This custom is mentioned in an epigram in Samuel Rowlands's "Good Newes and Bad Newes," 1622, sig. F 2—
"Gilbert, this glove I send thee from my hand,
And challenge thee to meet on Callis sand:
On this day moneth resolve I will be there,
Where thou shalt finde my flesh I will not feare.
My cutler is at work," &c.
[337] i.e., Three. A metaphor taken from the game at cards called Gleek, where a gleek of knaves is three.—Pegge.
[338] It is observed by Mr Steevens, that "it was formerly the fashion to kiss the eyes, as a mark of extraordinary tenderness." See note to "The Winter's Tale," act iv. sc. 3, where several instances are produced.
Again, in Marston's "Dutch Courtesan," act ii. sc. 1—
"Your onely voice
Shall cast a slumber on my listning sense
You with soft lip shall only ope mine eyes,
And suck their lids asunder, only you
Shall make me wish to live, and not feare death."
[339] Hitherto printed by Mr Reed—
"Be brought to bed of a fair Trincalo;"
a reading not supported by the old copies, which have it young.—Collier.
[340] It must be supposed that Armellina brings a looking-glass, as desired.—Collier.