Two copies of a [Poem] on the reconciliation of the Lords of the Yorkist faction with King Henry the Sixth and his adherents; the one from the Cottonian MS. Nero A. vi., and the other from the Cottonian MS. Vespasianus B. xvi.
A [Ballad] sent by a Pursuivant to the Sheriffs of London and their Brethren on May Day at Bishop’s Wood, at an honorable dinner; each of them bringing his dish: by John Lydgate. From Ashmole’s MS. No. 6943.
Two copies of a [Ballad], also by Lydgate, entitled “London Lickpenny;” the one from the Harleian MS. 542, and the other from the Harleian MS. 367.
A short [Ballad], also by Lydgate, upon the Emptiness of his Purse. From the Harleian MS. 2255.
Another [Ballad], by Lydgate, in ridicule of the Forked Head-dresses of Females. From the Harleian MS. 2255.
A [Ballad] on Fraudulent Millers and Bakers; likewise by Lydgate. From the same MS.
The whole of these articles were written at the periods to which they relate, and the greater part of them are for the first time printed; whilst the few that have been before published, are inserted either because more correct copies have been discovered, or because they are so intimately connected with some of the others that they could not with propriety be omitted.
Most of the pieces enumerated have escaped the notice of Historians; and as they tend in an important degree to illustrate the Manners and Customs of the Metropolis, their appearance in this volume cannot fail, it is hoped, to be acceptable to those who are interested in the early History of London or of this Kingdom.
February 1827.