This MS. is a beautiful specimen of Ralph Crane's caligraphy. It is bound in vellum, with gilt lines and a gilt design on the cover. The following particulars are written on a leaf before the title-page:—
'K. Digby Margrit This Manuscript belonged to the celebrated Sir Kenelm Digby. His grand-daughter (one of the daughters & co-heiresses of his eldest son, John Digby) was married to Richard Mostyn Esq're of Penbedw in Denbighshire, & their daughter & coheiress to Richard Williams Esq., my Great Grandfather. Thro' this connection of my family with that of Digby, several of Sir Kenelm's books & Manuscripts have come into my possession. Wm W.E. Wynne. given by W.W.E. Wynne Esqre to me W. Ormsby Gore April 8. 1837.'
The title-page is as follows:—
'Demetrius and Enanthe, a pleasant Comedie written by John Fletcher gent.'
Surrounding the title are rough decorations drawn in ink in the form of corkscrew scrolls.
The following dedication is written on the leaf following the title-page:—
To the honorable
Sir
Kelham Digbie
Knight.
Worthie Sir.
I know, that to a Man of your religious Inclination, a devine Argument would have byn much more Wellcom; And such a one (good Sir) have I upon the Anvile for you, but it requires some-what a more Consolatorie time to fashion it: Being therefore by the Wise-mans rule (That sales there is a time for all thinges) encouraged, I hope it will not be much in-oportune, after a Season so sad, to present you with a Matter Recreative. Well knowing, that you that know well how to bestow all your howers, will (in yo'r release from higher Studies) not think a litle peece of time lost, in casting, upon this Comedie, yo'r Smile, and upon him, that (in all dutie) submits it to yo'r generous Acceptaunce, your Noble Favo'r, as upon one that shall still rejoyce to be esteemed Your Commaunded Beades-man Ralph Crane. Novemb. 27. 1625.
p. 281, Omitted in C. Also omitted in A save the title, The Humourous Lieutenant. l. 34. B misprints] Evanthe.