But to praise thee aright I want thy store.
Then let thine own works thine own worth upraise,
And help t’adorn thee with deserved bays.
LXII. BEQUEST TO SHAKESPEARE IN JOHN COMBE’S WILL (1614).
To Mr. William Shakespeare five pounds.
Note. John Combe, the wealthy bachelor with whom Shakespeare had had many business dealings, died in July, 1614. He was buried, like the poet, in the chancel of Stratford Church.
LXIII. AGREEMENT PROTECTING SHAKESPEARE AGAINST LOSS OF TITHE INCOME BY REASON OF ENCLOSURES AT WELCOMBE (1614).
Contract of William Replingham, legal agent for the Combes, with Shakespeare and his cousin, Thomas Greene, October 28, 1614.
Vicesimo octavo die Octobris, anno Domini 1614. Articles of agreement indented [and] made between Willm. Shackespeare of Stretford in the county of Warwick, gent., on the one party and Willm. Replingham of Great Harborowe in the county of Warwick, gent., on the other party, the day and year abovesaid. Item, the said Willm. Replingham for him, his heirs, executors, and assigns, doth covenant and agree to and with the said Willm. Shackespeare, his heirs and assigns, that he, the said Willm. Replingham, his heirs or