A web-based edition of early seventeenth-century political poetry from manuscript sources. It brings into the public domain over 350 poems, many of which have never before been published.
D23 You that reade passing by
Notes. This poem by William Herbert, 3rd Earl of Pembroke, is one of four extant verses defending Cecil that circulated in manuscript. In both the Chetham and Clifton manuscripts, Pembroke’s poem is transcribed together with another defence of Cecil, Samuel Daniel’s “If greatnes, wisedome, pollicie of state”. Croft (“Reputation” 66) discusses Pembroke’s poem and prints it in full.
“The Earle of Penbrockes Memoriall for the earle of Salsiebury deceased”
You that read in passinge by
Robert Earle of Salisbury
know that in soe short1 a storie
Thou canst never fyend such glorie
All Statte secretts on him laide
5Hee the staff of Treasure2 swayd
Gave his maister all the gaine
of the wardes3 reserved the paine
Governd all with so cleare hands
as most mallice silence standes
10And who snarles4 wilbe soone
founde doggs barekinge att the moone
This Tombe hath his bonnes possest
Heven and frends hould deare the rest
Source. Nottingham, Clifton MS CL LM 24
Other known sources. Dr Farmer Chetham Manuscript 2.188; Pitcher 173; NCRO MS IL 4296;
D23
1 short: an affectionate allusion to Cecil’s small physical stature. <back>
2 staff of Treasure: symbol of the Lord Treasurer’s office. <back>
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