Burney MS 271

Virgil, Eclogues (ff. 1r-16r), Georgics (ff. 16v-56r), Aeneid (ff. 57r-236r).

Some leaves are apparently re-used from a larger book ruled in two columns (see ff. 1r, 60r, 63r, etc.); some palimpsest (e.g. ff. 5r, 64r, 70r, 97r, etc.), the lower text possibly in Greek (e.g. ff. 98v, 178v).

In unpublished notes at the Bodleian Library, A. C. de la Mare dated the manuscript to 's. xv 3/4' and suggested that the decoration of f. 57r looks Roman; but she subsequently added 'or N.E.?' as a possible origin.

Decoration:

3 large illuminated white vine initials, at the start of each main text (ff. 1r, 16v, 57r), the first accompanied by a partial white vine border with an erased escutcheon, and by a roundel depicting two dragon(?)-heads, face-to-face, their tongues apparently pierced by an unidentified object; the third with marginal extensions and accompanied by a roundel enclosing an escutcheon depicting a dragon(?)-head in profile. Illuminated initials with white vine ornament at the start of each remaining Eclogue and book. Small illuminated initials in gold on a blue and red or green and red field. Some guide-letters visible.