Note 1690 — BOOK IV THE PLAY-HOUSES (continued 5)
Reading edition
Sir J. Davies, Epigrams (prob. < 1596), ep. 28, In Sillam, ‘He that dares take Tobacco on the stage’; ep. 3, In Rufum:
Rufus the Courtier at the theatre Leauing the best and most conspicuous place, Doth either to the stage himselfe transfer, Or through a grate doth show his doubtful face, For that the clamorous frie of Innes of court Filles vp the priuate roomes of greater prise: And such a place where all may haue resort He in his singularitie doth despise.
It is not, I think, sitting on the stage that is satirized in J. Hall, Virgedemiarum (1597), i. 3, but a performance by illiterate amateurs on a ‘hired Stage’.