If you do me the favour of giving it insertion in your valuable "N. & Q." I shall feel obliged; and I think that your numerous Shakspeare correspondents, to some of whom it may be unknown, will not be displeased at seeing it in the columns of your interesting journal. The editorial period to which the ballad is brought down will tolerably fix its date:
Old Shakspeare was sick—for a doctor he sent—
But 'twas long before any one came;
Yet at length his assistance Nic Row did present;
Sure all men have heard of his name.
As he found that the poet had tumbled his bed;
He smooth'd it as well as he could;
He gave him an anodyne, comb'd out his head,
But did his complaint little good.
Doctor Pope to incision at once did proceed,