"That garment best the winter's rage defends
Whose shapeless form in ample plaits depends;
By various names in various countries known,
Yet held in all the true surtout alone.
Be thine of kersey tine, though small the cost,
Then brave, unwet, the rain, unchilled, the frost."

These passages lead us to the belief that the Umbrella was not used
by gentlemen for a long time after its merits had been recognised by
the fair sex.

The following lines from the same author have often been quoted:--

"Good housewives all the winter's rage despise
Defended by the riding-hood's disguise:
Or underneath the umbrella's oily shed
Safe through the wet on clinking pattens tread.
Let Persian dames th' umbrellas rich display,
To guard their beauties from the sunny ray,
Or sweating slaves support the shady load,
When Eastern monarchs show their state abroad,
Britain in winter only knows its aid
To guard from chilly showers the walking maid."
--_Trivia_, B. 1.


Dean Swift, also, in the _Tatler_, No. 228, in describing a
City shower, thus alludes to the common use of the Umbrella by
women:--