In _Measure for Measure_, the poet had evidently the dulcamara or bitter-sweet in mind when he penned the lines:— “I should not think it strange, for ’tis a physic That’s bitter to sweet end”. The dulcamara or bitter-sweet has the peculiar property, when first taken into the mouth, of imparting a bitter flavour which gradually changes to a sweet one, hence its name. The knowledge of drugs and herbs possessed by the noble dames and housewives is frequently mentioned by Shakespeare. The chatelaine of his time was well acquainted with the medicinal properties of all the simples and herbs, which she cultivated in her own garden. Her skill and experience were always at the service of her household and of dependants for miles around. The Queen, wife of Cymbeline, gives evidence of this in her conversation with Cornelius the physician:— “QUEEN. Whiles yet the dew’s on ground, gather those flowers; Make haste: who has the note of them? * * * * * Now, master doctor, have you brought those drugs? “CORNELIUS. Pleaseth your highness, ay: here they are, madam (_presenting a small box_), But I beseech your grace, without offence— My conscience bids me ask—wherefore you have Commanded of me these most poisonous compounds, Which are the movers of a languishing death; But, though slow, deadly? “QUEEN. I do wonder, doctor, Thou ask’st me such a question. Have I not been Thy pupil long? Hast thou not learned me how To make perfumes, distil, preserve? yea, so, That our great king himself doth woo me oft For my confections? Having thus far proceeded (Unless thou think’st me devilish), is’t not meet That I did amplify my judgment in Other conclusions? I will try the forces Of these thy compounds on such creatures as We count not worth the hanging, but none human, To try the vigour of them, and apply Allayments to their act, and by them gather Their several virtues, and effects. “CORNELIUS. Your highness Shall from this practice but make hard your heart: Besides, the seeing these effects will be Both noisome and infectious. “QUEEN. Oh content thee. _Enter_ PISANIO. (_aside_) Here comes a flattering rascal; upon him Will I first work: he’s for his master, And enemy to my son. How now, Pisanio? Doctor, your service for this time is ended; Take your own way.