"There is no accounting," says Repton, "for the taste of ladies.
Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, with his large massive beard, won the
heart of the fair sister of Henry VIII. Although the 'Cloth of friez may
not be too bold,' the courtship was most probably begun by the lady
(_i.e._ the Cloth of Gold). Although ladies do not speak out, they have
a way of expressing their wishes by the 'eloquence of eyes.' That the
fair princess ever amused herself in combing or brushing her husband's
beard is not recorded in the history of England." Many references find a
place in bygone plays relating to combs and brushes for the beard.
Starching the beard was an operation which occupied some time if
carefully performed. It is stated in the "Life of Mrs Elizabeth Thomas,"
published in 1731, of Mr Richard Shute, her grandfather, a Turkey
merchant, that he was very nice in the mode of that age, his valet
being some hours every morning in starching his beard, and curling his
whiskers, during which time a gentleman, whom he maintained as a
companion, always read to him upon some useful subject.
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