Shakespeare of Stratford/The Biographical Facts/Fact 60
LX. SHAKESPEARE AND BURBAGE EMPLOYED BY THE EARL OF RUTLAND (1613).
From the Accounts of the Steward of the Earl of Rutland, Belvoir Castle Manuscripts.
1618 31 Martii. To Mr. Shakspeare in gold, about my Lord’s impreso, xliv s. To Richard Burbage for painting and making it, in gold, xliv s. . . . iiii li. viii s.
Note. The impresa, or personal badge, was devised for a tilting match in which the Earl of Rutland took part, March 24, 1613. It doubtless took the form of a mythological or allegorical emblem of some sort. Burbage the actor was also a painter, and the mention of his name renders it probable that the Mr. Shakespeare associated with him was the poet. This document was discovered in 1907. For discussion of its authenticity see Mrs. Stopes, Shakespeare’s Environment, p. 281.