Juliet. Was ever book, containing such vile matter,

So fairly bound? Oh, that deceit should dwell

In such a gorgeous palace.

“Romeo and Juliet,” iii, 2.

Thereby Hangs a Tale.

In “Othello,” act iii, scene 1:

Clown.—O, thereby hangs a tail.

First Musician.—Whereby hangs a tale, sir?

In “Merry Wives of Windsor,” act i, scene 4, Mrs. Quickly remarks:

Well, thereby hangs a tale; good faith, it is such another Nan.