"There is no one so simple but assumes
Some mark of virtue on his outward parts;
How many cowards, whose hearts are all as false
As layers of sand, wear yet upon their chins
The Beards of Hercules and frowning Mars.
Who, inward searched, have livers white as milk:
And these assume but valour's excrement
To make themselves redoubted."
[1][2][3] The witty Robert Green, published in 1592, a curious dialogue,[4] from which we get a glimpse into a Barber's shop of Queen Elizabeth's time. Cloth-breeches complains of the Barber's attention to Velvet-breeches in these terms. "His head being once dressed, which requires in combing and brushing some two hours; then being curiously washed with no worse than a camphor ball, you
- ↑ Ben Jonson, among other allusions to the Beard, has the following:
I am heartily grieved a Beard of your grave length
Should be so over-reach'd. ( The Fox.")In his Alchemist Subtle telling Drugger's fortune says—
"This summer
He will be of the clothing of his company.
And next spring called to the scarlet."
FACE. What and so little Beard!" - ↑ Pagenstecher asks "which was the city where Beard and foot made the magistrate?" and then proceeds gravely to relate that the inhabitants of Hardenberg had formerly the singular custom of electing their mayors or burgomasters by assembling at a round table, where while some of the town council were employed in inspecting their Beards, others were engaged in estimating their feet-the biggest Beard and largest foot being "called to the scarlet." And rightly too! for the Beard denoted authority and wisdom, and the large foot an understanding likely to take grave steps when needed. As containing a valuable hint to modern corporations to look well to the essential points of a mayor—too often overlooked—I trust, this note upon note will be pardoned.
- ↑ In the original, the "Pagenstecher" footnote is nested inside and at the end of the "Ben Jonson" footnote; and the latter appears immediately after the word "redoubted".. (Wikisource contributor note)
- ↑ "Quip for an Upstart Courtier.
