Stafford, William, alleged author, earlier than 1554-1612,
Discourse, A, of the common weal ... (Continued.) 3648 86 existing (made in 1565) says this was “penned by St Thomas Smythe . or, Mr Jhon Hales....” W. S., Gentleman, who claimed the
authorship of the first printed edition, seems thus to have been only an editor. The initials have been thought to be those of William Stafford, 1554-1612, or an older William Stafford. The use of Shakespeare’s name on the title-page of the second edition (1751) was a manifest error.
Other earlier editions, under the title A compendious or briefe examina-
tion of certayne ordinary complaints .. . are on shelf-numbers *2529.21= **G.4016.40, **G.4016.41, No. 11 in *6575.1.5, No. 2 in **G.130.1.2.Part r= 6552.30.
This card was printcd at the Boston Public Library, October 22, 1919.
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