The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #128332   Message #2874105
Posted By: Steve Gardham
28-Mar-10 - 04:22 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Maid of Colchester
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Maid of Colchester
The 2 versions I have access to are Roxburghe and the Robinson Library both of which are mid 18thc White of Newcastle. However Ebsworth (ROX 8. 430) states that the Jersey copy with colophon cut off is c1689-90.

Ebsworth gives 'The Politick Maid of Suffolk or the Lawyer Outwitted' and details on several printings but none earlier than the 18thc so I'd say Kate came first.

What may be significant is 'The Politic Maid' survives in oral tradition. There are 3 versions in Greig Duncan and 3 in the Sharp Mss mostly under the title 'Poor Nell'.