"The Famous History of the Life of King Henry VIII." is not the least popular of Shakespeare's historical plays. It is held by many that Shakespeare was assisted in the composition of this play by a younger dramatist, Fletcher. There is no direct evidence whatever of this; the opinion has been formed from a comparison of certain scenes in the play with the style and metre of Fletcher's work. Of this I am assured, that the play is touched by Shakespeare's genius; and if Fletcher was associated in the work, he must have been, as Mr. Hudson says, surprised out of himself. The picture of the Tudor period is so vivid, and the characterization at times so remarkable, that the revival of the play will, I trust, be welcome. The tragic interest ceases with the death of Katharine; but it will doubtless be recognised that the intention of the poet is to contrast, in the christening of Elizabeth, the sorrowful death of the divorced Queen with the brief triumph of Anne Bullen. I wish to express my indebtedness to Mr. Seymour Lucas, for his patient research and artistic skill, and to the many others who have rendered me valuable aid. HENRY IRVING. |