OATS

IRIS

Ceres, most bounteous lady, thy rich leas

Of wheat, rye, barley, vetches,

OATS, and pease.

—Tempest [Act IV, sc. 1]

SONG OF SPRING

When shepherds pipe on OATEN straws.

—Love’s Labour’s Lost [Act V, sc. 2]

BOTTOM

Truly a peck of provender;

I could munch your good dry OATS.

—A Midsummer Night’s Dream [Act IV, sc. 1]

GRUMIO

Ay, sir, they be ready;

the OATS have eaten the horses.

—Taming of the Shrew [Act III, sc. 2]

FIRST CARRIER

Poor fellow, never joyed since the price of

OATS rose—it was the death of him.

—Henry IV, Pt. 1 [Act II, sc. 1]

CAPTAIN

I cannot draw a cart, not eat dried OATS,

If it be a man’s work, I’ll do it.

—King Lear [Act V, sc. 3]

JAILER’S DAUGHTER

Some two hundred bottles,

And twenty strike of OATS,

but he’ll ne’er have her.

—Tow Noble Kinsmen [Act V, sc. 2]