memory of many playgoers. It was admitted on all hands to be an artistic
achievement of the highest kind, and Sir Henry Irving was richly rewarded
by the support of the public, the play running 203 nights. Miss Ellen
Terry greatly distinguished herself in the part of Queen Katharine,
contributing in no small degree to the success of the production. Sir
Henry Irving, in the part of Wolsey, made a deep impression. Mr. William
Terriss played the King. Mr. Forbes Robertson made a memorable success in
the part of Buckingham; and it is interesting to note that Miss Violet
Vanbrugh played the part of Anne Boleyn.

[Illustration: ANNE BOLEYN

From the Portrait by Holbein, at Warwick Castle]

_The Music_

An outstanding feature of the Lyceum production was Edward German's music.
I deem myself fortunate that this music was available for the present
production. It may be mentioned that Mr. German has composed some
additional numbers, amongst which is the Anthem sung in the Coronation of
Anne Boleyn.

_Shakespeare's Accuracy of Detail_

I cannot help quoting one passage from Cavendish at length to show how
closely Shakespeare keeps to the chronicles of his time. It will be found
that Scene 3 of Act I. is practically identical with the following
description:--

The banquets were set forth, with masks and mummeries, in so gorgeous
a sort, and costly manner, that it was a heaven to behold.

... I have seen the king suddenly come in thither in a mask, with a
dozen of other maskers, all in garments like shepherds.

... And at his coming and before he came into the hall, ye shall
understand that he came by water to the water gate, without any
noise; where, against his coming, were laid charged many chambers,
and at his landing they were all shot off, which made such a rumble
in the air, that it was like thunder. It made all the noblemen,
ladies and gentlewomen to muse what it should mean coming so
suddenly, they sitting quietly at a solemn banquet. Then immediately
after this great shot of guns, the cardinal desired the Lord
Chamberlain, and Comptroller, to look what this sudden shot should
mean, as though he knew nothing of the matter. They thereupon looking
out of the windows into Thames, returned again, and showed him, that
it seemed to them there should be some noblemen and strangers arrived
at his bridge, as ambassadors from some forei