[13] A very able discussion of these ascriptions is presented by M. Foulché-Delbosc in the _Revue hispanique_ (1895), vol. ii. pp. 120-45. [14] The question is discussed in the _Revue hispanique_ (1895), vol. ii. pp. 304-11. [15] See two very able studies in the _Revue hispanique_ (vol. i. pp. 101-65, and vol. ii. pp. 208-303), by M. Foulché-Delbosc, whose edition of the _Guerra de Granada_ is now printing. CHAPTER IX THE AGE OF LOPE DE VEGA 1598-1621 The death of Felipe II. in 1598 closes an epoch in the history of Castilian letters. Not merely has the Italian influence triumphed definitively: the chivalresque romance has well-nigh run its course; while mysticism and the pastoral have achieved expression and acceptance. Moreover, the most important of all developments is the establishment of the stage at Madrid in the Teatro de la Cruz and in the Teatro del Príncipe. There is evidence to prove that theatres were also built at Valencia, at Seville, and possibly at Granada. Nor was a foreign impulse lacking. Kyd's _Spanish Tragedy_ records the invasion of England by Italian actors:— "_The Italian tragedians were so sharp of wit, That in one hour's meditation They could perform anything in action._" In like wise the famous Alberto Ganasa and his Italian histrions revealed the art of acting to the Spains. Thenceforth every province is overrun by mummers, as may be read in the _Viaje entretenido_ (1603) of Agustín de Rojas Villandrando, who denotes, with mock-solemn precision, the nine professional grades.