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1. Titus Andronicus, 1589.

In what year our author began to write for the tage, or which was his firt performance, has not been hitherto acertained. And indeed we have o few lights to direct our enquiries, that any peculation on this ubject may appear an idle expence of time. But the method which has been already marked out, requires that uch facts hould be mentioned, as may erve in any manner to elucidate thee points.

Shakpeare was born on the 23d of April, 1564, and was probably married in, or before, September 1582, his eldet daughter, Suanna, having been baptized on the 26th of May, 1583. At what time he left Warwickhire, or was firt employed in the playhoue, tradition does not inform us. However, as his on Samuel and his daughter Judith were baptized at Stratford Feb. 2, 1584—5, we may preume that he had not left the country at that time.

He could not have wanted an eay introduction to the theatre; for Thomas Green, a celebrated comedian, was his

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