pre-name

Updated: May 14, 2025

Now, Rufus! by old Glebron's fearfull mace, Hath not my Muse deserv'd a worthy place? ... Is not my pen compleate? Are not my lines Right in the swaggering humour of these times? The name of 'Rufus' has two peculiarities which may have induced Marston to confer it upon Shakspere. First of all, like the English king of that name, Shakspere's pre-name was William.

Jacob Feis - Shakspere and Montaigne