There is intense speculation about Shakespeare's sexual relationships while he lived alone in London. Actors were notorious for having liasons, and perhaps good Will was no exception. We do have an anecdote about an affair he may have had, from a lawyer named John Manningham:
“Upon a time when Burbage played Richard the Third there was a citizen grew so far in liking with him, that before she went from the play she appointed him to come that night unto her by the name of Richard the Third. Shakespeare, overhearing their conclusion, went before, was entertained and at his game ere Burbage came. Then, message being brought that Richard the Third was at the door, Shakespeare caused return to be made that William the Conqueror was before Richard the Third.”
Bad Shakespeare gives Will’s line an 8/10 laurels -- his behavior? Well...
