. It is
mentioned as in his possession in a subsequent subsidy roll of the
town.[157]

The only time in which he touched politics and State affairs he was
unfortunate. There is no doubt he must have trembled at the time of the
Essex Conspiracy, not only for his friend Southampton's life, but even
for his own; for Philips, the manager of his company, was called before
the Privy Council to account for the performances of the obnoxious play
of "Richard II."

The danger passed. Probably the Privy Council thought it futile to
attack the "Puppets." Nevertheless, after fulfilling their engagements
they hastened from the Metropolis.[158] Some of his company went to play
in Scotland, as far north as Aberdeen.[159] I am inclined to think
Shakespeare went with them. The scenery in "Macbeth"[160] suggests vivid
visual impressions, and the favour of James VI. must have been secured
_before_ his accession to the throne of England, for almost the first
act the King did on his arrival at the Metropolis, May 7, 1603, was to
execute a series of Acts that practically gave his company a monopoly.

"Pat. I., Jac. I., p. 2, m. 4. Pro Laurentio Fletcher et
Willielmo Shakespeare et aliis.[161]

"James by the grace of God, etc., to all Justices, Maiors,
Sheriffs, Constables, Hedboroughs, and other our Officers
and lovinge Subjects, Greetinge. Knowe ye that wee, of our
Speciall Grace, _certeine knowledge_ and mere motion, have
licensed and authorized, and by these presentes doe license
and authorize theise our Servaunts, Laurence Fletcher,
William Shakespeare, Richard Burbage, Augustyne Philippes,
John Hemings, Henrie Condell, William Sly, Robert Armyn,
Richard Cowly, and the rest of their Associates Freely to
use and exercise the Arte and Facultie of playing Comedies,
Tragedies, Histories, Enterludes, Morals, Pastoralls,
Stage-plaies, and such others like as theie have alreadie
studied or hereafter shall use or studie, as well for the
Recreation of our loveinge Subjects as for our Solace and
Pleasure, when wee shall thincke good to see them, during
our pleasure; and the said Commedies, Tragedies, Histories,
Enterludes, Moralls, Pastoralls, Stage-playes, and
suchelike, to shewe and exercise publiquely to their best
Commoditie, when the Infection of the Plague shall decrease,
as well within theire nowe usuall House called the Globe