"And then a justice. In fair round belly with good capon lined."

Please explain this extract as Question of 3 marks

Having lived the stage of a soldier, an individual enters a very mature phase when he assumes the role of a detached judge and advisor sharing wisdom and knowledge, gleaned from experience. At this stage he is concerned about his looks and formal dress up. He is full of "modern instances" at this stage. 

  • 5

 The judge was typically with a big belly and 'capon lined.' The capon was a delicacy of times and used to bribe officers pertaining to the law. Therefore, Shakespeare indirectly points to the corrupt practices of the time He had a beard of formal cut, as his profession demanded of him and severe or keen eyes as required of a judge. His wise saws or age-old aphorisms are well-balanced with a modern outlook.

  • 5
What are you looking for?