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.
I10 Heere lyes a treasure in this pitte
Notes. This dispassionate assessment is one of several poems on Ralegh to explore the dubious benefits of his reputation for “wit”.
Heere lyes a treasure in this pitte
the wonder of his tyme for witte.
butt to small purpose did itt serve
his witt could nott his head preserve:
his living was belov’d of none,
5yett most men did his death bemone:
heaven hath his soule, the world his fame,
the grave his corps, stukelye1 his shame.
Source. Bodleian MS Eng. Hist. c.272, p. 51
Other known sources. Ralegh, Poems 197; Bodleian MS Aubrey 6, fol. 79r; Houghton MS Eng. 1278, item 10
I10
1 stukelye: Lewis Stukeley, the Vice-Admiral of Devon and Ralegh’s kinsman, who escorted Ralegh to London after his return from Guiana and who then gave evidence against him on their arrival. Stukeley was widely attacked at the time for betraying his kinsman. <back>
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