Recently a new theory of the structure of Spenser's Amoretti k has been put forward. It is based on the argument that Amoretti LXII refers, not to January 1 but to March 25, 'the day on which the year number is changed' [in Elizabethan times]. This revision of the day's date makes it possible to argue that the forty-seven sonnets from XXII through LXVIII correspond to the Lenten season in 1594, 'including Easter and the six Sundays before Easter.

Erasmus offered this observation of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine in the colloquy 'A Pilgrimage for Religion's Sake.' Filled with bite and insight, it reflects Erasmus' understanding of the apostolate of the order which he formally joined in 1488. The Canons Regular of St. Augustine, also known as the Austin Canons, performed many of the duties of secular priests. They served parishes, taught in schools and colleges, and served as chaplains.

The Encomium of the Tuscan literary language which opens the Comento sopra alcuni de' suoi sonetti of Lorenzo the Magnificent has often been excerpted from its context and viewed in terms of its modernistic impetus to the furtherance of the volgare. Governing its survey of Tuscan tradition, however, is the spirit of cultural reminiscence which generally pervades the Comento.

When Ben Jonson dedicated Volpone 'To the Most Noble and Most Eqvall Sisters the Two Famovs Vniversities,' he offered to the scholars a play packed with learning. The most obviously erudite section, of course, is the entertainment of Nano, Androgyno, and Castrone. An equally curious bit of lore is placed in III.VIII, as Volpone, attempting the virtue of the faithful Celia, exclaims