A Sad Chapter on the Death of John Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was enjoying increasing fame. Almost every Englishman knew his name. His new play, "The Phoenix and the Dove," premiered at the Globe Theatre. Although it wasn't as successful as expected, Shakespeare was nonetheless pleased with it.
It was a gloomy September day. The sun hadn't even peeked out from behind dark, rainy clouds. A chilly wind blew, and the weather showed no signs of improvement...
"Hello! Hello!" Gilbert Shakespeare urged his horse. He knew he had to reach his brother, William, who was currently living in London, before dark. He was carrying a letter for him from his mother. Although he hadn't read it, he could easily guess its contents. His father, John Shakespeare, had recently deteriorated significantly.
The audience was wild with delight. The famous tragedy "Romeo and Juliet" was performed at the Globe Theatre for the first time in a long time. William Shakespeare showcased his acting skills as Benvolio. As you might imagine, Romeo was played by the best actor in the Lord Chamberlain's Company, Richard Burbadge. That day, Shakespeare even spotted a high-ranking courtier of Queen Elizabeth in the audience. He already knew him by sight, but he couldn't recall his name.
Gilbert Shakespeare arrived at the theatre and hurried inside. He knew he would find his brother. Ignoring the performance, he approached a man standing just inside the entrance.
"Excuse me. Do you know where I can find William Shakespeare?" The man
looked at him suspiciously.
"Be quiet! We didn't come here to talk, but to see a play."
Without thinking, Gilbert pushed his way through the crowd and reached the backstage area. Thomas Pope stopped him.
"Sir, for God's sake, what are you doing?! This is a room for actors only. No one else is allowed in here!
" "I am William Shakespeare's brother!" the newcomer declared, lifting his chin proudly. "I bring him important news."
At the sight of his brother, surprise and joy flashed across William's face.
"Gilbert, is that you?
" "Who else, William?"
The brothers embraced, but after the initial greeting, their expressions darkened. William guessed the reason for Gilbert's visit.
"I bring you a letter from my mother. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you more than what is written here," said the famous playwright's brother. William nervously broke the seal.
Stratford, September 2, 1601.
Dear William,
I send you my warmest regards. I am delighted to hear of your successes in London. However, I am writing to tell you some very sad news. Your father, John Shakespeare, is gravely ill. I have summoned the best doctors in the area, but all to no avail. I fear John will soon die. Come to Stratford as soon as you can.
Mary Arden
William Shakespeare once again scanned the letter. He threw himself into his brother's arms and wept bitterly. My father, the person he loved most in the world, is now about to die!
"Oh, Will. It will be hard to say goodbye to our father. Such a wonderful man.
" "We owe him so much... We all...
" "We must set off for Stratford first thing tomorrow morning!
" "Gilbert, not tomorrow, but immediately! It's a waste of every moment.
" "Will, you can't be serious, can you? You know how dangerous it is on the roads after dark? Bandits prowl, wild animals prowl, and it's easy to get lost.
" "Too bad. We must take the risk." We need to get to Stratford as quickly as possible!
"But your performance...
" "My colleagues will manage without me.
" "If you say so...
" "We'll be leaving in a moment. I still have one more thing to attend to."
Shakespeare approached Philips, who had also finished his performance for the day.
"Augustine... I have a huge favor to ask of you...
" "I'm listening, Will.
" "My father is dying. Come see me in a few days. I feel I'll need the support of someone from the company.
" "You can count on me, William.
" "Oh, Augustine... Thank you! Thank you for everything you've done for me. What a blessing it is to have a friend like you! Remember to be careful. Travel only during the day, and watch out for highwaymen. The roads have been getting more and more dangerous lately.
" "Very well. I'll be careful."
William shook Philips' hand again. Then he and Gilbert slipped out the back door of the Globe, mounted their horse, and galloped off toward Stratford.
William and Gilbert Shakespeare had been riding for a long time. They knew that if they kept up their pace, they would soon reach Stratford. Despite their immense haste, they still needed a short break. The tired horses needed watering. When they heard the unmistakable murmur of a stream, they stopped to quench their thirst.
"Will, perhaps we should spend the night here. I'm very tired; nothing bad should happen to us."
"Gilbert, remember our sick father. If all goes well, we'll soon reach Stratford."
John Huston was a cruel bandit. He had no principles, and ever since he was banished from the city at the age of fifteen, he had been forced to hide in the woods. He lived in a cave and made a living by robbing wealthy travelers.
That night, however, he was overcome with discouragement. He hadn't managed to catch a merchant, a wealthy man, or any other traveler on the road. Simply no one.
Suddenly, as he was about to return to the cave, he heard the neighing of a horse. Perhaps fortune had finally smiled on poor John, he thought. He crept silently through the trees and soon spotted two men in the darkness, watering their horses by a stream. The animals looked handsome, though it was difficult to judge clearly in the faint moonlight. The men stood with their backs to him, clearly unaware of any danger. It was now or never, John Huston thought, and he lunged at them.
Gilbert, William, and the robber rolled on the ground for a moment. Gilbert wasn't one for brawls, and, truth be told, he knew nothing about martial arts, and what was worse, he was exceptionally slow and sluggish. So John Huston knocked him out without much trouble and threw him into a nearby ditch. Then he attacked William, swinging his stick in all directions and screaming shrilly. But here, a more difficult task awaited him. William was far more skilled in combat than his brother. He dodged and, with a lightning-fast movement, snatched the gnarled staff from the ground. The duel began...
The fight was incredibly fierce, blow for blow, but Shakespeare's advantage was clearly growing. The robber fought chaotically, swinging the stick blindly, while William, despite the darkness, perfectly sensed Huston's every move. He came close to defeating the robber, but he couldn't deliver the final blow. Suddenly, the robber tripped over a root protruding from the ground and lost his balance. William was just waiting for this. Powerful blows from the stick fell on the skull of the fallen robber. Without further concern, Shakespeare ran to Gilbert. He couldn't imagine losing both his father and brother in such a short time.
"Gilbert... Speak up!" Tell me you're okay!" he shouted, his limp body shaking. "Please! Tell me you're alive!
" "What... What's happening?" Gilbert muttered, opening one eye.
"Gilbert! You're alive! You're really alive!
" "Why wouldn't I be?" his younger brother asked, not quite alert.
"Tell me, are you okay?
" "I don't think so. I'm just a little scratched. I think we can continue soon.
" "You were right, brother, we shouldn't have set off at night on such a dangerous journey. We needlessly risked our lives. We can't help our father anyway!
" "But we'll be home soon, William. If it weren't for your skills, I'd be dead. Now let's hurry; maybe we'll still be able to find our father alive."
They both felt that this adventure had strengthened their brotherly love.
Stratford was nothing like the town where William had spent his childhood. He remembered a pretty and cozy place, but instead he saw miserable mud huts and muddy streets swarming with beggars. He and Gilbert hurried toward their mother's house, where their ailing father lay. Soon they saw a tearful Mary Arden and Will's wife, Anne Hathaway.
"Mother, I greet you! Is he still alive?" William exclaimed.
"Dying, dying."
The brothers rushed to the bed where John Shakespeare lay.
"Father, can you hear me?! It's me, William!" the distraught son cried.
The old man struggled to place his hand on his.
"William, I am proud of you. All England knows you. You represent the Shakespeare family admirably. You will now become its head; fulfill your duties conscientiously."
Then he turned to Gilbert:
"Gilbert, help your brother with his finances. Look after each other. William, I have one more favor to ask of you. Accept your youngest brother, Edmund, into the Lord Chamberlain's Staff.
" "Very well, Father.
" "And one more thing. Behave yourself as a husband and take Anne Hathaway and your daughters to London. Who ever saw a family living apart?
" "Very well, Father."
John Shakespeare smiled and closed his eyes.
"Father! Speak! I beg you!" Will repeated helplessly.
Gilbert placed his hand on his father's heart. He felt no life. Tears welled in his eyes .
"He's dead," he announced quietly.
William buried his face in his hands. He couldn't accept this death. He felt it would be difficult to return to normal life after such a terrible loss.
The next day, Augustine Philips arrived in Stratford, and two days later the funeral services were held. John Shakespeare was laid to rest next to William's only male descendant, Hamnet.
After the funeral, the tearful playwright pulled Philips aside.
"Augustine, I'm giving up the theater. I haven't decided what I'll do yet, but I might join a monastery. You probably don't know that I killed a man on the way to Stratford; I should do my penance now. Take over my duties, lead the Lord Chamberlain's Company with dignity.
" "Calm down, Will. I understand you're grieving, but time heals all wounds. The Company needs you. Without your plays, we'll all perish. We'll all end up on the streets like miserable beggars. And as for that incident... Gilbert told me everything. First of all, you can't be sure that bandit is dead, and besides, he attacked you. You only acted in self-defense and in defense of your brother.
" "Do you really think so?" Will hesitated.
"I'm absolutely convinced of that.
" "Augustine, thank you for your kind words and everything..."
After the funeral, a wake was held, during which all financial arrangements were made. Mary Arden was pleasantly surprised to find that, despite his fame, William had not forgotten his family. As the eldest son, he assumed the title of gentleman. He then appointed Gilbert to manage the Stratford estate and to care for his mother. He promised to visit the place where he had spent his early years more often from now on.
The next day, he, Philips, the children, his brother Edmund, and his wife, set off back to London. Susanna and Judith were overjoyed to finally be able to live with their father.
About the famous performance of "Twelfth Night" at the Middle Temple,
William Shakespeare was slowly recovering from the loss of his father. Initially, he had intended to write a play in his father's honor, but he soon abandoned this plan.
He had more and more reasons to be happy. Recently, the Lord Chamberlain's Company received an invitation from Queen Elizabeth herself. Her Majesty the Queen wanted to see "Twelfth Night." For the actors, performing for the Queen was quite an honor.
Shakespeare had never seen such a magnificent room as Middle Temple Hall. Queen Elizabeth sat in the seat of honor in the center of the hall. Besides Elizabeth, many distinguished guests were present. Servants milled around the lavishly laid table, bringing in fresh meats, fish, cheeses, and puddings.
Will, though incredibly excited, was a little nervous. What if Elizabeth didn't like their performance? Would the author fall from grace? Would the Globe close? But why should that happen? After all, the play is meticulously crafted, and William Kempe, as the jester, brings tears of joy to everyone in the audience. He himself loved the carnival atmosphere of "Twelfth Night" and considered it one of his best comedies.
The performance began. William Sly, as Duke Orsino, was performing admirably. His excellent diction and acting skills made Elizabeth listen to the prince's lines with visibly rapt attention. The entire hall shook with laughter during his dialogue with Olivia, played by John Hemings. However, the most thunderous peals of laughter accompanied William Kempe's performance. Casting him as the Fool proved to be an excellent decision.
Everyone in the audience quietly praised Shakespeare's writing talent. It must be admitted that William was overcome with joy when, after the Fool's final words: "What's the use? We're finishing a funny thing, but we wish to amuse you every day," the hall erupted in thunderous applause. All the dignitaries rose to their feet, and it was clear that the play had made a profound impression on Elizabeth herself. The Queen approached and personally congratulated Shakespeare on his extraordinary talent.
Elizabeth generously gifted the Lord Chamberlain's Company. The actors were delighted. This performance brought them even greater fame.
Two days later, William Shakespeare completed work on his tragedy, "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark." It soon proved to be a record-breaking success. There was probably no one in England who hadn't heard of the new tragedy being performed at London's Globe. The famous Richard Burbadge played Hamlet, and huge crowds were eager to admire William Shakespeare playing the Ghost. Some audience members came to the performance specifically for this scene;
Benjamin Jonson, along with Edward Cook and William Shakespeare, sat in the Mermaid Tavern. It was their favorite spot, and they enjoyed meeting there whenever they had a moment. They had played more than one game of chess there over a mug of delicious English ale.
"Checkmate!" Ben Jonson triumphantly announced, moving his queen. "You've lost again, Will." You still have a lot to learn.
" "You're right. But practice makes perfect," he laughed.
"You know, Will. Yesterday I went to see Hamlet. It was a great experience. Where did you get the idea to write that play?" Edward Cook joined the conversation.
"I won't say that, especially in front of Ben. After all, we're competing against each other," William laughed.
"Will, don't exaggerate! You know my plays are in no way comparable to yours. I don't know the power of these performances, but only at The Globe can the audience be so focused and captivated."
"You're exaggerating, Benjamin, you really are.
" "So why would Queen Elizabeth want to see your plays?"
Edward Cook burst into hearty laughter. He loved listening to Shakespeare and Jonson argue.
About the Great Plague in London and the fate of the Lord Chamberlain's Company
. In 1603, a plague struck London. Over thirty thousand people died as a result of the epidemic. Elizabeth has left the capital for the time being, having previously ordered all theaters closed. The Lord Chamberlain's company has been forced to leave the city. "
Oh, Eve! Are you sure you have to go to Oxford?" Michael was inconsolable. "What will I do without you?"
"Unfortunately, Michael. My parents have learned of our friendship and don't want us to meet. They're sending me to a relative in Oxford. I believe in you. You're almost grown up now. I'm sure you'll manage perfectly well. I'll return as soon as I can. Take care of yourself. And don't be in London right now. There's a terrible plague there. You have to wait it out.
" "That's easy for you to say.
" "I know, Michael. But you have no other choice.
" "Eve..." The boy burst into tears. "
You'll see, everything will be alright. I promise you I'll be back here again soon, and then we'll definitely be able to meet again."
"Do you promise?
" "Yes. I give you my word.
" "Eve, you're like a mother to me!" Michael snuggled up to the girl.
"See you later, Michael. Be careful. I'll remember you."
When he returned home, his parents were arguing as usual. Resigned, he lay down on the bed.
"I'm going to town!" he heard his mother's voice. "I have to earn some money, because thanks to your laziness, there's not a penny in the house.
" "Mother, no! I beg you!" Michael shouted, rushing to the door. "The plague has taken over London. If we're not careful, we'll die!"
For a moment, he thought he saw his mother hesitate. Then she said firmly,
"Don't shout like that! I'll be back soon."
She left, slamming the door.
Michael didn't know what to do with himself. Eve had left, his mother had gone to London. How could he have let her do this?!
Michael's anxiety grew when his mother didn't return that night. His father was snoring loudly and he didn't care. The exhausted boy also finally fell asleep.
His terror was immense when, in the morning, he discovered his mother still wasn't home. He couldn't count on his sleeping father. He ran outside. Damn the plague, he had to find his mother!
London looked terrible. Corpses littered the streets, everything stank, and rats swarmed everywhere. Michael Smith feared the worst. Tears welled in his eyes. No! This couldn't have happened! Had something important prevented his mother from returning home? A glimmer of hope still burned within him. He stubbornly wandered the city. In one alleyway, he suddenly stopped. Something caught his eye. He approached and froze. It was impossible! He saw his mother's lifeless body. A twopenny coin gleamed in the mud beside it.
Michael Smith knelt beside the body. What would happen now? His mother had spent little time with him, but she was his mother. And he couldn't even bury her. But he couldn't bring himself to leave. Did the fact that he might be infected matter now?
He didn't return home until the next day. But he'd barely opened the door when he heard a scream:
"Michael, be careful! Don't come in here! I'm sick! I know I've wasted your life, but I don't want to take it away from you."
Michael approached his father's bed. For the first time in his life, he looked with regret at the face that looked much older than his years, at the long gray hair. He felt that what was happening around him was becoming too much for him.
"Father...
" "Get out of here! Quickly! Don't end up like me! I have no money, I drank it all away. Cope as best you can!
" "But, Father...
" "Go, please!"
Michael Smith obediently ran out of the house. He didn't have a penny on him. He didn't know where to hide. No one cared about him, but he had to survive.
Brak komentarzy:
Prześlij komentarz