Note 16 — INDEX.

: This Act, against cutting and maiming, owed its name to Sir John Coventry, who, in Charles the Second's time, was favourable to a motion, in the House of Commons, to impose a tax on play-houses, which was opposed by the Court. Sir John Birkenhead having remarked that the players were the King's servants, and a part of his pleasure, Sir J. Coventry asked "Whether the King's pleasure lie among the men, or the women, that acted?" This was neither forgotten nor forgiven, and Sir John was set upon whilst walking home, by some ruffians. He defended himself desperately, and wounded some of his assailants, but was overpowered, and his nose slit to the bone, "for reflecting on the King." This outrage excited great indignation at the time.