volume, no allusion will be found to the clumsy and disgraceful forgeries of Shakespearian documents that have so frequently deceived the public for short periods, so nothing of the material which is not unquestionably genuine is here perpetuated. Mr. Fairholt has also carefully abstained from those fanciful imitations which have so little real value, and in which the characteristic features of the original objects are so seldom preserved. In conclusion, perhaps I may be permitted to allude to the many new facts published in this volume, as evidences of a reasonable confidence in the inexhaustible treasures of our English archives, a belief in hidden stores of knowledge which destroys all reliance on the finality of previous enquiries, leading us to trust to no examinations but our own. Entertaining this belief in its fullest extent, and feeling confident our discoveries are not yet at an end, I venture to suggest the propriety of the manuscripts belonging to our ancient families, especially those in Warwickshire, being searched for information relating to the poet. Need I add, for one, how gratefully I should receive any communication on the subject, or how willingly my services would be rendered in such a cause? BRIXTON HILL, SURREY. Nov. 21st, 1847. ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE 2. Autograph of Shakespeare from his will 3. Seal of Stratford upon Avon, 1592 4. Fac-simile of letter mentioning Shakespeare, 1608 5. Old houses in Henley-street, Stratford, 1810 6. Marks of Edmund and Joan Lambert, 1581 7. Mark and seal of Agnes Arden 8. Signatures of the bailiff and aldermen of Stratford, 1565 9. Signatures and marks from a roll of court-leet . 10. Passage in which John Shakespeare is mentioned as a glover 11. Mark of Margery Lorde, 1609 12. Autograph of Gilbert, one of Shakespeare's brothers 13. Payment for the bell and pall for Anne Shakespeare, 1579. Facsimile from a Letter of Lord Southampton, mentioning Shakespeare. From the Original MS in the possession of the Earl of Ellesmere. are both of one hote romle and indoor allmost of one fansons in Ron's qualities Re Ron's qualition Kings it longoth портална sundris kynes This other hath to name William Blakesware and Ray are both of. mop Dogia vora |