66 "I'll ha' none o' thy gudgeons," said Fletcher; for that there is something in his friend, with mock disdain. When the book is evident in the index-thou I fish I catch whales." lookest as important as a tailor's wife threading her husband's needle." "Then hast thou a very blubberly taste," rejoined Master Burbage, "and when I want salve for a wound I'll come to thee; for thou must have a most infinite stock of spermaceti." Thus they proceeded, bantering and laughing at one another, and indulging their humors with perfect satisfaction to themselves, when a knock was heard at the door, and admittance being granted, there entered a man of a pleasant aspect, and of spare figure, not so gayly garmented as Master Burbage, yet having much of the outward appearance of respectability. 66 Welcome, good Lazarus Fletcher. Welcome!" cried Master Shakspeare. Marry, why should I mind him," replied the other, "he only showeth that he hath a spice of the ability of Samson: for he maketh a goodly use of the jawbone of an ass.' 66 Ha, ha!" shouted Master Shakspeare, chafing his hands in the intensity of his delight. "Spare him not, good Lazarus; an' thou loveth me, spare him not." Then looking toward his friend, he added, "I'faith, Dick, thou hast found thy match." "Match!" exclaimed Master Burbage, turning sharp round from the casement out of which he had that moment been leaning, "ay, marry! and like other matches-all the good lieth in the brimstone. But tell us thy news, Master "O' my troth, I have something worth the telling," replied he. "Disburthen thyself then, and quickly, good Lazarus," observed Master Shakspeare. 66 There hath a message come from the master of the Revels, worthy Master Edmond Tilney," said Master Fletcher, "to the intent that it be the design of the queen's majesty, with divers of her honorable court, to honor her poor players with a visit; and leaving Hemings and Condell and the rest to prepare for her reception, I posted off here, as Master Burbage had left word that he would be found at Master Shakspeare's lodgings." Hurrah!" shouted Master Burbage, snatching up his hat and waving it over his head, "we'll have a right worshipful audience. Heaven preserve her majesty, and enrich her servants, say I. Come along, good Lazarus !" he added, as he caught his brother actor by the arm, "we must to the playhouse.' 66 "I will be with thee anon, Dick," said Master Shakspeare, as his visiters were proceeding to the door. But I have a letter to write to my Lord Southampton, to thank him for yonder exquisite present of flowers he hath sent me from his own garden, and to acquaint him with our proceedings with the court of aldermen, touching our threatened liberties, at the Blackfriars." "Success attend thee, Will, in all thy doings," exclaimed his friend, and putting on his hat he led his companion out of the chamber. Master Shakspeare being left alone, did presently draw up his chair closer to the table on which he had been writing, and did recommence his labors with an admirable diligence. Mayhap he was engaged in the inditing of one of those right famous plays which did bring so much honor to his name; but know I not this for a surety; and as a trusty chronicler, I will only subscribe to that of which I have a perfect knowledge. However, it be certain that he had not been long so engaged, when a third knock was heard at the door, so gentle it was scarcely audible; and although he seemed at first somewhat impatient of interruption (for no man liketh to be much disturbed in his privacy), when, upon his giving permission to the person to enter, he observed his visiter, he gave him most cour seventeen, or thereabouts, tall, slim, and elegant, and though clad in homely russet, there was that in his graceful carriage, and in his mild yet thoughtful countenance, that did signify something of a far higher quality than such poor apparel did denote. But most remarkable was the exceeding modesty of his deportment. He opened and closed the door almost tremblingly, and respectfully taking off his hat, advanced into the room with downcast eyes, to the great marvel of our illustrious poet. 66 teous welcome. He was a youth, aged | opening it, sat himself down in the chair, as if to give it a careful examination: then added, but in all honesty, I must acknowledge that it hath a total unfitness for representation." At this the youth's countenance became blanched with a sudden paleness. It hath a lack of everything which is most necessary for a drama to have: to wit, action-interest—and character;-the which, if it have not, were it written by King Solomon himself, or the seven wise masters in conjunction, it would have no chance with our modern audiences. The time of mysteries and moralities hath gone by. People now will not listen to dialogues without an object, and plays without a plot. David hath ceased to abuse Goliath in a set speech an hour long, and Joseph lingereth no longer to preach a thrice tedious sermon to Potiphar's wife. If a play have not action it must needs have but little interest; for although something may occasionally be done in a narrative form, if the ball be not kept up-that is to say, if the dramatis persona be doing of nothingeven if the sentences be proverbs of wisdom, then shall the play be a bad play. Again, if the characters who form the plot have no individuality or distinct features, in accordance with nature or probability, though they look like Alexanders and argue like Aristoties, shall the play be a bad play. Your tragedy, Master Francis, hath these particular defects, and I should be hugely deficient in candor, and in no way deserving the confidence you have been pleased to place in me, were I to refrain from telling you that it can not be acted with any profit either to your self or others. There is another objection to it—the subject hath already been done by Kit Marlowe." "I took the boldness, Master Shakspeare," said the youth falteringly, as he kept smoothing his hat with his hand where he stood in the middle of the chamber-"I took the boldness some time since to send you a tragedy of my poor contrivance; hoping, from what I had heard of your worthy disposition, that you would honor that humble attempt to such an extent as to give it your perusal and peradventure if such an obscure individual be not thought altogether unworthy of attention from one so excellently gifted as yourself, you will favor me so far as to grant me your opinion of its matter and management." "That will I, worthy sir, without fail," replied Master Shakspeare, regarding his young visiter with a more than ordinary interest. But you must first acquaint me with your name, and the title of the play you intrusted to my custody; for my reputation, however little deserved it may be, and my influence at the playhouse, which is thought to be greater than it is, are the causes of my being continually applied to for a similar purpose." "The tragedy was called der,' and I signed my name murmured the youth. Hero Lean- "Let me beg of you to be seated, worthy Master Francis," exclaimed the other, as he hastily handed him a chair. "I remember it well," he added, as he searched among his papers on the table, by the token that it did contain many passages that exhibited no mean ability." ." The melancholy aspect of the young stranger did brighten up marvellously at the hearing of this commendation, and his eyes looked abundance of thanks. He argued the most favorable conclusion from so promising a commencement, for it is the nature of youth to be sanguine upon very little occasion. "I have it," said Master Shakspeare, as he laid hold of the manuscript; and, Master Shakspeare observing for the first time that the lips of his visiter had lost their accustomed ruddiness, and that he did look most despairing and wo-begone, with that sweet sympathy which maketh the generous so fearful of giving pain to another, instantly began to turn over the leaves of Master Francis his play, and resumed his discourse. "But let me not cause you to imagine_that I think naught of your tragedy, Master Francis. Far be it from me to say so. I do consider the blank verse very musical and eloquent, and full of right admirable conceits. Here is a passage in which a lover, expostulating with his mistress, who doth affect inconstancy in no small measure, sayeth this much as argument to prove the unity of love :— "Effect and cause-(the lover and the loved) "You will wait awhile before you offer any composition to the public eye," said Master Shakspeare, affecting not to notice the interruption he had received, yet being much pleased thereat.-“ You are young-your knowledge of the world must, therefore, be scanty; and although I do perceive in your writings a comprehensive acquaintance with books, he who writeth tragedies should possess an equal knowledge of men; therefore I do advise you, for some years to come, to study mankind, if you entertain any desire of ‘And again, in continuation of the taking your stand among our English same subject: "The forest tops Give voices to the wind, and there the dove "If Nature then declare her law to be "I do opine, Master Francis," continued our illustrious dramatist, with a look of kindness toward his young companion, who had been listening with delighted attention to Master Shakspeare's faultless delivery of his lines-"I do opine that there is much admirable matter in these words; and the same opinion holds good toward other passages in your play, of similar excellence; which plainly prove to me that there is no lack of promise in you. But be not too hasty; pluck not the fruit before it be ripe, else they who may chance to taste it will make wry mouths. If you would take the advice of one willing to do you all manner of good offices" dramatists. Moreover, you have as yet acquired no information as to the business of the stage-a matter of vast moment toward the success of even the best play. This you can only inform yourself of by noting what others have done. The most effective way for you to do this is to come to us at the playhouse, where you shall have free ingress and egress upon every fitting occasion: and I will forward interest in all that my poor skill or your influence can effect." The tone of kindness with which these last sentences were delivered, seemed to have a most powerful effect upon the listener; indeed it had gone direct to his heart, and he sat for some seconds perfectly unable to utter a syllable. "Is there anything more I can do for you?" inquired Master Shakspeare, regarding the changing color and modest demeanor of his visiter with increasing interest. "Though I seek not to make a boast of it, I have some powerful friends, to whom, peradventure, my recommendation would do good service, if ventured in behalf of one of your excellent parts and disposition." "Oh, Master Shakspeare!" murmured the youth, looking up to him with eyes made humid by his grateful emotions, "I would I had language to thank you; but my heart is too full." Nay, nay, worthy Master Francis," said the other, encouragingly, "if you love me you must not think of that. He who looks for thanks deserveth them not. Such a one am not I. I will acknowledge I feel a regard for you, and would wish to be your friend: and if you will intrust me with your confidence, rest assured it shall not be abused.. Tell me, is your way of life agreeable to you?" 66 Indeed it is not," replied his visiter, with a melancholy expression of counte"If I do not, I should be the most un-nance that completely attested the truth worthy varlet that lives," exclaimed Master Francis warmly. of the avowal. But why should I take advantage of the goodness of your dispo "You have made my heart warm enough as it is," observed Master Francis, still hesitating to take the proffered 66 sition? or why trouble you with my com- "We part not thus," said Master Shakspeare, quickly, as he rose from his seat, and taking hold of Master Francis his shoulder, did affectionately push him back into his chair; then sitting carelessly on the edge of the table adjoining, with one hand of his visiter kindly pressed in his own, and with a most benevolently smiling countenance he proceeded. "We part not thus. Sit you down, Master Francis-sit you down: and let not the modesty of your disposition be a stumbling-block_to the advancement of your fortunes. The world hath not used you well, or I mistake countenances hugely. Let me try to make amends for the unkindness of others. I have both the inclination and the power to serve; and it seemeth to me that I should do myself credit by any service I could render. Let me be your friend, Master Francis. I assure you, on the honor of a Christian gentleman, and an humble follower of the Muses, that you will do me a great wrong if you allow me not the satisfaction of befriending you." "Indeed, Master Shakspeare, you are too good," exclaimed his visiter, warmly returning the pressure of the hand he had received. I know not what to say-I lack words-I am quite overpowered." What a wittol am I, and one shamefully neglectful of the duties of hospitality!" said Master Shakspeare, suddenly, as he sprung from the table and, proceeding to a cupboard in a recess of the chamber, did presently return, bringing a flask and two drinking-horns. "I would you would excuse me, worthy Master Shakspeare," said the youth, modestly, as soon as he observed the movement of his host. Tush, man!" replied Master Shakspeare, hospitably forcing the cup into his guest's almost reluctant hand, will you not drink to my health ?” 66 Ah, that will I, with all true earnestness," exclaimed the other, as he immediately raised the wine to his lips. "And I most heartily wish, as all England must wish, that your life be long preserved to delight and enrich this island with your right excellent labors." "Thank you, worthy Master Francis, thank you," said his host, shaking his companion cordially by the hand: it is gratifying to be praised at all, but to be praised by those who can appreciate, is the most exquisite of flattery. And now let me pledge you to our better acquaintance," added he, as he poured out a brimming cup for himself, "and may success attend you equal to your deserts -which be of no common order." 66 You are too liberal in your commendation-indeed you are," observed the youth, as a slight blush appeared upon his countenance. 66 Not a whit, man, not a whit," replied his host, as he finished his draught. There can be no harm in praising a modest man; for if the desert be not equal to the praise, he will not rest till he make it so. But your cup is empty." 66 Nay, good Master Shakspeare,” exclaimed the other, as he noticed his host refilling the cup-"if it please you, no more." "But it does not please me, Master Francis," said his companion, jocosely. "I am not used to drinking of wine of a morning, and it may chance get in my head." "No vessel can be the worse for containing good wine, Master Francis. So you must e'en drink another cup." "I thank you, but I would rather not,” said Master Francis, falteringly, as the vessel was handed to him. 66 66 What, hesitate to drink the queen's Excuse me no excuses," replied the health?" exclaimed Master Shakspeare other, with a smile, as he made room on in seeming astonishment. Why, how the little table, and poured out the wine now? Surely loyalty hath gone out of into the vessels. "What! shall it be the land, if the guest of one of her majessaid that Will Shakspeare denied a broth-ty's poor players refuse to join him in er poet a draught of the fountain from drinking the health of Queen Elizabeth." which he hath so often drawn inspiration? Tell it not at the Mermaid. A cup of this excellent sherris will warm both our hearts." "I thought not of that," remarked the other, quietly taking the wine, "I will join you gladly." Thereupon, with much sincerity of heart, these two did drink to "It is uncertain," responded Master Francis more seriously. My mother's was a private marriage with a gentleman much above her in station, and as he said it would injure him in the estimation of his family if his union became known, she kept his quality a secret from all who knew her. He went to the wars a short time before she gave birth to me, and has never since been heard of; and my poor mother died in childbed, without leaving any other memorial of her husband than this miniature, which I always carry about with me.” Master Shakspeare silently examined the trinket, which was in a gold frame, that the youth wore round his neck. On one side was the likeness of a very lovely woman; the other had contained another miniature, may hap, of a cavalier; but it was now empty. "Indeed I would rather not." "Now, look at this!" exclaimed Master Shakspeare, in apparent wonder. "Here is a youth of some eighteen years or so, who confesses that he hath met with no fair damsel with soul-enkindling eyes and roseate cheeks, whose health he deems worthy of being drunk in a bumber of sherris." "I said not that, Master Shakspeare," replied his young companion, hastily, as the color mounted to his cheek-"Believe me, I said not that." "I see "I believe you most heartily," said his host with a laugh, as he noticed the youth's increasing confusion. conviction in your complexion. Her health, Master Francis." "Well, I suppose I must," observed his guest, as if anxious to be quickly relieved from his embarrassment. "I thank you kindly. She is a right noble creature, and I should be the basest wretch alive were I to refuse to drink her health "The initials E. V., on one side the frame, are for my mother Eleanor Vellum," continued the youth, "and the F. H., on the empty frame, are doubtless the initials of my father; of which one-consideringmust be Francis, for so she always called him, as I have heard, and therefore by that name have I been christened; but what the other standeth for I know not, and perchance may never know till the day of judgment." Be of good heart, Master Francis," said his companion, encouragingly, "eradventure the secret may be discovered sooner than you look for. But what says your uncle?-knoweth he nothing?" "Here the young poet stopped suddenly; his complexion acquited a warmer glow; and a shadow of deep melancholy overspread his features.' "Hath she no name, Master Francis ?" inquired the other earnestly, and, if the truth must be told, somewhat mischievously. Indeed she hath," he replied. "It is a good name—a name of excellent credit -a 66 "I doubt it not," observed Master Shakspeare, with more than his usual gravity; but to the point, man. Dost hesitate to tell it? Take my word for it, you are paying her no compliment if you do." "Sometimes I am apt to think that he knows more than he is inclined to tell," replied Master Francis; "for in his unguarded moments, he hath dropped some mysterious hints which savor a little of the purpose. But he is so continually upbraiding me for the troubles and the charges I put him to—he so stints me in all sorts of necessaries, and so begrudges me the little pleasure I enjoy-that he | "Then drink I your Joanna's health in “Her name is Joanna," said the youth in a voice scarcely audible, and trying unsuccessfully to hide his confusion. |