The art of dressing correctly, according to the nature of the character and the period in which the play was supposed to occur, was practically unknown.

Even in after years we hear of Spranger Barry playing Othello in a gold-laced scarlet suit, small cocked hat, and knee-breeches, with silk stockings.

Think of it, ye sticklers for realism! Dr.Doran narrates how Garrick dressed Hamlet in a court suit of black coat, "waistcoat and knee-breeches, short wig with queue and bag, buckles in the shoes, ruffles at the wrists, and flowing ends of an ample cravat hanging over his chest." Barton Booth's costume for Cato was even more of an anachronism.

"The Cato of Queen Anne's day wore a flowered gown and an ample wig."] Poor strollers.

There was a bit of stern philosophy in the advice of the justice, for they would probably have led a merrier and more luxurious life had they deserted the barns for the bridges and church-porches.