About the same time also in Germany the moustache was partially substituted for the Beard, as appears by Berckemej’s Europ. Antiq. p. 294, who under the year 1564 says, the Archbishop Sigismund introduced in Magdeburgh the custom of shaving off the full Beard and wearing instead a moustache. The year in which this Beard-reformation (de-formation?) happened, was contained in this pentameter—
“Longa sIgIsMVnDo barba IVbente perIt.”
“Sigismund commanding, the long Beard perished in
MDLVV (= X) IIII. or 1564.”
[29]. Pagenstecher asks “which was the city where Beard and foot made the magistrate?” and then proceeds gravely to relate that the inhabitants of Hardenberg had formerly the singular custom of electing their mayors or burgomasters by assembling at a round table, where while some of the town council were employed in inspecting their Beards, others were engaged in estimating their feet—the biggest Beard and largest foot being “called to the scarlet.” And rightly too! for the Beard denoted authority and wisdom, and the large foot an understanding likely to take grave steps when needed. As containing a valuable hint to modern corporations to look well to the essential points of a mayor—too often overlooked—I trust, this note upon note will be pardoned.
[30]. “Quip for an Upstart Courtier.”
[31]. A Ben Jonson, among other allusions to the Beard, has the following:—
I am heartily grieved a Beard of your grave length
Should be so over-reach’d. (“The Fox.”)
In his Alchemist Subtle telling Drugger’s fortune says—