The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-06-19
sHAKSPEARES'C ouRTSHIPo OF ANN HATHA-
WAY
From the Youth of Shakspeare.

from me foufh 81 Shakespeare.
"How dost like our Anne's singing I" inquired John
Hathaway, when his daughter had left the chamber to
put the children to their beds.
"Very exceedingly, / assure you, replied the youth
with notable sincerity
"Humph.' exclaimed the father, as though he were
thinking Of something no cared not to give speech to-
"lndeed, she hath sweet throat. Nothing more was
said that head at the moment and they again talked
OF country matters Till his great wondering his guests
marvellous insight into such things and inquired how
he obtained lt-whereupon the other truly answered
that he obtained it by questioning Of those whose buis-
mess it was.
In good time the yeoman's blooming daughter re-
turned and busted herself with preparations for supper
taking care whenever she could TO have her share in
the discourse, which she did with pretty sprghilncss
exceedingly agreeable TO her young admirer Seeing
her attempting TO move the great table higher the fire.
he must needsJump up and with graceful ofc iousness
seeks to do It HIMSELF the which she appeared TO object
to in manner and there was little arguing Of the
matter tctwxt themthe father looked on with rlim-
mering smile as # he could it something exceed
ing pleasant. The end was, that the two young peo-
pie carried the table together, maniesy their extreme
satisfaction.
In due time the rashers were done, and with store
Of other wholesome vicuals put on a fair white
cloth, that covered the table, aud William Shakespeare
was pressed with blunt courtesy Of the father, and
more winning responsiveness by the daughter partae
OF the fare set before him. TINS he essayed to do with
noiaoie goou Will Alter this the blooming Anne
brewed goody posset, and while they were enjoying
her father called on her sing him song the which
she seemed e-a very lIttle to hesitate upon, with
sort OF pretty coyness time out Of mind, customary
under similar crcumstances-but after the handsome
youth had pressed her with excellent show of rhetoric
she sung ditty then popular concerning "The pretty
little Nightingale" and least one Of the listeners
thoughtn The most exquisite singing.
Then John Hathaway would needs have a song OF his
guest to the which his daughter added her cnreates
sopteuy, the youthful Shakespeare found it impossible
to resist whereupon he commenced the singing of
iasorlte love song Of the time. beginning "If had
wyt for TO endyte The words were Of pleasant con-
ce which gained considerably in admirabIeness BY the
manner OF his singing end the tune, by means Of his
rich clear voice, came upon the air very river of me-
iody. Whether the yeoman liked the song, could only
be told by the pleasure lurking in the corners of his
mouth, aud shining quanty in his half closed eyelids,
which might be nterpreed he more in it than the
singer hnagned-however, that his daughter relished
II, there could be questioning for her smiles were
full as evidence as her praises
snow, friend VIII, thee must be agoing" exclaimed
John Hathaway at last, in his usual plain countryman
sort OF manner. IT'S my custom to go to bed with
the lamb and rise with The lark-an excellent good
custom, I'll warant-so I'll cen bid thee fair good
nlgbt-uevertheess will add TO IT, shall be happy TO
see thee at all times-and if / be not at home per-
chance Anne will be as happy to thee as myself"
He said this with look Of humor that shono through
all the staidness Of his upshot, and shaking his visitor
by the hand he opened the door for his exist. His
daughter denied not word Of what her father had said
Indeed her gances, she babe the youth good night
as plainly sad-"come again." as ever expressed
BY a pair Of bright eyes since the world began,