, the most illustrious name in the history of English dramatic poetry,
, the most illustrious name
in the history of English dramatic poetry, was born at
Stratford-upon-Avon, in Warwickshire, on the 23d day of April,
1564. Of the rank of his family it is not easy to form an
opinion. Mr. Howe says, that by the register and certain
public writings relating to Stratford, it appears that his ancestors were “of good figure and fashion
” in that town, and
are mentioned as “gentlemen,
” an epithet which was certainly more determinate then than at present, when it has become an unlimited phrase of courtesy. His father, John