196 A DISH OF DOVES. 
“ Thou wilt be as valiant as the wrathful dove, or most 
magnanimous mouse.”—eury ZV, 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 :—‘ 
“T 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.”’—Tyoilus and 
Cressida, Act iii, Sc. 1. 
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. 1. 
The price of a pigeon at this time, as we learn from 
