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Notes
G. de F. Lord, Poems on Affairs of State, vol. 1, (1963), cited throughout as Lord; The Poems and Letters of Andrew Marvell, vol. 1., ed. H. M. Margoliouth, rev. P. Legouis, 3rd ed. (1971), cited throughout as Margoliouth/Legouis.
For a full description of the manuscript and its contents see A. S. G. Edwards, "Libertine Literature in Restoration England," Book Collector (forthcoming).
For information regarding the provenance of P we are indebted to Prof. D. M. Vieth and Mrs. Wanda M. Randall.
See, e.g., the improved rhythm of ll. 17, 87, and 135; and the semantic clarity provided by P for ll. 22 and 149.
In the standard text mighty appears as the second word in both lines 9 and 10; P's substitution of weighty in line 9 avoids this awkwardness and suggests scribal "eye skip" as the source of the repetition. Another example of probable scribal error is found in line 125, on which see the following note.
The most interesting reading, which sharpens the satirical edge of the poem, is the substitution of Muck for Mack (line 125) as a prefix to the name James. The new reading would allow, by virtue of the similarity of its sound to that of Mack, both the meaning offered by Margoliouth/Legouis and Lord (i.e., signifying James II's reliance on Irish soldiers and his pro-Catholic stance) as well as the added contemptuousness of Muck, which meant farmyard manure, or anything filthy or disgusting (OED). The scatological reference three lines later ("Fiend Lauderdale, with ordure all defiles") reinforces this reading. Compare also, e.g., the variants at ll. 19, 76, where the changes seem to strengthen the satiric irony: 19. Till atheist Lauderdale shall love [rather than leave] this Land 76. Virtues a faint-green-sickness to brave [rather than of the] souls.
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