Some of the texts in this book have already appeared in the Specimens
of Early English edited by the Rev. Richard Morris. But Nos. i, ii, iv,
vii, xiii and xv are new, the important shorter pieces, Nos. vi, viii,
xvi, xviii, xxi and xxiii, are printed in full, and some, as Nos. viii
and ix, are taken from additional or better manuscripts. The pieces are
arranged tentatively in what appears to be the chronological order of
their composition, but Nos. xix and xvii should have come before the
Ancrene Wisse, and No. vii has been placed next to the Proverbs of
Alfred, from which it appears to be derived. It is hoped that those who
study the older book will find in the present one a useful supplement.
The texts follow the manuscripts in all details. The syntax being
comparatively simple, there is not much to be gained by modern
punctuation, and that of the manuscripts has gained a fresh importance
from theories which have been founded upon it. Where obvious mistakes
have been corrected in the text, notice is always given in the
footnotes. Additions are made within square brackets, and
interlineations are printed between accents.
My best thanks are due to the custodians of the libraries for the
facilities which with uniform kindness they extended to me in the
collation of the manuscripts.