English collector of ballads and romances (fl. 1575)
Captain Cox of Coventry (
fl. 1575) was an English collector of ballads and romances. He was present at
Kenilworth on
Queen Elizabeth's visit in 1575 and took a leading part in one of the royal entertainments.[1]
Captain Cox, collector of ballads and romances, is described as "an od man, I promiz yoo: by profession a
mason, and that right skilfull; very cunning in fens, and hardy as Gavin; … great oversight hath he in matters of storie".[2] The contents of the captain's library, which are described by
Laneham at considerable length, are of the most curious character. Among the entertainments provided for
Queen Elizabeth during her visit to
Kenilworth was a burlesque imitation of a battle, from an old romance, and Captain Cox took a leading part. He is introduced on his
hobby-horse in
Ben Jonson's Mask of Owls, at Kenelworth. Presented by the Ghost of Captain Cox, 1626.[1][3]
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