Note 245 — THE PROLOGUE.
Reading edition
Before the use of carpets was introduced into England, it was customary to strew the floors of rooms with rushes. This practice is often mentioned.
So in "Arden of Feversham," 1592—
Ales. In vaine we strive, for here his blood remains. Mos. Why, strew rushes on it, can you not?
Again, in Ben Jonson's "Cynthia's Revels," act ii. sc. 5: "That all the ladies and gallants lye languishing upon the rushes, like so many pounded cattle i' the midst of harvest," &c.
And in Dekker's "Bel-man of London," sig. B 4: "The windowes were spread with hearbs, the chimney drest up with greene boughes, and the floore strewed with bulrushes, as if some lasse were that morning to be married."
See also Holinshed's "Chronicle," vol. ii. p. 1706, [and compare a passage at p. 177 of present vol.]