PREFACE. 
XVll 
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. 
