The philosophy of beards : a lecture : physiological, artistic & historical / by T.S. Gowing.
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" 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 yel upon fchek chins The Beards of Hercules and frowning Mars, Who, inward searched, have livers white as milk: And these assume hut valour's excrement To make themselves redoubted."" The witty Robert Green, published in 1592, a curious dialogue,f from which we get a glimpse into a Barber's shop of Queen Elizabeth's time. Cloth-breeches com- plains 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 curi- ously washed with no worse than a camphor ball, you * Ben Jonson, among other allusions to the Beard, has the fol- lowing :— I am heartily grieved a Beard of your grave length Should he so over-reach'd. (" The Fox.") In his Alchemist Subtle telling Druggefs fortune says— " This summer He will he 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 magis- trate ?" and then proceeds gravely to relate that the inhabitants of Harden berg had formerly the singular custom of electing their mayors or burgomasters by assemb- ling at a round table, where while some of the town council were employed in in- specting 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. f •' Quip for an Upstart Courtier.