from the Perpetual Almanack of Folklore

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(compiled by Charles Kightly, Thames and Hudson, 1987)

The entry for May 27, "Tennis now in season," includes this quote:

The Tennis Court, whereby I would have you to recreate your mind, and exercise your body sometimes: for besides pleasure it preserveth your health, in so far as it moveth every part of the body. Nevertheless I approve not those who are ever in the Tennis Court like Nackets, and heat themselves so much that they rather breed than expel sickness: nor yet commend I those, who rail at the Tennis-keeper's score, and that have banded away the greater part of their wealth in playing great and many sets. It is both a hurt and a shame for a nobleman to be so eager in that play.

- James Cleland, The Institution of a Young Noble Man, 1607