Item: I bequeath to my daughter, Judith, a hundred and fifty pounds (shall I make it more?); in addition, I grant her my estate in Warr County-I like that place...
To Joan-I leave my clothes. Why?
To Elizabeth Hall, I leave my silverware...
To Thomas Combe, my sword. (I liked that sword...its inlaid hilt!)
To Richard Burbage (good friend), money for a ring.
For daughter, Susanna Hall, my home, barns, stables, orchards, gardens, lands, tenements...my new house in Blackfriars.
To Ben Jonson-fifty pounds and this journal. Short- changed again, Ben.
Item: to my wife, my second best bed and our furniture.
(It should be more. What shall it be?)
To Dr. John Hall, all settlements after the payment of debts...there is no more...
I must remember to speak in a clear voice.
In two sepia rectangles, the renowned Droeshout portrait of Shakespeare and the famous Gerard bust...
The bust revolves slowly as a voice intones Shakespeare's last will.
The talking portrait speaks from the Stratford church wall: through the open door of the church a blue cloak half conceals the Non Sanz Droict coat-of-arms.
LINCOLN'S JOURNAL