one more extract, from an English writer of ancient date.
Holinshed, in his "Chronicles," published during the
reign of Elizabeth, says:—
"It is a world to see in these our days, wherein
gold and silver aboundeth, that our gentility, as loathing these metals,
(because of the plenty,) do now generally choose rather the Venice Glasses,
both for our wine and beer, than any of these metals, or stone, wherein
before time we have been accustomed to drink; but such is the nature of
man generally, that it most coveteth things difficult to be attained; and
such is the estimation of this stuff, that many become rich only with their
new trade into Murana, (a town near to
Venice,) from whence the very best are daily to be had, and such as for
beauty do well near match the Crystal or the ancient
Murrhina Vase, whereof now no man has knowledge. And
as this is seen in the gentility, so in the wealthy commonality the like desire
of glasses is not neglected, whereby the gain gotten by their purchase is
much more increased, to the benefit of the merchant. The poorest endeavor
to have glasses also if they may; but as the Venetian is somewhat too dear
for them, they content themselves with such as are made at home of fern and
burnt stone; but in fine, all go one way, that is to the shades, at last."
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