"JUL. CAESAR."

* * * * *

POEM MENTIONED IN ONE OF THE LANSDOWNE MSS.

In vol. 61. of the _Lansdowne MSS._ in the British Museum occurs the
following remarkable letter from the Bishop of London (John Aylmer) to
Lord Burghley. I wish to be informed to what "foolish rhime," which had
been printed in Oxford and London, it applies? It is a question of some
literary importance to me at the present moment, and I am glad to have
the opportunity of putting it by means of your new hebdomadal
undertaking. I hope to meet with a reply in your "NOTES AND QUERIES" of
next week.

"_To the Lord Treasurer_,

"Yt may please your good L. to understand, that upon inquiry made
for the setting forth of this foolish rime, I finde that it was
first printed at Oxford, by Joseph Barnes, and after here by Toby
Cooke, without licence, who is now out of towne, but as sone as he
returneth, I will talke with him about it. I marvell that they of
Oxford will suffer such toyes to be sett forth by their authority;
for in my opinion it had been better to have thanked God, than to
have insulted upon men, and especially upon princes. And so I take
my leave of your good L., praying God to send you health to his
honour and all our good. From my pallace at London, this xxix'th of
Aprill 1589.

"Your good L. to command in X'o.,