“The Famous History of The Life of King Henry the Eight” was first printed, it is believed, in the folio of 1623. The date of its production is uncertain. Some editors, including Theobald and Malone, contend that it was written before the death of Elizabeth, and that the complimentary address to her successor—

was interpolated on the play being revived for presentation before King James. Messrs. Dyce, Collier, and others, on the contrary, conjecture it was produced after the accession of James, and in confirmation of this opinion adduce the following Memorandum from the Registers of the Stationers' Company :—

“12 Feb 1604 [1605].

“Nath. Butter] Yf he get good allowance for the Enterlude of K. Henry 8th before he begyn to print it, and then procure the wardens hands to yt for the entrance of yt, he is to have the same for his copy.”

This insertion, supposed by many to refer to Rowley's piece, “When you see me you know me,” which was published in the same year, and is founded on events and characters in the reign of Henry the Eighth, they think pertains to the present play.