Notes. The exact meaning of this short verse is difficult to pin down, though Croft (“Reputation” 57) briefly discusses representations of Cecil as a cunning and corrupt fox. It is probable that the foods mentioned are puns: butterbox was a slang term for a Dutchman (though it is not clear who, in particular, this might refer to); and Bacon may very well refer to Sir Francis Bacon.

The old Cicilian fox1

Whose faults are yet not shaken

Preferd his flemish butterbox

before his side of Bacon.

Source. Beinecke MS Osborn b.197, p. 202

D7

¹   fox: refers to Cecil’s cunning. <back>