Note 192 — Chapter III · THE PROGRESS OF CARD-PLAYING. (continued 2)
Reading edition
From the following passage in the 'Beaux Stratagem,' act ii, scene 1, Whisk is mentioned by Mrs. Sullen in a disparaging manner, as if it were fit only for rustics:
"Dorinda. You share in all the pleasures that the country affords.
Mrs. Sullen. Country pleasures! racks and torments! Dost think, child, that my limbs are made for leaping of ditches, and clambering over styles? or that my parents, wisely foreseeing my future happiness in country pleasures, had early instructed me in the rural accomplishments of drinking fat ale, playing at whisk, and smoking tobacco with my husband?"