tax and subsidy[1] presently, and also your travel and hinderance of answer therein by your long travel and the affairs of the Court; and that our countryman, Mr. Wm. Shak. would procure us money, which I will like of as I shall hear when, and where, and how; and I pray let not go that occasion, if it may sort to any indifferent[2] conditions.
Note. Richard Quyny was a mercer by occupation. Hence his father’s suggestion for using any residue of the money borrowed from Shakespeare to stock his shop. Sturley’s letter indicates that Quyny had informed him that Shakespeare would procure them money on the very day (October 25) on which Quyny addressed his note to the poet. Fripp (Richard Quyny, p. 139) assumes from this that Quyny must have received a favorable answer from the poet on the same day; but Sturley is evidently uncertain about details and somewhat skeptical.
XXIII. SHAKESPEARE SELLS A LOAD OF STONE TO THE STRATFORD CORPORATION (1599).
Stratford Chamberlains’ Accounts, January 12, 1599.
Paid to Mr. Shaxspere for one load of stone xd.
Note. It is conjectured that the stone was what was left on Shakespeare’s hands after repairing New Place, which was in bad condition when the poet bought it. The load of stone was used by the Stratford authorities to mend the bridge across the Avon.
