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6
MONDAY
Since none of my own romantic missives are on view in the Folger Shakespeare Library’s “Letterwriting in Renaissance England,” feel free to spy on some star-crossed Elizabethans in this exhibition of more than 100 revealing documents. The dangers of workplace romance are vividly exemplified by John Donne’s letters to his former boss, Sir Thomas Egerton, to whom Donne served as secretary when he secretly married Egerton’s high-born niece. Vehemently opposed to the union, Egerton fired Donne—who, despite repeated entreaties, remained unemployed throughout his marriage. Romantic liaisons between relatives were also not uncommon during this time, as evidenced by little notes from Jane Skipwith to her cousin. One, folded into a packet and sealed with red wax, is addressed “To my very good frend Mr Lewes Bagott give this.” Pray that, centuries from now, that awkward e-mail exchange between you and your great-aunt’s ex-boyfriend will not work its way into a gallery show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (see City List for other dates) at the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE. Free. (202) 544-4600. (Hetty Lipscomb)