[62] 1455 to 1485.
[63] Miss Halsted in her Richard III., chap. viii. (following the Historic Doubts of Horace Walpole), makes a kindly attempt to overset the Shakespearean view of Richard’s character—in which, however, it must be said that she is only very moderately successful. See also a more recent effort in the same direction by Alfred O. Legge (The Unpopular King, etc. London, 1885).
[64] Caxton had been concerned, in company with Colard Mansion, in printing other books, on the Continent, at an earlier date than this. The first book “set up” in England, was probably Caxton’s translation—entitled “The Recuyle of the Histories of Troye.” Vid. Blade’s William Caxton: London, 1882.
[65] Noticeable among these Louis de Bruges, Seigneur de la Gruthuyse—afterward made (by Edward IV. of England) Earl of Winchester.
[66] More frequently called Juliana Berners—supposed relative of the Lords Berners and Abbess of Sopwell. Rev. Mr. Skeat, however—a very competent witness—confirms the reading given. For discussion of the question see the Angler’s Note Book, No. iv. (1884) and opinions of Messrs. Quaritch & Westwood.
[67] The authenticity of these letters, published by John Fenn, Esq., F.A.S., has been questioned by Herman Merivale and others; James Gairdner, however (of the Record office), has argued in their favor, and would seem to have put the question at rest.
[68] Fuller, in his Worthies of England, says “The comedian is not excusable by some alteration of his name, seeing the vicinity of sounds intrench on the memory of a worthy Knight; and few do heed the inconsiderable difference in spelling their names.”
[69] The equipment of a parsonage house in Kent in those days, is set forth in full inventory (from MS. in the Rolls House) by Mr. Froude.—History of England, chap. i, p. 47.
[70] Not to be confounded with William Lilly the astrologer of the succeeding century. William Lilly of St. Paul’s was b. 1468; d. (of the plague) in 1532. His Latin Grammar was first published in 1513.
[71] William Camden, antiquary and chronicler; b. 1551; d. 1623. Annales Rerum Anglicarum et Hibernicarum regnante Elizabetha, pub. 1615. In 1597 he published a Greek Grammar—for the Westminster boys; he being at the time head-master of the school.