Note 690 — VII THE COURT PLAY

There may have been special reasons why the Chapel only got £15 for two plays in 1583-4, Oxford's £6 13s. 4d. for a play in 1584-5, the Queen's £20 for three plays in 1587-8, and the Chapel £5 for a 'showe' in 1600-1. The accounts for 1605-6 seem to point to an unsuccessful attempt to establish a flat rate of £5 for a 'rewarde' and £3 6s. 8d. for a 'more rewarde', for plays before James and Henry alike. The payments of 17 May 1615 of £43 6s. 8d. for six plays before 'his highnes' (which in these accounts generally means the Prince) perhaps really represent one play before James and five before Charles.