Born 1564.—Died 1616.—Mary.—Elizabeth.—James I.

Universally acknowledged as the greatest poet that ever lived. He was born in 1564 at Stratford-on-Avon, and when quite young delighted the court of Queen Elizabeth with his genius. His plays are the best known of his works, and those which relate to historical subjects are treasuries of information upon the manners, customs, and mode of life of the times they represent.