the Theatres’ in 1601. The play by Jonson alluded to is Poetaster, of that year, in which Horace gives Marston-Crispinus a pill. What the purge that Shakespeare gave Jonson was has been much disputed. It was probably something in the early version of Hamlet, acted at Cambridge in 1601, which was omitted in the printed editions.
XXXIII. JOHN MANNINGHAM’S ANECDOTE OF SHAKESPEARE AND BURBAGE (1602).
From the diary of John Manningham, a barrister of the Middle Temple, London, March 13, 1602. (British Museum, MS. Room.)
Upon a time when Burbage played Richard the Third there was a citizen grew so far in liking with him, that before she went from the play she appointed him to come that night unto her by the name of Richard the Third. Shakespeare, overhearing their conclusion, went before, was entertained and at his game ere Burbage came. Then message being brought that Richard the Third was at the door, Shakespeare caused return to be made that William the Conqueror was before Richard the Third. Shakespeare’s name William.
XXXIV. SHAKESPEARE BUYS A LARGE TRACT OF ARABLE LAND IN OLD STRATFORD (1602).
Conveyance of one hundred and seven acres from William and John Combe to Shakespeare, May 1, 1602. (Shakespeare Birthplace Museum.)
This indenture made the first day of May, in the four-and-fortieth year of the reign of our Sovereign
