A Newly Discovered Manuscript of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey’s Translation of Martial’s Epigram X

Abstract

THE flyleaves of Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford, MS Bodley 3 (Bo3) contain a previously unknown partial copy of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey’s translation of Martial’s Epigram X.1 The codicological and textual details of this copy offer insights into the circulation of Surrey’s verse. Bo3 is of particular interest in that an incomplete version of Martial’s Latin text was copied on a page facing Surrey’s translation, a situation that is, as far as I know, unique.2 What follows is a transcription of the text of Bo3, a collation against McGaw’s recent critical edition of the text, a discussion of the textual affiliations of Bo3, and a brief discussion of the text’s manuscript situation.3 1 My frind the thing that dothe attaine 2 the happi lyf by thes I find 3 rittches left not gott with paine 4 the fruictfull ground the quiet mynd 5 the meane diet no dainty fare 6 wysdome Joyned with simplenes 7 the night dyscharged of all care 8 where wyne the wytt may not oppress