PREFACE. XVII 



On the score of pedigree, then, and because I believe 

 that the only well-authenticated portrait (i.e., the Droe- 

 shout) represents Shakespeare as an actor, and not as 

 a private individual, I have selected the Chandos portrait 

 for my frontispiece. 



By obtaining a reduced photograph of this upon wood, 

 from the best engraving, and " vignetting " it, I have been 

 enabled to place upon the left hand a hooded falcon, 

 drawn by the unrivalled pencil of Mr. Wolf, and thus 

 to entrust to the engraver, Mr. Pearson, a faithful likeness 

 of man and bird. 



As regards the other illustrations, my acknowledg- 

 ments are due to Mr. J. G. Keulemans for the artistic 

 manner in which he has executed my designs, and to 

 Mr. Pearson for the careful way in which he has engraved 

 them. 



With these observations, I conclude an undertaking 

 which has occupied my leisure hours for six years, but 

 which indeed has been, in every sense of the word, 

 " a labour of love." 



Should the reader, on closing this volume, consider its 

 design but imperfectly executed, it is hoped that he will 

 still have gleaned from it enough curious information to 

 compensate him for the disappointment. 



