[E461] In [chapter 62] of the First Part of this work, p. 139, we had a comparison between good and bad husbandry, and we are here presented with a contrast between good and bad huswifery.
[E462] Compare Taming of the Shrew, Act iv. sc. 3, 57:
"With scarfs and fans and double change of bravery."
[E463] "Good huswiferie canteth." The ed. of 1573 reads "franteth" the meaning of which is "to be careful, economical."
[E464] For boys the practice of music would be degrading, except as a profession; and even for girls, however fashionable it may be, it is generally worse than useless, as it occupies that time which ought to be devoted to much more important purposes.—M.
[E465] "Least homelie breaker," etc., that is, lest an inexperienced teacher ruin the mind of the pupil, as an unpractised horse-breaker will spoil a promising colt.
[E466] "Well a fine," a phrase meaning to a good purpose, a good result.
[E467] "Cocking Mams," that is, over-indulgent mothers. "A father to much cockering, Pater nimis indulgens."—Baret's Alvearie, 1580. See Note [E460].
[E468] "Shifting Dads," that is, fathers who are constantly shifting their children from one school to another.
[E469] "Assone as a passenger comes to an Inne the Host or Hostesse visit him; and if he will eate with the Host or at a common table with others, his meale will cost him sixe pence, or in some places but foure pence (yet this course is lesse honourable and not used by gentlemen); but if he will eate in his chamber he commands what meate he will, according to his appetite, and as much as he thinkes fit for him and his company."—Fynes Moryson's Itinerary, 1617, Part III. p. 151.