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His Patrons.
One patron he had among the nobility,the Earl of Southampton,to whom many of his sonnets are unmistakably addressed,though not by name.Queen Elizabeth showed him some marks of her favour as early as 1594, and after the accession of James I, he was called upon to act before the king.The Tempest ,which was probably the latest effort of his genius,was performed to celebrate the marriage of Princess Elizabeth with the Elector Fredrick,in 1613.
His Return to Stratford.
In middle life he developed much good sense and ability in practical affairs.With the object of re-establishing the fortunes of his family in the town of Stratford,he returned thither after an absence of nearly eleven years,and although he spent the greater part of his time in London,he never failed to visit his native place at least once a year.
In 1597,he purchased,for 60 Pounds ,the largest house in the town,alongwith two barns and two gardens,repaired the house,which was much dilapidated,and interested himself much in the gardens and orchard.The purchase of this house " New Place" by name,for a sum of now equaling 480 Pounds,brought to Shakespeare a reputation among his fellow townsmen for wealth & influence,which was further increased when he applied for,through his father,and duly received,the distinction of coat-of-arms.
Both as actor & dramatist,he was now receiving a good income,and in 1599,when the Globe Theatre was built,he acquired a share in its profit also.His average annual income before that date is computed at more than 130 Pounds,equal to 1040 Pounds in 1902.Afterwards his income,from various sources became much larger,and he became the owner of a large landed estate.He appears to have been fond of litigation,in which,however,he was generally successful.
( Next-His Last Years)
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