An entirely different use of the Drum is alluded to by Parolles, in his slanderous evidence against Captain Dumain.
All's Well IV, iii, 262.
1 Soldier. What say you to his expertness in war?
Parolles. 'Faith, sir, he has led the drum before the English tragedians, ... and more of his soldiership I know not.
There are several occasions in Shakespeare when trumpets are sounded to herald the approach of play-actors, but drums are not mentioned in this connection except here. Rimbault's Preface to Purcell's Opera 'Bonduca' (Musical Antiquarian Society) says that a Play was always introduced by the trumpet sounding three times, after which the Prologue entered. Dekker, referring to the list of errata in his 'Satiromastix,' 1602, says—"Instead of the trumpets sounding thrice before the play begin, it shall not be amiss for him that will read, first to behold this short Comedy of Errors."