If he was, this is the first great commendation he had received: The man whom nature's self had made, To mock herself and truth to imitate, With kindly counter under mimic shade, Our pleasant Willie.
There is, however, a doubt whether the reference is to him, as he had written very little as early as 1591.
VENUS AND ADONIS .-- In 1593 appeared his _Venus and Adonis_, which he now had the social position and interest to dedicate to the Earl of Southampton.

It is a harmonious and beautiful poem, but the display of libidinous passion in the goddess, however in keeping with her character and with the broad taste of the age, is disgusting to the refined reader, even while he acknowledges the great power of the poet.

In the same year was built the Globe Theatre, a hexagonal wooden structure, unroofed over the pit, but thatched over the stage and the galleries.

In this, too, Shakspeare was a shareholder.
THE RAPE OF LUCRECE .-- The _Rape of Lucrece_ was published in 1594, and was dedicated to the same nobleman, who, after the custom of the period, became Shakspeare's patron, and showed the value of his patronage by the gift to the poet of a thousand pounds.
Thus in making poetical versions of classical stories, which formed the imaginative pabulum of the age, and in readapting older plays, the poet was gaining that skill and power which were to produce his later immortal dramas.
These, as we shall see, he began to write as early as 1589, and continued to produce until 1612.
RETIREMENT AND DEATH .-- A few words will complete his personal history: His fortune steadily increased; in 1602 he was the principal owner of the Globe; then, actuated by his home feeling, which had been kept alive by annual visits to Stratford, he determined, as soon as he could, to give up the stage, and to take up his residence there.

He had purchased, in 1597, the New Place at Stratford, but he did not fully carry out his plan until 1612, when he finally retired with ample means and in the enjoyment of an honorable reputation.