Shakespeare Electronic Conference, Vol. 3, No. 362. Wednesday, 9 December 1992.
From: William Proctor Williams <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Wednesday, 09 Dec 92 17:48 CST
Subject: double jointed babies
Well, now we come to it. I am sorry for the brevity of my previous question.
The line comes from a manuscript play from the mid-1650s in which a very stupid
countryman is being asked to take on several commodities, including Jews'
harps, and "new fashioned double-jointed babies with springs between their legs
to make them go along." I assume they are some sort of mechanical toy. Does
anyone know what they are? Thanks in advance.
William Proctor Williams TB0WPW1@NIU