poet, seems to have prospered in worldly affairs, as his letters are
dated in a more reputable portion of the city.

THREADNEEDLE STREET, LONDON, April 17, 1602.

To WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE:

In January last past you purchased of Richard Burbage four shares of
the stock of the Globe Theatre for £100, and inasmuch as you had not
available the whole means to pay therefor, borrowed from me the £60
wanting, paying yourself £40 of such purchase price, and giving me
in pledge for my £60 such four shares of stock. Owing to special
attractions at Blackfriars' Theatre, the stock of the Globe hath
greatly declined in value, and I fear these four shares may not
longer be salable at the price of even £60, and I therefore must
importune that you forthwith do make a payment of £20 on your said
bill, or the four shares of stock will be sold at public vendue.

The next letter is from the same writer, and is dated nine days later.

THREADNEEDLE STREET, April 26, 1602.

To WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE:

I acknowledge to have received from you by the hand of Henry Condell
£5, and two of your own shares in the stock of the Globe Theatre in
further pledge of your bill of £60, as was engaged between us
yesterday. It pains me to make known to you that, owing to the great
demands recently made upon the goldsmiths by her sacred Majesty,
money hath become very dear; and as it was not my own lent you, I