  And now what shall we say in regard to Marlowe’s ostensible authorship of a popular song, which was attributed to Shakspere in 1599? Is it not presumable that “Ignoto,” who wrote the “Nymph’s Reply,” and followed it with “Another of the same nature made since” in imitation of the song subscribed “Chr. Marlowe”—is it not probable that “Ignoto” ascribed his own original song to Marlowe? Marlowe was buried June 1, 1593. In the same year Shakspere’s name first appeared in print as an author. And now among the startling revelations hitherto hidden in the Folio of 1623, but made known through Bacon’s cipher discovered by the Hon. Ignatius Donnelly, is this sentence: “Ever since Marlowe was killed Shakspere has been my mask.” Another Poem by Bacon in 1590. The 33d anniversary of Elizabeth’s coronation was celebrated November 17, 1590. Sir Henry Lea, the Queen’s champion and master of the armory, who had conducted the exercises from the beginning, appeared for the last time, and, after the customary performances, resigned his office to the Earl of Cumberland, whereupon the celebrated vocalist, Mr. Hales, a servant of her Majesty, pronounced and sung the following verses, personating the aged man-at-arms: “My golden locks hath time to silver turned, (O Time too swift, and swiftness never ceasing!) My youth ’gainst age, and age at youth hath spurned, But spurned in vain; youth waneth, by increasing. Beauty and strength, and youth flowers fading been, Duty, faith, love, are roots and ever green. “My helmet now shall make a hive for bees, And lovers’ songs shall turn to holy psalms; A man-at-arms must now stand on his knees, And feed on prayers that are old age’s alms. And so from court to cottage I depart; My saint is sure of my unspotted heart. “And when I sadly sit in lonely cell, I’ll teach my swains this carol for a song: ‘Blest be the hearts that wish my Sovereign well, Curst be the souls that think to do her wrong.’ Goddess! vouchsafe this aged man his right, To be your beadsman now that Was your knight.” Parallels are found in Bacon and Shakspere with almost every sentiment and expression in these lines. (See Mrs. Pott’s “Promus,” p. 528.) The verses were published anonymously in Dowland’s “First Book of Songs,” 1600, and again in 1844; both times with the pronouns changed from the first to the third person—e. g., “His golden locks,” etc. In the “Works of George Peele,” 1828, they are credited to that poet, but the only evidence adduced of his authorship is the fact that he, as an eye-witness, wrote a poetic description of the celebration in 1590. Mrs. Pott is doubtless right in claiming for Bacon the authorship, and is only mistaken in supposing that the person to whom the verses were intended to apply was Lord Burleigh, who about that time, on account of the loss of his wife, had temporarily withdrawn from court. |
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