WILLIAM SLY (?-1608).
On Sly's career as an actor, see ch. xv.
He has been guessed at as the author of Thomas Lord Cromwell (cf. ch. xxiv). W. SMITH. There are traceable (a) Wentworth Smith, who wrote plays for Henslowe's companies, the Admiral's, and Worcester's during 1601-3 (vide infra) and witnessed the will of W. Haughton in 1605; (b) a W. Smith, who wrote Hector of Germany and The Freeman's Honour (vide infra); (c) a 'Smith', whose Fair Foul One Herbert licensed on 28 Nov. 1623 (Chalmers, S. A. 216; Herbert, 26); (d) if Warburton can be trusted, a 'Will. Smithe', whose S^t George for England his cook burnt (3 Library, ii. 231). It is possible that (a) and (b) may be identical. A long space of time separates (b) and (c), and if (d) is to be identified with any other, it may most plausibly be with (c). There is nothing to connect any one of them with the William Smith who published sonnets under the title of Chloris (1596), or with any other member of this infernal family, and the 'W. S.' of the anonymous Locrine (1595), Thomas Lord Cromwell (1602), The Puritan (1607) is more probably, in each case, aimed at Shakespeare.
The Hector of Germany, c. 1615 S. R. 1615, April 24 (Buck). 'A play called The Hector of Germany, or the Palsgraue is a harmeles thinge.' Josias Harrison (Arber, iii. 566). [The four last words of the title are scored through.] 1615. The Hector of Germaine, or the Palsgrave, Prime Elector. A New Play, an Honourable Hystorie. As it hath beene publikely Acted at the Red Bull, and at the Curtaine, by a Companie of Young Men of this Citie. Made by W. Smith, with new Additions. Thomas Creede for Josias Harrison. [Epistle to Sir John Swinnerton, signed 'W. Smith; Prologue; after text, 'Finis. W. Smyth.' Some copies have a variant t.p.] Edition by L. W. Payne (1906, Pennsylvania Univ. Publ.). The epistle says 'I have begun in a former Play, called the Freemans Honour, acted by the Now-Seruants of the Kings Maiestie, to dignifie the worthy Companie of the Marchantaylors'. If the phrase 'Now-Seruants' implies production before 1603, the identification of W. Smith and Wentworth Smith becomes very probable. The prologue explains that the Palsgrave is not Frederick, since 'Authorities sterne brow' would not permit 'To bring him while he lives upon the stage', and apologizes for the performance by 'men of trade'.
Lost Plays
Henslowe assigns to Wentworth Smith a share in the following plays:
Plays for the Admiral's, 1601-2
(i) The Conquest of the West Indies.
With Day and Haughton, Apr.-Sept. 1601.
