A Horse by Another Name

Dancing seems a loaded pursuit in Hyde Park. “Choose your firk” (II.II) is not offered as a choice, but at least an obligation and at most a threat. The word “jigging” is scorned and is connected with flattery as a kind of social evil. Bonavent is forced to perform, “You shall shake your heels” (II.II) and maligned for refusing but devises a kind of revenge that seems to offer a different amusement. Bonavent dislikes the awkward predicament of having to dance at his own wife’s second wedding, so he says to Lacey, “Where’s my sword, sir? I have been your hobby-horse.” (II.II) The pressure to strut around in the city seems contrasted against the horse and foot scenes in the park. "Let you and I venture a pair of gloves/Upon their feet." (III.I). Yet the garland/Morris Dance embarrassment that Bonavent serves up appears to be a far greater insult. Overall the humiliation placed on Bonavent seems to overstretch the situation. What is Shirly saying about ‘civilized sport’ between folk?