[198] It appears to have been the custom at this time to work religious and other stories in different parts of the dress then worn. In Beaumont and Fletcher's "Custom of the Country," ii. 3, [Dyce's edit. iv. 422,] Rutilio says—
"Having a mistress, sure you should not be
Without a neat historical shirt."
[199] [This passage is quoted in the editions of Beaumont and Fletcher, to illustrate a passage in the "Custom of the Country," (see below) but it is questionable, perhaps, whether the allusions here are to be taken quite seriously.]
[200] See note to "The Ordinary" [xii., 300.]
[201] See note to "The Ordinary" [xii., 316.]
[202] [An allusion which I cannot explain. It has no connection with Chettle's play.]
[203] Prynne's book, mentioned before.
[204] [See a note in Hazlitt's "Popular Poetry," ii. 153.]
[205] [A curious little illustration of contemporary civic usages.]
[206] Alluding to an automaton, like those at St Dunstan's, Fleet Street. See notes on Shakespeare's "King Richard III.," edit. 1778, p. 113, vol. vii.—Steevens.