baron Lovel, who d. 1408?], complaining of non-payment of tithes of underwood in her lordship of Blakegroue [Blackgrove, near Wanborough, co. Wilts.?]. Fr. f. 255. Art. 143 is in hand B.

143. Challenge to a joust in the name of 'Guilliame de Mountadrye. . . . capetayne des gens darmes de la courte de Prester John' (cf. artt. 40, 96, 114). Fr. f. 256.

Artt. 144-150 are in hand G.

144. 'Littera super commissione absolucionis recepta pro hereticis' : letter from - to a prelate (legate?) who had given him a commission, dated 5 April, to reconcile penitent Hussite laymen. He only received it yesterday, 5 Aug., but there are no signs yet of penitence among these heretics, who even dare to assert that the ambassadors from Prague at the Basel Council conceded their four articles; but T. de H., one of the ambassadors, has contradicted this falsehood. Accredits the bearer, Provincial of Dominicans. [6 Aug. 1431- I443.l f. 256.

145. Formulae for (a) ' Pro[cu]ratoria pro ecclesia', in the name of W. B., rector of Sutton, co. Surrey, 9 June, 1439. f. 256 b ;-(b) ' Prouocacio' by the same, 11 May, 1439. f. 257. Followed by the title only of a 'Littera dedicacionis capelle'.

146. Note on the mathematical (or black) art. Lat. f. 258.

147. 'Copia instituti': form of an official copy of apapalbUll. E258.

148. 'Interpretationes mortis': a list of synonyms or euphemisms for death, &C. f. 258 b.

149. [Eugenius IVI to H[enry Chichele], Archbishop of Canterbury, on the progress of the Council of Ferrara. Dat. 9 Apr. 1438. Beg. 'Pridemscripsimus'. f. 258 b.

150. Fragment of a summary of a history of the Trojan war, apparently from Dares Phrygius. Beg. 'In castris vero Grecorum de morte Palamidis'. f. 258 b. The vellum fly-leaf (f. 259) is a fragment of presentments [by a wardmote?] in London, with lists of common councillors, constables, and scavageours, of the middle of the 15th cent. Engl. Paper (except f. 259); ff. 259. Folio. 113/4 in. x 81/2 in. XV cent. Sec. fol. 'mown treshonure'. The MS. was bought in 1452, by Henry Cranebroke (ff. 1, 201), monk of Christ Church, Canterbury, from J. Hynder, capeilanus, perhaps also a monk of the monastery, as his name occurs in the obituary, Arundel MS. 68, f. 18. The names of William Astwyke and Henry Torkington are scribbled with other notes at the end [by Cranebroke?]. From the quiresignatures, f. 254 must once 'have followed f. 139, but even this arrangement seems not to be original (see signature of f. 68). Afterwards belonged to Archbishop Cranmer (name not autogr., f. 1) and [John, Lord] Lumley. Lumley cat. f. 193; cat. of 1666, f. 7 CMA. 8112.

includes:

• f. 2 Sir Richard Abberbury: Letter accrediting, from John of Gaunt: 1394: Fr.: Copy, 15th cent.