ABSTRACT
The carnal Pandar's presumption of a traditionally sacramental role suggests his coupling of others also as an act of disordination. The union he sponsors lacks the coherence of 'Our inward souls I Married in league, coupled and link'd together I With all religious strength of sacred vows' (K], III.i.226-8).15 Pandar's closing bed-offering anticipates Lear's Fool: in both Lear (I. v.51-2) and Troilus (III.ii.209-1 0 ), vice-types' concluding couplets advising inexperienced 'maidens'. Pandar's end-of-scene audience-address ('And Cupid grant all tongue-tied maidens here I Bed, chamber, pandar, to provide this gear!' III.ii.209-10) similarly suggests an anti-edificatory message. Pandar's mid-play 'here' (III.ii.197) and his end-play 'here' (V.x.46, 51) point to his immediate audience and its occasion.
