Their great popularity in all classes of society is sufficient proof, however, of the general training in the art that then existed. In fact, it was considered an essential thing in a gentleman's education, and the ability to take part in a "catch" or "round" was as natural to him in those days as it is to shoot or play cricket in these.
We cannot give the reader a better means to realise this than by quoting Shakespeare again, in whose words every feature in that wonderful age is held up to the mirror.
In "Twelfth Night" the following will be found:—
Sir Toby: Shall we rouse the night-owl in a catch, that will draw three souls out of one weaver[12]? Shall we do that?
"Sir Andrew: An you love me, let's do it: I am a dog at a catch.
"Clown: By'r lady, sir, and some dogs will catch well.
"Sir Andrew: Most certain: let our catch be 'Thou knave.'
"Clown: 'Hold thy peace, thou knave,' knight? I shall be constrained in't to call thee knave, knight.
"Sir Andrew: 'Tis not the first time I have constrain'd one to call me knave. Begin, fool; it begins, 'Hold thy peace.'