March 30, ’16
Again I am reminded I must complete my will—and so I must.
Tomorrow I’ll dictate...how will it go?
In the name of God, I, William Shakespeare, gentleman, in perfect health and memory, make and ordain this last will and testament...
How can I say perfect health and memory?
I commend my soul into the hands of God, hoping and believing to be made a partaker of life everlasting, and my body to the earth thereof it is made... Custom...
Item: I bequeath to my daughter, Judith, a hundred and fifty pounds (shall I make it more?); in addition, I grant her my estate in Warr County—I like that place...
To Joan—I leave my clothes. Why?
To Elizabeth Hall, I leave my silverware...
To Thomas Combe, my sword. (I liked that sword...its inlaid hilt!)