SERVANTS IN SHAKESPEARE'S TIME.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume V, Issue 47, 22 November 1890, Page 12

SERVANTS IN SHAKESPEARE'S TIME.

Ix the time of Shakespeare domestic service was in a state of transition: the old system was decaying, the new one springing into life : and if one may be allowed to judge from casual references scattered throngiiout the plays of the poet the new order does n«t appear to have been altogether satisfactory. In ■ King Lear’—to take one example—‘Kent ’ denoamres ‘ Oswald,’ the steward, as a ‘ knave, a rascal and eater of broken meats: a base, proud, shallow, beggarly three suited. 100-ponnd, worsted-stocking knave :’ From Shakespeare’s plays it further appears that the servants of the period were companions and confidants of their master, and that they were generally sly and pilfering, and plavers of practical jokes. In great families it was customary for servants to take an <>ath of fidelity on their entrance into office. " Post hr: mu- ’ alludes to the usage when he says of ‘ Imogen’s' servants : Her attendants are Alt sworn and honourable. The condition of servants at this period was therefore peculiar, and it is true that they were ruled by a curious mixture of stern 'discipline and great laxity. One mode of enforcing obedience wa- by imposing forfeits or fines, some of which are enumerate’! by Sir J. Harrington in his ‘ Nug:e Antiqme. For being absent from prayers, for uttering an oath, for leaving a door open, or ‘ for any follower visiting the cook, a fine was inflicted, while in another set of rules it is provide-i that If any one this rale doth break. And cut more bread than he can eat. Shall to the box one penny pay. In ca-e an offender should refu-e to pay ‘ direct without resistance,’ provision is made at the conclusion that Each one here shall be assistance. And he that doth refuse to aid Br him one penny shall be paid.

Her Grammar was Defective—Lady <rf the House to tramp going through the gate : ‘Here! You promised to saw that wood if I gave you a meal.’ Tramp : ‘ Yes’m. and I have fulfilled my promise. I saw it a- I passed by. Yoar grammar is somewhat defective, I am pained to observe.’ Fond Mother: ‘I wonder what baby is thinking of!’ Fond Father : ‘He is not thinking; be is listening to hear if his first tooth is coming.’ •Have you a - good cook F ‘She’s very good—goes to church four times a week. She can’t eook. though.’