.

_Dun is in the mire._ This is a Christmas sport, which Gifford[786]
describes as follows: "A log of wood is brought into the midst of the
room: this is _Dun_ (the cart-horse), and a cry is raised that he is
stuck in the mire. Two of the company advance, either with or without
ropes, to draw him out. After repeated attempts, they find themselves
unable to do it, and call for more assistance. The game continues till
all the company take part in it, when Dun is extricated. Much merriment
is occasioned from the awkward efforts of the rustics to lift the log,
and from sundry arch contrivances to let the ends of it fall on one
another's toes." Thus, in "Romeo and Juliet" (i. 4), Mercutio says:

"If thou art dun, we'll draw thee from the mire."

[786] Ibid., vol. vii. p. 283.

Beaumont and Fletcher, also, in the "Woman Hater" (iv. 3), allude to
this game:

"Dun's in the mire, get out again how he can."

_Fast and Loose._ This was a cheating game, much practised in
Shakespeare's day, whereby gypsies and other vagrants beguiled the
common people of their money: and hence was very often to be seen at
fairs. Its other name was "pricking at the belt or girdle;" and it is
thus described by Sir J. Hawkins: "A leathern belt was made up into a
number of intricate folds, and placed edgewise upon a table. One of the
folds was made to resemble the middle of the girdle, so that whoever
could thrust a skewer into it would think he held it fast to the table;
whereas, when he has so done, the person with whom he plays may take
hold of both ends, and draw it away." In "Antony and Cleopatra" (iv.
12), Antony says:

"Like a right gypsy, hath, at fast and loose,
Beguil'd me to the very heart of loss."

The drift of this game seems to have been to encourage wagers whether
the belt was fast or loose, which the juggler could easily make it at
his option. It is constantly alluded to by old writers, and is thus
described in Drayton's "Moon-calf:"

"He like a gypsy oftentimes would go,
All kinds of gibberish he hath learn'd to know,
And with a stick, a short string, and a noose,
Would show the people tricks at fast and loose."

_Fencing._ In years gone by, there were three degrees in fencing, a
master's, a provost's, and a scholar's.[787] To each of these a prize
was played, with various weapons, in some open place or square. In
"Titus Andronicus" (i. 1), this practice is alluded to by Saturninus: