The Youth of Shakspeare (Volume 1) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1839. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. I At first THE INFANT. Shakspeaiie. Porter. On my Christian conscience, this one christening will beget a thousand; here will be father, godfather, and all together. Man. The spoons will be the bigger, sir. Ibid. He ruleth all the roast With bragging and with boast, Borne up on every side With pomp and with pride. John Skeltox. No quarrelling, for God's sake Truly if you do, I shall set a knave between ye. Thomas Heywood. A Woman killed with kindness.) Now was there an admirable jovial company assembled at the dwelling of Dame Shakspeare, to do honour to the christening of her child, and among them were many of the worthy burgesses of Stratford; for be it understood, John Shakspeare was known to be a thriving man, and such are sure to have no lack of acquaintances; and his excellent partner having come of a family of some repute in those parts, being no other than the heiress of Arden, was much looked up to; and, as she appeared unto all, of an honest kind heart and admirable sweet nature, she possessed every one's good word. Of which the consequence was, the house could scarce contain the company the occasion had assembled. Some stood about the porch jesting and making merry; others were in the garden, especially of the younger sort, amusing themselves with pleasant talk one with another. One or two decent motherly dames were in the kitchen bustling to and fro, looking to the dinner, of which a huge fire covered with pots and kettles, and having a famous large joint at the spit, a little ragged urchin kept turning--being well minded of all not to let it burn--shewed some preparation--the whilst a stout wench with famous red cheeks and elbows, evidently in her best finery, along with Humphrey, in his Sunday jerkin, kept hurrying in and out, l...