Fleay, ii. 157, makes the date 1590–1, on the ground that lines are quoted from Polyhymnia (1590). A theory that Shakespeare acted in the play is founded on ll. 759–62, where after Baliol’s coronation Elinor says:
Now, brave John Baliol, Lord of Galloway
And King of Scots, shine with thy golden head!
Shake thy spears, in honour of his [i.e. Edward’s] name,
Under whose royalty thou wearest the same.
This is not very convincing.
A play called Longshank, Longshanks, and Prince Longshank was played fourteen times by the Admiral’s, from 29 Aug. 1595 to 14 July 1596. It is marked ‘ne’, and unless there had been substantial revision, can hardly be Peele’s play. ‘Longe-shanckes sewte’ is in the Admiral’s inventory of 10 March 1598. On 8 Aug. 1602 Alleyn sold the book of the play to the Admiral’s with another for £4. (Greg, Henslowe, ii. 176; Henslowe Papers, 113.)
David and Bethsabe > 1594
S. R. 1594, May 14. ‘A booke called the book of David and Bethsaba.’ Adam Islip (Arber, ii. 649). [Islip’s name is cancelled and Edward White’s substituted.]
1599. The Love of King David and Fair Bethsabe. With the Tragedie of Absalon. As it hath ben divers times plaied on the stage. Written by George Peele. Adam Islip. [Prologue.]