24 JUNE 2000, Page 29

The quality of proof

From Mr Simon Malloch Sir: Alas, the Oxfordians are at it again. Mr Christopher H. Dams (Letters, 3 June) asserts that there is no evidence that `Shakespeare of Stratford ever left these shores'. True, but there is no evidence that he didn't. If the Oxfordians want their can- didate to be accepted as the writer of Shakespeare's works, the burden of proof rests with them.

And, while they are at it, they must demonstrate conclusively why Shakespeare of Stratford did not write, or could not have written, the plays. Good luck to them.

S. J. V. Malloch

Perth, Western Australia