Shakspeare and His Times [Vol. 1 of 2] / Including the Biography of the Poet; criticisms on his genius and writings; a new chronology of his plays; a disquisition on the on the object of his sonnets; and a history of the manners, customs, and amusements, superstitions, poetry, and elegant literature of his age

[691:A] This writer transcends mediocrity in consequence of the singular purity and harmony of his diction and versification. The subsequent lines, forming the prior part of a sonnet, have the air of being written rather in the 19th than the 16th century:—

"Hard is his hap who never finds content,
But still must dwell with heavy-thoughted sadnesse:
Harder that heart that never will relent,
That may, and will not turne these woes to gladnesse;

Then joies adue, comfort and mirth, farewell;
For I must now exile me from all pleasure,
Seeking some uncouth cave where I may dwell,
Pensive and solitarie without measure."

[691:B] For an account of this author, and of a poem of his printed in 1631, see Wood's Fasti, vol. i. col. 147; and Censura Literaria, vol. i. p. 291.

[691:C] A poem in Alexandrines, printed at the end of the first edition of his "Pilgrimage of Princes."

[692:A] The 200 Sonnets are followed by 100, entitled "Sundry affectionate Sonets of a feeling conscience;" by 20, called "An Introdution to peculiar prayers," and by 59, termed "Sonnets of the Author to divers." In "The Return from Parnassus," Lok is thus, not undeservedly, sentenced to oblivion:—"Locke and Hudson, sleep you, quiet shavers, among the shavings of the press, and let your books lie in some old nook amongst old boots and shoes: so, you may avoid my censure."—Ancient British Drama, vol. i. p. 49.

[692:B] This is attributed to Markham on the authority of Mr. Haslewood. See British Bibliographer, No. IV. p. 381.

[692:C] Mr. Park conceives this translation to be the production of Robert Tofte, rather than of Markham.—Ritson's Bibliographia, p. 274, note.

[693:A] It is to be regretted that no complete edition of the Works of Montgomery has hitherto been published. Those printed by Foulis and Urie in 1751 and 1754, are very imperfect; but might soon be rendered faithful by consulting the manuscript collection of Montgomery's Poems, presented by Drummond to the University of Edinburgh. This MS., extending to 158 pages 4to., contains, beside odes, psalms, and epitaphs, 70 sonnets, written on the Petrarcan model; and, if we may judge from the six published by Mr. Irving, exhibiting a considerable portion of poetic vigour. The Cherrie and the Slae, which, as the critic just mentioned observes, "has maintained its popularity for the space of two hundred years," must be pronounced in some of its parts, beautiful, and, as a whole, much above mediocrity. Sibbald has printed ten of our author's poems in the third volume of his Chronicle of Scottish Poetry.

[694:A] The Sonnets of Murray appeared five years anterior to those of Drummond, and though not equal to the effusions of the bard of Hawthornden, are yet entitled to the praise of skilful construction and frequently of poetic expression. A copy is now seldom to be met with; but specimens may be found in Campbell's History of Poetry in Scotland, and in Censura Literaria, vol. x. p. 374, 375.

[694:B] This poet, who, in the former part of his life, practised as a physician, at Butley, in Cheshire, was a Latin poet of some eminence, and one of the translators of Seneca's Tragedies, published in 1581.

[694:C] For a specimen of this poem, see Beloe's Anecdotes, vol. ii. p. 104.

[694:D] Though said to be the fourth edition, this copy is supposed by Mr. Neve to be really the first impression. (See Cursory Remarks on Ancient English Poets, 1789, p. 27.) Few poems have been more popular than Overbury's "Wife;" owing partly to the good sense with which it abounds, and partly to the interesting and tragic circumstances which accompanied the author's fate. It was speedily and frequently imitated; in 1614, appeared "The Husband. A poeme expressed in a compleat man," by an anonymous writer; in 1616, "A Select Second Husband for Sir Thomas Overburie's Wife," by John Davies of Hereford; in 1619, "The Description of a Good Wife," by Richard Brathwaite; and in the same year, "A Happy Husband, or Directions for a Maid to chuse her Mate," by Patrick Hannay. These pieces are inferior to their prototype, which, though not displaying much poetic inspiration, is written with elegance and perspicuity.

[695:A] This work is a composition of verse and prose. Mr. Douce terms Parkes a "writer of great ability and poetical talents, though undeservedly obscure." Vide Illustrations, vol. ii. p. 75.

[695:B] Warton, in the Fragment of his fourth volume of the History of English Poetry, remarks at p. 73, that many of Parrot's epigrams "are worthy to be revived in modern collections." The Laquei contain many of the epigrams which he had previously published.

[696:A] Peele, who will afterwards be noticed as a dramatic poet, may be classed with Scoggan, Skelton, and Tarleton, as a buffoon and jester. He died before 1598, and his "Merrie conceited Jests" were published in 4to. in 1627.

[696:B] An ample analysis of "The Historie of Lord Mandozze," has been given in the British Bibliographer, No. X. p. 523.; and No. XI. p. 587. Of the poetry of this very rare version, little laudatory can be said.

[696:C] Of this scarce poem, unknown to Ritson, the reader will find a description by Mr. Haslewood in the British Bibliographer, No. III. p. 214.

[696:D] Mr. Beloe conjectures this "Commemoration," not noticed by Ritson, to have been the production of a writer different from the John Phillip of the Bibliographia (p. 299.), and assigns for his reason, the signature, at the conclusion, namely, John Phyllips; but it is remarkable that the inscription, copied by Mr. Beloe, runs thus: "To all Right Noble, Honorable, Godlye and Worshipfull Ladyes, John Phillip wisheth," &c. a variation in the orthography which warrants an inference as to their identity. Vide Beloe, vol. ii. p. 111. et seq.

[697:A] Mr. Haslewood supposes this poem to have been written by William Phiston, of London, Student; who is considered by Herbert, p. 1012., as the same person mentioned by Warton, vol. iii. p. 308. under the appellation of W. Phist.—See Brit. Bibliogr. vol. v. p. 569.

[697:B] Ritson, in his Bibliographia, says, that no one except Warton appears to have met with this publication; extracts from it, however, may be found in the Monthly Mirror, vol. xiv. p. 17.

[697:C] These Flowers are the production of one of the most celebrated agriculturists of the 16th century, the author of the "Jewell House of Art and Nature;" the "Paradise of Flora;" the "Garden of Eden," &c. &c.; but, in his poetical capacity, they prove, as Mr. Park remarks, that he "did not attain to 'a plat of rising ground in the territory of Parnassus.'"—Censura Lit. vol. viii. p. 7.

[697:D] These are printed in the latter part of the miscellany, entitled "A Gorgeous Gallery of Gallant Inventions."

[697:E] Beside these verses in honour of Elizabeth, Puttenham wrote the "Isle of Great Britain," a little brief romance; "Elpine," an eclogue; "Minerva," an hymn; and, throughout his "Arte of Poesie," are interspersed a number of verses, epigrams, epitaphs, translations, imitations, &c. Mr. Haslewood has prefixed a copy of the Partheniades to his reprint of "The Arte of English Poesie," 1811.

[698:A] For specimens of this poem, the British Bibliographer, No. II. p. 153., may be consulted. Why it was called Dolarny's Primerose does not appear. Reynolds possesses some merit as a descriptive poet.

[698:B] Of this work, not mentioned by Ritson, an account has been given by Mr. Haslewood in Censura Literaria, vol. iv. p. 241. The "Rewarde of Wickednesse" is written on the plan of the "Mirror for Magistrates," and was composed during the author's night-watches as one of the sentinels employed to guard the unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots. Robinson is supposed to be author of "The ruffull tragedy of Hemidos and Thelay," licensed in 1570.

[698:C] To Sibbald's Chronicle of Scottish Poetry, vol. iii. p. 287., and to Restituta, No. III. p. 177., I refer the reader for the only account which I can recollect of this obscure writer. Irving and Pinkerton merely mention the titles of his poems. Mr. Gillies, in a very interesting article in the Restituta, has given us an ample specimen of his "Seven Sages."

[699:A] Ritson says, that this is "a poem in 168 six-line stanzas, of considerable merit, and with great defects: a 4to. MS. in the possession of Francis Douce, Esq."—Vide Bibliographia Poetica, p. 315.

[699:B] Several extracts from this work, consisting of seven satires, have been given by Warton in his Fragment of Vol. IV. See also Censura Literaria, vol. vi. p. 277.; and Beloe's Anecdotes, vol. ii. p. 125., where further notices of this medley may be found. It went through subsequent editions in 1607 and 1611.

[699:C] This poem and the three succeeding are not recorded by Ritson. See Censura Lit. vol. ii. p. 150., in an article by Mr. Gilchrist.

[699:D] For a description of this copy see Brit. Bibliogr., No. V. p. 548.

[699:E] Curious specimens from this publication have been given by Mr. Haslewood in the Brit. Bibliographer, No. X. p. 549.

[700:A] Of this voluminous pamphleteer, five more pieces are enumerated by Ritson, published posterior to 1616. Though a rapid and careless writer, he occasionally exhibits considerable vigour, and has often satirized with spirit the manners and follies of his period. He may be justly classed as surmounting mediocrity, and he is therefore designated as such at the close of this article.

[700:B] This poem, and the Fisherman's Tale, are written in blank verse, a species of composition in which Sabie had been preceded by Surrey, Gascoigne, Turberville, Riche, Peele, Higgins, Blenerhasset, Aske, Vallans, Greene, Breton, Chapman, Marlowe, &c. A copious analysis of these pieces has been given by Mr. Haslewood in No. V. of the British Bibliographer, from p. 488. to 503.; but neither the genius nor the versification of Sabie merit much notice: his Pan, however, contains some beautiful rhymed lines.

[700:C] Annexed, says Ritson, to his "Hours of Recreation or after dinners," 1576, 8vo.

[700:D] The "Four Paradoxes" occupy four portions, each consisting of 18 six-line stanzas, and the whole is terminated by three additional ones, entitled his "Resolution." The specimens of this poem adduced by Mr. Park in Censura Literaria, vol. iii. and iv., speak highly in its favour, and seem to justify the following encomium:—"There is much manly observation, forcible truth, apt simile, and moral pith in the poem itself; and it leaves a lingering desire upon the mind, to obtain some knowledge of a writer, whose meritorious production was unheralded by any contemporary verse-man, and whose name remains unrecorded by any poetical biographer."—Vol. iii. p. 376.

[701:A] An accurate account of this volume, which was republished in 1622 and 1640, may be found in Censura Literaria, vol. iii, p. 381. "From the great disparity of merit between this and the preceding article," observes Mr. Park, "there is little reason to suppose them by the same author, though they bear the same name."

[701:B] A perfect copy of this miserable collection of poems, consisting of sonnets, elegies, odes, odellets, &c. was purchased, at a sale, by Mr. Triphook for twelve guineas. The only copy before known was without a title, from which Ritson has given a full account, though, at the same time, he terms the author an "arrogant and absurd coxcomb," and condemns him for his "wretched style, profligate plagiarism, ridiculous pedantry, and unnatural conceit."—Vide Bib. Poetica, p. 337. et seq.

[701:C] An ample and interesting description of Stanyhurst, and his translation, will be found in Censura Literaria, vol. iv. pp. 225. 354., the production of Mr. Haslewood. Nash has not exaggerated when, alluding to this poet, he says, "whose heroical poetry infired, I should say inspired, with an hexameter furye, recalled to life whatever hissed barbarism hath been buried this hundred yeare; and revived by his ragged quill such carterly varietie, as no hedge plowman in a countrie but would have held as the extremitie of clownerie: a patterne whereof I will propound to your judgment, as near as I can, being part of one of his descriptions of a tempest, which is thus:—

"Then did he make heaven's vault to rebound
With rounce robble bobble,
Of ruffe raffe roaring,
With thicke thwacke thurly bouncing."

Nash's Preface to Greene's Arcadia.

[702:A] Storer's Life of Wolsey, which is about to be reprinted, has a claim upon our attention, both for its matter and manner: he was a contributor also to "England's Helicon," and has been highly extolled by his friend Fitzgeffrey, in Affanis, lib. i.

[702:B] The most interesting part of this volume, from the nature of its subject, is "Ane schort Treatise conteining some Reulis and Cautelis to be observit and eschewit in Scottis Poesie," in which the regal critic observes, that "sindrie hes written of it in English," an assertion which would lead to the supposition that some of our earliest critics had perished; for Gascoigne's "Certayne Notes of Instruction concerning the making of Verse or Rhyme," 1575, appears now to be the only piece of criticism on poetic composition which preceded James's "Essayes."

[702:C] The Poetical Exercises contain but two poems,—the "Furies," translated from Du Bartas, and "The Lepanto," an original piece. Several minor poems, introduced into his own works and those of others, some sonnets and a translation of the psalms, were written by James after his accession to the English throne.

[702:D] Of this far-famed comedian and jester, Fuller says, that "when Queen Elizabeth was serious (I dare not say sullen) and out of good humour, he could undumpish her at his pleasure. Her highest favourites would in some cases go to Tarlton before they would go to the Queen, and he was their usher to prepare their advantageous accession to her. In a word, he told the Queen more of her faults than most of her chaplains, and cured her melancholy better than all her physicians." Indeed, in the language of a contemporary,

"Of all the jesters in the lande

He bare the praise awaie."

Vide Ritson Bibl. p. 359.

[703:A] Of this voluminous scribbler, whose rhyming spirit, remarks Granger, did not evaporate with his youth, who held the pen much longer than he did the oar, and who was the poetaster of half a century, I have only been able to insert two of his earliest productions, the remainder being subsequent to 1616, and extending to 1653. He was thirty-two when Shakspeare died; and "the waterman," observes Mr. Chalmers, "must have often sculled Shakspeare, who is said to have lived on The Bankside."—Apology, p. 101.

[703:B] The Fruites of Jealousie, a long poem in octave measure, may be found at the close of The Blazon of Jealousie, translated from the Italian of Varchi, of which an account is given in Censura Literaria, vol. iv. p. 403.

[704:A] Beside these anthems, which were licensed to her printer, Christ. Barker, Nov. 15., her Majesty wrote a variety of small pieces, some of which have been preserved by Hentzner, Puttenham, and Soothern, and reprinted by Percy, Ellis, and Ritson. The fourteenth Psalm also, and the Speech of the Chorus in the second Act of the Hercules Œtæus of Seneca, have been published by Mr. Park, the latter poem being a specimen of blank verse.—Vide Park's Royal and Noble Authors, vol. i. p. 102.

Of the execrable flattery which was systematically bestowed on this monarch, the following eulogium upon her poetry, is a curious instance. After enumerating the best poets of his age, Puttenham thus proceeds:—"But last in recitall and first in degree is the Queene our soveraigne Lady, whose learned, delicate, noble Muse, easily surmounteth all the rest that have written before her time or since, for sence, sweetnesse and subtillitie, be it Ode, Elegie, Epigram, or any other kinde of poeme, Heroick, Lyricke, wherein it shall please her Majestie to employ her penne, even by as much oddes as her owne excellent estate and degree exceedeth all the rest of her most humble vassalls."—The Arte of English Poesie, reprint, p. 51.

[704:B] A Collection of Epigrams.

[705:A] These poems were published in a tract entitled "The Right Way to Heaven, and the true testimony of a faithfull and loyall subject," 1601.

[705:B] This copy is without date, but a second edition was printed in 1617; it is a miserable paraphrase of Warner's exquisite episode.

[705:C] Of this Collection Lord Hailes published a specimen in 1765; in 1801, Mr. J. Gr. Dalyell reprinted the whole, with the Scotish poems of the 16th century. Edin. 2 vols. 12mo.; and Mr. Irving has given some notices of the author in his Scotish poets, 2 vols. 8vo. 1804.

[706:A] Wenman's Legend and Poems have lately been printed by Mr. Fry, in an octavo volume, from a quarto manuscript of 52 leaves. The Legend appears to have been intended for insertion in the Mirror for Magistrates.

[706:B] For a very full account of "The Rocke of Regard," by Mr. Park, see Censura Lit. vol. v. p. 1.

[706:C] This poem of 90 seven-line stanzas, is annexed to Bindley's "Mirror of True Honour and Christian Nobility," &c. 1585. 4to.

[706:D] Of Whitney's Emblemes, which, being printed at Leyden, is a very rare book, a description will be found in Censura Lit. vol. v. p. 233.

[706:E] Willet's Emblems were written before 1598, as Meres alludes to them in his "Palladis Tamia."

[707:A] These biographical poems were added to the author's "True use of Armorie," 1592, 4to. Of the first poem an extract is given in Censura Lit. vol. i. p. 149, 150.

[707:B] A copy of these poems, apparently unique, is in the possession of Mr. Park, who has communicated a description of it in Censura Lit. vol. iii. p. 175.

[707:C] This romance, which abounds with poetry, is of the pastoral species; it is written on the plan of Sidney's Arcadia, and, like it, exhibits many beautiful passages both in prose and verse: twenty-seven of its poetical effusions have been inserted in "England's Helicon," and several have been lately reprinted in "Restituta," No. VII. accompanied by some interesting remarks from the pen of Sir Egerton Brydges.

[707:D] For a specimen of this poem, which "is a concise geographical description of three-quarters of the world, Asia, Africa, and Europe, in the manner of Dionysius," and which Mr. Beloe believes to be unique, see his Anecdotes, vol. ii. p. 74.

[710:A] Sidney's Works, 7th edit., fol., 1629, p. 561.

[711:A] May-Day; a wittie comedie. Divers times acted at "The Blacke Fryers;" 4to. Act iii. fol. 39.

[711:B] A copy of this Miscellany, of the edition of 1580, sold at the Roxburghe Sale, for 55l. 13s.!

[713:A] Reprint by Sir Egerton Brydges, 1810. p. 44.

[714:A] Reprint, p. 42.

[714:B] Preface to his reprint, p. vi.

[714:C] Reprint, p. 55.

[714:D] Reed's Shakspeare, vol. xx. p. 222. Act iv. sc. 5.

[715:A] Reprint, p. 57, 58.

[715:B] Ibid. p. 66.

[715:C] Ibid. p. 14. 37. 87.

[716:A] Vide Heliconia, Part I. Advertisement.

[717:A] For a notable instance of this figure, we refer the reader to "The Lover in Bondage," at p. 50. of Mr. Park's reprint. Not Holofernes himself could more "affect the letter."

[717:B] Quoted by Mr. Park in the Advertisement to his reprint.

[718:A] Heliconia, Part II. p. 85.

[720:A] Heliconia, Part III. Advertisement.

[723:A] England's Helicon, reprint of 1812, Introduction, p. xx. xxi. xxii.

[724:A] Preface, pp. 8, 9. This Collection of Hayward's had three different titles; the last dated 1741. The second edition is called "The Quintissence of English Poetry."

[727:A] The curious Preface, from which we have given this long extract, is only to be found in the first edition of the Belvedere; its omission in the second is a singular defect, as it certainly forms the most interesting part of the impression of 1600.

[727:B] See Malone's Inquiry.

[728:A] Supplement to Shakspeare, vol. i. p. 732.

[730:A] See Censura Literaria, vol. i. p. 229.

[732:A] Vide Morley's Plaine and easie Introduction to Practical Musick.

[733:A] For specimens of these interesting collections, I refer my reader to Censura Literaria, vol. ix. p. 1. et seq.; vol. x. pp. 179. 294.; and to the British Bibliographer, No. IV. p. 343.; No. V. p. 563.; No. VI. p. 59.; No. IX. p. 427.; No. XI. p. 652.; No. XII. p. 48.; and No. XV. p. 386. A well-chosen selection from the now scarce volumes of these Professors of Vocal Music would be a valuable present to the lovers of English poetry.

END OF THE FIRST VOLUME

Printed by A. Strahan,
Printers-Street, London.

INDEX.

*_** The Roman Numerals refer to the Volumes; the Figures to the Pages of each Volume.

Acheley (Thomas), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 676.
Acting, art of, consummately known to Shakspeare, i. 423.
Parts chiefly performed by him, 424, 425.
Actors, companies of, when first licensed, ii. 202.
Placed under the superintendence of the masters of the revels, 203.
Their remuneration, 204.
Patronized by the court, 205,
and also by private individuals, whose names they bore, 205, 206.
Days and hours of their performance, 215, 216.
Their remuneration, 223, 224.
Admission to the theatre, in the time of Shakspeare, prices of, ii. 216, 217.
Adonis, beautiful address of Venus to, ii. 25, 26.
See Venus and Adonis.
Ægeon, exquisite portrait of, in the Comedy of Errors, ii. 288.
Æschylus, striking affinity between the celebrated trilogy of, and Shakspeare's Macbeth, ii. 472, 473.
Affection (maternal), exquisite delineation of, ii. 421.
Affections (sympathetic), account of, i. 373, 374.
Agate stone, supposed virtue of, i. 368.
Agnus Dei, a supposed charm against thunder, i. 364.
Air, spirits of, introduced into the Tempest, ii. 524.
Akenside's "Pleasures of the Imagination" quoted, i. 321, 322.
Alchemistry, a favourite pursuit of the age of Shakspeare, ii. 154.
Alderson (Dr.), opinion of, on the cause of spectral visitations, ii. 405, 406.
His application of them to the character of Hamlet, 408.
Ale, synonymous with merry making, i. 175.
Different kinds of Ales, 176.
Leet-ale, 176.
Clerk-ale, ibid.
Church-ales, 177-179.
Alehouses, picture of, in Shakspeare's time, ii. 216-218.
Alfs, or bright and swart elves of the Scandinavians, account of, ii. 308, 309.
All-Hallow-Eve, festival of, i. 341.
Fires kindled on that eve, ibid.
Prayers offered for the souls of the departed, 342.
Supposed influence of fairies, spirits, &c. 342-344.
Spells practised on that eve, 344-347.
Alliterations, in the English language, satirised by Sir Philip Sidney, i. 444.
All's Well that Ends Well, probable date of, ii. 422.
Analysis of its characters,—the Countess of Rousillon, 423.
Helen, ib. 424, 425.
Remarks on the minor characters, 425.

Passages of this drama, which are illustrated in this work.

Act	i.	scene	3.,	ii.	424.
Act	ii.	scene	1.,	i.	108. 175. ii. 434.
		scene	2.,	i.	143. 159.
		scene	5.,	ii.	434.
		scene	7.,	ii.	434.
Act	iii.	scene	2.,	ii.	107. 425.
Act	iv.	scene	10.,	i.	362.
		scene	12.,	ii.	192.

All Saints' Day, festival of, i. 341.
Superstitious observances on its vigil, 341-347.
Allot (Robert), "English Parnassus," i. 723.
List of contributors to this collection of poems, 724.
Critical remarks on the merits of his selection, ibid. 725.
Amadis of Gaul (Romance of), popularity of, i. 515.
Notice of English translations of it, 546, 547.
Amusements of the fairies, ii. 342-345.
Amusements, national, in the age of Shakspeare, enumerated, i. 246, 247.
Account of the itinerant stage, 247-252.
The Cotswold games, 252-254.
Hawking, 255.
Hunting, 272.
Fowling, 287.
Bird-batting, 289.
Fishing, 289.
Horse-racing, 297.
The Quintaine, 300.
Wild-goose chace, 304.
Hurling, 305.
Shovel-board, 306.
Shove-groat, 307.
Juvenile sports, 308-312.
Amusements of the metropolis and court, ii. 168.
Card playing, 169.
Tables and dice, 171.
Dancing, 172.
Bull-baiting and bear-baiting, 176.
Archery, 178.
Frequenting of Paul's Walk, 182.
Sagacious horses, 186.
Masques and pageants, 187.
Royal progresses, 193.
Dramatic performances, 201-226.
Anderson (James), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 676.
Andrewe (Thomas), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 676.
Angels, different orders of, i. 335.
Account of the doctrine of guardian angels prevalent in Shakspeare's time, 336.
Supposed number of angels, 337-339.
Remarks on this doctrine by Bishop Horsley, 339, 340.
The supposed agency of angelic spirits, as believed in Shakspeare's time, critically analysed, ii. 399-405.
And applied to the introduction of the spirit in Hamlet, 407-416.
Superiority of Shakspeare's angelic spirits over those of all other dramatists, ancient or modern, 417, 418.
Angling, notice of books on the art of, i. 290, 291.
Contemplations of an angler, 292, 293.
His qualifications described, 294-296.
Encomium on, by Sir Henry Wotton, 297.
Beautiful verses on, by Davors, 614.
Anglo-Norman romances, account of, i. 523-531.
Animals, sagacious, in the time of Shakspeare, notice of, ii. 186, 187.
Anneson (James), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 676.
Ante-suppers, when introduced, ii. 128.
Anthropophagi, supposed existence of, i. 385, 386.
Allusions to by Shakspeare, 385.
Antony and Cleopatra, date of, ii. 492.
Character and conduct of this drama, 493.

Passages of this drama which are illustrated in the present work.

Act	i.	scene	4.,	i.	129.
Act	ii.	scene	3.,	i.	338.
Act	iii.	scene	9.,	i.	138.
Act	iv.	scene	10.,	i.	308.

Apemantus, remarks on the character of, ii. 451, 452.
Apes, kept as companions for the domestic fools, ii. 146.
Aphorisms of Shakspeare, character of, i. 517.
Apparitions, probable causes of, ii. 406.
Application of them to the character of Hamlet, 406-408.
Arcadia of Sir Philip Sidney, critical notice of, i. 548-552.
Alluded to by Shakspeare, 573, 574.
Archery, a favourite diversion in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 178.
The knights of Prince Arthur's round-table, a society of archers, instituted by Henry VIII., 179.
Encouraged in the reign of Elizabeth, 179, 180.
Decline of archery, 181, 182.
Arden or Ardern family, account of, i. 3.
Shakspeare probably descended from, by the female line, ibid.
Ardesoif (Mr.), terrific death of, i. 146. note.
Ariel, analysis of the character of, ii. 506. 522, 523.
Ariosto's Orlando Furioso, as translated by Sir John Harington, remarks on, i. 629.
His "Supposes," a comedy, translated by Gascoigne, ii. 233.
Armin (Thomas), complaint of, against the critics of his day, i. 456.
Arms, supposed grant of, to John Shakspeare, i. 1.
Real grant and confirmation of, to him, 2, 3.
Arras Hangings, an article of furniture, in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 114, 115.
Arthington (Henry), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 676.
Arthur and Hubert, beautiful scene between, in the play of King John, ii. 422.
Arthur's Chase, account of, i. 377, 378.
Arthur's Round Table, a society of archers, account of, i. 562, 563.
Arval, or Funeral Entertainment, account of, i. 238.
Ascham (Roger), complaint of, on the little reward of schoolmasters, i. 27. note, 94.
Improved the English language, 439.
Remarks of, on the cultivation of classical literature in England, 450.;
and of Italian literature, 452.
Notice of his "Scholemaster," 454.
His censure of the popularity of "La Morte d'Arthur," 524, 525.
Design of his "Toxophilus," ii. 181.
Aske (James), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 676.
Asses' Heads, absurd recipe for fixing on the shoulders of man, ii. 351, 352.
As You Like It, date of, ii. 431.
Remarks on the general structure of its fable, 431, 432.
Analysis of the character of Jaques, 433, 434.

Passages of this drama which are illustrated in the present work.

Act	i.	scene	2.,	i.	301.
Act	ii.	scene	1.,	i.	367. 403.
		scene	7.,	i.	55. ii. 102.
Act	iii.	scene	2.,	ii.	115.
		scene	3.,	i.	580.
		scene	4.,	i.	556.
Act	iv.	scene	1.,	i.	580. ii. 157.
Act	v.	scene	4.,	i.	288. ii. 159.
The Epilogue,				i.	218.

Aubrey, statement of, respecting Shakspeare's being a butcher, i. 36.
Probability of his account that Shakspeare had been a schoolmaster, 45.
His character of the poet, ii. 615.
Avale (Lemeke), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 676.
Autolycus, remarks on the character of, ii. 500.
B
Bacon (Lord), character of his Henry VII., i. 476.,
and of his "Essays," 512. 517.
Bag-Pipe, the ancient accompaniment of the morris-dance and May-games, i. 164, 165.
Baldwyne's "Myrrour for Magistrates," account of, i. 708, 709.
Ballads, early English, notice of a collection of, i. 574-576.
Quotations from and allusions to them by Shakspeare, 577-593.
Balnevis (Henry), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 676.
Bandello, principal novels of, translated by Paynter, i. 541.
His novels wholly translated by Warner or Webbe, 543.
Banquets, where taken, in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 144.
Barksted (William), encomiastic verses of, on Shakspeare's Venus and Adonis, ii. 30.
Barley-Break, verses on, i. 309.
How played, 310.
Poetical description of, 311.
Scottish mode of playing, 312.
Barnefielde (Richard), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, works of, i. 676, 677.
Character of his affectionate shepherd, 677. note [677:A].
Verses of, on Shakspeare's Venus and Adonis, and Lucrece, ii. 29.
Barnes (Barnabe), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 677.
Character of his Sonnets, ibid. note [677:B].
—— (Juliana), the book of St. Alban's of, reprinted by Markham, i. 70. note.
Dedication of it, ibid.
Account of the edition, with extracts, 71, 72. notes.
The treatyse of Fishing not written by her, 290. and note.
Different editions of this work, 291.
Baronets, order of, when created, ii. 527.
Their arms, 528.
Barry's "Ram Alley," illustrated, i. 224.
Barson or Barston, village, allusion to by Shakspeare, i. 51.
Bastard (Thomas), notice of the epigrams of, i. 677. and note.
Batman (Stephen), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 677.
Batman's translation of "Bartholome de Proprietatibus Rerum," well known to Shakspeare, i. 485.
Bear-baiting, a fashionable amusement in the age of Elizabeth, ii. 176.
Prices of entrance to the bear-gardens, 178.
Beards, fashions of, in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 102, 103.
"Beards Wag all," the proverb of, explained, i. 143, 144.
Beaufort (Cardinal), dying scene of, i. 390.
Beaumont (Sir John), critical notices of, as a poet, i. 601, 602.
His elegiac tribute to the memory of the Earl of Southampton, ii. 17, 18.
How far he assisted Fletcher, 558.
Beaumont and Fletcher, illustrations of the plays of,
Custom of the Country, i. 477.
Fair Maid of the Inn, i. 329.
Knight of the Burning Pestle, i. 477. ii. 282. note.
Playhouse to Let, ii. 282. note.
Scornful Lady, i. 224.
Woman Pleased, act iv. sc. 1. i. 172, 173.
Beauty, exquisite taste for, discoverable in Shakspeare's works, ii. 616-618.
Bedchambers, furniture of, in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 117.
Belemnites, or Hag-Stones, supposed virtues of, i. 367.
Belleforest's and Boisteau's "Cent Histoires Tragiques," a collection of tales, notice of, i. 544.
Bells, why tolled at funerals, i. 232-234.
Worn by Hawks, 268.
Beltein, or rural sacrifice of the Scotch Highlanders on May-day, i. 152.
"Bel-vedere, or the Garden of the Muses," a collection of poems, critical notice of, i. 725, 726.
List of contributors to it, 726, 727.
Benefices bestowed in Elizabeth's time on menial servants, i. 92.
Betrothing, ceremony of, i. 220-223.
Betterton (Mr.), visits Stratford, in quest of information concerning Shakspeare, i. 34.
Beverley (Peter), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 677.
Bevis (Sir), of Southampton, notice of, i. 565.
Allusions by Shakspeare to the romance of, 565, 566.
Bezoar stones, supposed virtues of, i. 367.
Bibliography, cultivated by Queen Elizabeth, i. 428.
Influence of her example, 433.
Account of eminent bibliographers and bibliophiles of her court, 433-436.
Bidford Topers, anecdote of them and Shakspeare, i. 48-50.
Bieston (Roger), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 677.
Biographical Writers, during the age of Elizabeth, notice of, i. 482.
Birds, different modes of taking in the 16th century, i. 287.
By means of stalking-horses, 288.
Bird-batting described, 289.
Blackfriars, theatre in, account of, ii. 209, 210.
Black Letter books, chiefly confined to the time of Elizabeth, i. 438.
Blenerhasset (Thomas), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 677.
Additions made by him to the "Mirrour for Magistrates," 709.
Boar's-head, anciently the first dish brought to table, i. 76.
Ceremonies attending it, 201.
Verses on, ibid. 202.
Boccacio, principal novels of, translated by Paynter, i. 541.
Bodenham's (John), "Garden of the Muses," a collection of poems, i. 725.
Critical notice of, 726.
List of contributors to it, 726, 727.
Bodley (Sir Thomas), an eminent book collector, notice of, i. 433.
Observation of King James I. on quitting the Bodleian library, 434.
Bolton (Edward), critical notice of his "Hypercritica: or Rule of Judgment for writing or reading our Historys," i. 465, 470-471.
Bond (Dr. John), an eminent Latin philologer, i. 454.
Booke of St. Albans, curious title and dedication of Markham's edition of, i. 70. note.
Rarity of the original edition, 71. note.
extract from, ibid., 72. note.
Book of Sports, account of, i. 173, 174.
Books, taste for, encouraged by Queen Elizabeth, i. 428. 433-435.
Were anciently placed with their leaves outwards, 436.
Were splendidly bound in the time of Elizabeth, 432. and note, 436.
Hints on the best mode of keeping books, 436, 437.
Remarks on the style in which they were executed, 437, 438.
Boors, or country clowns, character of, in the 16th century, i. 120-122.
Boots, preposterous fashions of, in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 106, 107.
Bourcher (Arthur), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 677.
Bourman (Nicholas), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 677.
Boys (Rev. John), an eminent Grecian, notice of, i. 454.
Bradshaw (Thomas), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 677.
Brathwait's English Gentleman cited, i. 258, 259.
Brathwayte (Richard), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 677.
Brawls, a fashionable dance in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 173.
Different sorts of, ibid.
Bread, enumeration of different kinds of, in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 127.
Breeches, preposterous size of, in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 104. and note.
Breton (Nicholas), critical notice of the poems of, i. 602, 603.
Brewer's "Lingua," illustration of, i. 477.
Brice (Thomas), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 678.
Bridal Bed, why blessed, i. 226.
Bride, custom of kissing at the altar, i. 225.
Supposed visionary appearances of future brides and bridegrooms, on Midsummer-Eve, 332-334.
and on All-Hallow-Eve, 344-347.
Bride Ale (Rustic), description of, i. 227-229.
Britton (Mr.), remarks of, on the monumental bust of Shakspeare, ii. 619, 620.
Broke (Arthur), account of his "Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet," ii. 359. and note.
Brooke (Christopher), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 678.
Brooke (Thomas), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 678.
Broughton (Rowland), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 678.
Browne's (William), Britannia's Pastorals, quotations from, illustrative of ancient customs:—on May-day, i. 155.
Critical notice of his merits as a poet, 603, 604, 605.
Causes of his being neglected, 605.
Brownie, a benevolent Scottish fairy, account of, ii. 330-336.
Resemblance between him and Shakspeare's Puck, 351.
Brutus, character of, ii. 492.
Brydges (Sir Egerton), on the merits of Lodge, as a poet, i. 633-635.
Estimate of the poetical character of Sir Walter Raleigh, 640-642.
Critical observations of, on the "Paradise of Daintie Devises," 714, 715.
And on "England's Helicon," 721-723.
Bryskett (Lodowick), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, notice of, i. 678. and note. [678:B]
Buck (Sir George), a minor poet in the time of Shakspeare, i. 678.
Buchanan's "Rerum Scoticarum Historia," character of, i. 477.
Bull-baiting, a fashionable amusement in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 176, 177.
Bullokar's "Bref Grammar for English," notice of, i. 455, 456.
His innovations in English spelling, satirised by Shakspeare, 472.
Burbadge, the player, notice of, i. 417.
Burial, ceremony of, i. 232.
Tolling the passing-bell, ibid. 233, 234.
Lake wakes, described, 234-236.
Vestiges of, in the north of England, 237.
Funeral entertainments, 238.
Garlands of flowers sometimes buried with the deceased, 240, 241.
Graves planted with flowers, 242-244.
Burns, poetical description by, of the spells of All-Hallow-Eve, i. 346.
Burton (William), critical notice of his "History of Leicestershire," i. 481.
Burton's apology for May-games and sports, i. 174.
Invective against the extravagance at inns, 219.
His list of sports pursued in his time, 247.
Portrait of the illiterate country gentlemen of that age, 430, 431.
Eulogium on books and book collectors, 434, 435.
The popular song of "Fortune my Foe," cited by him, 577.
Burton on the Heath, allusion to, by Shakspeare, i. 50.
Bust of Shakspeare, in Stratford church, originality of, proved, ii. 620.
Its character and expression injured through Mr. Malone's interference, 621.
Buttes (John), "Dyets Dry Dinner," curious extract from, ii. 218.
Byrd's (William), collection of "Tenor Psalmes, Sonets, and Songs, of Pietie," &c. account of, i. 731.
Byron's (Lord), "Siege of Corinth" illustrated, ii. 411.
C
Cæsar. See Julius Cæsar.
Caliban, remarks on the character of, ii. 506. 523. 525.
Camden (William), character of his "Annals," i. 477.
Campbell's "Pleasures of Hope," character of, i. 599.
Campion (Thomas), critical notice of his "Observations on the Art of English Poesie," i. 468, 469.
Canary Dance, account of, ii. 175.
Candlemas-day, origin of the festival, i. 138.
Why called "Wives' Feast Day," ibid.
Ceremonies for Candlemas-eve and day, 139, 140, 141.
Capel (Mr.), Erroneous notions of, concerning Shakspeare's marriage, i. 62.
His text of Shakspeare, one of the purest extant, ii. 48. note.
Caps worn by the ladies, in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 95.
Carbuncle, imaginary virtues of, i. 396.
Allusions to it, ibid. 397-399.
Cards, fashionable games of, in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 169, 170.
Were played in the theatre by the audience before the performance commenced, 217.
Carew (Richard), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 679.
Carew's "Survey of Cornwall," notice of, i. 481.
Carols (Christmas), account of, i. 197-202.
Carpenter (John), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 679.
Castiglione's "Cortegiano" translated into English, i. 453.
Chair of Shakspeare, purchased by Princess Czartoryskya, i. 22, 23.
Chalkhill (John), critical notice of the poems of, i. 605. 607.
Singular beauty of his pastorals, 606.
Chalmers (Mr.), probable conjecture of, on the authenticity of Shakspeare's will, i. 15, 16.
His hypothesis, concerning the person to whom Shakspeare addressed his sonnets, disproved, ii. 61, 62.
Examination of his conjectures respecting the date of Romeo and Juliet, 357, 358.
Of Richard III. 370, 371.
Of Richard II. 376.
Of Henry IV. Parts I. and II. 379.
Of the Merchant of Venice, 385.
Of Hamlet, 391.
Of King John, 419.
Of All's Well that Ends Well, 422, 423.
His opinion on the traditionary origin of the Merry Wives of Windsor controverted, 435, 436.
His conjecture on the date of Troilus and Cressida, 438.
Of Henry VIII. 442.
Of Timon of Athens, 444.
Of Measure for Measure, 452.
Of King Lear, 457.
Of the Tempest, 500-503.
Of Othello, 528.
Of Twelfth Night, 532, 533.
Chapman (George), critical merits of as a poet, i. 607, 608.
His tribute to the memory of the Earl of Southampton, ii. 17.
Estimate of his merits as a dramatic poet, 569, 570.
Characters, notice of writers of, in the age of Elizabeth, i. 509-511.
Sketch of the public and private character of Queen Elizabeth, ii. 146-151.
and of James I. 151, 152.
Of Shakspeare's drama, remarks on, ii. 545.
Charlcott-House, the seat of Sir Thomas Lucy, notice of, i. 402.
Charms practised on Midsummer-Eve, i. 331-333.
On All-Hallow-Eve, 344-347.
Supposed influence of, 362-365.
Chaucer, poetical description of May-day by, i. 153.
Illustration of his "Assemblie of Fooles," 379, 380, 381.
Description of the carbuncle, 396.
Alluded to, by Shakspeare, ii. 79.
Allusions by Chaucer to fairy mythology, 313. 317.
Chester (Robert), a minor poet, of the age of Shakspeare, i. 679.
Critical notice of his "Love's Martyr," 728.
Chettle (Henry), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 679.
Children, absurdity of frightening by superstitious tales, i. 317.
Notice of legendary tales, of their being stolen or changed by fairies, ii. 325-327.
Chivalric Amusements of Shakspeare's age, described, i. 553-556.
Chivalry, influence of, on the poetry of the Elizabethan age, i. 596.
Allusion to it, by Shakspeare, ii. 79.
Chopine or Venetian stilt, notice of, ii. 98.
Chrismale or Chrism-Cloth, account of, i. 231.
Christenings, description of, i. 230, 231.
Christian IV. (King of Denmark), drunken entertainment given to, ii. 124, 125.
Christian Name, the same frequently given to two successive children in the age of Queen Elizabeth, i. 4. note.
Christmas Brand, superstitious notion concerning, i. 140.
Christmas, festival of, i. 193.
Of Pagan origin, 194.
Ceremony of bringing in the Christmas block, ibid. 195.
Houses decorated with ivy, &c. on Christmas-Eve, 195, 196.
Origin of this custom, 196.
Custom of singing carols in the morning, 197.
Gambols, anciently in use at this season, 202-205, 206. note.
Poetical description of, by Herrick, 206.
and by Mr. Walter Scott, 207, 208.
At present how celebrated, 208. note.
Church-Ales, account of, i. 177, 178.
Churles and gentlemen, difference between, i. 71, 72.
Church-yard (Thomas), critical notice of the poems of, i. 608, 609.
Chute (Anthony), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 679.
Chronological list of Shakspeare's plays, ii. 261, 262.
Cinthio (Giraldi), principal novels of, translated in the time of Shakspeare, i. 543.
Citizens of London, dress of, in the age of Shakspeare, ii. 110, 111.
Clapham (Henoch), a minor poet of the age of Shakspeare, i. 679.
Classical literature, diffusion of, in the reign of Elizabeth, i. 28.
Fashionable among country gentlemen, 82.
Cultivated generally, 449, 450, 451.
The knowlege of Greek literature greatly promoted by Sir Thomas Smith, and Sir Henry Savile, 453.;
and Dr. Boys, 454.
Latin literature promoted by Ascham, Grant, Bond, Rider, and others, 454, 455.
Claudio, remarks on the character of, in Measure for Measure, ii. 455.
Cleanliness, attention of Shakspeare's fairies to, ii. 346, 347.
Cleaton (Ralph, a clergyman), character of, i. 92.
Cleopatra, remarks on the character of, ii. 493.
Clergymen, anciently styled Sir, i. 87-90.
Picture of country clergymen in the age of Elizabeth, 90, 91.
Their degraded state under James I. 92, 93.
The younger clergy, chiefly schoolmasters, 94.
Bishop Hall's picture of their depressed state, 95.
Prohibited from hawking, 259. note.
Clerk-ale, notice of, i. 176.
Cloten, remarks on the character of, in Cymbeline, ii. 468.
Clothes, materials of, in the age of Elizabeth, ii. 91.
How preserved, ibid. 92.
Clown (country), character of in the 16th century, i. 120-122.
Coaches, when first introduced into England, ii. 146.
Extravagant number of, used by the great, 147.
"Cock and Pye," explanation of the phrase, i. 554.
Cockayn (Sir Aston), epigram of, on Wincot-ale, i. 48, 49.
Cock-fighting, a favourite sport in Shakspeare's age, i. 145.
Awful death of a cock-fighter, 146. note.
Cocks, throwing at, a barbarous sport on Shrove-Tuesday, i. 145. and note.
Ridiculed by Hogarth, ibid.;
and now completely put down, 146.
Colet's (Dean), Grammatical Institutes, notice of, i. 26.
Combe (Mr. John), satyrical epitaph on, by Shakspeare, ii. 605.
His character, ibid.
Combe (Mr. Thomas), notice of, ii. 629. note.
Bequest to him by Shakspeare, 629.
Comedy, "Gammer Gurton's Needle," the first ever performed in England, ii. 227.
Comedy of Errors, probable date of, ii. 286.
Mr. Steevens' opinion that this drama was not wholly Shakspeare's, controverted and disproved, 287, 288.
Superior to the Menæchmi of Plautus, whence its fable is borrowed, 286-288.
Exquisite portrait of Ægeon, 288.
General observations on this drama, 288, 289.

About This Book

INDEX.