Shakespeare's Life and Work (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. 1900 edition. Excerpt: ...noted as the customary scene of their labours, but permission was granted to them to perform in the town-hall or moot-hall of any country town. Nine actors are named. Lawrence Fletcher stands first on the list; he had already performed before James in Scotland in 1599 and 1601. Shakespeare comes second and Burbage third. The company to whichJhyJaejonggji, ws thenceforth_3lyled-4he--K4Bg-company; its members became 'the King's Servants, ' and they took rank with the Giooms of the Chamber. Shakespeare's plays were thenceforth repeatedly performed in James's presence, and there is a credible tradition that James wrote to Shakespeare 'an amicable letter' in his own hand, which was long in the possession of Sir William D'Avenant. This circumstance was first set forth in print, on the testimony of 'a credible person then living, ' by Bernard Lintot the bookseller, in the preface to his edition of Shakespeare's poems in 1710. Oldys suggested that the 'credible person' who saw the letter while in D'Avenant's possession was John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham (1648-1721). In the autumn and winter of 1603 the prevalence of the plague led to the closing of the theatres in London. The King's players were compelled to make a prolonged tour in the provinces, which entailed some loss of income. For two months from the third week in October, the Court was temporarily installed at Wilton House, the residence of William Herbert, third earl of Pembroke, and late in November the company was summoned by the royal officers to perform in the royal presence. The actors travelled from Mortlake to Salisbury 'unto the Courte aforesaide, ' and their performance took place at Wilton House on December 2. They received next day 'upon the Councells warrant' the large sum of 30/....