Transcription of Samuel Colvil, Mock Poem, c.1690.
- Reference:GB 227 msPR3358.IC7
- Dates of Creation:c.1690
- Name of Creator:
- Language of Material:English Latin
- Physical Description:2 volumes, Vol.I: i-xvii + 1-102 pp; Vol.II: i-iii + 1-71 pp
Scope and Content
A transcription of Samuel Colvil, Mock Poem or Whiggs Supplication, part one, in two hands, both unidentified, starting with 'The Authors Apologie to the Reader'. The poem is a satire on the injustices suffered by Presbyterians under Cromwell, and their attempts to gain redress by means of a supplication to Charles II.
Administrative / Biographical History
Samuel Colvil (fl.17th century), was the son of Elizabeth Melville (fl.1599-1631), known for her own religious writings, including an allegorical poem based on Calvinist doctrines, Ane Godlie Dreame. Her father was Sir James Melville of Halhill, diplomat and courtier, and she married John Colvil, commendator of the abbey at Culross. Samuel was a political satirist who came to public prominence after Cromwell's Commonwealth, with his attack on militant Puritanism in his Mock Poem. This was heavily influenced by Samuel Butler's Hudibras, itself a satire on the Cromwellians and on the Presbyterian church written by a staunch Royalist and Anglican. Colvil's version was known as the Scottish Hudibras. He also wrote The grand imposter discovered: or a historical dispute of the Papacy and Popish religion; 1. Demonstrating the newness of both; 2. By what artifices they are maintained; 3. The contradictions of the Roman doctors in defending them, published in 1673 in Edinburgh and dedicated to the duke of Lauderdale; and Prophecy anent the Union, published in 1707.
Arrangement
Single item
Access Information
By appointment with the Keeper of Manuscripts. Access to records containing confidential information may be restricted.
Acquisition Information
Purchased from Sotheran for nine guineas, 6 July 1955.
Note
Call number used to be ms1741, ms1742
Other Finding Aids
Individual Manuscripts and Small Collections database available as part of Manuscripts Database.
Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements
Binding: calf with gold decoration. Title and author embossed on spine. Paper: 14.5x19.3cm
Archivist's Note
Description compiled by Maia Sheridan, Archives Hub project archivist, based on material from the Manuscripts Database
Conditions Governing Use
Applications for permission to quote should be sent to the Keeper of Manuscripts. Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents.
Custodial History
Second volume inscribed 'James Simpson' [p.i].
Accruals
None
Bibliography
The poem was first printed in 1681.
Subjects
Personal Names