singing in parts (especially of "catches") was a common amusement with blacksmiths, colliers, clothworkers, cobblers, tinkers, watchmen, country parsons, and soldiers.
In Damon and Pithias, 1565, Grimme, the collier, sings "a bussing [buzzing] base," and two of his friends. Jack and Will, " quiddel upon it," i.e., they sing the tune and words, while he buzzes the burden.
Peele's Old Wives Tale, 1595, says, "This smith leads a life as merry as a king; Sirrah Frolic, I am sure you are not without some round or other; no doubt but Clunch [the smith] can bear his part."
Beaumont and Fletcher's Coxcomb has
"Where were the watch the while? good sober gentlemen,
They were, like careful members of the city,
Drawing in diligent ale, and singing catches."
Also in B. and F.'s Faithful Friends—
"Bell.—Shall's have a catch, my hearts?
Calve.—Aye, good lieutenant.
Black.—Methinks a soldier[1] should sing nothing else; catch, that catch may is all our life, you know."
- ↑ Drayton (James I.'s reign) in his "Battle of Agincourt," l. 1199, has—"The common Souldiers free-mens catches sing"—of the French before the battle (freemen is a corruption of threemen).
