Knights, Pigeons, and Chapman’s All Fools.

All Fools: A Comody Presented at the Black Fryers & Lately Before His Majestie (Play); Chapman, George, ca. 1559-1634; English drama (Comedy); Rose Theatre (London, England); Elizabeth I, Queen of England, 1533-1603; Essex, Robert Devereux, Earl of, 1566-1601; James I, King of England, 1566-1625; Knights & knighthood; Pigeons in literature; Drama criticism

The author discusses the 1605 publication and historical context of the comedic play "All Fools: A Comody Presented at the Black Fryers, and Lately Before His Majestie," written by George Chapman for Philip Henslowe of the Rose Theatre in England. Possible references in the play to Queen Elizabeth I's disagreement with the Earl of Essex over the awarding of knighthoods and the ascension of James I are discussed. Literary references to the temperament of pigeons in "Fools," "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, and "Problems" by a pupil of Greek philosopher Aristotle are discussed, as well as "Fools" relation to plays by Roman playwright Terence.