What if Shakespeare
Had Been Forced to Retire at 65by
Harold Richman
The Lord Mayor of London Summons William Shakespeare.
"Come in, Will. It's good to see you. How are things going at the Globe?"
"We were concerned that our audience might not return after the fire, but since we reopened they have all come back."
"I am glad to hear that. The council was prepared to institute a new tax which they were going to call the G.S.T. (Globe Stage Tax). Fortunately I was able to convince them that the public would not stand for it."
"But I called you in on another matter. A new law was passed last year that requires everyone to retire when they reach their 65th birthday and today is your birthday."
"A birthday on any other day would still a birthday be!
"Yes, that's true, but since this is your 65th birthday you will have to retire as an author and playwright"
"You mean I can't write any more plays or sonnets?"
"That's true. No more iambic pentameter."
"But I am in the midst of writing a play about a Danish Prince!"
"That's too bad."
As Shakespeare turns to leave, he mutters to himself, "So be it or not so be it. That is the question."
Exit stage left: William Shakespeare
Enter stage right: Francis Bacon