| Content Description | The text consists of 212 lines in draft, with many crossings-out and corrections.
The poem is followed by the name 'Boileau' and the sentence: Deffense par Mr de pontchartrain de Limprimer et de La montrer
Date of 1698 is given on title page.
On verso of title page is pasted an annotated catalogue entry, suggesting neither the hand nor the work are of Boileau; and that the MS once belonged to Matthew Prior (who was in Paris 1697-9); the hand at the bottom of the title page is said to be that of Prior's secretary, Adrian Drift.
A pen sketch on f 6v shows an altar (tomb?) under a ciborium. |
| Descriptive Features | Watermark: Arms of Colbert, shield containing a displayed serpent surrounded by a circle of chains and outer ornamental border including four letters L, and a Maltese cross suspended from central point, approx. 110 x 95 mm
Countermark: Cartouche containing large Fleur de lis in the centre, flanked by a tall letter J and a short letter C, approx. 45 x 67 mm
Modern? vellum binding includes front and back modern flyleaves. |