rds converted into a
theatre. Regarding the quarrel with Allen and "the Theatre" lease, see
the depositions in the case of Burbage _v._ Allen taken at Kelvedon, in
Essex, August, 1600, reproduced in Halliwell-Phillips's "Outlines," i.
350. Further illustration of the earning proportions of players and
proprietors may be learned from the article by Mr. James Greenstreet,
"The Whitefriars Theatre at the Time of Shakespeare" (The New
Shakespearean Society's Transactions, 1888).

Page 77.--In John Combe's will there is mentioned a field in Ingon Lane,
called Parson's Close, or Shakespeare's Close. This may have been one of
the poet's minor purchases, or merely a name come down from Henry's
time.

Page 78.--A petition was sent up to the Lord Chief Justice from the
Corporation of Stratford-on-Avon, to restrain William Combe, Esq., son
and heir of John Combe, March 27, 1616. He overthrew the Aldermen who
came peaceably to hinder his digging, whereof great tumult arose. In
spite of orders to the contrary, he continued his enclosures, and
another petition was addressed to the Privy Council, describing "Mr.
Combe of so unbridled a disposition," etc. On February 14, 1618, a reply
came signed, "Francis Verulam," "Pembroke," "Naunton," "Fulke Greville"
(Wheler Collection, Stratford-on-Avon).

Page 82.--From the town clerk's account of what took place at the Halls
during Shakespeare's lifetime, we are sure that his position must have
been anomalous.

"The Halle, 17 Dec., 45 Eliz. Plays. At this Halle yt ys ordered that
there shalbe no plays or enterludes played in the Chamber, the Guild
Halle, nor in any parte of the House or Courte, from hensforward, upon
payne that whosoever of the Baylif, Aldermen, and burgisses of this
boroughe shall give leave or licence thereunto shall forfeit for everie
offence 10s.

"7 Feb., 1611-12, 45 Eliz."

"... The inconvenience of plaies being verie seriouslie considered of,
with their unlawfulness, and how contrarie the sufferance of them is
against the orders heretofore made, and against the examples of other
well-governed cities and burrowes the Compaine here are contented, and
they conclude that the penaltie of 10s. imposed in Mr. Baker's year, for
breaking of the order shall from henceforth be L10 upon breakers of that
order, and this to holde until the next common council, and from
henceforth for ever, excepted that be then finally revoked and made
void." This was the period of Shakesp