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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Old Christmas From the Sketch Book of
+Washington Irving, 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 From the Sketch Book of Washington Irving
+
+Author: Washington Irving
+
+Illustrator: R. Caldecott
+
+Release Date: February 24, 2007 [EBook #20656]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD CHRISTMAS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Emmy and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+OLD CHRISTMAS
+
+WASHINGTON IRVING
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: CHRISTMAS]
+
+[Illustration: publisher's logo]
+
+FIFTH EDITION
+
+
+[Illustration: "The old family mansion, partly thrown in deep shadow,
+and partly lit up by the cold moonshine"
+
+--_Frontispiece._]
+
+
+[Illustration: OLD CHRISTMAS:
+
+          FROM THE
+          Sketch Book
+          of
+          Washington Irving.
+
+          ILLUSTRATED BY
+          R CALDECOTT
+
+          London.
+          Macmillan & Co
+          1886]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+         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.
+
+                              _Hue and Cry after Christmas._
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: PREFACE]
+
+
+Before the remembrance of the good old times, so fast passing, should
+have entirely passed away, the present artist, R. Caldecott, and
+engraver, James D. Cooper, planned to illustrate Washington Irving's
+"Old Christmas" in this manner. Their primary idea was to carry out the
+principle of the Sketch Book, by incorporating the designs with the
+text. Throughout they have worked together and _con amore_. With what
+success the public must decide.
+
+          NOVEMBER 1875.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: CONTENTS]
+
+
+                                                      PAGE
+
+          CHRISTMAS                                     1
+
+          THE STAGE COACH                              17
+
+          CHRISTMAS EVE                                41
+
+          CHRISTMAS DAY                                75
+
+          THE CHRISTMAS DINNER                        117
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS]
+
+DESIGNED BY RANDOLPH CALDECOTT,
+
+AND
+
+ARRANGED AND ENGRAVED BY J. D. COOPER.
+
+   THE OLD MANSION BY MOONLIGHT--_Frontispiece._
+
+   TITLE-PAGE.
+
+                                                               PAGE
+
+   ANCIENT FIREPLACE                                             iv
+
+   HEADING TO PREFACE                                             v
+
+   HEADING TO CONTENTS                                          vii
+
+   TAILPIECE TO CONTENTS                                        vii
+
+   HEADING TO LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS                              ix
+
+   TAILPIECE TO LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS                           xiv
+
+   "THE POOR FROM THE GATES WERE NOT CHIDDEN"                   xvi
+
+   HEADING TO CHRISTMAS                                           1
+
+   THE MOULDERING TOWER                                           2
+
+   CHRISTMAS ANTHEM IN CATHEDRAL                                  4
+
+   THE WANDERER'S RETURN                                          5
+
+   "NATURE LIES DESPOILED OF EVERY CHARM"                         6
+
+   "THE HONEST FACE OF HOSPITALITY"                               8
+
+   "THE SHY GLANCE OF LOVE"                                       8
+
+   OLD HALL OF CASTLE                                            10
+
+   THE GREAT OAKEN GALLERY                                       12
+
+   THE WAITS                                                     14
+
+   "AND SIT DOWN DARKLING AND REPINING"                          16
+
+   THE STAGE COACH                                               19
+
+   THE THREE SCHOOLBOYS                                          20
+
+   THE OLD ENGLISH STAGE COACHMAN                                23
+
+   "HE THROWS DOWN THE REINS WITH SOMETHING OF AN AIR"           25
+
+   THE STABLE IMITATORS                                          26
+
+   THE PUBLIC HOUSE                                              28
+
+   THE HOUSEMAID                                                 29
+
+   THE SMITHY                                                    30
+
+   "NOW OR NEVER MUST MUSIC BE IN TUNE"                          32
+
+   THE COUNTRY MAID                                              32
+
+   THE OLD SERVANT AND BANTAM                                    34
+
+   A NEAT COUNTRY SEAT                                           35
+
+   INN KITCHEN                                                   37
+
+   THE RECOGNITION. TAILPIECE                                    40
+
+   THE POST-CHAISE                                               43
+
+   THE LODGE GATE                                                46
+
+   THE OLD PRIMITIVE DAME                                        46
+
+   "THE LITTLE DOGS AND ALL"                                     49
+
+   MISTLETOE                                                     52
+
+   THE SQUIRE'S RECEPTION                                        53
+
+   THE FAMILY PARTY                                              54
+
+   TOYS                                                          55
+
+   THE YULE LOG                                                  57
+
+   THE SQUIRE IN HIS HEREDITARY CHAIR                            58
+
+   THE FAMILY PLATE                                              60
+
+   MASTER SIMON                                                  61
+
+   YOUNG GIRL                                                    62
+
+   HER MOTHER                                                    62
+
+   THE OLD HARPER                                                65
+
+   MASTER SIMON DANCING                                          67
+
+   THE OXONIAN AND HIS MAIDEN AUNT                               68
+
+   THE YOUNG OFFICER WITH HIS GUITAR                             70
+
+   THE FAIR JULIA                                                72
+
+   ASLEEP                                                        74
+
+   CHRISTMAS DAY                                                 77
+
+   THE CHILDREN'S CAROL                                          78
+
+   ROBIN ON THE MOUNTAIN ASH                                     80
+
+   MASTER SIMON AS CLERK                                         81
+
+   BREAKFAST                                                     84
+
+   VIEWING THE DOGS                                              85
+
+   MASTER SIMON GOING TO CHURCH                                  88
+
+   THE VILLAGE CHURCH                                            91
+
+   THE PARSON                                                    93
+
+   REBUKING THE SEXTON                                           95
+
+   EFFIGY OF A WARRIOR                                           96
+
+   MASTER SIMON AT CHURCH                                        97
+
+   THE VILLAGE CHOIR                                             97
+
+   THE VILLAGE TAILOR                                            98
+
+   AN OLD CHORISTER                                             100
+
+   THE SERMON                                                   101
+
+   CHURCHYARD GREETINGS                                         104
+
+   FROSTY THRALDOM OF WINTER                                    106
+
+   MERRY OLD ENGLISH GAMES                                      109
+
+   THE POOR AT HOME                                             111
+
+   VILLAGE ANTICS                                               112
+
+   TASTING THE SQUIRE'S ALE                                     113
+
+   THE WIT OF THE VILLAGE                                       115
+
+   COQUETTISH HOUSEMAID                                         116
+
+   ANTIQUE SIDEBOARD                                            119
+
+   THE COOK WITH THE ROLLING-PIN                                120
+
+   THE WARRIOR'S ARMS                                           121
+
+   "FLAGONS, CANS, CUPS, BEAKERS, GOBLETS, BASINS, AND EWERS"   122
+
+   THE CHRISTMAS DINNER                                         123
+
+   A HIGH ROMAN NOSE                                            124
+
+   THE PARSON SAID GRACE                                        125
+
+   THE BOAR'S HEAD                                              126
+
+   THE FAT-HEADED OLD GENTLEMAN                                 129
+
+   PEACOCK PIE                                                  130
+
+   THE WASSAIL BOWL                                             132
+
+   THE SQUIRE'S TOAST                                           134
+
+   THE LONG-WINDED JOKER                                        136
+
+   LONG STORIES                                                 138
+
+   THE PARSON AND THE PRETTY MILKMAID                           139
+
+   MASTER SIMON GROWS MAUDLIN                                   140
+
+   THE BLUE-EYED ROMP                                           143
+
+   THE PARSON'S TALE                                            144
+
+   THE SEXTON'S REBUFF                                          146
+
+   THE CRUSADER'S NIGHT RIDE                                    148
+
+   ANCIENT CHRISTMAS AND DAME MINCE-PIE                         151
+
+   ROBIN HOOD AND MAID MARIAN                                   152
+
+   THE MINUET                                                   153
+
+   ROAST BEEF, PLUM PUDDING, AND MISRULE                        153
+
+   THE CHRISTMAS DANCE IN COSTUME                               154
+
+   "CHUCKLING AND RUBBING HIS HANDS"                            155
+
+   "ECHOING BACK THE JOVIALITY OF LONG-DEPARTED YEARS"          157
+
+   RETROSPECT                                                   159
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: CHRISTMAS]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          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._
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: CHRISTMAS]
+
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 round upon the comfortable
+chamber and the scene of domestic hilarity?
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 round the hearth, beguiling the long evening with
+legendary jokes and oft-told Christmas tales.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 home-bred
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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:--
+
+          "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."
+
+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.
+
+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, re-animates the drooping spirit,--as the Arabian
+breeze will sometimes waft the freshness of the distant fields to the
+weary pilgrim of the desert.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The Stage Coach]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+            Omne bene
+            Sine poena
+          Tempus est ludendi;
+            Venit hora,
+            Absque mora,
+          Libros deponendi.
+
+              _Old Holiday School Song._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE STAGE COACH
+
+
+[Illustration: I]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+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. 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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
+button-hole; 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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
+ostler; his duty being merely to drive from one stage to another. 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
+ostlers, 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 afterwards 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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. 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
+housemaids 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 mid-winter.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          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.[A]
+
+I had not been long at the inn when a post-chaise 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[A] Poor Robin's Almanack, 1684.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Christmas Eve]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE
+
+
+[Illustration: I]
+
+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 now-a-days 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[B] for his text book, 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."
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 a
+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.
+
+[Illustration: "It was in a heavy magnificent old style, of iron bars,
+fancifully wrought at top into flourishes and flowers."--PAGE 46.]
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+                  ----"The little dogs and all,
+          Tray, Blanch, and Sweetheart--see they bark at me!"
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 conformably 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.[C]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: "The company, which was assembled in a large
+old-fashioned hall."--PAGE 54.]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.[D]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 small-pox, 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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,--
+
+            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.
+
+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."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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:"--
+
+          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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: "Indeed, so great was her indifference, that she was
+amusing herself with plucking to pieces a choice bouquet of hot-house
+flowers."--PAGE 72.]
+
+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. 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[B] Peacham's Complete Gentleman, 1622.
+
+[C] See Note A.
+
+[D] See Note B.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Christmas Day]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHRISTMAS DAY
+
+
+[Illustration: W]
+
+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,
+
+          Rejoice, our Saviour he was born
+          On Christmas Day in the morning.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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. 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+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:
+
+          "'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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 gentlemen-like dogs, that seemed
+loungers about the establishment; from the frisking spaniel to the
+steady old stag-hound; 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 button-hole, and in the midst of their
+gambols would glance an eye occasionally upon a small switch he carried
+in his hand.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+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,
+
+          "At Christmas be merry, _and thankful withal_,
+           And feast thy poor neighbours, the great and the small."
+
+"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."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 rights 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 poured
+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.
+
+[Illustration: "On reaching the church-porch, we found the parson
+rebuking the gray-headed sexton for having used mistletoe."--PAGE 95.]
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration: "The orchestra was in a small gallery, and presented a
+most whimsical grouping of heads."--PAGE 97.]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.[E]
+The worthy parson lived but with times past, and knew but a little of
+the present.
+
+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 Roundheads, 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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,[F] 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 mid-winter. 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 farm-houses 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:--
+
+          "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."
+
+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.[G] "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,--
+
+          "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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 round the skirts of the dance, and rattling a
+Christmas-box with many antic gesticulations.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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. 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. His varied occupations and amusements had made him
+well known throughout the neighbourhood. He was a visitor at every
+farm-house and cottage; gossiped with the farmers and their wives;
+romped with their daughters; and, like that type of a vagrant bachelor,
+the humble bee, tolled the sweets from all the rosy lips of the country
+round.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[E] See Note C.
+
+[F]       "Ule! Ule!
+           Three puddings in a pule;
+           Crack nuts and cry ule!"
+
+[G] See Note D.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The Christmas Dinner]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          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._
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE CHRISTMAS DINNER]
+
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+          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.[H]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 round 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 the 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 in 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration: "Never did Christmas board display a more goodly and
+gracious assemblage of countenances."--PAGE 123.]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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. 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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. 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:--
+
+            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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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!"
+
+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.[I]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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." 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.[J]
+
+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
+humorist, 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.[K]
+
+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 round 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."[L]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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:
+
+          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.[M]
+
+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 under-tone, that the lady in question was a
+prodigiously fine woman, and drove her own curricle.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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. 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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:--
+
+          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.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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,[N] 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When I returned to the drawing-room, I found the company seated round
+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 the 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 good wives 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 masquing; 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.[O]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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 be-whiskered 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. [Illustration]
+
+[Illustration: "The rest of the train had been metamorphosed in various
+ways."--PAGE 153.]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.[P] 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 warmhearted 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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[H] Sir John Suckling.
+
+[I] See Note E.
+
+[J] See Note F.
+
+[K] See Note G.
+
+[L] See Note H.
+
+[M] From "Poor Robin's Almanack."
+
+[N] See Note I.
+
+[O] See Note J.
+
+[P] See Note K.
+
+
+
+
+NOTES
+
+
+NOTE A, p. 53.
+
+The mistletoe is still hung up in farm-houses 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.
+
+
+NOTE B, p. 58.
+
+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.
+
+Herrick mentions it in one of his songs:--
+
+            "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."
+
+The _Yule-clog_ is still burnt in many farm-houses 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.
+
+
+NOTE C, p. 102.
+
+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. 1; 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."
+
+
+NOTE D p. 108.
+
+"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 marketplace till she is shamed of her
+laziness."--_Round about our Sea-Coal Fire._
+
+
+NOTE E, p. 129.
+
+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.
+
+          "The boar's head in hand bear I,
+           Bedeck'd with bays and rosemary;
+           And I pray you, my masters, be merry,
+             Quot estis in convivio.
+               Caput apri defero
+               Reddens laudes Domino.
+
+           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.
+
+           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.
+
+
+NOTE F, p. 131.
+
+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."
+
+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:--
+
+      "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_!"
+
+
+NOTE G, p. 133.
+
+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:"--
+
+            "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."
+
+
+NOTE H, p. 134.
+
+"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.
+
+
+NOTE I, p. 142.
+
+"At Christmasse there was in the Kinge'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 honor, or good worshippe, were
+he spirituall or temporall."--STOW.
+
+
+NOTE J, p. 151.
+
+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.
+
+
+NOTE K, p. 156.
+
+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._
+
+
+
+
+_Printed by_ R. & R. CLARK, _Edinburgh._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
+
+On page 18, the word "poena" is actually written with a ligature attaching
+the oe. For the text version, this was not retained.
+
+
+
+
+
+
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+Washington Irving, by Washington Irving
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