I lately bought a black-letter Chaucer (1561), in which I find MS. notes by two or three writers. One is in rather a crabbed handwriting, and dates from 1574. I must own to being unable to decipher this gentleman's notes to my satisfaction; but the writing of another is clear and distinct. There are a few emendations on the "Rime of Sire Thopas," and the following "Eulogium Chaucerj." I do not know whether it has appeared anywhere in print before; and as my reading in the British poets is too limited for me to say anything about its author, I should be glad if you or any one of your correspondents would inform me who the lines are by:—
Eulogium Chaucerj.
Geffrye Chaucer, the worthiest flower
Of English Poetrie in all the Bower.
So as wth hym we maye compare
Wth Italy for Poet rare.
Dant, nor Boccace, nor Petracqu fyne,
But Chaucer he wth them may syng.
Wth woords so fitt and sense so deepe,
His matters all he can so riepe,