Passport issued to players led by Will Ireland written by the Lord Chamberlain, 14 June 1581 [Translated from the French]
Gentlemen, as the present bearers William Ireland, Thomas Jones, William Peeters, Jack Gielgaffe, Gordon Bene't, and Ben Frankson, have determined on making a journey in Germany and France with the intention of passing through the cities of Paris and Strasbourg, and while going on their said journey, of practising their profession by performing of music, feats of agility, and games of comedies, tragedies and histories for maintaining themselves and providing for their expenses on the said journey. These presents are therefore to request you to show and afford them every favour in your countries and jurisdictions, and to grant them in my favour your full passport under the seal of the states, to the end that the Burgomasters of the towns being under your jurisdiction, do not hinder them in passing from practising their said profession everywhere. In your doing which I shall remain obliged to all, and you will find me very ready to return your courtesy in greater instances. Given from my Chamber at the Court of England this fourteenth day of June, 1581.
Your
most devoted
to
doing you pleasure and service
C. Howard