A New Version of “The Ways on Earth” by Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex
Abstract
Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex did not have a significant reputation as a poet among his contemporaries; nevertheless, both his passionate missives and his verses were much sought after by members of later generations who saw in him one of the last heroes of a glorious era. A hitherto unprinted version of one of his sonnets, “The Ways on Earth, have paths and turnings known” is contained in a recently rediscovered 17th century English miscellany. This article prints the text of this manuscript, a key document which attributes this lyric to Essex and a testimony to the long-lasting fame, which has made him the protagonist of novels, melodramas, and films from the 18th to the 21st century.
Bibliografia
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London, British Library, Royal MS 17 B 50.
London, British Library, Sloane MS 4128.
Oxford, Bodleian Library, Douce MS e.16.
Oxford, Bodleian Library, Rawlinson poetry MS C.744.
Paris, Bibliothèque National, MS Fr 5549(2).
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