A web-based edition of early seventeenth-century political poetry from manuscript sources. It brings into the public domain over 350 poems, many of which have never before been published.
L2 Now let us rejoyce sing Peans all
Notes. This poem is one of three circulating translations of James I’s Latin verse on Buckingham’s appointment as Lord Admiral, “Buckinghamus (Io) maris est praefectus et idem” (James VI and I 2.176). Buckingham was originally appointed in October 1618, as a partner to the current Lord Admiral, Charles Howard, Earl of Nottingham, but assumed sole responsibility as Lord Admiral in January 1619. As the poem notes, Buckingham already held the position of Master of the Horse, to which he had been appointed in 1616. In manuscript sources the poem is occasionally transcribed in both Latin and English versions, and is occasionally (but not always) attributed to James. The other translations are “O Joyfull newse for Buckingham is nowe” and “Io to Buckingham great Admiral”.
Now let us rejoyce sing Peans1 all
For Buckingham is now made Admirall
And he that rules the horse2 our strength by land
Our strength by sea the Navy doth command:
Soe in the heavenly Courte that selfe same God
5Neptune3 I meane that with his three tooth’d Rod4
Brought forth the horse5 doth with the same appease
The raging fury of the boysterous seas6
Why then should any grudge that favour graces
The merritt of one person with two places
10Since it is soe amongst the states of heaven
Where none dare doubt but things are carried even.
Source. BL MS Egerton 2725, fol. 37v
Other known sources. James VI and I 2.176; BL MS Harley 791, fol. 49r; BL MS Harley 1221, fol. 74v; BL MS Harley 6038, fol. 18v; BL MS Harley 7316, fol. 6v; John Rylands MS Eng. 410, fol. 27v; Houghton MS Eng. 1278, item 10
L2
1 Peans: paeans; songs of praise (originally hymns to Apollo, “Io paean”). <back>
2 he that rules the horse: referring to Buckingham’s office as Master of the Horse. <back>
3 Neptune: god of the sea. <back>
4 three tooth’d Rod: Neptune’s three-pointed spear or trident. <back>
5 Brought forth the horse: in myth, Neptune was the creator of the first horse. <back>
6 with the same appease...boysterous seas: Neptune calmed the sea as his horses pulled his chariot across the waves. <back>
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