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diff --git a/1850-h/1850-h.htm b/1850-h/1850-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4797360 --- /dev/null +++ b/1850-h/1850-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2657 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Old Christmas, by Washington Irving + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Old Christmas, by Washington Irving + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Old Christmas + +Author: Washington Irving + +Release Date: May 13, 2006 [EBook #1850] +Last Updated: November 26, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD CHRISTMAS *** + + + + +Produced by Donald Lainson; David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto" cellpadding="4" border="3"> +<tr> +<td> +THERE IS AN IMPROVED ILLUSTRATED EDITION OF THIS TITLE WHICH MAY VIEWED AT EBOOK <big><b><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20656"> +[# 20656 ]</a></b></big> +</td> +</tr> +</table> + + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + OLD CHRISTMAS + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Washington Irving + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + But is old, old, good old Christmas gone? Nothing but the hair of his + good, gray, old head and beard left? Well, I will have that, seeing that + I cannot have more of him. + </p> + <p> + Hue and Cry after Christmas. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> Christmas </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> The Stage-coach </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> Christmas Eve </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> Christmas Day </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> The Christmas Dinner </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_NOTE"> Notes </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + A man might then behold + + At Christmas, in each hall + + Good fires to curb the cold, + + And meat for great and small. + + The neighbours were friendly bidden, + + And all had welcome true, + + The poor from the gates were not chidden, + + When this old cap was new. + + Old Song + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Christmas + </h2> + <p> + There is nothing in England that exercises a more delightful spell over my + imagination than the lingerings of the holiday customs and rural games of + former times. They recall the pictures my fancy used to draw in the May + morning of life, when as yet I only knew the world through books, and + believed it to be all that poets had painted it; and they bring with them + the flavour of those honest days of yore, in which, perhaps with equal + fallacy, I am apt to think the world was more home-bred, social, and + joyous than at present. I regret to say that they are daily growing more + and more faint, being gradually worn away by time, but still more + obliterated by modern fashion. They resemble those picturesque morsels of + Gothic architecture which we see crumbling in various parts of the + country, partly dilapidated by the waste of ages, and partly lost in the + additions and alterations of latter days. Poetry, however, clings with + cherishing fondness about the rural game and holiday revel, from which it + has derived so many of its themes,—as the ivy winds its rich foliage + about the Gothic arch and mouldering tower, gratefully repaying their + support by clasping together their tottering remains, and, as it were, + embalming them in verdure. + </p> + <p> + Of all the old festivals, however, that of Christmas awakens the strongest + and most heartfelt associations. There is a tone of solemn and sacred + feeling that blends with our conviviality, and lifts the spirit to a state + of hallowed and elevated enjoyment. The services of the church about this + season are extremely tender and inspiring. They dwell on the beautiful + story of the origin of our faith, and the pastoral scenes that accompanied + its announcement. They gradually increase in fervour and pathos during the + season of Advent, until they break forth in full jubilee on the morning + that brought peace and good-will to men. I do not know a grander effect of + music on the moral feelings than to hear the full choir and the pealing + organ performing a Christmas anthem in a cathedral, and filling every part + of the vast pile with triumphant harmony. + </p> + <p> + It is a beautiful arrangement, also derived from days of yore, that this + festival, which commemorates the announcement of the religion of peace and + love, has been made the season for gathering together of family + connections, and drawing closer again those bands of kindred hearts which + the cares and pleasures and sorrows of the world are continually operating + to cast loose; of calling back the children of a family who have launched + forth in life, and wandered widely asunder, once more to assemble about + the paternal hearth, that rallying-place of the affections, there to grow + young and loving again among the endearing mementoes of childhood. + </p> + <p> + There is something in the very season of the year that gives a charm to + the festivity of Christmas. At other times we derive a great portion of + our pleasures from the mere beauties of nature. Our feelings sally forth + and dissipate themselves over the sunny landscape, and we "live abroad and + everywhere." The song of the bird, the murmur of the stream, the breathing + fragrance of spring, the soft voluptuousness of summer, the golden pomp of + autumn; earth with its mantle of refreshing green, and heaven with its + deep delicious blue and its cloudy magnificence, all fill us with mute but + exquisite delight, and we revel in the luxury of mere sensation. But in + the depth of winter, when nature lies despoiled of every charm, and + wrapped in her shroud of sheeted snow, we turn for our gratifications to + moral sources. The dreariness and desolation of the landscape, the short + gloomy days and darksome nights, while they circumscribe our wanderings, + shut in our feelings also from rambling abroad, and make us more keenly + disposed for the pleasures of the social circle. Our thoughts are more + concentrated; our friendly sympathies more aroused, we feel more sensibly + the charm of each other's society, and are brought more closely together + by dependence on each other for enjoyment. Heart calleth unto heart; and + we draw our pleasures from the deep wells of living kindness, which lie in + the quiet recesses of our bosoms: and which when resorted to, furnish + forth the pure element of domestic felicity. + </p> + <p> + The pitchy gloom without makes the heart dilate on entering the room + filled with the glow and warmth of the evening fire. The ruddy blaze + diffuses an artificial summer and sunshine through the room, and lights up + each countenance into a kindlier welcome. Where does the honest face of + hospitality expand into a broader and more cordial smile—where is + the shy glance of love more sweetly eloquent—than by the winter + fireside? and as the hollow blast of wintry wind rushes through the hall, + claps the distant door, whistles about the casement, and rumbles down the + chimney, what can be more grateful than that feeling of sober and + sheltered security with which we look around upon the comfortable chamber + and the scene of domestic hilarity? + </p> + <p> + The English, from the great prevalence of rural habits throughout every + class of society, have always been fond of those festivals and holidays + which agreeably interrupt the stillness of country life; and they were, in + former days, particularly observant of the religious and social rites of + Christmas. It is inspiring to read even the dry details which some + antiquarians have given of the quaint humours, the burlesque pageants, the + complete abandonment to mirth and good-fellowship with which this festival + was celebrated. It seemed to throw open every door, and unlock every + heart. It brought the peasant and the peer together, and blended all ranks + in one warm generous flow of joy and kindness. The old halls of castles + and manor-houses resounded with the harp and the Christmas carol, and + their ample boards groaned under the weight of hospitality. Even the + poorest cottage welcomed the festive season with green decorations of bay + and holly—the cheerful fire glanced its rays through the lattice, + inviting the passenger to raise the latch, and join the gossip knot + huddled around the hearth, beguiling the long evening with legendary jokes + and oft-told Christmas tales. + </p> + <p> + One of the least pleasing effects of modern refinement is the havoc it has + made among the hearty old holiday customs. It has completely taken off the + sharp touchings and spirited reliefs of these embellishments of life, and + has worn down society into a more smooth and polished, but certainly a + less characteristic surface. Many of the games and ceremonials of + Christmas have entirely disappeared, and like the sherris sack of old + Falstaff, are become matters of speculation and dispute among + commentators. They flourished in times full of spirit and lustihood, when + men enjoyed life roughly, but heartily and vigorously; times wild and + picturesque, which have furnished poetry with its richest materials, and + the drama with its most attractive variety of characters and manners. The + world has become more worldly. There is more of dissipation, and less of + enjoyment. Pleasure has expanded into a broader, but a shallower stream, + and has forsaken many of those deep and quiet channels where it flowed + sweetly through the calm bosom of domestic life. Society has acquired a + more enlightened and elegant tone; but it has lost many of its strong + local peculiarities, its homebred feelings, its honest fireside delights. + The traditionary customs of golden-hearted antiquity, its feudal + hospitalities, and lordly wassailings, have passed away with the baronial + castles and stately manor-houses in which they were celebrated. They + comported with the shadowy hall, the great oaken gallery, and the + tapestried parlour, but are unfitted to the light showy saloons and gay + drawing-rooms of the modern villa. + </p> + <p> + Shorn, however, as it is, of its ancient and festive honours, Christmas is + still a period of delightful excitement in England. It is gratifying to + see that home feeling completely aroused which seems to hold so powerful a + place in every English bosom. The preparations making on every side for + the social board that is again to unite friends and kindred; the presents + of good cheer passing and repassing, those tokens of regard, and + quickeners of kind feelings; the evergreens distributed about houses and + churches, emblems of peace and gladness; all these have the most pleasing + effect in producing fond associations, and kindling benevolent sympathies. + Even the sound of the waits, rude as may be their minstrelsy, breaks upon + the mid-watches of a winter night with the effect of perfect harmony. As I + have been awakened by them in that still and solemn hour, "when deep sleep + falleth upon man," I have listened with a hushed delight, and, connecting + them with the sacred and joyous occasion, have almost fancied them into + another celestial choir, announcing peace and good-will to mankind. + </p> + <p> + How delightfully the imagination, when wrought upon by these moral + influences, turns everything to melody and beauty: The very crowing of the + cock, who is sometimes heard in the profound repose of the country, + "telling the night-watches to his feathery dames," was thought by the + common people to announce the approach of this sacred festival: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes + Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated, + This bird of dawning singeth all night long: + And then, they say, no spirit dares stir abroad; + The nights are wholesome—then no planets strike, + No fairy takes, no witch hath power to charm, + So hallow'd and so gracious is the time." +</pre> + <p> + Amidst the general call to happiness, the bustle of the spirits, and stir + of the affections, which prevail at this period, what bosom can remain + insensible? It is, indeed, the season of regenerated feeling—the + season for kindling, not merely the fire of hospitality in the hall, but + the genial flame of charity in the heart. + </p> + <p> + The scene of early love again rises green to memory beyond the sterile + waste of years; and the idea of home, fraught with the fragrance of + home-dwelling joys, reanimates the drooping spirit,—as the Arabian + breeze will sometimes waft the freshness of the distant fields to the + weary pilgrim of the desert. + </p> + <p> + Stranger and sojourner as I am in the land,—though for me no social + hearth may blaze, no hospitable roof throw open its doors, nor the warm + grasp of friendship welcome me at the threshold,—yet I feel the + influence of the season beaming into my soul from the happy looks of those + around me. Surely happiness is reflective, like the light of heaven; and + every countenance, bright with smiles, and glowing with innocent + enjoyment, is a mirror transmitting to others the rays of a supreme and + ever shining benevolence. He who can turn churlishly away from + contemplating the felicity of his fellow beings, and sit down darkling and + repining in his loneliness when all around is joyful, may have his moments + of strong excitement and selfish gratification, but he wants the genial + and social sympathies which constitute the charm of a merry Christmas. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + The Stage-coach + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Omne bene + Sine poena + Tempus est ludendi; + Venit hora, + Absque mora + Libros deponendi. + + —Old Holiday School Song. +</pre> + <p> + In the preceding paper I have made some general observations on the + Christmas festivities of England, and am tempted to illustrate them by + some anecdotes of a Christmas passed in the country; in perusing which, I + would most courteously invite my reader to lay aside the austerity of + wisdom, and to put on that genuine holiday spirit which is tolerant of + folly, and anxious only for amusement. + </p> + <p> + In the course of a December tour in Yorkshire, I rode for a long distance + in one of the public coaches, on the day preceding Christmas. The coach + was crowded, both inside and out, with passengers, who, by their talk, + seemed principally bound to the mansions of relations or friends to eat + the Christmas dinner. It was loaded also with hampers of game, and baskets + and boxes of delicacies; and hares hung dangling their long ears about the + coachman's box,—presents from distant friends for the impending + feast. I had three fine rosy-cheeked schoolboys for my fellow passengers + inside, full of the buxom health and manly spirit which I have observed in + the children of this country. They were returning home for the holidays in + high glee, and promising themselves a world of enjoyment. It was + delightful to hear the gigantic plans of pleasure of the little rogues, + and the impracticable feats they were to perform during their six weeks' + emancipation from the abhorred thraldom of book, birch, and pedagogue. + They were full of anticipations of the meeting with the family and + household, down to the very cat and dog; and of the joy they were to give + their little sisters by the presents with which their pockets were + crammed; but the meeting to which they seemed to look forward with the + greatest impatience was with Bantam, which I found to be a pony, and, + according to their talk, possessed of more virtues than any steed since + the days of Bucephalus. How he could trot! how he could run! and then such + leaps as he would take—there was not a hedge in the whole country + that he could not clear. + </p> + <p> + They were under the particular guardianship of the coachman, to whom, + whenever an opportunity presented, they addressed a host of questions, and + pronounced him one of the best fellows in the whole world. Indeed, I could + not but notice the more than ordinary air of bustle and importance of the + coachman, who wore his hat a little on one side, and had a large bunch of + Christmas greens stuck in the button-hole of his coat. He is always a + personage full of mighty care and business, but he is particularly so + during this season, having so many commissions to execute in consequence + of the great interchange of presents. + </p> + <p> + And here, perhaps, it may not be unacceptable to my untravelled readers to + have a sketch that may serve as a general representation of this very + numerous and important class of functionaries who have a dress, a manner, + a language, an air, peculiar to themselves, and prevalent throughout the + fraternity; so that, wherever an English stage-coachman may be seen, he + cannot be mistaken for one of any other craft or mystery. + </p> + <p> + He has commonly a broad, full face, curiously mottled with red, as if the + blood had been forced by hard feeding into every vessel of the skin; he is + swelled into jolly dimensions by frequent potations of malt liquors, and + his bulk is still further increased by a multiplicity of coats, in which + he is buried like a cauliflower, the upper one reaching to his heels. He + wears a broad-brimmed, low-crowned hat; a huge roll of coloured + handkerchief about his neck, knowingly knotted and tucked in at the bosom; + and has in summer-time a large bouquet of flowers in his buttonhole; the + present, most probably, of some enamoured country lass. His waistcoat is + commonly of some bright colour, striped; and his small-clothes extend far + below the knees, to meet a pair of jockey boots which reach about half-way + up his legs. + </p> + <p> + All this costume is maintained with much precision; he has a pride in + having his clothes of excellent materials; and, notwithstanding the + seeming grossness of his appearance, there is still discernible that + neatness and propriety of person which is almost inherent in an + Englishman. He enjoys great consequence and consideration along the road; + has frequent conferences with the village housewives, who look upon him as + a man of great trust and dependence; and he seems to have a good + understanding with every bright-eyed country lass. The moment he arrives + where the horses are to be changed, he throws down the reins with + something of an air, and abandons the cattle to the care of the hostler; + his duty being merely to drive from one stage to another. + </p> + <p> + When off the box, his hands are thrust in the pockets of his greatcoat, + and he rolls about the inn-yard with an air of the most absolute + lordliness. Here he is generally surrounded by an admiring throng of + hostlers, stable-boys, shoe-blacks, and those nameless hangers-on that + infest inns and taverns, and run errands, and do all kinds of odd jobs, + for the privilege of battening on the drippings of the kitchen and the + leakage of the tap-room. These all look up to him as to an oracle; + treasure up his cant phrases; echo his opinions about horses and other + topics of jockey lore; and, above all, endeavour to imitate his air and + carriage. Every ragamuffin that has a coat to his back thrusts his hands + in the pockets, rolls in his gait, talks slang, and is an embryo Coachey. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it might be owing to the pleasing serenity that reigned in my own + mind, that I fancied I saw cheerfulness in every countenance throughout + the journey. A stage-coach, however, carries animation always with it, and + puts the world in motion as it whirls along. The horn, sounded at the + entrance of a village, produces a general bustle. Some hasten forth to + meet friends; some with bundles and bandboxes to secure places, and in the + hurry of the moment can hardly take leave of the group that accompanies + them. In the meantime, the coachman has a world of small commissions to + execute. Sometimes he delivers a hare or pheasant; sometimes jerks a small + parcel or newspaper to the door of a public-house; and sometimes, with + knowing leer and words of sly import, hands to some half-blushing, + half-laughing housemaid an odd-shaped billet-doux from some rustic + admirer. As the coach rattles through the village, every one runs to the + window, and you have glances on every side of fresh country faces, and + blooming, giggling girls. At the corners are assembled juntas of village + idlers and wise men, who take their stations there for the important + purpose of seeing company pass; but the sagest knot is generally at the + blacksmith's, to whom the passing of the coach is an event fruitful of + much speculation. The smith, with the horse's heel in his lap, pauses as + the vehicle whirls by; the Cyclops round the anvil suspend their ringing + hammers, and suffer the iron to grow cool; and the sooty spectre in brown + paper cap, labouring at the bellows, leans on the handle for a moment, and + permits the asthmatic engine to heave a long-drawn sigh, while he glares + through the murky smoke and sulphureous gleams of the smithy. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the impending holiday might have given a more than usual animation + to the country, for it seemed to me as if everybody was in good looks and + good spirits. Game, poultry, and other luxuries of the table, were in + brisk circulation in the villages; the grocers', butchers', and + fruiterers' shops were thronged with customers. The housewives were + stirring briskly about, putting their dwellings in order; and the glossy + branches of holly, with their bright red berries, began to appear at the + windows. The scene brought to mind an old writer's account of Christmas + preparations:—"Now capons and hens, besides turkeys, geese, and + ducks, with beef and mutton—must all die; for in twelve days a + multitude of people will not be fed with a little. Now plums and spice, + sugar and honey, square it among pies and broth. Now or never must music + be in tune, for the youth must dance and sing to get them a heat, while + the aged sit by the fire. The country maid leaves half her market, and + must be sent again, if she forgets a pack of cards on Christmas eve. Great + is the contention of Holly and Ivy, whether master or dame wears the + breeches. Dice and cards benefit the butler; and if the cook do not lack + wit, he will sweetly lick his fingers." + </p> + <p> + I was roused from this fit of luxurious meditation by a shout from my + little travelling companions. They had been looking out of the + coach-windows for the last few miles, recognising every tree and cottage + as they approached home, and now there was a general burst of joy—"There's + John! and there's old Carlo! and there's Bantam!" cried the happy little + rogues, clapping their hands. + </p> + <p> + At the end of a lane there was an old sober-looking servant in livery + waiting for them: he was accompanied by a superannuated pointer, and by + the redoubtable Bantam, a little old rat of a pony, with a shaggy mane and + long, rusty tail, who stood dozing quietly by the roadside, little + dreaming of the bustling times that awaited him. + </p> + <p> + I was pleased to see the fondness with which the little fellows leaped + about the steady old footman, and hugged the pointer, who wriggled his + whole body for joy. But Bantam was the great object of interest; all + wanted to mount at once; and it was with some difficulty that John + arranged that they should ride by turns, and the eldest should ride first. + </p> + <p> + Off they set at last; one on the pony, with the dog bounding and barking + before him, and the others holding John's hands; both talking at once, and + overpowering him by questions about home, and with school anecdotes. I + looked after them with a feeling in which I do not know whether pleasure + or melancholy predominated: for I was reminded of those days when, like + them, I had neither known care nor sorrow, and a holiday was the summit of + earthly felicity. We stopped a few moments afterward to water the horses, + and on resuming our route, a turn of the road brought us in sight of a + neat country seat. I could just distinguish the forms of a lady and two + young girls in the portico, and I saw my little comrades, with Bantam, + Carlo, and old John, trooping along the carriage road. I leaned out of the + coach-window, in hopes of witnessing the happy meeting, but a grove of + trees shut it from my sight. + </p> + <p> + In the evening we reached a village where I had determined to pass the + night. As we drove into the great gateway of the inn, I saw on one side + the light of a rousing kitchen fire beaming through a window. I entered, + and admired, for the hundredth time, that picture of convenience, + neatness, and broad, honest enjoyment, the kitchen of an English inn. It + was of spacious dimensions, hung round with copper and tin vessels, highly + polished, and decorated here and there with a Christmas green. Hams, + tongues, and flitches of bacon were suspended from the ceiling; a + smoke-jack made its ceaseless clanking beside the fireplace, and a clock + ticked in one corner. A well scoured deal table extended along one side of + the kitchen, with a cold round of beef and other hearty viands upon it, + over which two foaming tankards of ale seemed mounting guard. + </p> + <p> + Travellers of inferior order were preparing to attack this stout repast, + while others sat smoking and gossiping over their ale on two high-backed + oaken seats beside the fire. Trim house-maids were hurrying backwards and + forwards under the directions of a fresh, bustling landlady; but still + seizing an occasional moment to exchange a flippant word, and have a + rallying laugh, with the group round the fire. The scene completely + realised Poor Robin's humble idea of the comforts of midwinter. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Now trees their leafy hats do bare, + To reverence Winter's silver hair; + A handsome hostess, merry host, + A pot of ale now and a toast, + Tobacco and a good coal fire, + Are things this season doth require."* +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Poor Robin's Almanack, 1684. +</pre> + <p> + I had not been long at the inn when a postchaise drove up to the door. A + young gentleman stepped out, and by the light of the lamps I caught a + glimpse of a countenance which I thought I knew. I moved forward to get a + nearer view, when his eye caught mine. I was not mistaken; it was Frank + Bracebridge, a sprightly, good-humoured young fellow, with whom I had once + travelled on the Continent. Our meeting was extremely cordial; for the + countenance of an old fellow traveller always brings up the recollection + of a thousand pleasant scenes, odd adventures, and excellent jokes. To + discuss all these in a transient interview at an inn was impossible; and + finding that I was not pressed for time, and was merely making a tour of + observation, he insisted that I should give him a day or two at his + father's country-seat, to which he was going to pass the holidays, and + which lay at a few miles' distance. "It is better than eating a solitary + Christmas dinner at an inn," said he; "and I can assure you of a hearty + welcome in something of the old-fashion style." His reasoning was cogent; + and I must confess the preparation I had seen for universal festivity and + social enjoyment had made me feel a little impatient of my loneliness. I + closed, therefore, at once with his invitation: the chaise drove up to the + door; and in a few moments I was on my way to the family mansion of the + Bracebridges. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Christmas Eve + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Saint Francis and Saint Benedight + Blesse this house from wicked wight, + From the night-mare and the goblin, + That is hight good-fellow Robin; + Keep it from all evil spirits. + Fairies, weezels, rats, and ferrets: + From curfew time + To the next prime. + + —CARTWRIGHT. +</pre> + <p> + It was a brilliant moonlight night, but extremely cold; our chaise whirled + rapidly over the frozen ground; the post-boy smacked his whip incessantly, + and a part of the time his horses were on a gallop. "He knows where he is + going," said my companion, laughing, "and is eager to arrive in time for + some of the merriment and good cheer of the servants' hall. My father, you + must know, is a bigoted devotee of the old school, and prides himself upon + keeping up something of old English hospitality. He is a tolerable + specimen of what you will rarely meet with nowadays in its purity, the old + English country gentleman; for our men of fortune spend so much of their + time in town, and fashion is carried so much into the country, that the + strong, rich peculiarities of ancient rural life are almost polished away. + My father, however, from early years, took honest Peacham* for his + textbook, instead of Chesterfield: he determined, in his own mind, that + there was no condition more truly honourable and enviable than that of a + country gentleman on his paternal lands, and, therefore, passes the whole + of his time on his estate. He is a strenuous advocate for the revival of + the old rural games and holiday observances, and is deeply read in the + writers, ancient and modern, who have treated on the subject. Indeed, his + favourite range of reading is among the authors who flourished at least + two centuries since; who, he insists, wrote and thought more like true + Englishmen than any of their successors. He even regrets sometimes that he + had not been born a few centuries earlier, when England was itself, and + had its peculiar manners and customs. As he lives at some distance from + the main road, in rather a lonely part of the country, without any rival + gentry near him, he has that most enviable of all blessings to an + Englishman, an opportunity of indulging the bent of his own humour without + molestation. Being representative of the oldest family in the + neighbourhood, and a great part of the peasantry being his tenants, he is + much looked up to, and, in general, is known simply by the appellation of + 'The Squire;' a title which has been accorded to the head of the family + since time immemorial. I think it best to give you these hints about my + worthy old father, to prepare you for any little eccentricities that might + otherwise appear absurd." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Peacham's "Complete Gentleman," 1622. +</pre> + <p> + We had passed for some time along the wall of a park, and at length the + chaise stopped at the gate. It was in a heavy, magnificent old style, of + iron bars, fancifully wrought at top into flourishes and flowers. The huge + square columns that supported the gate were surmounted by the family + crest. Close adjoining was the porter's lodge, sheltered under dark + fir-trees, and almost buried in shrubbery. + </p> + <p> + The post-boy rang a large porter's bell, which resounded through the + still, frosty air, and was answered by the distant barking of dogs, with + which the mansion-house seemed garrisoned. An old woman immediately + appeared at the gate. As the moonlight fell strongly upon her, I had full + view of a little primitive dame, dressed very much in the antique taste, + with a neat kerchief and stomacher, and her silver hair peeping from under + a cap of snowy whiteness. She came curtseying forth, with many expressions + of simple joy at seeing her young master. Her husband, it seems, was up at + the house keeping Christmas eve in the servants' hall; they could not do + without him, as he was the best hand at a song and story in the household. + </p> + <p> + My friend proposed that we should alight and walk through the park to the + hall, which was at no great distance, while the chaise should follow on. + Our road wound through a noble avenue of trees, among the naked branches + of which the moon glittered as she rolled through the deep vault of a + cloudless sky. The lawn beyond was sheeted with a slight covering of snow, + which here and there sparkled as the moonbeams caught a frosty crystal; + and at a distance might be seen a thin, transparent vapour, stealing up + from the low grounds, and threatening gradually to shroud the landscape. + </p> + <p> + My companion looked round him with transport:—"How often," said he, + "have I scampered up this avenue, on returning home on school vacations! + How often have I played under these trees when a boy! I feel a degree of + filial reverence for them, as we look up to those who have cherished us in + childhood. My father was always scrupulous in exacting our holidays, and + having us around him on family festivals. He used to direct and + superintend our games with the strictness that some parents do the studies + of their children. He was very particular that we should play the old + English games according to their original form and consulted old books for + precedent and authority for every 'merrie disport;' yet I assure you there + never was pedantry so delightful. It was the policy of the good old + gentleman to make his children feel that home was the happiest place in + the world; and I value this delicious home-feeling as one of the choicest + gifts a parent can bestow." + </p> + <p> + We were interrupted by the clangour of a troop of dogs of all sorts and + sizes, "mongrel, puppy, whelp, and hound, and curs of low degree," that, + disturbed by the ringing of the porter's bell, and the rattling of the + chaise, came bounding, open-mouthed, across the lawn. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The little dogs and all, + Tray, Blanch, and Sweetheart—see, they bark at me!" +</pre> + <p> + cried Bracebridge, laughing. At the sound of his voice the bark was + changed into a yelp of delight, and in a moment he was surrounded and + almost overpowered by the caresses of the faithful animals. + </p> + <p> + We had now come in full view of the old family mansion, partly thrown in + deep shadow, and partly lit up by the cold moonshine. It was an irregular + building of some magnitude, and seemed to be of the architecture of + different periods. One wing was, evidently very ancient, with heavy + stone-shafted bow windows jutting out and overrun with ivy, from among the + foliage of which the small diamond-shaped panes of glass glittered with + the moonbeams. The rest of the house was in the French taste of Charles + the Second's time, having been repaired and altered, as my friend told me, + by one of his ancestors, who returned with that monarch at the + Restoration. The grounds about the house were laid out in the old formal + manner of artificial flower-beds, clipped shrubberies, raised terraces, + and heavy stone balustrades, ornamented with urns, a leaden statue or two, + and a jet of water. The old gentleman, I was told, was extremely careful + to preserve this obsolete finery in all its original state. He admired + this fashion in gardening; it had an air of magnificence, was courtly and + noble, and befitting good old family style. The boasted imitation of + nature in modern gardening had sprung up with modern republican notions, + but did not suit a monarchical government; it smacked of the levelling + system. I could not help smiling at this introduction of politics into + gardening, though I expressed some apprehension that I should find the old + gentleman rather intolerant in his creed. Frank assured me, however, that + it was almost the only instance in which he had ever heard his father + meddle with politics; and he believed that he had got this notion from a + member of Parliament who once passed a few weeks with him. The Squire was + glad of any argument to defend his clipped yew-trees and formal terraces, + which had been occasionally attacked by modern landscape gardeners. + </p> + <p> + As we approached the house, we heard the sound of music, and now and then + a burst of laughter from one end of the building. This, Bracebridge said, + must proceed from the servants' hall, where a great deal of revelry was + permitted, and even encouraged, by the Squire throughout the twelve days + of Christmas, provided everything was done comformably to ancient usage. + Here were kept up the old games of hoodman blind, shoe the wild mare, hot + cockles, steal the white loaf, bob apple and snapdragon: the Yule log and + Christmas candle were regularly burnt, and the mistletoe, with its white + berries, hung up to the imminent peril of all the pretty housemaids.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *<a href="#linknote-1" name="linknoteref-1" id="linknoteref-1"><b>1</b></a> See Note A. +</pre> + <p> + So intent were the servants upon their sports, that we had to ring + repeatedly before we could make ourselves heard. On our arrival being + announced, the Squire came out to receive us, accompanied by his two other + sons; one a young officer in the army, home on leave of absence; the other + an Oxonian, just from the University. The Squire was a fine, + healthy-looking old gentleman, with silver hair curling lightly round an + open, florid countenance; in which a physiognomist, with the advantage, + like myself, of a previous hint or two, might discover a singular mixture + of whim and benevolence. + </p> + <p> + The family meeting was warm and affectionate; as the evening was far + advanced, the Squire would not permit us to change our travelling dresses, + but ushered us at once to the company, which was assembled in a large + old-fashioned hall. It was composed of different branches of a numerous + family connection, where there were the usual proportion of old uncles and + aunts, comfortably married dames, superannuated spinsters, blooming + country cousins, half-fledged striplings, and bright-eyed boarding-school + hoydens. They were variously occupied; some at a round game of cards; + others conversing around the fireplace; at one end of the hall was a group + of the young folks, some nearly grown up, others of a more tender and + budding age, fully engrossed by a merry game; and a profusion of wooden + horses, penny trumpets, and tattered dolls, about the floor, showed traces + of a troop of little fairy beings, who, having frolicked through a happy + day, had been carried off to slumber through a peaceful night. + </p> + <p> + While the mutual greetings were going on between Bracebridge and his + relatives, I had time to scan the apartment. I have called it a hall, for + so it had certainly been in old times, and the Squire had evidently + endeavoured to restore it to something of its primitive state. Over the + heavy projecting fireplace was suspended a picture of a warrior in armour + standing by a white horse, and on the opposite wall hung helmet, buckler, + and lance. At one end an enormous pair of antlers were inserted in the + wall, the branches serving as hooks on which to suspend hats, whips, and + spurs; and in the corners of the apartment were fowling-pieces, + fishing-rods, and other sporting implements. The furniture was of the + cumbrous workmanship of former days, though some articles of modern + convenience had been added, and the oaken floor had been carpeted; so that + the whole presented an odd mixture of parlour and hall. + </p> + <p> + The grate had been removed from the wide overwhelming fireplace, to make + way for a fire of wood, in the midst of which was an enormous log glowing + and blazing, and sending forth a vast volume of light and heat; this I + understood was the Yule-log, which the Squire was particular in having + brought in and illumined on a Christmas eve, according to ancient custom.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *<a href="#linknote-2" name="linknoteref-2" id="linknoteref-2"><b>2</b></a> See Note B. +</pre> + <p> + It was really delightful to see the old Squire seated in his hereditary + elbow-chair by the hospitable fireside of his ancestors, and looking + around him like the sun of a system, beaming warmth and gladness to every + heart. Even the very dog that lay stretched at his feet, as he lazily + shifted his position and yawned, would look fondly up in his master's + face, wag his tail against the floor, and stretch himself again to sleep, + confident of kindness and protection. There is an emanation from the heart + in genuine hospitality which cannot be described, but is immediately felt, + and puts the stranger at once at his ease. I had not been seated many + minutes by the comfortable hearth of the worthy cavalier before I found + myself as much at home as if I had been one of the family. + </p> + <p> + Supper was announced shortly after our arrival. It was served up in a + spacious oaken chamber, the panels of which shone with wax, and around + which were several family portraits decorated with holly and ivy. Beside + the accustomed lights, two great wax tapers, called Christmas candles, + wreathed with greens, were placed on a highly-polished buffet among the + family plate. The table was abundantly spread with substantial fare; but + the Squire made his supper of frumenty, a dish made of wheat cakes boiled + in milk with rich spices, being a standing dish in old times for Christmas + eve. I was happy to find my old friend, minced-pie, in the retinue of the + feast; and finding him to be perfectly orthodox, and that I need not be + ashamed of my predilection, I greeted him with all the warmth wherewith we + usually greet an old and very genteel acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + The mirth of the company was greatly promoted by the humours of an + eccentric personage whom Mr. Bracebridge always addressed with the quaint + appellation of Master Simon. He was a tight, brisk little man, with the + air of an arrant old bachelor. His nose was shaped like the bill of a + parrot; his face slightly pitted with the smallpox, with a dry perpetual + bloom on it, like a frost-bitten leaf in autumn. He had an eye of great + quickness and vivacity, with a drollery and lurking waggery of expression + that was irresistible. He was evidently the wit of the family, dealing + very much in sly jokes and innuendoes with the ladies, and making infinite + merriment by harpings upon old themes; which, unfortunately, my ignorance + of the family chronicles did not permit me to enjoy. It seemed to be his + great delight during supper to keep a young girl next him in a continual + agony of stifled laughter, in spite of her awe of the reproving looks of + her mother, who sat opposite. Indeed, he was the idol of the younger part + of the company, who laughed at everything he said or did, and at every + turn of his countenance. I could not wonder at it; for he must have been a + miracle of accomplishments in their eyes. He could imitate Punch and Judy; + make an old woman of his hand, with the assistance of a burnt cork and + pocket-handkerchief: and cut an orange into such a ludicrous caricature, + that the young folks were ready to die with laughing. + </p> + <p> + I was let briefly into his history by Frank Bracebridge. He was an old + bachelor of a small independent income, which by careful management was + sufficient for all his wants. He revolved through the family system like a + vagrant comet in its orbit; sometimes visiting one branch, and sometimes + another quite remote; as is often the case with gentlemen of extensive + connections and small fortunes in England. He had a chirping, buoyant + disposition, always enjoying the present moment; and his frequent change + of scene and company prevented his acquiring those rusty unaccommodating + habits with which old bachelors are so uncharitably charged. He was a + complete family chronicle, being versed in the genealogy, history, and + intermarriages of the whole house of Bracebridge, which made him a great + favourite with the old folks; he was a beau of all the elder ladies and + superannuated spinsters, among whom he was habitually considered rather a + young fellow, and he was a master of the revels among the children; so + that there was not a more popular being in the sphere in which he moved + than Mr. Simon Bracebridge. Of late years he had resided almost entirely + with the Squire, to whom he had become a factotum, and whom he + particularly delighted by jumping with his humour in respect to old times, + and by having a scrap of an old song to suit every occasion. We had + presently a specimen of his last mentioned talent; for no sooner was + supper removed, and spiced wines and other beverages peculiar to the + season introduced, than Master Simon was called on for a good old + Christmas song. He bethought himself for a moment, and then, with a + sparkle of the eye, and a voice that was by no means bad, excepting that + it ran occasionally into a falsetto, like the notes of a split reed, he + quavered forth a quaint old ditty: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Now Christmas is come, + Let us beat up the drum, + And call all our neighbours together; + And when they appear, + Let us make them such cheer + As will keep out the wind and the weather," + etc. +</pre> + <p> + The supper had disposed every one to gaiety, and an old harper was + summoned from the servants' hall, where he had been strumming all the + evening, and to all appearance comforting himself with some of the + Squire's home-brewed. He was a kind of hanger-on, I was told, of the + establishment, and though ostensibly a resident of the village, was + oftener to be found in the Squire's kitchen than his own home, the old + gentleman being fond of the sound of "harp in hall." + </p> + <p> + The dance, like most dances after supper, was a merry one; some of the + older folks joined in it, and the Squire himself figured down several + couples with a partner with whom he affirmed he had danced at every + Christmas for nearly half a century. Master Simon, who seemed to be a kind + of connecting link between the old times and the new, and to be withal a + little antiquated in the taste of his accomplishments, evidently piqued + himself on his dancing, and was endeavouring to gain credit by the heel + and toe, rigadoon, and other graces of the ancient school; but he had + unluckily assorted himself with a little romping girl from + boarding-school, who, by her wild vivacity, kept him continually on the + stretch, and defeated all his sober attempts at elegance;—such are + the ill-assorted matches to which antique gentlemen are unfortunately + prone! + </p> + <p> + The young Oxonian, on the contrary, had led out one of his maiden aunts, + on whom the rogue played a thousand little knaveries with impunity; he was + full of practical jokes, and his delight was to tease his aunts and + cousins; yet, like all madcap youngsters, he was a universal favourite + among the women. The most interesting couple in the dance was the young + officer and a ward of the Squire's, a beautiful blushing girl of + seventeen. From several shy glances which I had noticed in the course of + the evening, I suspected there was a little kindness growing up between + them; and, indeed, the young soldier was just the hero to captivate a + romantic girl. He was tall, slender, and handsome, and like most young + British officers of late years, had picked up various small + accomplishments on the Continent—he could talk French and Italian—draw + landscapes,—sing very tolerably—dance divinely; but above all + he had been wounded at Waterloo;—what girl of seventeen, well read + in poetry and romance, could resist such a mirror of chivalry and + perfection! + </p> + <p> + The moment the dance was over, he caught up a guitar, and lolling against + the old marble fireplace, in an attitude which I am half inclined to + suspect was studied, began the little French air of the Troubadour. The + Squire, however, exclaimed against having anything on Christmas eve but + good old English; upon which the young minstrel, casting up his eye for a + moment, as if in an effort of memory, struck into another strain, and, + with a charming air of gallantry, gave Herrick's "Night-Piece to Julia:" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Her eyes the glow-worm lend thee, + The shooting stars attend thee, + And the elves also, + Whose little eyes glow + Like the sparks of fire, befriend thee. + + "No Will-o'-the-Wisp mislight thee; + Nor snake or glow-worm bite thee; + But on, on thy way, + Not making a stay, + Since ghost there is none to affright thee. + + "Then let not the dark thee cumber; + What though the moon does slumber, + The stars of the night + Will lend thee their light, + Like tapers clear without number. + + "Then, Julia, let me woo thee, + Thus, thus to come unto me; + And when I shall meet + Thy silvery feet, + My soul I'll pour into thee." +</pre> + <p> + The song might have been intended in compliment to the fair Julia, for so + I found his partner was called, or it might not; she, however, was + certainly unconscious of any such application, for she never looked at the + singer, but kept her eyes cast upon the floor. Her face was suffused, it + is true, with a beautiful blush, and there was a gentle heaving of the + bosom, but all that was doubtless caused by the exercise of the dance; + indeed, so great was her indifference, that she was amusing herself with + plucking to pieces a choice bouquet of hothouse flowers, and by the time + the song was concluded, the nosegay lay in ruins on the floor. + </p> + <p> + The party now broke up for the night with the kind-hearted old custom of + shaking hands. As I passed through the hall, on the way to my chamber, the + dying embers of the Yule-clog still sent forth a dusky glow; and had it + not been the season when "no spirit dares stir abroad," I should have been + half tempted to steal from my room at midnight, and peep whether the + fairies might not be at their revels about the hearth. + </p> + <p> + My chamber was in the old part of the mansion, the ponderous furniture of + which might have been fabricated in the days of the giants. The room was + panelled with cornices of heavy carved work, in which flowers and + grotesque faces were strangely intermingled; and a row of black looking + portraits stared mournfully at me from the walls. The bed was of rich + though faded damask, with a lofty tester, and stood in a niche opposite a + bow window. I had scarcely got into bed when a strain of music seemed to + break forth in the air just below the window. I listened, and found it + proceeded from a band, which I concluded to be the waits from some + neighbouring village. They went round the house, playing under the + windows. + </p> + <p> + I drew aside the curtains, to hear them more distinctly. The moonbeams + fell through the upper part of the casement, partially lighting up the + antiquated apartment. The sounds, as they receded, became more soft and + aerial, and seemed to accord with quiet and moonlight. I listened and + listened—they became more and more tender and remote, and, as they + gradually died away, my head sank upon the pillow and I fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Christmas Day + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dark and dull night, flie hence away, + And give the honour to this day + That Sees December turn'd to May. + . . . . . . . . + Why does the chilling winter's morne + Smile like a field beset with corn? + Or smell like to a meade new-shorne, + Thus on the sudden?—Come and see + The cause why things thus fragrant be. + + —HERRICK. +</pre> + <p> + When I awoke the next morning, it seemed as if all the events of the + preceding evening had been a dream, and nothing but the identity of the + ancient chamber convinced me of their reality. While I lay musing on my + pillow, I heard the sound of little feet pattering outside of the door, + and a whispering consultation. Presently a choir of small voices chanted + forth an old Christmas carol, the burden of which was: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Rejoice, our Saviour he was born + On Christmas Day in the morning." +</pre> + <p> + I rose softly, slipped on my clothes, opened the door suddenly, and beheld + one of the most beautiful little fairy groups that a painter could + imagine. + </p> + <p> + It consisted of a boy and two girls, the eldest not more than six, and + lovely as seraphs. They were going the rounds of the house, and singing at + every chamber-door; but my sudden appearance frightened them into mute + bashfulness. They remained for a moment playing on their lips with their + fingers, and now and then stealing a shy glance, from under their + eyebrows, until, as if by one impulse, they scampered away, and as they + turned an angle of the gallery, I heard them laughing in triumph at their + escape. + </p> + <p> + Everything conspired to produce kind and happy feelings in this stronghold + of old-fashioned hospitality. The window of my chamber looked out upon + what in summer would have been a beautiful landscape. There was a sloping + lawn, a fine stream winding at the foot of it, and a tract of park beyond, + with noble clumps of trees, and herds of deer. At a distance was a neat + hamlet, with the smoke from the cottage chimneys hanging over it; and a + church with its dark spire in strong relief against the clear, cold sky. + The house was surrounded with evergreens, according to the English custom, + which would have given almost an appearance of summer; but the morning was + extremely frosty; the light vapour of the preceding evening had been + precipitated by the cold, and covered all the trees and every blade of + grass with its fine crystallisations. The rays of a bright morning sun had + a dazzling effect among the glittering foliage. A robin, perched upon the + top of a mountain-ash that hung its clusters of red berries just before my + window, was basking himself in the sunshine, and piping a few querulous + notes; and a peacock was displaying all the glories of his train, and + strutting with the pride and gravity of a Spanish grandee on the + terrace-walk below. + </p> + <p> + I had scarcely dressed myself, when a servant appeared to invite me to + family prayers. He showed me the way to a small chapel in the old wing of + the house, where I found the principal part of the family already + assembled in a kind of gallery, furnished with cushions, hassocks, and + large prayer-books; the servants were seated on benches below. The old + gentleman read prayers from a desk in front of the gallery, and Master + Simon acted as clerk, and made the responses; and I must do him the + justice to say that he acquitted himself with great gravity and decorum. + </p> + <p> + The service was followed by a Christmas carol, which Mr. Bracebridge + himself had constructed from a poem of his favourite author, Herrick; and + it had been adapted to an old church melody by Master Simon. As there were + several good voices among the household, the effect was extremely + pleasing; but I was particularly gratified by the exaltation of heart, and + sudden sally of grateful feeling, with which the worthy Squire delivered + one stanza: his eyes glistening, and his voice rambling out of all the + bounds of time and tune: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "'Tis thou that crown'st my glittering hearth + With guiltlesse mirth, + And giv'st me wassaile bowles to drink, + Spiced to the brink: + Lord, 'tis Thy plenty-dropping hand, + That soiles my land; + And giv'st me for my bushell sowne, + Twice ten for one." +</pre> + <p> + I afterwards understood that early morning service was read on every + Sunday and saint's day throughout the year, either by Mr. Bracebridge or + by some member of the family. It was once almost universally the case at + the seats of the nobility and gentry of England, and it is much to be + regretted that the custom is fallen into neglect; for the dullest observer + must be sensible of the order and serenity prevalent in those households, + where the occasional exercise of a beautiful form of worship in the + morning gives, as it were, the key-note to every temper for the day, and + attunes every spirit to harmony. + </p> + <p> + Our breakfast consisted of what the Squire denominated true old English + fare. He indulged in some bitter lamentations over modern breakfasts of + tea-and-toast, which he censured as among the causes of modern effeminacy + and weak nerves, and the decline of old English heartiness; and though he + admitted them to his table to suit the palates of his guests, yet there + was a brave display of cold meats, wine, and ale, on the sideboard. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast I walked about the grounds with Frank Bracebridge and + Master Simon, or Mr. Simon as he was called by everybody but the Squire. + We were escorted by a number of gentleman-like dogs, that seemed loungers + about the establishment; from the frisking spaniel to the steady old + staghound; the last of which was of a race that had been in the family + time out of mind: they were all obedient to a dog-whistle which hung to + Master Simon's buttonhole, and in the midst of their gambols would glance + an eye occasionally upon a small switch he carried in his hand. + </p> + <p> + The old mansion had a still more venerable look in the yellow sunshine + than by pale moonlight; and I could not but feel the force of the Squire's + idea, that the formal terraces, heavily moulded balustrades, and clipped + yew-trees, carried with them an air of proud aristocracy. There appeared + to be an unusual number of peacocks about the place, and I was making some + remarks upon what I termed a flock of them, that were basking under a + sunny wall, when I was gently corrected in my phraseology by Master Simon, + who told me that, according to the most ancient and approved treatise on + hunting, I must say a MUSTER of peacocks. "In the same way," added he, + with a slight air of pedantry, "we say a flight of doves or swallows, a + bevy of quails, a herd of deer, of wrens, or cranes, a skulk of foxes, or + a building of rooks." He went on to inform me, that, according to Sir + Anthony Fitzherbert, we ought to ascribe, to this bird "both understanding + and glory; for, being praised, he will presently set up his tail chiefly + against the sun, to the intent you may the better behold the beauty + thereof. But at the fall of the leaf, when his tail falleth, he will mourn + and hide himself in corners, till his tail come again as it was." + </p> + <p> + I could not help smiling at this display of small erudition on so + whimsical a subject; but I found that the peacocks were birds of some + consequence at the Hall, for Frank Bracebridge informed me that they were + great favourites with his father, who was extremely careful to keep up the + breed; partly because they belonged to chivalry, and were in great request + at the stately banquets of the olden time; and partly because they had a + pomp and magnificence about them, highly becoming an old family mansion. + Nothing, he was accustomed to say, had an air of greater state and dignity + than a peacock perched upon an antique stone balustrade. + </p> + <p> + Master Simon had now to hurry off, having an appointment at the parish + church with the village choristers, who were to perform some music of his + selection. There was something extremely agreeable in the cheerful flow of + animal spirits of the little man; and I confess I had been somewhat + surprised at his apt quotations from authors who certainly were not in the + range of every-day reading. I mentioned this last circumstance to Frank + Bracebridge, who told me with a smile that Master Simon's whole stock of + erudition was confined to some half-a-dozen old authors, which the Squire + had put into his hands, and which he read over and over, whenever he had a + studious fit; as he sometimes had on a rainy day, or a long winter + evening. Sir Anthony Fitzherbert's "Book of Husbandry;" Markham's "Country + Contentments;" the "Tretyse of Hunting," by Sir Thomas Cockayne, Knight; + Izaak Walton's "Angler," and two or three more such ancient worthies of + the pen, were his standard authorities; and, like all men who know but a + few books, he looked up to them with a kind of idolatry, and quoted them + on all occasions. As to his songs, they were chiefly picked out of old + books in the Squire's library, and adapted to tunes that were popular + among the choice spirits of the last century. His practical application of + scraps of literature, however, had caused him to be looked upon as a + prodigy of book-knowledge by all the grooms, huntsmen, and small sportsmen + of the neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + While we were talking we heard the distant toll of the village bell, and I + was told that the Squire was a little particular in having his household + at church on a Christmas morning; considering it a day of pouring out of + thanks and rejoicing; for, as old Tusser observed: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "At Christmas be merry, and thankful withal, + And feast thy poor neighbours, the great and the small." +</pre> + <p> + "If you are disposed to go to church," said Frank Bracebridge, "I can + promise you a specimen of my cousin Simon's musical achievements. As the + church is destitute of an organ, he has formed a band from the village + amateurs, and established a musical club for their improvement; he has + also sorted a choir, as he sorted my father's pack of hounds, according to + the directions of Jervaise Markham, in his 'Country Contentments;' for the + bass he has sought out all the 'deep solemn mouths,' and for the tenor the + 'loud ringing mouths,' among the country bumpkins; and for 'sweet mouths,' + he has culled with curious taste among the prettiest lasses in the + neighbourhood; though these last, he affirms, are the most difficult to + keep in tune; your pretty female singer being exceedingly wayward and + capricious, and very liable to accident." + </p> + <p> + As the morning, though frosty, was remarkably fine and clear, the most of + the family walked to the church, which was a very old building of gray + stone, and stood near a village, about half a mile from the park gate. + Adjoining it was a low snug parsonage, which seemed coeval with the + church. The front of it was perfectly matted with a yew-tree that had been + trained against its walls, through the dense foliage of which apertures + had been formed to admit light into the small antique lattices. As we + passed this sheltered nest, the parson issued forth and preceded us. + </p> + <p> + I had expected to see a sleek, well-conditioned pastor, such as is often + found in a snug living in the vicinity of a rich patron's table; but I was + disappointed. The parson was a little, meagre, black-looking man, with a + grizzled wig that was too wide, and stood off from each ear; so that his + head seemed to have shrunk away within it, like a dried filbert in its + shell. He wore a rusty coat, with great skirts, and pockets that would + have held the church Bible and prayer-book; and his small legs seemed + still smaller, from being planted in large shoes decorated with enormous + buckles. + </p> + <p> + I was informed by Frank Bracebridge that the parson had been a chum of his + father's at Oxford, and had received this living shortly after the latter + had come to his estate. He was a complete black-letter hunter, and would + scarcely read a work printed in the Roman character. The editions of + Caxton and Wynkin de Worde were his delight; and he was indefatigable in + his researches after such old English writers as have fallen into oblivion + from their worthlessness. In deference, perhaps, to the notions of Mr. + Bracebridge, he had made diligent investigations into the festive rites + and holiday customs of former times; and had been as zealous in the + inquiry as if he had been a boon companion; but it was merely with that + plodding spirit with which men of adust temperament follow up any track of + study, merely because it is denominated learning; indifferent to its + intrinsic nature, whether it be the illustration of the wisdom, or of the + ribaldry and obscenity of antiquity. He had pored over these old volumes + so intensely, that they seemed to have been reflected into his countenance + indeed; which, if the face be an index of the mind, might be compared to a + title-page of black-letter. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the church porch, we found the parson rebuking the gray-headed + sexton for having used mistletoe among the greens with which the church + was decorated. It was, he observed, an unholy plant, profaned by having + been used by the Druids in their mystic ceremonies; and though it might be + innocently employed in the festive ornamenting of halls and kitchens, yet + it had been deemed by the Fathers of the Church as unhallowed, and totally + unfit for sacred purposes. So tenacious was he on this point, that the + poor sexton was obliged to strip down a great part of the humble trophies + of his taste, before the parson would consent to enter upon the service of + the day. + </p> + <p> + The interior of the church was venerable but simple; on the walls were + several mural monuments of the Bracebridges, and just beside the altar was + a tomb of ancient workmanship, on which lay the effigy of a warrior in + armour, with his legs crossed, a sign of his having been a crusader. I was + told it was one of the family who had signalised himself in the Holy Land, + and the same whose picture hung over the fireplace in the hall. + </p> + <p> + During service, Master Simon stood up in the pew, and repeated the + responses very audibly; evincing that kind of ceremonious devotion + punctually observed by a gentleman of the old school, and a man of old + family connections. I observed, too, that he turned over the leaves of a + folio prayer-book with something of a flourish; possibly to show off an + enormous seal-ring which enriched one of his fingers, and which had the + look of a family relic. But he was evidently most solicitous about the + musical part of the service, keeping his eye fixed intently on the choir, + and beating time with much gesticulation and emphasis. + </p> + <p> + The orchestra was in a small gallery, and presented a most whimsical + grouping of heads, piled one above the other, among which I particularly + noticed that of the village tailor, a pale fellow with a retreating + forehead and chin, who played on the clarionet, and seemed to have blown + his face to a point; and there was another, a short pursy man, stooping + and labouring at a bass viol, so as to show nothing but the top of a round + bald head, like the egg of an ostrich. There were two or three pretty + faces among the female singers, to which the keen air of a frosty morning + had given a bright rosy tint; but the gentlemen choristers had evidently + been chosen, like old Cremona fiddles, more for tone than looks; and as + several had to sing from the same book, there were clusterings of odd + physiognomies, not unlike those groups of cherubs we sometimes see on + country tombstones. + </p> + <p> + The usual services of the choir were managed tolerably well, the vocal + parts generally lagging a little behind the instrumental, and some + loitering fiddler now and then making up for lost time by travelling over + a passage with prodigious celerity, and clearing more bars than the + keenest fox-hunter to be in at the death. But the great trial was an + anthem that had been prepared and arranged by Master Simon, and on which + he had founded great expectation. Unluckily there was a blunder at the + very outset; the musicians became flurried; Master Simon was in a fever; + everything went on lamely and irregularly until they came to a chorus + beginning "Now let us sing with one accord," which seemed to be a signal + for parting company: all became discord and confusion; each shifted for + himself, and got to the end as well, or rather as soon, as he could, + excepting one old chorister in a pair of horn spectacles bestriding and + pinching a long sonorous nose; who, happening to stand a little apart, and + being wrapped up in his own melody, kept on a quavering course, wriggling + his head, ogling his book, and winding all up by a nasal solo of at least + three bars' duration. + </p> + <p> + The parson gave us a most erudite sermon on the rites and ceremonies of + Christmas, and the propriety of observing it not merely as a day of + thanksgiving, but of rejoicing; supporting the correctness of his opinions + by the earliest usages of the Church, and enforcing them by the + authorities of Theophilus of Cesarea, St. Cyprian, St. Chrysostom, St. + Augustine, and a cloud more of Saints and Fathers, from whom he made + copious quotations. I was a little at a loss to perceive the necessity of + such a mighty array of forces to maintain a point which no one present + seemed inclined to dispute; but I soon found that the good man had a + legion of ideal adversaries to contend with; having, in the course of his + researches on the subject of Christmas, got completely embroiled in the + sectarian controversies of the Revolution, when the Puritans made such a + fierce assault upon the ceremonies of the Church, and poor old Christmas + was driven out of the land by proclamation of Parliament.* The worthy + parson lived but with times past, and knew but a little of the present. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *<a href="#linknote-3" name="linknoteref-3" id="linknoteref-3"><b>3</b></a> See Note C. +</pre> + <p> + Shut up among worm-eaten tomes in the retirement of his antiquated little + study, the pages of old times were to him as the gazettes of the day; + while the era of the Revolution was mere modern history. He forgot that + nearly two centuries had elapsed since the fiery persecution of poor + mince-pie throughout the land; when plum-porridge was denounced as "mere + popery," and roast beef as antichristian; and that Christmas had been + brought in again triumphantly with the merry court of King Charles at the + Restoration. He kindled into warmth with the ardour of his contest, and + the host of imaginary foes with whom he had to combat; had a stubborn + conflict with old Prynne and two or three other forgotten champions of the + Round-heads, on the subject of Christmas festivity; and concluded by + urging his hearers, in the most solemn and affecting manner, to stand to + the traditionary customs of their fathers, and feast and make merry on + this joyful anniversary of the Church. + </p> + <p> + I have seldom known a sermon attended apparently with more immediate + effects; for, on leaving the church, the congregation seemed one and all + possessed with the gaiety of spirit so earnestly enjoined by their pastor. + The elder folks gathered in knots in the churchyard, greeting and shaking + hands; and the children ran about crying, Ule! Ule! and repeating some + uncouth rhymes,* which the parson, who had joined us, informed me had been + handed down from days of yore. The villagers doffed their hats to the + Squire as he passed, giving him the good wishes of the season with every + appearance of heartfelt sincerity, and were invited by him to the Hall, to + take something to keep out the cold of the weather; and I heard blessings + uttered by several of the poor, which convinced me that, in the midst of + his enjoyments, the worthy old cavalier had not forgotten the true + Christmas virtue of charity. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * "Ule! Ule! + Three puddings in a pule; + Crack nuts and cry ule!" +</pre> + <p> + On our way homeward his heart seemed overflowing with generous and happy + feelings. As we passed over a rising ground which commanded something of a + prospect, the sounds of rustic merriment now and then reached our ears; + the Squire paused for a few moments, and looked around with an air of + inexpressible benignity. The beauty of the day was of itself sufficient to + inspire philanthropy. Notwithstanding the frostiness of the morning, the + sun in his cloudless journey had acquired sufficient power to melt away + the thin covering of snow from every southern declivity, and to bring out + the living green which adorns an English landscape even in midwinter. + Large tracts of smiling verdure contrasted with the dazzling whiteness of + the shaded slopes and hollows. Every sheltered bank on which the broad + rays rested yielded its silver rill of cold and limpid water, glittering + through the dripping grass; and sent up slight exhalations to contribute + to the thin haze that hung just above the surface of the earth. There was + something truly cheering in this triumph of warmth and verdure over the + frosty thraldom of winter; it was, as the Squire observed, an emblem of + Christmas hospitality, breaking through the chills of ceremony and + selfishness, and thawing every heart into a flow. He pointed with pleasure + to the indications of good cheer reeking from the chimneys of the + comfortable farmhouses and low, thatched cottages. "I love," said he, "to + see this day well kept by rich and poor; it is a great thing to have one + day in the year, at least, when you are sure of being welcome wherever you + go, and of having, as it were, the world all thrown open to you; and I am + almost disposed to join with Poor Robin, in his malediction of every + churlish enemy to this honest festival: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "'Those who at Christmas do repine, + And would fain hence despatch him, + May they with old Duke Humphry dine, + Or else may Squire Ketch catch 'em.'" +</pre> + <p> + The Squire went on to lament the deplorable decay of the games and + amusements which were once prevalent at this season among the lower + orders, and countenanced by the higher: when the old halls of castles and + manor-houses were thrown open at daylight; when the tables were covered + with brawn, and beef, and humming ale; when the harp and the carol + resounded all day long, and when rich and poor were alike welcome to enter + and make merry.* "Our old games and local customs," said he, "had a great + effect in making the peasant fond of his home, and the promotion of them, + by the gentry made him fond of his lord. They made the times merrier, and + kinder, and better; and I can truly say, with one of our old poets: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "'I like them well—the curious preciseness + And all-pretended gravity of those + That seek to banish hence these harmless sports, + Have thrust away much ancient honesty.' +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *<a href="#linknote-4" name="linknoteref-4" id="linknoteref-4"><b>4</b></a> See Note D. +</pre> + <p> + "The nation," continued he, "is altered; we have almost lost our simple, + true-hearted peasantry. They have broken asunder from the higher classes, + and seem to think their interests are separate. They have become too + knowing, and begin to read newspapers, listen to alehouse politicians, and + talk of reform. I think one mode to keep them in good humour in these hard + times would be for the nobility and gentry to pass more time on their + estates, mingle more among the country people, and set the merry old + English games going again." + </p> + <p> + Such was the good Squire's project for mitigating public discontent; and, + indeed, he had once attempted to put his doctrine in practice, and a few + years before had kept open house during the holidays in the old style. The + country people, however, did not understand how to play their parts in the + scene of hospitality; many uncouth circumstances occurred; the manor was + overrun by all the vagrants of the country, and more beggars drawn into + the neighbourhood in one week than the parish officers could get rid of in + a year. Since then, he had contented himself with inviting the decent part + of the neighbouring peasantry to call at the Hall on Christmas Day, and + distributing beef, and bread, and ale, among the poor, that they might + make merry in their own dwellings. + </p> + <p> + We had not been long home when the sound of music was heard from a + distance. A band of country lads, without coats, their shirt-sleeves + fancifully tied with ribands, their hats decorated with greens, and clubs + in their hands, were seen advancing up the avenue, followed by a large + number of villagers and peasantry. They stopped before the hall door, + where the music struck up a peculiar air, and the lads performed a curious + and intricate dance, advancing, retreating, and striking their clubs + together, keeping exact time to the music; while one, whimsically crowned + with a fox's skin, the tail of which flaunted down his back, kept capering + around the skirts of the dance, and rattling a Christmas-box with many + antic gesticulations. + </p> + <p> + The Squire eyed this fanciful exhibition with great interest and delight, + and gave me a full account of its origin, which he traced to the times + when the Romans held possession of the island; plainly proving that this + was a lineal descendant of the sword-dance of the ancients. "It was now," + he said, "nearly extinct, but he had accidentally met with traces of it in + the neighbourhood, and had encouraged its revival; though, to tell the + truth, it was too apt to be followed up by rough cudgel-play and broken + heads in the evening." + </p> + <p> + After the dance was concluded, the whole party was entertained with brawn + and beef, and stout home-brewed. The Squire himself mingled among the + rustics, and was received with awkward demonstrations of deference and + regard. + </p> + <p> + It is true, I perceived two or three of the younger peasants, as they were + raising their tankards to their mouths when the Squire's back was turned, + making something of a grimace, and giving each other the wink; but the + moment they caught my eye they pulled grave faces, and were exceedingly + demure. With Master Simon, however, they all seemed more at their ease. + </p> + <p> + His varied occupations and amusements had made him well known throughout + the neighbourhood. He was a visitor at every farmhouse and cottage; + gossiped with the farmers and their wives; romped with their daughters; + and, like that type of a vagrant bachelor, the bumblebee, tolled the + sweets from all the rosy lips of the country around. + </p> + <p> + The bashfulness of the guests soon gave way before good cheer and + affability. There is something genuine and affectionate in the gaiety of + the lower orders, when it is excited by the bounty and familiarity of + those above them; the warm glow of gratitude enters into their mirth, and + a kind word or a small pleasantry, frankly uttered by a patron, gladdens + the heart of the dependant more than oil and wine. When the Squire had + retired, the merriment increased, and there was much joking and laughter, + particularly between Master Simon and a hale, ruddy-faced, white-headed + farmer, who appeared to be the wit of the village; for I observed all his + companions to wait with open mouths for his retorts, and burst into a + gratuitous laugh before they could well understand them. + </p> + <p> + The whole house, indeed, seemed abandoned to merriment. As I passed to my + room to dress for dinner, I heard the sound of music in a small court, + and, looking through a window that commanded it, I perceived a band of + wandering musicians, with pandean pipes and tambourine; a pretty, + coquettish housemaid was dancing a jig with a smart country lad, while + several of the other servants were looking on. In the midst of her sport + the girl caught a glimpse of my face at the window, and, colouring up, ran + off with an air of roguish affected confusion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + The Christmas Dinner + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Lo, now is come the joyful'st feast! + Let every man be jolly, + Eache roome with yvie leaves is drest, + And every post with holly. + Now all our neighbours' chimneys smoke, + And Christmas blocks are burning; + Their ovens they with bak't meats choke, + And all their spits are turning. + Without the door let sorrow lie, + And if, for cold, it hap to die, + We'll bury't in a Christmas pye, + And evermore be merry. + + —WITHERS'S Juvenilia. +</pre> + <p> + I had finished my toilet, and was loitering with Frank Bracebridge in the + library, when we heard a distant thwacking sound, which he informed me was + a signal for the serving up of the dinner. The Squire kept up old customs + in kitchen as well as hall; and the rolling-pin, struck upon the dresser + by the cook, summoned the servants to carry in the meats. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Just in this nick the cook knock'd thrice, + And all the waiters in a trice + His summons did obey; + Each serving man, with dish in hand, + March'd boldly up, like our train-band, + Presented and away."* +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Sir John Suckling. +</pre> + <p> + The dinner was served up in the great hall, where the Squire always held + his Christmas banquet. A blazing, crackling fire of logs had been heaped + on to warm the spacious apartment, and the flame went sparkling and + wreathing up the wide-mouthed chimney. The great picture of the crusader + and his white horse had been profusely decorated with greens for the + occasion; and holly and ivy had likewise been wreathed around the helmet + and weapons on the opposite wall, which I understood were the arms of the + same warrior. I must own, by the by, I had strong doubts about the + authenticity of painting and armour as having belonged to the crusader, + they certainly having the stamp of more recent days; but I was told that + the painting had been so considered time out of mind; and that as to the + armour, it had been found in a lumber room, and elevated to its present + situation by the Squire, who at once determined it to be the armour of the + family hero; and as he was absolute authority on all such subjects to his + own household, the matter had passed into current acceptation. A sideboard + was set out just under this chivalric trophy, on which was a display of + plate that might have vied (at least in variety) with Belshazzar's parade + of the vessels of the Temple: "flagons, cans, cups, beakers, goblets, + basins, and ewers;" the gorgeous utensils of good companionship, that had + gradually accumulated through many generations of jovial housekeepers. + Before these stood the two Yule candles, beaming like two stars of the + first magnitude: other lights were distributed in branches, and the whole + array glittered like a firmament of silver. + </p> + <p> + We were ushered into this banqueting scene with the sound of minstrelsy, + the old harper being seated on a stool beside the fireplace, and twanging + his instrument with a vast deal more power than melody. Never did + Christmas board display a more goodly and gracious assemblage of + countenances; those who were not handsome were, at least, happy; and + happiness is a rare improver of your hard-favoured visage. + </p> + <p> + I always consider an old English family as well worth studying as a + collection of Holbein's portraits or Albert Durer's prints. There is much + antiquarian lore to be acquired; much knowledge of the physiognomies of + former times. Perhaps it may be from having continually before their eyes + those rows of old family portraits, with which the mansions of this + country are stocked; certain it is, that the quaint features of antiquity + are often most faithfully perpetuated in these ancient lines; and I have + traced an old family nose through a whole picture-gallery, legitimately + handed down from generation to generation, almost from the time of the + Conquest. Something of the kind was to be observed in the worthy company + around me. Many of their faces had evidently originated in a Gothic age, + and been merely copied by succeeding generations; and there was one little + girl, in particular, of staid demeanour, with a high Roman nose, and an + antique vinegar aspect, who was a great favourite of the Squire's, being, + as he said, a Bracebridge all over, and the very counterpart of one of his + ancestors who figured in the court of Henry VIII. + </p> + <p> + The parson said grace, which was not a short, familiar one, such as is + commonly addressed to the Deity, in these unceremonious days; but a long, + courtly, well-worded one of the ancient school. + </p> + <p> + There was now a pause, as if something was expected; when suddenly the + butler entered the hall with some degree of bustle; he was attended by a + servant on each side with a large wax-light, and bore a silver dish, on + which was an enormous pig's head, decorated with rosemary, with a lemon in + its mouth, which was placed with great formality at the head of the table. + The moment this pageant made its appearance, the harper struck up a + flourish; at the conclusion of which the young Oxonian, on receiving a + hint from the Squire, gave, with an air of the most comic gravity, an old + carol, the first verse of which was as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Caput apri defero + Reddens laudes Domino. + The boar's head in hand bring I, + With garlands gay and rosemary. + I pray you all synge merily + Qui estis in convivio." +</pre> + <p> + Though prepared to witness many of these little eccentricities, from being + apprised of the peculiar hobby of mine host; yet, I confess, the parade + with which so odd a dish was introduced somewhat perplexed me, until I + gathered from the conversation of the Squire and the parson that it was + meant to represent the bringing in of the boar's head: a dish formerly + served up with much ceremony, and the sound of minstrelsy and song, at + great tables on Christmas Day. "I like the old custom," said the Squire, + "not merely because it is stately and pleasing in itself, but because it + was observed at the College of Oxford, at which I was educated. When I + hear the old song chanted, it brings to mind the time when I was young and + gamesome—and the noble old college-hall—and my fellow students + loitering about in their black gowns; many of whom, poor lads, are now in + their graves!" + </p> + <p> + The parson, however, whose mind was not haunted by such associations, and + who was always more taken up with the text than the sentiment, objected to + the Oxonian's version of the carol: which he affirmed was different from + that sung at college. He went on, with the dry perseverance of a + commentator, to give the college reading, accompanied by sundry + annotations: addressing himself at first to the company at large; but + finding their attention gradually diverted to other talk, and other + objects, he lowered his tone as his number of auditors diminished, until + he concluded his remarks, in an under voice, to a fat-headed old gentleman + next him, who was silently engaged in the discussion of a huge plateful of + turkey.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *<a href="#linknote-5" name="linknoteref-5" id="linknoteref-5"><b>5</b></a> See Note E. +</pre> + <p> + The table was literally loaded with good cheer, and presented an epitome + of country abundance, in this season of overflowing larders. A + distinguished post was allotted to "ancient sirloin," as mine host termed + it; being, as he added, "the standard of old English hospitality, and a + joint of goodly presence, and full of expectation." + </p> + <p> + There were several dishes quaintly decorated, and which had evidently + something traditionary in their embellishments; but about which, as I did + not like to appear over curious, I asked no questions. I could not, + however, but notice a pie, magnificently decorated with peacocks' + feathers, in imitation of the tail of that bird, which overshadowed a + considerable tract of the table. This, the Squire confessed, with some + little hesitation, was a pheasant-pie, though a peacock-pie was certainly + the most authentical; but there had been such a mortality among the + peacocks this season, that he could not prevail upon himself to have one + killed.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *<a href="#linknote-6" name="linknoteref-6" id="linknoteref-6"><b>6</b></a> See Note F. +</pre> + <p> + It would be tedious, perhaps, to my wiser readers, who may not have that + foolish fondness for odd and obsolete things to which I am a little given, + were I to mention the other makeshifts of this worthy old humourist, by + which he was endeavouring to follow up, though at humble distance, the + quaint customs of antiquity. I was pleased, however, to see the respect + shown to his whims by his children and relatives; who, indeed, entered + readily into the full spirit of them, and seemed all well versed in their + parts; having doubtless been present at many a rehearsal. I was amused, + too, at the air of profound gravity with which the butler and other + servants executed the duties assigned them, however eccentric. They had an + old-fashioned look; having, for the most part, been brought up in the + household, and grown into keeping with the antiquated mansion, and the + humours of its lord; and most probably looked upon all his whimsical + regulations as the established laws of honourable housekeeping. When the + cloth was removed, the butler brought in a huge silver vessel of rare and + curious workmanship, which he placed before the Squire. Its appearance was + hailed with acclamation; being the Wassail Bowl, so renowned in Christmas + festivity. The contents had been prepared by the Squire himself; for it + was a beverage in the skilful mixture of which he particularly prided + himself, alleging that it was too abstruse and complex for the + comprehension of an ordinary servant. It was a potation, indeed, that + might well make the heart of a toper leap within him; being composed of + the richest and raciest wines, highly spiced and sweetened, with roasted + apples bobbing about the surface.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *<a href="#linknote-7" name="linknoteref-7" id="linknoteref-7"><b>7</b></a> See Note G. +</pre> + <p> + The old gentleman's whole countenance beamed with a serene look of + indwelling delight, as he stirred this mighty bowl. Having raised it to + his lips, with a hearty wish of a merry Christmas to all present, he sent + it brimming, around the board, for every one to follow his example, + according to the primitive style; pronouncing it "the ancient fountain of + good feeling, where all hearts met together."* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *<a href="#linknote-8" name="linknoteref-8" id="linknoteref-8"><b>8</b></a> See Note H. +</pre> + <p> + There was much laughing and rallying, as the honest emblem of Christmas + joviality circulated, and was kissed rather coyly by the ladies. When it + reached Master Simon he raised it in both hands, and with the air of a + boon companion struck up an old Wassail chanson: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The browne bowle, + The merry browne bowle, + As it goes round about-a, + Fill + Still, + Let the world say what it will, + And drink your fill all out-a. + + The deep canne, + The merry deep canne, + As thou dost freely quaff-a, + Sing, + Fling, + Be as merry as a king, + And sound a lusty laugh-a.* +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * From "Poor Robin's Almanack." +</pre> + <p> + Much of the conversation during dinner turned upon family topics, to which + I was a stranger. There was, however, a great deal of rallying of Master + Simon about some gay widow, with whom he was accused of having a + flirtation. This attack was commenced by the ladies; but it was continued + throughout the dinner by the fat-headed old gentleman next the parson, + with the persevering assiduity of a slow-hound; being one of those + long-winded jokers, who, though rather dull at starting game, are + unrivalled for their talents in hunting it down. At every pause in the + general conversation, he renewed his bantering in pretty much the same + terms; winking hard at me with both eyes whenever he gave Master Simon + what he considered a home thrust. The latter, indeed, seemed fond of being + teased on the subject, as old bachelors are apt to be; and he took + occasion to inform me, in an undertone, that the lady in question was a + prodigiously fine woman, and drove her own curricle. + </p> + <p> + The dinner-time passed away in this flow of innocent hilarity; and, though + the old hall may have resounded in its time with many a scene of broader + rout and revel, yet I doubt whether it ever witnessed more honest and + genuine enjoyment. How easy it is for one benevolent being to diffuse + pleasure around him; and how truly is a kind heart a fountain of gladness, + making everything in its vicinity to freshen into smiles! The joyous + disposition of the worthy Squire was perfectly contagious; he was happy + himself, and disposed to make all the world happy; and the little + eccentricities of his humour did but season, in a manner, the sweetness of + his philanthropy. + </p> + <p> + When the ladies had retired, the conversation, as usual, became still more + animated; many good things were broached which had been thought of during + dinner, but which would not exactly do for a lady's ear; and though I + cannot positively affirm that there was much wit uttered, yet I have + certainly heard many contests of rare wit produce much less laughter. Wit, + after all, is a mighty tart, pungent ingredient, and much too acid for + some stomachs; but honest good humour is the oil and wine of a merry + meeting, and there is no jovial companionship equal to that where the + jokes are rather small, and the laughter abundant. The Squire told several + long stories of early college pranks and adventures, in some of which the + parson had been a sharer; though in looking at the latter, it required + some effort of imagination to figure such a little dark anatomy of a man + into the perpetrator of a madcap gambol. Indeed, the two college chums + presented pictures of what men may be made by their different lots in + life. The Squire had left the university to live lustily on his paternal + domains, in the vigorous enjoyment of prosperity and sunshine, and had + flourished on to a hearty and florid old age; whilst the poor parson, on + the contrary, had dried and withered away, among dusty tomes, in the + silence and shadows of his study. + </p> + <p> + Still there seemed to be a spark of almost extinguished fire, feebly + glimmering in the bottom of his soul; and as the Squire hinted at a sly + story of the parson and a pretty milkmaid, whom they once met on the banks + of the Isis, the old gentleman made an "alphabet of faces," which, as far + as I could decipher his physiognomy, I verily believe was indicative of + laughter;—indeed, I have rarely met with an old gentleman who took + absolutely offence at the imputed gallantries of his youth. + </p> + <p> + I found the tide of wine and wassail fast gaining on the dry land of sober + judgment. The company grew merrier and louder as their jokes grew duller. + Master Simon was in as chirping a humour as a grasshopper filled with dew; + his old songs grew of a warmer complexion, and he began to talk maudlin + about the widow. He even gave a long song about the wooing of a widow, + which he informed me he had gathered from an excellent black-letter work, + entitled "Cupid's Solicitor for Love," containing store of good advice for + bachelors, and which he promised to lend me. The first verse was to this + effect: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "He that will woo a widow must not dally, + He must make hay while the sun doth shine; + He must not stand with her, Shall I, Shall I? + But boldly say, Widow, thou must be mine." +</pre> + <p> + This song inspired the fat-headed old gentleman, who made several attempts + to tell a rather broad story out of Joe Miller, that was pat to the + purpose; but he always stuck in the middle, everybody recollecting the + latter part excepting himself. The parson, too, began to show the effects + of good cheer, having gradually settled down into a doze, and his wig + sitting most suspiciously on one side. Just at this juncture we were + summoned to the drawing-room, and, I suspect, at the private instigation + of mine host, whose joviality seemed always tempered with a proper love of + decorum. + </p> + <p> + After the dinner-table was removed, the hall was given up to the younger + members of the family, who, prompted to all kind of noisy mirth by the + Oxonian and Master Simon, made its old walls ring with their merriment, as + they played at romping games. I delight in witnessing the gambols of + children, and particularly at this happy holiday-season, and could not + help stealing out of the drawing-room on hearing one of their peals of + laughter. I found them at the game of blind-man's buff. Master Simon, who + was the leader of their revels, and seemed on all occasions to fulfil the + office of that ancient potentate, the Lord of Misrule,* was blinded in the + midst of the hall. The little beings were as busy about him as the mock + fairies about Falstaff; pinching him, plucking at the skirts of his coat, + and tickling him with straws. One fine blue-eyed girl of about thirteen, + with her flaxen hair all in beautiful confusion, her frolic face in a + glow, her frock half torn off her shoulders, a complete picture of a romp, + was the chief tormentor; and from the slyness with which Master Simon + avoided the smaller game, and hemmed this wild little nymph in corners, + and obliged her to jump shrieking over chairs, I suspected the rogue of + being not a whit more blinded than was convenient. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *<a href="#linknote-9" name="linknoteref-9" id="linknoteref-9"><b>9</b></a> See Note I. +</pre> + <p> + When I returned to the drawing-room, I found the company seated around the + fire, listening to the parson, who was deeply ensconced in a high-backed + oaken chair, the work of some cunning artificer of yore, which had been + brought from the library for his particular accommodation. From this + venerable piece of furniture, with which his shadowy figure and dark + weazen face so admirably accorded, he was dealing forth strange accounts + of popular superstitions and legends of the surrounding country, with + which he had become acquainted in the course of his antiquarian + researches. I am half inclined to think that the old gentleman was himself + somewhat tinctured with superstition, as men are very apt to be who live a + recluse and studious life in a sequestered part of the country, and pore + over black-letter tracts, so often filled with the marvellous and + supernatural. He gave us several anecdotes of the fancies of the + neighbouring peasantry, concerning the effigy of the crusader which lay on + the tomb by the church altar. As it was the only monument of the kind in + that part of the country, it had always been regarded with feelings of + superstition by the goodwives of the village. It was said to get up from + the tomb and walk the rounds of the churchyard in stormy nights, + particularly when it thundered; and one old woman, whose cottage bordered + on the churchyard, had seen it, through the windows of the church, when + the moon shone, slowly pacing up and down the aisles. It was the belief + that some wrong had been left unredressed by the deceased, or some + treasure hidden, which kept the spirit in a state of trouble and + restlessness. Some talked of gold and jewels buried in the tomb, over + which the spectre kept watch; and there was a story current of a sexton in + old times who endeavoured to break his way to the coffin at night; but + just as he reached it, received a violent blow from the marble hand of the + effigy, which stretched him senseless on the pavement. These tales were + often laughed at by some of the sturdier among the rustics, yet when night + came on, there were many of the stoutest unbelievers that were shy of + venturing alone in the footpath that led across the churchyard. From these + and other anecdotes that followed, the crusader appeared to be the + favourite hero of ghost stories throughout the vicinity. His picture, + which hung up in the hall, was thought by the servants to have something + supernatural about it; for they remarked that, in whatever part of the + hall you went, the eyes of the warrior were still fixed on you. The old + porter's wife, too, at the lodge, who had been born and brought up in the + family, and was a great gossip among the maid servants, affirmed that in + her young days she had often heard say that on Midsummer eve, when it is + well known all kinds of ghosts, goblins, and fairies become visible and + walk abroad, the crusader used to mount his horse, come down from his + picture, ride about the house, down the avenue, and so to the church to + visit the tomb; on which occasion the church door most civilly swung open + of itself: not that he needed it; for he rode through closed gates and + even stone walls, and had been seen by one of the dairymaids to pass + between two bars of the great park gate, making himself as thin as a sheet + of paper. + </p> + <p> + All these superstitions, I found, had been very much countenanced by the + Squire, who, though not superstitious himself, was very fond of seeing + others so. He listened to every goblin tale of the neighbouring gossips + with infinite gravity, and held the porter's wife in high favour on + account of her talent for the marvellous. He was himself a great reader of + old legends and romances, and often lamented that he could not believe in + them; for a superstitious person, he thought, must live in a kind of + fairyland. + </p> + <p> + Whilst we were all attention to the parson's stories, our ears were + suddenly assailed by a burst of heterogeneous sounds from the hall, in + which was mingled something like the clang of rude minstrelsy, with the + uproar of many small voices and girlish laughter. The door suddenly flew + open, and a train came trooping into the room, that might almost have been + mistaken for the breaking up of the court of Fairy. That indefatigable + spirit, Master Simon, in the faithful discharge of his duties as Lord of + Misrule, had conceived the idea of a Christmas mummery, or masking; and + having called in to his assistance the Oxonian and the young officer, who + were equally ripe for anything that should occasion romping and merriment, + they had carried it into instant effect. The old housekeeper had been + consulted; the antique clothes-presses and wardrobes rummaged and made to + yield up the relics of finery that had not seen the light for several + generations; the younger part of the company had been privately convened + from the parlour and hall, and the whole had been bedizened out, into a + burlesque imitation of an antique masque.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *<a href="#linknote-10" name="linknoteref-10" id="linknoteref-10"><b>10</b></a> See Note J. +</pre> + <p> + Master Simon led the van, as "Ancient Christmas," quaintly apparelled in a + ruff, a short cloak, which had very much the aspect of one of the old + housekeeper's petticoats, and a hat that might have served for a village + steeple, and must indubitably have figured in the days of the Covenanters. + From under this his nose curved boldly forth, flushed with a frost-bitten + bloom, that seemed the very trophy of a December blast. He was accompanied + by the blue-eyed romp, dished up as "Dame Mince-Pie," in the venerable + magnificence of faded brocade, long stomacher, peaked hat, and high-heeled + shoes. The young officer appeared as Robin Hood, in a sporting dress of + Kendal green and a foraging cap with a gold tassel. The costume, to be + sure, did not bear testimony to deep research, and there was an evident + eye to the picturesque, natural to a young gallant in the presence of his + mistress. The fair Julia hung on his arm in a pretty rustic dress, as + "Maid Marian." The rest of the train had been metamorphosed in various + ways; the girls trussed up in the finery of the ancient belles of the + Bracebridge line, and the striplings bewhiskered with burnt cork, and + gravely clad in broad skirts, hanging sleeves, and full-bottomed wigs, to + represent the characters of Roast Beef, Plum Pudding, and other worthies + celebrated in ancient maskings. The whole was under the control of the + Oxonian, in the appropriate character of Misrule; and I observed that he + exercised rather a mischievous sway with his wand over the smaller + personages of the pageant. + </p> + <p> + The irruption of this motley crew, with beat of drum, according to ancient + custom, was the consummation of uproar and merriment. Master Simon covered + himself with glory by the stateliness with which, as Ancient Christmas, he + walked a minuet with the peerless, though giggling, Dame Mince-Pie. It was + followed by a dance of all the characters, which, from its medley of + costumes, seemed as though the old family portraits had skipped down from + their frames to join in the sport. Different centuries were figuring at + cross hands and right and left; the dark ages were cutting pirouettes and + rigadoons; and the days of Queen Bess jigging merrily down the middle, + through a line of succeeding generations. + </p> + <p> + The worthy Squire contemplated these fantastic sports, and this + resurrection of his old wardrobe, with the simple relish of childish + delight. He stood chuckling and rubbing his hands, and scarcely hearing a + word the parson said, notwithstanding that the latter was discoursing most + authentically on the ancient and stately dance at the Paon, or Peacock, + from which he conceived the minuet to be derived.* For my part, I was in a + continual excitement, from the varied scenes of whim and innocent gaiety + passing before me. It was inspiring to see wild-eyed frolic and + warm-hearted hospitality breaking out from among the chills and glooms of + winter, and old age throwing off his apathy, and catching once more the + freshness of youthful enjoyment. I felt also an interest in the scene, + from the consideration that these fleeting customs were posting fast into + oblivion, and that this was, perhaps, the only family in England in which + the whole of them were still punctiliously observed. There was a + quaintness, too, mingled with all this revelry that gave it a peculiar + zest; it was suited to the time and place; and as the old Manor House + almost reeled with mirth and wassail, it seemed echoing back the joviality + of long-departed years. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *<a href="#linknote-11" name="linknoteref-11" id="linknoteref-11"><b>11</b></a> See Note K. +</pre> + <p> + But enough of Christmas and its gambols; it is time for me to pause in + this garrulity. Methinks I hear the questions asked by my graver readers, + "To what purpose is all this?—how is the world to be made wiser by + this talk?" Alas! is there not wisdom enough extant for the instruction of + the world? And if not, are there not thousands of abler pens labouring for + its improvement?—It is so much pleasanter to please than to instruct—to + play the companion rather than the preceptor. + </p> + <p> + What, after all, is the mite of wisdom that I could throw into the mass of + knowledge? or how am I sure that my sagest deductions may be safe guides + for the opinions of others? But in writing to amuse, if I fail, the only + evil is my own disappointment. If, however, I can by any lucky chance, in + these days of evil, rub out one wrinkle from the brow of care, or beguile + the heavy heart of one moment of sorrow; if I can now and then penetrate + through the gathering film of misanthropy, prompt a benevolent view of + human nature, and make my reader more in good humour with his fellow + beings and himself, surely, surely, I shall not then have written entirely + in vain. + </p> + <p> + THE END. <a name="link2H_NOTE" id="link2H_NOTE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Notes + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1" id="linknote-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#linknoteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ NOTE A. + </p> + <p> + The misletoe is still hung up in farmhouses and kitchens at Christmas; and + the young men have the privilege of kissing the girls under it, plucking + each time a berry from the bush. When the berries are all plucked, the + privilege ceases.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-2" id="linknote-2"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#linknoteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ NOTE B. + </p> + <p> + The Yule-clog is a great log of wood, sometimes the root of a tree, + brought into the house with great ceremony, on Christmas eve, laid in the + fireplace, and lighted with the brand of last year's clog. While it lasted + there was great drinking, singing, and telling of tales. Sometimes it was + accompanied by Christmas candles, but in the cottages the only light was + from the ruddy blaze of the great wood fire. The Yule-clog was to burn all + night; if it went out, it was considered a sign of ill luck. + </p> + <p> + Herrick mentions it in one of his songs: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Come, bring with a noise + My merrie, merrie boyes, + The Christmas log to the firing: + While my good dame, she + Bids ye all be free, + And drink to your hearts' desiring." +</pre> + <p> + The Yule-clog is still burnt in many farmhouses and kitchens in England, + particularly in the north, and there are several superstitions connected + with it among the peasantry. If a squinting person come to the house while + it is burning, or a person barefooted, it is considered an ill omen. The + brand remaining from the Yule-clog is carefully put away to light the next + year's Christmas fire.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-3" id="linknote-3"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#linknoteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ NOTE C. + </p> + <p> + From the Flying Eagle, a small gazette, published December 24, 1652: "The + House spent much time this day about the business of the Navy, for + settling the affairs at sea; and before they rose, were presented with a + terrible remonstrance against Christmas day, grounded upon divine + Scriptures, 2 Cor. v. 16; 1 Cor. xv. 14, 17; and in honour of the Lord's + Day, grounded upon these Scriptures, John xx. I; Rev. i. 10; Psalm cxviii. + 24; Lev. xxiii. 7, 11; Mark xvi. 8; Psalm lxxxiv. 10, in which Christmas + is called Anti-Christ's masse, and those Mass-mongers and Papists who + observe it, etc. In consequence of which Parliament spent some time in + consultation about the abolition of Christmas day, passed orders to that + effect, and resolved to sit on the following day, which was commonly + called Christmas day."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-4" id="linknote-4"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#linknoteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ NOTE D. + </p> + <p> + An English gentleman at the opening of the great day, i. e. on Christmas + day in the morning, had all his tenants and neighbours enter his hall by + daybreak. The strong beer was broached, and the black jacks went + plentifully about with toast, sugar, nutmeg, and good Cheshire cheese. The + hackin (the great sausage) must be boiled by daybreak, or else two young + men must take the maiden (i.e. the cook) by the arms and run her round the + market-place till she is shamed of her laziness.—Round about our + Sea-coal Fire.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-5" id="linknote-5"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#linknoteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ NOTE E. + </p> + <p> + The old ceremony of serving up the boar's head on Christmas day is still + observed in the hall of Queen's College, Oxford. I was favoured by the + parson with a copy of the carol as now sung, and as it may be acceptable + to such of my readers as are curious in these grave and learned matters, I + give it entire. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The boar's head in hand bear I, + Bedeck'd with bays and rosemary; + And I pray you, my masters, be merry, + Quot estia in convivio. + Caput apri defero + Reddens laudes Domino. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The boar's head, as I understand, + Is the rarest dish in all this land, + Which thus bedeck'd with a gay garland + Let us servire cantico. + Caput apri defero, etc. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Our Steward hath provided this + In honour of the King of Bliss, + Which on this day to be served is + In Reginensi Atrio. + Caput apri defero," + Etc., etc., etc.] +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6" id="linknote-6"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#linknoteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ NOTE F. + </p> + <p> + The peacock was anciently in great demand for stately entertainments. + Sometimes it was made into a pie, at one end of which the head appeared + above the crust in all its plumage, with the beak richly gilt; at the + other end the tail was displayed. Such pies were served up at the solemn + banquets of chivalry, when knights-errant pledged themselves to undertake + any perilous enterprise; whence came the ancient oath, used by Justice + Shallow, "by cock and pie." + </p> + <p> + The peacock was also an important dish for the Christmas feast; and + Massinger, in his "City Madam," gives some idea of the extravagance with + which this, as well as other dishes, was prepared for the gorgeous revels + of the olden times: + </p> + <p> + "Men may talk of country Christmasses, Their thirty pound butter'd eggs, + their pies of carps' tongues: Their pheasants drench'd with ambergris; the + carcases of three fat wethers bruised for gravy, to make sauce for a + single peacock!"] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7" id="linknote-7"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#linknoteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ NOTE G. + </p> + <p> + The Wassail Bowl was sometimes composed of ale instead of wine; with + nutmeg, sugar, toast, ginger, and roasted crabs; in this way the nut-brown + beverage is still prepared in some old families, and round the hearths of + substantial farmers at Christmas. It is also called Lambs' Wool, and is + celebrated by Herrick in his "Twelfth Night:" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Next crowne the bowle full + With gentle Lambs' Wool, + Add sugar, nutmeg, and ginger, + With store of ale too; + And thus ye must doe + To make the Wassaile a swinger."] +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linknote-8" id="linknote-8"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#linknoteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ NOTE H. + </p> + <p> + The custom of drinking out of the same cup gave place to each having his + cup. When the steward came to the doore with the Wassel, he was to cry + three times, Wassel, Wassel, Wassel, and then the chappel (chaplain) was + to answer with a song.—Archaeologia.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-9" id="linknote-9"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#linknoteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ NOTE I. + </p> + <p> + At Christmasse there was in the Kings's house, wheresoever hee was lodged, + a lorde of misrule, or mayster of merry disportes; and the like had ye in + the house of every nobleman of honour, or good worshippe, were he + spirituall or temporall.—Stow.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-10" id="linknote-10"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#linknoteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ NOTE J. + </p> + <p> + Maskings or mummeries were favourite sports at Christmas in old times; and + the wardrobes at halls and manor-houses were often laid under contribution + to furnish dresses and fantastic disguisings. I strongly suspect Master + Simon to have taken the idea of his from Ben Jonson's "Masque of + Christmas."] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-11" id="linknote-11"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#linknoteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ NOTE K. + </p> + <p> + Sir John Hawkins, speaking of the dance called the Pavon, from pavo, a + peacock, says: "It is a grave and majestic dance; the method of dancing it + anciently was by gentlemen dressed with caps and swords, by those of the + long robe in their gowns, by the peers in their mantles, and by the ladies + in gowns with long trains, the motion whereof, in dancing, resembled that + of a peacock."—History of Music.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Old Christmas, by Washington Irving + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD CHRISTMAS *** + +***** This file should be named 1850-h.htm or 1850-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/8/5/1850/ + +Produced by Donald Lainson; David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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