196 A DISH OF DOVES. 



" Thou wilt be as valiant as the wrathful dove, or most 

 magnanimous mouse." Henry IV. Part II. Act iii. Sc. 2. 



The custom of bestowing a pair of doves as a present 

 or peace-offering has been before alluded to (Titus 

 Andronicus, Act iv. Sc. 4). 



Izaak Walton tells us that " for the sacrifice of the Law 

 a pair of turtle-doves or young pigeons were as well 

 accepted as costly bulls and rams." When Gobbo 

 wished to curry favour with Bassanio he began by 

 saying : 



" I have here a dish of doves, that I would bestow on 

 your worship." Merchant of Venice, Act ii. Sc. 2. 



These were no doubt intended to be eaten. Paris, speak- 

 ing to Helen of Pandarus, says, 



" He eats nothing but doves, love." Troilns and 

 Cressida, Act iii. Sc. I. 



A weakness which he deprecates as being heating to 

 the blood. Justice Shallow, when ordering dinner, showed 

 his appreciation of pigeons as well as of other good cheer. 

 He says : 



" Some pigeons, Davy ; a couple of short-legged hens ; 

 a joint of mutton, and any pretty little tiny kickshaws, 

 tell William cook." Henry IV. Part II. Act v. Sc. I. 



The price of a pigeon at this time, as we learn from 



