Script: gothica textualis semi-quadrata. Notation: unstemmed semi-breves, without dot of division, used melismatically

irregular

flyleaf

Parchment

RISM Supplement: 1 fol. (cut and folded; foliated 179, 182). Parchment. Now 385 x 292 mm; originally c. 430 x 345 mm. Written space originally c. 395 x 234 mm; divided into two columns, carrying upper voice and T, respectively 153 mm and 66 mm wide. Ruling: probably twelve (now eleven) red five-line staves (21 mm) ruled with a rastrum; frame rules, with extra verticals in the margin, and double text guides aligned with marginal prickings, and ruled indentations (17-20 mm) for major initials. Script: gothica textualis semi-quadrata. Notation: unstemmed semi-breves, without dot of division, used melismatically. Decoration: major initials in blue, flourished in red; T incipits in red.

Written in England. Used to form a rear flyleaf and pastedown (now raised) of MS 23, a copy of the works of Richard Rolle of Hampole, s. xvin.; other flyleaves are bifolia taken from a Commentary on the Sentences, s. xiii (fols, i-ii), and from a civil law manuscript, s. xiii in. (fols. 180-181). Binding of red whittawed leather over bevelled oak boards, with corner mitres and grooves for two clasps, probably contemporary with the manuscript (repaired s. xx). MS 23 was owned by Peter de Norwico ('liber dompni Petri de Norwico' fol. iv, s. xv med.), and by Robert Steward, Prior (1522-) and later Dean of Ely (d. 1557). His arms, and 'hec sunt arma domini Roberti Stewarde prioris nostri Eliensis', appear on fol. 178v, and are also drawn in part on the back cover in ink. Owned: William Crashaw, Fellow of St John's College; bought c. 1615 by Henry Wriothesly, third Earl of Southampton (d. 1626) for £5. Given by Thomas, fourth Earl ('Tho. C. S.' inside front cover), 1635.

NOTES ON CONTENTS

1-4 Each two of four voices, laid out in columns. 1 Mot and one lower voice only; opening lost. Text paraphrases the Nunc dimittis. 2 Mot and one lower voice. Text paraphrases Speciosa facta es (AS, pl. 404). 3 End of Mot and one lower voice (recto) [note, however, the similarity of the opening of this section with that of 2] ; opening of Tr and other lower voice (verso). 4 Tr and one lower voice only; end lost. Text paraphrases responsory Crucifixum in carne (AS, pl. 243) and the antiphon verse Dicant nunc judei (AS, pl. 242). 1-2 For the Purification of the Virgin; 3-4 For Easter.

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