Apparently after Richard III was staged, some woman told lead actor Richard Burbage that she liked his performance so much she would like to see him backstage in costume + character. Shakespeare overheard this and went back himself dressed as Richard III. They had it away and then Burbage arrived. On being told that 'Richard III had arrived at the door', Shakespeare sent back the following message: 'Tell him William the Conqueror came before Richard III'.

bardLAD.