e you to examine those of the players that are
committed (whose names are known to you, Mr. Topclyfe), what
is become of the rest of their fellows that either had their
parts in the devising of that seditious matter, or that were
actors or players in the same, what copies they have given
forth[261] of the said play, and to whom, and such other
points as you shall think meet to be demanded of them,
wherein you shall require them to deal truly, as they will
look to receive any favour. We pray you also to peruse such
papers as were found in Nashe his lodgings, which Ferrys, a
messenger of the Chamber, shall deliver unto you, and to
certify us the examinations you take.[262]

[Footnote 260: The identity of the three players is revealed in an
order of the Privy Council dated October 8, 1597: "A warrant to the
Keeper of the Marshalsea to release Gabriel Spencer and Robert Shaw,
stage-players, out of prison, who were of late committed to his
custody. The like warrant for the releasing of Benjamin Jonson."
(Dasent, _Acts of the Privy Council_, XXVIII, 33.)]

[Footnote 261: Such a copy was formerly preserved in a volume of
miscellaneous manuscripts at Alnwick Castle, but has not come down to
modern times. See F.J. Burgoyne, _Northumberland Manuscripts_ (London,
1904).]

[Footnote 262: Dasent, _Acts of the Privy Council_, XXVII, 338.]

This unfortunate occurrence destroyed Langley's dream of a successful
year. It also destroyed the splendid Pembroke organization, for
several of its chief members, even before the inhibition was raised,
joined the Admiral's Men. On August 6 Richard Jones went to Henslowe
and bound himself to play for two years at the Rose, and at the same
time he bound his friend Robert Shaw, who was still in prison; on
August 10 William Bird came and made a similar agreement; on October 6
Thomas Downton did likewise. Their leader, Gabriel Spencer, also
probably had an understanding with Henslowe, although he signed no
bond; and upon his release from the Marshalsea he joined his friends
at the Rose.[263]

[Footnote 263: Langley sued these actors on their bond to him of L100
to play only at the Swan; see the documents printed by Mr. Wallace.
Ben Jonson also joined Henslowe's forces at the Rose, as did Anthony
and Humphrey Jeffes, who were doubtless members of the Pembroke
Company.]

In the meantime the Queen's anger was abating, and the trouble was
blow