1

What’s in a Name?

By William Shakespeare

Juliet complains that the man she loves has the wrong name, and the man she loves hears her doing it.

2

Mind Over Matter

By William Shakespeare

John of Gaunt tries to persuade his son Henry that banishment from England isn’t such a bad thing, if you think about in the right way.

3

An Excellent Performance

By Thomas Platter

On a visit to England in 1599, Swiss doctor Thomas Platter found time to pop across the Thames and take in a show.

4

O, You Hard Hearts!

By William Shakespeare

Marullus was disgusted at the way that the fickle people of Rome turned so easily from one hero to another.

5

Translated from the Lattin

By Sir Nicholas L’Estrange

When William Shakespeare agreed to be godfather to Ben Jonson’s baby boy, he forgot that he would have to think of a gift for his christening.

6

If England to Itself Do Rest but True

By William Shakespeare

With King John dead and the threat of invasion fading, Philip Faulconbridge reflects that the danger within is always greater than the danger without.