60 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



at their side, to supply their customers ; yet, even half a 

 century ago, they were numerous in the streets of the 

 metropolis. In earlier times they formed a well-known 

 class of the people, to whom many allusions will be found 

 in the works of the most eminent writers. 



When, for example, Aumerle is describing to Richard 

 II. the insinuating conduct of " high Hereford," he says 

 that he, Bushy, Bagot, and Green, 



" Observed his courtship to the common people : 



How he did seem to dive into their hearts, 



With humble and familiar courtesy ; 



What reverence he did throw away on slaves, 



Wooing poor craftsmen with the craft of smiles, 



And patient under-bearing of his fortune, 



As 'twere to banish their affects with him. 



Off goes his bonnet to an oyster wench ; 



A brace of draymen bid God speed him well, 



And had the tribute of his supple knee." (g) 



Bishop Hall, when satirising an old country squire, 

 who starve^ himself to make his son a lawyer and a 

 gentleman, says : 



" Old drivelling Lolio drudges all he can 

 To make his eldest son a gentleman. 

 Who can despair to see another thrive 

 By loan of twelve-pence to an oyster wive ? ' 



And, not to multiply instances, Butler describes the 

 time when 



"The oyster women locked their fish up, 

 And trudged away to cry, No bishop ! ' 



Numbers of persons, therefore, must have repaired to the 

 tubs of these women manifestly of a low class from 

 among the humbler ranks of the people, to refresh them- 



(g) Richard II., Act I, Scene iv. 



