Sir Thomas Lucy, who is in her Majesty's commission as a Justice of
the Peace in this bailiwick, yesterday did inform me that he had
been questioned from London if you were a married man, and if yes,
when and to whom you were wedded. As the parish records are in my
keeping, I could but bestow the information sought, although with
great sinking of heart, as a well-wisher to you, who, though given
overmuch to worldly frivolities and revels, yet are a worthy
citizen, and a charitable and a just. Greatly did I fear this
knowledge was sought to thy injury. Hast thou led a blameless life,
the gates of hell shall not prevail against thee; but the wicked
stand on slippery ways. Anne, thy wife, to whom I did unbosom my
fears, is in much tribulation lest thou art unfaithful to thy
marriage vows, and again beseeches me to urge thee to come forth
from wicked Babylon and dwell in thy pleasant home in Stratford.
Thou art become a man of substance; and hast moneys at usury. I have
read of thy verses and plays, which, albeit somewhat given to
lewdness, and addressed to gain the favor of the baser sort, yet
reveal thee to be a man of understanding. I cannot, as it is rumored
do some of thy town associates, award thee the title of poet, which
title is reserved for the shining ones; but thou hast parts. There
are many parish clerks, and even some curates in this realm,
scarcely more liberally endowed in mind than thou. But greatly do I
fear that thou art little better than one of the wicked. How hast
thou put to use this talent entrusted thee by the Master of the
vineyard? In the maintenance of the things which profit not; in
seeking the applause of the unworthy; in the writing of vain plays,
which, if of the follies of youth, may be forgiven and remembered
not against thee, provided in riper years you put behind you these
frivolities, and atone for the mischief thou hast wrought by
rendering acceptable service to the Master; by coming to the help of
the Lord against the mighty. Gladly would I take thy training in
charge, and guide thy tottering feet along the flowery paths of
Homiletics. Who knoweth into what vessels the All-seeing One may
elect to pour his spirit? Perchance in mercy I may be spared to
behold thee a faithful though humble preacher of the Word. Anne, thy
wife, often hath likened me to a great light upon a high hill-top,
shining in the darkness far away. I would not magnify my powers, but
not to all is it given to be mighty captains of a host. Yet,
according to thy gifts might thy work be, and a little candle
shining in a darkened valley hath its place.
In the light of these letters, some passages in "Richard III." and the
"Comedy of Errors," written in the same year (1609), have an added
significance. In "Richard III.," Gloster says to Anne:--
"Your beauty was the cause of that effect:
Your beauty, that did haunt me in my sleep,
To undertake the death of all the world,
So I might live one hour in thy sweet bosom."