A mock argument, in imitation of the attempts frequently made to identify Shakespeare with various trades and professions. "A jest which amused him all the more that it was taken au grand serieux by some sober-minded correspondents." cf. T. B. Reed's Memoir of the author, in Blades' Pentateuch of printing, p. xvii.
"Appendix: A list of some biographies of Shakspere, and of such works as refer to the dramatist's special knowledge of any subject": p. [61]-67.