Note 204 — SCENE III.
Reading edition
This custom, strange as it would now appear, was the constant practice of gentlemen in the 17th century. When on visits, either of ceremony or business, or even in company of ladies and at public places, their constant amusement was to comb their hair or wigs, and the fashion continued until the reign of Queen Anne. Dryden alludes to it in the Prologue to "Almanzor and Almahide"—
"But, as when vizard masque appears in pit Straight every man, who thinks himself a wit, Perks up; and managing his comb with grace, With his white wig sets off his nut-brown face."
And Mincing, in "The Way of the World," says—
"The gentlemen stay but to comb, madam, and will wait on you."
These instances I am indebted for to Mr Steevens.—Reed.
To the above instances may be added the following, which will show that the fashion mentioned in the text kept its ground a considerable length of time.
"How we rejoic'd to see 'em in our pit! What difference, methought, there was Betwixt a country gallant and a wit. When you did order perriwig with comb, They only us'd four fingers and a thumb."
—Epilogue to "The Wrangling Lovers," 1677.
"He looked, indeed, and sighed and set his cravat-string, and sighed again, and combed his perriwig: sighed a third time, and then took snuff, I guess to shew the whiteness of his hand."—"The Fortune Hunters," act i. sc. 2, 1689.
"How have I shook and trembling stood with awe, When here, behind the scenes, I've seen 'em draw ----A comb; that dead-doing weapon to the heart, And turn each powder'd hair into a dart."
—Prologue to "The Relapse," 1697.