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Literary
January 6, 1786
Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A humorous anecdote recounts how Shakespeare overhears Burbage's rendezvous plan with a merchant's mistress after a performance of Richard III, impersonates him using the signal, enjoys her company, and then jests to Burbage that William the Conqueror came before Richard III.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
ANECDOTE of SHAKESPEARE and BURBAGE.
One evening, when Richard the Third was to be performed, Shakespeare observed a young woman delivering a message to Burbage in so cautious a manner, as excited his curiosity to listen to it. It imported, that her master was gone out of town that morning, and her mistress would be glad of his company, after the play; and to know what signal he would appoint for admittance. Burbage replied "Three taps at the door, and it is I, Richard the Third." She immediately withdrew, and Shakespeare followed, till he observed her go into a house in the city; and enquiring in the neighbourhood, he was informed that a young lady lived there, the favorite of an old rich merchant. Near the appointed time of meeting, Shakespeare thought proper to anticipate Mr. Burbage, and was introduced by the concerted signal. The lady was much surprised at Shakespeare's presuming to act Mr. Burbage's; but as he (who had wrote Romeo and Juliet) we may be certain did not want wit or eloquence to apologise for the intrusion, she was soon pacified, and they were mutually happy till Burbage came to the door, and repeated the same signal; but Shakespeare popped his head out of the window, bade him begone; for that William the Conqueror had reigned before Richard the Third.
One evening, when Richard the Third was to be performed, Shakespeare observed a young woman delivering a message to Burbage in so cautious a manner, as excited his curiosity to listen to it. It imported, that her master was gone out of town that morning, and her mistress would be glad of his company, after the play; and to know what signal he would appoint for admittance. Burbage replied "Three taps at the door, and it is I, Richard the Third." She immediately withdrew, and Shakespeare followed, till he observed her go into a house in the city; and enquiring in the neighbourhood, he was informed that a young lady lived there, the favorite of an old rich merchant. Near the appointed time of meeting, Shakespeare thought proper to anticipate Mr. Burbage, and was introduced by the concerted signal. The lady was much surprised at Shakespeare's presuming to act Mr. Burbage's; but as he (who had wrote Romeo and Juliet) we may be certain did not want wit or eloquence to apologise for the intrusion, she was soon pacified, and they were mutually happy till Burbage came to the door, and repeated the same signal; but Shakespeare popped his head out of the window, bade him begone; for that William the Conqueror had reigned before Richard the Third.
What sub-type of article is it?
Prose Fiction
What themes does it cover?
Love Romance
Social Manners
What keywords are associated?
Shakespeare
Burbage
Richard Third
Anecdote
Theater
Rendezvous
Wit
Literary Details
Title
Anecdote Of Shakespeare And Burbage.
Key Lines
Burbage Replied "Three Taps At The Door, And It Is I, Richard The Third."
Shakespeare Popped His Head Out Of The Window, Bade Him Begone; For That William The Conqueror Had Reigned Before Richard The Third.