GLEANINGS FROM THE PAST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 October 1938, Page 10

GLEANINGS FROM THE PAST

UMBRELLAS. Umbrellas and unshades had been known for centuries to the nations of antiquity, but: though they were known in England in Elizabeth’s time, they were very rare, and were only used by women, as they were for centuries later. In the comedy, “Rule a Wife and Have a Wife,” by Beaumont and Fletcher, produced in 1616, Altea says. Are you at ease? Now is your heart ut rest? Now you have got a shadow, an umbrella, To keep the scorching worlds opinion From your fair credit. The umbrella was considered as quite an effeminate thing till nearly the end of the eighteenth century, when Jonas Hanway introduced it to the English public. The men before then had been advised to rely on the “surtout” to keep them warm and dry. Be thine of Kersey firm, though small 1116 CoSt ’ • T.-W/I Then brave unwet the rain, unchilla the frost. Again, gay in his Trivia, speaking of a shower in the streets,, says: Good housewives all the winter’s rage despise, Defended by the riding-hood’s disguise: Or underneath th’ umbrella’s oily shed, Safe through the wet on clinking pattens tread. Let Persian dames th’ umbrella’s ribs display, To guard their beauties from the sunny ray; Or sweating slaves support the shady load, . When Eastern monarchs shew their state abroad: Britain in winter only knows its aid, To guard from chilly showers the walking maid.