In connexion with the title page of “Titus and Andronicus,” an interesting and curious instance of the romance of books has recently been established. Langbaine, in his dictionary of dramatic literature, published in 1691, states that the first edition of “Titus and Andronicus” was published in 1594. In modern times the only known editions were those of 1600 and 1611. After nearly three hundred years a copy of this first edition, in 1594, turned up in Sweden, and was promptly secured by an American collector for two thousand pounds. How little these facts are studied can be seen by referring to the catalogue of the Tercentenary Exhibition of Shakespeare’s books, exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum, when the 1600 edition is catalogued as the first.
1594.
Few facts are known concerning the company during this year. The most important event affecting their welfare was the death of their patron, Ferdinand Stanley, Earl of Derby, which happened on April 16th, 1594. By an entry in the municipal records of Winchester, they did not immediately seek a new patron, acting under the patronage of the Countess of Derby the following month. Before June the third, they had become the servants of Henry Carey, Baron Hunsdon and Lord Chamberlain. An entry in the Diary of this year is the first intimation of this change: “In the name of God. Amen. Beginning at Newington. My Lord Admiral’s men and My Lord Chamberlain’s (Lord Hunsdon) men as followeth, 1594.” These two companies occupied the stage at Newington Butts from June 3rd until the 13th inst., when the Admiral’s men seceded and played at the Rose. The Chamberlain’s men may have continued at Newington, but no record of their performances is given. Anyway, their stay after the separation must have been a short one, as they visited Marlborough during the summer. The approach of autumn saw them again in London, Lord Hunsdon petitioning the Lord Mayor asking permission for his company to act at the Cross Keys, in Gracechurch Street. No answer is known in connexion with this petition, but the demand quite likely was granted; if so, Shakespeare’s earliest plays may have been performed in this very inn-yard, an act of sacrilege which seems to us almost inconceivable.
AN
EXCELLENT
conceited Tragedie
OF
Romeo and Iuliet.
As it hath been often (with great applause)
plaid publiquely, by the right Honourable
the L. of Hansdon
his Seruants.
LONDON,
Printed by Iohn Danter.
1597