ABSTRACT
In his last period, the period of the so-called romantic plays, Shakespeare appears to emerge from his tragic mood into a happier atmosphere. I have argued in my book on Shakespeare’s last plays1 that the more hopeful feeling was encouraged by the energetic line of thought and leadership being displayed by the young Prince Henry, ardently anti-Spanish and intent on reviving the Elizabethan outlook to which his father was unfavourable. Prince Henry patronised and encouraged members of the old Elizabethan school. George Chapman was his protégé. Raleigh was still in the prison to which he had been consigned at the beginning of the reign, pursuing his Saturnian studies with the Earl of Northumberland and Thomas Hariot, but he was a favourite with the young prince.
