1600. Shakspeare, Much Ado about Nothing, i. Then up comes the devil with his horns upon his head, looking like an old cuckold. Ibid. v. 1. But when shall we see the savage bull’s horns on the sensible Benedict’s head.
1601. Jonson, Poetaster, iv., 3. And there is never a star in thy forehead but shall be a horn if thou dost persist to abuse me.
1602. Campion, English Poesy (Bullen, Works, 1889, p. 248). Mock him not with horns, the case is altered.
1603. Philotus (Pinkerton, Scottish Poems, 1792, iii., 17). Sen thair may be na uther buit? Plat on his heid ane horne.
1604. Marston, Malcontent, i., I. Mendoza is the man makes thee a horned beast: ’tis Mendoza cornutes thee.
1605. Jonson, Volpone, ii., 4. Volp.: Nay, then, I not repent me of my late disguise. Mos.: If you can horne him, Sir, you need not.
1605. Chapman, All Fools, v., 1 (Plays, 1874, p. 75). And will you blow the horn yourself where you may keep it to yourself? Go to, you are a fool. Ibid. (p. 76.) It may very well be that the devil brought horns into the world, but the women brought them to the men.
1607. How a Man May Choose a Good Wife From a Bad, ii., I. (Dodsley, Old Plays, 4th ed., 1875, ix., 28). Quando venis aput, I shall have two horns on my caput. [[353]]
1607. Dekker, Northward Hoe, Act i., p. 8. If a man be deuorst, whether may he haue an action or no, gainst those that make horns at him. Ibid. iv., p. 54. This curse is on all letchers throwne, They give horns and, at last, hornes are their owne.
1608. Rowlands, Humor’s Looking Glass, p. 22. Besides, shee is as perfect chast as faire. But being married to a jealous asse, He vowes shee horns him.