Shakespeare sonnet copy from 17th century found by Oxford researcher
Dr Veronese found the sonnet featured in a miscellany - a type of manuscript which contains a selection of texts from different authors on various subjects - stored at the Bodleian Library."As I was leafing through the manuscript, the poem struck me as an odd version of Sonnet 116," the university researcher explained."When I looked in the catalogue (originally compiled in the nineteenth century) the poem was described, not inaccurately, as "on constancy in love" – but it doesn't mention Shakespeare."
In Ashmole's version, parts of Sonnet 116 - also known as Let me not to the marriage of true minds - have been altered, and additional lines added.Dr Veronese said she thought the changed first line and the lack of mention of Shakespeare were the reasons "why this poem has passed un-noticed as a copy of Sonnet 116 all these years".The sonnet sits in the miscellany alongside "politically charged" works from the 1640s - the decade of the English Civil War, fought between Royalists and Parliamentarians.Ashmole was a strong supporter of the monarchy, and the lines added to the sonnet could be read as an appeal towards religious and political loyalty.
The added lines "potentially transform" the sonnet from "a meditation on romantic love into a powerful political statement", researchers said.Prof Smith said: "Let me not to the marriage of true minds is now one of Shakespeare's most famous sonnets, but it doesn't seem to have been very popular in his own time.""What Dr Veronese shows in her investigation of this new version is that the sonnet being understood in the context of Royalist politics – a long way from its role in modern weddings," she added.
You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Daily Record
People make 'haunting' discovery about Humpty Dumpty and grim story behind nursery rhyme
The lyrics of the popular nursery rhyme never actually mention an egg - but Humpty Dumpty has been depicted as one in illustrations for centuries. If you've always regarded dear old Humpty Dumpty as a benign egg, you may wish to avert your gaze now. Similarly, if you treasure a beloved collection of illustrated nursery rhymes from your youth, consider this your gentle warning. It transpires that Humpty Dumpty isn't actually an egg - and people have been left stunned by the revelation. As one of the most cherished children's nursery rhymes ever penned, Humpty Dumpty has traditionally been depicted as a guileless egg. Countless illustrations showcasing his shell have been found, dating back to his inaugural egg-like debut in Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland follow-up Through the Looking Glass, reports the Mirror. Yet the verse itself contains no reference to an egg whatsoever. Should you require a refresher, here's the rhyme: Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall, All the king's horses and all the king's men, Couldn't put Humpty together again. So what's behind his persistent portrayal as an egg? It's an intriguing query that author Holly Bourne raised on X, formerly Twitter, back in 2023. Posting on social media, she said: "Who decided Humpty Dumpty was an egg? Its not in the lyrics, and deciding he's a giant egg is quite a random leap for someone to make, and everyone else being like, 'yeah, a giant egg on a wall. Of course." And she was far from alone in her bewilderment. One person commented: "This has been haunting me for years." Another added: "This has bugged me for a long time!!" Meanwhile, several other individuals who had just come to the realisation were eager to find out the truth. "This is genuinely the first time I've realised he's not explicitly an egg," one Twitter user confessed. Another queried: "Oh my goodness how did I not realise this?". Fortunately, those with knowledge on the subject were quick to enlighten the curious. Jane Etheridge, Vice Chair of Federation of Children's Book Groups, responded: "It's believed to be Roundhead propaganda about a Royalist cannon. First appearance as an egg was in Through the Looking Glass." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. There is even a grave attributed to Humpty Dumpty the cannon at St Mary's Church in Whitby, though it is shaped like an egg. Additional theories suggest that Humpty Dumpty is actually a narrative about King Richard III and his fall at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. So there you have it. Despite their varied hypotheses, historians concur that Humpty Dumpty's origins are not as an egg but potentially something far more sombre. In different weird news, chocolate fans were left stunned after learning the "correct" way to eat a popular confection. Toblerone is world famous and instantly recognisable for its triangular segment shape and many indulge in the treat during special moments such as Christmas or snag one from Duty Free while jet-setting. It can also be known to be tough to break off a piece, but one culinary enthusiast uncovered the optimal strategy to claim a segment. Demonstrating on social media, he shared: "So apparently this is how you're supposed to break your Toblerone."
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Now Hamlet issues trigger warning that Shakespeare classic contains 'coercive' behaviour
Theatregoers have been issued a trigger warning over William Shakespeare's classic tragedy Hamlet containing 'coercive behaviour'. Those visiting London 's National Theatre later this year to watch director Robert Hastie's adaptation of the iconic play have also been told to prepare themselves for themes such as suicide as well as depictions of madness and violence. The epic play, which is a cornerstone of English literature, centres around Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, and his mad descent after his father is murdered by his uncle Claudius, who usurps the throne and marries Hamlet's mother. It ends with a fatal duel that sees most of the principal characters - including the Prince himself - dead by the final curtain, prompting the theatre to issue a series of warnings. Under the play's 'suitablity' a note reads: 'This production contains themes of grief and death, including suicide and the loss of a parent, depictions of madness, violence, and coercive behaviour.' The show is set to begin with previews beginning on Monday, September 25 until Friday, September 30 - with tickets currently fetching anywhere between £20 and £64 for those dates. It will then run until November 22 out of the South Bank theatre in the English capital and stars Laurence Olivier Award-winning actor, Hiran Abeysekara, as the Danish prince. However, the trigger warnings attached to the show have sparked debate over whether they are necessary for a 400-year-old Shakespearian tragedy which is widely taught in schools. Previously speaking to the Daily Mail about the warnings, historian and author Roy Schwartz said it creates an unsustainable precedent. He said: 'A trigger warning is meant to alert that something contains potentially distressing material. It's gratuitous to include it in something that's well-known to have mature subject matter, and it's frankly ridiculous to include it in a classic like Hamlet. 'For that matter, why not have a trigger warning in every history book? Every Bible and Sunday sermon? Coddling audiences against reality only serves to infantilise culture. 'A trigger warning is fair when the audience might not expect something 'triggering,' not in the most famous play in history.' Agreeing with Mr Schwartz, writer Simon Evans added that trigger warnings are 'tiresome, infantilising and ultimately counterproductive' - a belief he said is supported by research and 'common sense'. Mr Evans continued: 'To attach one to one of the supreme works of art in the western canon, a play that contains the single most quoted lines in the language, let alone on the subject of 'self-slaughter', is risible in the extreme. 'Let all theatres bookshops and cinemas carry a single "trigger warning" henceforth. "Take Heed! - all human life is here. Proceed at your own peril".'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Hidden gem town with incredible Justin Bieber and William Shakespeare links
Stratford in Ontario, Canada, may seem like a world away from the UK but it is filled with nods to British history - and is actually the birthplace of one of the biggest stars of the 21st century This unassuming town in Ontario, Canada, might not feature on your travel bucket list but it boasts some rather remarkable credentials. Not only did it give birth to one of the 21st century's biggest celebrities, but it's also brimming with the cultural influences that shaped their success - plus it has stronger connections to Britain than you might imagine. Stratford is positioned along the River Avon in Ontario, Canada, having been established by European settlers in 1832 and endearingly christened after Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace in England. Ever since, the life and literary works of the figure many consider the English language's finest writer have become woven into the community's very fabric. Located just a two-hour journey from Toronto, this frequently overlooked small city offers plenty for visitors seeking an alternative Canadian experience, reports the Mirror US. Situated inland and encircled by lush landscapes save for the tranquil river flowing through its centre, it provides a perfect retreat for those eager to delve into both heritage and theatre. The Stratford Festival, ranked as the area's top attraction, generates the most excitement by presenting a diverse programme of stage productions honouring Shakespeare's masterpieces. One TripAdvisor reviewer said: "Not a bad seat in the house. It was full, but you never really got the feeling that it was overcrowded. "Beautiful scenery all around the theater as well. We'd recommend giving it a try, and we're already looking forward to our next show." Another essential destination for arts enthusiasts is the Avon Theatre, which dates back to 1901. Today, outside its famous steps sits a golden star plaque honouring pop sensation Justin Bieber, who used to busk on those exact steps as a youngster. Footage of the singer playing his guitar and performing passionately on those steps became an internet sensation and, amongst other factors, helped catch the attention of Scooter Braun in 2008. He remains incredibly proud of his Ontario heritage and serves as a major source of inspiration for aspiring musicians in the region. Beyond the arts scene, Stratford boasts an array of excellent watering holes. Whilst the city has traditionally been celebrated for its thriving food culture, this has expanded considerably in recent times with the arrival of artisan breweries and independent distilleries. With green spaces to discover, visitors can relax amidst the charming Shakespeare Gardens during their stay. One guest said on TripAdvisor: "The gardens along the water are lovely, and it's so peaceful. During the summer, you can rent paddle boats, and I think that would be a wonderful experience!". Another reviewer added: "It is very small, but there is a fabulous bench hidden away with a great view of the river-perfect to sit and meditate or read a book." Whether you're a Belieber seeking to indulge your fandom, or just in search of a tranquil retreat, Stratford is certainly a destination to consider. Immersing yourself in the works of Shakespeare in a town that echoes his Warwickshire origins, albeit on a different continent, promises a unique and artistic experience.
