Part 65 (2/2)

OATS.

(1) _Iris._

Ceres, most bounteous lady, thy rich leas Of Wheat, Rye, Barley, Vetches, Oats, and Pease.

_Tempest_, act iv, sc. 1 (60).

(2) _Spring Song._

When shepherds pipe on Oaten straws.

_Love's Labour's Lost_, act v, sc. 2 (913).

(3) _Bottom._

Truly a peck of provender; I could munch your good dry Oats.

_Midsummer Night's Dream_, act iv, sc. 1 (35).

(4) _Grumio._

Ay, sir, they be ready; the Oats have eaten the horses.

_Taming of the Shrew_, act iii, sc. 2 (207).

(5) _First Carrier._

Poor fellow, never joyed since the price of Oats rose--it was the death of him.

_1st Henry IV_, act ii, sc. 1 (13).

(6) _Captain._

I cannot draw a cart, nor eat dried Oats, If it be man's work, I'll do it.

_King Lear_, act v, sc. 3 (38).

Shakespeare's Oats need no comment, except to note that the older English name for Oats was Haver (_see_ ”Promptorium Parvulorum,” p. 372; and ”Catholicon Anglic.u.m,” p. 178, with the notes). The word was in use in Shakespeare's time, and still survives in the northern parts of England.

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