Or not. Turns out Shakespeare was a savvy, as well as somewhat shady, businessman who managed in his career to not only exploit his gifts but also to exploit his neighbors. According to The Telegraph:
The study notes: “By combining both illegal and legal activities, Shakespeare was able to retire in 1613 as the largest property owner in his home town, Stratford-upon-Avon. His profits—minus a few fines for illegal hoarding and tax evasion—meant he had a working life of just 24 years.”
Genius indeed. A search for ‘hoard’ throughout the corpus yields some suggestive readings in the light of his moonlighting, such as when Horatio says to old Hamlet’s ghost.
O, speak!
Or if thou hast uphoarded in thy life
Extorted treasure in the womb of earth
(For which, they say, you spirits oft walk in death),
The cock crows.
Speak of it! Stay, and speak!