The Histories and Poems of William Shakespeare

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This historic book may have numerous typos missing text images or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1915. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE FAMOUS HISTORY OF THE LIFE OF KING HENRY THE EIGHTH INTRODUCTION The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eighth was first printed--and with comparative accuracy of text--in the folio 1623. The Prologue probably written by the dramatist John Fletcher prepares the spectators for a play of sad and serious import concerned mainly with the fall of persons of high estate; if any have paid their shilling to witness a splendid show they will not be disappointed; but fool and fight and unbecoming mirth must not be expected; the history aims at truth (l. 9) chosen truth (l. 18); and a third time (l. 21) the plea on behalf of the play as true is reiterated. We might well believe that as Twelfth Night had a second title What you Will so Henry VIII had originally added to its historical name the sub-title All is True. Now to let matters of State sleep wrote Sir Henry Wotton to his nephew on July 2 1613 I will entertain you at the present with what hath happened this Week at the Banks side. The Kings Players had a new Play called All is True representing some principal pieces of the reign of Henry the 8lh which was set forth with many extraordinary circumstances of Pomp and Majesty even to the matting of the Stage; the Knights of the Order with their Georges and Garter the Guards with their embroidered Coats and the like; sufficient in truth within a while to make Greatness very familiar if not ridiculous. Now King Henry making a Masque at the Cardinal Wolseya House and certain cannons being shot off at his entry some of the Paper or other stuff wherewith one of them was stopped did light on the Thatch where being thought at first but an idle smoak and their eyes more attentive to the show it kindled inwardly a...