Editions by H. B. L[eonard] (1852), R. Ackermann (1894), and J. S. Farmer (1913, S. F. T.).—Dissertations: N. Delius, C.’s H. und Shakespeare’s Hamlet (1874, Jahrbuch, ix. 166); A. H. Thorndike, The Relations of Hamlet to Contemporary Revenge Plays (1902, M. L. A. xvii. 125).
Henslowe paid Chettle, on behalf of the Admiral’s, £1 in earnest of ‘a Danyshe tragedy’ on 7 July 1602, and 5s. in part payment for a tragedy of ‘Howghman’ on 29 Dec. It seems natural to take the latter, and perhaps also the former, entry as relating to this play, although it does not bear Chettle’s name on the title-page. But its completion was presumably later than the termination of Henslowe’s record in 1603. Greg (Henslowe, ii. 226) rightly repudiates the suggestion of Fleay, i. 70, 291, that we are justified in regarding Hoffman the unnamed tragedy of Chettle and Heywood in Jan. 1603, for which a blank can of course afford no evidence. But ‘the Prince of the burning crowne’ is referred to in Kempe’s Nine Daies Wonder, 22, not as a ‘play’, but as a suggested theme for a ballad writer.
Doubtful and Lost Plays
Chettle’s hand has been suggested in the anonymous Trial of Chivalry (vide infra) and The Weakest Goeth to the Wall.
The following is a complete list of the plays, wholly or partly by Chettle, recorded in Henslowe’s diary.
(a) Plays for the Admiral’s, 1598–1603
(i), (ii) 1, 2 Robin Hood.
With Munday (q.v.), Feb.–Mar. and Nov. 1598.
(iii) The Famous Wars of Henry I and the Prince of Wales.
With Dekker (q.v.) and Drayton, Mar. 1598.