A DISH OF DOVES. 
i 96 
“ 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 .”—Troilus 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 
