The Pembroke's Men reply to Francis Langley. They contend that Langley settled with three of their company in order to encourage those members to depart, and so prevent the remaining players from satisfying their obligations. Once the theatres had re-opened, they returned to the Swan and offered to resume playing, if Langley would 'bear them out.' Langley refused to do so, but told them they could do what they wished with the playhouse. When they expressed an unwillingness to play without license, and noted that Philip Henslowe had obtained a license for his playhouse, Langley suggested they move to the Rose. They assumed that Langley meant well by this, but now realize that he was scheming to disenfranchise them. They deny that Langley spent upwards of £300 on the playhouse, which was already fitted for performing, and note that Langley's investment in costumes was part of their original agreement. They contend, furthermore, that the playhouse was unprofitable until they began playing there, and enumerate the various ways in which Langley has benefitted from their occupancy, particularly in the money he has earned from renting out their apparel. Langley refuses to return the apparel, will not accept their offers to reimburse him for what he may have spent on it. They ask that the court take measures to have the apparel returned to them.
| Name | Event Role(s) | Document Role(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Langley, Francis | defendant | playhouse owner |
| Shaw, Robert | plaintiff | player |
| Jones, Richard | plaintiff | player |
| Spencer, Gabriel | plaintiff | player |
| Bird, William | plaintiff | player |
| Downton, Thomas | plaintiff | player |
| Henslowe, Philip | playhouse owner |