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28 determined to reject the play. Shakespeare is named also among the actors of Jonson’s Sejanus (1603), but is not mentioned in the cast of Volpone, The Alchemist, and Catiline, later plays acted by his company. Hence it is inferred that he gave up acting about 1603.

Letter of Quyny to Shakespeare, October 25, 1598. Preserved in Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford.

''To my loving good friend and countryman, Mr. Wm. Shackespere deliver these.''

''Loving Countryman: I am bold of you as of a friend, craving your help with xxxli. upon Mr. Bushell’s and my security or Mr. Mytton’s with me. Mr. Roswell is not come to London as yet and I have especial cause. You shall friend me much in helping me out of all the debts I owe in London, I thank God, and much quiet my mind, which would not be indebted. I am now towards the Court in hope of answer for the despatch of my business. You shall neither lose credit nor money by me, the Lord willing; and now but persuade yourself so as I hope, and you shall not need to fear but with all hearty thankfulness I will hold my time and content your friend, and if we bargain farther, you shall be the paymaster yourself. My time bids me hasten to an end, and so I commit this [to] your care and hope of your help. I fear I shall not be back this night from the Court. Haste! The Lord be with you and with us all. Amen.''

From the Bell in Carter Lane, the 25 October, 1598. Yours in all kindness, RYC. QUYNEY