The Significance of the 'Tho' signs in Wyatt's Egerton Manuscript

Abstract

There are some features about the Egerton Manuscript 2711, containing Thomas Wyatt's verse amongst that of other authors, which scholars have found rather puzzling. In particular, there has been considerable controversy about the question of authorship. There is some disagreement as to whether someone close to Wyatt was responsible for putting 'Tho' signs in the margins of the manuscript, or whether they are in fact in the poet's own hand. In either case, it might be argued that 'Tho' is offered as a sign of authorship; however, the argument would have even greater force if the 'Tho' signs are indeed in Wyatt's hand, as Daalder believes they are.