Note 249 — Chapter IV
Reading edition
An anonymous writer in B. M. MS. Harl. 7044, quoted by Nichols (James I, i. p. 553), has the following description: 'Veneris, 30º Augusti [1605]. There was an English play acted in the same place before the Queen and young Prince, with all the Ladies and Gallants attending the Court. It was penned by Mr. Daniel, and drawn out of Fidus Pastor, which was sometimes acted by King's College men in Cambridge. I was not there present, but by report it was well acted and greatly applauded. It was named "Arcadia Reformed."' This has led Fleay into a strange error. 'The Queen's Arcadia' he says (Biog. Chron. i. p. 110), 'although it is not known to have been acted till 1605, Aug. 30, had been prepared earlier (and perhaps acted at Herbert's marriage, 1604, Dec. 27), for it is called "Arcadia, reformed."' Of course the allusion is to the reformation of Arcadia, not the revision of the play. The play was printed the following year.