Item 8 (Verse, Religious writing, Political writing, Lament), fols. 10r-12v

Fidelia alone lamenting her parents lately dead, and her Relations gone into the west against Monmouth.

How my poor heart's with grief and fear oppressed,

...

And try if I can smother there my fears.

[fol. 12v is blank]

Item 9 (Verse, Religious writing, Political writing), fol. 13r-v

On the Victory at Sedgmore

This night they say a Battle has been fought,

...

There's no events can afterwards prove bad

Item 10 (Verse, Religious writing, Political writing), fol. 14r-v

England's good Genius on the victory

What mighty joy this victory has given,

...

Go sing, Te Deum to the great three one.

[Fol. 14r has the letters "E D" written at the bottom of the page.]

Item 14 (Verse, Dialogue, Religious writing, Political writing), fols. 21r-24v

A discourse between Englands ill Genius and his companion.

O miserable wretch, what shall I do,

...

Their bodies, fortunes, reputations, souls.

Item 18 (Verse, Political writing, Lament), fols. 34-35

Fidelia lamenting the King's departure at the Revolution

Unhappy I, to live to see this day,

...

The stoutest Lion, flies the ass's bray.

[fol. 35v is blank]

Item 20 (Verse, Dialogue, Political writing), fol. 39

Fidelia and her friend on the Revolution

Well met Fidelia, how have you done of late,

...

In foreign lands my Country's crimes deplore

[Two further lines at the end of the poem have been erased but are still legible. They read: "Tis very hard but since it must be so / [Friend] And why will you such hardships undergo"]

Item 21 (Verse, Dialogue, Political writing), fols. 40r-41v

Fidelia in France meets one of the Portsmouth officers

How little did I think to meet you here,

...

On it depends all Europe's happiness

Item 22 (Verse, Dialogue, Political writing), fol. 42r-v

Fidelia meets her neighbour reading a letter.

Why are you sad, what news have you received,

...

As losing dealing often turns the cards,

Item 23 (Verse, Dialogue, Religious writing, Political writing), fols. 43r-46v

Fidelia in a convent garden the Abess comes to her

I from my cell beheld your thoughtful set,

...

To follow you's my duty and desire.

Item 24 (Verse, Dialogue, Religious writing, Political writing), fols. 47r-49v

England's ill Genius and his companion after the Battle of the Boyne.

Sure, sure, th'Almighty Tyrant of the skies,

...

As to neglect t'augment your happiness.

[fol. 49v is blank]

Item 25 (Verse, Dialogue, Political writing), fols. 50r-51v

England's good Genius and Philanthrophel his companion

If I had in my nature any dross,

...

Where thieves can't enter, moth or rust deface.

Item 26 (Verse, Dialogue, Religious writing, Political writing), fols. 52r-53v

Fidelia Walking the Lady Abess comes to her

The news is come, that Ireland is quite lost,

...

T'abandon those who on his love depend.

[Fol. 52r has a small square drawn in the original hand in the right margin at the end of the first line of verse.]

[fol. 53v is blank]

Item 27 (Verse, Religious writing, Political writing), fols. 54r-55v

Hell's Regret, for the peace and Unity like to ensue the Duke, of Anjou's accession to the Crown of Spain spoken as by Lucifer

What shall we do? we're ruined, lost, undone,

...

That I'm constrained to go to Hell for ease.

[Kathryn King observes that this poem is included in the manuscript "as an inset, a folio sheet folded into two quarto leaves and bound-in after the main body of verse (fols. 54-55v)" (King, The Magdalen Manuscript, 16).]

Item 7 (Verse, Religious writing, Political writing, Lament), fols. 8r-9r

Fidelia alone lamenting her parents lately dead, and her relations gone into the west against Monmouth.

How my poor heart's with grief and fear oppressed,

...

And try if I can smother there my fears.

Item 8 (Verse, Religious writing, Political writing), fol. 9v

On the Victory at Sedgemore

This night they say a battle has been fought,

...

By this the mind is bubbled to repose,

Item 9 (Verse, Religious writing, Political writing), fol. 10r

England's good Genius.

What mighty joy this victory has given

...

Go sing Te Deum to the great three one.

Item 13 (Verse, Dialogue, Religious writing, Political writing), fols. 14v-17r

A discourse between England's ill Genius and his companion.

O miserable wretch! what shall I do,?

...

In bodys, fortunes, reputations souls.

Item 17 (Verse, Political writing, Lament), fol. 23r-v

Fidelia weeping for the Kings departure at the Revolution.

Unhappy I, to live to see this day,

...

The stoutest Lion flies the Ass's bray.

Item 19 (Verse, Dialogue, Political writing), fols. 25v-27r

Fidelia and her friend.

Well met Fidelia, how have you done of late,

...

And All have not the gift of martyrdom.

Item 20 (Verse, Dialogue, Political writing), fols. 27v-28v

Fidelia in France meets one of Portsmouth officers

How little did I think to meet you here,

...

On it depends all Europe's happiness.

Item 21 (Verse, Dialogue, Political writing), fol. 29r

Fidelia meets her neighbour reading a letter

Why are you sad, what news have you received,

...

As losing dealing, often turns the cards.

Item 22 (Verse, Dialogue, Religious writing, Political writing)

Fidelia in a Convent garden the Abbess comes to her

I from my cell beheld you thoughtful set,

...

To follow you's my duty, and desire.

Item 23 (Verse, Dialogue, Religious writing, Political writing), fols. 32v-34r

England's ill Genius and his companion after the Battle of the Boyne

Sure, sure, th'Almighty Tyrant of the skies,

...

As to neglect + augment your happiness

Item 24 (Verse, Dialogue, Political writing), fols. 34v-35v

England's good Genius and Philanthrophel his companion.

If I had in my nature any dross,

...

Where thieves can't enter, moth or rust deface.

Item 25 (Verse, Dialogue, Religious writing, Political writing), fol. 36r-v

Fidelia walking the Lady Abbess comes to her

The news is come, that Ireland is quite lost,

...

T'abandon those who on his love depend.

[The last eight lines on fol. 36r have been rewritten onto a piece of paper which has been sewn onto the original leaf. The following words appear at the end of the eight lines: "Note [space] these athestical lines, were not given to the Prince, but being in the original, they are here incerted."]

Item 26 (Verse, Religious writing, Political writing), fols. 37r-38

Hell's Regret, for the peace & unity like to ensue the Duke of Anjou's accession to the Crown of Spain. spoken as by Lucifer.

What shall we do? we're ruined lost undone

...

That I'm constrained to go to Hell for ease.

[fol. 38 verso blank]

Item 28 (Verse, Political writing), fols. 40r-41v

To His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, on His birth day 1689 or 99. The author having presented him a Calvary set in a vineyard

Forgive me sir that on this happy day

...

Till for the good o[']th' board your Highness loose them all.

Item 29 (Verse, Political writing), fol. 42r-v

On The kings birthday, writ at St Germains. 1694

Methinks Britannia [writes?] with tears

...

I'll never sin again.

Item 30 (Verse, Religious writing, Political writing), fols. 43r-44v

To Her Majesty the Queen, on the Kings going to Calais this carnival 1696

Madam

It was not want of zeal, but want of sight,

...

Shall now the god of England's Queen adore.

Item 33 (Verse, Political writing), fols. 47r-48

To My dear cousin Col - - at his return out of Ireland into france.

Since Irelands loss, has brought you on our coast

...

For my friend's safety, all things is to me.

[Barker's index entry for this poem (fol. 135) identifies her cousin as "Coll Connock".]

[fol. 48 verso blank]

Item 35 (Verse, Religious writing, Political writing), fols. 51r-54v

The Miseries of St Germains, writ at the time of the pestilence and famine, which reigned in the years, 1694 et 95

Preachers no more, you need your people tell,

...

Than old wives tale, old maid, old cavalier.

[fol. 54 verso blank]

Item 40 (Verse, Elegy, Religious writing, Political writing), fols. 59r-60v

At the sight of the body of Our late gracious sovereign Lord King James 2nd As it lies at the English Monks.

Hic jacet, oft hic jacet poets sing,

...

Himself a saint, a Martyr was his sire.

Item 43 (Verse, Dialogue, Political writing), fols. 64r-67v

A dialogue between Fidelia and her little nephew, Martius, as they walk in Luxembourg. disguised as a shepherdess or country maid

Why weeps my child, why weeps my dearest boy,

...

Thy worth methinks, proclaims good fortune near.

Item 49 (Verse, Dream, Religious writing, Political writing), fols. 74r-75v

The lovers' Elisium, Or fools' Paradise: a dream.

Sleeping by the river Glen, methought I found,

...

And still methinks I can the words repeat.

Item 51 (Verse, Dream, Political writing), fols. 78r-80v

The Virgins paradise a dream.

As I upon a bank of lilies lay,

...

That I awaked, and so lost all the rest.

Item 10 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), pp.361-364

The Oxfordshire Nine

Upon tacking the Money Bill, to the Bill against Occasional Conformity

Perusing the list of the Tackers in print

...

That as 'twas the first, so it may be the last.

A certain tacker addressed himself to the head of a college in Cambridge, desiring his interest and assistance to further his election for a Member of Parliament vehemently exclaiming that the contrary party would rend and utterly ruin the Church. The doctor bid him not fear, for should it so happen as to be rent in pieces the Tackers might tack it together again.

[

The second rubric is in the margin.

The final rubric appears to be a note by Cowper, added after the poem.

Preceded by blank pp.[355]-360.

Item 11 (Verse, Song, Political writing), pp.365-366

A Song to the Tune of Lillibullero

Who does not extol our conquest marine?

...

Courage and conduct, Rooke and Toulouse

Item 12 (Verse, Song, Political writing), pp.367-368

The French King's Cordial or 134 | To the Tune of Old Simon the King

The Members of Parliament that were for joining the Money Bill to that against Occasional Conformity (which was cast out by the Lords) were in number 134 and are called Tackers

I think I need never despair

...

One hundred thirty and four

Item 9 (Verse, Political writing), pp.1-3[rev]

March 15th. 1707. Some Rhymes upon Talk of the French Invasion and bringing hither the Prince of Wales---

Why, hark ye me, sirs, - if this rumour holds true,

...

They'll trust to't no more, till they see him at Whitehall.

Item 10 (Verse, Dialogue, Political writing), pp.4-6[rev]

Britain's Jubilee

A Dialogue after the Battle of Almanza between a Peasant and a Footsoldier. By Mr. Estcourt.

You tell me Dick that you have read

...

To the queen of Great Britain.

Item 18 (Couplet, Political writing), p.16[rev]

"Parties by turns, make us all slaves"

Parties by turns, make us all slaves

...

Fools ruin fools, both help to enrich knaves.

[This is the entire entry.]

Item 16 (Verse, Political writing), p.8[rev]

'Cheverel

The chapmen likeliest to do his job

...

The profligate corruption of this age.

[The rubric is in the margin.]

Item 17 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), p.9[rev]

The Thanksgiving

In sounds of joy your tuneful voices raise

...

But thank the Almighty if you are not damned.

Item 18 (Verse, Political writing), p.9[rev]

"The Church in danger? O, what hideous cries!"

The Church in danger? O, what hideous cries!

...

How'ere their Hell may children fright like sprites.

Writ by Mr. Popele 1695

Item 19 (Verse, Political writing), p.10[rev]

Found on the Queen's Toilet

O Anna see the prelude is begun

...

At him they strike, but thou'rt the sacrifice

Item 20 (Verse, Political writing), p.10[rev]

Address to the House of Commons in reference to the impeachment of Sacheverell, December 1709

Fools, at the other house to try the priest

...

You that can make the king, can make the lords

Item 22 (Verse, Political writing), p.14[rev]

Fair Warning

In a letter to the Queen by the Duchess of Marlborough

Madam look to't your title is arraigned

...

And restoration is the consequence.

Item 23 (Verse, Political writing), pp.15-16[rev]

The Oxfordshire Election

We are told by the town that a man of great note

...

To bail High:Church one day, and vote next for the Low.

[The First-Line Index notes that this was printed as a broadside in London, 1710.]

Item 24 (Verse, Political writing), pp.17-20[rev]

The History of the Impeachment or the Nation Run Mad

The nation had always some token

...

From Sunderland and the great duchess

Item 30 (Verse, Political writing), pp.26-27[rev]

On Sacheverell's Sentence

Hail pious days, thou most propitious time

...

And pisses on the wretch he scorns to tear.

Item 33 (Verse, Political writing), p.30[rev]

My Opinion

Whig and Tory

After thinking this fortnight of Whig and of Tory

...

The Whigs may be fools, none but knaves can be Tories.

[The rubric is in the margin.]

Item 35 (Verse, Political writing), p.32[rev]

"Wake drowsy Britons and prevent your doom"

Wake drowsy Britons and prevent your doom

...

To advance her cause and the Pretender's claim.

Item 36 (Verse, Political writing), p.32[rev]

To the Duke of Newcastle

In interposing to preserve the state

...

The civil crown chiefly belongs to you.

Item 38 (Song, Political writing), pp.33-38[rev]

A New Ballad to the Tune of Fair Rosamond

When as Queen Anne of great renown

...

And hanged up Machivell

Item 39 (Verse, Political writing), p.38[rev]

To General Stanhope

Whene're you fought, the haughty foes were broke

...

How well for liberty you spoke, and fought.

[The rubric is in the margin.]

Item 41 (Verse, Political writing), pp.41-42[rev]

To Lord Cowper

Changes are grateful even to the great

...

I therein wrap myself, and therein rest.

September 10 1710.

Item 45 (Verse, Political writing), pp.47-48[rev]

The Bishop and Clergy of London Address.

We the hundred and fifty elect of the gown,

...

And hoist up our own, and have an ovation.

Item 46 (Song, Political writing), pp.48-50[rev]

The second part to the tune of Rosamond.

I pray God bless our gracious queen

...

Awake, o queen! Awake.

Item 48 (Verse, Political writing), pp.51-52[rev]

Upon Elections

Now the meanest labourer, and artificer

...

Ruin with it themselves too; the Grandee.

Parliament Dissolved. September 21 1710.

Item 49 (Verse, Political writing), p.52[rev]

The Character of a Worthy Statesman

The upright man whom sense of duty guides

...

He there undaunted stands, and does abide the shock.

To Lord Cowper. September 23.1710.

Item 51 (Verse, Political writing), pp.54-55[rev]

The Low: Church Litany composed in the Year 1710.

From Dr Sacheverell and all the lewd crew

...

From such men as these and their Church's defender. Deliver us.

Item 54 (Verse, Political writing), pp.59-60[rev]

The Dream. 24th September.1710. Occasioned by the D: of Sh: y. leading the Queen, and the Lord N= G= bearing the Sword.

Thrice did I hear Britannia's genius shriek

...

She heard me not, I waked in a fright.

Item 55 (Verse, Political writing), pp.60-63[rev]

The Exeter Address

Most gracious sovereign although

...

Will be the same, or very like it.

Item 62 (Verse, Political writing), pp.67-68[rev]

Passive Obedience

When first mankind were swayed by passive rules

...

And crowned a man, more righteous and good.

Item 63 (Verse, Prayer, Political writing), p.69[rev]

A poem made by a Lady

Father of gods and men, great king of heaven

...

Then burn, and perish, the devoted land.

Item 66 (Verse, Political writing), pp.72-73[rev]

The Church Builders

A wretch hath committed all manner of evil

...

But all yesterday, I was drunk with October.

Item 68 (Verse, Political writing), p.74[rev]

The Tories' Triumph

Now, now the Whigs shall all go down, the Tories up and ride;

...

For Perkin then comes next in course; then, hey boys! up go we

Item 69 (Verse, Political writing), pp.75-76[rev]

The French King's Lamentation for the Miscarriage of Monsieur Guiscard

When Lewis the Great, had heard of the fate

...

For he'll stop not a mile short of Paris.

Item 71 (Verse, Political writing), p.79[rev]

The Queen's and Lord of Oxford's New Toast

Here's a health to the Queen and her faithful adviser

...

She greater than Tudor, he greater than Vere

Q= Elizabeth Late Earl of Oxford See page 327

[The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.]

Item 11 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), p.8[rev]

Duke Shrewsbury, and Mrs. Masham

To save our Church which Whigs would undermine.

...

A red nosed dowdy, from behind her chair.

[The rubric is from the table of contents.]

Item 13 (Verse, Political writing), p.10[rev]

Verses under the Pretender's Picture, with His Sword Drawn.

Born to a triple empire I submit

...

Than all the wonders of her milder reign.

September 20.1711.

By this we may know a little, whereabouts we are.

[The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.]

Item 14 (Verse, Political writing), pp.11-12[rev]

An Elegy on a very Ancient Lady called Moderation. Born Anno Domini.30. and Translated from Great Britain; on, or about September the 22th 1710. Aged Sixteen Hundred and Eighty Years.

Offspring of Heaven! Delight of those above!

...

For all extremities, must mend, or end.

[There is an extra, unpaginated page between p.11[rev] and p.12[rev].]

Item 15 (Verse, Political writing), p.12[rev]

Epitaph

Sacred to the memory of Moderation

...

'Tis she, whose healing hands, must set us right.

[There is a leaf missing after p.12[rev], so the poem may not be complete. The table of contents indicates that p.13[rev] held "Verses writ by a Tory".]

Item 26 (Satire, Political writing), p.30[rev]

By Beat of Drum. In Print.

All gentlemen commoners, that are willing to serve the French king, and the present Ministry in the Regiment of Scotch Lords in the House of Peers, under the command of his Grace James Duke of Hamilton; Let them repair to the sign of the White Staff in York Buildings.

...

So bless the king. Huzza. Dule a-Dub, etc.

January 3. 1711

[The dating in the final rubric is old style.]

Item 27 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), pp.31-32[rev]

A Panegyric upon the Treasurer January 4th 1711.

Hail mighty hero of the British race.

...

Had like success attended his design.

[

The dating in the rubric is old style.

This is the same poem as item number 6.

Item 28 (Letter, Satire, Political writing), pp.32-33[rev]

The King of France's Letter to the Cardinal de Noailles Archbishop of Paris.

Cousin and Counsellor, we greet you well. This will let you understand that we have received the agreeable news of the surrender and demolishing of the strong important fortress of Marlborough hitherto thought impregnable,

...

For this reason we command you to cause Te Deum to be sung in our Metropolitan Church of Notre Dame in our good city of Paris, the 16th day of this present January. And so we bid you heartily farewell,

Given at our court at Versailles the 12th day of January 1712.

Louis. | Undersigned Tory

[There is a cross-reference in the margin, "see page 82". On this page in the diary, Cowper notes how the Duke of Marlborough "is turned out of all his places".]

Item 29 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), p.33[rev]

Prince Eugene

Eugene oh Eugene, if I'm right in my guess

...

Or you may have the fate your mother deserved.

It is said she poisoned her husband

[

The rubric "Prince Eugene" is from Cowper's table of contents.

The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.

Item 31 (Verse, Political writing), pp.34-35[rev]

Upon Making the Twelve Barons.

This one preamble serves for all,

...

And let the world now stare on.

February 19. 1711

[The dating in the final rubric is old style.]

Item 33 (Verse, Political writing), p.36[rev]

Present Moderation June.14.1712.

Ah purblind Whigs, to cry that moderation

...

Some Tory cries - and so is all the rest.

I=R.D.D.

Item 34 (Verse, Political writing), pp.36-37[rev]

Soliloquy to the House of Commons

Ungrateful Senate! Tools, employed by tools

...

By sons of men, the bad are understood.

June 16.1712.

Io.R.D.D.

Item 35 (Verse, Political writing), pp.38-39[rev]

Upon the Queen's Statue placed at the West End of St Paul's.

Near to that sacred and immortal frame

...

Like other monarchs of her ancient line.

[The poem is a variation on Samuel Garth's "On her Majesty's Statue in St. Paul's Church-Yard".]

Item 42 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), p.43[rev]

The Apparition October the 14th 1712.

As Mortimer lay pensive, and with pains

...

And left the treasurer to his thoughts alone

Item 43 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), p.44[rev]

Pasquin, at Paul's, in Print. October 16.1712

Anna, was once, the wise, the great, the good;

...

Semper eadem's, turned a weathercock

Sure I am it shocks me to see {..} such stuff in print.

[The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.]

Item 50.1 (Quotation, Political writing), p.51[rev]

The Examiner of Friday the 16th of January. 1712/13. Dr Swift (speaking of the Whigs) concludes with these remarkable words

Their tyranny is at an end, and their ruin very near.

...

I can only advise them to become their fall, like Caesar and die with decency.

[This is the entire quotation.]

Item 50.2 (Argument, Political writing), p.51[rev]

Queries

Whether this is not an insinuation of some intended massacre, or great mischief?

...

especially since some of them have been talking of surprising things which will be suddenly acted; and insinuated as if they knew some great secret ----

Item 53 (Verse, Political writing), p.53[rev]

By Dr. Garth, 'tis said.

Great Queen this tricking reign does now declare

...

Assert your source, and own the Italian seed.

Item 54 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), pp.53-55[rev]

The Rare Show

Here be the var pretty show, just come from Parie

...

Bless you all from de Pope, de Devil, and de Pretender, and all de great rogues in England.

Item 55 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), pp.56-58[rev]

The British Ambassadress's Speech to the French King.

Hail tricking monarch! More successful far

...

Led her himself, unto the royal bed.

This scandalous and treasonable paper may be a second part of The Popish Mealtub Plot in order to bring Protestants under suspicion.

[The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.]

Item 56 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), pp.58-59[rev]

Epigram. Upon the Examiner's New Supporters called Ox and Bull

New revolutions, new alarms,

...

But never can the Queen

Item 58 (Song, Political writing), pp.60-61[rev]

A Song. To the tune of Cold and Raw, the North doth Blow

England of late, a glorious state

...

Why Abigaill, and Harley.

Item 62 (Song, Political writing), pp.64-65[rev]

A New Song to the Tune of Marlborough Push 'em Again.

Who mounts the loftiest dignities

...

Thou fool, thou knave, thou villain.

Printed in the year 1713

Item 63 (Political writing, Narrative), p.65[rev]

Account of a discussion in the House of Lords

'Tis said that when some noble peers were speaking in the House against a separate peace; The Lord Treasurer, in his speech for it said, that none but fools, and knaves and villains could be averse to it.

...

Upon which Lord Wharton stood up, and pulling forth his pocket book before 'em all, said, he would there set down and preserve, that wise and honest sentence ---

[This is the entire entry.]

Item 64 (Verse, Political writing), p.65[rev]

"Let the Act against Vagabonds chase the Pretender"

Let the Act against Vagabonds chase the Pretender

...

Which none will refuse but a Whig, or a Rumper.

November 26 1713.

Given me by a Papist

[The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.]

Item 66 (Song, Political writing), p.66[rev]

Upon the chamberpots made with the picture of 'Cheverel at the bottom. To the tune of A Begging We Do Go

At the bottom of the chamberpot, the doctor's picture place

...

When to piss they do go, do go.

Item 67 (Verse, Political writing), p.67[rev]

A New Litany 1713.

From a dozen of peers made all at a start

...

And from the French harpies preserve us once more ---

Item 68 (Song, Political writing), pp.70-74[rev]

To the Tune of Chivy Chase

O bless our gracious sovereign Anne

...

No other guarantee.

Item 70 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), p.75[rev]

To the Queen

Hail Queen of Hearts to whose true English praise

...

For yours, what shall we not have cause to do.

March the Eighth

Item 71 (Verse, Political writing), p.75[rev]

"Madam of Hanover bless your own nation"

Madam of Hanover bless your own nation

...

You in a better place will reign.

Item 9 (Verse, Political writing), pp.[6-7][rev]

A Litany.

From the lawless dominion of mitre and crown

...

From the sham Prince of Wales and the French King. Deliver us.

Item 10 (Dialogue, Political writing), pp.[7-9][rev]

April 22th 1714

Last Friday the Whig lords being apprehensive that if any debate arose about the Spanish Treaty, the commissioners would propose an address to the Queen approving of the said Treaty.

...

Questions for the address, No's 69. Yea's, 82.

Item 11 (Speech, Political writing), pp.[10-15][rev]

A Speech made by the Famous Earl of Shaftesbury in the Reign of King Charles the Second.

My Lords, in this great debate concerning the King's speech, the sad state and condition we are in, and the remedies thereof, I have offered you my opinion, and many lords have spoken admirably well to it, with great freedom and plainness as the case requires.

...

He hath it before him and may take counsel as he thinks fit.

Item 12 (Letter, Political writing), pp.[16-18][rev]

Letters addressed to the Hanovers

Item 14 (Song, Political writing), p.[20][rev]

To Robert Earl of Oxford Late Lord Treasurer On His Excess of Mirth at the Proclaiming of His Majesty King George | To the Tune of ye Commons and Peers

I thought to have sent

...

But prithee what reason have you.

By I.P.

Item 20 (Ballad, Political writing), pp.[27-28][rev]

A halter for rebels; or, the Jacobites' downfall

A Ballad

A junto of knaves met at Paris together

...

Who by lies, and by liars supported his power.

1715

Item 21 (Verse, Political writing), pp.[28-29][rev]

A Whig Riddle for the Tory Omen Hunters.

Go doting wretches and enquire, why crickets make a din,

...

And British justice though they buffet her; says Oxford and her Earl shall suffer.

October 4th.1715.

Item 22 (Verse, Political writing), pp.[29-30][rev]

A full and ample Explanation of One King James's Declaration

With all the charms of France and Rome, I to my native country come,

...

I'll pardon all, and what I've promised grant ye; all oaths of coronation, non obstante.

January 19th.1715.

[The dating in the final rubric is old style.]

Item 23 (Verse, Political writing), pp.[30-31][rev]

A Copy of Verses found scattered in Lincolns Inn Fields

As Nero laughing saw Imperial Rome

...

And quietly call King James from exile home.

February 27

This shews the spirit of the Jacobites -

[The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.]

Item 25 (Song, Political writing), pp.[32-35][rev]

A Song. | High Church Loyalty, or, a Tale of a Tory Rebellion

Donna in qualms, sent Abb-- her drab for ease

...

You'll understand ere long. | Finis

May. 25. 1716

[Followed by pp.[370-344], which are blank.]

Item 32 (Verse, Political writing), fol.[85r]

The Fable

In Aesop's Tales an honest wretch we find

...

He without hairs, and thou without a crown

[This is the same poem as item 40.]

Item 33 (Verse, Political writing), fol.[85r]

Found in the Lobby of the House of Commons the 24th of April 1701

You true born Englishmen proceed

...

And all through your neglect.

[This is only the first stanza of the poem copied more fully in item 35. See Poems on Affairs of State, which claims that the date given by Cowper is "too early a date for composition of the whole poem, which refers to two events of mid-May" (VI.320).]

Item 34 (Receipt, Satire, Political writing), fol.[85v]

England's Remedy | A Sovereign Receipt for the Body Politic to be prepared and Administered by the Mob.

Take of Lory Hide the Head

...

The best Balm of Gilead for King William. and the only ratsbane for the French king .

Item 38 (Speech, Political writing), fols [90r-91v]

The Speech of William Cowper in the House of Commons in Captain Kidd's Affair

Sir I entirely agree in one particular with the Gentleman who {...} spake last.

...

And therefore I am against this question

This was taken in short hand, by a person who gave it to one that helped me to a sight on it. I do believe W.C. knows not there is any copy about, nor does he know of my having this S C.

November 19 1701

[

The William Cowper mentioned here is Sarah Cowper's son.

Preceded by blank fol.[89v].

Item 39 (Verse, Political writing), fol.[92r]

"In Aesop's tales an honest wretch we find"

In Aesop's tales an honest wretch we find

...

He without hairs and thou without a crown

[This is the same poem as item 33.]

Item 43 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), fol.[96r-v]

Upon the Commons Address to the Queen concerning the Occasional Bill

Madam | We address you today in a very new fashion

...

And 'tis far more dear to us, than that against France

Robert Wisdome

[Poems on Affairs of State argues that Robert Wisdome is a pseudonym for Arthur Mainwaring (VI, 615-621).]

Item 44 (Song, Political writing), fols [97r-99v]

The History and Fall of the Conformity Bill being an Excellent New Song to the Tune of the Ladies Fall

God Bless our gracious sovereign Anne

...

O' tother side the main.

Item 45 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), fol.[100r]

On the New Medal, with the Queen on one Side and the General with his prancing Horse on the other side with a Woman giving him Three keys in a Basket. Motto Sine Clade Victor.

The glory of the English arms retrieved

...

To stamp his queen, and cuckold in one coin.

Before the General kneels a woman presenting him with three keys and under written. Captis. Bonna. Huo. LimBurgo.

1703

[The final rubric appears to be a note added by Cowper.]

Item 46 (Speech, Political writing), fols [100v-102r]

Her Majesty's most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament on Saturday the 27th of October 1705.

My Lords and Gentlemen. I have been very desirous to meet you as early as I thought you might be called together without inconvenience to yourselves.

...

And they who shall concur zealously with me in carrying on these good designs, shall be sure to find my kindness and favour.

I have transcribed this speech because 'tis generally said, my son had at least a hand in composing of it.

Glad am I, he's not to help make any more such sham speeches. November 15, 1710

Item 47 (Verse, Political writing), fols [102v-103r]

Lord Keeper - January 28th 1705.

Thou Cowper! Guardian of the British laws,

...

The losers praised him, as they speak of thee.

[The date is in old style.]

Item 48 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), fol.[103r-v]

Joseph Browne's poem about the Lord Keeper, Sarah Cowper's son William, with an anonymous reply.

Item 59 (Letter, Political writing), fols [56v-58r][rev]

Letter from King William to Lord Chancellor John Somers, with Somers's reply

Item 60 (Speech, Political writing), fol.[58v][rev]

What the Lord Haversham said at the free Conference betwixt the Lords and Commons

One thing there is though I can't speak to it because I am bound up by the orders of the House:

...

This is a thing I was in hopes I should never have heard asserted when the beginning of it was from the House of Commons.

Item 68 (Verse, Satire, Political writing), fol.[65r][rev]

Pasquin's compliment to the Duke of Shrewsbury | Translated from the Italian.

O yes! hence forward sit Omnibus Notum

...

And Bracianes cheap mistress; makes Charles a dear wife.

Item 28 (Verse, Political writing), p.169

Upon the Thanksgiving day for the Discovery of the pretended plot, this verse was put into all the Churches in London as they do Bills for the sick

You hypocrites leave off your pranks

...

For God accepts no thanks for murder

Item 40 (Verse, Political writing), p.228

Sent to Roger L'Estrange by Walter Pope

May I live far from Tories; and Whigs of ill nature

...

Nor to write any longer than wise men will read