Notes. This libel is discussed by Croft (“Reputation” 61) and McRae (Literature 69-70).

This Taper,1 fedd, & nurst with court-oyle,

Made great, & mighty by rapine2 & spoile

Of ruined subjects; which did shine of late

And flashed with glorie thorough the state,

Unable now to spredd more light about,

Like a lampe dying, stanke, & went out.

Source. Bodleian MS Tanner 299, fol. 11r

Other known sources. BL MS Egerton 2230, fol. 34v

D9

¹   Taper: candle. <back>

²   rapine: plunder. <back>