The Birds of Shakespeare

ery different. Every one who could afford it kept a hawk, and the rank of the owner was indicated by the species of bird which he carried. To a king belonged the gerfalcon; to a prince, the falcon gentle ; to an earl, the peregrine ; to a lady, the merlin ; to a young squire, the hobby; while a yeoman carried a goshawk ; a priest, a sparrowhawk ; and a knave, or servant, a kestrel. But the sport was attended with great expense, and much time and attention were required of the falconer before his birds were perfectly trained, and he himself a proficient. This, combined with the increased enclosure and cultivation of waste lands, has probably contributed as much as anything to the decline of falconry in England. During the age in which Shakespeare lived, the sport was at its height, and it is, therefore, not surprising that he has taken much notice of it in his works, and has displayed a considerable knowledge on the subject. In the second part of King Henry VI. Act 2, we find a scene laid at St. Alban's, and the King, Queen, Gloster, Cardinal, and Suffolk appearing, with falconers halloaing. We quote that portion of the scene which refers more particularly to the sport: -- " Queen. Believe me, lords, tor flying at thc brook, I saw not better sport these seven years' day : Yet, by your leave, the wind was very high ; And, ten to one, old Joan had not gone out. King. But what a point, my lord, your falcon made, And what a pitch ...