within our Countie of Surrey, as also within anie Toune
Halls or Moute Halls, or other convenient Places within the
Liberties and Freedom of anie other Cittie, Universitie,
Toune or Boroughe whatsoever, within our said Realmes and
Dominions.

"Willing and commanding you and everie of you, as you tender
our Pleasure, not onelie to permit and suffer them herein,
without anie your Letts, Hindrances, or Molestations, during
our said Pleasure, but also to be aiding and assistinge to
them if anie Wrong be to them offered, and to allow them
such former Curtesies as hath been given to men of their
Place and Qualitie; and also what further Favour you shall
shewe to theise our Servaunts for our sake, Wee shall take
Kindlie at your Handes. In witnesse whereof, etc.

"Witnesse our selfe at Westminster the nynetenth Daye of
Maye.

"PER BREVE DE PRIVATO SIGILLO."

[The privy seal for this issued on May 17.]

As James made more stringent the laws concerning "vagabonds," as he took
from the nobles the power of patronage of players, reserving it only for
the Royal Family, this passport gave enormous power to the players,
favoured by the King in Scotland.

Shakespeare's early patron, the Earl of Southampton, had been released
from the Tower on April 10, and had gone to meet his new Sovereign,
doubtless speaking a good word for the company of players. His later
patron, the Earl of Pembroke, was recalled to Court favour. The King
visited him in his royal progress August 30 and 31, 1603, and held his
Court at Wilton, Winchester,[162] and Basing during most of October,
November,[163] and December, during which time the players were summoned
on December 2. "To John Hemyngs on 3rd December, for a play before the
King, by the King's men at Wilton, and for coming from Mortlake in
Surrey, L30."[164]

On March 15, 1603-1604, the King's players were summoned to the
Triumphant Royal Procession, received robes for the occasion, and took
rank at Court[165] with the Grooms of the Chamber. Henceforth
Shakespeare's genius revelled in the opportunities fortune had made for
him, and in the taste he had himself educated. The world appreciated his
work the better "that so did take Eliza and our James."[166] The snarls
of envy witnessed his success; the eulogiums of admirers perpetuated his
appreciation. On May 4, 1605, Augustine Phillips died, leaving by will