Note 327 — QUARRELS OF AUTHORS; (continued 3)

The story was current in D’Avenant’s time, and it is certain he encouraged the believers in its truth. Anthony Wood speaks of the lady as “a very beautiful woman, of a good wit and conversation, in which she was imitated by none of her children but by this William.” He also notes Shakspeare’s custom to lodge at the Crown Inn, Oxford, kept by her husband, “in his journies between Warwickshire and London.” Aubrey tells the same tale, adding that D’Avenant “would sometimes, when he was pleasant over a glass of wine with his most intimate friends, e.g. Sam. Butler (author of ‘Hudibras,’ &c.,) say, that it seemed to him that he writ with the very same spirit that Shakspeare did, and was contented enough to be thought his son;” he adds that “his mother had a very light report.” It was Pope who told Oldys the jesting story he had obtained from Betterton, of little Will running from school to meet Shakspeare, in one of his visits to Oxford, and being asked where he was running, by an old townsman, replied, to “see my godfather Shakspeare.” “There’s a good boy,” said the old gentleman, “but have a care that you don’t take God’s name in vain.”—Ed.