tongues. As he was well acquainted with Shakespeare, this omission of
his customary Latin phrases would indicate that he recognized
Shakespeare's lack of a thorough classical education.

The next, and the last letter in the collection which seems to have a
bearing upon the sleeplessness of Shakespeare, is also from Rev. Walter
Blaise.

STRATFORD, April 3, 1609.

TO WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE:

Sir Thomas Lucy, who is in her Majesty's commission as a Justice of
the Peace in this bailiwick, yesterday did inform me that he had
been questioned from London if you were a married man, and if yes,
when and to whom you were wedded. As the parish records are in my
keeping, I could but bestow the information sought, although with
great sinking of heart, as a well-wisher to you, who, though given
overmuch to worldly frivolities and revels, yet are a worthy
citizen, and a charitable and a just. Greatly did I fear this
knowledge was sought to thy injury. Hast thou led a blameless life,
the gates of hell shall not prevail against thee; but the wicked
stand on slippery ways. Anne, thy wife, to whom I did unbosom my
fears, is in much tribulation lest thou art unfaithful to thy
marriage vows, and again beseeches me to urge thee to come forth
from wicked Babylon and dwell in thy pleasant home in Stratford.
Thou art become a man of substance; and hast moneys at usury. I have
read of thy verses and plays, which, albeit somewhat given to
lewdness, and addressed to gain the favor of the baser sort, yet
reveal thee to be a man of understanding. I cannot, as it is rumored