The three Graces, and Grace itself, took root almost immediately as favourites. Shakespeare seems to have been aware of it, for Hermione says—
“My last good deed was to entreat his stay:
What was my first? It has an elder sister,
Or I mistake you—O would her name were Grace!”
“Winter’s Tale,” Act i. sc. 2.
“1565, March 19. Christening of Grace, daughter of — Hilles.”—St. Peter, Cornhill.
“1574, Jan. 29. Baptized Grace, daughter of John Russell.”—St. Columb Major.
“1588, Aug. 1. Married Thomas Wood and Faythe Wilson.”—St. Dionis Backchurch.
“1565, ——. Baptized Faith, daughter of Thomas and Agnes Blomefield.”—Rushall, Norfolk.
“1567, Aprill 17. Christening of Charity, daughter of Randoll Burchenshaw.”—St. Peter, Cornhill.
“1571, ——. Baptized Charity, daughter of Thomas Blomefield.”—Rushall, Norfolk.
“1598, Nov. 19. Baptized Hope, d. of John Mainwaringe.”—Cant. Cath.
“1636, Nov. 25. Buried Hope, d. of Thomas Alford, aged 23.”—Drayton, Leicester.