← Table of contents
A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 03

Note 312 — GAMMER GURTON'S NEEDLE.

Reading edition

For the love of God, of heaven, or anything sacred, are adjurations frequently used at this day, and appear likewise to have been so at the time this play was written. From the indiscriminate use of them, it became customary on very earnest occasions to request of all loves, or for all the loves on earth. Of these modes of expression, Mr Steevens hath produced the following examples: "Conjuring his wife of all loves to prepare cheer fitting."—"Honest Whore," part 1.

"Desire him of all loves to come over quickly." —Plautus's Menæchmi, 1595. "I pray thee for all loves be thou my mynde sens I am thyne." —Acolastus, 1540.

"Mrs Arden desired him of all loves to come back againe."—Holinshed's Chronicle, p. 1064.—"Notes on Shakspeare," vol. i., p. 279.

Again—

"Speak of all loves." —Midsummer Night's Dream, act. ii., sc. 3.

Explore with AITake your curiosity a little further.

Reading settings