This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1884 Excerpt: ...tavern opened With signboard and bush; The landlady's hair neatly dressed, Tied up in a knot." j HIS play, which is Shakspeare's throughout, is to me the most painful--say, rather, the only painful--part of his genuine works." So writes Coleridge of the comedy "Measure for Measure"; and when we remember that the unmasking of impurity is the motive of the plot, we can sympathize with the critic's strongly expressed opinion. Dealing with such a subject, it would be strange indeed if the waymarks of drink were not to be found in the play. In Act I. Scene 2 we have an instance of the ready way in which tipplers find an excuse for drinking. First Gentleman. "And thou the velvet: thou art good velvet; thou'rt a three-piled piece, I warrant thee: I had as lief be a list of an English kersey as be piled, as thou art piled, for a French velvet. Do I speak feelingly now?" Lucio. "I think thou dost; and, indeed, with most painful feeling of thy speech: I will, out of thine own confession, learn to begin thy health; but, whilst I live, forget to drink after thee." Tavern frequenting just for "company's sake," is strikingly suggested in Act II. Scene 1. Pompey. "Sir, but you shall come to it, by your honour's leave. And, I beseech you, look into Master Froth here, sir; a man of fourscore pound a year; whose father died at Hallowmas: Was't not at Hallowmas, Master Froth?" Froth. "All-hallownd eve." Pompey. "Why, very well; I hope here be truths. He, sir, sitting, as I say, in a lower chair, sir; 'twas in the Bunch of Grapes, where indeed you have a delight to sit, have you not?" Froth. "I have so; because it is an open room and good for winter." The phrase "open room" has ...