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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Christmas: Its Origin and Associations, by
+William Francis Dawson
+
+
+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: Christmas: Its Origin and Associations
+       Together with Its Historical Events and Festive Celebrations During Nineteen Centuries
+
+
+Author: William Francis Dawson
+
+
+
+Release Date: July 10, 2007  [eBook #22042]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS: ITS ORIGIN AND
+ASSOCIATIONS***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Robert Cicconetti, Turgut Dincer, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 22042-h.htm or 22042-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/2/0/4/22042/22042-h/22042-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/2/0/4/22042/22042-h.zip)
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      In this text a character with macron is represented as [=x].
+      Superscripted characters are enclosed by curly brackets and
+      preceed by a caret character (example: ^{th}).
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: BRINGING IN THE YULE LOG. _Frontispiece._]
+
+
+
+
+                            CHRISTMAS:
+
+                  _ITS ORIGIN AND ASSOCIATIONS,_
+
+
+                          TOGETHER WITH
+
+                ITS HISTORICAL EVENTS AND FESTIVE
+                   CELEBRATIONS DURING NINETEEN
+                            CENTURIES:
+
+
+                    DEPICTING, BY PEN AND PENCIL,
+
+        MEMORABLE CELEBRATIONS, STATELY MEETINGS OF EARLY KINGS,
+           REMARKABLE EVENTS, ROMANTIC EPISODES, BRAVE DEEDS,
+              PICTURESQUE CUSTOMS, TIME-HONOURED SPORTS,
+          ROYAL CHRISTMASES, CORONATIONS AND ROYAL MARRIAGES,
+           CHIVALRIC FEATS, COURT BANQUETINGS AND REVELLINGS,
+            CHRISTMAS AT THE COLLEGES AND THE INNS OF COURT,
+               POPULAR FESTIVITIES, AND CHRISTMAS-KEEPING
+                    IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD,
+                    DERIVED FROM THE MOST AUTHENTIC
+                         SOURCES, AND ARRANGED
+                            CHRONOLOGICALLY.
+
+
+
+                                   BY
+
+                              W. F. DAWSON.
+
+                 At home, at sea, in many distant lands,
+                This Kingly Feast without a rival stands!
+
+
+
+                                  LONDON
+                 ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.
+                                   1902.
+
+        REPUBLISHED BY GALE RESEARCH COMPANY, BOOK TOWER, DETROIT, 1968
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+In the third quarter of the nineteenth century, it fell to my lot to
+write an article on Christmas, its customs and festivities. And,
+although I sought in vain for a chronological account of the festival,
+I discovered many interesting details of its observances dispersed in
+the works of various authors; and, while I found that some of its
+greater celebrations marked important epochs in our national history,
+I saw, also, that the successive celebrations of Christmas during
+nineteen centuries were important links in the chain of historical
+Christian evidences. I became enamoured of the subject, for, in
+addition to historical interest, there is the charm of its legendary
+lore, its picturesque customs, and popular games. It seemed to me that
+the origin and hallowed associations of Christmas, its ancient customs
+and festivities, and the important part it has played in history
+combine to make it a most fascinating subject. I resolved, therefore,
+to collect materials for a larger work on _Christmas_.
+
+Henceforth, I became a snapper-up of everything relating to
+Christmastide, utilised every opportunity of searching libraries,
+bookstalls, and catalogues of books in different parts of the country,
+and, subsequently, as a Reader of the British Museum Library, had
+access to that vast storehouse of literary and historical treasures.
+
+Soon after commencing the work, I realised that I had entered a very
+spacious field of research, and that, having to deal with the
+accumulated materials of nineteen centuries, a large amount of labour
+would be involved, and some years must elapse before, even if
+circumstances proved favourable, I could hope to see the end of my
+task. Still, I went on with the work, for I felt that a complete
+account of Christmas, ancient and modern, at home and abroad, would
+prove generally acceptable, for while the historical events and
+legendary lore would interest students and antiquaries, the holiday
+sports and popular celebrations would be no less attractive to general
+readers.
+
+The love of story-telling seems to be ingrained in human nature.
+Travellers tell of vari-coloured races sitting round their watch fires
+reciting deeds of the past; and letters from colonists show how, even
+amidst forest-clearing, they have beguiled their evening hours by
+telling or reading stories as they sat in the glow of their camp
+fires. And in old England there is the same love of tales and stories.
+One of the chief delights of Christmastide is to sit in the united
+family circle and hear, tell, or read about the quaint habits and
+picturesque customs of Christmas in the olden time; and one of the
+purposes of _CHRISTMAS_ is to furnish the retailer of Christmas wares
+with suitable things for re-filling his pack.
+
+From the vast store of materials collected it is not possible to do
+more than make a selection. How far I have succeeded in setting forth
+the subject in a way suited to the diversity of tastes among readers I
+must leave to their judgment and indulgence; but I have this
+satisfaction, that the gems of literature it contains are very rich
+indeed; and I acknowledge my great indebtedness to numerous writers of
+different periods whose references to Christmas and its time-honoured
+customs are quoted.
+
+I have to acknowledge the courtesy of Mr. Henry Jewitt, Mr. E.
+Wiseman, Messrs. Harper, and Messrs. Cassell & Co., in allowing their
+illustrations to appear in this work.
+
+My aim is neither critical nor apologetic, but historical and
+pictorial: it is not to say what might or ought to have been, but to
+set forth from extant records what has actually taken place: to give
+an account of the origin and hallowed associations of Christmas, and
+to depict, by pen and pencil, the important historical events and
+interesting festivities of Christmastide during nineteen centuries.
+With materials collected from different parts of the world, and from
+writings both ancient and modern, I have endeavoured to give in the
+present work a chronological account of the celebrations and
+observances of Christmas from the birth of Christ to the end of the
+nineteenth century; but, in a few instances, the subject-matter has
+been allowed to take precedence of the chronological arrangement. Here
+will be found accounts of primitive celebrations of the Nativity,
+ecclesiastical decisions fixing the date of Christmas, the connection
+of Christmas with the festivals of the ancients, Christmas in times of
+persecution, early celebrations in Britain, stately Christmas meetings
+of the Saxon, Danish, and Norman kings of England; Christmas during
+the wars of the Roses, Royal Christmases under the Tudors, the Stuarts
+and the Kings and Queens of Modern England; Christmas at the Colleges
+and the Inns of Court; Entertainments of the nobility and gentry, and
+popular festivities; accounts of Christmas celebrations in different
+parts of Europe, in America and Canada, in the sultry lands of Africa
+and the ice-bound Arctic coasts, in India and China, at the Antipodes,
+in Australia and New Zealand, and in the Islands of the Pacific; in
+short, throughout the civilised world.
+
+In looking at the celebrations of Christmas, at different periods and
+in different places, I have observed that, whatever views men hold
+respecting Christ, they all agree that His Advent is to be hailed with
+joy, and the nearer the forms of festivity have approximated to the
+teaching of Him who is celebrated the more real has been the joy of
+those who have taken part in the celebrations.
+
+The descriptions of the festivities and customs of different periods
+are given, as far as possible, on the authority of contemporary
+authors, or writers who have special knowledge of those periods, and
+the most reliable authorities have been consulted for facts and dates,
+great care being taken to make the work as accurate and trustworthy as
+possible. I sincerely wish that all who read it may find as much
+pleasure in its perusal as I have had in its compilation.
+
+WILLIAM FRANCIS DAWSON.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Contents]
+
+CHAPTER I.                                                       PAGE
+THE ORIGIN AND ASSOCIATIONS OF CHRISTMAS                            5
+
+CHAPTER II.
+The Earlier Celebrations of the Festival                           10
+
+CHAPTER III.
+Early Christmas Celebrations in Britain                            23
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+Christmas, From the Norman Conquest To Magna Charta                40
+(A.D. 1066-1215.)
+
+CHAPTER V.
+Christmas, From Magna Charta To the End of the Wars of
+  the Roses (A.D. 1215-1485.)                                      62
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+Christmas Under Henry VII. and Henry VIII.                         94
+(A.D. 1485-1547.)
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+Christmas Under Edward VI., Mary, and Elizabeth                   115
+(A.D. 1547-1603.)
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+Christmas Under James I.                                          151
+(A.D. 1603-1625.)
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+Christmas Under Charles the First and the Commonwealth            197
+(A.D. 1625-1660.)
+
+CHAPTER X.
+Christmas, From the Restoration To the Death Of George II.
+(A.D. 1660-1760.)                                                 215
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+Modern Christmases at Home                                        240
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+Modern Christmases Abroad                                         294
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+Concluding Carol Service of the Nineteenth Century                349
+
+INDEX                                                             351
+
+[Illustration]
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+                                                                PAGE
+
+Bringing in the Yule Log                               _Frontispiece_
+
+The Herald Angels                                                  2
+
+Virgin and Child                                                   5
+
+Joseph Taking Mary to be Taxed, and the Nativity Events            6
+
+The Nativity (_Central portion of Picture in National Gallery_)    8
+
+Virgin and Child (_Relievo_)                                       9
+
+Group from the Angels' Serenade                                   10
+
+Adoration of the Magi (_From Pulpit of Pisa_)                     11
+
+"The Inns are Full"                                               14
+
+Grape Gathering and the Vintage (_Mosaic in the Church of
+St. Constantine, Rome, A.D. 320_)                                 16
+
+German Ninth Century Picture of the Nativity                      16
+
+Ancient Roman Illustrations                                       17
+
+Ancient Roman Illustrations                                       18
+
+Ancient Agape                                                     19
+
+Ancient Roman Illustrations                                       21
+
+Early Celebrations in Britain                                     23
+
+Queen Bertha                                                      27
+
+An Ancient Fireplace                                              30
+
+Traveling in the Olden Time, with a "Christmas Fool"
+  on the Front Seat"                                              31
+
+The Wild Boar Hunt: Killing the Boar                              32
+
+Adoration of the Magi (_Picture of Stained Glass, Winchester
+  Cathedral_)                                                     34
+
+A King at Dinner                                                  40
+
+Blind Minstrel at a Feast                                         42
+
+Minstrels' Christmas Serenade at an Old Baronial Hall             44
+
+Westminster Hall                                                  46
+
+Strange Old Stories Illustrated (_From Harl. MS._)                50
+
+A Cook of the Period (_Early Norman_)                             55
+
+Monk Undergoing Discipline                                        56
+
+Wassailing at Christmastide                                       57
+
+Panoply of a Crusader                                             58
+
+Royal Party Dining in State                                       63
+
+Ladies Looking from the Hustings upon the Tournament              73
+
+The Lord of Misrule                                               74
+
+Curious Cuts of Priestly Players in the Olden Time                76
+
+A Court Fool                                                      77
+
+Virgin and Child (_Florentine, 1480. South Kensington Museum_)    83
+
+Henry VI.'s Cradle                                                84
+
+Lady Musician of the Fifteenth Century                            91
+
+Rustic Christmas Minstrel with Pipe and Tabor                     92
+
+Martin Luther and the Christmas Tree                             106
+
+The Little Orleans Madonna of Raphael                            107
+
+Magdalen College, Oxford                                         110
+
+Bringing in the Boar's Head with Minstrelsy                      111
+
+Virgin and Child, Chirbury, Shropshire                           118
+
+Riding a-Mumming at Christmastide                                121
+
+A Dumb Show in the Time of Elizabeth                             123
+
+The Fool of the Old Play (_From a Print by Breughel_)            137
+
+The Acting of one of Shakespeare's Plays in the Time of
+  Queen Elizabeth                                                141
+
+Neighbours with Pipe and Tabor                                   147
+
+Christmas in the Hall                                            149
+
+The Hobby-Horse                                                  197
+
+Servants' Christmas Feast                                        202
+
+"The Hackin"                                                     216
+
+Seafaring Pilgrims                                               219
+
+An Ancient Fireplace                                             225
+
+A Druid Priestess Bearing Mistletoe                              228
+
+A Nest of Fools                                                  229
+
+"The Mask Dance"                                                 231
+
+The Christmas Mummers                                            234
+
+The Waits                                                        240
+
+The Christmas Plum-Pudding                                       245
+
+Italian Minstrels in London, at Christmas, 1825                  246
+
+Snap Dragon                                                      247
+
+Blindman's Buff                                                  249
+
+The Christmas Dance                                              250
+
+The Giving Away of Christmas Doles                               257
+
+Poor Children's Treat in Modern Times                            265
+
+The Christmas Bells                                              271
+
+Wassailing the Apple-Trees in Devonshire                         279
+
+Modern Christmas Performers: Yorkshire Sword-Actors              282
+
+Modern Christmas Characters: "St Peter," "St. Denys"             283
+
+A Scotch First Footing                                           285
+
+Provençal Plays at Christmastide                                 320
+
+Nativity Picture (_From Byzantine Ivory in the British Museum_)  324
+
+Calabrian Shepherds Playing in Rome at Christmas                 329
+
+Worshipping the Child Jesus (_From a Picture in the Museum
+  at Naples_)                                                    337
+
+Angels and Men Worshipping the Child Jesus (_From a
+  Picture in Seville Cathedral_)                                 338
+
+Simeon Received the Child Jesus into his Arms (_From Modern
+  Stained Glass in Bishopsgate Church, London_)                  348
+
+Lichfield Cathedral                                              349
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration:
+
+While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
+  All seated on the ground;
+The angel of the Lord came down,
+  And glory shone around.
+
+_Carol._]
+
+
+
+
+THE HERALD ANGELS.
+
+Lo! God hath ope'd the glist'ring gates of heaven,
+  And thence are streaming beams of glorious light:
+All earth is bath'd in the effulgence giv'n
+  To dissipate the darkness of the night.
+The eastern shepherds, 'biding in the fields,
+  O'erlook the flocks till now their constant care,
+And light divine to mortal sense reveals
+  A seraph bright descending in the air.
+
+Hark! strains seraphic fall upon the ear,
+  From shining ones around th' eternal gates:
+Glad that man's load of guilt may disappear,
+  Infinite strength on finite weakness waits.
+
+Why are the trembling shepherds sore afraid?
+  Why shrink they at the grand, the heavenly sight?
+"Fear not" (the angel says), nor be dismay'd,
+  And o'er them sheds a ray of God-sent light.
+O matchless mercy! All-embracing love!
+  The angel speaks and, gladly, men record:--
+"I bring you joyful tidings from above:
+  This day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord!"
+
+Hark! "Peace on earth, and God's good-will to men!"
+  The angels sing, and heaven resounds with praise--
+That fallen man may live with God again,
+  Through Christ, who deigns the sons of men to raise.
+
+W. F. D
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER I._
+
+THE ORIGIN AND ASSOCIATIONS OF CHRISTMAS.
+
+
+THE FIRST CHRISTMAS: THE ADVENT OF CHRIST.
+
+  Behold, a virgin shall conceive,
+  And bear a Son,
+  And shall call His name Immanuel.
+
+  (_Isaiah_ vii. 14.)
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When His mother Mary
+had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found
+with child of the Holy Ghost. And Joseph her husband, being a
+righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was
+minded to put her away privily. But when he thought on these things,
+behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying,
+Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife:
+for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall
+bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call His name Jesus; for it is He
+that shall save His people from their sins. Now all this is come to
+pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through
+the prophet, saying,
+
+  Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son,
+  And they shall call His name Immanuel;
+
+which is, being interpreted, God with us. And Joseph arose from his
+sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto
+him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth a Son; and
+he called His name Jesus.
+
+(_Matthew_ i. 18-25.)
+
+[Illustration: "There went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus that all the
+world should be taxed. And Joseph went to be taxed with Mary his
+espoused wife, being great with child." (_Luke_ ii. 1-5.)]
+
+And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field,
+and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord
+stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and
+they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid;
+for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to
+all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David
+a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you; Ye
+shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.
+And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
+praising God, and saying,
+
+  Glory to God in the highest,
+  And on earth peace among men in whom He is well pleased.
+
+And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven,
+the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,
+and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made
+known unto us. And they came with haste, and found both Mary and
+Joseph, and the Babe lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they
+made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this
+child. And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken
+unto them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering
+them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising
+God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was
+spoken unto them.
+
+(_Luke_ ii. 8-20.)
+
+
+THE PLACE OF THE NATIVITY.
+
+The evangelist Matthew tells us that "Jesus was born in Bethlehem of
+Judæa in the days of Herod the king;" and Justin Martyr, who was born
+at Shechem and lived less than a century after the time of Christ,
+places the scene of the Nativity in a cave. Over this cave has risen
+the Church and Convent of the Nativity, and there is a stone slab with
+a star cut in it to mark the spot where the Saviour was born. Dean
+Farrar, who has been at the place, says: "It is impossible to stand in
+the little Chapel of the Nativity, and to look without emotion on the
+silver star let into the white marble, encircled by its sixteen
+everburning lamps, and surrounded by the inscription, '_Hic de Virgine
+Maria Jesus Christus natus est_.'"
+
+To visit such a scene is to have the thoughts carried back to the
+greatest event in the world's history, for it has been truly said that
+the birth of Christ was the world's second birthday.
+
+  Now, death is life! and grief is turn'd to joy!
+    Since glory shone on that auspicious morn,
+  When God incarnate came, not to destroy,
+    But man to save and manhood's state adorn!
+
+  W. F. D.
+
+[Illustration: The Nativity by Sandro Botticelli
+Centre Portion of Picture in National Gallery]
+
+THE WORD "CHRISTMAS": ITS ORTHOGRAPHY AND MEANING.
+
+"Christmas" (pronounced Kris'mas) signifies "Christ's Mass," meaning
+the festival of the Nativity of Christ, and the word has been
+variously spelt at different periods. The following are obsolete forms
+of it found in old English writings: Crystmasse, Cristmes, Cristmas,
+Crestenmes, Crestenmas, Cristemes, Cristynmes, Crismas, Kyrsomas,
+Xtemas, Cristesmesse, Cristemasse, Crystenmas, Crystynmas, Chrystmas,
+Chrystemes, Chrystemasse, Chrystymesse, Cristenmas, Christenmas,
+Christmass, Christmes. Christmas has also been called _Noël_ or
+_Nowel_. As to the derivation of the word _Noël_, some say it is a
+contraction of the French _nouvelles_ (tidings), _les bonnes
+nouvelles_, that is "The good news of the Gospel"; others take it as
+an abbreviation of the Gascon or Provençal _nadaü_, _nadal_, which
+means the same as the Latin _natalis_, that is, _dies natalis_, "the
+birthday." In "The Franklin's Tale," Chaucer alludes to "Nowel" as a
+festive cry at Christmastide: "And 'Nowel' crieth every lusty man."
+Some say _Noël_ is a corruption of _Yule_, _Jule_, or _Ule_, meaning
+"The festival of the sun." The name _Yule_ is still applied to the
+festival in Scotland, and some other places. Christmas is represented
+in Welsh by _Nadolig_, which signifies "the natal, or birth"; in
+French by _Noël_; and in Italian by _Il Natale_, which, together with
+its cognate term in Spanish, is simply a contraction of _dies
+natalis_, "the birthday."
+
+  CHRISTMAS: blest Feast of the Nativity!
+  H eaven made thy lowly shrine
+  R esplendent with the gift of the eternal Deity
+  I n whom we live and move, whose large benignity
+  S pared not His Son divine:
+  T hat well-beloved Son by God was given,
+  M ankind to save with His redeeming blood;
+  A nd Jesus freely left the bliss of Heaven,
+  S uffering death, to achieve our lasting good.--W. F. D.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER II_.
+
+THE EARLIER CELEBRATIONS OF THE FESTIVAL.
+
+
+THE EARLIER CELEBRATIONS.
+
+[Illustration: GROUP FROM THE ANGELS' SERENADE THEODORE MINTROP]
+
+The Angels' Song has been called the first Christmas Carol, and the
+shepherds who heard this heavenly song of peace and goodwill, and went
+"with haste" to the birthplace at Bethlehem, where they "found Mary,
+and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger," certainly took part in
+the first celebration of the Nativity. And the Wise Men, who came
+afterwards with presents from the East, being led to Bethlehem by the
+appearance of the miraculous star, may also be regarded as taking part
+in the first celebration of the Nativity, for the name Epiphany (now
+used to commemorate the manifestation of the Saviour) did not come
+into use till long afterwards, and when it was first adopted among the
+Oriental Churches it was designed to commemorate both the birth and
+baptism of Jesus, which two events the Eastern Churches believed to
+have occurred on January 6th. Whether the shepherds commemorated the
+Feast of the Nativity annually does not appear from the records of the
+Evangelists; but it is by no means improbable that to the end of their
+lives they would annually celebrate the most wonderful event which
+they had witnessed.
+
+[Illustration: ADORATION OF THE MAGI (Relievo.)
+From Pulpit of Pisa Nicola: Pisano]
+
+Within thirty years after the death of our Lord, there were churches
+in Jerusalem, Cæsarea, Rome, and the Syrian Antioch. In reference to
+the latter, Bishop Ken beautifully says:--
+
+  "Fair Antioch the rich, the great,
+  Of learning the imperial seat,
+      You readily inclined,
+      To light which on you shined;
+  It soon shot up to a meridian flame,
+  You first baptized it with a Christian name."
+
+Clement, one of the Apostolic Fathers and third Bishop of Rome, who
+flourished in the first century, says: "Brethren, keep diligently
+feast-days, and truly in the first place the day of Christ's birth."
+And according to another of the early Bishops of Rome, it was ordained
+early in the second century, "that in the holy night of the Nativity
+of our Lord and Saviour, they do celebrate public church services and
+in them solemnly sing the Angels' Hymn, because also the same night He
+was declared unto the shepherds by an angel, as the truth itself doth
+witness."
+
+But, before proceeding further with the historical narrative, it will
+be well now to make more particular reference to the fixing of the
+date of the festival.
+
+
+FIXING THE DATE OF CHRISTMAS.
+
+Whether the 25th of December, which is now observed as Christmas Day,
+correctly fixes the period of the year when Christ was born is still
+doubtful, although it is a question upon which there has been much
+controversy. From Clement of Alexandria it appears, that when the
+first efforts were made to fix the season of the Advent, there were
+advocates for the 20th of May, and for the 20th or 21st of April. It
+is also found that some communities of Christians celebrated the
+festival on the 1st or 6th of January; others on the 29th of March,
+the time of the Jewish Passover: while others observed it on the 29th
+of September, or Feast of Tabernacles. The Oriental Christians
+generally were of opinion that both the birth and baptism of Christ
+took place on the 6th of January. Julius I., Bishop of Rome (A.D.
+337-352), contended that the 25th of December was the date of Christ's
+birth, a view to which the majority of the Eastern Church ultimately
+came round, while the Church of the West adopted from their brethren
+in the East the view that the baptism was on the 6th of January. It
+is, at any rate, certain that after St. Chrysostom Christmas was
+observed on the 25th of December in East and West alike, except in the
+Armenian Church, which still remains faithful to January 6th. St.
+Chrysostom, who died in the beginning of the fifth century, informs
+us, in one of his Epistles, that Julius, on the solicitation of St.
+Cyril of Jerusalem, caused strict inquiries to be made on the subject,
+and thereafter, following what seemed to be the best authenticated
+tradition, settled authoritatively the 25th of December as the
+anniversary of Christ's birth, the _Festorum omnium metropolis_, as it
+is styled by Chrysostom. It may be observed, however, that some have
+represented this fixing of the day to have been accomplished by St.
+Telesphorus, who was Bishop of Rome A.D. 127-139, but the authority
+for the assertion is very doubtful. There is good ground for
+maintaining that Easter and its accessory celebrations mark with
+tolerable accuracy the anniversaries of the Passion and Resurrection
+of our Lord, because we know that the events themselves took place at
+the period of the Jewish Passover; but no such precision of date can
+be adduced as regards Christmas. Dr. Geikie[1] says: "The _season_ at
+which Christ was born is inferred from the fact that He was six months
+younger than John, respecting the date of whose birth we have the help
+of knowing the time of the annunciation during his father's
+ministrations in Jerusalem. Still, the whole subject is very
+uncertain. Ewald appears to fix the date of the birth as five years
+earlier than our era. Petavius and Usher fix it as on the 25th of
+December, five years before our era; Bengel, on the 25th of December,
+four years before our era; Anger and Winer, four years before our era,
+in the spring; Scaliger, three years before our era, in October; St.
+Jerome, three years before our era, on December 25th; Eusebius, two
+years before our era, on January 6th; and Ideler, seven years before
+our era, in December." Milton, following the immemorial tradition of
+the Church, says that--
+
+  "It was the winter wild."
+
+But there are still many who think that the 25th of December does not
+correspond with the actual date of the birth of Christ, and regard the
+incident of the flocks and shepherds in the open field, recorded by
+St. Luke, as indicative of spring rather than winter. This incident,
+it is thought, could not have taken place in the inclement month of
+December, and it has been conjectured, with some probability, that the
+25th of December was chosen in order to substitute the purified joy of
+a Christian festival for the license of the _Bacchanalia_ and
+_Saturnalia_ which were kept at that season. It is most probable that
+the Advent took place between December, 749, of Rome, and February,
+750.
+
+Dionysius Exiguus, surnamed the Little, a Romish monk of the sixth
+century, a Scythian by birth, and who died A.D. 556, fixed the birth
+of Christ in the year of Rome 753, but the best authorities are now
+agreed that 753 was not the year in which the Saviour of mankind was
+born. The Nativity is now placed, not as might have been expected, in
+A.D. 1, but in B.C. 5 or 4. The mode of reckoning by the "year of our
+Lord" was first introduced by Dionysius, in his "Cyclus Paschalis," a
+treatise on the computation of Easter, in the first half of the sixth
+century. Up to that time the received computation of events through
+the western portion of Christendom had been from the supposed
+foundation of Rome (B.C. 754), and events were marked accordingly as
+happening in this or that year, _Anno Urbis Conditæ_, or by the
+initial letters A.U.C. In the East some historians continued to reckon
+from the era of Seleucidæ, which dated from the accession of Seleucus
+Nicator to the monarchy of Syria, in B.C. 312. The new computation was
+received by Christendom in the sixth century, and adopted without
+adequate inquiry, till the sixteenth century. A more careful
+examination of the data presented by the Gospel history, and, in
+particular, by the fact that "Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa"
+before the death of Herod, showed that Dionysius had made a mistake of
+four years, or perhaps more, in his calculations. The death of Herod
+took place in the year of Rome A.U.C. 750, just before the Passover.
+This year coincided with what in our common chronology would be B.C.
+4--so that we have to recognise the fact that our own reckoning is
+erroneous, and to fix B.C. 5 or 4 as the date of the Nativity.
+
+[Illustration: "THE INNS ARE FULL."]
+
+Now, out of the consideration of the time at which the Christmas
+festival is fixed, naturally arises another question, viz.:--
+
+
+THE CONNECTION OF CHRISTMAS WITH ANCIENT FESTIVALS.
+
+Sir Isaac Newton[2] says the Feast of the Nativity, and most of the
+other ecclesiastical anniversaries, were originally fixed at cardinal
+points of the year, without any reference to the dates of the
+incidents which they commemorated, dates which, by lapse of time, it
+was impossible to ascertain. Thus the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary
+was placed on the 25th of March, or about the time of the vernal
+equinox; the Feast of St. Michael on the 29th of September, or near
+the autumnal equinox; and the Birth of Christ at the time of the
+winter solstice. Christmas was thus fixed at the time of the year when
+the most celebrated festivals of the ancients were held in honour of
+the return of the sun which at the winter solstice begins gradually to
+regain power and to ascend apparently in the horizon. Previously to
+this (says William Sandys, F.S.A.),[3] the year was drawing to a
+close, and the world was typically considered to be in the same state.
+The promised restoration of light and commencement of a new era were
+therefore hailed with rejoicings and thanksgivings. The Saxon and
+other northern nations kept a festival at this time of the year in
+honour of Thor, in which they mingled feasting, drinking, and dancing
+with sacrifices and religious rites. It was called Yule, or Jule, a
+term of which the derivation has caused dispute amongst antiquaries;
+some considering it to mean a festival, and others stating that Iol,
+or Iul (spelt in various ways), is a primitive word, conveying the
+idea of Revolution or Wheel, and applicable therefore to the return of
+the sun. The _Bacchanalia_ and _Saturnalia_ of the Romans had
+apparently the same object as the Yuletide, or feast of the Northern
+nations, and were probably adopted from some more ancient nations, as
+the Greeks, Mexicans, Persians, Chinese, &c., had all something
+similar. In the course of them, as is well known, masters and slaves
+were supposed to be on an equality; indeed, the former waited on the
+latter.[4] Presents were mutually given and received, as Christmas
+presents in these days. Towards the end of the feast, when the sun was
+on its return, and the world was considered to be renovated, a king or
+ruler was chosen, with considerable power granted to him during his
+ephemeral reign, whence may have sprung some of the Twelfth-Night
+revels, mingled with those in honour of the Manifestation and
+Adoration of the Magi. And, in all probability, some other Christmas
+customs are adopted from the festivals of the ancients, as decking
+with evergreens and mistletoe (relics of Druidism) and the wassail
+bowl. It is not surprising, therefore, that Bacchanalian illustrations
+have been found among the decorations in the early Christian Churches.
+The illustration on the following page is from a mosaic in the Church
+of St. Constantine, Rome, A.D. 320.
+
+[Illustration: GRAPE GATHERING AND THE VINTAGE.
+MOSAIC IN THE CHURCH OF ST. CONSTANTINE, ROME, A.D. 320.]
+
+[Illustration: FROM AN IVORY (PART OF BOOK COVER)
+GERMAN NINTH CENTURY BRITISH MUSEUM]
+
+Dr. Cassel, of Germany, an erudite Jewish convert who is little known
+in this country, has endeavoured to show that the festival of
+Christmas has a Judæan origin. He considers that its customs are
+significantly in accordance with those of the Jewish festival of the
+Dedication of the Temple. This feast was held in the winter time, on
+the 25th of Cisleu (December 20th), having been founded by Judas
+Maccabæus in honour of the cleansing of the Temple in B.C. 164, six
+years and a half after its profanation by Antiochus Epiphanes. In
+connection with Dr. Cassel's theory it may be remarked that the German
+word _Weihnachten_ (from _weihen_, "to consecrate, inaugurate," and
+_nacht_, "night") leads directly to the meaning, "Night of the
+Dedication."
+
+[Illustration: ANCIENT ROMAN ILLUSTRATIONS.]
+
+In proceeding with our historical survey, then, we must recollect that
+in the festivities of Christmastide there is a mingling of the Divine
+with the human elements of society--the establishment and development
+of a Christian festival on pagan soil and in the midst of
+superstitious surroundings. Unless this be borne in mind it is
+impossible to understand some customs connected with the celebration
+of Christmas. For while the festival commemorates the Nativity of
+Christ, it also illustrates the ancient practices of the various
+peoples who have taken part in the commemoration, and not
+inappropriately so, as the event commemorated is also linked to the
+past. "Christmas" (says Dean Stanley) "brings before us the relations
+of the Christian religion to the religions which went before; for the
+birth at Bethlehem was itself a link with the past. The coming of
+Jesus Christ was not unheralded or unforeseen. Even in the heathen
+world there had been anticipations of an event of a character not
+unlike this. In Plato's Dialogue bright ideals had been drawn of the
+just man; in Virgil's Eclogues there had been a vision of a new and
+peaceful order of things. But it was in the Jewish nation that these
+anticipations were most distinct. That wonderful people in all its
+history had looked, not backward, but forward. The appearance of Jesus
+Christ was not merely the accomplishment of certain predictions; it
+was the fulfilment of this wide and deep expectation of a whole
+people, and that people the most remarkable in the ancient world."
+Thus Dean Stanley links Christianity with the older religions of the
+world, as other writers have connected the festival of Christmas with
+the festivals of paganism and Judaism. The first Christians were
+exposed to the dissolute habits and idolatrous practices of
+heathenism, as well as the superstitious ceremonials of Judaism, and
+it is in these influences that we must seek the true origin of many of
+the usages and institutions of Christianity. The old hall of Roman
+justice and exchange--an edifice expressive of the popular life of
+Greece and Rome--was not deemed too secular to be used as the first
+Christian place of worship: pagan statues were preserved as objects of
+adoration, being changed but in name; names describing the functions
+of Church officers were copied from the civil vocabulary of the time;
+the ceremonies of Christian worship were accommodated as far as
+possible to those of the heathen, that new converts might not be much
+startled at the change, and at the Christmas festival Christians
+indulged in revels closely resembling those of the _Saturnalia_.
+
+[Illustration: ANCIENT ROMAN ILLUSTRATIONS.]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION.
+
+It is known that the Feast of the Nativity was observed as early as
+the first century, and that it was kept by the primitive Christians
+even in dark days of persecution. "They wandered in deserts, and in
+mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth" (Heb. xi. 38). Yet they
+were faithful to Christ, and the Catacombs of Rome contain evidence
+that they celebrated the Nativity.
+
+The opening up of these Catacombs has brought to light many most
+interesting relics of primitive Christianity. In these Christian
+cemeteries and places of worship there are signs not only of the deep
+emotion and hope with which they buried their dead, but also of their
+simple forms of worship and the festive joy with which they
+commemorated the Nativity of Christ. On the rock-hewn tombs these
+primitive Christians wrote the thoughts that were most consoling to
+themselves, or painted on the walls the figures which gave them the
+most pleasure. The subjects of these paintings are for the most part
+taken from the Bible, and the one which illustrates the earliest and
+most universal of these pictures, and exhibits their Christmas joy, is
+"The Adoration of the Magi." Another of these emblems of joyous
+festivity which is frequently seen, is a vine, with its branches and
+purple clusters spreading in every direction, reminding us that in
+Eastern countries the vintage is the great holiday of the year. In the
+Jewish Church there was no festival so joyous as the Feast of
+Tabernacles, when they gathered the fruit of the vineyard, and in some
+of the earlier celebrations of the Nativity these festivities were
+closely copied. And as all down the ages pagan elements have mingled
+in the festivities of Christmas, so in the Catacombs they are not
+absent. There is Orpheus playing on his harp to the beasts; Bacchus as
+the god of the vintage; Psyche, the butterfly of the soul; the Jordan
+as the god of the rivers. The classical and the Christian, the Hebrew
+and the Hellenic elements had not yet parted; and the unearthing of
+these pictures after the lapse of centuries affords another
+interesting clue to the origin of some of the customs of
+Christmastide. It is astonishing how many of the Catacomb decorations
+are taken from heathen sources and copied from heathen paintings; yet
+we need not wonder when we reflect that the vine was used by the early
+Christians as an emblem of gladness, and it was scarcely possible for
+them to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity--a festival of glad
+tidings--without some sort of _Bacchanalia_. Thus it appears that even
+beneath the palaces and temples of pagan Rome the birth of Christ was
+celebrated, this early undermining of paganism by Christianity being,
+as it were, the germ of the final victory, and the secret praise,
+which came like muffled music from the Catacombs in honour of the
+Nativity, the prelude to the triumph-song in which they shall unite
+who receive from Christ the unwithering crown.
+
+[Illustration: ANCIENT AGAPE.
+
+(_From Withrow's_ "_Catacombs of Rome_," which states that the
+inscriptions, according to Dr. Maitland, should be expanded thus IRENE
+DA CALDA[M AQVAM]--"Peace, give hot water," and AGAPE MISCE MI [VINVM
+CVM AQVA]--"Love, mix me wine with water," the allusion being to the
+ancient custom of tempering wine with water, hot or cold)]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+But they who would wear the crown must first bear the cross, and these
+early Christians had to pass through dreadful days of persecution.
+Some of them were made food for the torches of the atrocious Nero,
+others were thrown into the Imperial fish-ponds to fatten lampreys for
+the Bacchanalian banquets, and many were mangled to death by savage
+beasts, or still more savage men, to make sport for thousands of
+pitiless sightseers, while not a single thumb was turned to make the
+sign of mercy. But perhaps the most gigantic and horrible of all
+Christmas atrocities were those perpetrated by the tyrant Diocletian,
+who became Emperor A.D. 284. The early years of his reign were
+characterised by some sort of religious toleration, but when his
+persecutions began many endured martyrdom, and the storm of his fury
+burst on the Christians in the year 303. A multitude of Christians of
+all ages had assembled to commemorate the Nativity in the temple at
+Nicomedia, in Bithynia, when the tyrant Emperor had the town
+surrounded by soldiers and set on fire, and about twenty thousand
+persons perished. The persecutions were carried on throughout the
+Roman Empire, and the death-roll included some British martyrs,
+Britain being at that time a Roman province. St. Alban, who was put to
+death at Verulam in Diocletian's reign, is said to have been the first
+Christian martyr in Britain. On the retirement of Diocletian, satiated
+with slaughter and wearied with wickedness, Galerius continued the
+persecutions for a while. But the time of deliverance was at hand, for
+the martyrs had made more converts in their deaths than in their
+lives. It was vainly hoped that Christianity would be destroyed, but
+in the succeeding reign of Constantine it became the religion of the
+empire. Not one of the martyrs had died in vain or passed through
+death unrecorded.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ "There is a record traced on high,
+  That shall endure eternally;
+  The angel standing by God's throne
+  Treasures there each word and groan;
+  And not the martyr's speech alone,
+  But every word is there depicted,
+    With every circumstance of pain
+  The crimson stream, the gash inflicted--
+    And not a drop is shed in vain."
+
+
+CELEBRATIONS UNDER CONSTANTINE THE GREAT.
+
+With the accession of Constantine (born at York, February 27, 274, son
+of the sub-Emperor Constantius by a British mother, the "fair Helena
+of York," and who, on the death of his father at York in 306, was in
+Britain proclaimed Emperor of the Roman Empire) brighter days came to
+the Christians, for his first act was one of favour to them. He had
+been present at the promulgation of Diocletian's edict of the last and
+fiercest of the persecutions against the Christians, in 303, at
+Nicomedia, soon after which the imperial palace was struck by
+lightning, and the conjunction of the events seems to have deeply
+impressed him. No sooner had he ascended the throne than his good
+feeling towards the Christians took the active form of an edict of
+toleration, and subsequently he accepted Christianity, and his example
+was followed by the greater part of his family. And now the
+Christians, who had formerly hidden away in the darkness of the
+Catacombs and encouraged one another with "Alleluias," which served as
+a sort of invitatory or mutual call to each other to praise the Lord,
+might come forth into the Imperial sunshine and hold their services in
+basilicas or public halls, the roofs of which (Jerome tells us)
+"re-echoed with their cries of Alleluia," while Ambrose says the sound
+of their psalms as they sang in celebration of the Nativity "was like
+the surging of the sea in great waves of sound." And the Catacombs
+contain confirmatory evidence of the joy with which relatives of the
+Emperor participated in Christian festivities. In the tomb of
+Constantia, the sister of the Emperor Constantine, the only
+decorations are children gathering the vintage, plucking the grapes,
+carrying baskets of grapes on their heads, dancing on the grapes to
+press out the wine. This primitive conception of the Founder of
+Christianity shows the faith of these early Christians to have been of
+a joyous and festive character, and the Graduals for Christmas Eve and
+Christmas morning, the beautiful Kyrie Eleisons (which in later times
+passed into carols), and the other festival music which has come down
+to us through that wonderful compilation of Christian song, _Gregory's
+Antiphonary_, show that Christmas stood out prominently in the
+celebrations of the now established Church, for the Emperor
+Constantine had transferred the seat of government to Constantinople,
+and Christianity was formally recognised as the established religion.
+
+
+EPISCOPAL REFERENCES TO CHRISTMAS AND CAUTIONS AGAINST EXCESSES.
+
+Cyprian, the intrepid Bishop of Carthage, whose stormy episcopate
+closed with the crown of martyrdom in the latter half of the third
+century, began his treatise on the Nativity thus: "The much wished-for
+and long expected Nativity of Christ is come, the famous solemnity is
+come"--expressions which indicate the desire with which the Church
+looked forward to the festival, and the fame which its celebrations
+had acquired in the popular mind. And in later times, after the
+fulness of festivity at Christmas had resulted in some excesses,
+Bishop Gregory Nazianzen (who died in 389), fearing the spiritual
+thanksgiving was in danger of being subordinated to the temporal
+rejoicing, cautioned all Christians "against feasting to excess,
+dancing, and crowning the doors (practices derived from the heathens);
+urging the celebration of the festival after an heavenly and not an
+earthly manner."
+
+In the Council, generally called _Concilium Africanum_, held A.D. 408,
+"stage-playes and spectacles are forbidden on the Lord's-day,
+Christmas-day, and other solemn Christian festivalls." Theodosius the
+younger, in his laws _de Spectaculis_, in 425, forbade shows or games
+on the Nativity, and some other feasts. And in the Council of Auxerre,
+in Burgundy, in 578, disguisings are again forbidden, and at another
+Council, in 614, it was found necessary to repeat the prohibitory
+canons in stronger terms, declaring it to be unlawful to make any
+indecent plays upon the Kalends of January, according to the profane
+practices of the pagans. But it is also recorded that the more devout
+Christians in these early times celebrated the festival without
+indulging in the forbidden excesses.
+
+    [1] Notes to "Life of Christ."
+
+    [2] "Commentary on the Prophecies of Daniel."
+
+    [3] Introduction to "Christmas Carols," 1833.
+
+    [4] The Emperor Nero himself is known to have presided at
+    the _Saturnalia_, having been made by lot the _Rex
+    bibendi_, or Master of the Revels. Indeed it was at one of
+    these festivals that he instigated the murder of the young
+    Prince Britannicus, the last male descendant of the family
+    of the Claudii, who had been expelled from his rights by
+    violence and crime; and the atrocious act was committed
+    amid the revels over which Nero was presiding as master.
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER III._
+
+EARLY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS IN BRITAIN.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+EARLY CELEBRATIONS IN BRITAIN.
+
+It is recorded that there were "saints in Cæsar's household," and we
+have also the best authority for saying there were converts among
+Roman soldiers. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, "was a just man and one
+that feared God," and other Roman converts are referred to in
+Scripture as having been found among the officers of the Roman Empire.
+And although it is not known who first preached the Gospel in Britain,
+it seems almost certain that Christianity entered with the Roman
+invasion in A.D. 43. As in Palestine some of the earlier converts
+served Christ secretly "for fear of the Jews," so, in all probability,
+did they in Britain for fear of the Romans. We know that some
+confessed Christ and closed their earthly career with the crown of
+martyrdom. It is also certain that very early in the Christian era
+Christmas was celebrated in Britain, mingling in its festivities some
+of the winter-festival customs of the ancient Britons and the Roman
+invaders, for traces of those celebrations are still seen in some of
+the Christmas customs of modern times. Moreover, it is known that
+Christians were tolerated in Britain by some of the Roman governors
+before the days of Constantine. It was in the time of the fourth Roman
+Emperor, Claudius, that part of Britain was first really conquered.
+Claudius himself came over in the year 43, and his generals afterwards
+went on with the war, conquering one after another of the British
+chiefs, Caradoc, whom the Romans called Caractacus, holding out the
+longest and the most bravely. This intrepid King of the Silurians, who
+lived in South Wales and the neighbouring parts, withstood the Romans
+for several years, but was at last defeated at a great battle,
+supposed to have taken place in Shropshire, where there is a hill
+still called Caer Caradoc. Caradoc and his family were taken prisoners
+and led before the Emperor at Rome, when he made a remarkable speech
+which has been preserved for us by Tacitus. When he saw the splendid
+city of Rome, he wondered that an Emperor who lived in such splendour
+should have meddled with his humble home in Britain; and in his
+address before the Emperor Claudius, who received him seated on his
+throne with the Empress Agrippina by his side, Caradoc said: "My fate
+this day appears as sad for me as it is glorious for thee. I had
+horses, soldiers, arms, and treasures; is it surprising that I should
+regret the loss of them? If it is thy will to command the universe, is
+it a reason we should voluntarily accept slavery? Had I yielded
+sooner, thy fortune and my glory would have been less, and oblivion
+would soon have followed my execution. If thou sparest my life, I
+shall be an eternal monument of thy clemency." Although the Romans had
+very often killed their captives, to the honour of Claudius be it said
+that he treated Caradoc kindly, gave him his liberty, and, according
+to some historians, allowed him to reign in part of Britain as a
+prince subject to Rome. It is surprising that an emperor who had shown
+such clemency could afterwards become one of Rome's sanguinary
+tyrants; but Claudius was a man of weak intellect.
+
+There were several of the Roman Emperors and Governors who befriended
+the Christians, took part in their Christmas festivities, and
+professed faith in Christ. The Venerable Bede says: "In the reign of
+Marcus Aurelius Antonius, and his partner in the Empire, Lucius Verus,
+when Eleutherius was Bishop of Rome, Lucius, a British king, sent a
+letter to his prelate, desiring his directions to make him a
+Christian. The holy bishop immediately complied with this pious
+request; and thus the Britons, being brought over to Christianity,
+continued without warping or disturbance till the reign of the Emperor
+Diocletian." And Selden says: "Howsoever, by injury of time, the
+memory of this great and illustrious Prince King Lucy hath been
+embezzled and smuggled; this, upon the credit of the ancient writers,
+appears plainly, that the pitiful fopperies of the Pagans, and the
+worship of their idol devils, did begin to flag, and within a short
+time would have given place to the worship of the true God." As this
+"illustrious Prince King Lucy"--Lucius Verus--flourished in the latter
+part of the second century, and is credited with the erection of our
+first Christian Church on the site of St. Martin's, at Canterbury, it
+seems clear that even in those early days Christianity was making
+progress in Britain. From the time of Julius Agricola, who was Roman
+Commander from 78 to 84, Britain had been a Roman province, and
+although the Romans never conquered the whole of the island, yet
+during their occupation of what they called their province (the whole
+of Britain, excepting that portion north of the Firths of Forth and
+Clyde), they encouraged the Christmas festivities and did much to
+civilise the people whom they had conquered and whom they governed for
+more than three hundred years. They built towns in different parts of
+the country and constructed good roads from one town to another, for
+they were excellent builders and road-makers. Some of the Roman
+emperors visited Britain and others were chosen by the soldiers of
+Britain; and in the reigns of Constantine the Great and other tolerant
+emperors the Britains lived like Romans, adopted Roman manners and
+customs, and some of them learned to speak the Latin language.
+Christian churches were built and bishoprics founded; a hierarchy was
+established, and at the Council of Arles, in 314, three British
+bishops took part--those of York, London, and Camulodunum (which is
+now Colchester or Malden, authorities are divided, but Freeman says
+Colchester). The canons framed at Arles on this occasion became the
+law of the British Church, and in this more favourable period for
+Christians the Christmas festival was kept with great rejoicing. But
+this settled state of affairs was subsequently disturbed by the
+departure of the Romans and the several invasions of the Anglo-Saxons
+and the Danes which preceded the Norman Conquest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AGAIN IN TROUBLOUS TIMES: THE DEPARTURE OF THE ROMANS AND
+THE INVASION OF THE ANGLO-SAXONS.
+
+The outgoing of the Romans and the incoming of the Angles, the Saxons,
+and the Jutes disastrously affected the festival of Christmas, for the
+invaders were heathens, and Christianity was swept westward before
+them. They had lived in a part of the Continent which had not been
+reached by Christianity nor classic culture, and they worshipped the
+false gods of Woden and Thunder, and were addicted to various
+heathenish practices, some of which now mingled with the festivities
+of Christmastide. Still, as these Angles came to stay and have given
+their name to our country, it may be well to note that they came over
+to Britain from the one country which is known to have borne the name
+of Angeln or the Engle-land, and which is now called Sleswick, a
+district in the middle of that peninsula which parts the Baltic from
+the North Sea or German Ocean. The Romans having become weakened
+through their conflicts with Germany and other nations, at the
+beginning of the fifth century, the Emperor Honorius recalled the
+Roman legions from Britain, and this made it much easier for the
+Angles and Saxons (who had previously tried to get in) to come and
+remain in this country. Thus our Teuton forefathers came and conquered
+much the greater part of Britain, the Picts and Scots remaining in the
+north and the Welsh in the west of the island. It was their custom to
+kill or make slaves of all the people they could, and so completely
+did they conquer that part of Britain in which they settled that they
+kept their own language and manners and their own heathenish religion,
+and destroyed or desecrated Christian churches which had been set up.
+Hence Christian missionaries were required to convert our ancestral
+worshippers of Woden and Thunder, and a difficult business it was to
+Christianise such pagans, for they stuck to their false gods with the
+same tenacity that the northern nations did.
+
+In his poem of "King Olaf's Christmas" Longfellow refers to the
+worship of Thor and Odin alongside with the worship of Christ in the
+northern nations:--
+
+ "At Drontheim, Olaf the King
+  Heard the bells of Yule-tide ring,
+      As he sat in his banquet-hall.
+  Drinking the nut-brown ale,
+  With his bearded Berserks hale
+      And tall.
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  O'er his drinking horn, the sign
+  He made of the Cross divine
+      As he drank, and muttered his prayers;
+  But the Berserks evermore
+  Made the sign of the Hammer of Thor
+      Over theirs."
+
+In England, too, Christ and Thor were worshipped side by side for at
+least 150 years after the introduction of Christianity, for while some
+of the English accepted Christ as their true friend and Saviour, He
+was not accepted by all the people. Indeed, the struggle against Him
+is still going on, but we anticipate the time when He shall be
+victorious all along the line.
+
+The Christmas festival was duly observed by the missionaries who came
+to the South of England from Rome, headed by Augustine, and in the
+northern parts of the country the Christian festivities were revived
+by the Celtic missionaries from Iona, under Aidan, the famous
+Columbian monk. At least half of England was covered by the Columbian
+monks, whose great foundation upon the rocky island of Iona, in the
+Hebrides, was the source of Christianity to Scotland. The ritual of
+the Celtic differed from that of the Romish missionaries, and caused
+confusion, till at the Synod of Whitby (664) the Northumbrian Kingdom
+adopted the Roman usages, and England obtained ecclesiastical unity as
+a branch of the Church of Rome. Thus unity in the Church preceded by
+several centuries unity in the State.
+
+[Illustration: QUEEN BERTHA.]
+
+In connection with Augustine's mission to England, a memorable story
+(recorded in Green's "History of the English People") tells how, when
+but a young Roman deacon, Gregory had noted the white bodies, the fair
+faces, the golden hair of some youths who stood bound in the
+market-place of Rome. "From what country do these slaves come?" he
+asked the traders who brought them. "They are English, Angles!" the
+slave-dealers answered. The deacon's pity veiled itself in poetic
+humour. "Not Angles, but Angels," he said, "with faces so angel-like!
+From what country come they?" "They come," said the merchants, "from
+Deira." "De ira!" was the untranslatable reply; "aye, plucked from
+God's ire, and called to Christ's mercy! And what is the name of their
+king?" "Ælla," they told him, and Gregory seized on the words as of
+good omen. "Alleluia shall be sung in Ælla's land!" he cried, and
+passed on, musing how the angel-faces should be brought to sing it.
+Only three or four years had gone by when the deacon had become Bishop
+of Rome, and the marriage of Bertha, daughter of the Frankish king,
+Charibert of Paris, with Æthelberht, King of Kent, gave him the
+opening he sought; for Bertha, like her Frankish kinsfolk, was a
+Christian.
+
+And so, after negotiations with the rulers of Gaul, Gregory sent
+Augustine, at the head of a band of monks, to preach the gospel to the
+English people. The missionaries landed in 597, on the very spot where
+Hengest had landed more than a century before, in the Isle of Thanet;
+and the king received them sitting in the open air on the chalk-down
+above Minster, where the eye nowadays catches, miles away over the
+marshes, the dim tower of Canterbury. Rowbotham, in his "History of
+Music," says that wherever Gregory sent missionaries he also sent
+copies of the Gregorian song as he had arranged it in his
+"Antiphonary." And he bade them go singing among the people. And
+Augustine entered Kent bearing a silver cross and a banner with the
+image of Christ painted on it, while a long train of choristers walked
+behind him chanting the _Kyrie Eleison_. In this way they came to the
+court of Æthelberht, who assigned them Canterbury as an abode; and
+they entered Canterbury with similar pomp, and as they passed through
+the gates they sang this petition: "Lord, we beseech Thee to keep Thy
+wrath away from this city and from Thy holy Church, Alleluia!"
+
+As papal Rome preserved many relics of heathen Rome, so, in like
+manner, Pope Gregory, in sending Augustine over to convert the
+Anglo-Saxons, directed him to accommodate the ceremonies of the
+Christian worship as much as possible to those of the heathen, that
+the people might not be much startled at the change; and, in
+particular, he advised him to allow converts to kill and eat at the
+Christmas festival a great number of oxen to the glory of God, as they
+had formerly done to the honour of the devil. The clergy, therefore,
+endeavoured to connect the remnants of Pagan idolatry with
+Christianity, and also allowed some of the practices of our British
+ancestors to mingle in the festivities of Christmastide. The religion
+of the Druids, the priests of the ancient Britons, is supposed to have
+been somewhat similar to that of the Brahmins of India, the Magi of
+Persia, and the Chaldeans of Syria. They worshipped in groves,
+regarded the oak and mistletoe as objects of veneration, and offered
+sacrifices. Before Christianity came to Britain December was called
+"Aerra Geola," because the sun then "turns his glorious course." And
+under different names, such as Woden (another form of Odin), Thor,
+Thunder, Saturn, &c., the pagans held their festivals of rejoicing at
+the winter solstice; and so many of the ancient customs connected with
+these festivals were modified and made subservient to Christianity.
+
+Some of the English even tried to serve Christ and the older gods
+together, like the Roman Emperor, Alexander Severus, whose chapel
+contained Orpheus side by side with Abraham and Christ. "Roedwald of
+East Anglia resolved to serve Christ and the older gods together, and
+a pagan and a Christian altar fronted one another in the same royal
+temple."[5] Kent, however, seems to have been evangelised rapidly, for
+it is recorded that on Christmas Day, 597, no less than ten thousand
+persons were baptized.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Before his death Augustine was able to see almost the whole of Kent
+and Essex nominally Christian.
+
+Christmas was now celebrated as the principal festival of the year,
+for our Anglo-Saxon forefathers delighted in the festivities of the
+Halig-Monath (holy month), as they called the month of December, in
+allusion to Christmas Day. At the great festival of Christmas the
+meetings of the Witenagemot were held, as well as at Easter and
+Whitsuntide, wherever the Court happened to be. And at these times the
+Anglo-Saxon, and afterwards the Danish, Kings of England lived in
+state, wore their crowns, and were surrounded by all the great men of
+their kingdoms (together with strangers of rank) who were sumptuously
+entertained, and the most important affairs of state were brought
+under consideration. There was also an outflow of generous hospitality
+towards the poor, who had a hard time of it during the rest of the
+year, and who required the Christmas gifts to provide them with such
+creature comforts as would help them through the inclement season of
+the year.
+
+Readers of Saxon history will remember that chieftains in the festive
+hall are alluded to in the comparison made by one of King Edwin's
+chiefs, in discussing the welcome to be given to the Christian
+missionary Paulinus: "The present life of man, O King, seems to me, in
+comparison of that time which is unknown to us, like to the swift
+flight of a sparrow through the hall where you sit at your meal in
+winter, with your chiefs and attendants, warmed by a fire made in the
+middle of the hall, while storms of rain or snow prevail without."
+
+[Illustration: AN ANCIENT FIREPLACE.]
+
+The "hall" was the principal part of a gentleman's house in Saxon
+times--the place of entertainment and hospitality--and at
+Christmastide the doors were never shut against any who appeared to be
+worthy of welcome. And with such modes of travelling as were in vogue
+in those days one can readily understand that, not only at Christmas,
+but also at other seasons, the rule of hospitality to strangers was a
+necessity.
+
+To this period belong the princely pageants and the magnificent
+
+
+CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS OF KING ARTHUR
+
+and the Knights of his Round Table. We know that some people are
+inclined to discredit the accounts which have come down to us of this
+famous British King and Christian hero, but for our own part we are
+inclined to trust the old chroniclers, at all events so far as to
+believe that they give us true pictures
+
+[Illustration: TRAVELLING IN THE OLDEN TIME, WITH A "CHRISTMAS FOOL"
+ON THE FRONT SEAT.]
+
+of the manners and customs of the times of which they write; and in
+this prosaic age it may surely be permitted to us at Christmastide to
+linger over the doings of those romantic days,
+
+  "When every morning brought a noble chance,
+   And every chance brought out a noble knight."[6]
+
+Sir John Froissart tells us of the princely pageants which King Arthur
+held at Windsor in the sixth century, and of the sumptuous Christmas
+banquetings at his Round Table--the very Round Table (so we are to
+believe, on the authority of Dr. Milner)[7] which has been preserved
+in the old chapel, now termed the county hall, at Winchester. It
+consists of stout oak plank, perforated with many bullets, supposed to
+have been shot by Cromwell's soldiers. It is painted with a figure to
+represent King Arthur, and with the names of his twenty-four knights
+as they are stated in the romances of the old chroniclers. This famous
+Prince, who instituted the military order of the Knights of the Round
+Table, is also credited with the reintroduction of Christianity at
+York after the Saxon invaders had destroyed the first churches built
+there. He was unwearying in his warfare against enemies of the
+religion of Christ. His first great enterprise was the siege of a
+Saxon army at York, and, having afterwards won brilliant victories in
+Somersetshire and other parts of southern England, he again marched
+northward and penetrated Scotland to attack the Picts and Scots, who
+had long harassed the border. On returning from Scotland, Arthur
+rested his wearied army at York and kept Christmas with great
+bountifulness. Geoffrey of Monmouth says he was a prince of
+"unparalleled courage and generosity," and his Christmas at York was
+kept with the greatest joy and festivity. Then was the round table
+filled with jocund guests, and the minstrels, gleemen, harpers,
+pipe-players, jugglers, and dancers were as happy round about their
+log-fires as if they had shone in the blaze of a thousand gas-lights.
+
+[Illustration: THE WILD BOAR HUNT: KILLING THE BOAR.]
+
+King Arthur and his Knights also indulged in out-door amusements, as
+hunting, hawking, running, leaping, wrestling, jousts, and tourneys.
+"So," says Sir Thomas Malory,[8] "passed forth all the winter with all
+manner of hunting and hawking, and jousts and tourneys were many
+between many great lords. And ever, in all manner of places, Sir
+Lavaine got great worship, that he was nobly renowned among many of
+the knights of the Round Table. Thus it passed on until Christmas, and
+every day there were jousts made for a diamond, that whosoever joust
+best should have a diamond. But Sir Launcelot would not joust, but if
+it were a great joust cried; but Sir Lavaine jousted there all the
+Christmas passing well, and most was praised; for there were few that
+did so well as he; wherefore all manner of knights deemed that Sir
+Lavaine should be made a Knight of the Round Table, at the next high
+feast of Pentecost."
+
+
+THE ANGLO-SAXON EXCESSES
+
+are referred to by some of the old chroniclers, intemperance being a
+very prevalent vice at the Christmas festival. Ale and mead were their
+favourite drinks; wines were used as occasional luxuries. "When all
+were satisfied with dinner," says an old chronicler, "and their tables
+were removed, they continued drinking till the evening." And another
+tells how drinking and gaming went on through the greater part of the
+night. Chaucer's one solitary reference to Christmastide is an
+allegorical representation of the jovial feasting which was the
+characteristic feature of this great festival held in "the colde
+frosty season of December."
+
+ "Janus sits by the fire with double beard,
+  And drinketh of his bugle horn the wine:
+  Before him stands the brawn of tuskéd swine,
+  And 'Nowel' cryeth every lusty man."[9]
+
+The Saxons were strongly attached to field sports, and as the "brawn
+of the tuskéd swine" was the first Christmas dish, it was provided by
+the pleasant preliminary pastime of hunting the wild boar; and the
+incidents of the chase afforded interesting table talk when the boar's
+head was brought in ceremoniously to the Christmas festival.
+
+Prominent among the Anglo-Saxon amusements of Christmastide, Strutt
+mentions their propensity for gaming with dice, as derived from their
+ancestors, for Tacitus assures us that the ancient Germans would not
+only hazard all their wealth, but even stake their liberty, upon the
+turn of the dice: "and he who loses submits to servitude, though
+younger and stronger than his antagonist, and patiently permits
+himself to be bound and sold in the market; and this madness they
+dignify by the name of honour." Chess and backgammon were also
+favourite games with the Anglo-Saxons, and a large portion of the
+night was appropriated to the pursuit of these sedentary amusements,
+especially at the Christmas season of the year, when the early
+darkness stopped out-door games.
+
+ "When they had dined, as I can you say,
+  Lords and ladies went to play;
+  Some to tables, and some to chess,
+  With other games more and less."[10]
+
+Our Saxon forefathers were very superstitious. They had many
+pretenders to witchcraft. They believed in the powers of philtres and
+spells, and invocated spirits; and they relished a blood-curdling
+ghost story at Christmas quite as much as their twentieth-century
+descendants. They confided in prognostics, and believed in the
+influence of particular times and seasons; and at Christmastide they
+derived peculiar pleasure from their belief in the immunity of the
+season from malign influences--a belief which descended to Elizabethan
+days, and is referred to by Shakespeare, in "Hamlet":--
+
+ "Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes,
+  Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated,
+  The 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, nor witch hath power to charm,
+  So hallowed and so gracious is the time."
+
+[Illustration: ADORATION OF THE MAGI
+OLD GLASS WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL]
+
+We cannot pass over this period without mentioning a great Christmas
+in the history of our Teutonic kinsmen on the Continent, for the
+Saxons of England and those of Germany have the same Teutonic origin.
+We refer to
+
+
+THE CROWNING OF CHARLEMAGNE EMPEROR OF THE ROMANS ON CHRISTMAS DAY.
+
+The coronation took place at Rome, on Christmas Day, in the year 800.
+Freeman[11] says that when Charles was King of the Franks and Lombards
+and Patrician of the Romans, he was on very friendly terms with the
+mighty Offa, King of the Angles that dwelt in Mercia. Charles and Offa
+not only exchanged letters and gifts, but each gave the subjects of
+the other various rights in his dominions, and they made a league
+together, "for that they two were the mightiest of all the kings that
+dwelt in the Western lands." As conqueror of the old Saxons in
+Germany, Charles may be regarded as the first King of all Germany, and
+he was the first man of any Teutonic nation who was called Roman
+Emperor. He was crowned with the diadem of the Cæsars, by Pope Leo, in
+the name of Charles Augustus, Emperor of the Romans. And it was held
+for a thousand years after, down to the year 1806, that the King of
+the Franks, or, as he was afterwards called, the King of Germany, had
+a right to be crowned by the Pope of Rome, and to be called Emperor of
+the Romans. In the year 1806, however, the Emperor Francis the Second,
+who was also King of Hungary and Archduke of Austria, resigned the
+Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Germany. Since that time no Emperor of
+the Romans has been chosen; but a new German Emperor has been created,
+and the event may be regarded as one of Christmastide, for the
+victorious soldiers who brought it about spent their Christmas in the
+French capital, and during the festival arranged for the
+re-establishment of the German Empire. So it happens, that while
+referring to the crowning of the first German Emperor of the Roman
+Empire, on Christmas Day, 800, we are able to record that more than a
+thousand years afterwards the unification of the German Empire and the
+creation of its first Emperor also occurred at Christmastide, under
+the influence of the German triumphs over the French in the war of
+1870. The imposing event was resolved upon by the German Princes on
+December 18, 1870, the preliminaries were completed during the
+Christmas festival, and on January 18, 1871, in the Galerie des Glaces
+of the château of Versailles, William, King of Prussia, was crowned
+and proclaimed first Emperor of the new German Empire.
+
+Now, going back again over a millennium, we come to
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN THE TIME OF ALFRED THE GREAT.
+
+During the reign of Alfred the Great a law was passed with relation to
+holidays, by virtue of which the twelve days after the Nativity of our
+Saviour were set apart for the celebration of the Christmas festival.
+Some writers are of opinion that, but for Alfred's strict observance
+of the "full twelve holy days," he would not have been defeated by the
+Danes in the year 878. It was just after Twelfth-night that the Danish
+host came suddenly--"bestole," as the old Chronicle says--to
+Chippenham. Then "they rode through the West Saxons' land, and there
+sat down, and mickle of the folk over sea they drove, and of others
+the most deal they rode over; all but the King Alfred; he with a
+little band hardly fared after the woods and on the moor-fastnesses."
+But whether or not Alfred's preparations for the battle just referred
+to were hindered by his enjoyment of the festivities of Christmastide
+with his subjects, it is quite certain that the King won the hearts of
+his people by the great interest he took in their welfare. This good
+king--whose intimacy with his people we delight to associate with the
+homely incident of the burning of a cottager's cakes--kept the
+Christmas festival quite as heartily as any of the early English
+kings, but not so boisterously as some of them. Of the many beautiful
+stories told about him, one might very well belong to Christmastide.
+It is said that, wishing to know what the Danes were about, and how
+strong they were, King Alfred one day set out from Athelney in the
+disguise of a Christmas minstrel, and went into the Danish camp, and
+stayed there several days, amusing the Danes with his playing, till he
+had seen all he wanted, and then went back without any one finding him
+out.
+
+Now, passing on to
+
+
+CHRISTMAS UNDER THE DANISH KINGS OF ENGLAND,
+
+we find that in 961 King Edgar celebrated the Christmas
+festival with great splendour at York; and in 1013 Ethelred
+kept his Christmas with the brave citizens of London who had
+defended the capital during a siege and stoutly resisted Swegen,
+the tyrant king of the Danes. Sir Walter Scott, in his beautiful
+poem of "Marmion," thus pictures the "savage Dane" keeping
+the great winter festival:--
+
+ "Even, heathen yet, the savage Dane
+  At Iol more deep the mead did drain;
+  High on the beach his galleys drew,
+  And feasted all his pirate crew;
+  Then in his low and pine-built hall,
+  Where shields and axes deck'd the wall,
+  They gorged upon the half-dress'd steer;
+  Caroused in seas of sable beer;
+  While round, in brutal jest, were thrown
+  The half-gnaw'd rib, and marrow bone:
+  Or listen'd all, in grim delight.
+  While Scalds yell'd out the joys of fight.
+  Then forth, in frenzy, would they hie,
+  While wildly-loose their red locks fly,
+  And dancing round the blazing pile,
+  They make such barbarous mirth the while,
+  As best might to the mind recall
+  The boisterous joys of Odin's hall."
+
+When the citizens of London saw that Swegen had succeeded all over
+England except their own city, they thought it was no use holding out
+any longer, and they too, submitted and gave hostages. And so Swegen
+was the first Dane who was king, or (as Florence calls him) "Tyrant
+over all England;" and Ethelred, sometimes called the "Unready," King
+of the West Saxons, who had struggled unsuccessfully against the
+Danes, fled with his wife and children to his brother-in-law's court
+in Normandy. On the death of Swegen, the Danes of his fleet chose his
+son Cnut to be King, but the English invited Ethelred to return from
+Normandy and renew the struggle with the Danes. He did so, and the
+Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says: "He held his kingdom with great toil and
+great difficulty the while that his life lasted." After his death and
+that of his son Edmund, Cnut was finally elected and crowned.
+Freeman,[12] in recording the event, says that: "At the Christmas of
+1016-1017, Cnut was a third time chosen king over all England, and one
+of the first things that he did was to send to Normandy for the
+widowed Lady Emma, though she was many years older than he was. She
+came over; she married the new king; and was again Lady of the
+English. She bore Cnut two children, Harthacnut and Gunhild. Her three
+children by Ethelred were left in Normandy. She seems not to have
+cared at all for them or for the memory of Ethelred; her whole love
+passed to her new husband and her new children. Thus it came about
+that the children of Ethelred were brought up in Normandy, and had the
+feelings of Normans rather than Englishmen, a thing which again
+greatly helped the Norman Conquest."
+
+Cnut's first acts of government in England were a series of murders;
+but he afterwards became a wise and temperate king. He even identified
+himself with the patriotism which had withstood the stranger. He
+joined heartily in the festivities of Christmastide, and atoned for
+his father's ravages by costly gifts to the religious houses. And his
+love for monks broke out in the song which he composed as he listened
+to their chant at Ely: "Merrily sang the monks in Ely when Cnut King
+rowed by" across the vast fen-waters that surrounded their Abbey.
+"Row, boatmen, near the land, and hear we these monks sing."[13]
+
+ "'All hail!' the monks at Christmas sang;
+  The merry monks who kept with cheer
+  The gladdest day of all the year."[14]
+
+It is said that Cnut, who is also called Canute, "marked one of his
+royal Christmases by a piece of sudden retributive justice: bored
+beyond all endurance by the Saxon Edric's iteration of the traitorous
+services he had rendered him, the King exclaimed to Edric, Earl of
+Northumberland: 'Then let him receive his deserts, that he may not
+betray us as he betrayed Ethelred and Edmund!' upon which the ready
+Norwegian disposed of all fear on that score by cutting down the
+boaster with his axe, and throwing his body into the Thames."[15]
+
+In the year 1035, King Cnut died at Shaftesbury, and was buried in
+Winchester Cathedral. His sons, Harold and Harthacnut, did not possess
+the capacity for good government, otherwise the reign of the Danes
+might have continued. As it was, their reigns, though short, were
+troublesome. Harold died at Oxford in 1040, and was buried at
+Westminster (being the first king who was buried there); Harthacnut
+died at Lambeth at a wedding-feast in 1042, and was buried beside his
+father in Winchester Cathedral. And thus ended the reigns of the
+Danish kings of England.
+
+Now we come to
+
+
+THE REIGN OF EDWARD THE CONFESSOR,
+
+who, we are told, was heartily chosen by all the people, for the two
+very good reasons, that he was an Englishman by birth, and the only
+man of either the English or the Danish royal families who was at
+hand. He was the son of Ethelred and Emma, and at the Christmas
+festival of his coronation there was great rejoicing. As his early
+training had been at the court of his uncle, Richard the Good, in
+Normandy, he had learnt to prefer Norman-French customs and life to
+those of the English. During his reign, therefore, he brought over
+many strangers and appointed them to high ecclesiastical and other
+offices, and Norman influence and refinement of manners gradually
+increased at the English court, and this, of course, led to the more
+stately celebration of the Christmas festival. The King himself, being
+of a pious and meditative disposition, naturally took more interest in
+the religious than the temporal rejoicings, and the administration of
+state affairs was left almost entirely to members of the house of
+Godwin during the principal part of his reign. Many disturbances
+occurred during Edward's reign in different parts of the country,
+especially on the Welsh border. At the Christmas meeting of the King
+and his Wise Men, at Gloucester, in 1053, it was ordered that Rhys,
+the brother of Gruffydd, the South Welsh king, be put to death for his
+great plunder and mischief. The same year, the great Earl Godwine,
+while dining with the king at Winchester at the Easter feast, suddenly
+fell in a fit, died four days after, and was buried in the old
+cathedral. A few years later (1065), the Northumbrians complained that
+Earl Tostig, Harold's brother, had caused Gospatric, one of the chief
+Thanes, to be treacherously murdered when he came to the King's court
+the Christmas before. King Edward kept his last Christmas (1065), and
+had the meeting of his Wise Men in London instead of Gloucester as
+usual. His great object was to finish his new church at Westminster,
+and to have it hallowed before he died. He lived just long enough to
+have this done. On Innocent's Day the new Minster was consecrated, but
+the King was too ill to be there, so the Lady Edith stood in his
+stead. And on January 5, 1066, King Edward, the son of Ethelred, died.
+On the morning of the day following his death, the body of the
+Confessor was laid in the tomb, in his new church; and on the same
+day--
+
+
+HAROLD WAS CROWNED KING
+
+in his stead. Thus three very important events--the consecration of
+Westminster Abbey, the death of Edward the Confessor, and the crowning
+of Harold--all occurred during the same Christmas festival.
+
+In the terrible year 1066 England had three kings. The reign of
+Harold, the son of Godwine, who succeeded Edward the Confessor,
+terminated at the battle of Senlac, or Hastings, and on the following
+
+
+CHRISTMAS DAY WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR WAS CROWNED KING
+
+by Archbishop Ealdred. He had not at that time conquered all the land,
+and it was a long while before he really possessed the whole of it.
+Still, he was the king, chosen, crowned, and anointed, and no one ever
+was able to drive him out of the land, and the crown of England has
+ever since been held by his descendants.
+
+    [5] Green's "History of the English People."
+
+    [6] Tennyson.
+
+    [7] "History of Winchester."
+
+    [8] "History of King Arthur and His Noble Knights."
+
+    [9] "The Franklin's Tale."
+
+    [10] "Romance of Ipomydon."
+
+    [11] "Old English History."
+
+    [12] "Short History of the Norman Conquest."
+
+    [13] "History of the English People."
+
+    [14] J. G. Whittier.
+
+    [15] "Chambers's Journal," Dec. 28, 1867.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+CHRISTMAS, FROM THE NORMAN CONQUEST
+TO MAGNA CHARTA.
+
+(1066 to 1215.)
+
+
+Now we come to the
+
+
+CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS UNDER THE NORMANS.
+
+[Illustration: A KING AT DINNER.]
+
+Lord Macaulay says "the polite luxury of the Normans presented a
+striking contrast to the coarse voracity and drunkenness of their
+Saxon and Danish neighbours." And certainly the above example of a
+royal dinner scene (from a manuscript of the fourteenth century) gives
+an idea of stately ceremony which is not found in any manuscripts
+previous to the coming over of the Normans. They "loved to display
+their magnificence, not in huge piles of food and hogsheads of strong
+drink, but in large and stately edifices, rich armour, gallant horses,
+choice falcons, well-ordered tournaments, banquets delicate rather
+than abundant, and wines remarkable rather for their exquisite flavour
+than for their intoxicating power." Quite so. But even the Normans
+were not all temperate. And, while it is quite true that the refined
+manners and chivalrous spirit of the Normans exercised a powerful
+influence on the Anglo-Saxons, it is equally true that the conquerors
+on mingling with the English people adopted many of the ancient
+customs to which they tenaciously clung, and these included the
+customs of Christmastide.
+
+The Norman kings and nobles displayed their taste for magnificence in
+the most remarkable manner at their coronations, tournaments, and
+their celebrations of Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide. The great
+councils of the Norman reigns which assembled at Christmas and the
+other great festivals, were in appearance a continuation of the
+Witenagemots, but the power of the barons became very formal in the
+presence of such despotic monarchs as William the Conqueror and his
+sons. At the Christmas festival all the prelates and nobles of the
+kingdom were, by their tenures, obliged to attend their sovereign to
+assist in the administration of justice and in deliberation on the
+great affairs of the kingdom. On these occasions the King wore his
+crown, and feasted his nobles in the great hall of his palace, and
+made them presents as marks of his royal favour, after which they
+proceeded to the consideration of State affairs. Wherever the Court
+happened to be, there was usually a large assemblage of gleemen, who
+were jugglers and pantomimists as well as minstrels, and were
+accustomed to associate themselves in companies, and amuse the
+spectators with feats of strength and agility, dancing, tumbling, and
+sleight-of-hand tricks, as well as musical performances. Among the
+minstrels who came into England with William the Conqueror was one
+named Taillefer, who was present at the battle of Hastings, and rode
+in front of the Norman army, inspiriting the soldiers by his songs. He
+sang of Roland, the heroic captain of Charlemagne, tossing his sword
+in the air and catching it again as he approached the English line. He
+was the first to strike a blow at the English, but after mortally
+wounding one or two of King Harold's warriors, he was himself struck
+down.
+
+At the Christmas feast minstrels played on various musical instruments
+during dinner, and sang or told tales afterwards, both in the hall and
+in the chamber to which the king and his nobles retired for amusement.
+Thus it is written of a court minstrel:--
+
+ "Before the King he set him down
+  And took his harp of merry soun,
+  And, as he full well can,
+  Many merry notes he began.
+  The king beheld, and sat full still,
+  To hear his harping he had good will.
+  When he left off his harping,
+  To him said that rich king,
+  Minstrel, we liketh well thy glee,
+  What thing that thou ask of me
+  Largely I will thee pay;
+  Therefore ask now and asay." (_Sir Orpheo._)
+
+[Illustration: BLIND MINSTREL AT A FEAST.]
+
+After the Conquest the first entertainments given by William the
+Conqueror were those to his victorious warriors:--
+
+ "Every warrior's manly neck
+  Chains of regal honour deck,
+  Wreathed in many a golden link:
+  From the golden cup they drink
+  Nectar that the bees produce,
+  Or the grape's extatic juice.
+  Flush'd with mirth and hope they burn."
+
+  _The Gododin._
+
+In 1067 the Conqueror kept a grand Christmas in London. He had spent
+eight months of that year rewarding his warriors and gratifying his
+subjects in Normandy, where he had held a round of feasts and made a
+grand display of the valuable booty which he had won by his sword. A
+part of his plunder he sent to the Pope along with the banner of
+Harold. Another portion, consisting of gold, golden vases, and richly
+embroidered stuffs, was distributed among the abbeys, monasteries, and
+churches of his native duchy, "neither monks nor priests remaining
+without a guerdon." After spending the greater part of the year in
+splendid entertainments in Normandy, apparently undisturbed by the
+reports which had reached him of discontent and insurrection among his
+new subjects in England, William at length embarked at Dieppe on the
+6th of December, 1067, and returned to London to celebrate the
+approaching festival of Christmas. With the object of quieting the
+discontent which prevailed, he invited a considerable number of the
+Saxon chiefs to take part in the Christmas festival, which was kept
+with unusual splendour; and he also caused a proclamation to be read
+in all the churches of the capital declaring it to be his will that
+"all the citizens of London should enjoy their national laws as in the
+days of King Edward." But his policy of friendship and conciliation
+was soon changed into one of cruelty and oppression.
+
+At the instigation of Swein, the King of Denmark, who appeared in the
+Humber with a fleet, the people in the north of England and in some
+other parts rose in revolt against the rule of the Conqueror in 1068.
+So skilfully had the revolt been planned that even William was taken
+by surprise. While he was hunting in the Forest of Dean he heard of
+the loss of York and the slaughter of his garrison of 3,000 Normans,
+and resolved to avenge the disaster. Proceeding to the Humber with his
+horsemen, by a heavy bribe he got the King of Denmark to withdraw his
+fleet; then, after some delay, spent in punishing revolters in the
+Welsh border, he attacked and took the city of York. The land in
+Durham and Northumberland was still quite unsubdued, and some of
+William's soldiers had fared badly in their attempts to take
+possession. At the Christmas feast of 1068 William made a grant of the
+earldom of Northumberland to Robert of Comines, who set out with a
+Norman army to take possession. But he fared no better than his
+predecessors had done. The men of the land determined to withstand
+him, but through the help of Bishop Æthelwine he entered Durham
+peaceably. But he let his men plunder, so the men of the city rose and
+slew him and his followers. And now, says Freeman,[16] William "did
+one of the most frightful deeds of his life. He caused all Northern
+England, beginning with Yorkshire, to be utterly laid waste, that its
+people might not be able to fight against him any more. The havoc was
+fearful; men were starved or sold themselves as slaves, and the land
+did not recover for many years. Then King William wore his crown and
+kept his Christmas at York" (1069).
+
+Now the Conqueror set barons in different parts of the country, and
+each of them kept his own miniature court and celebrated Christmas
+after the costly Norman style. In his beautiful poem of "The Norman
+Baron" Longfellow pictures one of these Christmas celebrations, and
+tells how--
+
+ "In the hall, the serf and vassal
+  Held, that night, their Christmas wassail;
+  Many a carol, old and saintly,
+      Sang the minstrels and the waits.
+
+  And so loud these Saxon gleemen
+  Sang to slaves the songs of freemen,
+  That the storm was heard but faintly
+      Knocking at the castle-gates.
+
+  Till at length the lays they chaunted
+  Reached the chamber terror-haunted,
+  Where the monk, with accents holy,
+      Whispered at the baron's ear.
+
+  Tears upon his eyelids glistened
+  As he paused awhile and listened,
+  And the dying baron slowly
+      Turned his weary head to hear.
+
+ 'Wassail for the kingly stranger
+  Born and cradled in a manger!
+  King, like David, priest, like Aaron,
+      Christ is born to set us free!'"
+
+[Illustration: MINSTRELS' CHRISTMAS SERENADE AT AN OLD BARONIAL HALL.]
+
+According to Strutt, the popular sports and pastimes prevalent at the
+close of the Saxon era were not subjected to any material change by
+the coming of the Normans. But William and his immediate successors
+restricted the privileges of the chase, and imposed great penalties on
+those who presumed to destroy the game in the royal forests without a
+proper license. The wild boar and the wolf still afforded sport at the
+Christmas season, and there was an abundance of smaller game. Leaping,
+running, wrestling, the casting of darts, and other pastimes which
+required bodily strength and agility were also practised, and when the
+frost set in various games were engaged in upon the ice. It is not
+known at what time skating made its first appearance in England, but
+we find some traces of such an exercise in the thirteenth century, at
+which period, according to Fitzstephen, it was customary in the
+winter, when the ice would bear them, for the young citizens of London
+to fasten the leg bones of animals under the soles of their feet by
+tying them round their ankles; and then, taking a pole shod with iron
+into their hands, they pushed themselves forward by striking it
+against the ice, and moved with celerity equal, says the author, to a
+bird flying through the air, or an arrow from a cross-bow; but some
+allowance, we presume, must be made for the poetical figure: he then
+adds, "At times, two of them thus furnished agree to start opposite
+one to another, at a great distance; they meet, elevate their poles,
+attack, and strike each other, when one or both of them fall, and not
+without some bodily hurt; and, even after their fall, are carried a
+great distance from each other, by the rapidity of the motion, and
+whatever part of the head comes upon the ice it is sure to be laid
+bare."
+
+The meetings of the King and his Wise Men for the consideration of
+state affairs were continued at the great festivals, and that held at
+Christmas in 1085 is memorable on account of the resolution then
+passed to make the Domesday survey, in reference to which Freeman
+says: "One of the greatest acts of William's reign, and that by which
+we come to know more about England in his time than from any other
+source, was done in the assembly held at Gloucester at the Christmas
+of 1085. Then the King had, as the Chronicle says, 'very deep speech
+with his Wise Men.' This 'deep speech' in English is in French
+_parlement_; and so we see how our assemblies came by their later
+name. And the end of the deep speech was that commissioners were sent
+through all England, save only the Bishopric of Durham and the earldom
+of Northumberland, to make a survey of the land. They were to set down
+by whom every piece of land, great and small, was held then, by whom
+it was held in King Edward's day, what it was worth now, and what it
+had been worth in King Edward's day. All this was written in a book
+kept at Winchester, which men called _Domesday Book_. It is a most
+wonderful record, and tells us more of the state of England just at
+that moment than we know of it for a long time before or after."
+
+The Domesday Book was completed in 1086, and the following year
+(1087) William the Conqueror died, and his son, William Rufus,
+succeeded him.
+
+[Illustration: WESTMINSTER HALL.]
+
+
+THE CORONATION OF WILLIAM THE RED
+
+took place at Westminster on September 26, 1087, Archbishop Lanfranc
+officiating. The King kept his first Christmas sumptuously at
+Westminster, and, Freeman says, "it seems to have been then that he
+gave back the earldom of Kent to his uncle, Bishop Odo." The character
+of the Royal Christmases degenerated during the reign of Rufus, whose
+licentiousness fouled the festivities. In the latter part of his reign
+Rufus reared the spacious hall at Westminster, where so many Royal
+Christmases were afterwards kept, and which Pope calls
+
+  "Rufus's roaring hall."
+
+It is a magnificent relic of the profuse hospitality of former times.
+Richard the Second heightened its walls and added its noble roof of
+British oak, which shows the excellence of the wood carving of that
+period. Although Sir Charles Barry has shortened the Hall of its
+former proportions to fit it as a vestibule to the New Houses of
+Parliament, it is still a noble and spacious building, and one cannot
+walk through it without in imagination recalling some of the Royal
+Christmases and other stately scenes which have been witnessed there.
+The last of these festal glories was the coronation of George the
+Fourth, which took place in 1821. This grand old hall at Westminster
+was the theatre of Rufus's feasting and revelry; but, vast as the
+edifice then was, it did not equal the ideas of the extravagant
+monarch. An old chronicler states that one of the King's courtiers,
+having observed that the building was too large for the purposes of
+its construction, Rufus replied, "This halle is not begge enough by
+one half, and is but a bedchamber in comparison of that I mind to
+make." Yet this hall was for centuries the largest of its kind in
+Europe, and in it the Christmas feasts were magnificently kept.
+
+After a reign of thirteen years the vicious life of William Rufus met
+with a tragical close. His dead body was found by peasants in a glade
+of the New Forest with the arrow either of a hunter or an assassin in
+his breast. Sir Walter Tyrrel, a Norman knight, who had been hunting
+with the king just before his death, fled to Normandy immediately
+afterwards, and was suspected of being a regicide. The body of Rufus
+was buried in Winchester Cathedral.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN THE REIGN OF HENRY I.
+
+Henry the First's Christmas festival at Windsor, in 1126, was a
+memorable one. In that year Henry's daughter Matilda became a widow by
+the death of her husband, Henry V. of Germany, and King Henry
+determined to appoint her his successor to the throne of England and
+the Dukedom of Normandy. On Christmas Day, 1126, a general assembly of
+the nobles and higher ecclesiastics of the kingdom was held at Windsor
+for the purpose of declaring the Empress Matilda (as she was still
+called) the legitimate successor of Henry I., and the clergy and
+Norman barons of both countries swore allegiance to her in the event
+of the king's death. This appointment of Matilda was made by Henry in
+consequence of the calamity which occurred just before Christmas, in
+1120, when he lost his much-loved son, Prince William--the only male
+legitimate issue of Henry--through the wreck of _La Blanche Nef_ (the
+White Ship). On board the vessel were Prince William, his half-brother
+Richard, and Henry's natural daughter the Countess of Perche, as well
+as about a hundred and forty young noblemen of the most distinguished
+families in England and Normandy, all of whom were lost in their
+passage home, only a few hours after the safe arrival of the king in
+England. Henry is said to have swooned at the intelligence, and was
+never afterwards seen to smile. He had returned home anticipating a
+joyous Christmas festival, a season of glad tidings, but he was
+closely followed by this sad news of the death of the heir apparent.
+The incident has called forth one of the most beautiful poems of Mrs.
+Hemans, from which we quote two verses:--
+
+ "The bark that held a prince went down,
+    The sweeping waves rolled on;
+  And what was England's glorious crown
+    To him that wept a son?
+  He lived--for life may long be borne,
+    Ere sorrow break its chain:
+  Why comes not death to those who mourn?
+    He never smiled again!
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  He sat where festal bowls went round,
+    He heard the minstrel sing;
+  He saw the tourney's victor crowned,
+    Amidst the kingly ring;
+  A murmur of the restless deep
+    Was blent with every strain,
+  A voice of winds that would not sleep,--
+    He never smiled again!"
+
+In 1127 Henry invited the king of the Scots to Windsor to join in the
+royal celebration of Christmas, but the festivities were marred by an
+unseemly quarrel between the two primates. Thurstan, Archbishop of
+York, encroaching upon the privileges of his brother of Canterbury
+(William de Corbeuil), insisted upon placing the crown upon the king's
+head ere he set out for church. This the partisans of Canterbury would
+not allow, settling the matter by turning Thurstan's chaplain and
+followers out of doors, and thereby causing such strife between the
+heads of the Church that they both set off to Rome to lay their
+grievances before the Pope. And, subsequently, appeals to Rome became
+frequent, until a satisfactory adjustment of the powers and privileges
+of the two archbishops was arrived at. The Archbishop of Canterbury
+was acknowledged Primate of all England and Metropolitan; but, while
+the privilege of crowning the sovereign was reserved for the
+Archbishop of Canterbury, that of crowning the Queen Consort was given
+to the Archbishop of York.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+STRANGE OLD STORIES OF CHRISTMASTIDE.
+
+The progress of literature under the Conqueror and his sons was very
+great, many devoting themselves almost entirely to literary pursuits.
+Lanfranc and Anselm, the Archbishops of Canterbury, had proved
+themselves worthy of their exalted station. Their precepts and
+examples had awakened the clergy and kindled an ardour for learning
+unknown in any preceding age. Nor did this enthusiasm perish with its
+authors: it was kept alive by the honours which were lavished on all
+who could boast of literary acquirements. During the reign of Henry I.
+Geoffrey of Monmouth published his History of the Britons, and William
+of Malmesbury assures us that every poet hastened to the court of
+Henry's Queen Matilda, at Westminster, to read his verses to the Queen
+and partake of her bounty. William of Malmesbury carefully collected
+the lighter ballads which embodied the popular traditions of the
+English kings, and he tells an amusing story which is connected with
+the festival of Christmas. In early times dancing developed into a
+sort of passion, men and women continually dancing and singing
+together, holding one another by the hands, and concluding the dances
+with kisses. These levities were at first encouraged by the Church,
+but afterwards, seeing the abuse of them, the priests were compelled
+to reprimand and restrain the people. And the story told by William of
+Malmesbury describes the singular punishment which came upon some
+young men and women for disturbing a priest who was performing mass on
+the eve of Christmas. "I, Othbert, a sinner," says the story, "have
+lived to tell the tale. It was the vigil of the Blessed Virgin, and in
+a town where was a church of St. Magnus. And the priest, Rathbertus,
+had just begun the mass, and I, with my comrades, fifteen young women
+and seventeen young men, were dancing outside the church. And we were
+singing so loud that our songs were distinctly heard inside the
+building, and interrupted the service of the mass. And the priest came
+out and told us to desist; and when we did not, he prayed God and St.
+Magnus that we might dance as our punishment for a year to come. A
+youth, whose sister was dancing with us, seized her by the arm to drag
+her away, but it came off in his hand, and she danced on. For a whole
+year we continued. No rain fell on us; cold, nor heat, nor hunger, nor
+thirst, nor fatigue affected us; neither our shoes nor our clothes
+wore out; but still we went on dancing. We trod the earth down to our
+knees, next to our middles, and at last were dancing in a pit. At the
+end of the year release came."
+
+Giraldus Cambrensis, amongst many ridiculous Christmas stories of
+miracles, visions, and apparitions, tells of one devil who acted a
+considerable time as a gentleman's butler with great prudence and
+probity; and of another who was a very diligent and learned clergyman,
+and a mighty favourite of his archbishop. This last clerical devil
+was, it seems, an excellent historian, and used to divert the
+Archbishop with telling him old stories, some of which referred to the
+incarnation of our Saviour, and were related at the Christmas season.
+"Before the incarnation of our Saviour," said the Archbishop's
+historian, "the devils had great power over mankind, but after that
+event their power was much diminished and they were obliged to fly.
+Some of them threw themselves into the sea; some concealed themselves
+in hollow trees, or in the clefts of rocks; and I myself plunged into
+a certain fountain. As soon as he had said this, finding that he had
+discovered his secret, his face was covered with blushes, he went out
+of the room, and was no more seen."
+
+The following cut (taken from MS. Harl., No. 4751, of the end of the
+twelfth century) represents an elephant, with its castle and armed
+men, engaged in battle. The bestiaries relate many strange things of
+the elephant. They say that, though so large and powerful, and so
+courageous against larger animals, it is afraid of a mouse; that its
+nature is so cold that it will never seek the company of the female
+until, wandering in the direction of Paradise, it meets with the plant
+called the mandrake, and eats of it, and that each female bears but
+one young one in her life.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Absurd as we consider such stories, they were believed by the Normans,
+who were no less credulous than the Anglo-Saxons. This is evident
+from the large number of miracles, revelations, visions, and
+enchantments which are related with great gravity by the old
+chroniclers.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE MISRULE OF KING STEPHEN.
+
+Stephen of Blois was crowned at Westminster Abbey during the Christmas
+festival (December 26, 1135). As a King of Misrule, he was fitly
+crowned at Christmastide, and it would have been a good thing for the
+nation if his reign had been of the ephemeral character which was
+customary to Lords of Misrule. The nineteen years of his reign were
+years of disorder unparalleled in any period of our history. On the
+landing of Henry the First's daughter, "the Empress Matilda," who
+claimed the English crown for her son Henry, a long struggle ensued,
+and the country was divided between the adherents of the two rivals,
+the West supporting Matilda, and London and the East Stephen. For a
+time the successes in war alternated between the two parties. A defeat
+at Lincoln left Stephen a prisoner in the hands of his enemies; but
+after his escape he laid siege to the city of Oxford, where Matilda
+had assembled her followers. "The Lady" of the English (as Matilda was
+then called) had retreated into the castle, which, though a place of
+great strength, proved to be insufficiently victualled. It was
+surrounded and cut off from all supplies without, and at Christmastide
+(1142), after a siege of three months, Matilda consulted her own
+safety by taking flight. On a cold December night, when the ground was
+covered with snow, she quitted the castle at midnight, attended by
+four knights, who as well as herself were clothed in white, in order
+that they might pass unobserved through the lines of their enemies.
+The adventurous "Lady" made good her escape, and crossing the river
+unnoticed on the ice, found her way to Abingdon. The long anarchy was
+ended by the Treaty of Wallingford (1153), Stephen being recognised as
+king during his life, and the succession devolving upon Matilda's son
+Henry. A year had hardly passed from the signing of the treaty, when
+Stephen's death gave Henry the crown, and his coronation took place at
+Christmastide, 1154, at Westminster.
+
+
+THE REIGN OF HENRY II.,
+
+it has been truly said, "initiated the rule of law," as distinct from
+despotism, whether personal or tempered by routine, of the Norman
+kings. And now the despotic barons began gradually to be shorn of
+their power, and the dungeons of their "Adulterine" castles to be
+stripped of their horrors, and it seemed more appropriate to celebrate
+the season of glad tidings. King Henry the Second kept his first
+Christmas at Bermondsey with great solemnity, marking the occasion by
+passing his royal word to expel all foreigners from the kingdom,
+whereupon William of Ypres and his Flemings decamped without waiting
+for further notice. In 1158 Henry, celebrating the Christmas festival
+at Worcester, took the crown from his head and placed it upon the
+altar, after which he never wore it. But he did not cease to keep
+Christmas. In 1171 he went to Ireland, where the chiefs of the land
+displayed a wonderful alacrity in taking the oath of allegiance, and
+were rewarded by being entertained in a style that astonished them.
+Finding no place in Dublin large enough to contain his own followers,
+much less his guests, Henry had a house built in Irish fashion of
+twigs and wattles in the village of Hogges, and there held high
+revelry during Christmastide, teaching his new subjects to eat cranes'
+flesh, and take their part in miracle plays, masques, mummeries, and
+tournaments. And a great number of oxen were roasted, so that all the
+people might take part in the rejoicings.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS AT CONSTANTINOPLE.
+
+In his description of Christian Constantinople, Benjamin of Tudela, a
+Spanish Jew, who travelled through the East in the twelfth century
+(1159 or 1160), describes a "place where the king diverts himself,
+called the hippodrome, near to the wall of the palace. There it is
+that every year, on the day of the birth of Jesus the Nazarene, the
+king gives a grand entertainment. There are represented by magic arts
+before the king and queen, figures of all kinds of men that exist in
+the world; thither also are taken lions, bears, tigers, and wild
+asses, which are made to fight together; as well as birds. There is no
+such sight to be seen in all the world." At Constantinople, on the
+marriage of the Emperor Manuel with Mary, daughter of the Prince of
+Antioch, on Christmas Day, 1161, there were great rejoicings, and
+similar spectacular entertainments to those described by Benjamin of
+Tudela.
+
+
+AN ARCHBISHOP MURDERED AT CHRISTMASTIDE.
+
+During the Christmas festival of 1170 (December 29th) occurred an
+event memorable in ecclesiastical history--the murder of Thomas
+Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1162 Becket (who had previously
+been Chancellor to Henry II.) was made Archbishop, in succession to
+Archbishop Theobald. The King soon found that he who had served him
+faithfully as Chancellor would oppose him doggedly as Archbishop.
+Henry determined to subject the Church as well as the State to the
+supremacy of the law; and Becket determined to resist the King to the
+end, thus manifesting his desire for martyrdom in the cause of the
+Church. Henry had greatly offended the Archbishop by causing his
+eldest son to be crowned by the Archbishop of York. For this violation
+of the rights of Canterbury Becket threatened to lay the country under
+an interdict, which he had the power from the Pope to pronounce. A
+sort of reconciliation was effected between the King and the
+Archbishop at Freteval on July 21, 1170, but a further dispute arose
+on Becket delaying his return to England, the King being anxious to
+get him out of France. The Archbishop was full of complaints against
+Henry for the injuries he had done to his see, and the King stood upon
+his dignity, regardless of the threatened interdiction. The Archbishop
+returned to England on the 1st of December, and was joyfully received
+by the people. His enemies, however, and especially the family of De
+Broc, did all they could to annoy him; and on Christmas Day he uttered
+a violent anathema against them. He preached from the text, "I come to
+die among you," evidently anticipating what might be the personal
+consequences of his action. He told his congregation that one of the
+archbishops had been a martyr, and they would probably soon see
+another; but before he departed home he would avenge some of the
+wrongs the Church had suffered during the previous seven years. Then
+he thundered forth his sentence of excommunication against Ranulph and
+Robert de Broc, and Nigellus, rector of Harrow. Meanwhile news had
+reached the King that Becket had excommunicated certain bishops who
+had taken part in his son's coronation. In a fit of exasperation the
+King uttered some hasty words of anger against the Archbishop. Acting
+upon these, four of Henry's knights--Hugh de Morville, Reginald
+FitzUrse, William de Tracy, and Richard Brito--crossed to England,
+taking with them Ranulf de Broc and a band of men, and murdered the
+Archbishop in Canterbury Cathedral. In the altercation which took
+place before the consummation of the terrible deed, the Primate was
+asked to absolve the bishops whom he had excommunicated, but he
+refused in a defiant and insulting manner. "Then die," exclaimed
+FitzUrse, striking at Becket's head with his weapon; but the devoted
+cross-bearer warded off the blow with his own arm, which was badly
+cut, so that the Archbishop was but slightly injured. One of the
+attacking party then called out, "Fly, or thou diest!" The Archbishop,
+however, clasped his hands, and, with the blood streaming down his
+face, fervently exclaimed, "To God, to St. Mary, to the holy patrons
+of this Church, and to St. Denis I commend my soul and the Church's
+cause." He was then struck down by a second blow, and the third
+completed the tragedy; whereupon one of the murderers, putting his
+foot on the dead prelate's neck, cried, "Thus dies a traitor!" In 1173
+the Archbishop was canonised, and his festival was appointed for the
+day of his martyrdom; and for three centuries after his death the
+shrine of St. Thomas at Canterbury was a favourite place of
+pilgrimage, so great was the impression that his martyrdom made on the
+minds of the English people. As early as the Easter of 1171 Becket's
+sepulchre was the scene of many miracles, if Matthew Paris, the
+historian, is to be believed. What must have been the credulity of the
+people in an age when an historian could gravely write, as Matthew
+Paris did in 1171? "In this year, about Easter, it pleased the Lord
+Jesus Christ to irradiate his glorious martyr Thomas Becket with many
+miracles, that it might appear to all the world he had obtained a
+victory suitable to his merits. None who approached his sepulchre in
+faith returned without a cure. For strength was restored to the lame,
+hearing to the deaf, sight to the blind, speech to the dumb, health to
+the lepers, and life to the dead. Nay, not only men and women, but
+even birds and beasts were raised from death to life."
+
+
+ROYAL CHRISTMASES AT WINDSOR.
+
+Windsor Castle appears to have been the favourite residence of Henry
+II. When, in 1175, he had united with him his son Henry in his crown
+and prerogatives, the two kings held an assembly at Windsor, attended
+by the judges, deputies of counties and districts, and all the great
+officers of state. Henry also kept his ensuing Christmas with the
+magnificence and display peculiar to the times, and all the ancient
+sports and usages; in which the nobles and gentry of the surrounding
+country assisted with much splendour at the hunt and tourney, and
+bestowed lavish gifts on the spectators and the people. After the
+kingdom was parcelled out into four jurisdictions, another assembly
+was held at the castle, in 1179, by the two kings; and, in 1184, Henry
+for the last time celebrated his Christmas in the same hall of state:
+his son, who had shared the throne with him, being then dead.
+
+For the festivals of this period the tables of princes, prelates, and
+great barons were plentifully supplied with many dishes of meat
+dressed in various ways. The Normans sent agents into different
+countries to collect the most rare dishes for their tables, by which
+means, says John of Salisbury, this island, which is naturally
+productive of plenty and variety of provisions, was overflowed with
+everything that could inflame a luxurious appetite. The same writer
+says he was present at an entertainment which lasted from three
+o'clock in the afternoon to midnight; at which delicacies were served
+up which had been brought from Constantinople, Babylon, Alexandria,
+Palestine, Tripoli, Syria, and Phoenicia. The sumptuous
+entertainments which the kings of England gave to their nobles and
+prelates at the festivals of Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide
+diffused a taste for profuse and expensive banqueting; for the wealthy
+barons, prelates, and gentry, in their own castles and mansions,
+imitated the splendour of the royal entertainments. Great men had some
+kinds of provisions at their tables which are not now to be found in
+Britain. When Henry II. entertained his own court, the great officers
+of his army, and all the kings and great men in Ireland, at the feast
+of Christmas, 1171, the Irish princes and chieftains were quite
+astonished at the profusion and variety of provisions which they
+beheld, and were with difficulty prevailed on by Henry to eat the
+flesh of cranes, a kind of food to which they had not been accustomed.
+Dellegrout, maupigyrum, karumpie, and other dishes were then used, the
+composition of which is now unknown, or doubtful. Persons of rank and
+wealth had variety of drinks, as well as meats; for, besides wines of
+various kinds, they had pigment, morat, mead, hypocras, claret, cider,
+perry, and ale. The claret of those times was wine clarified and mixed
+with spices, and hypocras was wine mixed with honey.
+
+[Illustration: A COOK OF THE PERIOD.]
+
+The profusion of viands and drinks, obtained at great expense from
+different parts of the world for the gratification of the animal
+appetites at such festivals as have been described, naturally led to
+
+
+EXCESSES IN EATING AND DRINKING,
+
+and from the statements and illustrations in old manuscripts it would
+appear that "the merry monks" were prominent in gastronomical circles.
+And extant records also state that the abbots of some of the
+monasteries found it necessary to make regulations restraining the
+monks, and to these regulations the monks objected. Consequently the
+monks of St. Swithin at Winchester made a formal complaint to Henry
+II. against their abbot for taking away three of the thirteen dishes
+they used to have at dinner. The monks of Canterbury were still more
+luxurious, for they had at least seventeen dishes every day besides a
+dessert; and these dishes were dressed with spices and sauces which
+excited the appetite as well as pleased the taste. And of course the
+festive season of Christmas was an occasion of special indulgence.
+Sometimes serious excesses were followed by severe discipline,
+administered after the manner shown in the ancient illustration which
+is reproduced here.
+
+[Illustration: MONK UNDERGOING DISCIPLINE.]
+
+But these excesses were by no means confined to the monks. The Norman
+barons and gentry adopted many of the manners of the English among
+whom they lived, and especially was this the case in regard to the
+drinking customs of Christmastide. Instead of commending the Normans
+of his time for their sobriety, as he might have done their ancestors,
+Peter of Blois, who was chaplain to Henry II., says: "When you behold
+our barons and knights going upon a military expedition you see their
+baggage horses loaded, not with iron but wine, not with lances but
+cheeses, not with swords but bottles, not with spears but spits. You
+would imagine they were going to prepare a great feast rather than to
+make war. There are even too many who boast of their excessive
+drunkenness and gluttony, and labour to acquire fame by swallowing
+great quantities of meat and drink." The earliest existing carol known
+to antiquaries is in the Anglo-Norman language, and contains
+references to the drinking customs of the period:--
+
+ "To English ale, and Gascon wine,
+  And French, doth Christmas much incline--
+          And Anjou's too;
+  He makes his neighbour freely drink,
+  So that in sleep his head doth sink
+          Often by day.
+  May joys flow from God above
+  To all those who Christmas love.
+
+  Lords, by Christmas and the host
+  Of this mansion hear my toast--
+         Drink it well--
+  Each must drain his cup of wine,
+
+  And I the first will toss off mine:
+          Thus I advise,
+  Here then I bid you all _Wassail_,
+  Cursed be he who will not say Drinkhail."[17]
+
+[Illustration: WASSAILING AT CHRISTMASTIDE.]
+
+Proceeding with our historical narrative we come now to
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE ROMANTIC REIGN OF RICHARD THE FIRST,
+
+surnamed Coeur de Lion, the second son of Henry II. and Eleanor of
+Aquitaine, who succeeded to the English throne on the death of his
+father in 1189. Richard is generally supposed to have derived his
+surname from a superiority of animal courage; but, if the metrical
+romance bearing his name, and written in the thirteenth century, be
+entitled to credit, he earned it nobly and literally, by plucking out
+the heart of a lion, to whose fury he had been exposed by the Duke of
+Austria for having slain his son with a blow of his fist. In the
+numerous descriptions afforded by the romance Richard is a most
+imposing personage. He is said to have carried with him to the
+Crusades, and to have afterwards presented to Tancred, King of Sicily,
+the wonder-working sword of King Arthur--
+
+ "The gude sword Caliburne
+   that Arthur luffed so well."
+
+He is also said to have carried a shaft, or lance, 14 feet in length,
+and
+
+              "An axe for the nones,
+  To break therewith the Sarasyns bones.
+  The head was wrought right wele,
+  Therein was twenty pounds of steel."
+
+But, without attempting to follow Richard through all the brilliant
+episodes of his romantic career, there can be no doubt that he was a
+king of great strength and courage, and that his valorous deeds won
+the admiration of poets and chroniclers, who have surrounded him with
+a splendid halo of romance. Contemporary writers tell us that while
+Richard kept magnificent Christmases abroad with the King of Sicily
+and other potentates, his justiciars (especially the extravagant
+William Longchamp, Bishop of Ely) were no less lavish in their
+expenditure for festive entertainments at home. And the old romance of
+"Richard Coeur de Lion" assures us that--
+
+ "Christmas is a time full honest;
+  Kyng Richard it honoured with gret feste.
+  All his clerks and barouns
+  Were set in their pavylouns,
+  And seryed with grete plenté
+  Of mete and drink and each dainté."
+
+There is no doubt that the Crusades had a vast influence upon our
+literary tastes, as well as upon the national manners and the
+festivities of Christmastide. On their return from the Holy Land the
+pilgrims and Crusaders brought with them new subjects for theatrical
+representation, founded on the objects of their devotion and the
+incidents in their wars, and these found expression in the early
+mysteries and other plays of Christmastide--that of St. George and the
+Dragon, which survived to modern times, probably owing its origin to
+this period. It is to Richard Coeur de Lion that we are indebted for
+the rise of chivalry in England. It was he who developed tilts and
+tournaments, and under his auspices these diversions assumed a
+military air, the genius of poetry flourished, and the fair sex was
+exalted in admiration. How delightful was it then, beneath the
+inspiring gaze of the fair--
+
+ "Sternly to strike the quintin down;
+  Or fiercely storm some turf-formed town;
+  To rush with valour's doughty sway,
+  Against a Babylon of clay;
+  A Memphis shake with furious shock,
+  Or raze some flower-built Antioch!"[18]
+
+On the death of Richard, in 1199, his brother
+
+
+JOHN WAS CROWNED KING OF ENGLAND.
+
+The youngest and favourite son of Henry II., John, was humoured in
+childhood and grew to be an arrogant and petulant man, and was one of
+the worst of English kings. He possessed ability, but not discipline.
+He could neither govern himself nor his kingdom. He was tyrannical and
+passionate, and spent a good deal of time in the gratification of his
+animal appetites. He was fond of display and good living, and
+extravagant in his Christmas entertainments. When, in 1201, he kept
+Christmas at Guildford he taxed his purse and ingenuity in providing
+all his servitors with costly apparel, and he was greatly annoyed
+because the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a similar fit of sumptuary
+extravagance, sought to outdo his sovereign. John, however, cunningly
+concealed his displeasure at the time, but punished the prelate by a
+costly celebration of the next Easter festival at Canterbury at the
+Archbishop's expense. In consequence of John's frequent quarrels with
+his nobles the attendance at his Christmas feasts became smaller every
+year, until he could only muster a very meagre company around his
+festive board, and it was said that he had almost as many enemies as
+there were nobles in the kingdom.
+
+In 1205 John spent his Christmas at the ancient town of Brill, in the
+Vale of Aylesbury, and in 1213 he kept a Royal Christmas in the great
+hall at Westminster.
+
+
+MAGNA CHARTA DEMANDED AT A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL.
+
+The Christmas of 1214 is memorable in English history as the festival
+at which the barons demanded from King John that document which as the
+foundation of our English liberties is known to us by the name of
+_Magna Charta_, that is, the Great Charter. John's tyranny and
+lawlessness had become intolerable, and the people's hope hung on the
+fortunes of the French campaign in which he was then engaged. His
+defeat at the battle of Bouvines, fought on July 27, 1214, gave
+strength to his opponents; and after his return to England the barons
+secretly met at St. Edmundsbury and swore to demand from him, if
+needful by force of arms, the restoration of their liberties by
+charter under the king's seal. Having agreed to assemble at the Court
+for this purpose during the approaching festival of Christmas they
+separated. When Christmas Day arrived John was at Worcester, attended
+only by a few of his immediate retainers and some foreign mercenaries.
+None of his great vassals came, as was customary at Christmas, to
+offer their congratulations. His attendants tried in vain to assume an
+appearance of cheerfulness and festivity; but John, alarmed at the
+absence of the barons, hastily rode to London and there shut himself
+up in the house of the Knights Templars. On the Feast of the Epiphany
+the barons assembled in great force at London and presenting
+themselves in arms before the King formally demanded his confirmation
+of the laws of Edward the Confessor and Henry I. At first John assumed
+a bold and defiant air and met the barons with an absolute refusal
+and threats; but, finding the nobles were firm, he sank to the
+meanness of subterfuge, and pleaded the necessity of time for the
+consideration of demands so weighty. With some reluctance the barons
+granted the delay, and ultimately, in 1215, the tyrant bowed to the
+inevitable, called the barons to a conference at Runnymede, and there
+signed the Great Charter, whose most important clauses protect the
+personal liberty and property of every freeman in the kingdom by
+giving security from arbitrary imprisonment and unjust exactions.
+
+    [16] "Short History of the Norman Conquest."
+
+    [17] Wassail and Drinkhail are both derived from the
+    Anglo-Saxon. They were the common drinking pledges of the
+    age. Wassail is equivalent to the phrase, "Your health,"
+    of the present day. Drinkhail, which literally signifies
+    "drink health," was the usual acknowledgment of the other
+    pledge. The carol from which the verses are quoted was
+    evidently sung by the wandering minstrels who visited the
+    castles of the Norman nobility at the festive season of
+    Christmas.
+
+    [18] Grattan.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+CHRISTMAS, FROM MAGNA CHARTA TO THE END OF THE WARS OF THE ROSES.
+
+(1215-1485.)
+
+Soon after the disaster which overtook John's army at the Wash the
+King ended his wretched career by death. He died on October 18, 1216,
+in the castle of Newark on the Trent, and the old chroniclers describe
+him as dying in an extremity of agony and remorse.
+
+
+HENRY THE THIRD,
+
+sometimes called "Henry of Winchester," came to the throne in
+troublous times, before he was ten years of age. The tyranny of his
+father had alienated every class of his subjects, and the barons who
+had obtained Magna Charta from King John had called in Louis of
+France. But through the conciliatory measures of the Regent Pembroke
+towards the barons, and the strong support which the Roman Church gave
+the boy-king (whose father had meanly done homage to the Pope), the
+foreigners were expelled, and the opposition of the barons was
+suppressed for a time, though in later years they again struggled with
+the crown for supremacy of power. When Henry had grown to manhood and
+the responsibility of government rested upon his own shoulders, he
+still exulted in the protection of the Holy See, which found in him a
+subservient vassal. He fasted during Lent, but feasted right royally
+both at Christmas and Easter. In 1234 he kept a grand Christmas in the
+Great Hall at Westminster, and other royal Christmases were celebrated
+at Windsor Castle and at his palace at Winchester. He made large
+additions to Windsor Castle, and some of his mandates giving minute
+directions for the decoration of his palace at Winchester are still
+preserved. He enjoyed the old plays and ballets of Christmastide
+introduced from France at this period.
+
+[Illustration: ROYAL PARTY DINING IN STATE.]
+
+Henry the Third's most splendid Christmas was in the twentieth year of
+his reign, when he welcomed Eleanor, daughter of the Count of
+Provence, to whom he was married on January 14, 1236. The youthful
+princess left Provence amidst the rejoicings of the whole kingdom.
+She was accompanied by Henry's ambassadors and a grand cavalcade, in
+which were more than three hundred ladies on horseback. Her route lay
+through Navarre and France. On reaching England, at Dover, the
+princess and her train proceeded to Canterbury, where Henry awaited
+their coming. It was in that ancient city that the royal pair were
+married by the Archbishop Edmund and the prelates who accompanied
+Eleanor. From Canterbury the newly-wedded king and queen set out for
+London, attended by a splendid array of nobles, prelates, knights and
+ladies. On the 20th of January, Eleanor was crowned at Westminster
+with great splendour. Matthew Paris, the historian, gives an
+interesting description of the royal procession, and the loyal welcome
+of the citizens of London: "There had assembled together so great a
+number of the nobility of both sexes, so great a number of religious
+orders, so great a concourse of the populace, and so great a variety
+of players, that London could scarcely contain them in her capacious
+bosom. Therefore was the city adorned with silk hangings, and with
+banners, crowns, palls, tapers, and lamps, and with certain marvellous
+ingenuities and devices; all the streets being cleaned from dirt, mud,
+sticks and everything offensive. The citizens of London going to meet
+the king and queen, ornamented and trapped and wondrously sported
+their swift horses; and on the same day they went from the City to
+Westminster, that they might discharge the service of butler to the
+king in his coronation, which is acknowledged to belong to them of
+ancient right. They went in well-marshalled array, adorned in silken
+vestments, wrapped in gold-woven mantles, with fancifully-devised
+garments, sitting on valuable horses refulgent with new bits and
+saddles: and they bore three hundred and sixty gold and silver cups,
+the king's trumpeters going before and sounding their trumpets; so
+that so wonderful a novelty produced a laudable astonishment in the
+spectators." The literary monk of St. Albans also describes the
+splendour of the feast, and the order of the service of the different
+vassals of the crown, many of whom were called upon at the coronation
+to perform certain peculiar services. According to the ancient City
+records, "these served in order in that most elegant and unheard-of
+feast: the Bishop of Chichester, the Chancellor, with the cup of
+precious stones, which was one of the ancient regalia of the king,
+clothed in his pontificals, preceded the king, who was clad in royal
+attire, and wearing the crown. Hugh de Pateshall walked before with
+the patine, clothed in a dalmatica; and the Earls of Chester, Lincoln,
+and Warren, bearing the swords, preceded him. But the two renowned
+knights, Sir Richard Siward and Sir Nicholas de Molis, carried the two
+royal sceptres before the king; and the square purple cloth of silk,
+which was supported upon four silver lances, with four little bells of
+silver gilt, held over the king wherever he walked, was carried by the
+barons of the Cinque Ports; four being assigned to each lance, from
+the diversity of ports, that one port should not seem to be preferred
+before the other. The same in like manner bore a cloth of silk over
+the queen, walking behind the king, which said cloths they claimed to
+be theirs by right, and obtained them. And William de Beauchamp of
+Bedford, who had the office of almoner from times of old, found the
+striped cloth or _burel_, which was laid down under the king's feet as
+he went from the hall as far as the pulpit of the Church of
+Westminster; and that part of the cloth that was _within_ the Church
+always fell to the sexton in whatever church the king was crowned; and
+all that was _without_ the church was distributed among the poor, by
+the hands of William the almoner." The ancient records contain many
+other particulars respecting the ceremonies which graced the marriage
+feast of Henry and Eleanor of Provence, but enough has been quoted to
+show the magnificence of the celebration.
+
+Year by year, as the Christmas festival came round, it was royally
+celebrated wherever the Court happened to be, even though the king had
+to pledge his plate and jewels with the citizens of London to
+replenish his exchequer. But Henry's Royal Christmases did not allay
+the growing disaffection of his subjects on account of his showing too
+much favour to foreigners; and some of the barons who attended the
+Royal Christmas at Westminster in 1241, left in high dudgeon, because
+the place of honour at the banquet was occupied by the papal legate,
+then about to leave England, "to the sorrow of no man but the king."
+In 1252, Henry gave in marriage his beautiful daughter Margaret, to
+Alexander, King of the Scots, and held his Christmas at the same time.
+The city of York was the scene of the regal festivities. The marriage
+took place on Christmas Day, the bridegroom and many of his nobles
+receiving knighthood at the hands of the English king. Henry seems to
+have conciliated the English barons for a time, for most of them were
+present at the marriage festivities, and he counted a thousand knights
+in his train; while Alexander brought sixty splendidly-attired
+Scottish knights with him. That the banqueting was on no mean scale is
+evident from the fact that six hundred fat oxen were slaughtered for
+the occasion, the gift of the Archbishop of York, who also subscribed
+four thousand marks (£2,700) towards the expenses. The consumption of
+meats and drinks at such feasts was enormous. An extant order of
+Henry's, addressed to his keeper of wines, directs him to deliver two
+tuns of white and one of red wine, to make garhiofilac and claret 'as
+usual,' for the king at Christmas; and upon another occasion the
+Sheriffs of Gloucestershire and Sussex were called upon to supply part
+of the necessary provisions; the first named being directed to get
+twenty salmon, and make pies of them; while the latter was instructed
+to send ten peacocks, ten brawns with their heads, and other things.
+And all this provision was necessary, for while Henry feasted the
+rich, he did not forget the poor. When he kept his Christmas at
+Winchester in 1248, he ordered his treasurer to fill Westminster Hall
+with poor people, and feast them there for a week. Twenty years
+afterwards, he kept his Royal Christmas in London for fifteen days,
+opening a fair meantime at Westminster, and forbidding any shop to be
+opened in London as long as the festival lasted. This prohibition of
+business naturally displeased the citizens of London, but the king
+would not withdraw his prohibition until they agreed to make him a
+present of two thousand pounds, upon the receipt of which the
+prohibition was withdrawn.
+
+We cannot pass over this period without reference to the summoning of
+
+
+THE FIRST ENGLISH PARLIAMENT,
+
+which was a great event of Christmastide.
+
+The Barons' Wars interfered seriously with the Christmas festivities,
+but they solved the problem of how to ensure the government of the
+realm in accordance with the provisions of the Great Charter. The King
+(Henry III.) had sworn again and again to observe the Charter, but his
+oath was no sooner taken than it was unscrupulously broken. The
+barons, with the patriotic Simon de Montfort at their head, were
+determined to uphold the rights of the people, and insisted on the
+king's compliance with the provisions of the Charter; and this
+struggle with the Crown yielded one of the greatest events of
+Christmastide: the summoning of the first national Parliament. By
+summoning the representatives of the cities and boroughs to sit beside
+the knights of the shires, the barons and the bishops in the
+Parliament of the realm, Simon de Montfort created a new force in
+English politics. This first national assembly met at Westminster, in
+January, 1265, while the king was a prisoner of Earl Simon. The form
+of national representation thus inaugurated had an immense influence
+on the rising liberties of the people, and has endured to our own
+times. It is not surprising, therefore, that the adoption of this
+measure by the great Earl of Leicester invested his memory with a
+lustre which has not been dimmed by the lapse of centuries. The
+paltering of the king called forth the patriotism of the people. "So
+may a glory from defect arise." The sevenfold lustre of the rainbow is
+only seen when there is rain as well as sun.
+
+ "Only the prism's obstruction shows aright
+  The secret of a sunbeam, breaks its light
+  Into the jewelled bow from blankest white;
+    So may a glory from defect arise."[19]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
+
+The famous freebooter, Robin Hood, who, according to tradition,
+flourished in Sherwood Forest in the distracted reign of Henry the
+Third, is said to have died on Christmas Eve, in the year 1247. The
+career of this hero of many popular ballads is not part of our
+subject, though Hone[20] records his death as a Christmas event; and
+Stowe, writing in 1590, evidently believes in Robin Hood as an
+historical personage, for he says, "he suffered no woman to be
+oppressed ... poor men's goods he spared, abundantly relieving them
+with that which by theft he got from the abbeys, and the houses of
+rich old earles."
+
+From the doubtful doings of the romantic chief and his band of
+freebooters, we now pass on to the
+
+
+REIGN OF EDWARD THE FIRST.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Edward the First was in the truest sense a national king. He was
+English to the core, and he won the love of his people by his bravery,
+justice, and good government. He joined freely in the national sports
+and pastimes, and kept the Christmas festival with great splendour.
+There was much of the chivalric in his character, and he shared to the
+full his people's love of hard fighting. He was invested with the
+honour of knighthood and went to foreign courts to display his
+prowess. Matthew of Westminster states that while Edward was
+travelling in France, he heard that a lord of Burgundy was continually
+committing outrages on the persons and property of his neighbours. In
+the true spirit of chivalry Edward attacked the castle of the
+uncourteous baron. His prowess asserted the cause of justice, and he
+bestowed the domains which he had won upon a nobler lord. For the sake
+of acquiring military fame he exposed himself to great dangers in the
+Holy Land, and, during his journey homeward, saved his life by sheer
+fighting in a tournament at Challon. At his "Round Table of
+Kenilworth" a hundred lords and ladies "clad all in silk" renewed the
+faded glories of Arthur's Court, and kept Christmas with great
+magnificence. In 1277, Llewellyn, Prince of Wales, bidden from his
+mountain fastnesses "with a kiss of peace," sat a guest at the
+Christmas feast of Edward, but he was soon to fall the last defender
+of his weeping country's independence in unequal battle with the
+English King. In 1281-2, Edward kept his feast of Christmas at
+Worcester, and there was "such a frost and snow as no man living could
+remember the like." Rivers were frozen over, even including the Thames
+and Severn; fish in ponds, and birds in woods died for want of food;
+and on the breaking up of the ice five of the arches of old London
+bridge were carried away by the stream, and the like happened to many
+other bridges. In 1286 Edward kept his Christmas at Oxford, but the
+honour was accompanied by an unpleasant episode in the hanging of the
+Mayor by the King's command. In 1290, 1292, and 1303, Edward the
+First kept Royal Christmases in the great hall at Westminster. On
+his way to Scotland, in the year 1299, the King witnessed the
+Christmas ceremonial of the Boy Bishop. He permitted one of the
+boy bishops to say vespers before him in his chapel at Heton, near
+Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and made a present to the performers of forty
+shillings, no inconsiderable sum in those days. During his Scotch
+wars, in 1301, Edward, on the approach of winter, took up his quarters
+in Linlithgow, where he built a castle and kept his Christmas; and
+during his reign he celebrated the festival at other places not
+usually so honoured--namely, Bury, Ipswich, Bristol, Berwick,
+Carlisle, and Lincoln.
+
+
+EDWARD THE SECOND
+
+succeeded his father in 1307, being the fourth son of Edward I. and
+Eleanor of Castile. He took great delight in the Christmas revels and
+expended large sums of money in the entertainment of his court
+favourites. In 1311 he kept his Christmas at York, rejoicing in the
+presence of Piers Gaveston, whom he had recalled from banishment in
+utter disregard of advice given to him by his father (Edward I.) on
+his death-bed. Edward II. kept his Christmas in the great hall at
+Westminster in 1317, when, however, few nobles were present, "because
+of discord betwixt them and the King;" but in 1320 the Royal Christmas
+was kept at Westminster "with great honour and glorie." In 1324-5 the
+King's Christmas was sumptuously observed at Nottingham, but the
+following year found Edward a prisoner at Kenilworth, while his wife,
+who had successfully intrigued with Roger Mortimer, leader of the
+Barons, observed the Christmas festivities with her son at
+Wallingford, glad at the downfall of her husband. Edward was an
+irresolute and weak-minded king. He displayed singular incapacity for
+government, wasting almost all his time in frivolous amusements. The
+chief characteristics of his reign were defeat and disgrace abroad,
+and misrule ending in misery at home. Instead of following the example
+of his noble father, Edward I., who has been deservedly styled "the
+greatest of the Plantagenets," he proved himself the weakest of that
+line of kings, spending his time in such trifling diversions as "cross
+and pile," a game of chance with coins. He was so utterly devoid of
+self-respect that he even borrowed money of his barber to carry on
+this frivolous pastime, such items as the following being found in his
+wardrobe rolls:--"Item, paid to Henry, the king's barber, for money
+which he lent the king to play at cross and pile, five shillings.
+Item, paid to Pires Barnard, usher of the king's chamber, money which
+he lent the king, and which he lost at cross and pile; to Monsieur
+Robert Wattewille eightpence." At length the barons, tired of
+Edward's misgovernment, revolted, and made the king a prisoner. During
+the Christmas festival of 1326, Edward was imprisoned in Kenilworth
+Castle. While there he was informed that in a Parliament held at
+Westminster, during Christmas 1326-7, he was deposed, and his son
+Edward, then only fourteen years of age, elected in his stead. On the
+21st of September in the same year Edward II. ended his miserable
+career in Berkeley Castle, being, it is supposed, cruelly murdered by
+his keepers.
+
+
+EDWARD THE THIRD'S CORONATION
+
+festivities were a sumptuous enlargement of the Christmas celebration,
+which usually extended over Twelfth Night. It is said that the
+banqueting cost the equivalent of forty thousand pounds of our money;
+and before the young king there appeared quite a multitude of
+minstrels, mimics, and gleemen. Professor Henry Morley[21] gives a
+specimen of the metrical romances which were translated from the
+French for recitation at the royal and noble banquets of this period.
+They were "busy with action, and told with a lively freedom;" and, in
+the one quoted, "The Fabliau of Sir Cleges," we catch some interesting
+references to the celebration of Christmas:--
+
+ "Every year Sir Cleges would
+  At Christmás a great feast hold
+    In worship of that day,
+  As royál in allé thing
+  As he haddé been a king
+    For sooth as I you say.
+  Rich and poor in the country about
+  Should be there withouten doubt;
+    There would no man say nay.
+  Minstrels would not be behind,
+  For there they might most mirthés find
+    There would they be aye.
+
+ "Minstrels when the feast was done
+  Withouten giftés should not gon,
+    And that both rich and good:
+  Horsé, robes and riché ring,
+  Gold, silver, and other thing,
+    To mend with their mood.
+  Ten yearé such feast be held,
+  In the worship of Mary mild
+    And for Him that died on the rood.
+  By that his good began to slake
+  For the great feasts that he did make.
+    The knight gentil of blood."
+
+
+"KEPE OPEN COURT" AT CHRISTMAS.
+
+Froissart, in Cap. XIIII. of his "Chronicles,"[22] gives the
+following account of the Christmas Celebration at which Edward the
+Third was crowned:--
+
+"After that the most part of the company of Heynaulte were departed,
+and syr John Heynaulte lorde of Beamonde taryed, the Quene gave leve
+to her people to departe, savynge a certayne noble knightis the whiche
+she kept styl about her and her s[=o]ne, to counsell them, and
+commaunded all them that departed, to be at London the next Christmas,
+for as than she was determyned to kepe open court, and all they
+promysed her so to do. And whan Christmas was come, she helde a great
+court. And thyther came dukes, erles, barons, knightis, and all the
+nobles of the realme, with prelates, and burgesses of good townes, and
+at this assemble it was advised that the realme coud nat long endure
+without a head and a chief lord. Than they put in wrytynge all the
+dedis of the kyng who was in prison, and all that he had done by evyll
+counsell, and all his usages, and evyll behavyngis, and how evyll he
+had governed his realme, the which was redde openly in playn audience,
+to thentent that the noble sagis of the realme might take therof good
+advyce, and to fall at acorde how the realme shuld be governed from
+thensforth; and whan all the cases and dedis that the kyng had done
+and c[=o]sented to, and all his behavyng and usages were red, and wel
+understand, the barons and knightis and al ye co[=u]sels of the
+realme, drew them aparte to co[=u]sell, and the most part of them
+accorded, and namely the great lordes and nobles, with the burgesses
+of ye good townes, accordyng as they had hard say, and knew themselfe
+the most parte of his dedis. Wherfore they c[=o]cluded that such a man
+was nat worthy to be a kyng. But they all accorded that Edward his
+eldeste son who was ther present, and was ryghtful heyre, shuld be
+crowned kyng in stede of his father, so that he would take good
+counsell, sage and true about hym, so that the realme from thensforth
+myght be better governed than it was before, and that the olde kyng
+his father shuld be well and honestly kept as long as he lyved
+accordyng to his astate; and thus as it was agreed by all the nobles,
+so it was accomplysshed, and than was crowned with a crowne royall at
+the palaice of Westminster, beside L[=o]don, the yong kyng Edward the
+III. who in his dayes after was right fortunate and happy in armes.
+This coronacion was in the yere of our Lorde MCCCXXVI, on Christymas
+day, and as than the yong kyng was about the age of XVI., and they
+held the fest tyl the c[=o]vercion of saynt Paule followyng: and in
+the mean tyme greatly was fested sir John of Heynaulte and all the
+princis and nobles of his co[=u]tre, and was gyven to hym, and to his
+company, many ryche jewels. And so he and his company in great feast
+and solas both with lordis and ladyes taried tyll the XII. day."
+
+
+EDWARD BALLIOL, OF SCOTLAND, DEFEATED AT CHRISTMAS.
+
+The Christmas of 1332 is memorable in Scottish annals as the time of
+the defeat of Edward Balliol, the "phantom king" of Scotland. His
+success was as unreal as a dream. He was solemnly crowned at Scone in
+the month of September, 1332, fondly imagining that he had permanently
+conquered the patriotic Scottish nobles who had opposed him. His
+reign, however, only lasted for a few months. The leaders of the
+national party suddenly assembled a force, and attacked him, while he
+was feasting at Annan, in Dumfriesshire, where he had gone to keep his
+Christmas. A body of horse under Sir Archibald, the young Earl of
+Moray, and Sir Simon Fraser, made a dash into the town to surprise
+Balliol, and he escaped only by springing upon a horse without any
+saddle, leaving behind him his brother Henry slain. Balliol escaped to
+England and was kindly received by Edward III., who afterwards made
+fresh expeditions into Scotland to support him. "Whenever the English
+king appeared the Scots retired to their mountain fastnesses, while
+Edward and his army overran the country with little opposition, burnt
+the houses, and laid waste the lands of those whom he styled rebels;
+but whenever he returned to England they came forth again, only the
+more embittered against the contemptible minion of the English king,
+the more determined against the tyranny of England. The regent, Sir
+Andrew Murray, pursued, with untiring activity, Balliol and his
+adherents. When Edward marched homeward to spend in London the
+Christmas of 1336, he left Scotland to all appearance prostrate, and
+flattered himself that it was completely subdued. Never was it further
+from such a condition. Only one spirit animated the Scottish
+nation--that of eternal resistance to the monarch who had inflicted on
+it such calamities, and set a slave on its throne."[23]
+
+
+COTTAGE CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+At this period the greatest of the Bishops of Winchester, William of
+Wykeham, was a schoolboy. He was born of humble parents, educated at
+Winchester school, and afterwards became secretary to Uvedale, Lord of
+Wickham Manor, through whom he was introduced to King Edward III. In
+his interesting "Story of the Boyhood of William of Wykeham," the Rev.
+W. A. C. Chevalier thus pictures William's Christmas holidays:--
+
+"Three days after William's arrival home was Christmas-eve. There were
+great preparations in the cottage for spending Christmas worthily, for
+if there was one thing more than another that John Longe believed in,
+it was the proper keeping of Christmas. It was a part of the worthy
+yeoman's faith. He was a humble and thorough believer in all the
+tenets of Christianity, he worshipped the Saviour and adored His
+Nativity, but his faith was a cheerful one, and he thought he best
+honoured his Master by enjoying the good gifts which He sent. Hence
+it was a part of his creed to be jovial at Christmas-tide. And so
+Dame Alice had been busy all that day, and a part of the day before,
+making Christmas pies, dressing Christmas meats, and otherwise making
+ready for the great festival. John Longe, too, had not been idle. He
+and his men had been working hard all day getting in huge Yule-logs
+for the great kitchen fire, whilst William and little Agnes had been
+employed in decorating the kitchen with evergreens and mistletoe,
+displaying in great profusion the red berries of the holly bushes.
+Everything was decked with evergreens, from the cups and platters on
+the shelves to the hams and bacon hanging from the ceiling."
+
+At length the preparations were completed; then came the telling of
+tales and cheerful gossip round the blazing fire on Christmas Eve, and
+the roasting of chestnuts on the embers. "Christmas Day passed at the
+little homestead with all the social and religious honours that the
+honest yeoman could think of. The little household attended the
+service of Mass in the morning, and then, with clear consciences and
+simple hearts, spent the rest of the day in domestic and convivial
+enjoyment."
+
+Returning to royalty, we next see illustrated Froissart's statement
+that "Edward the third was right fortunate and happy in armes."
+
+
+EDWARD THE THIRD'S VICTORIES AND FESTIVITIES.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+During the invasion of France, Edward III. raised the martial glory of
+England by his splendid victories at Crecy, Poictiers, and other
+places; and he kept Christmas right royally with his soldiers on
+French soil. After the battle of Crecy, at which the Prince of Wales
+gained the celebrated title of the Black Prince, Edward marched upon
+Calais, and laid siege to it; and at length he took the place. During
+Edward's absence, England was invaded by David II. of Scotland, who
+was defeated and taken prisoner by the army under Philippa, Edward's
+Queen. The brave Queen then joined King Edward on the French
+battle-ground, and they kept the Christmas of 1346 with much
+rejoicing.
+
+During the Christmas festivities of this period the most noble Order
+of the Garter was instituted by King Edward III. to excite emulation
+amongst the aristocratic warriors of the time, in imitation of orders
+of a similar kind, both religious and military, which had been
+instituted by different monarchs of Europe; and that those who were
+admitted to the order were enjoined to exalt the religion of Christ
+is evident from some lines which Chaucer addressed to the Lords and
+Knights--
+
+ "Do forth, do forth, continue your succour,
+  Hold up Christ's banner, let it not fall."
+
+And again--
+
+ "Ye Lordis eke, shining in noble fame,
+  To which appropered is the maintenance
+  Of Christ 'is cause; in honour of his name,
+  Shove on, and put his foes to utterance."
+
+In imitation of King Arthur, Edward III. set up at Windsor a Round
+Table, which was consecrated with feasts and tournaments, and baptized
+with the blood of the brave. On New Year's Day, 1344, he issued his
+royal letters of protection for the safe-coming and return of foreign
+knights to the solemn jousts which he appointed to be held at Windsor
+on St. Hilary's Day, in extension of the Christmas festivities. The
+festival was opened with a splendid supper; and the next day, and
+until Lent, all kinds of knightly feats of arms were performed. "The
+queen and her ladies," says an old historian, "that they might with
+more convenience behold this spectacle, were orderly seated upon a
+firm ballustrade, or scaffold, with rails before it, running all round
+the lists. And certainly their extraordinary beauties, set so
+advantageously forth with excessive riches of apparel, did prove a
+sight as full of pleasant encouragement to the combatants, as the
+fierce hacklings of men and horses, gallantly armed, were a delightful
+terror to the feminine beholders."
+
+[Illustration: LADIES LOOKING FROM THE HUSTINGS UPON THE TOURNAMENT.]
+
+In 1348 Edward III. kept a grand Christmas at Guildford. "Orders were
+given to manufacture for the Christmas sports eighty tunics of buckram
+of different colours, and a large number of masks--some with faces of
+women, some with beards, some like angel heads of silver. There were
+to be mantles embroidered with heads of dragons, tunics wrought with
+heads and wings of peacocks, and embroidered in many other fantastic
+ways. The celebration of Christmas lasted from All Hallow's Eve, the
+31st of October, till the day after the Purification, the 3rd of
+February. At the court a lord of misrule was appointed, who reigned
+during the whole of this period, and was called 'the master of merry
+disports.' He ruled over and organised all the games and sports, and
+during the period of his rule there was nothing but a succession of
+masques, disguisings, and dances of all kinds. All the nobles, even
+the Mayor of London, had an officer of this kind chosen in their
+households. Dancing was a very favourite amusement. It was practised
+by the nobility of both sexes. The damsels of London spent their
+evenings in dancing before their masters' doors, and the country
+lasses danced upon the village green."[24]
+
+[Illustration: THE LORD OF MISRULE.]
+
+A Royal Christmas was kept at Westminster, with great splendour, in
+1358, when King Edward had two crowned guests at his feast; but these
+were present from no choice of their own: they were the victims to the
+fortune of war at Poictiers and Neville's Cross. And in
+1362, King David of Scotland and the King of Cyprus met at King
+Edward's grand entertainments. The later years of his life were spent
+by this great warrior-king in partial retirement from public affairs,
+and under the influence of his mistress, Alice Perrers, while John of
+Gaunt took a leading part in the government of the state. In 1376
+Edward the Black Prince died, and the same year King Edward III. kept
+his last Christmas at Westminster, the festival being made memorable
+by all the nobles of the realm attending to swear fealty to the son of
+the Black Prince, who, by the King's desire, took precedence of his
+uncles at the banquet as befitted the heir apparent to the crown. The
+King died on the 21st of June, 1377, having reigned for just over half
+a century.
+
+The old chronicler, Stowe, refers to a
+
+
+TERRIBLE CHRISTMAS TEMPEST,
+
+which he says occurred in 1362: "The King held his Christmas at
+Windsore, and the XV. day following a sore and vehement south-west
+winde brake forth, so hideous that it overthrew high houses, towers,
+steeples, and trees, and so bowed them, that the residue which fell
+not, but remained standing, were the weaker."
+
+King Edward the Third's wardrobe accounts witness to the
+
+
+COSTLY CHRISTMAS ROBES
+
+that were worn at this period. And these accounts also show that Alice
+Perrers was associated with the King's daughter and granddaughter in
+the Christmas entertainments. There are items in 1376 stating that the
+King's daughter Isabella (styled Countess of Bedford), and her
+daughter (afterwards wife of Vere, Earl of Oxford), were provided with
+rich garments trimmed with ermine, in the fashion of the robes of the
+Garter, and with others of shaggy velvet, trimmed with the same fur,
+for the Christmas festival; while articles of apparel equally costly
+are registered as sent by the King to his chamber at Shene, to be
+given to Alice Perrers. And at a festival at Windsor the King caused
+twelve ladies (including his daughters and Alice Perrers) to be
+clothed in handsome hunting suits, with ornamented bows and arrows, to
+shoot at the King's deer; and a very attractive band of foresters they
+made. We have also seen that eighty costly tunics were provided for
+the Christmas sports and disguisings at Guildford.
+
+We now come to a
+
+
+COMICALLY CRUEL CHRISTMAS INCIDENT,
+
+recorded by Sir John Froissart, and which he says gave "great joye" to
+the hilarious "knightes and squyers" who kept the festival with "the
+Erle of Foiz":--
+
+"So it was on a Christmas day the Erle of Foiz helde a great feest,
+and a plentifull of knightes and squyers, as it is his usage; and it
+was a colde day, and the erle dyned in the hall, and with him great
+company of lordes; and after dyner he departed out of the hall, and
+went up into a galarye of xxiiii stayres of heyght, in which galarye
+ther was a great chymney, wherin they made fyre whan therle was ther;
+and at that tyme there was but a small fyre, for the erle loved no
+great fyre; howbeit, he hadde woode ynoughe there about, and in Bierne
+is wode ynoughe. The same daye it was a great frost and very colde:
+and when the erle was in the galarye, and saw the fyre so lytell, he
+sayde to the knightes and squiers about hym, Sirs, this is but a small
+fyre, and the day so colde: than Ernalton of Spayne went downe the
+stayres, and beneth in the courte he sawe a great meny of asses, laden
+with woode to serve the house: than he went and toke one of the
+grettest asses, with all the woode, and layde hym on his backe, and
+went up all the stayres into the galary, and dyde cast downe the asse
+with all the woode into the chymney, and the asses fete upward;
+wherof the erle of Foiz had great joye, and so hadde all they that
+were there, and had marveyle of his strength howe he alone came up all
+the stayres with the asse and the woode in his necke."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Passing on to
+
+
+THE REIGN OF RICHARD THE SECOND,
+
+the son of Edward the Black Prince and Joan of Kent, who came to the
+throne (in tutelage) on the death of his grandfather, Edward III.
+(1377), we find that costly banquetings, disguisings, pageants, and
+plays continued to be the diversions of Christmastide at court. From
+the rolls of the royal wardrobe, it appears that at the Christmas
+festival in 1391, the sages of the law were made subjects for
+disguisements, this entry being made: "Pro XXI _coifs_ de tela linea
+pro hominibus de lege contrafactis pro Ludo regis tempore natalis
+Domini anno XII." That is, for twenty-one linen coifs for
+counterfeiting men of the law in the King's play at Christmas. And
+Strutt[25] says that in the same year (1391) the parish clerks of
+London put forth a play at Skinners' Wells, near Smithfield, which
+continued three days: the king, queen, and many of the nobility, being
+present at the performance.
+
+[Illustration: [On one side is the legend, MONETA NOVA ADRIANI
+STVLTORV PAPE, the last E being in the field of the piece, on which is
+represented the Pope, with his double cross and tiara, with a fool in
+full costume approaching his bauble to the pontifical cross, and two
+persons behind, who form part of his escort. On the reverse is a
+"mother fool," with her bauble, attended by a grotesque person with a
+cardinal's hat, with the oft-recurring legend, STVLTORV INFINITVS EST
+NVMERVS.]]
+
+But the miracle plays and mysteries performed by the Churchmen
+differed greatly from the secular plays and interludes which at this
+period "were acted by strolling companies of minstrels, jugglers,
+tumblers, dancers, bourdours, or jesters, and other performers
+properly qualified for the different parts of the entertainment, which
+admitted of a variety of exhibitions. These pastimes are of higher
+antiquity than the ecclesiastical plays; and they were much relished
+not only by the vulgar part of the people, but also by the nobility.
+The courts of the kings of England, and the castles of the great earls
+and barons, were crowded with the performers of the secular plays,
+where they were well received and handsomely rewarded; vast sums of
+money were lavishly bestowed upon these secular itinerants, which
+induced the monks and other ecclesiastics to turn actors themselves,
+in order to obtain a share of the public bounty. But to give the
+better colouring to their undertaking, they took the subjects of their
+dialogues from the holy writ, and performed them in the churches. The
+secular showmen, however, retained their popularity notwithstanding
+the exertions of their clerical rivals, who diligently endeavoured to
+bring them into disgrace, by bitterly inveighing against the
+filthiness and immorality of their exhibitions. On the other hand, the
+itinerant players sometimes invaded the province of the churchmen, and
+performed their mysteries, or others similar to them, as we find from
+a petition presented to Richard II. by the scholars of St. Paul's
+School, wherein complaint is made against the secular actors, because
+they took upon themselves to act plays composed from the Scripture
+history, to the great prejudice of the clergy, who had been at much
+expense to prepare such performances for public exhibition at the
+festival of Christmas."
+
+[Illustration: A COURT FOOL.]
+
+In his Christmas feasts Richard the Second outdid his predecessors in
+prodigal hospitality. He delighted in the neighbourhood of Eltham,
+and spent much of his time in feasting with his favourites at the
+royal palace there. In 1386 (notwithstanding the still prevalent
+distress, which had continued from the time of the peasant revolt)
+Richard kept the Christmas festivities at Eltham with great
+extravagance, at the same time entertaining Leon, King of Armenia, in
+a manner utterly unjustified by the state of the royal exchequer,
+which had been replenished by illegal methods. And, on the completion
+of his enlargements and embellishments of Westminster Hall, Richard
+reopened it with "a most royal Christmas feast" of twenty-eight oxen
+and three hundred sheep, and game and fowls without number, feeding
+ten thousand guests for many days. Yet but a few years afterwards
+(such is the fickleness of fortune and the instability of human
+affairs) this same king, who had seen the "Merciless Parliament," who
+had robbed Hereford of his estates, who had been robed in cloth of
+gold and precious stones, and who had alienated his subjects by his
+own extravagance, was himself deposed and sentenced to lifelong
+banishment, his doom being pronounced in the very hall which he had
+reared to such magnificence for his own glory. Thus ingloriously
+Richard disappears from history, for nothing certain is known of the
+time, manner, or place of his death, though it is conjectured that he
+was speedily murdered. How history repeats itself! Richard's
+ignominious end recalls to mind the verse in which an English poet
+depicts the end of an Eastern king who was too fond of revelling:--
+
+ "That night they slew him on his father's throne,
+  The deed unnoticed and the hand unknown:
+  Crownless and sceptreless Belshazzar lay,
+  A robe of purple round a form of clay!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+GRAND CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT.
+
+An example of the tournaments which were favourite diversions of kings
+and nobles at this period is found in that held at Christmastide in
+London in 1389. Richard II., his three uncles, and the greater barons
+having heard of a famous tournament at Paris at the entry of Isabel,
+Queen of France, resolved to hold one of equal splendour at London, in
+which sixty English knights, conducted to the scene of action by sixty
+ladies, should challenge all foreign knights. They therefore sent
+heralds into all parts of England, Scotland, Germany, Italy, Flanders,
+Brabant, Hainault, and France to proclaim the time, place, and other
+circumstances of the proposed gathering, and to invite all valorous
+knights and squires to honour it with their presence. This, says the
+historian, excited a strong desire in the knights and squires of all
+these countries to attend to see the manners and equipages of the
+English, and others to tourney. The lists were prepared in Smithfield,
+and chambers erected around them for the accommodation of the king,
+queen, princes, lords, ladies, heralds, and other spectators. As the
+time approached many important personages of both sexes, attended by
+numerous retinues, arrived in London. On the first day of the
+tournament (Sunday) sixty-five horses, richly furnished for the
+jousts, issued one by one from the Tower, each conducted by a squire
+of honour, and proceeded in a slow pace through the streets of London
+to Smithfield, attended by a numerous band of trumpeters and other
+minstrels. Immediately after, sixty young ladies, elegantly attired
+and riding on palfreys, issued from the same place, and each lady
+leading a knight completely armed by a silver chain, they proceeded
+slowly to the field. When they arrived there the ladies were lifted
+from the palfreys and conducted to the chambers provided for them; the
+knights mounted their horses and began the jousts, in which they
+exhibited such feats of valour and dexterity as won the admiration of
+the spectators. When the approach of night put an end to the jousts
+the company repaired to the palace of the Bishop of London, in St.
+Paul's Street, where the king and queen then staying, the supper was
+prepared. The ladies, knights, and heralds who had been appointed
+judges awarded one of the prizes, a crown of gold, to the Earl of St.
+Paul as the best performer among the foreign knights, and the other, a
+rich girdle adorned with gold and precious stones, to the Earl of
+Huntingdon as the best performer of the English. After a sumptuous
+supper the ladies and knights spent the remainder of the night in
+dancing. The tournaments were continued in a similar manner on Monday,
+Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and on Saturday the Court,
+with all the company, removed to Windsor, where the jousts, feasting,
+and other diversions were renewed, and lasted several days longer.
+Subsequently the king presented the foreign ladies, lords, and knights
+with valuable gifts, and they returned to their own countries highly
+pleased with the entertainment which they had enjoyed in England.
+
+
+KING HENRY THE FOURTH
+
+was born at Bolingbroke, in Lincolnshire, being the eldest son of John
+of Gaunt and of his first wife, the heiress of the house of Lancaster,
+and a grandson of Edward III. On the death of John of Gaunt in 1399,
+Richard II. seized his lands, having in the previous year banished
+Henry of Bolingbroke. On Henry hearing what had occurred, knowing his
+own popularity and Richard's unpopularity, Henry returned from
+banishment, and succeeded in an attack on Richard, whom he made a
+prisoner. Then summoning a Parliament, at which Richard was formally
+deposed and himself made king, Henry came to the throne with the title
+of Henry IV. Soon, however, he found himself menaced by danger. Some
+of the lords who had been stripped of the honours and wealth heaped
+upon them by Richard entered into a conspiracy to assassinate Henry
+the usurper. During the Christmas holidays they met frequently at the
+lodgings of the Abbot of Westminster to plan the king's destruction.
+After much deliberation they agreed to hold a splendid tournament at
+Oxford on the 3rd of January, 1400. Henry was to be invited to
+preside, and while intent on the spectacle a number of picked men were
+to kill him and his sons. The king was keeping his Christmas at
+Windsor, whither the Earl of Huntingdon presented himself and gave him
+the invitation. Henry accepted it, but on the 2nd of January, the day
+previous to the tournament, the Earl of Rutland, who was privy to the
+plot, went secretly to Windsor and informed the king of the
+arrangements which had been made for his assassination. The same
+evening, after dusk, the king proceeded to London; and the next day
+when the conspirators assembled at Oxford they were surprised to find
+that neither the king nor their own accomplice, Rutland, had arrived.
+Suspecting treachery they resolved to proceed at once to Windsor and
+surprise Henry, but arrived only to find that he had escaped. They
+afterwards raised the standard of revolt, but their insurrection
+proved abortive, and the fate of the leaders was summary and
+sanguinary.
+
+The favourite palace of Henry the Fourth was at Eltham, where, in the
+second year of his reign, he kept a grand Christmas, and entertained
+the Emperor of Constantinople. At this festival the men of London made
+a "gret mummyng to him of XII. Aldermen and theire sones, for which
+they had gret thanke." Similar festivities were observed at several
+subsequent festivals; then the king's health gave way, and he passed
+the last Christmas of his life in seclusion at Eltham, suffering from
+fits of epilepsy, and lying frequently for hours in an unconscious
+state. After Candlemas he was so much better as to be able to return
+to his palace at Westminster, but he died there on the 20th of March
+the same year (1413). The final scene and the parting words of the
+king to his son, who became Henry V., have been beautifully depicted
+by Shakespeare.
+
+
+KING HENRY THE FIFTH.
+
+In connection with the Christmas festival in 1414 a conspiracy to
+murder the king is alleged against the Lollards, but the charge has
+never been satisfactorily proved. "If we are to believe the
+chroniclers of the times the Lollards resolved to anticipate their
+enemies, to take up arms and to repel force by force. Seeing clearly
+that war to the death was determined against them by the Church, and
+that the king had yielded at least a tacit consent to this iniquitous
+policy, they came to the conclusion to kill not only the bishops, but
+the king and all his kin. So atrocious a conspiracy is not readily to
+be credited against men who contended for a greater purity of gospel
+truth, nor against men of the practical and military knowledge of Lord
+Cobham. But over the whole of these transactions there hangs a veil of
+impenetrable mystery, and we can only say that the Lollards are
+charged with endeavouring to surprise the king and his brother at
+Eltham, as they were keeping their Christmas festivities there, and
+that this attempt failed through the Court receiving intimation of the
+design and suddenly removing to Westminster."[26] Lord Cobham was put
+to death by cruel torture in St. Giles's Fields, London, on Christmas
+Day, 1418.
+
+In the early part of his reign Henry invaded France and achieved a
+series of brilliant successes, including the famous victory at
+Agincourt. The hero of this great battle did not allow the holiday
+season to interfere with his military operations; but he did
+generously suspend proceedings against Rouen upon Christmas Day and
+supply his hungry foes with food for that day only, so that they might
+keep the feast of Christmas. After his military successes in France
+Henry married the Princess Katherine, the youngest daughter of Charles
+VI., King of France, and the king and queen spent their first
+Christmas of wedded life at Paris, the festival being celebrated by a
+series of magnificent entertainments. Henry's subsequent journey to
+England was "like the ovation of an ancient conqueror." He and his
+queen were received with great festivity at the different towns on
+their way, and on the 1st of February they left Calais, and landed at
+Dover, where, according to Monstrelet, "Katherine was received as if
+she had been an angel of God." All classes united to make the
+reception of the hero of Agincourt and his beautiful bride a most
+magnificent one. They proceeded first to Eltham, and thence, after due
+rest, to London, where Katherine was crowned with great rejoicing on
+the 24th of February, 1421. Henry's brilliant career was cut short by
+his death on the last day of August, 1422.
+
+ "Small time, but, in that small, most greatly liv'd
+    This star of England: fortune made his sword;
+  By which the world's best garden he achiev'd,
+    And of it left his son imperial lord."[27]
+
+Fabian's account of the stately feast at the coronation of
+Henry the Fifth's newly-wedded consort is an interesting
+picture of the
+
+
+COURT LIFE AND CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES OF THE PERIOD.
+
+Queen Katherine was conveyed to the great hall at Westminster and
+there set to dinner. Upon her right hand, at the end of the table, sat
+the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Henry, surnamed the rich Cardinal of
+Winchester; and upon her left hand the King of Scotland in his royal
+robes; near the end sat the Duchess of York and the Countess of
+Huntingdon. The Earl of March, holding a sceptre, knelt upon her right
+side, and the Earl-Marshal upon her left; his Countess sat at the
+Queen's left foot under the table, and the Countess of Kent at her
+right foot. Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, was overlooker, and stood
+before the Queen bareheaded; Sir Richard Nevill was carver, the Earl
+of Suffolk's brother cupbearer, Sir John Steward server, Lord Clifford
+panterer, Lord Willoughby butler, Lord Grey de Ruthyn naperer, the
+Lord Audley almoner, and the Earl of Worcester, Earl-Marshal, rode
+about the hall during dinner on a charger, with a number of constables
+to keep order.
+
+The bill of fare consisted of: _First course_--Brawn and mustard,
+dedells in burneaux, frument with balien, pike in erbage (pike stuffed
+with herbs), lamprey powdered, trout, codling, fried plaice and
+marling, crabs, leche lumbard flourished, and tarts. Then came a
+subtlety representing a pelican sitting on her nest with her young and
+an image of St. Katherine bearing a book and disputing with the
+doctors, bearing a reason (motto) in her right hand, saying, in the
+French apparently of Stratford-at-the-Bow, "Madame le Royne," and the
+pelican as an answer--
+
+ "Ce est la signe
+  Et lu Roy
+  Pur tenir ioy
+  Et a tout sa gent,
+  Elle mete sa entent."
+
+_Second course_--Jelly coloured with columbine flowers, white potage,
+or cream of almonds, bream of the sea, conger, soles, cheven, barbel
+with roach, fresh salmon, halibut, gurnets, broiled roach, fried
+smelt, crayfish or lobster, leche damask with the king's word or
+proverb flourished "_une sanz plus_." Lamprey fresh baked, flampeyn
+flourished with an escutcheon royal, therein three crowns of gold,
+planted with flowers de luce, and flowers of camomile wrought of
+confections. Then a subtlety representing a panther with an image of
+St. Katherine having a wheel in one hand and a roll with a reason in
+the other, saying--
+
+ "La royne ma file,
+  In ceste ile,
+  Par bon reson
+  Alues renoun."
+
+_Third course_--Dates in composite, cream mottled, carp, turbot,
+tench, perch, fresh sturgeon with whelks, porpoise roasted, memis
+fried, crayfish, prawns, eels roasted with lamprey, a leche called the
+white leche flourished with hawthorn leaves and red haws, and a march
+pane, garnished with figures of angels, having among them an image of
+St. Katherine holding this reason--
+
+ "Il est ecrit,
+  Pour voir et dit
+  Per mariage pur
+  C'est guerre ne dure."
+
+And lastly, a subtlety representing a tiger looking into a mirror, and
+a man sitting on horseback fully armed, holding in his arms a tiger's
+whelp, with this reason, "Par force sanz reson il ay pryse ceste
+beste," and with his one hand making a countenance of throwing mirrors
+at the great tiger, the which held this reason--
+
+ "Gile de mirror,
+  Ma fete distour."
+
+[Illustration: "Marble Panel Florentine 1420,
+S. Kensington museum."]
+
+
+KING HENRY THE SIXTH
+
+became king in 1422, before he was nine months old, and although the
+regency of the two kingdoms to which he was heir had been arranged by
+Henry V. before his death, the reign of the third king of the House of
+Lancaster saw the undoing of much that had been accomplished in the
+reigns of his father and grandfather. It was during the reign of
+Henry VI. that Joan of Arc came forward alleging her Divine commission
+to rescue France from the English invader. But it is not part of our
+subject to describe her heroic career. The troublous times which made
+the French heroine a name in history were unfavourable to Christmas
+festivities. The Royal Christmases of Henry the Sixth were less costly
+than those of his immediate predecessors. But as soon as he was old
+enough to do so he observed the festival, as did also his soldiers,
+even in time of war. Mills[28] mentions that, "during the memorable
+siege of Orleans [1428-9], at the request of the English the
+festivities of Christmas suspended the horrors of war, and the
+nativity of the Saviour was commemorated to the sound of martial
+music. Talbot, Suffolk, and other ornaments of English chivalry made
+presents of fruits to the accomplished Dunois, who vied with their
+courtesy by presenting to Suffolk some black plush he wished for as a
+lining for his dress in the then winter season. The high-spirited
+knights of one side challenged the prowest knights of the other, as
+their predecessors in chivalry had done. It is observable, however,
+that these jousts were not held in honour of the ladies, but the
+challenge always declared that if there were in the other host a
+knight so generous and loving of his country as to be willing to
+combat in her defence, he was invited to present himself."
+
+[Illustration: Henry IV.'s Cradle]
+
+In 1433 Henry kept his Christmas at Bury, and in 1436 at Kenilworth
+Castle. Nothing remarkable, however, is recorded respecting these
+festivities. But some interesting particulars have been preserved of a
+
+
+CHRISTMAS PLAY PERFORMED IN 1445
+
+at Middleton Tower, Norfolk, the family seat of Lord Scales, one of
+the early owners of Sandringham, which is now a residence of the
+Prince of Wales. Mrs. Herbert Jones[29] says:--
+
+"One winter, when he was about forty-six years old, in a quiet
+interval soon after Henry the Sixth's marriage to Margaret of Anjou,
+Lord Scales and his wife were living at Middleton. In a south-east
+direction lay the higher ground where rose the Blackborough Priory of
+nuns, founded by a previous Lady Scales; west of them, at three miles'
+distance, bristling with the architecture of the Middle Ages in all
+its bloom and beauty, before religious disunion had defaced it,
+prosperous in its self-government, stood the town of Lynn.
+
+"The mayor and council had organised a play to be acted on Christmas
+Day, 1445, before the Lord Scales at Middleton, representing scenes
+from the Nativity of our Lord. Large sums were paid by order of the
+mayor for the requisite dresses, ornaments, and scenery, some of which
+were supplied by the 'Nathan' of Lynn, and others prepared and bought
+expressly. 'John Clerk' performed the angel Gabriel, and a lady of the
+name of Gilbert the Virgin Mary. Their parts were to be sung. Four
+other performers were also paid for their services, and the whole
+party, headed by the mayor, set off with their paraphernalia in a
+cart, harnessed to four or more horses, for Middleton on Christmas
+morning. The breakfast of the carters was paid for at the inn by the
+town, but the magnates from Lynn and the actors were entertained at
+the castle.[30]
+
+"It was in the courtyard that this quaint representation took place;
+the musical dialogues, the songs and hymns, the profusion of
+ornaments, personal and otherwise, recorded as pressed on to the
+stage, the grotesque angel and virgin, must have furnished a lively
+hour under the castle walls on that long-ago Christmas Day."
+
+
+THE WARS OF THE ROSES.
+
+During the destructive wars of York and Lancaster the festivities of
+Christmas were frequently interrupted by hostilities, for some of the
+most bloody encounters (as, for example, the terrible battle of
+Wakefield) occurred at Christmastide. The wars of the contending
+factions continued throughout the reign of Henry VI., whose personal
+weakness left the House of Lancaster at the mercy of the Parliament,
+in which the voice of the Barons was paramount. That the country was
+in a state of shameful misgovernment was shown by the attitude of the
+commercial class and the insurrection under John Cade; yet Henry could
+find time for amusement. "Under pretence of change of air the court
+removed to Coventry that the king might enjoy the sports of the
+field."[31]
+
+The Christmases of Henry were not kept with the splendour which
+characterised those of his rival and successor, Edward IV. Henry's
+habits were religious, and his house expenses parsimonious--sometimes
+necessarily so, for he was short of money. From the introduction to
+the "Paston Letters" (edited by Mr. James Gairdner) it appears that
+the king was in such impecunious circumstances in 1451 that he had to
+borrow his expenses for Christmas: "The government was getting
+paralysed alike by debt and by indecision. 'As for tidings here,'
+writes John Bocking, 'I certify you all that is nought, or will be
+nought. The king borroweth his expenses.'" Henry anticipated what Ben
+Jonson discovered in a later age, that--
+
+ "Christmas is near;
+  And neither good cheer,
+  Mirth, fooling, nor wit,
+  Nor any least fit
+  Of gambol or sport
+  Will come at the Court,
+  If there be no money."
+
+And so rather than leave Christmas unobserved the poor king "borrowed
+his expenses." Subsequently Henry's health failed, and then later
+comes the record: "At Christmas [1454], to the great joy of the
+nation, the king began to recover from his painful illness. He woke
+up, as it were, from a long sleep. So decidedly had he regained his
+faculties that on St. John's Day (27th December) he commanded his
+almoner to ride to Canterbury with an offering, and his secretary to
+present another at the shrine of St. Edward."[32]
+
+The terrible battle of Wakefield at Christmastide, 1460, was one of
+the most important victories won by the Lancastrians during the Wars
+of the Roses. The king, Henry VI., had secretly encouraged Richard,
+Duke of York, that the nation would soon be ready to assent to the
+restoration of the legitimate branch of the royal family. Richard was
+the son of Anne Mortimer, who was descended from Philippa, the only
+daughter of the Duke of Clarence, second son of Edward III.; and
+consequently he stood in the order of succession before the king
+actually on the throne, who was descended from John of Gaunt, a
+younger son of Edward III. The Duke of York at length openly advanced
+his title as the true heir to the crown, and urged Parliament to
+confer it upon him. As, however, the Lancastrian branch of the royal
+family had enjoyed the crown for three generations it was resolved
+that Henry VI. should continue to reign during his life and that
+Richard should succeed him. This compromise greatly displeased the
+queen, Margaret, who was indignant at the injury it inflicted on her
+son. She therefore urged the nobles who had hitherto supported her
+husband to take up arms on behalf of his son. Accordingly the Earl of
+Northumberland, with Lords Dacre, Clifford, and Nevil, assembled an
+army at York, and were soon joined by the Duke of Somerset and the
+Earl of Devon. "Parliament being prorogued in December, the Duke of
+York and the Earl of Salisbury hastened from London with a large armed
+force towards York, but coming unexpectedly upon the troops of the
+Duke of Somerset at Worksop, their vanguard was destroyed. On the 21st
+of December, however, they reached Sandal Castle with six thousand
+men, and kept their Christmas there, notwithstanding that the enemy
+under the Duke of Somerset and the Earl of Northumberland were close
+by at Pontefract" (_William Wyrcester_). On the 30th of December the
+opposing forces met at Wakefield, and in the terrible battle which
+ensued Richard, Duke of York was slain, his son, Lord Rutland, was
+murdered by Lord Clifford while escaping from the battlefield, and the
+Earl of Salisbury and others were taken as prisoners to Pontefract,
+where they were beheaded.
+
+Edward, son of Richard Duke of York, was afterwards joined by his
+cousin, Richard, Earl of Warwick, the famous "kingmaker." They
+hastened northwards and met the Lancastrians at Towton, where a
+decisive battle was fought, and won by the Yorkists. Edward was then
+recognised by Parliament and proclaimed king as Edward IV., and Henry
+VI. was attainted of high treason.
+
+
+IN 1461 EDWARD THE FOURTH
+
+called his first Parliament at Westminster, and concluded the session
+by the unusual but popular measure of a speech from the throne to the
+Commons delivered by himself. It was during this session that the
+statute was passed prohibiting the great and rich from giving or
+wearing any liveries or signs of companionship, except while serving
+under the king; from receiving or maintaining plunderers, robbers,
+malefactors, or unlawful hunters; and from allowing dice and cards in
+their houses beyond the twelve days of Christmas (Parl. Rolls, 488).
+
+The Christmas festival was kept by Edward IV. with great magnificence,
+the king's natural inclinations leading him to adopt whatever was
+splendid and costly. "At the Christmas festivities he appeared in a
+variety of most costly dresses, of a form never seen before, which he
+thought displayed his person to considerable advantage" (_Croyland
+Chronicler_). Sir Frederick Madden's narrative of the visit of the
+Lord of Granthuse, Governor of Holland, to Edward, in 1472, paints in
+glowing colours the luxury of the English Court. On his arrival at
+Windsor he was received by Lord Hastings, who conducted him to the
+chambers of the King and Queen. These apartments were richly hung with
+cloth of gold arras. When he had spoken with the King, who presented
+him to the Queen's Grace, the Lord Chamberlain, Hastings, was ordered
+to conduct him to his chamber, where supper was ready for him. "After
+he had supped the King had him brought immediately to the Queen's own
+chamber, where she and her ladies were playing at the marteaux [a
+game played with small balls of different colours]; and some of her
+ladies were playing at closheys [ninepins] of ivory, and dancing, and
+some at divers other games: the which sight was full pleasant to them.
+Also the King danced with my Lady Elizabeth, his eldest daughter. In
+the morning when Matins was done, the King heard, in his own chapel,
+Our Lady-Mass, which was most melodiously chaunted, the Lord Granthuse
+being present. When the Mass was done, the King gave the said Lord
+Granthuse a cup of gold, garnished with pearl. In the midst of the cup
+was a great piece of unicorn's horn, to my estimation seven inches in
+compass; and on the cover of the cup a great sapphire." After
+breakfast the King came into the Quadrangle. "My Lord Prince, also,
+borne by his Chamberlain, called Master Vaughan, which bade the Lord
+of Granthuse welcome. Then the King had him and all his company into
+the little Park, where he made him have great sport; and there the
+King made him ride on his own horse, on a right fair hobby, the which
+the King gave him." The King's dinner was "ordained" in the Lodge,
+Windsor Park. After dinner they hunted again, and the King showed his
+guest his garden and vineyard of pleasure. Then "the Queen did ordain
+a great banquet in her own chamber, at which King Edward, her eldest
+daughter the Lady Elisabeth, the Duchess of Exeter, the Lady Rivers,
+and the Lord of Granthuse, all sat with her at one mess; and, at the
+same table, sat the Duke of Buckingham, my Lady, his wife, with divers
+other ladies, my Lord Hastings, Chamberlain to the King, my Lord
+Berners, Chamberlain to the Queen, the son of Lord Granthuse, and
+Master George Barthe, Secretary to the Duke of Burgundy, Louis Stacy,
+Usher to the Duke of Burgundy, George Martigny, and also certain
+nobles of the King's own court. There was a side table, at which sat a
+great view (_show_) of ladies, all on the one side. Also, in the outer
+chamber, sat the Queen's gentlewomen, all on one side. And on the
+other side of the table, over against them, as many of the Lord
+Granthuse's servants, as touching to the abundant welfare, like as it
+is according to such a banquet. And when they had supped my Lady
+Elizabeth, the King's eldest daughter, danced with the Duke of
+Buckingham and divers other ladies also. Then about nine of the clock,
+the King and the Queen, with her ladies and gentlewomen, brought the
+said Lord of Granthuse to three chambers of plesance, all hanged with
+white silk and linen cloth, and all the floors covered with carpets.
+There was ordained a bed for himself of as good down as could be
+gotten. The sheets of Rennes cloth and also fine fustians; the
+counterpane, cloth of gold, furred with ermines. The tester and ceiler
+also shining cloth of gold; the curtains of white sarcenet; as for his
+head-suit and pillows, they were of the Queen's own ordonnance. In the
+second chamber was likewise another state-bed, all white. Also, in the
+same chamber, was made a couch with feather beds, and hanged with a
+tent, knit like a net, and there was a cupboard. In the third chamber
+was ordained a bayne (_bath_) or two, which were covered with tents of
+white cloth. And, when the King and the Queen with all her ladies and
+gentlemen had showed him these chambers, they turned again to their
+own chambers, and left the said Lord Granthuse there, accompanied with
+the Lord Chamberlain (Hastings), who undressed him, and they both went
+together to the bath.--And when they had been in their baths as long
+as was their pleasure, they had green ginger, divers syrups, comfits,
+and ipocras, and then they went to bed. And in the morning he took his
+cup with the King and Queen, and returned to Westminster again."
+
+In 1465 Edward the Fourth and his Queen kept Christmas in the Abbey at
+Coventry, and for six days (says _William Wyrcester_) "the Duke of
+Clarence dissembled there."
+
+In 1478 the King celebrated the Christmas festival at Westminster with
+great pomp, wearing his crown, feasting his nobles, and making
+presents to his household; and in 1482-3 he kept a splendid Christmas
+at Eltham, more than two thousand people being fed at his expense
+every day. Edward almost entirely rebuilt Eltham Palace, of which the
+hall was the noblest part. In that hall he kept the Christmas
+festival, "with bountiful hospitality for high and low, and abundance
+of mirth and sport."
+
+One of the continental visitors who participated in the royal
+festivities of this period was Leo von Rozmital, brother of George,
+King of Bohemia. His retinue included Tetzel, who, in describing the
+Court of Edward the Fourth, after remarking upon Edward's own handsome
+person, says, "The king has the finest set of courtiers that a man may
+find in Christendom. He invited my Lord Leo and all his noble
+companions, and gave them a very costly feast, and also he gave to
+each of them the medal of his order, to every knight a golden one, and
+to every one who was not a knight a silver one; and he himself hung
+them upon their necks. Another day the king called us to court. In the
+morning the queen (Elizabeth Woodville) went from child-bed to church
+with a splendid procession of many priests, bearing relics, and many
+scholars, all singing, and carrying burning candles. Besides there was
+a great company of women and maidens from the country and from London,
+who were bidden to attend. There were also a great number of
+trumpeters, pipers, and other players, with forty-two of the king's
+singing men, who sang very sweetly. Also, there were four and twenty
+heralds and pursuivants, and sixty lords and knights. Then came the
+queen, led by two dukes, and with a canopy borne over her. Behind her
+followed her mother and above sixty ladies and maidens. Having heard
+the service sung, and kneeled down in the church, she returned with
+the same procession to her palace. Here all who had taken part in the
+procession were invited to a feast, and all sat down, the men and the
+women, the clergy and the laity, each in his rank, filling four large
+rooms. Also, the king invited my lord and all his noble attendants to
+the table where he usually dined with his courtiers. And one of the
+king's greatest lords must sit at the king's table upon the king's
+stool, in the place of the king; and my lord sat at the same table
+only two steps below him. Then all the honours which were due to the
+king had to be paid to the lord who sat in his place, and also to my
+lord; and it is incredible what ceremonies we observed there. While we
+were eating, the king was making presents to all the trumpeters,
+pipers, players, and heralds; to the last alone he gave four hundred
+nobles, and every one, when he received his pay, came to the tables
+and told aloud what the king had given him. When my lord had done
+eating, he was conducted into a costly ornamented room, where the
+queen was to dine, and there he was seated in a corner that he might
+see all the expensive provisions. The queen sat down on a golden stool
+alone at her table, and her mother and the queen's sister stood far
+below her. And when the queen spoke to her mother or to the king's
+sister, they kneeled down every time before her, and remained kneeling
+until the queen drank water. And all her ladies and maids, and those
+who waited upon her, even great lords, had to kneel while she was
+eating, which continued three hours(!). After dinner there was
+dancing, but the queen remained sitting upon her stool, and her mother
+kneeled before her. The king's sister danced with two dukes, and the
+beautiful dances and reverences performed before the queen--the like I
+have never seen, nor such beautiful maidens. Among them were eight
+duchesses, and above thirty countesses and others, all daughters of
+great people. After the dance the king's singing men came in and sang.
+When the king heard mass sung in his private chapel my lord was
+admitted: then the king had his relics shown to us, and many sacred
+things in London. Among them we saw a stone from the Mount of Olives,
+upon which there is the footprint of Jesus Christ, our Lady's girdle,
+and many other relics."
+
+
+CARDS AND OTHER CHRISTMAS DIVERSIONS IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+The amusements of the people in the fifteenth century are referred to
+by Thomas Wright, Esq., M.A., F.S.A., who says: "In England, in the
+third year of the reign of Edward IV. (1463), the importation of
+playing-cards, probably from Germany, was forbidden, among other
+things, by Act of Parliament; and as that Act is understood to have
+been called for by the English manufacturers, who suffered by the
+foreign trade, it can hardly be doubted that cards were then
+manufactured in England on a rather extensive scale. Cards had then,
+indeed, evidently become very popular in England; and only twenty
+years afterwards they are spoken of as the common Christmas game, for
+Margery Paston wrote as follows to her husband, John Paston, on the
+24th of December in 1483:--'Please it you to weet (_know_) that I sent
+your eldest son John to my Lady Morley, to have knowledge of what
+sports were used in her house in the Christmas next following after
+the decease of my lord her husband; and she said that there were none
+disguisings, nor harpings, nor luting, nor singing, nor none loud
+disports, but playing at the tables, and the chess, and _cards_--such
+disports she gave her folks leave to play, and none other.... I sent
+your younger son to the lady Stapleton, and she said according to my
+lady Morley's saying in that, and as she had seen used in places of
+worship (_gentlemen's houses_) there as she had been.' ... After the
+middle of the fifteenth century, cards came into very general use; and
+at the beginning of the following century, there was such a rage for
+card-playing, that an attempt was made early in the reign of Henry
+VIII. to restrict their use by law to the period of Christmas. When,
+however, people sat down to dinner at noon, and had no other
+occupation for the rest of the day, they needed amusement of some sort
+to pass the time; and a poet of the fifteenth century observes truly--
+
+ 'A man may dryfe forthe the day that long tyme dwellis
+  With harpyng and pipyng, and other mery spellis,
+          With gle, and wyth game.'"
+
+[Illustration: LADY MUSICIAN OF THE 15TH CENTURY.]
+
+Another book well known to bibliomaniacs ("Dives and Pauper," ed. W.
+de Worde; 1496) says: "For to represente in playnge at Crystmasse
+herodes and the thre kynges and other processes of the gospelles both
+then and at Ester and other tymes also it is lefull and
+c[=o]mendable."
+
+[Illustration: RUSTIC CHRISTMAS MINSTREL WITH PIPE AND TABOR.]
+
+
+EDWARD THE FIFTH
+
+succeeded his father, Edward IV., in the dangerous days of 1483. He
+was at Ludlow when his father died, being under the guardianship of
+his uncle, Earl Rivers, and attended by other members of the Woodville
+family. Almost immediately he set out for London, but when he reached
+Stony Stratford, on April 29th, he was met by his uncle Richard, Duke
+of Gloucester, who had arrested Lord Rivers and Lord Richard Grey. The
+young king (a boy of thirteen) renewed his journey under Gloucester's
+charge, and on reaching London was lodged in the Tower. His mother, on
+hearing of the arrest of Rivers and Grey, had taken sanctuary at
+Westminster. Lord Hastings, a supporter of the king, was arrested and
+executed because he would not sanction Gloucester's nefarious schemes
+for obtaining the throne. About the same time Rivers and Grey were
+beheaded at Pontefract, whither they had been taken by Gloucester's
+orders. Soon afterwards the Queen was compelled to deliver up the
+young Duke of York to Richard, who sent him to join his brother in the
+Tower. On June 22nd, at the request of Richard, Dr. Shaw, brother of
+the Lord Mayor of London, delivered a sermon at St. Paul's Cross, in
+which he insisted on the illegitimacy of Edward V. and his brother. On
+June 25th a deputation of nobles and citizens of London offered the
+crown to Richard. He accepted it, and began to reign as Richard III.
+And, according to a confession afterwards made by Sir James Tyrell,
+one of Richard's officers, the two young princes remained in the
+Tower, being put to death by their Uncle Richard's orders. Thus,
+atrociously, began the reign of the murderous usurper,
+
+
+RICHARD THE THIRD.
+
+The King kept his first Christmas at Kenilworth Castle, having
+previously visited the city of Coventry, at the festival of _Corpus
+Christi_, to see the plays. The accounts of Kenilworth Castle show
+that in 1484 John Beaufitz was paid £20 "for divers reparacions made
+in the Castell of Kyllingworth" by order of Richard III. At this time,
+says Philip de Comines, "he was reigning in greater splendour and
+authority than any king of England for the last hundred years." The
+following year Richard kept Christmas in the great hall at
+Westminster, celebrating the festival with great pomp and splendour,
+encouraging the recreations usual at the season, and so attentively
+observing the ancient customs that a warrant is entered for the
+payment of "200 marks for certain new year's gifts bought against the
+feast of Christmas." The festivities continued without interruption
+until the day of the Epiphany, when they terminated with an
+entertainment of extraordinary magnificence given by the monarch to
+his nobles in Westminster Hall--"the King himself wearing his crown,"
+are the words of the Croyland historian, "and holding a splendid feast
+in the great hall, similar to that of his coronation." "Little did
+Richard imagine that this would be the last feast at which he would
+preside--the last time he would display his crown in peace before his
+assembled peers."[33] An allusion to this Christmas festival, and to
+the King's wicked nature, is contained in a note to Bacon's "Life of
+King Henry VII.," which says: "Richard's wife was Anne, the younger
+daughter of Warwick the King-maker. She died 16th March, 1485. It was
+rumoured that her death was by poison, and that Richard wished to
+marry his niece Elizabeth of York, eldest daughter of Edward IV. It is
+said that in the festivities of the previous Christmas the Princess
+Elizabeth had been dressed in robes of the same fashion and colour as
+those of the Queen. Ratcliffe and Catesby, the King's confidants, are
+credited with having represented to Richard that this marriage of so
+near a kinswoman would be an object of horror to the people, and bring
+on him the condemnation of the clergy."
+
+At a Christmas festival at Rhedon, in Brittany, Henry of Richmond met
+English exiles to the number of 500, and swore to marry Elizabeth of
+York as soon as he should subdue the usurper; and thereupon the exiles
+unanimously agreed to support him as their sovereign. On the 1st of
+August, 1485, Henry set sail from Harfleur with an army of 3,000 men,
+and a few days afterwards landed at Milford Haven. He was received
+with manifest delight, and as he advanced through Wales his forces
+were increased to upwards of 6,000 men. Before the close of the month
+he had encountered the royal army and slain the King at Bosworth
+Field, and by this memorable victory had terminated the terrible Wars
+of the Roses and introduced into England a new dynasty.
+
+    [19] Browning.
+
+    [20] "Every-day Book," vol. ii. p. 1635.
+
+    [21] "Shorter Poems."
+
+    [22] Sir John Froissart's Chronicles of England, France,
+    Spain, Portugal, Scotland, Brittany, Flanders, and the
+    adjoining countries; translated from the original French,
+    at the command of King Henry the Eighth, by John
+    Bourchier, Lord Berners. London edition, 1812.
+
+    [23] Cassell's "History of England."
+
+    [24] Creighton's "Life of Edward the Black Prince."
+
+    [25] "Sports and Pastimes."
+
+    [26] Cassell's "History of England."
+
+    [27] Shakespeare.
+
+    [28] "History of Chivalry."
+
+    [29] "Sandringham Past and Present, 1888."
+
+    [30] King's Lynn Chamberlains' Accounts Rolls, 23rd of
+    Henry VI.
+
+    [31] "Chronicles of the White Rose of York."
+
+    [32] "Paston Letters."
+
+    [33] Halstead's "Life of Richard III."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+CHRISTMAS UNDER HENRY VII. AND HENRY VIII.
+
+(1485-1547.)
+
+
+HENRY THE SEVENTH
+
+Was the son of Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond, son of Owen Tudor, a
+Welsh gentleman who had married the widow of Henry V. His mother,
+Margaret, was a great-granddaughter of John of Gaunt by Catherine
+Swynford. In early life Henry was under the protection of Henry VI.;
+but after the battle of Tewkesbury he was taken by his uncle, Jasper
+Tudor, Earl of Pembroke, to Brittany for safety. Edward IV. made
+several unsuccessful attempts to get him into his power, and Richard
+III. also sent spies into Brittany to ascertain his doings. On
+Christmas Day, 1483, the English exiles, who gathered round Henry in
+Brittany, took an oath in the Cathedral of Rheims to support him in
+ousting Richard and succeeding him to the English throne. Henry, on
+his part, agreed to reconcile the contending parties by marrying
+Elizabeth of York, eldest daughter and co-heir of Edward IV., and this
+promise he faithfully kept. After his defeat of Richard the Third at
+Bosworth he assumed the royal title, advanced to London, and had
+himself crowned King of England; and at the following Christmas
+festival he married Elizabeth of York. The Archbishop who married them
+(Archbishop Bourchier) had crowned both Richard III. and Henry VII.,
+and Fuller quaintly describes this last official act of marrying King
+Henry to Elizabeth of York as the holding of "the posie on which the
+White Rose and the Red Rose were tied together." And Bacon says, "the
+so-long-expected and so-much-desired marriage between the King and the
+Lady Elizabeth was celebrated with greater triumph and demonstrations,
+especially on the people's part, of joy and gladness, than the days
+either of his entry or coronation."
+
+The Christmas festivities were attended to with increasing zest during
+the reign of Henry VII., for the King studied magnificence quite as
+much as his predecessors had done. His riding dress was "a doublet of
+green or white cloth of gold satin, with a long gown of purple velvet,
+furred with ermine, powdered, open at the sides, and purpled with
+ermine, with a rich sarpe (scarf) and garter." His horse was richly
+caparisoned, and bore a saddle of estate, covered with gold. His
+Majesty was attended by seven henchmen, clothed in doublets of crimson
+satin, with gowns of white cloth of gold. The Queen appeared with
+equal splendour, "wearing a round circle of gold, set with pearls and
+precious stones, arrayed in a kirtle of white damask cloth of gold,
+furred with miniver pure, garnished, having a train of the same, with
+damask cloth of gold, furred with ermine, with a great lace, and two
+buttons and tassels of white silk, and gold at the breast above." And
+the royal apartments were kept with great splendour. At his ninth
+Christmas festival (Dec. 31, 1494) the King established new rules for
+the government of the royal household (preserved among the Harleian
+MSS.), which he directed should be kept "in most straightest wise."
+The Royal Household Book of the period, in the Chapter-house at
+Westminster, contains numerous disbursements connected with Christmas
+diversions. In the seventh year of this reign is a payment to Wat Alyn
+(Walter Alwyn) in full payment for the disguising made at Christmas,
+£14 13s. 4d., and payments for similar purposes occur in the following
+years. Another book, also in the Chapter-house, called "The Kyng's
+boke of paymentis," contains entries of various sums given to players
+and others who assisted to amuse the King at Christmas, and among the
+rest, to the Lord of Misrule (or Abbot as he is sometimes called), for
+several years, "in rewarde for his besynes in Crestenmes holydays, £6
+13s. 4d." The plays at this festival seem to have been acted by the
+"gentlemen of the King's Chapell," as there are several liberal
+payments to certain of them for playing on Twelfth Night; for
+instance, an entry on January 7th, 23 Henry VII., of a reward to five
+of them of £6 13s. 4d., for acting before the King on the previous
+night; but there was a distinct set of players for other times.
+
+Leland, speaking of 1489, says: "This Cristmas I saw no disgysyngs,
+and but right few plays. But ther was an Abbot of Misrule, that made
+much sport and did right well his office." In the following year,
+however, "on neweres day at nyght, there was a goodly disgysyng," and
+"many and dyvers pleyes."
+
+That the Christmas festival did not pass unobserved by the men of this
+period who navigated the high seas we know from the name of a Cuban
+port which was
+
+
+A CHRISTMAS DISCOVERY BY CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.
+
+On Christmas Day, 1492, Christopher Columbus, the celebrated Genoese
+navigator, landed at a newly-discovered port in Cuba, which he named
+Navidad, because he landed there on Christmas Day.
+
+
+THE FIRE AT THE ROYAL RESIDENCE, SHENE,
+
+was the event of Christmas, 1497. It broke out in the palace,
+on the evening of December 21st, while the royal family were
+there, and for three hours raged fiercely, destroying, with the
+fairest portion of the building, the rich furniture, beds, tapestry,
+and other decorations of the principal chambers. Fortunately
+an alarm was given in time, and the royal and noble personages
+of the Court escaped to a place of safety. In consequence of
+this fire the King built the fine new palace of Richmond.
+
+
+ROYAL CHRISTMASES
+
+were kept by Henry VII. at Westminster Hall with great hospitality,
+the King wearing his crown, and feasting numerous guests, loading the
+banquet-table with peacocks, swans, herons, conger, sturgeon, brawn,
+and all the delicacies of the period. At his ninth Christmas festival
+the Mayor and Aldermen of London were feasted with great splendour at
+Westminster, the King showing them various sports on the night
+following in the great hall, which was richly hung with tapestry:
+"which sports being ended _in the morning_, the king, queen, and court
+sat down at a table of stone, to 120 dishes, placed by as many knights
+and esquires, while the Mayor was served with twenty-four dishes and
+abundance of wine. And finally the King and Queen being conveyed with
+great lights into the palace, the Mayor, with his company in barges,
+returned to London by break of the next day."
+
+From the ancient records of the Royal Household it appears that on the
+morning of New Year's Day, the King "sitting in his foot-sheet,"
+received according to prescribed ceremony a new year's gift from the
+Queen, duly rewarding the various officers and messengers, according
+to their rank. The Queen also "sat in her foot-sheet," and received
+gifts in the same manner, paying a less reward. And on this day, as
+well as on Christmas Day, the King wore his kirtle, his surcoat and
+his pane of arms; and he walked, having his hat of estate on his head,
+his sword borne before him, with the chamberlain, steward, treasurer,
+comptroller, preceding the sword and the ushers; before whom must walk
+all the other lords except those who wore robes, who must follow the
+King. The highest nobleman in rank, or the King's brother, if present,
+to lead the Queen; another of the King's brothers, or else the Prince,
+to walk with the King's train-bearer. On Twelfth Day the King was to
+go "crowned, in his royal robes, kirtle, and surcoat, his furred hood
+about his neck, and his ermines upon his arms, of gold set full of
+rich stones with balasses, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls."
+This ornament was considered so sacred, that "no temporal man" (none
+of the laity) but the King was to presume to touch it; an esquire of
+the body was to bring it in a fair handkerchief, and the King was to
+put it on with his own hands; he must also have his sceptre in his
+right hand, the ball with the cross in his left hand, and must offer
+at the altar gold, silver, and incense, which offering the Dean of the
+Chapel was to send to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and this was to
+entitle the Dean to the next vacant benefice. The King was to change
+his mantle when going to meat, and to take off his hood and lay it
+about his neck, "clasping it before with a rich _owche_." The King and
+the Queen on Twelfth Night were to take the _void_ (evening repast) in
+the hall; as for the wassail, the steward and treasurer were to go for
+it, bearing their staves; the chapel choir to stand on the side of the
+hall, and when the steward entered at the hall door he was to cry
+three times, "Wassail! Wassail! Wassail!" and the chapel to answer
+with a good song; and when all was done the King and Queen retired to
+their chamber.
+
+Among the special features of the banquets of this period were the
+devices for the table called subtleties, made of paste, jelly, or
+blanc-mange, placed in the middle of the board, with labels describing
+them; various shapes of animals were frequent; and on a saint's day,
+angels, prophets, and patriarchs were set upon the table in plenty.
+Certain dishes were also directed as proper for different degrees of
+persons; as "conies parboiled, or else rabbits, for they are better
+for a lord"; and "for a great lord take squirrels, for they are better
+than conies"; a whole chicken for a lord; and "seven mackerel in a
+dish, with a dragge of fine sugar," was also a dish for a lord. But
+the most famous dish was "the peacock enkakyll, which is foremost in
+the procession to the king's table." Here is the recipe for this royal
+dish: Take and flay off the skin with the feathers, tail, and the neck
+and head thereon; then take the skin, and all the feathers, and lay it
+on the table abroad, and strew thereon ground cinnamon; then take the
+peacock and roast him, and baste him with raw yolks of eggs; and when
+he is roasted, take him off, and let him cool awhile, and take him and
+sew him in his skin, and gild his comb, and so serve him with the last
+course.
+
+
+CARD-PLAYING WAS FORBIDDEN EXCEPT AT CHRISTMAS,
+
+by a statute passed in the reign of Henry VII. A Scotch writer,[34]
+referring to this prohibition, says: "A universal Christmas custom of
+the olden time was playing at cards; persons who never touched a card
+at any other season of the year felt bound to play a few games at
+Christmas. The practice had even the sanction of the law. A
+prohibitory statute of Henry VII.'s reign, forbade card-playing save
+during the Christmas holidays. Of course, this prohibition extended
+only to persons of humble rank; Henry's daughter, the Princess
+Margaret, played cards with her suitor, James IV. of Scotland; and
+James himself kept up the custom, receiving from his treasurer, at
+Melrose, on Christmas Night, 1496, thirty-five unicorns, eleven French
+crowns, a ducat, a _ridare_, and a _leu_, in all about equal to £42 of
+modern money, to use at the card-table." Now, as the Scottish king was
+not married to the English princess until 1503, it is quite clear that
+he had learned to play cards long before his courtship with Margaret;
+for in 1496, when he received so much card-money from his treasurer,
+the English princess was but seven years of age. James had evidently
+learned to play at cards with the Scottish barons who frequented his
+father's Court, and whose lawlessness led to the revolt which ended in
+the defeat and melancholy fate of James III. (1488), and gave the
+succession to his son, James IV., at the early age of fifteen years.
+The no less tragic end of James IV. at Flodden Field, in 1513, is
+strikingly depicted by Sir Walter Scott, who tells:--
+
+ "Of the stern strife, and carnage drear,
+    Of Flodden's fatal field,
+  Where shiver'd was fair Scotland's spear,
+    And broken was her shield."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE REIGN OF HENRY THE EIGHTH.
+
+On the death of Henry VII., who had given England peace and
+prosperity, and established firmly his own house on the English
+throne, in 1509, his son Henry became king as Henry VIII. He was a
+handsome and accomplished young man, and his accession was an occasion
+of great rejoicing. Henry kept his first
+
+
+ROYAL CHRISTMAS AT RICHMOND,
+
+with great magnificence. Proclaimed king on the 22nd of April at the
+age of eighteen, and married on the 3rd of June to Katherine of
+Arragon, widow of his deceased brother Arthur, Prince of Wales, the
+youthful Monarch and his Queen were afterwards crowned at Westminster
+Abbey by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and spent the first Christmas
+of their wedded life at Richmond. "And a very pleasant time it ought
+to have been to the Queen, for every species of entertainment was
+there got up by the handsome young king and his gallant company of
+courtiers, for her particular gratification. There was a grand
+tournament on the green, before the palace, which was rendered
+brilliant with pavilions, and the other gay structures always erected
+for these chivalrous ceremonies. The King and Queen took their places
+in the customary elevated position, surrounded by the nobles and
+beauties of the Court, to witness the feats of arms of the many
+gallant knights who had thronged to display their prowess before their
+sovereign; these, with their esquires, the heralds, pages, and other
+attendants, mounted and on foot, clad in their gay apparel, the
+knights wearing handsome suits of armour, and careering on gaily
+caparisoned horses, made a very inspiriting scene, in which the
+interest deepened when the usual combats between individuals or select
+companies commenced."[35]
+
+ "For every knight that loved chivalry,
+  And would his thanks have a passant name,
+  Hath prayed that he might be of that game,
+  And well was him that thereto chosen was."[36]
+
+The spectacle presented was one of great splendour; for "the
+commencement of the reign of Henry VIII., who was then styled by his
+loving subjects 'the rose without a thorn,' witnessed a remarkable
+revival of magnificence in personal decoration. So brilliant were the
+dresses of both sexes at the grand entertainment over which the King
+and Queen presided at Richmond, that it is difficult to convey an
+adequate idea of their splendour. But in the first half of the
+sixteenth century the principal Courts of Europe were distinguished by
+a similar love of display, which, though it fostered habits of luxury,
+afforded an extraordinary impulse towards art."[37] In England the
+love of finery became so general among the people that several
+statutes were passed during Henry's reign to restrain it. But while
+the King was quite willing that his subjects should observe due
+propriety in regard to their own dress and adornments, not exceeding
+the regulations laid down for their particular rank or station in
+life, he was lavish in his own expenditure, and it pleased the people
+to see Henry dressed in kingly fashion. He greatly increased his own
+popularity by taking part in the tournaments, in which "he did
+exceedingly well"; and he also assisted in the several curious and
+picturesque masques of Christmastide.
+
+On one occasion the King with some of the chief nobles of his Court
+appeared apparelled as Robin Hood and his foresters, in which disguise
+he entered unexpectedly into the Queen's chamber, "whereat," says
+Holinshed, "the Queen and her ladies were greatly amazed, as well for
+the strange sight as for the sudden appearance."
+
+The splendour of the Court festivities necessitated
+
+
+INCREASED EXPENDITURE FOR CHRISTMAS-KEEPING,
+
+notwithstanding that the King's domestic affairs were managed by "a
+good number of honourable, virtuous, wise, expert, and discreet
+persons of his Council." The preserved bills of fare show that the
+Court diet was liberal generally, but especially sumptuous at the
+grand entertainments of Christmas. And the Royal Household Accounts
+also show increased expenditure for the diversions, as well as for the
+banquetings, of the festival. For instance, the payments to the Lord
+of Misrule, which in Henry the Seventh's time never exceeded £6 13s.
+4d., were raised by Henry the Eighth in his first year to £8 6s. 8d.,
+and subsequently to £15 6s. 8d. In the first year is a payment to "Rob
+Amadas upon his bill for certain plate of gold stuf bought of him for
+the disguisings," £451 12s. 2d.; and another to "Willm. Buttry upon
+his bill for certen sylks bought of him for the disguisings," £133 7s.
+5d. In the sixth year are charges "To Leonard Friscobald for diverse
+velvets, and other sylks, for the disguising," £247 12s. 7d.; and "To
+Richard Gybson for certen apparell, &c., for the disguysing at the
+fest of Cristemes last," £137 14s. ½d. Considerable payments are
+made to the same Gybson in after years for the same purpose,
+particularly in the eleventh, for revels, called a Maskelyn. In the
+tenth year large rewards were given to the gentlemen and children of
+the King's Chapel; the former having £13 6s. 8d. "for their good
+attendance in Xtemas"; and "Mr. Cornisse for playing affore the King
+opon newyeres day at nyght with the children," £6 13s. 4d.
+
+Hall, in his Chronicle, Henry VIII. folio 15b, 16a, gives the
+following account of a
+
+
+ROYAL MASQUERADE AT GREENWICH,
+
+where the King was keeping his Christmas in 1512: "On the daie of the
+Epiphanie, at night, the King with XI others, wer disguised after the
+maner of Italie, called a maske, a thing not seen afore in England;
+thei were appareled in garments long and brode, wrought all with gold,
+with visers and cappes of gold; and after the banket doen, these
+maskers came in with six gentlemen disguised in silke, bearing staffe
+torches, and desired the ladies to daunce: some were content, and some
+that new the fashion of it refused, because it was a thing not
+commonly seen. And after thei daunced and communed together, as the
+fashion of the maske is, thei tooke their leave and departed, and so
+did the quene and all the ladies."
+
+In 1521 the King kept his Christmas at Greenwich "with great nobleness
+and open court," and again in 1525. In 1527, he received the French
+Embassy here, and also kept his Christmas "with revels, masks,
+disguisings, and banquets royal;" as he did again in 1533, in 1537,
+and in 1543; the last-mentioned year "he entertained twenty-one of the
+Scottish nobility whom he had taken prisoners at Salom Moss, and gave
+them their liberty without ransom."[38]
+
+On all these occasions Henry diverted his guests right royally,
+spending vast sums on the masques and disguisings; but none of the
+Christmas diversions proved greater attractions than
+
+
+THE KING'S TOURNAMENT DISPLAYS.
+
+To these splendid exercises Henry gave unremitting attention, and not
+to display proficiency in them was almost to lose his favour; yet some
+discretion was required to rival, but not to excel the King, whose
+ardent temper could not brook superiority in another. But, although
+victory was always reserved for royalty, it is but fair to allow that
+the King was no mean adept in those pursuits for which his bodily
+powers and frequent exercise had qualified him.
+
+Among the most distinguished Knights of Henry's Court Charles Brandon
+was pre-eminent, not only for his personal beauty and the elegance
+that attended every movement which the various evolutions of the game
+required, but for his courage, judgment, and skill, qualities which he
+displayed to great advantage at the royal festivities. This celebrated
+man was the son of Sir William Brandon, who, bearing the standard of
+Henry the Seventh, was slain by Richard the Third at Bosworth Field.
+Three sons of the Howard family were also distinguished at the royal
+tournaments. Lord Thomas Howard was one of the most promising
+warriors, and, unfortunately, one of the most dissolute men at the
+Court of Henry. Sir Edward and Sir Edmund Howard, the one famed for
+naval exploits, the other less remarkable, but not without celebrity
+for courage. Sir Thomas Knevet, Master of the Horse, and Lord Neville,
+brother to the Marquis of Dorset, were also prominent in the lists of
+combat. The trumpets blew to the field the fresh, young gallants and
+noblemen, gorgeously apparelled with curious devices of arts and of
+embroideries, "as well in their coats as in trappers for their horses;
+some in gold, some in silver, some in tinsel, and divers others in
+goldsmith's work goodly to behold." Such was the array in which the
+young knights came forth at Richmond, in the splendid tournament which
+immediately succeeded Henry's coronation, "assuming the name and
+devices of the knights or scholars of Pallas, clothed in garments of
+green velvet, carrying a crystal shield, on which was pourtrayed the
+goddess Minerva, and had the bases and barbs of their horses
+embroidered with roses and pomegranates of gold; those of Diana were
+decorated with the bramble-bush, displayed in a similar manner. The
+prize of valour was the crystal shield. Between the lists the
+spectators were amused with a pageant, representing a park enclosed
+with pales, containing fallow deer, and attended by foresters and
+huntsmen. The park being moved towards the place where the queen sat,
+the gates were opened, the deer were let out, pursued by greyhounds,
+killed and presented by Diana's champions to the Queen and the ladies.
+Thus were they included in the amusement, not only as observers, but
+as participators; nor were the populace without their share of
+enjoyments; streams of Rhenish wine and of claret, which flowed from
+the mouths of animals sculptured in stone and wood, were appropriated
+to their refreshment. Night closed on the joyous scene; but before its
+approach the King, perceiving that the ardour of the combatants had
+become intemperate and dangerous, wisely limited the number of
+strokes, and closed the tourney.
+
+"It was about this period that the tournament ceased to be merely a
+chivalric combat; and, united with the pageant, acquired more of the
+dramatic character. The pageant consisted of a temporary building,
+moved on biers, generally representing castles, rocks, mountains,
+palaces, gardens, or forests. The decoration of these ambulating
+scenes was attended with considerable expense, but was seldom
+conducted with taste or consistency. They generally contained figures,
+personating a curious medley of nymphs, savages, heathen gods, and
+Christian saints, giants and the nine worthies, who descended and
+danced among the spectators.
+
+"On the night of the Epiphany (1516) a pageant was introduced into the
+hall at Richmond, representing a hill studded with gold and precious
+stones, and having on its summit a tree of gold, from which hung roses
+and pomegranates. From the declivity of the hill descended a lady
+richly attired, who, with the gentlemen, or, as they were then called,
+children of honour, danced a morris before the King.
+
+"On another occasion, in the presence of the Court, an artificial
+forest was drawn in by a lion and an antelope, the hides of which were
+richly embroidered with golden ornaments; the animals were harnessed
+with chains of gold, and on each sat a fair damsel in gay apparel. In
+the midst of the forest, which was thus introduced, appeared a gilded
+tower, at the gates of which stood a youth, holding in his hands a
+garland of roses, as the prize of valour in a tournament which
+succeeded the pageant."[39]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES OF NOBLEMEN AND OTHERS.
+
+The royal magnificence was imitated by the nobility and gentry of the
+period, who kept the Christmas festival with much display and
+prodigality, maintaining such numerous retinues as to constitute a
+miniature court. The various household books that still exist show the
+state in which they lived. From that of the Northumberland family
+(1512), it appears that the "Almonar" was often "a maker of
+Interludys," and had "a servaunt to the intent for writynge the
+parts." The persons on the establishment of the Chapel performed plays
+from some sacred subject during Christmas; as "My lorde usith and
+accustomyth to gyf yerely, if his lordship kepe a chapell and be at
+home, them of his lordschipes chapell, if they doo play the Play of
+the Nativitie uppon Cristynmes day in the mornnynge in my lords
+chapell befor his lordship, xxs." Other players were also permitted
+and encouraged, and a Master of the Revells appointed to superintend.
+And "My lorde useth and accustomyth yerly to gyf hym which is ordynede
+to be Master of the Revells yerly in my lordis hous in Cristmas for
+the overseyinge and orderinge of his lordschips Playes, Interludes,
+and Dresinge that is plaid befor his lordship in his hous in the XII
+dayes of Christenmas, and they to have in rewarde for that caus yerly,
+xxs." Another entry shows that 13s. 4d. was the price paid to the
+chaplain, William Peres, in the 17th Henry VIII., "for makyng an
+Enterlued to be playd this next Christenmas."
+
+In this reign the working classes were allowed greater privileges at
+Christmas than at any other part of the year. The Act of 11 Henry VII.
+c. 2, against unlawful games, expressly forbids Artificers, Labourers,
+Servants, or Apprentices, to play at any such games, except at
+Christmas, and then only in their masters' houses by the permission of
+the latter; and a penalty of 6s. 8d. was incurred by any householder
+allowing such games, except during those holidays; which, according to
+Stow, extended from All-hallows evening to the day after Candlemas
+Day. The Act of 33 Henry VIII. c. 9, enacts more particularly, "That
+no manner of Artificer or Craftsman of any handicraft or occupation,
+Husbandman, Apprentice, Labourer, Servant at husbandry, Journeyman, or
+Servant of Artificer, Mariners, Fishermen, Watermen, or any
+Serving-man, shall from the said feast of the Nativity of _St. John
+Baptist_, play at the Tables, Tennis, Dice, Cards, Bowls, Clash,
+Coyting, Logating, or any other unlawful Game, out of _Christmas_,
+under the pain of xxs. to be forfeit for every time; and in
+_Christmas_ to play at any of the said Games in their Masters' houses,
+or in their Masters' presence."
+
+In his description of the "mummings and masquerades" of this period,
+Strutt[40] says that the "mummeries" practised by the lower classes
+of the people usually took place at the Christmas holidays; and such
+persons as could not procure masks rubbed their faces over with soot,
+or painted them; hence Sebastian Brant, in his "Ship of Fools"
+(translated by Alexander Barclay, and printed by Pynson, in 1508)
+alluding to this custom, says:
+
+ "The one hath a visor ugley set on his face,
+    Another hath on a vile counterfaite vesture,
+  Or painteth his visage with fume in such case,
+    That what he is, himself is scantily sure."
+
+Sandys,[41] in reference to this period, says: "The lower classes,
+still practising the ceremonies and superstitions of their
+forefathers, added to them some imitations of the revelries of their
+superiors, but, as may be supposed, of a grosser description; and many
+abuses were committed. It was, therefore, found necessary by an Act
+passed in the 3rd year of Henry VIII. to order that no person should
+appear abroad like mummers, covering their faces with vizors, and in
+disguised apparel, under pain of three months' imprisonment; and a
+penalty of 20s. was declared against such as kept vizors in their
+house for the purpose of mumming. It was not intended, however, to
+debar people from proper recreations during this season, but, on the
+contrary, we have reason to believe that many indulgencies were
+afforded them, and that landlords and masters assisted them with the
+means of enjoying the customary festivities; listening to their tales
+of legendary lore, round the yule block, when weary of more boisterous
+sports, and encouraging them by their presence."
+
+
+KING HENRY VIII.'S "STILL CHRISTMAS."
+
+In the 17th year of his reign, in consequence of the prevalence of the
+plague in London, the King kept his Christmas quietly in the old
+palace at Eltham, whence it was called the "still Christmas." This
+suppression of the mirth and jollity which were the usual concomitants
+of the festive season did not satisfy the haughty Cardinal Wolsey, who
+"laye at the Manor of Richemond, and there kept open householde, to
+lordes, ladies, and all other that would come, with plaies and
+disguisyng in most royall maner; whiche sore greved the people, and in
+especiall the Kynges servauntes, to se hym kepe an open Court and the
+Kyng a secret Court."[42]
+
+
+THE ROYAL CHRISTMASES
+
+subsequently kept, however, made amends for the cessation of
+festivities at the Kyng's "Still Christmas," especially the royal
+celebrations at Greenwich. In 1527 the "solemne Christmas" held there
+was "with revels, maskes, disguisings, and banquets; and on the
+thirtieth of December and the third of January were solemne Justs
+holden, when at night the King and fifteen other with him, came to
+Bridewell, and there putting on masking apparell, took his barge, and
+rowed to the Cardinall's (Woolsey) place, where were at supper many
+Lords and Ladyes, who danced with the maskers, and after the dancing
+was made a great Banquet."[43]
+
+During the girlhood of the Princess (afterwards Queen) Mary,
+entertainments were given for her amusement, especially at
+Christmastide; and she gave presents to the King's players, the
+children of the Chapel, and others. But, Sandys says, that "as she
+grew up, and her temper got soured, she probably lost all enjoyment of
+such scenes." Ellis, in his "Original Letters," gives a curious
+application from the Council for the household of the Lady Mary to the
+Cardinal Wolsey, to obtain his directions and leave to celebrate the
+ensuing Christmas. In this letter the reader is reminded of the long
+train of sports and merriment which made Christmas cheerful to our
+ancestors. The Cardinal, at the same time that he established a
+household for the young Duke of Richmond, had also "ordained a
+council, and stablished another household for the Lady Mary, then
+being _Princess of the Realm_."[44] The letter which seems to have
+been written in the same year in which the household was established,
+1525, is as follows:--
+
+"Please it youre Grace for the great repaire of straungers supposed
+unto the Pryncesse honorable householde this solempne fest of
+Cristmas, We humbly beseche the same to let us knowe youre gracious
+pleasure concernyng as well a ship of silver for the almes disshe
+requysite for her high estate, and spice plats, as also for trumpetts
+and a rebek to be sent, and whither we shall appoynte any Lord of
+Mysrule for the said honorable householde, provide for enterluds,
+disgysyngs, or pleyes in the said fest, or for banket on twelf nyght.
+And in likewise whither the Pryncesse shall sende any newe yeres gifts
+to the Kinge, the Quene, your Grace, and the Frensshe Quene, and of
+the value and devise of the same. Besechyng yowre Grace also to pardon
+oure busy and importunate suts to the same in suche behalf made. Thus
+oure right syngler goode lorde we pray the holy Trynyte have you in
+his holy preservacion. At Teoxbury, the xxvij day of November.
+
+                             Youre humble orators,
+                                   John Exon
+"To the most reverent Father       Jeilez Grevile
+in God the Lord Cardinall          Peter Burnell
+his good Grace."                   John Salter
+                                   G. Bromley
+                                   Thomas Audeley."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AND THE REFORMATION.
+
+The great Reformer, Martin Luther, took much interest in the
+festivities of Christmastide, including, of course, the
+Christmas-tree. One of his biographers[45] tells how young Luther,
+with other boys of Mansfeld, a village to the north-west of Eisleben,
+sang Christmas carols "in honour of the Babe of Bethlehem." And the
+same writer says, "Luther may be justly regarded as the central
+representative of the Reformation in its early period, for this among
+other reasons--that he, more powerfully than any other, impressed upon
+the new doctrine the character of glad tidings of great joy." On
+Christmas Day, 1521, Martin Luther "administered the communion in both
+kinds, and almost without discrimination of applicants," in the parish
+church of Eisenach, his "beloved town."
+
+[Illustration: MARTIN LUTHER AND THE CHRISTMAS TREE.]
+
+In England, the desire for some reform in the Church was recognised
+even by Cardinal Wolsey, who obtained from the Pope permission to
+suppress thirty monasteries, and use their revenues for educational
+purposes; and Wolsey's schemes of reform might have progressed further
+if Henry VIII. had not been fascinated by Anne Boleyn. But the King's
+amour with the "little lively brunette" precipitated a crisis in the
+relations between Church and State.
+
+[Illustration: THE LITTLE ORLEANS MADONNA OF RAPHAEL]
+
+Henry, who, by virtue of a papal dispensation, had married his
+brother's widow, Katherine, now needed papal consent to a divorce,
+that he might marry Anne Boleyn, and when he found that he could not
+obtain it, he resolved to be his own Pope, "sole protector and supreme
+head of the Church and clergy of England." And among the events of
+Christmastide may be mentioned the resolution of the King's minister,
+Thomas Cromwell, and his party, in 1533, to break the ecclesiastical
+connection with Rome, and establish an independent Church in England.
+The necessary Bills were framed and introduced to Parliament soon
+after the Christmas holidays by Cromwell, who for his successful
+services was made Chancellor of the Exchequer for life. Authority in
+all matters ecclesiastical, as well as civil, was vested solely in the
+Crown, and the "courts spiritual" became as thoroughly the King's
+courts as the temporal courts at Westminster. The enslavement of the
+clergy, the dissolution of the monasteries, and the gagging of the
+pulpits followed, the years of Cromwell's administration being an
+English reign of terror. But the ruthless manner in which he struck
+down his victims sickened the English people, and they exhibited their
+disapprobation in a manner which arrested the attention of the King.
+The time of Cromwell himself was coming, for the block was the goal to
+which Henry's favourite minister was surely hastening; and it is only
+anticipating events by very few years, to say that he was beheaded on
+Tower Hill, July 28, 1540.
+
+
+ANOTHER ROYAL CHRISTMAS.
+
+That following the execution of Anne Boleyn (1536), Henry spent in the
+company of his third Queen, Jane Seymour, at Richmond Palace, with a
+merry party, and subsequently crossed the frozen Thames to Greenwich.
+During the following summer the Queen went with her husband on a
+progress, and in the autumn retired to Hampton Court, where she gave
+birth to a son (who became Edward VI.), and died twelve days
+afterwards, on the 14th of October, 1537.
+
+During the married life of Queen Jane, the Princess Mary was often
+with the Court at Richmond, affecting affectionate attachment for the
+Queen, apparently to conciliate her father. The birth of a prince,
+followed by the death of the queen, it might have been thought would
+have a chastening effect upon Mary, as somewhat altering her
+prospects; but after acting as chief mourner to her friendly
+stepmother, she spent a pleasant Christmas at Richmond, where she
+remained till February. Her losses at cards during the Christmas
+festivities were very considerable, for she was fond of gambling. And
+she appears to have also amused herself a good deal with her
+attendant, "Jane the Fool," to whose maintenance she contributed while
+staying at Richmond. One curious entry in the Household Book of the
+Princess Mary is: "Item, for shaving Jane fooles hedde, iiiid."
+Another is: "Item, geven Heywood, playeng an enterlude with his
+children before my Ladye's grace xls."
+
+The great event of Christmas, 1539, was
+
+
+THE LANDING OF ANNE OF CLEVES,
+
+at Deal, on the 27th of December. King Henry had become alarmed at the
+combination between France and Spain, and his unprincipled Chancellor,
+Cromwell, desirous of regaining his lost influence with the King,
+recommended a Protestant marriage. He told Henry that Anne, daughter
+of John III., Duke of Cleves, was greatly extolled for her beauty and
+good sense, and that by marrying her he would acquire the friendship
+of the Princes of Germany, in counterpoise to the designs of France
+and Spain. Henry despatched Hans Holbein to take the lady's portrait,
+and, being delighted with the picture produced, soon concluded a
+treaty of marriage, and sent the Lord Admiral Fitzwilliam, Earl of
+Southampton, to receive the Princess at Calais, and conduct her to
+England. On her arrival Henry was greatly disappointed. He did not
+think the Princess as charming as her portrait; and, unfortunately for
+her, she was unable to woo him with winning words, for she could speak
+no language but German, and of that Henry did not understand a word.
+Though not ugly (as many contemporaries testify), she was plain in
+person and manners, and she and her maidens, of whom she brought a
+great train, are said to have been as homely and awkward a bevy as
+ever came to England in the cause of Royal matrimony. The Royal
+Bluebeard, who had consorted with such celebrated beauties as Anne
+Boleyn and Jane Seymour, recollecting what his queens had been, and
+what Holbein and Cromwell had told him should again be, entered the
+presence of Anne of Cleves with great anticipation, but was
+thunderstruck at the first sight of the reality. Lord John Russell,
+who was present, declared "that he had never seen his highness so
+marvellously astonished and abashed as on that occasion." The marriage
+was celebrated on the 6th of January, 1540, but Henry never became
+reconciled to his German queen; and he very soon vented his anger upon
+Cromwell for being the means of bringing him, not a wife, but "a great
+Flanders mare."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT THE COLLEGES.
+
+The fine old tower of Magdalen College, embowered in verdure (as
+though decorated for Christmas), is one of the most picturesque of the
+venerable academical institutions of Oxford. It stands on the east
+side of the Cherwell, and is the first object of interest to catch the
+eye of the traveller who enters the city from the London Road. This
+college was the scene of many Christmas festivities in the olden time,
+when it was the custom of the several colleges to elect a "Christmas
+Lord, or Lord of Misrule, styled in the registers _Rex Fabarum_ and
+_Rex Regni Fabarum_; which custom continued till the Reformation of
+Religion, and then that producing Puritanism, and Puritanism
+Presbytery, the profession of it looked upon such laudable and
+ingenious customs as Popish, diabolical and anti-Christian."[46]
+Queen's College, Oxford (whose members have from time immemorial been
+daily summoned to dine in hall by sound of trumpet, instead of by
+bell as elsewhere), is noted for its ancient Christmas ceremony of
+ushering in the boar's head with the singing of the famous carol--
+
+     "_Caput afri differo
+      Reddens laudes Domino._
+  The boar's head in hand bring I,
+  With garlands gay and rosemary,
+  I pray you all sing merrily
+      _Qui estis in convivio_."
+
+Tradition says that this old custom commemorates the deliverance of a
+student of the college, who, while walking in the country, studying
+Aristotle, was attacked by a wild boar from Shotover Forest, whereupon
+he crammed the philosopher down the throat of the savage, and thus
+escaped from its tusks.
+
+[Illustration: MAGDALEN COLLEGE, OXFORD.]
+
+Warton[47] mentions that, "in an original draught of the Statutes of
+Trinity College, at Cambridge, founded in 1546, one of the chapters is
+entitled _De Præfecto Ludorum qui Imperator dicitur_, under whose
+direction and authority Latin Comedies and Tragedies are to be
+exhibited in the hall at Christmas. With regard to the peculiar
+business and office of Imperator it is ordered that one of the Masters
+of Arts shall be placed over the juniors, every Christmas, for the
+regulation of their games and diversions at that season of festivity.
+At the same time, he is to govern the whole society in the hall and
+chapel, as a republic committed to his special charge by a set of laws
+which he is to frame in Latin and Greek verse. His sovereignty is to
+last during the twelve days of Christmas, and he is to exercise the
+same power on Candlemas." His fee amounted to forty shillings. Similar
+customs were observed at other colleges during Christmastide. In a
+subsequent chapter of this work will be found an account of a grand
+exhibition of the Christmas Prince, at St. John's College, Oxford, in
+the year 1607.
+
+[Illustration: BRINGING IN THE BOAR'S HEAD WITH MINSTRELSY.]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT THE INNS OF COURT AND GREAT HOUSES.
+
+In the time of Henry the Eighth the Christmases at the Inns of Court
+became celebrated, especially those at Lincoln's Inn, which had kept
+them as early as the reign of Henry VI. The Temples and Gray's Inn
+afterwards disputed the palm with it. Every Corporation appointed a
+Lord of Misrule or Master of Merry Disports, and, according to Stow,
+there was the like "in the house of every nobleman of honour or good
+worship, were he spiritual or temporal." And during the period of the
+sway of the Lord of Misrule, "there were fine and subtle disguisings,
+masks, and mummeries, with playing at cards for counters, nails, and
+points in every house, more for pastime than for gain." Town and
+country would seem to have vied with each other as to which should
+exhibit the greatest extravagance in the Christmas entertainments, but
+(as in the days of Massinger the poet), the town carried off the
+palm:--
+
+            "Men may talk of country Christmasses--
+  Their thirty-pound buttered eggs, their pies of carps' tongues,
+  Their pheasants drenched with ambergris, the carcases
+  Of three fat wethers bruised for gravy; to
+  Make sauce for a single peacock; yet their feasts
+  Were fasts, compared with the city's."
+
+The earliest particular account of the regulations for conducting one
+of these grand Christmases is in the 9th of Henry VIII.,[48] when,
+besides the King for Christmas Day, the Marshal and the Master of the
+Revels, it is ordered that the King of Cockneys, on Childermas Day,
+should sit and have due service, and "that Jack Straw, and all his
+adherents, should be thenceforth utterly banished, and no more to be
+used in this house, upon pain to forfeit for every time five pounds,
+to be levied on every fellow hapning to offend against this rule."
+"Jack Straw" was a kind of masque, which was very much disliked by the
+aristocratic and elder part of the community, hence the amount of the
+fine imposed. The Society of Gray's Inn, however, in 1527, got into a
+worse scrape than permitting Jack Straw and his adherents, for they
+acted a play (the first on record at the Inns of Court) during this
+Christmas, the effect whereof was, that Lord Governance was ruled by
+Dissipation and Negligence, by whose evil order Lady Public Weal was
+put from Governance. Cardinal Wolsey, conscience-smitten, thought this
+to be a reflection on himself, and deprived the author, Sergeant Roe,
+of his coif, and committed him to the Fleet, together with Thomas
+Moyle, one of the actors, until it was satisfactorily explained to
+him.
+
+It was found necessary from time to time to make regulations to limit
+the extent of these revels and plays, and to provide for the expenses,
+which were considerable, and they were therefore not performed every
+year. In 1531 the Lincoln's Inn Society agreed that if the two Temples
+kept Christmas, they would also do so, not liking to be outdone. And
+later an order was made in Gray's Inn that no Comedies, commonly
+called Interludes, should be acted in the refectory in the intervals
+of vacation, except at the celebration of Christmas; and that then the
+whole body of students should jointly contribute towards the dresses,
+scenes, and decorations.
+
+As an example of the Christmas hospitality of the period, we refer to
+the establishment of John Carminow, whose family was of high repute in
+the county of Cornwall in the time of Henry the Eighth. Hals says that
+"he kept open house for all comers and goers, drinkers, minstrells,
+dancers, and what not, during the Christmas time, and that his usual
+allowance of provision for those twelve days, was twelve fat bullocks,
+twenty Cornish bushels of wheat (_i.e._, fifty Winchesters),
+thirty-six sheep, with hogs, lambs, and fowls of all sort, and drink
+made of wheat and oat-malt proportionable; for at that time
+barley-malt was little known or used in those parts."
+
+That the beneficed clergy of this period also "made merry" with their
+parishioners is quite clear from the writings of "Master Hugh
+Latimer," who, in Henry's reign, held the benefice of West Kington, in
+Wiltshire. A citation for heresy being issued against Latimer, he
+wrote with his peculiar medley of humour and pathos: "I intend to make
+merry with my parishioners this Christmas, for all the sorrow, lest
+perchance I may never return to them again."
+
+One of the most celebrated personages of this period was
+
+
+WILL SOMERS, THE KING'S JESTER.
+
+This famous fool enlivened the Christmas festivities at the Court of
+Henry the Eighth, and many quaint stories are told of his drolleries
+and witticisms. Though a reputed fool, his sarcastic wit and sparkling
+talents at repartee won him great celebrity. Very little is known of
+his actual biography, but some interesting things are told about him
+in a scarce tract, entitled "A pleasant History of the Life and Death
+of Will Somers," &c. (which was first published in 1676, and a great
+part of which is said to have been taken from Andrew Borde's
+collection of "The Merry Jests and Witty Shifts of Scoggin"). "And now
+who but Will Sommers, the King's Fool? who had got such an interest in
+him by his quick and facetious jests, that he could have admittance to
+his Majesty's Chamber, and have his ear, when a great nobleman, nay, a
+privy counsellor, could not be suffered to speak with him: and
+farther, if the King were angry or displeased with anything, if no man
+else durst demand the cause of his discontent, then was Will Sommers
+provided with one pleasant conceit or another, to take off the edge of
+his displeasure. Being of an easy and tractable disposition he soon
+found the fashions of the court, and obtained a general love and
+notice of the nobility; for he was no carry-tale, nor flattering
+insinuator to breed discord and dissension, but an honest, plain,
+downright [man], that would speak home without halting, and tell the
+truth of purpose to shame the devil--so that his plainness, mixed with
+a kind of facetiousness, and tartness with pleasantry, made him
+acceptable into the company of all men." There cannot, perhaps, be a
+greater proof of the estimation in which Somers was held by King
+Henry, than the circumstance of his portrait having been twice
+introduced into the same piece with that of the King; once in the fine
+picture by Holbein of Henry VIII. and his family, and again, in an
+illuminated Psalter which was expressly written for the King, by John
+Mallard, his chaplain and secretary ("_Regis Orator et Calamo_"), and
+is now preserved in the British Museum. According to an ancient
+custom, there is prefixed to Psalm lii., "_dixit incipens_" in the
+Psalter, a miniature illumination of King David and a Fool, whose
+figures, in this instance, are portraits of Henry VIII. and his
+favourite Will Somers. The King is seated at a kind of altar table,
+and playing on the harp, whilst Somers who is standing near him, with
+his hands clasped over his breast, appears to listen with admiration.
+The King wears a round flat cap, furred, and a vest of imperial purple
+striped with gold, and fluted at bottom; his doublet is red, padded
+with white; his hose crimson; on his right leg is a blue garter.
+Somers is in a vest, with a hood thrown over the back; his stockings
+are blue; at his girdle is a black pouch.
+
+When Henry VIII. became old and inactive, his Christmases grew
+gradually duller, until he did little more than sit out a play or two,
+and gamble with his courtiers, his Christmas play-money requiring a
+special draught upon the treasury, usually for a hundred pounds. He
+died on January 28, 1547.
+
+    [34] "Book of Days," Edinburgh.
+
+    [35] Williams's "Domestic Memoirs of the Royal Family and
+    of the Court of England."
+
+    [36] Chaucer.
+
+    [37] "William's Domestic Memoirs."
+
+    [38] Nichols's "Progresses of Queen Elizabeth."
+
+    [39] "Recollections of Royalty," by Mr. Charles C. Jones,
+    1828.
+
+    [40] "Sports and Pastimes."
+
+    [41] Introduction to "Christmas Carols."
+
+    [42] Hall's "Chronicle."
+
+    [43] Baker's "Chronicle."
+
+    [44] Hall's "Chronicle."
+
+    [45] Peter Bayne, LL. D.
+
+    [46] Wood's "Athenæ Oxonienses."
+
+    [47] "History of English Poetry."
+
+    [48] Dugdale, "Origines Juridiciales."
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER VII._
+
+CHRISTMAS UNDER EDWARD VI., MARY, AND ELIZABETH.
+
+(1547-1603.)
+
+
+CHRISTMAS UNDER KING EDWARD VI.--GEORGE FERRERS
+"MASTER OF THE KING'S PASTIMES."
+
+During the short reign of the youthful monarch Edward the Sixth
+(1547-1553), the splendour of the Royal Christmases somewhat abated,
+though they were still continued; and the King being much grieved at
+the condemnation of the Duke of Somerset, his uncle and Protector, it
+was thought expedient to divert his mind by additional pastimes at the
+Christmas festival, 1551-2. "It was devised," says Holinshed, "that
+the feast of Christ's nativitie, commonlie called Christmasse, then at
+hand, should be solemnlie kept at Greenwich, with open houshold, and
+franke resort to Court (which is called keeping of the hall), what
+time of old ordinarie course there is alwaise one appointed to make
+sport in the court, commonlie Lord of Misrule; whose office is not
+unknown to such as have been brought up in noblemen's houses, and
+among great housekeepers, who use liberall feasting in that season.
+There was therefore by order of the Councell, a wise gentleman, and
+learned, named George Ferrers, appointed to that office for this
+yeare; who, being of better credit and estimation than comonlie his
+predecessors had been before, received all his commissions and
+warrants by the name of the maister of the King's pastimes. Which
+gentleman so well supplied his office, both in show of sundry sights
+and devices of rare inventions, and in act of diverse interludes, and
+matters of pastime plaied by persons, as not onlie satisfied the
+common sort, but also were verie well liked and allowed by the
+Councell, and other of skill in the like pastimes; but best of all by
+the young King himselfe, as appeered by his princelie liberalitie in
+rewarding that service." The old chronicler quaintly adds, that
+"Christmas being thus passed with much mirth and pastime, it was
+thought now good to proceed to the execution of the judgment against
+the Duke of Somerset." The day of execution was the 22nd of January,
+1552, six weeks after the passing of the sentence.
+
+King Edward took part in some of the Christmas masques performed at
+his Court, with other youths of his age and stature, all the
+performers being suitably attired in costly garments. Will Somers also
+figured in some of these masques. The young King seems to have found
+more amusement in the pageants superintended by Master Ferrers than he
+had gained from some of the solemnities of the state in which he had
+been obliged to play a prominent part; but none of the diversions
+restored him to good health. Large sums of money were expended on
+these Christmas entertainments, and the King handsomely rewarded the
+Master of his pastimes.
+
+George Ferrers, who was a lawyer, a poet, and an historian, was
+certainly well qualified for his task, and well supplied with the
+means of making sport, as "Master of the King's Pastimes." He
+complained to Sir Thomas Cawarden that the dresses provided for his
+assistants were not sufficient, and immediately an order was given for
+better provision. He provided clowns, jugglers, tumblers, men to dance
+the fool's dance, besides being assisted by the "Court Fool" of the
+time--John Smyth. This man was newly supplied for the occasion, having
+a long fool's coat of yellow cloth of gold, fringed all over with
+white, red, and green velvet, containing 7½ yards at £2 per yard,
+guarded with plain yellow cloth of gold, 4 yards at 33s. 4d. per yard;
+with a hood and a pair of buskins of the same figured gold containing
+2½ yards at £5, and a girdle of yellow sarsenet containing one
+quarter 16d., the whole value of "the fool's dress" being £26 14s. 8d.
+Ferrers, as the "Lord of Misrule" wore a robe of rich stuff made of
+silk and golden thread containing 9 yards at 16s. a yard, guarded with
+embroidered cloth of gold, wrought in knots, 14 yards at 11s. 4d. a
+yard; having fur of red feathers, with a cape of camlet thrum. A coat
+of flat silver, fine with works, 5 yards at 50s., with an embroidered
+garb of leaves of gold and coloured silk, containing 15 yards at 20s.
+a yard. He wore a cap of maintenance, hose buskins, panticles of
+Bruges satin, a girdle of yellow sarsenet with various decorations,
+the cost of his dress being £52 8s. 8d., which, considering the
+relative value of money, must be considered a very costly dress.
+
+The office which George Ferrers so ably filled had been too often held
+by those who possessed neither the wit nor the genius it required;
+but, originally, persons of high rank and ability had been chosen to
+perform these somewhat difficult duties. Ferrers received £100 for the
+charges of his office; and afterwards the Lord Mayor, who probably had
+been at the Royal festival, entertained him in London. The cost of the
+Royal festivities exceeded £700.
+
+Stowe, in his "Annals," thus refers to the celebration: "The King kept
+his Christmasse with open houshold at Greenwich, George Ferrers,
+Gentleman of Lincolnes Inne, being Lord of the merry Disports all the
+12 dayes, who so pleasantly and wisely behaved himselfe, that the King
+had great delight in his pastimes. On Monday the fourth of January,
+the said Lord of Merry Disports came by water to London, and landed at
+the Tower-wharfe, entered the Tower, and then rode through the
+Tower-streete, where he was received by Sergeant Vawce, Lord of
+Misrule to John Mainard, one of the Sheriffes of London, and so
+conducted through the Citie with a great company of young Lords and
+gentlemen, to the house of Sir George Barne, Lord Maior; where he,
+with the chiefe of his company dined, and after had a great banquet;
+and, at his departure, the Lord Maior gave him a standing cup, with a
+cover of silver and gilt, of the value of ten pounds, for a reward;
+and also set a hogs-head of wine, and a barrell of beere, at his
+gate, for his traine that followed him; the residue of his gentlemen
+and servants dined at other Aldermen's houses, and with the sheriffes,
+and so departed to the Tower wharfe againe, and to the Court by water,
+to the great commendation of the Maior and Aldermen, and highly
+accepted of the King and Councell."
+
+
+RELIGIOUS MATTERS
+
+occupied public attention throughout the reign of Edward VI.
+The young king was willing to support the reforming projects of
+Archbishop Cranmer, and assented to the publication of the new Liturgy
+in the Prayer Book of 1549, and the Act of Uniformity. And with the
+sanction of the sovereign, Cranmer, in 1552, issued a revised Liturgy,
+known as the Second Prayer Book of King Edward VI., and the Forty-two
+Articles, which were markedly Protestant in tendency. On his health
+failing, the King, acting on the advice of the Duke of Northumberland,
+altered the settlement of the crown as arranged in the will of Henry
+VIII., and made a will excluding Mary and Elizabeth from the
+succession in favour of Lady Jane Grey, daughter-in-law of
+Northumberland, which was sanctioned by Archbishop Cranmer and the
+Privy Council. Although Cranmer had sanctioned this act with great
+reluctance, and on the assurance of the judges, it sufficed to secure
+his condemnation for high treason on Mary's accession. Edward sank
+rapidly and died on July 6, 1553.
+
+The Duke of Northumberland then
+
+
+PROCLAIMED LADY JANE GREY QUEEN,
+
+but the people refused to recognise the usurpation. After a brief
+reign of eleven days,
+
+
+THE CROWN WAS TRANSFERRED TO MARY,
+
+daughter of Henry VIII. and Catherine of Arragon, and Lady Jane Grey
+and her husband were sent to the Tower, and subsequently condemned to
+death. They were kept in captivity for some time, and were not
+executed until after Wyatt's rebellion in 1554.
+
+[Illustration: Virgin & Child, Chirbury.]
+
+Mary was a firm Roman Catholic, and she looked to her uncle, Charles
+V. of Spain, for assistance and support. In January, 1554, much to the
+disappointment of her subjects, she concluded a treaty of marriage
+with Philip of Spain, son of Charles V. Afterwards her reign was
+disturbed by insurrections, and also by the persecution of Protestants
+by Cardinal Pole, who came over to England to push forward the Roman
+Catholic reaction.
+
+
+THIS TROUBLED REIGN
+
+was not congenial to Christmas festivities, though they were still
+kept up in different parts of the country. During the Christmas
+festival (January 2, 1554) a splendid embassy, sent by the Emperor,
+Charles the Fifth, headed by the Counts Egmont and Lalain, the Lord of
+Courrieres, and the Sieur de Nigry, landed in Kent, to arrange the
+marriage between Queen Mary and Philip. The unpopularity of the
+proceeding was immediately manifested, for the men of Kent, taking
+Egmont for Philip, rose in fury and would have killed him if they
+could have got at him. Although an attempt was made to allay the fears
+of the English, within a few days three insurrections broke out in
+different parts of the kingdom, the most formidable being that under
+Sir Thomas Wyatt, who fixed his headquarters at Rochester. In city and
+court alike panic prevailed. The lawyers in Westminster Hall pleaded
+in suits of armour hidden under their robes, and Dr. Weston preached
+before the Queen in Whitehall Chapel, on Candlemas Day, in armour
+under his clerical vestments. Mary alone seemed calm and
+self-possessed. She mounted her horse, and, attended by her ladies and
+her Council, rode into the City, where, summoning Sir Thomas White,
+Lord Mayor, and the Aldermen, who all came clad in armour under their
+civic livery, she ascended a chair of State, and with her sceptre in
+her hand addressed them, declaring she would never marry except with
+the leave of her Parliament. Her courage gained the day. The rebellion
+was speedily quelled and the ringleaders put to death; and the
+following July the marriage took place. Mary's subsequent reign was a
+"reign of terror, a time of fire and blood, such as has no parallel in
+the history of England."[49]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS DIVERSIONS OF QUEEN MARY.
+
+During her "reign of terror" Queen Mary was diverted by Christmas
+plays and pageants, and she showed some interest in the amusements of
+the people. Strutt's "Sports and Pastimes," in an article on the
+"Antiquity of Tumbling," says: "It would seem that these artists were
+really famous mirth-makers; for one of them had the address to excite
+the merriment of that solemn bigot Queen Mary. 'After her Majesty,'
+observes Strype, 'had reviewed the royal pensioners in Greenwich Park,
+there came a tumbler, and played many pretty feats, the Queen and
+Cardinal Pole looking on; whereat she was observed to laugh
+heartily.'" Strutt also mentions that "when Mary visited her sister,
+the Princess Elizabeth, during her confinement at Hatfield House, the
+next morning, after mass, a grand exhibition of bear-baiting was made
+for their amusement, with which, it is said, 'their highnesses were
+right well content.'" The idle pageantry of the Boy-bishop, which had
+been formally abrogated by proclamation from the King, in the
+thirty-third year of Henry VIII., was revived by his daughter Mary.
+Strutt says that "in the second year of her reign an edict, dated
+November 13, 1554, was issued from the Bishop of London to all the
+clergy of his diocese, to have a Boy-bishop in procession. The year
+following, 'the child Bishop, of Paules Church, with his company,'
+were admitted into the Queen's privy chamber, where he sang before her
+on Saint Nicholas Day, and upon Holy Innocents Day. After the death of
+Mary this silly mummery was totally discontinued."
+
+The Christmas entertainments of Philip and Mary at Richmond are thus
+described by Folkstone Williams:[50] "The Queen strove to entertain
+her Royal husband with masques, notwithstanding that he had seen many
+fair and rich beyond the seas; and Nicholas Udall, the stern
+schoolmaster, was ordered to furnish the drama. An idea of these
+performances may be gathered from the properties of a masque of
+patrons of gallies like Venetian senators with galley-slaves for their
+torch-bearers, represented at Court in Christmas of the first and
+second years of Philip and Mary, with a Masque of six Venuses, or
+amorous ladies, with six Cupids, and as many torch-bearers. Among them
+were lions' heads, sixteen other headpieces, made in quaint fashion
+for the Turkish magistrates, as well as eight falchions for them, the
+sheaths covered with green velvet, and bullioned with copper. There
+were eight headpieces for women-masks, goddesses and huntresses. A
+masque of eight mariners, of cloth of gold and silver, and six pairs
+of chains for the galley slaves. Another mask of goddesses and
+huntresses, with Turks, was performed on the following Shrovetide; and
+one of six Hercules, or men of war, coming from the sea with six
+Mariners to their torch-bearers, was played a little later. Besides
+which, we find mention of a masque of covetous men with long noses--a
+masque of men like Argus--a masque of women Moors--a masque of
+Amazons--one of black and tawney tinsel, with baboons' faces--one of
+Polanders, and one of women with Diana hunting."
+
+Nichols ("Progresses," vol. i. p. 18) says that in 1557 the Princess
+Elizabeth was present at a Royal Christmas kept with great solemnity
+by Queen Mary and King Philip at Hampton Court. "On Christmas Eve, the
+great hall of the palace was illuminated with a thousand lamps
+curiously disposed. The Princess supped at the same table in the hall
+with the King and Queen, next the cloth of state; and after supper,
+was served with a perfumed napkin and plates of confects by the Lord
+Paget. But she retired to her ladies before the revels, maskings, and
+disguisings began. On St. Stephen's day she heard mattins in the
+Queen's closet adjoining to the chapel, where she was attired in a
+robe of white sattin, strung all over with large pearls. On the 29th
+day of December she sate with their majesties and the nobility at a
+grand spectacle of justing, when two hundred spears were broken. Half
+of the combatants were accoutred in the Almaine and half in the
+Spanish fashion. Thus our chronicler, who is fond of minute
+description. But these and other particularities, insignificant as
+they seem, which he has recorded so carefully, are a vindication of
+Queen Mary's character in the treatment of her sister; they prove that
+the Princess, during her residence at Hatfield, lived in splendour and
+affluence; that she was often admitted to the diversions of the Court;
+and that her present situation was by no means a state of oppression
+and imprisonment, as it has been represented by most of our
+historians."
+
+[Illustration: Saints and angels.]
+
+
+THE ROMISH PRIESTLY PRACTICES
+
+on "Christmass-daye," at this period, are referred to in the
+following translation from Naogeorgus, by Barnaby Googe:--
+
+ "Then comes the day wherein the Lorde did bring his birth to passe;
+  Whereas at midnight up they rise, and every man to Masse,
+  This time so holy counted is, that divers earnestly
+  Do think the waters all to wine are chaunged sodainly;
+  In that same houre that Christ Himselfe was borne, and came to light,
+  And unto water streight againe transformde and altred quight.
+  There are beside that mindfully the money still do watch,
+  That first to aultar commes, which then they privily do snatch.
+  The priestes, least other should it have, take oft the same away,
+  Whereby they thinke throughout the yeare to have good lucke in play,
+  And not to lose: then straight at game till day-light do they strive,
+  To make some present proofe how well their hallowde pence wil thrive.
+  Three Masses every priest doth singe upon that solemn day,
+  With offrings unto every one, that so the more may play.
+  This done, a woodden childe in clowtes is on the aultar set,
+  About the which both boyes and gyrles do daunce and trymly jet;
+  And Carrols sing in prayse of Christ, and, for to helpe them heare,
+  The organs aunswere every verse with sweete and solemne cheare.
+  The priestes do rore aloude; and round about the parentes stande
+  To see the sport, and with their voyce do helpe them and their hande."
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS MUMMERS
+
+played a prominent part in the festivities of this period, and the
+following illustration shows how they went a-mumming.
+
+[Illustration: RIDING A-MUMMING AT CHRISTMASTIDE.]
+
+Queen Mary died on November 17, 1558, and her half-sister,
+
+
+ELIZABETH, CAME TO THE THRONE
+
+in perilous times, for plots of assassination were rife, and England
+was engaged on the side of Spain in war with France. But the alliance
+with Spain soon came to an end, for Queen Elizabeth saw that the
+defence of Protestantism at home and peace with France abroad were
+necessary for her own security and the good of her subjects. She began
+her reign by regarding the welfare of her people, and she soon won and
+never lost their affection.
+
+With the accession of Queen Elizabeth there was a revival of the
+courtly pomp and pageantry which were marked characteristics of her
+father's reign. Just before the Christmas festival (1558) the new
+queen made a state entry into the metropolis, attended by a
+magnificent throng of nobles, ladies, and gentlemen, and a vast
+concourse of people from all the country round. At Highgate she was
+met by the bishops, who kneeled by the wayside and offered their
+allegiance. She received them graciously and gave them all her hand to
+kiss, except Bonner, whom she treated with marked coldness, on account
+of his atrocious cruelties: an intimation of her own intentions on the
+score of religion which gave satisfaction to the people. In the
+pageantry which was got up to grace her entry into London, a figure
+representing "Truth" dropped from one of the triumphal arches, and
+laid before the young Queen a copy of the Scriptures. Holinshed says
+she revived the book with becoming reverence, and, pressing it to her
+bosom, declared that of all the gifts and honours conferred upon her
+by the loyalty of the people this was the most acceptable. Yet
+Green,[51] in describing Elizabeth's reign, says: "Nothing is more
+revolting in the Queen, but nothing is more characteristic, than her
+shameless mendacity. It was an age of political lying, but in the
+profusion and recklessness of her lies Elizabeth stood without a peer
+in Christendom."
+
+Sir William Fitzwilliam, writing to Mr. More, of Loseley, Surrey, a
+few weeks after the accession of Elizabeth, as an important piece of
+Court news, says: "You shall understand that yesterday, being
+Christmas Day, the Queen's Majesty repaired to her great closet with
+her nobles and ladies, as hath been accustomed in such high feasts;
+and she, perceiving a bishop preparing himself to mass, all in the old
+form, tarried there until the gospel was done, and when all the people
+looked for her to have offered according to the old fashion, she with
+her nobles returned again from the closet and the mass, on to her
+privy chamber, which was strange unto divers. Blessed be God in all
+His gifts."
+
+During the Christmas festival (1558) preparations went on for the
+coronation of Elizabeth, which was to take place on the 15th of
+January. On the 12th of that month she proceeded to the Tower by
+water, attended by the lord mayor and citizens, and greeted with peals
+of ordnance, with music and gorgeous pageantry--a marked contrast to
+her previous entrance there as a suspected traitor in imminent peril
+of her life. Two days later the Queen rode in state from the Tower to
+Westminster, "most honourably accompanied, as well with gentlemen,
+barons, and other the nobility of this realm, as also with a notable
+train of godly and beautiful ladies, richly appointed," and all riding
+on horseback. The streets through which the procession passed were
+adorned with stately pageants, costly decorations, and various
+artistic devices, and were crowded with enthusiastic spectators, eager
+to welcome their new sovereign, and to applaud "the signs they noticed
+in her of a most prince-like courage, and great readiness of wit." On
+the following day (Sunday, the 15th of January) Elizabeth was crowned
+in Westminster Abbey, by Dr. Oglethorpe, Bishop of Carlisle, "Queen of
+England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith." The ceremonials
+of the coronation were regulated according to ancient custom, and the
+entertainment in Westminster Hall was on a scale of great
+magnificence.
+
+[Illustration: A DUMB SHOW IN THE TIME OF ELIZABETH.
+(_From Messrs Cassell & Co.'s "English Plays," by permission_)]
+
+Elizabeth was particularly fond of dramatic displays, and her first
+Royal Christmas was celebrated with plays and pageants of a most
+costly description. Complaints, however, being made of the expense of
+these entertainments, she determined to control them, and directed an
+estimate to be made in the second year of her reign for the masques
+and pastimes to be shown before her at Christmas and Shrovetide. Sir
+Thomas Cawarden was then, as he had for some time previous been,
+Master of the Revels. According to Collier, the estimate amounted to
+£227 11s. 2d., being nearly £200 less than the expenses in the former
+year. The control over the expenses, however, must soon have ceased,
+for in subsequent years the sums were greatly enlarged.
+
+Nichols[52] mentions that on Twelfth Day, 1559, in the afternoon, the
+Lord Mayor and Aldermen, and all the crafts of London, and the
+Bachelors of the Mayor's Company, went in procession to St. Paul's,
+after the old custom, and there did hear a sermon. The same day a
+stage was set up in the hall for a play; and after the play was over,
+there was a fine mask; and, afterwards, a great banquet which lasted
+till midnight.
+
+In this reign a more decorous and even refined style of entertainment
+had usurped the place of the boisterous feastings of former times, but
+there was no diminution in that ancient spirit of hospitality, the
+exercise of which had become a part of the national faith. This is
+evident from the poems of Thomas Tusser (born 1515--died 1580) and
+other writers, who show that the English noblemen and yeomen of that
+time made hospitality a prominent feature in the festivities of the
+Christmas season. In his "Christmas Husbandry Fare," Tusser says:--
+
+ "Good husband and housewife, now chiefly be glad
+  Things handsome to have, as they ought to be had,
+  They both do provide against Christmas do come,
+  To welcome their neighbour, good cheer to have some;
+  Good bread and good drink, a good fire in the hall,
+  Brawn pudding and souse, and good mustard withal.
+
+  Beef, mutton, and pork, shred pies of the best,
+  Pig, veal, goose, and capon, and turkey well dressed;
+  Cheese, apples, and nuts, jolly carols to hear,
+  As then in the country is counted good cheer.
+
+  What cost to good husband is any of this?
+  Good household provision only it is;
+  Of other the like I do leave out a many,
+  That costeth the husbandman never a penny."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+GRAND CHRISTMAS OF THE INNER TEMPLE, 1561-2.
+
+Professor Henry Morley[53] says the first English tragedy, "Gorboduc,"
+was written for the Christmas festivities of the Inner Temple in the
+year 1561 by two young members of that Inn--Thomas Norton, then
+twenty-nine years old, and Thomas Sackville, then aged twenty-five.
+And the play was performed at this "Grand Christmass" kept by the
+members of the Inner Temple. Before a "Grand Christmas" was kept the
+matter was discussed in a parliament of the Inn, held on the eve of
+St. Thomas's Day, December 21st. If it was resolved upon, the two
+youngest of those who served as butlers for the festival lighted two
+torches, with which they preceded the benchers to the upper end of the
+hall. The senior bencher there made a speech; officers were appointed
+for the occasion, "and then, in token of joy and good liking, the
+Bench and company pass beneath the hearth and sing a carol."[54] The
+revellings began on Christmas Eve, when three Masters of the Revels
+sat at the head of one of the tables. All took their places to the
+sound of music played before the hearth. Then the musicians withdrew
+to the buttery, and were themselves feasted. They returned when dinner
+was ended to sing a song at the highest table. Then all tables were
+cleared, and revels and dancing were begun, to be continued until
+supper and after supper. The senior Master of the Revels, after dinner
+and after supper, sang a carol or song, and commanded other gentlemen
+there present to join him. This form of high festivity was maintained
+during the twelve days of Christmas, closing on Twelfth Night. On
+Christmas Day (which in 1561 was a Thursday), at the first course of
+the dinner, the boar's head was brought in upon a platter, followed by
+minstrelsy. On St. Stephen's Day, December the 26th, the Constable
+Marshal entered the hall in gilt armour, with a nest of feathers of
+all colours on his helm, and a gilt pole-axe in his hand; with him
+sixteen trumpeters, four drums and fifes, and four men armed from the
+middle upward. Those all marched three times about the hearth, and the
+Constable Marshal, then kneeling to the Lord Chancellor, made a
+speech, desiring the honour of admission into his service, delivered
+his naked sword, and was solemnly seated. That was the usual
+ceremonial when a Grand Christmas was kept. At this particular
+Christmas, 1561, in the fourth year of Elizabeth, it was Lord Robert
+Dudley, afterwards Earl of Leicester, who was Constable Marshal, and
+with chivalrous gallantry, taking in fantastic style the name of
+Palaphilos, Knight of the Honourable Order of Pegasus, Pegasus being
+the armorial device of the Inner Temple, he contributed to the
+splendour of this part of the entertainment. After the seating of the
+Constable Marshal, on the same St. Stephen's Day, December the 26th,
+the Master of the Game entered in green velvet, and the Ranger of the
+Forest in green satin; these also went three times about the fire,
+blowing their hunting-horns. When they also had been ceremoniously
+seated, there entered a huntsman with a fox and a cat bound at the end
+of a staff. He was followed by nine or ten couple of hounds, who
+hunted the fox and the cat to the glowing horns, and killed them
+beneath the fire. After dinner, the Constable Marshal called a
+burlesque Court, and began the Revels, with the help of the Lord of
+Misrule. At seven o'clock in the morning of St. John's Day, December
+the 27th (which was a Saturday in 1561) the Lord of Misrule was afoot
+with power to summon men to breakfast with him when service had closed
+in the church. After breakfast, the authority of this Christmas
+official was in abeyance till the after-dinner Revels. So the
+ceremonies went on till the Banqueting Night, which followed New
+Year's Day. That was the night of hospitality. Invitations were sent
+out to every House of Court, that they and the Inns of Chancery might
+see a play and masque. The hall was furnished with scaffolds for the
+ladies who were then invited to behold the sports. After the play,
+there was a banquet for the ladies in the library; and in the hall
+there was also a banquet for the Lord Chancellor and invited ancients
+of other Houses. On Twelfth Day, the last of the Revels, there were
+brawn, mustard, and malmsey for breakfast after morning prayer, and
+the dinner as on St. John's Day.
+
+The following particulars of this "Grand Christmas" at the Inner
+Temple are from Nichols's "Progresses of Queen Elizabeth":--
+
+"In the fourth year of Queen Elizabeth's reign there was kept
+a magnificent Christmas here; at which the Lord Robert Dudley
+(afterwards Earl of Leicester) was the chief person (his title
+Palaphilos), being Constable and Marshall; whose officers were
+as followeth:
+
+  Mr. Onslow, Lord Chancellour.
+  Anthony Stapleton, Lord Treasurer.
+  Robert Kelway, Lord Privy Seal.
+  John Fuller, Chief Justice of the King's Bench.
+  William Pole, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.
+  Roger Manwood, Chief Baron of the Exchequer.
+  Mr. Bashe, Steward of the Household.
+  Mr. Copley, Marshall of the Household.
+  Mr. Paten, Chief Butler.
+  Christopher Hatton, Master of the Game. (He was afterwards Lord
+    Chancellor of England.)
+  Mr. Blaston }
+  Mr. Yorke   }
+  Mr. Pension } Masters of the Revells.
+  Mr. Jervise }
+  Mr. Parker, Lieutenant of the Tower.
+  Mr. Kendall, Carver.
+  Mr. Martin, Ranger of the Forests.
+  Mr. Stradling, Sewer.
+
+"And there were fourscore of the Guard; beside divers others not here
+named.
+
+"Touching the particulars of this Grand Feast, Gerard Leigh, in his
+'Accidence of Armory,' p. 119, &c., having spoken of the Pegasus borne
+for the armes of this Society, thus goes on: 'After I had travelled
+through the East parts of the unknown world, to understand of deedes
+of armes, and so arriving in the fair river of Thames, I landed within
+half a league from the City of London, which was (as I conjecture) in
+December last; and drawing neer the City, suddenly heard the shot of
+double canons, in so great a number, and so terrible, that it darkened
+the whole ayr; wherewith, although I was in my native country, yet
+stood I amazed, not knowing what it meant. Thus, as I abode in
+despair, either to return or to continue my former purpose, I chanced
+to see coming towards me an honest citizen, clothed in a long garment,
+keeping the highway, seeming to walk for his recreation, which
+prognosticated rather peace than perill; of whom I demanded the cause
+of this great shot; who friendly answered, "It is," quoth he, "a
+warning shot to the Constable Marshall of the Inner Temple, to prepare
+to dinner."
+
+"'"Why," said I, "what, is he of that estate that seeketh no other
+means to warn his officers than with so terrible shot in so peaceable
+a country?" "Marry," saith he, "he uttereth himself the better to be
+that officer whose name he beareth."
+
+"'I then demanded, "What province did he govern, that needed such an
+officer?" He answered me, "The province was not great in quantity, but
+antient in true nobility. A place," said he, "privileged by the most
+excellent Princess the High Governor of the whole Island, wherein are
+store of Gentlemen of the whole Realm, that repair thither to learn to
+rule and obey by Law, to yield their fleece to their Prince and
+Commonweal; as also to use all other exercises of body and mind
+whereunto nature most aptly serveth to adorn, by speaking,
+countenance, gesture, and use of apparel the person of a Gentleman;
+whereby amity is obtained, and continued, that Gentlemen of all
+countries, in their young years, nourished together in one place, with
+such comely order, and daily conference, are knit by continual
+acquaintance in such unity of minds and manners as lightly never after
+is severed, than which is nothing more profitable to the Commonweale."
+
+"'And after he had told me thus much of honour of the place, I
+commended in mine own conceit the policy of the Governour, which
+seemed to utter in itself the foundation of a good Commonweal; for
+that, the best of their people from tender years trained up in
+precepts of justice, it could not choose but yield forth a profitable
+People to a wise Commonweal; wherefore I determined with myself to
+make proof of what I heard by report.
+
+"'The next day I thought of my pastime to walk to this Temple, and
+entring in at the gates, I found the building nothing costly; but many
+comely Gentlemen of face and person, and thereto very courteous, saw I
+to pass to and fro, so as it seemed a Prince's port to be at hand; and
+passing forward, entred into a Church of antient building, wherein
+were many monuments of noble personages armed in knightly habit, with
+their cotes depainted in ancient shields, whereat I took pleasure to
+behold. Thus gazing as one bereft with the rare sight, there came unto
+me an Hereaught, by name Palaphilos, a King of Armes, who courteously
+saluted me, saying, "For that I was a stranger, and seeming by my
+demeanour a lover of honour, I was his guest of right," whose courtesy
+(as reason was) I obeyed; answering, "I was at his commandment."
+
+"'"Then," said he, "ye shall go to mine own lodging here within the
+Palace, where we will have such cheer as the time and country will
+yield us;" where, I assure you I was so entertained, and no where I
+met with better cheer or company, &c.
+
+"'--Thus talking, we entred the Prince his Hall, where anon we heard
+the noise of drum and fyfe. "What meaneth this drum?" said I. Quoth
+he, "This is to warn Gentlemen of the Houshold to repair to the
+dresser; wherefore come on with me, and ye shall stand where ye may
+best see the Hall served:" and so from thence brought me into a long
+gallery, that stretched itself along the Hall neer the Prince's table,
+where I saw the Prince set: a man of tall personage, a manly
+countenance, somewhat brown of visage, strongly featured, and thereto
+comely proportioned in all lineaments of body. At the nether end of
+the same table were placed the Embassadors of sundry Princes. Before
+him stood the carver, sewer, and cupbearer, with great number of
+gentlemen-wayters attending his person; the ushers making place to
+strangers, of sundry regions that came to behold the honour of this
+mighty Captain. After the placing of these honourable guests, the Lord
+Steward, Treasurer, and Keeper of Pallas Seal, with divers honourable
+personages of that Nobility, were placed at a side-table neer
+adjoining the Prince on the right hand: and at another table, on the
+left side, were placed the Treasurer of the Houshold, Secretary, the
+Prince his Serjeant at the Law, four Masters of the Revels, the King
+of Arms, the Dean of the Chappel, and divers Gentlemen Pensioners to
+furnish the same.
+
+"'At another table, on the other side, were set the Master of the
+Game, and his Chief Ranger, Masters of Houshold, Clerks of the Green
+Cloth and Check, with divers other strangers to furnish the same.
+
+"'On the other side against them began the table, the Lieutenant of
+the Tower, accompanied with divers Captains of foot-bands and shot.
+At the nether end of the Hall began the table, the High Butler, the
+Panter, Clerks of the Kitchen, Master Cook of the Privy Kitchen,
+furnished throughout with the souldiers and Guard of the Prince: all
+which, with number of inferior officers placed and served in the Hall,
+besides the great resort of strangers, I spare to write.
+
+"'The Prince so served with tender meats, sweet fruits, and dainty
+delicates confectioned with curious cookery, as it seemed wonder a
+world to observe the provision: and at every course the trumpetters
+blew the couragious blast of deadly war, with noise of drum and fyfe,
+with the sweet harmony of violins, sack-butts, recorders, and
+cornetts, with other instruments of musick, as it seemed Apollo's harp
+had tuned their stroke.
+
+"'Thus the Hall was served after the most ancient order of the Island;
+in commendation whereof I say, I have also seen the service of great
+Princes, in solemn seasons and times of triumph, yet the order hereof
+was not inferior to any.
+
+"'But to proceed, this Herehaught Palaphilos, even before the second
+course came in, standing at the high table, said in this manner: "The
+mighty Palaphilos, Prince of Sophie, High Constable Marshall of the
+Knights Templars, Patron of the Honourable Order of Pegasus:" and
+therewith cryeth, "A Largess." The Prince, praysing the Herehaught,
+bountifully rewarded him with a chain to the value of an hundred
+talents.
+
+"'I assure you I languish for want of cunning ripely to utter that I
+saw so orderly handled appertaining to service; wherefore I cease, and
+return to my purpose.
+
+"'The supper ended, and tables taken up, the High Constable rose, and
+a while stood under the place of honour, where his achievement was
+beautifully embroidered, and devised of sundry matters, with the
+Ambassadors of foreign nations, as he thought good, till Palaphilos,
+King of Armes, came in, his Herehaught Marshal, and Pursuivant before
+him; and after followed his messenger and Calligate Knight; who
+putting off his coronal, made his humble obeysance to the Prince, by
+whom he was commanded to draw neer, and understand his pleasure;
+saying to him; in few words, to this effect: "Palaphilos, seeing it
+hath pleased the high Pallas, to think me to demerit the office of
+this place; and thereto this night past vouchsafed to descend from
+heavens to increase my further honour, by creating me Knight of her
+Order of Pegasus; as also commanded me to join in the same Society
+such valiant Gentlemen throughout her province, whose living honour
+hath best deserved the same, the choice whereof most aptly belongeth
+to your skill, being the watchman of their doings, and register of
+their deserts; I will ye choose as well throughout our whole armyes,
+as elsewhere, of such special gentlemen, as the gods hath appointed,
+the number of twenty-four, and the names of them present us:
+commanding also those chosen persons to appear in our presence in
+knightly habit, that with conveniency we may proceed in our purpose."
+This done, Palaphilos obeying his Prince's commandement, with
+twenty-four valiant Knights, all apparelled in long white vestures,
+with each man a scarf of Pallas colours, and them presented, with
+their names, to the Prince; who allowed well his choise, and commanded
+him to do his office. Who, after his duty to the Prince, bowed towards
+these worthy personages, standing every man in his antienty, as he had
+borne armes in the field, and began to shew his Prince's pleasure;
+with the honour of the Order.'"
+
+"_Other Particulars touching these Grand Christmasses, extracted
+out of the Accompts of the House_.
+
+"First, it hath been the duty of the Steward, to provide five fat
+brawns, vessels, wood, and other necessaries belonging to the kitchen:
+as also all manner of spices, flesh, fowl, and other cates for the
+kitchen.
+
+"The office of the Chief Butler, to provide a rich cupboard of plate,
+silver and parcel gilt: seaven dozen of silver and gilt spoons: twelve
+fair salt-cellers, likewise silver and gilt: twenty candlesticks of
+the like.
+
+"Twelve fine large table cloths, of damask and diaper. Twenty dozen of
+napkins suitable at the least. Three dozen of fair large towels;
+whereof the Gentleman Sewers, and Butlers of the House, to have every
+of them one at mealtimes, during their attendance. Likewise to provide
+carving knives; twenty dozen of white cups and green potts: a carving
+table; torches; bread, beer, and ale. And the chief of the Butlers was
+to give attendance on the highest table in the Hall, with wine, ale
+and beer: and all the other Butlers to attend at the other tables in
+like sort.
+
+"The cupboard of plate is to remain in the Hall on Christmas Day, St.
+Stephen's Day and New Year's Day, from breakfast time ended untill
+after supper. Upon the banquetting night it was removed into the
+buttry; which in all respects was very laudably performed.
+
+"The office of the Constable Marshall to provide for his employment, a
+fair gilt compleat harneys, with a nest of fethers in the helm; a fair
+pole-axe to bear in his hand, to be chevalrously ordered on Christmas
+Day and other days, as afterwards is shewed; touching the ordering and
+settling of all which ceremonies, during the said Grand Christmas, a
+solemn consultation was held at their Parliament in this house; in the
+form following:
+
+"First, at the Parliament kept in their Parliament Chamber in this
+House, on the even at night of St. Thomas the Apostle, officers are to
+attend, according as they had been long before that time, at a former
+Parliament named and elected to undergo several offices for this time
+of solemnity, honour, and pleasance; of which officers these are the
+most eminent; namely, the Steward, Marshall, Constable Marshall,
+Butler and Master of the Game. These officers are made known and
+elected in Trinity Term next before; and to have knowledg thereof by
+letters, in the country, to the end they may prepare themselves
+against All-Hallow-tide; that, if such nominated officers happen to
+fail, others may then be chosen in their rooms. The other officers are
+appointed at other times nearer Christmas Day.
+
+"If the Steward, or any of the said officers named in Trinity Term,
+refuse or fail, he or they were fined every one, at the discretion of
+the Bench; and the officers aforenamed agreed upon. And at such a
+Parliament, if it be fully resolved to proceed with such a Grand
+Christmas, then the two youngest Butlers must light two torches, and
+go before the Bench to the upper end of the Hall; who being set down,
+the antientest Bencher delivereth a speech briefly, to the whole
+society of Gentlemen then present, touching their consent as afore:
+which ended, the eldest Butler is to publish all the officers' names,
+appointed in Parliament; and then in token of joy and good-liking, the
+Bench and Company pass beneath the harth, and sing a carol, and so to
+boyer.
+
+"_Christmas Eve._--The Marshall at dinner is to place at the highest
+table's end, and next to the Library, all on one side thereof, the
+most antient persons in the company present: the Dean of the Chappel
+next to him; then an antient or Bencher, beneath him. At the other end
+of the table, the Sewer, Cup-bearer, and Carver. At the upper end of
+the bench-table, the King's Serjeant and Chief Butler; and when the
+Steward hath served in, and set on the table the first mess, then he
+is also to sit down.
+
+"Also at the supper end of the other table, on the other side of the
+Hall, are to be placed the three Masters of the Revels; and at the
+lower end of the bench-table are to sit, the King's Attorney, the
+Ranger of the Forest, and the Master of the Game. And at the lower end
+of the table, on the other side of the Hall, the fourth Master of the
+Revels, the Common Serjeant, and Constable-Marshall. And at the upper
+end of the Utter Barrister's table, the Marshal sitteth, when he hath
+served in the first mess; the Clark of the Kitchen also, and the Clark
+of the Sowce-tub, when they have done their offices in the kitchen,
+sit down. And at the upper end of the Clark's table, the Lieutenant of
+the Tower, and the attendant to the Buttery are placed.
+
+"At these two tables last rehersed, the persons they may sit upon both
+sides of the table; but of the other three tables all are to sit upon
+one side. And then the Butlers or Christmas Servants, are first to
+cover the tables with fair linnen table-cloths; and furnish them with
+salt-cellers, napkins, and trenchers, and a silver spoon. And then the
+Butlers of the House must place at the salt-celler, at every the said
+first three highest tables, a stock of trenchers and bread; and at the
+other tables, bread onely without trenchers.
+
+"At the first course the minstrels must sound their instruments, and
+go before; and the Steward and Marshall are next to follow together;
+and after them the Gentleman Sewer; and then cometh the meat. Those
+three officers are to make altogether three solemn curtesies, at three
+several times, between the skreen and the upper table; beginning with
+the first at the end of the Bencher's table; the second at the midst;
+and the third at the other end; and then standing by the Sewer
+performeth his office.
+
+"When the first table is set and served, the Steward's table is next
+to be served. After him the Master's table of the Revells; then that
+of the Master of the Game. The High Constable-Marshall; then the
+Lieutenant of the Tower; then the Utter Barrister's table; and lastly
+the Clerk's table; all which time the musick must stand right above
+the harth side, with the noise of their musick; their faces direct
+towards the highest table; and that done, to return into the buttry,
+with their music sounding.
+
+"At the second course every table is to be served as at the first
+course, in every respect; which performed the Servitors and Musicians
+are to resort to the place assigned for them to dine at; which is the
+Valects or Yeoman's table, beneath the skreen. Dinner ended the
+musicians prepare to sing a song, at the highest table: which ceremony
+accomplished, then the officers are to address themselves every one in
+his office, to avoid the tables in fair and decent manner, they
+beginning at the Clerk's table; thence proceed to the next; and thence
+to all the others till the highest table be solemnly avoided.
+
+"Then, after a little repose, the persons at the highest table arise
+and prepare to revells: in which time, the Butlers, and other
+Servitors with them, are to dine in the Library.
+
+"At both the doors in the hall are porters, to view the comers in and
+out at meal times; to each of them is allowed a cast of bread, and a
+caudle nightly after supper.
+
+"At night before supper are revels and dancing, and so also after
+supper during the twelve daies of Christmas. The antientest Master of
+the Revels is, after dinner and supper, to sing a caroll or song; and
+command other gentlemen then there present to sing with him and the
+company; and so it is very decently performed.
+
+"A repast at dinner is 8d.
+
+"_Christmas Day._--Service in the Church ended, the Gentlemen
+presently repair into the hall to breakfast, with brawn, mustard and
+malmsey.
+
+"At dinner, the Butler appointed for the Grand Christmas, is to see
+the tables covered and furnished: and the Ordinary Butlers of the
+House are decently to set bread, napkins, and trenchers in good form,
+at every table; with spoones and knives.
+
+"At the first course is served in a fair and large bore's-head, upon a
+silver platter, with minstralsye. Two Gentlemen in gowns are to
+attend at supper, and to bear two fair torches of wax, next before the
+Musicians and Trumpetters, and to stand above the fire with the musick
+till the first course be served in through the Hall. Which performed,
+they, with the musick, are to return into the buttery. The like course
+is to be observed in all things, during the time of Christmas. The
+like at supper.
+
+"At service time, this evening, the two youngest Butlers are to bear
+two torches _Genealogia_.
+
+"A repast at dinner is 12d. which strangers of worth are admitted to
+take in the Hall; and such are to be placed at the discretion of the
+Marshall.
+
+"_St. Stephen's Day._--The Butler, appointed for Christmas, is to see
+the tables covered, and furnished with salt-sellers, napkins, bread,
+trenchers, and spoons. Young Gentlemen of the House are to attend and
+serve till the latter dinner, and then dine themselves.
+
+"This day the Sewer, Carver, and Cup-bearer are to serve as afore.
+After the first course served in, the Constable-Marshall cometh into
+the Hall, arrayed with a fair rich compleat harneys, white and bright,
+and gilt, with a nest of fethers of all colours upon his crest or
+helm, and a gilt pole-axe in his hand: to whom is associate the
+Lieutenant of the Tower, armed with a fair white armour, a nest of
+fethers in his helm, and a like pole-axe in his hand; and with them
+sixteen Trumpetters; four drums and fifes going in rank before them;
+and with them attendeth four men in white harneys, from the middle
+upwards, and halberds in their hands, bearing on their shoulders the
+Tower: which persons, with the drums, trumpets and musick, go three
+times about the fire. Then the Constable-Marshall, after two or three
+curtesies made, kneeleth down before the Lord Chancellor; behind him
+the Lieutenant; and they kneeling, the Constable-Marshall pronounceth
+an oration of a quarter of an hour's length, therby declaring the
+purpose of his coming; and that his purpose is to be admitted into his
+Lordship's service.
+
+"The Lord Chancellor saith, 'He will take further advice therein.'
+
+"Then the Constable-Marshall, standing up, in submissive manner
+delivereth his naked sword to the Steward; who giveth it to the Lord
+Chancellor: and thereupon the Lord Chancellor willeth the Marshall to
+place the Constable-Marshall in his seat: and so he doth, with the
+Lieutenant also in his seat or place. During this ceremony the Tower
+is placed beneath the fire.
+
+"Then cometh the Master of the Game, apparelled in green velvet, and
+the Ranger of the Forest also, in a green suit of satten; bearing in
+his hand a green bow and divers arrows, with either of them a hunting
+horn about their necks; blowing together three blasts of venery, they
+pace round about the fire three times. Then the Master of the Game
+maketh three curtesies; as aforesaid; and kneeleth down before the
+Lord Chancellor, declaring the cause of his coming; and desireth to be
+admitted into his service, &c. All this time the Ranger of the Forest
+standeth directly behind him. Then the Master of the Game standeth up.
+
+"This ceremony also performed, a Huntsman cometh into the Hall, with a
+fox and a purse-net; with a cat, both bound at the end of a staff; and
+with them nine or ten couple of hounds, with the blowing of hunting
+hornes. And the fox and cat are by the hounds set upon, and killed
+beneath the fire. This sport finished the Marshall placeth them in
+their several appointed places.
+
+"Then proceedeth the second course; which done, and served out, the
+Common Serjeant delivereth a plausible speech to the Lord Chancellour,
+and his company at the highest table, how necessary a thing it is to
+have officers at this present; the Constable-Marshall and Master of
+the Game, for the better honour and reputation of the Commonwealth;
+and wisheth them to be received, &c.
+
+"Then the King's Serjeant at Law declareth and inferreth the
+necessity; which heard the Lord Chancellor desireth respite of farther
+advice. Then the antientest of the Masters of the Revels singeth a
+song with the assistance of others there present.
+
+"At Supper the Hall is to be served in all solemnity, as upon
+Christmas Day, both the first and second course to the highest table.
+Supper ended the Constable-Marshall presenteth himself with drums
+afore him, mounted upon a scaffold, born by four men; and goeth three
+times round about the harthe, crying out aloud, 'A Lord, a lord,' &c.
+Then he descendeth and goeth to dance, &c. And after he calleth his
+Court every one by name, one by one, in this manner:
+
+"Sir _Francis Flatterer_ of _Fowlehurst_, in the county of
+_Buckingham_.
+
+"Sir _Randle Rakabite_, of _Rascall-Hall_, in the county of
+_Rakehell_.
+
+"Sir _Morgan Mumchance_, of _Much Monkery_, in the county of _Mad
+Mopery_.
+
+"Sir _Bartholomew Baldbreech_, of _Buttocks-bury_, in the county of
+_Brekeneck_.
+
+"This done the Lord of Misrule addresseth himself to the banquet;
+which ended with some minstralsye, mirth and dancing every man
+departeth to rest.
+
+"At every mess is a pot of wine allowed.
+
+"Every repast is 6d.
+
+"_St. John's Day._--About seaven of the clock in the morning, the Lord
+of Misrule is abroad, and if he lack any officer or attendant, he
+repaireth to their chambers, and compelleth them to attend in person
+upon him after service in the church, to breakfast, with brawn,
+mustard, and malmsey. After breakfast ended, his Lordship's power is
+in suspense, until his personal presence at night; and then his power
+is most potent.
+
+"At dinner and supper is observed the diet and service performed on
+St. Stephen's Day. After the second course served in, the King's
+Serjeant, orator-like, declareth the disorder of the
+Constable-Marshall, and of the Common-Serjeant: which complaint is
+answered by the Common-Serjeant; who defendeth himself and the
+Constable-Marshall with words of great efficacy. Hereto the King's
+Serjeant replyeth. They rejoyn, &c., and who so is found faulty is
+committed to the Tower, &c.
+
+"If any officer be absent at dinner or supper times; if it be
+complained of, he that sitteth in his place is adjudged to have like
+punishment as the officer should have had being present: and then
+withal he is enjoyned to supply the office of the true absent officer,
+in all pointe. If any offendor escape from the Lieutenant into the
+Buttery, and bring into the Hall a manchet upon the point of a knife,
+he is pardoned: for the buttry in that case is a sanctuary. After
+cheese served to the table not any is commanded to sing.
+
+"_Childermas Day._--In the morning, as afore on Monday, the Hall is
+served; saving that the Sewer, Carver, and Cup-bearer, do not attend
+any service. Also like ceremony at supper.
+
+"_Thursday._--At breakfast, brawn, mustard, and malmsey. At dinner,
+roast beef, venison-pasties, with like solemnities as afore. And at
+supper, mutton and hens roasted.
+
+"_New Year's Day._--In the morning, breakfast as formerly. At dinner
+like solemnity as on Christmas Eve.
+
+"_The Banquetting Night._--It is proper to the Butler's office, to
+give warning to every House of Court, of this banquet; to the end that
+they and the Innes of Chancery, be invited thereto to see a play and
+mask. The hall is to be furnished with scaffolds to sit on, for Ladies
+to behold the sports, on each side. Which ended the ladyes are to be
+brought into the Library, unto the Banquet there; and a table is to be
+covered and furnished with all banquetting dishes, for the Lord
+Chancellor, in the Hall; where he is to call to him the Ancients of
+other Houses, as many as may be on the one side of the table. The
+Banquet is to be served in by the Gentlemen of the House.
+
+"The Marshall and Steward are to come before the Lord Chancellour's
+mess. The Butlers for Christmas must serve wine; and the Butlers of
+the House beer and ale, &c. When the banquet is ended, then cometh
+into the Hall the Constable-Marshall, fairly mounted on his mule; and
+deviseth some sport for passing away the rest of the night.
+
+"_Twelf Day._--At breakfast, brawn, mustard, and malmsey, after
+morning prayer ended. And at dinner, the Hall is to be served as upon
+St. John's Day."
+
+              *     *     *     *     *
+
+The performance of "Gorboduc" at the Inner Temple was received with
+such great applause, and the services of Lord Robert Dudley, first
+favourite of the Queen, so highly appreciated at that particular
+"grand Christmasse," that Queen Elizabeth commanded a repetition of
+the play about a fortnight later, before herself, at her Court at
+Whitehall. A contemporary MS. note (Cotton MSS., Vit. F. v.) says of
+
+
+THE PERFORMANCE BEFORE THE QUEEN,
+
+that "on the 18th of January, 1562, there was a play in the Queen's
+Hall at Westminster by the gentlemen of the Temple after a great mask,
+for there was a great scaffold in the hall, with great triumph as has
+been seen; and the morrow after, the scaffold was taken down." An
+unauthorised edition of the play was first published, in September of
+that year, by William Griffith, a bookseller in St. Dunstan's
+Churchyard; but nine years afterwards an authorised and "true copy" of
+the play was published by John Day, of Aldersgate, the title being
+then altered from "Gorboduc" (in which name the spurious edition had
+been issued) to "Ferrex and Porrex." The title of this edition set
+forth that the play was "without addition or alteration, but
+altogether as the same was shewed on stage before the Queen's
+Majestie, by the gentlemen of the Inner Temple." The argument of the
+play was taken from Geoffrey of Monmouth's "History of British Kings,"
+and was a call to Englishmen to cease from strife among themselves and
+become an united people, obedient to one undisputed rule:--
+
+ "Within one land one single rule is best:
+  Divided reigns do make divided hearts;
+  But peace preserves the country and the prince."
+
+It recalled the horrors of the civil wars, and forbade the like
+again:--
+
+ "What princes slain before their timely hour!
+  What waste of towns and people in the land!
+  What treasons heap'd on murders and on spoils!
+  Whose just revenge e'en yet is scarcely ceas'd:
+  Ruthful remembrance is yet raw in mind.
+  The gods forbid the like to chance again."
+
+A good description of the play, with copious extracts, is published in
+Morley's "English Plays," from which it also appears that "Queen
+Mary's expenditure on players and musicians had been between two and
+three thousand pounds a year in salaries. Elizabeth reduced this
+establishment, but still paid salaries to interlude players and
+musicians, to a keeper of bears and mastiffs, as well as to the
+gentlemen and children of the chapel. The Master of the Children had a
+salary of forty pounds a year; the children had largesse at high
+feasts, and when additional use was made of their services; and each
+Gentleman of the Chapel had nineteenpence a day, with board and
+clothing. The Master of the Chapel who at this time had the training
+of the children was Richard Edwards, who had written lighter pieces
+for them to act before her Majesty, and now applied his skill to the
+writing of English comedies, and teaching his boys to act them for the
+pleasure of the Queen. The new form of entertainment made its way at
+Court and through the country."
+
+[Illustration: THE FOOL OF THE OLD PLAY.
+(_From a Print by Breughel._)]
+
+At this period
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS REVELS AT THE INNS OF COURT
+
+were observed with much zest and jollity. Sandys (writing in 1833 of
+Elizabeth's time) says:--
+
+"The order of the usual Christmas amusements at the Inns of Court at
+this period would cause some curious scenes if carried into effect in
+the present day. Barristers singing and dancing before the judges,
+serjeants and benchers, would 'draw a house' if spectators were
+admitted. Of so serious import was this dancing considered, that by an
+order in Lincoln's Inn of February, 7th James I., the under barristers
+were by decimation put out of commons because the whole bar offended
+by not dancing on Candlemas Day preceding, according to the ancient
+order of the society, when the judges were present; with a threat that
+if the fault were repeated, they should be fined or disbarred."
+
+Sir William Dugdale makes the following reference to
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS REVELS OF THE INNER TEMPLE:--
+
+"First, the solemn Revells (after dinner, and the play ended,) are
+begun by the whole House, Judges, Sergeants at Law, Benchers; the
+Utter and Inner Barr; and they led by the _Master of the Revells_: and
+one of the Gentlemen of the Utter Barr are chosen to sing a song to
+the Judges, Serjeants, or Masters of the Bench; which is usually
+performed; and in default thereof, there may be an amerciament. Then
+the Judges and Benchers take their places, and sit down at the upper
+end of the Hall. Which done, the _Utter-Barristers_ and
+_Inner-Barristers_, perform a second solemn Revell before them. Which
+ended, the _Utter-Barristers_ take their places and sit down. Some of
+the Gentlemen of the _Inner-Barr_, do present the House with dancing,
+which is called the _Post Revells_, and continue their Dances, till
+the Judges or Bench think meet to rise and depart."
+
+
+THE HARD FROST OF 1564
+
+gave the citizens of London an opportunity of keeping Christmas on the
+ice. An old chronicler says: "From 21st December, 1564, a hard frost
+prevailed, and on new year's eve, people went over and alongst the
+Thames on the ise from London Bridge to Westminster. Some plaied at
+the football as boldlie there, as if it had been on the drie land;
+divers of the Court, being then at Westminster shot dailie at prickes
+set upon the Thames, and tradition says, Queen Elizabeth herself
+walked upon the ise. The people both men and women, went on the Thames
+in greater numbers than in any street of the City of London. On the
+third daie of January, 1565, at night it began to thaw, and on the
+fifth there was no ise to be seene between London Bridge and Lambeth,
+which sudden thaw caused great floods, and high waters, that bore
+downe bridges and houses and drowned Manie people in England."
+
+
+HOW QUEEN ELIZABETH WENT TO WORSHIP, CHRISTMAS, 1565.
+
+Nichols[55] gives the following particular account of Queen
+Elizabeth's attendance at Divine worship, at the "Chappell of
+Whitehall, Westminster," Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 1565:--
+
+"Item, on Monday, the 24th of December, the Officers of Arms being
+there present, the Queen's Majesty came to the evening prayer, the
+sword borne by the Earle of Warwick, her trayn borne by the Lady
+Strange.
+
+"Item, on Christmas Day her Majesty came to service very richly
+apparelled in a gown of purple velvet embroidered with silver very
+richly set with stones, with a rich collar set with stones; the Earl
+of Warwick bare the sword, the Lady Strange the trayn. After the
+Creed, the Queene's Majesty went down to the offering, and having a
+short forme with a carpet, and a cushion laid by a gentleman usher,
+the ... taken by the Lord Chamberlain, her Majesty kneeled down, her
+offering given her by the Marquis of Northampton; after which she went
+into her traverse, where she abode till the time of the communion, and
+then came forth, and kneeled down at the cushion and carpet aforesaid;
+the Gentlemen Ushers delivered the towel to the Lord Chamberlain, who
+delivered the same to be holden by the Earl of Sussex on the right
+hand, and the Earl of Leicester on the left hand; the Bishop of
+Rochester served the Queen both of wine and bread; then the Queen went
+into the traverse again; and the Ladie Cicilie, wife of the Marquis of
+Baden, came out of the traverse, and kneeled at the place where the
+Queen kneeled, but she had no cushion, but one to kneel on; after she
+had received she returned to the traverse again; then the Archbishop
+of Canterbury and the Lord Chamberlain received the Communion with the
+Mother of the Maids; after which the service proceeded to the end, and
+the Queen returned again to the Chamber of presence strait, and not
+the closet. Her Majesty dined not abroad; the said Officers of Arms
+had a mess of meat of seven dishes, with bread, beer, ale, and wine."
+
+
+ROYAL CHRISTMASES AT HAMPTON COURT.
+
+In 1568, the Earl of Shrewsbury, writing from Hampton Court to his
+countess, says, "The Plage is disposed far abrode in London, so that
+the Queene kepes hur Kyrsomas her, and goth not to Grenwych as it was
+mete." Meet or not, Elizabeth kept many Christmases at Hampton Court,
+banqueting, dancing, and dicing--the last being a favourite amusement
+with her, because she generally won, thanks to her dice being so
+loaded as to throw up the higher numbers. Writing from Hampton Court
+at Christmas, 1572, Sir Thomas Smith says: "If ye would what we do
+here, we play at tables, dance, and keep Christmasse."
+
+[Illustration: Coat of Arms.]
+
+
+QUEEN ELIZABETH'S SINGERS AND PLAYERS.
+
+The Christmas entertainments of Queen Elizabeth were enlivened by the
+beautiful singing of the children of her Majesty's Chapel. From the
+notes to Gascoigne's _Princely Pleasures_ (1821) it appears that Queen
+Elizabeth retained on her Royal establishment four sets of singing
+boys; which belonged to the Cathedral of St. Paul, the Abbey of
+Westminster, St. George's Chapel, Windsor, and the Household Chapel.
+For the support and reinforcement of her musical bands, Elizabeth,
+like the other English Sovereigns, issued warrants for taking "up
+suche apt and meete children, as are fitt to be instructed and framed
+in the Art and Science of Musicke and Singing." Thomas Tusser, the
+well-known author of "Five Hundreth Points of Good Husbandrye," was in
+his youth a choir boy of St. Paul's. Nor is it astonishing, that
+although masses had ceased to be performed, the Queen should yet
+endeavour to preserve sacred melody in a high state of perfection;
+since, according to Burney, she was herself greatly skilled in musical
+learning. "If her Majesty," says that eminent author, "was ever able
+to execute any of the pieces that are preserved in a MS. which goes
+under the name of Queen Elizabeth's Virginal-book, she must have been
+a very great player, as some of the pieces which were composed by
+Tallis, Bird, Giles, Farnaby, Dr. Bull, and others, are so difficult
+that it would be hardly possible to find a master in Europe who would
+undertake to play any of them at the end of a month's practice."[56]
+But the children of the chapel were also employed in the theatrical
+exhibitions represented at Court, for which their musical education
+had peculiarly qualified them. Richard Edwards, an eminent poet and
+musician of the sixteenth century, had written two comedies; Damon and
+Pythias, and Palemon and Arcite, which, according to Wood, were often
+acted before the Queen, both at Court and at Oxford.
+
+[Illustration: THE ACTING OF ONE OF SHAKESPEARE'S PLAYS IN THE TIME OF
+QUEEN ELIZABETH.
+(_By permission, from Messrs Cassell & Co's "Illustrated History of
+England_")]
+
+With the latter of these Queen Elizabeth was so much delighted that
+she promised Edwards a reward, which she subsequently gave him by
+making him first Gentleman of her Chapel, and in 1561 Master of the
+Children on the death of Richard Bowyer. As the Queen was particularly
+attached to dramatic entertainments, about 1569 she formed the
+children of the Royal Chapel into a company of theatrical performers,
+and placed them under the superintendence of Edwards. Not long after
+she formed a second society of players under the title of the
+"Children of the Revels," and by these two companies all Lyly's plays,
+and many of Shakespeare's and Jonson's, were first performed. Jonson
+has celebrated one of the chapel children, named Salathiel Pavy, who
+was famous for his performance of old men, but who died about 1601,
+under the age of thirteen. In his beautiful epitaph of Pavy, Jonson
+says:--
+
+ "'Twas a child that did so thrive
+    In grace and feature,
+  As heaven and nature seem'd to strive
+    Which own'd the creature.
+  Years he number'd scarce thirteen
+    When fates turn'd cruel,
+  Yet three fill'd Zodiacs had he been
+    The stage's jewel;
+  And did act, what now we moan.
+    Old men so duly,
+  That the Parcoe thought him one
+    He played so truly."
+
+The Shakespearian period had its grand Christmases, for
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS PLAYERS
+
+at the Court of Queen Elizabeth included England's greatest dramatist,
+William Shakespeare; and the Queen not only took delight in witnessing
+Shakespeare's plays, but also admired the poet as a player. The
+histrionic ability of Shakespeare was by no means contemptible, though
+probably not such as to have transmitted his name to posterity had he
+confined himself exclusively to acting. Rowe informs us that "the
+tip-top of his performances was the ghost in his own _Hamlet_;" but
+Aubrey states that he "did act exceedingly well"; and Cheetle, a
+contemporary of the poet, who had seen him perform, assures us that he
+was "excellent in the quality he professed." An anecdote is preserved
+in connection with Shakespeare's playing before Queen Elizabeth. While
+he was taking the part of a king, in the presence of the Queen,
+Elizabeth rose, and, in crossing the stage, dropped her glove as she
+passed the poet. No notice was taken by him of the incident; and the
+Queen, desirous of finding out whether this was the result of
+inadvertence, or a determination to preserve the consistency of his
+part, moved again towards him, and again dropped her glove.
+Shakespeare then stooped down to pick it up, saying, in the character
+of the monarch whom he was playing--
+
+ "And though now bent on this high embassy,
+  Yet stoop we to take up our cousin's glove."
+
+He then retired and presented the glove to the Queen, who was highly
+pleased with his courtly performance.
+
+
+GRAND CHRISTMAS AT GRAY'S INN.
+
+In 1594 there was a celebrated Christmas at Gray's Inn, of which an
+account was published in 1688 under the following title:--
+
+"Gesta Grayorum: or the History of the High and Mighty Prince, Henry
+Prince of Purpoole, Arch-Duke of Stapulia and Bernardia, Duke of High
+and Nether Holborn, Marquis of St. Giles and Tottenham, Count
+Palatine of Bloomsbury and Clerkenwell, Great Lord of the Cantons of
+Islington, Kentish-Town, Paddington, and Knights-bridge, Knight of the
+most Heroical Order of the Helmet, and Sovereign of the same; Who
+Reigned and Died, A.D. 1594. Together with a Masque, as it was
+presented (by his Highness's Command) for the entertainment of Q.
+Elizabeth; who, with the Nobles of both Courts, was present thereat.
+London, Printed for W. Canning, at his shop in the Temple-Cloysters,
+MDCLXXXVIII. Price one shilling." 4to nine sheets, dedicated "To the
+most honourable Matthew Smyth, Esq., Comptroller of the honourable
+society of the Inner Temple."
+
+The Prince of Purpoole was Mr. Henry Helmes, a Norfolk gentleman, "who
+was thought to be accomplished with all good parts, fit for so great a
+dignity; and was also a very proper man of personage, and very active
+in dancing and revelling." His coffers were filled by voluntary
+contributors, amongst whom the lord treasurer, Sir William Cecil, sent
+him ten pounds, and a purse of rich needlework.
+
+The performers were highly applauded by Queen Elizabeth, who expressed
+satisfaction in her own peculiar style. When the actors had performed
+their Masque, some of her Majesty's courtiers danced a measure,
+whereupon the Queen exclaimed: "What! shall we have bread and cheese
+after a banquet?" Finally the Prince and his Officers of State were
+honoured by kissing her fair hands, and receiving the most flattering
+commendations. The whole amusement terminated in fighting at barriers;
+the Earl of Essex, and others, challengers; the Earl of Cumberland and
+company defendants, "into which number," says the narrator, "our
+Prince was taken, and behaved himself so valiantly and skilfully
+therein, that he had the prize adjudged due unto him, which it pleased
+her Majesty to deliver him with her own hands; telling him, that it
+was not her gift, for if it had, it should have been better; but she
+gave it to him, as that prize which was due to his desert, and good
+behaviour in those exercises; and that hereafter he should be
+remembered with a better reward from herself. The prize was a jewel,
+set with seventeen diamonds and four rubies; in value accounted worth
+a hundred marks."
+
+The following is the Gray's Inn list of performers, which included
+some gentlemen who were afterwards "distinguished members in the law."
+
+[From "Gesta Grayorum," page 6.]
+
+"The order of the Prince of Purpoole's proceedings, with his
+officers and attendants at his honourable inthronization; which
+was likewise observed in all his solemn marches on grand days,
+and like occasions; which place every officer did duly attend,
+during the reign of his highness's government.
+
+                 A Marshal.}      {A Marshal.
+                 Trumpets. }      {Trumpets.
+
+Pursuevant at Arms         _Lanye._
+
+Townsmen in the Prince's Livery}      {Yeomen of the Guard
+      with Halberts.           }      {three couples.
+
+Captain of the Guard                         _Grimes._
+
+Baron of the Grand Port                      _Dudley._
+
+Baron of the Base Port                       _Grante._
+
+Gentlemen for Entertainment, three couples   _Binge, &c._
+
+Baron of the Petty Port                      _Williams._
+
+Baron of the New Port                        _Lovel._
+
+                                            {_Wentworth._
+Gentlemen for Entertainment, three couples  {_Zukenden._
+                                            {_Forrest._
+
+Lieutenant of the Pensioners      _Tonstal._
+
+Gentlemen Pensioners, twelve couples, viz.:
+      Lawson.   }      {Rotts.   }      {Davison.
+      Devereux. }      {Anderson.}      {
+      Stapleton.}      {Glascott.}      {
+      Daniel.   }      {Elken.   }      {cum reliquis.
+
+Chief Ranger and Master of the Game          _Forrest._
+
+Master of the Revels                         _Lambert._
+
+Master of the Revellers                      _Tevery._
+
+Captain of the Pensioners                    _Cooke._
+
+Sewer                                        _Archer._
+
+Carver                                       _Moseley._
+
+Another Sewer                                _Drewery._
+
+Cup-bearer                                   _Painter._
+
+Groom-porter                                 _Bennet._
+
+Sheriff                                      _Leach._
+
+Clerk of the Council                         _Jones._
+
+Clerk of the Parliament.
+
+Clerk of the Crown                           _Downes._
+
+Orator                                       _Heke._
+
+Recorder                                     _Starkey._
+
+Solicitor                                    _Dunne._
+
+Serjeant                                     _Goldsmith._
+
+Speaker of the Parliament                    _Bellen._
+
+Commissary                                   _Greenwood._
+
+Attorney                                     _Holt._
+
+Serjeant                                     _Hitchcombe._
+
+Master of the Requests                       _Faldo._
+
+Chancellor of the Exchequer                  _Kitts._
+
+Master of the Wards and Idiots               _Ellis._
+
+Reader                                       _Cobb._
+
+Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer            _Briggs._
+
+Master of the Rolls                          _Hetlen._
+
+Lord Chief Baron of the Common Pleas         _Damporte._
+
+Lord Chief Justice of the Princes Bench      _Crew._
+
+Master of the Ordnance                       _Fitz-Williams._
+
+Lieutenant of the Tower                      _Lloyd._
+
+Master of the Jewel-house                    _Darlen._
+
+Treasurer of the House-hold                  _Smith._
+
+Knight Marshal                               _Bell._
+
+Master of the Ward-robe                      _Conney._
+
+Comptroller of the House-hold                _Bouthe._
+
+Bishop of St. Giles's in the Fie             _Dandye._
+
+Steward of the House-hold                    _Smith._
+
+Lord Warden of the four Ports                _Damporte._
+
+Secretary of State                           _Jones._
+
+Lord Admiral                                 _Cecil (Richard)._
+
+Lord Treasurer                               _Morrey._
+
+Lord Great Chamberlain                       _Southworth._
+
+Lord High Constable.
+
+Lord Marshal                                 _Knapolck._
+
+Lord Privy Seal                              _Lamphew._
+
+Lord Chamberlain of the House-hold           _Markham._
+
+Lord High Steward                            _Kempe._
+
+Lord Chancellor                              _Johnson._
+
+Archbishop of St. Andrews in Holborn         _Bush._
+
+Serjeant at Arms, with the Mace              _Flemming._
+
+Gentleman-Usher                              _Chevett._
+
+The Shield of Pegasus, for the Inner-Temple  _Scevington._
+
+Serjeant at Arms, with the Sword             _Glascott._
+
+Gentleman-Usher                              _Paylor._
+
+The Shield of the Griffin, for Gray's-Inn    _Wickliffe._
+
+The King at Arms                             _Perkinson._
+
+The great Shield of the Prince's Arms        _Cobley._
+
+The Prince of Purpoole                       _Helmes._
+
+A Page of Honour                             _Wandforde._
+
+Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber, six couples.
+
+A Page of Honour                             _Butler (Roger)._
+
+Vice-Chamberlain                             _Butler (Thomas)._
+
+Master of the Horse                          _Fitz-Hugh._
+
+Yeomen of the Guard, three couples.
+Townsmen in Liveries.
+
+        The Family and Followers."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS'S LAMENTATION
+
+is the subject of an old song preserved in the Roxburgh Collection of
+Ballads in the British Museum. The full title is: "Christmas's
+Lamentation for the losse of his acquaintance; showing how he is forst
+to leave the country and come to London." It appears to have been
+published at the end of the sixteenth or the beginning of the
+seventeenth century. The burden of the song is that Christmas "charity
+from the country is fled," and the first verse will sufficiently
+indicate the style of the writing:--
+
+  Christmas is my name, far have I gone,
+  Have I gone, have I gone, have I gone, without regard,
+  Whereas great men by flocks there be flown,
+  There be flown, there be flown, there be flown, to London-ward;
+  Where they in pomp and pleasure do waste
+  That which Christmas was wonted to feast, Welladay!
+  Houses where music was wont for to ring
+  Nothing but bats and owlets do sing.
+      Welladay! Welladay! Welladay! where should I stay?
+
+
+OLD CHRISTMAS RETURNED
+
+is the title of a lively Christmas ditty which is a kind of reply to
+the preceding ballad. It is preserved in the collection formed by
+Samuel Pepys, some time Secretary to the Admiralty, and author of the
+famous diary, and by him bequeathed to Magdalene College, Cambridge.
+The full title and first verse of the old song are as follows:--
+
+"Old Christmas returned, or Hospitality revived; being a Looking-glass
+for Rich Misers, wherein they may see (if they be not blind) how much
+they are to blame for their penurious house-keeping, and likewise an
+encouragement to those noble-minded gentry, who lay out a great part
+of their estates in hospitality, relieving such persons as have need
+thereof:
+
+ 'Who feasts the poor, a true reward shall find,
+  Or helps the old, the feeble, lame, and blind.'"
+
+ "All you that to feasting and mirth are inclined,
+  Come, here is good news for to pleasure your mind;
+  Old Christmas is come for to keep open house,
+  He scorns to be guilty of starving a mouse;
+  Then come, boys, and welcome, for diet the chief,
+  Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minc'd pies, and roast beef."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN THE COUNTRY
+
+was revived in accordance with the commands of Queen Elizabeth, who
+listened sympathetically to the "Lamentations" of her lowlier
+subjects. Their complaint was that the royal and public pageants at
+Christmastide allured to the metropolis many country gentlemen, who,
+neglecting the comforts of their dependents in the country at this
+season, dissipated in town part of their means for assisting them, and
+incapacitated themselves from continuing that hospitality for which
+the country had been so long noted. In order to check this practice,
+the gentlemen of Norfolk and Suffolk were commanded by Queen Elizabeth
+to depart from London before Christmas, and "to repair to their
+counties, and there to keep hospitality amongst their neighbours." The
+presence of the higher classes was needed among the country people to
+give that assistance which was quaintly recommended by Tusser in his
+"Hundreth good Points of Husbandrie":
+
+ "At Christmas be mery, and thanke God of all:
+  And feast thy pore neighbours, the great with the small.
+  Yea al the yere long have an eie to the poore:
+  And God shall sende luck to kepe open thy doore."
+
+Henry Lord Berkeley, who had a seat in Warwickshire,
+appears to have set a good example in this respect to the
+noblemen of the period, for, according to Dugdale, "the greatest
+part of this lord's abydinge after his mother's death, happenynge
+in the sixth yeare of Queen Elizabeth, was at Callowdon, till his
+own death in the eleventh of Kinge James, from whence, once
+in two or three yeares, hee used in July to come to Berkeley."
+The historic house of Berkeley essentially belongs to Gloucestershire;
+but on the death of Edward VI., Henry Lord Berkeley,
+
+[Illustration:
+
+ "With a good old fashion, when Christmas was come,
+  To call in all his old neighbours with bagpipe and drum."]
+
+by descent from the Mowbrays and the Segraves, became possessed of the
+ancient Manor and castellated mansion of Caludon, near Coventry, where
+he lived in splendour, and kept a grand retinue, being profuse in his
+hospitalities at Christmas, as well as in his alms to the poor
+throughout the year. "As touchinge the Almes to the poore of 5 & six
+country p'ishes & villages hard adjoyninge to Callowdon were relieved,
+with each of them a neepe of holsome pottage, with a peece of beoffe
+or mutton therin, halfe a cheate loafe, & a kan of beere, besides the
+private Almes that dayly went out of his purse never without eight or
+ten shillings in single money of ijd iijd & groates, & besides
+his Maundy & Thursday before Ester day, wherein many poore men and
+women were clothed by the liberality of this lord and his first wife,
+whilest they lived; and besides twenty markes, or twenty pound, or
+more, which thrice each yeare, against the feaste of Christmas, Ester,
+and Whitsontide, was sent by this Lord to two or three of the chiefest
+Inhabitants of these villages, and of Gosford Street at Coventry, to
+bee distributed amongst the poore accordinge to their discretions.
+Such was the humanity of this Lord, that in tymes of Christmas and
+other festyvalls, when his neighbor townships were invited and feasted
+in his Hall, hee would, in the midst of their dynner, ryse from his
+owne, & goynge to each of their tables in his Hall, cheerfully bid
+them welcome. And his further order was, having guests of Honour or
+remarkable ranke that filled his owne table, to seate himselfe at the
+lower end; and when such guests filled but half his bord, & a meaner
+degree the rest of his table, then to seate himselfe the last of the
+first ranke, & the first of the later, which was about the midst of
+his large tables, neare the salt."
+
+Another home of Christmas hospitality in the days of "Good Queen Bess"
+was Penshurst in Kent, the birthplace of the distinguished and
+chivalrous Sir Philip Sidney. "All who enjoyed the hospitality of
+Penshurst," says Mills's _History of Chivalry_, "were equal in
+consideration of the host; there were no odious distinctions of rank
+or fortune; 'the dishes did not grow coarser as they receded from the
+head of the table,' and no huge salt-cellar divided the noble from the
+ignoble guests." That hospitality was the honourable distinction of
+the Sidney family in general is also evident from Ben Jonson's lines
+on Penshurst:
+
+              "Whose liberal board doth flow
+  With all that hospitality doth know!
+  Where comes no guest but is allow'd to eat,
+  Without his fear, and of thy Lord's own meat
+  Where the same beer and bread, and self-same wine,
+  That is His Lordship's, shall be also mine."[57]
+
+A reviewer of "The Sidneys of Penshurst," by Philip Sidney, says there
+is a tradition that the Black Prince and his Fair Maid of Kent once
+spent their Christmastide at Penshurst, whose banqueting hall, one of
+the finest in England, dates back to that age of chivalry. At
+Penshurst Spenser wrote part of his "Shepherd's Calendar," and Ben
+Jonson drank and rhymed and revelled in this stateliest of English
+manor houses.
+
+[Illustration: CHRISTMAS IN THE HALL.
+
+  "A man might then behold,
+    At Christmas, in each hall,
+  Good fires to curb the cold,
+    And meat for great and small."]
+
+Queen Elizabeth died on March 23, 1603, after nominating James VI. of
+Scotland as her successor, and
+
+
+THE ACCESSION OF KING JAMES,
+
+as James I. of England, united the crowns of England and Scotland,
+which had been the aim of Mary Queen of Scots before her death.
+
+    [49] Cassell's "History of England."
+
+    [50] "Domestic Memoirs of the Royal Family."
+
+    [51] "History of the English People."
+
+    [52] "Progresses."
+
+    [53] "English Plays."
+
+    [54] Sir William Dugdale's "Origines Juridiciales."
+
+    [55] "Progresses."
+
+    [56] "History of Music," vol iii. p. 15.
+
+    [57] Gifford's "Ben Jonson," vol. viii. p. 254.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER VIII._
+
+CHRISTMAS UNDER JAMES I.
+
+(1603-1625.)
+
+
+COURT MASQUES.
+
+The Court entertainments of Christmastide in the reign of James the
+First consisted chiefly of the magnificent masques of Ben Jonson and
+others, who, by their training in the preceding reign, had acquired a
+mastery of the dramatic art. The company to which Shakespeare belonged
+(that of Lord Chamberlain's players) became the King's players on the
+accession of James, and several of Shakespeare's plays were produced
+at Court. But very early in this reign plays gave place to the more
+costly and elaborate entertainments called masques, but which were
+very different from the dumb-show masques of Elizabeth's reign, the
+masquerades of Henry the Eighth, and the low-buffoonery masques of
+earlier times. At the Court of James thousands of pounds were
+sometimes expended on the production of a single masque. To the aid of
+poetry, composed by poets of the first rank, came the most skilful
+musicians and the most ingenious machinists. Inigo Jones, who became
+architect to the Court in 1606, shared honours with Ben Jonson in the
+production of the Court masques, as did also Henry Lawes, the eminent
+musician. In some of the masques the devices of attire were the work
+of "Master Jones," as well as the invention and the architecture of
+the whole of the scenery. D'Israeli[58] says:--"That the moveable
+scenery of these masques formed as perfect a scenical illusion as any
+that our own age, with all its perfection and decoration, has attained
+to, will not be denied by those who have read the few masques that
+have been printed. They usually contrived a double division of the
+scene; one part was for some time concealed from the spectator, which
+produced surprise and variety. Thus in the Lord's Masque, at the
+marriage of the Palatine, the scene was divided into two parts from
+the roof to the floor; the lower part being first discovered, there
+appeared a wood in perspective, the innermost part being of "releeve
+or whole round," the rest painted. On the left a cave, and on the
+right a thicket from which issued Orpheus. At the back of the scene,
+at the sudden fall of a curtain, the upper part broke on the
+spectators, a heaven of clouds of all hues; the stars suddenly
+vanished, the clouds dispersed; an element of artificial fire played
+about the house of Prometheus--a bright and transparent cloud reaching
+from the heavens to the earth, whence the eight maskers descended with
+the music of a full song; and at the end of their descent the cloud
+broke in twain, and one part of it, as with a wind, was blown athwart
+the scene. While this cloud was vanishing, the wood, being the under
+part of the scene, was insensibly changing: a perspective view opened,
+with porticoes on each side, and female statues of silver, accompanied
+with ornaments of architecture, filled the end of the house of
+Prometheus, and seemed all of goldsmith's work. The women of
+Prometheus descended from their niches till the anger of Jupiter
+turned them again into statues. It is evident, too, that the size of
+the procenium accorded with the magnificence of the scene; for I find
+choruses described, 'and changeable conveyances of the song,' in
+manner of an echo, performed by more than forty different voices and
+instruments in various parts of the scene."
+
+The masque, as Lord Bacon says, was composed for princes, and by
+princes it was played. The King and Queen, Prince Henry, and Prince
+Charles (afterwards Charles the First) all appeared in Court masques,
+as did also the nobility and gentry of the Court, foreign ambassadors,
+and other eminent personages.
+
+In his notes to "The Masque of Queens," Ben Jonson refers several
+times to "the King's Majesty's book (our sovereign) of Demonology."
+The goat ridden was said to be often the devil himself, but "of the
+green cock, we have no other ground (to confess ingenuously) than a
+vulgar fable of a witch, that with a cock of that colour, and a bottom
+of blue thread, would transport herself through the air; and so
+escaped (at the time of her being brought to execution) from the hand
+of justice. It was a tale when I went to school."
+
+That there was no lack of ability for carrying out the Court commands
+in regard to the Christmas entertainments of this period is evident
+from the company of eminent men who used to meet at the "Mermaid."
+"Sir Walter Raleigh," says Gifford,[59] "previously to his unfortunate
+engagement with the wretched Cobham and others, had instituted a
+meeting of _beaux esprits_ at the Mermaid, a celebrated tavern in
+Friday Street. Of this club, which combined more talent and genius,
+perhaps, than ever met together before or since, Jonson was a member;
+and here, for many years, he regularly repaired with Shakespeare,
+Beaumont, Fletcher, Selden, Cotton, Carew, Martin, Donne, and many
+others, whose names, even at this distant period, call up a mingled
+feeling of reverence and respect." Here, in the full flow and
+confidence of friendship, the lively and interesting "wit-combats"
+took place between Shakespeare and Jonson; and hither, in probable
+allusion to them, Beaumont fondly lets his thoughts wander in his
+letter to Jonson from the country.
+
+                   "What things have we seen,
+  Done at the Mermaid? heard words that have been,
+  So nimble, and so full of subtle flame,
+  As if that every one from whom they came,
+  Had meant to put his whole wit in a jest," &c.
+
+Masques, however, were not the only Christmas diversions of royalty at
+this period, for James I. was very fond of hunting, and Nichols[60]
+says that, in 1604, the King kept
+
+
+A ROYAL CHRISTMAS AT ROYSTON,
+
+at his new hunting seat there, and "between the 18th of December and
+22nd of January he there knighted Sir Richard Hussey, of Salop; Sir
+Edward Bushell, of Gloucestershire; Sir John Fenwick, of
+Northumberland; Sir John Huet, of London; Sir Robert Jermyn, of
+Suffolk; Sir Isaac Jermyn, of Suffolk; Sir John Rowse; Sir Thomas
+Muschamp, of Surrey. Mr. Chamberlaine, in a letter to Mr. Winwood from
+London, December 18th, says: 'The King came back from Royston on
+Saturday; but so far from being weary or satisfyed with those sports,
+that presently after the holy-days he makes reckoning to be there
+againe, or, as some say, to go further towards Lincolnshire, to a
+place called _Ancaster Heath_.'"
+
+In this letter Mr. Chamberlaine also refers to
+
+
+OTHER COURT AMUSEMENTS OF CHRISTMASTIDE,
+
+for, proceeding, he says:--
+
+"In the meantime here is great provision for Cockpit, to entertaine
+him at home, and of Masks and Revells against the marriage of Sir
+Philip Herbert and the Lady Susan Vere, which is to be celebrated on
+St. John's Day. The Queen hath likewise a great Mask in hand against
+Twelfth-tide, for which there was £3,000 delivered a month ago. Her
+brother, the Duke of Holst, is here still, procuring a levy of men to
+carry into Hungary. The Tragedy of 'Gowry,' with all the action and
+actors, hath been twice represented by the King's Players, with
+exceeding concourse of all sorts of people; but whether the matter or
+manner be not well handled, or that it be thought unfit that Princes
+should be played on the stage in their lifetime, I hear that some
+great Councellors are much displeased with it, and so 'tis thought
+shall be forbidden. And so wishing a merry Christmas and many a good
+year to you and Mrs. Winwood, I committ you to God. Yours, most
+assuredly, John Chamberlaine."
+
+"On the 26th of January, Mr. Chamberlaine writes thus to Mr. Winwood:
+'I doubt not but Dudley Carleton hath acquainted you with all their
+Christmas-games at Court, for he was a spectator of all the sports and
+shows. The King went to Royston two days after Twelfth-tide, where and
+thereabout he hath continued ever since, and finds such felicity in
+that hunting life, that he hath written to the Councill that it is the
+only means to maintain his health, which being the health and welfare
+of us all, he desires them to take the charge and burden of affairs,
+and foresee that he be not interrupted or _troubled with too much
+business_.'"
+
+Campion's Masque in honour of Lord Hayes and his bride was presented
+before King James, at Whitehall, on Twelfth Night, 1606; and in
+reference to the Christmas festivities at Court the following year
+(1607), Mr. Chamberlaine, writing to Sir D. Carleton, on the 5th of
+January, says:
+
+"The Masque goes forward at Court for Twelfth-day, though I doubt the
+New Room will be scant ready. All the Holidays there were Plays; but
+with so little concourse of strangers, that they say they wanted
+company. The King was very earnest to have one on Christmas-night; but
+the Lords told him it was not the fashion. Which answer pleased him
+not a whit; but he said, 'What do you tell me of the fashion? I will
+make it a fashion.' Yesterday he dined in the Presence in great pomp,
+with two rich cupboards of plate, the one gold, the other that of the
+House of Burgundy pawned to Queen Elizabeth by the States of Brabant,
+and hath seldom been seen abroad, being exceeding massy, fair, and
+sumptuous. I could learn no reason of this extraordinary bravery, but
+that he would show himself in glory to certain Scots that were never
+here before, as they say there be many lately come, and that the Court
+is full of new and strange faces. Yesterday there were to be shewn
+certain rare fire-works contrived by a Dane, two Dutchmen, and Sir
+Thomas Challoner, in concert."
+
+On January 8th, another letter of Mr. Chamberlaine thus refers to
+gaming at Court: "On the Twelfth-eve there was great golden play at
+Court. No Gamester admitted that brought not £300 at least. Montgomery
+played the King's money, and won him £750, which he had for his
+labour. The Lord Montegle lost the Queen £400. Sir Robert Cary, for
+the Prince, £300; and the Earl Salisbury, £300; the Lord Buckhurst,
+£500; _et sic de cæteris_. So that I heard of no winner but the King
+and Sir Francis Wolley, who got above £800. The King went a
+hawking-journey yesterday to Theobalds and returns to-morrow.
+
+"Above Westminster the Thames is quite frozen over; and the Archbishop
+came from Lambeth, on Twelfth-day, over the ice to Court. Many
+fanciful experiments are daily put in practice; as certain youths
+burnt a gallon of wine upon the ice, and made all the passengers
+partakers. But the best is, of an honest woman (they say) that had a
+great longing to encrease her family on the Thames" (Nichols's
+"Progresses").
+
+
+THE REIGN OF JAMES I.'S FAVOURITES
+
+dates from Christmas Day, 1607, when he knighted Robert Carr, or Ker,
+a young border Scot of the Kers of Fernihurst, the first of the
+favourites who ruled both the King and the kingdom. Carr had been some
+years in France, and being a handsome youth--"straight-limbed,
+well-formed, strong-shouldered, and smooth-faced"--he had been led to
+believe that if he cultivated his personal appearance and a
+courtliness of address, he was sure of making his fortune at the Court
+of James. "Accordingly he managed to appear as page to Lord Dingwall
+at a grand tilting match at Westminster, in 1606. According to
+chivalric usage it became his duty to present his lord's shield to his
+Majesty; but in manoeuvring his horse on the occasion it fell and
+broke his leg. That fall was his rise. James was immediately struck
+with the beauty of the youth who lay disabled at his feet, and had him
+straightway carried into a house near Charing Cross, and sent his own
+surgeon to him.... On Christmas Day, 1607, James knighted him and made
+him a gentleman of the bedchamber, so as to have him constantly about
+his person. Such was his favour that every one pressed around him to
+obtain their suits with the King. He received rich presents; the
+ladies courted his attention; the greatest lords did him the most
+obsequious and disgusting homage."[61] He afterwards formed that
+connection with Frances Howard, Countess of Essex, which resulted in
+her divorce from her husband, and, subsequently, on his marrying Lady
+Essex, the King made him Earl of Somerset, that the lady might not
+lose in rank. On the circumstances attending the murder of Sir Thomas
+Overbury being brought to light, the complicity of Somerset was
+thought to be involved in the ascertained guilt of his wife. In May,
+1616, the Countess was convicted; a week later her husband shared her
+fate. After a long imprisonment Somerset was pardoned, and ended his
+life in obscurity.
+
+In this reign the Court revels and shows of Christmas were imitated at
+the country seats of the nobility and gentry, and at the Colleges of
+Oxford and Cambridge. An account has been preserved of one of the most
+remarkable exhibitions of this kind, entitled--
+
+
+"THE CHRISTMAS PRINCE."
+
+It took place in the year 1607, at St. John's College, Oxford, and the
+authentic account was published from the original manuscript, in 1816,
+by Robert Tripbook, of 23, Old Bond Street, London: "To the
+President, Fellows, and Scholars of St. John Baptist College, in the
+University of Oxford, this curious Record of an ancient custom in
+their Society, is respectfully inscribed by the Publisher." Of the
+authenticity of this description the Publisher says "no doubt can
+possibly exist, it was written by an eye-witness of, and performer in,
+the sports; and is now printed, for the first time, from the original
+manuscript preserved in the College Library.
+
+"From the Boy Bishop, the Christmas Prince may be supposed to derive
+his origin. Whilst the former was bearing sway in the ecclesiastical
+foundations, the latter was elected to celebrate the festivities of
+Christmas in the King's palace, at the seats of the nobility, at the
+universities, and in the Inns of Court. The custom prevailed till the
+ascendancy of the Puritans during the civil war; and some idea of the
+expense, and general support it received, may be formed from the
+account of the Gray's Inn Prince and an extract from one of the
+Strafford Papers. The latter is from a letter written by the Rev. G.
+Garrard to the Earl of Strafford, dated Jan. 8, 1635: 'The Middle
+Temple House have set up a prince, who carries himself in great state;
+one Mr. Vivian a Cornish gentleman, whose father Sir Francis Vivian
+was fined in the Star-Chamber about a castle he held in Cornwall,
+about three years since. He hath all his great officers attending him,
+lord keeper, lord treasurer, eight white staves at the least, captain
+of his pensioners, captain of his guard, two chaplains, who on Sunday
+last preached before him, and in the pulpit made three low legs to his
+excellency before they began, which is much laughed at. My lord
+chamberlain lent him two fair cloths of state, one hung up in the hall
+under which he dines, the other in his privy chamber; he is served on
+the knee, and all that come to see him kiss his hand on their knee. My
+lord of Salisbury hath sent him pole-axes for his pensioners. He sent
+to my lord of Holland, his justice in Eyre, for venison, which he
+willingly sends him; to the lord mayor and sheriffs of London for
+wine, all obey. Twelfth-day was a great day, going to the chapel many
+petitions were delivered him, which he gave to his masters of the
+requests. He hath a favourite, whom with some others, gentlemen of
+great quality, he knighted at his return from church, and dined in
+great state; at the going out of the chambers into the garden, when he
+drank the King's health, the glass being at his mouth he let it fall,
+which much defaced his purple satten suit, for so he was clothed that
+day, having a cloak of the same down to his foot, for he mourns for
+his father who lately died. It cost this prince £2,000 out of his own
+purse. I hear of no other design, but that all this is done to make
+them fit to give the prince elector a royal entertainment with masks,
+dancings, and some other exercises of wit, in orations or
+arraignments, that day that they invite him.'
+
+"The writer, or narrator, of the events connected with the Christmas
+Prince of St. John's was Griffin Higgs, who was descended of a
+respectable and opulent family in Gloucestershire, though he was
+himself born at Stoke Abbat, near Henley on Thames, in 1589. He was
+educated at St. John's, and thence, in 1611, elected fellow of Merton
+college, where he distinguished himself, in the execution of the
+procuratorial duties, as a man of great courage, though, says Wood, of
+little stature. In 1627 he was appointed chaplain to the Queen of
+Bohemia, by her brother Charles the First, and during his absence, in
+the performance of his duties, was created a doctor of divinity at
+Leyden by the learned Andrew Rivet. He returned, after a residence
+abroad of about twelve years, when he had the valuable rectory of
+Clive or Cliff, near Dover, and shortly after the deanery of
+Lichfield, conferred upon him. During the civil wars he was a sufferer
+for the royal cause, and, losing his preferment, retired to the place
+of his birth, where he died in the year 1659, and was buried in the
+chancel of the church of South Stoke.
+
+"Thomas Tucker, the elected Prince, was born in London, in 1586,
+entered at St. John's in 1601, became fellow of that house and took
+holy orders. He afterwards had the vicarage of Pipping-burge, or
+Pemberge, in Kent, and the rectory of Portshead, near Bristol, and
+finally obtained the third stall in the cathedral church of Bristol,
+in which he was succeeded, August 25, 1660, by Richard Standfast."
+
+The following explanation is given of "the apparently strange titles
+of the Prince of St. John's: 'The most magnificent and renowned
+Thomas, by the favour of Fortune, Prince of _Alba Fortunata_, Lord St.
+Johns, high Regent of the Hall, Duke of St. Giles, Marquis of
+Magdalens, Landgrave of the Grove, County Palatine of the Cloisters,
+Chief Bailiff of the Beaumonts, High Ruler of Rome, Master of the
+Manor of Waltham, Governor of Gloucester Green, Sole Commander of all
+Tilts,' &c. The Prince of _Alba Fortunata_ alludes, as may be readily
+conjectured, to the name of the founder, Sir Thomas _White_; St.
+John's, and the Hall, are equally clear; Magdalens is the parish in
+which a portion of the college stands, and a part of which belongs to
+the society; the Grove and the Cloisters are again parts of the home
+domain of the college; Beaumonts is the name of a portion of land
+belonging to the college, on which stands the ruin of the palace of
+Beaumonts, built about the year 1128 by King Henry the First; Rome is
+a piece of land so called, near to the end of the walk called _Non
+Ultra_, on the north side of Oxford. The manor of Waltham, or Walton,
+is situate in the north suburb of Oxford, and is the property of the
+college, as is a considerable portion of Gloucester-green, which
+though now better known as the site of an extensive bridewell, was in
+1607 literally a meadow, and without any building more contiguous than
+Gloucester-hall, from which house it derived its name."
+
+Then follows "A true and faithfull relation of the rising and fall of
+Thomas Tucker, Prince of _Alba Fortunata_, Lord St. Johns, &c., with
+all the occurrents which happened throughout his whole domination."
+
+"It happened in the yeare of our Lord 1607, the 31 of October, beinge
+All Sayntes Eve, that at night a fier was made in the Hall of St. John
+Baptist's Colledge, in Oxon, accordinge to the custome and statuts of
+the same place, at which time the whole companye or most parte of the
+Students of the same house mette together to beginne their Christmas,
+of which some came to see sports, to witte the Seniors as well
+Graduates, as Under-graduates. Others to make sports, viz., Studentes
+of the seconde yeare, whom they call Poulderlings, others to make
+sporte with all, of this last sorte were they whome they call
+Fresh-menn, Punies of the first yeare, who are by no meanes admitted
+to be agents or behoulders of those sports, before themselves have
+been patient perfourmers of them. But (as it often falleth out) the
+Freshmen or patients, thinkinge the Poulderlings or Agentes too buysie
+and nimble, They them too dull and backwarde in theyr duety, the
+standers by findinge both of them too forwarde and violente, the
+sportes for that night for feare of tumultes weare broken upp, everye
+mann betakinge himself to his reste.
+
+"The next night followinge, beinge the feast of All Sayntes, at nighte
+they mett agayne together; And whereas it was hoped a night's sleepe
+would have somewhat abated their rage, it contraryewise sett a greater
+edge on theyr furye, they havinge all this while but consulted how to
+gett more strength one agaynst another, and consequently to breed newe
+quarrells and contradictions, in so much that the strife and
+contentions of youthes and children had like to have sett Men together
+by the eares, to the utter annihilatinge of all Christmas sportes for
+the whole yeare followinge.
+
+"Wherfore for the avoydinge both the one, and the other, some who
+studied the quiet of all, mentioned the choosinge of a Christmas Lord,
+or Prince of the Revells, who should have authorytie both to appoynt &
+moderate all such games, and pastimes as should ensue, & to punishe
+all offenders which should any way hinder or interrupte the free &
+quiet passage of any antient & allowed sporte.
+
+"This motion (for that the person of a Prince or Lorde of the Revells
+had not been knowen amongst them for thirty yeares before, and so
+consequentlye the danger, charge and trouble of such jestinge was
+cleane forgotten) was presentlye allowed and greedilye apprehended of
+all; Wher upon 13 of the senior Under graduates (7 of the bodye of the
+House & 6 Comoners, Electors in such a case) withdrew themselves into
+the parlour, where after longe debatinge whether they should chouse a
+Graduate or an Under Graduate, thinkinge the former would not
+vouchsafe to undertake it at theyr appoyntmentes, the latter should
+not be upheld & backed as it was meete & necessary for such a place,
+they came forth rather to make triall what would be done, than to
+resolve what should be done. And therefore at their first entrance
+into the Hall meeting Sir Towse a younge man (as they thought) fitt
+for the choyse, they laid handes on him, and by maine strength
+liftinge him upp, _viva voce_, pronounced him Lord. But hee as
+stronglye refusinge the place as they violentlye thrust it upon him,
+shewing with all reasons why hee could by no meanes undergoe such a
+charge, they gott onlye this good by their first attempt, that they
+understood heer by how that the whole Colledge was rather willinge a
+Seniour Batchelour at least, if not a junior Master should be chosen
+in to the place rather than any Under graduate, because they would
+rather an earnest sporte than a scoffinge jest should be made of it.
+Wher fore the Electors returninge againe into the Parlour and
+shuttinge the dore close upon themselves begaune more seriously to
+consult of the matter, and findinge some unable, some unwillinge to
+take the place, at length they concluded to make the 2 weird printing
+error?] assay but with more formalitie and deliberation; resolvinge,
+if they were not now seconded of all handes, to meddle no more with
+it. Wherfore, enteringe the second time in to the Hall they desired
+one of the 10 Seniors & one of the Deanes of the Colledge to hold the
+Scrutinye and the Vice-President to sitt by as overseer, who willingly
+harkeninge to their request, sate all 3 downe at the highe table: Then
+the Electors went up one by one in senioritye to give their voyce by
+writinge. In the meane time there was great expectation who should bee
+the Man. Some in the lower ende of the Hall, to make sporte, had theyr
+Names loudest in their mouthes whome they least thought of in their
+mindes, & whome they knew should come shortest of the place. At length
+all the voyces being given and, accordinge to custome, the Scrutinie
+at large being burned, the Vice-president with the rest stoode upp,
+and out of the abstract the Deane read distinctly in the hearinge of
+all present as followeth
+
+ "_Nominantur in hoc Scrutinio duo quorum_
+    { 1 Joanes Towse, _habet suffragia sex_.
+    { 2us Thomas Tucker, _habet suffragia septem_.
+
+"These wordes were not out of his mouthe before a generall and loud
+crie was made of Tucker, Tucker, Vivat, Vivat, &ct. After which all
+the younger sorte rane forth of the Colledge crieinge the same in the
+streets; which Sir Tucker beinge then howsde not farr from the
+Colledge, over hearinge, kept himself close till the companye were
+past, and then, as soone and secretly as he could, gott him to his
+Chamber; where (after he had been longe sought for abroad in the
+Towne, and at home in the Colledge, haste and desire out runinge it
+self, and seekinge there last where it might first finde) he was in a
+manner surprised, and more by violence than any will of his owne,
+taken upp & with continuall & joyfull outcries, carried about the
+Hall, and so backe to his Chamber, as his owne request was, where for
+that night he rested, dismissinge the Company and desiringe some time
+to think of their loves and goodwill, and to consider of his owne
+charge and place.
+
+"About 3 or 4 dayes after, on the 5 of November the Lord Elect with
+the Batchelours, and some of the Senior Under-graduates came into the
+Hall where every man beinge seated in his order, many speaches were
+made by diverse of diverse matters, some commendinge a monarchicall
+state of Governmente, and the sometimes suddayne necessitye of
+Dictators, others discommendinge both. Some again extollinge sportes &
+revells, others mainely disallowinge them, all of them drawinge some
+conclusion concerninge the like or dislike of the government newly
+begune, and like for a little space to continue amongst them. In the
+ende the Lord Elect himselfe, to conclude all, delivered his owne
+minde in manner followinge:--
+
+"Quæ beneficia (Viri Electores clarissimi) plus difficultatis atque,
+oneris apportant collacata, qu[=a] debite administrata; poterunt honoris,
+cautè magis primo in limine credo excipienda qu[=a] aut imensæ dignitatis
+expectatione appetenda auidè, aut boni incogniti coeco appetitu
+app'hendenda temere. Quor[=u] in albo (Electores conscripti) c[=u] semper
+dignitates istiusmodi serio retulerim, Vos (pace dic[=a] vestræ diligentiæ)
+non tam mihi videmini gratias debere expectare, qua ipse istud onus
+suscepturus videor promereri. N[=a] illud demum gratijs excipitur
+benefici[=u] (pro tempor[=u] ratione loquor) quod nec sollicitudo vrget nec
+offici[=u]--Infinitæ autem adeo sunt anxietates, quæ vel istam dominatus
+[Greek: anatypôsin] circumcingunt, vt pauci velint ipsas c[=u] dominatu
+lubentèr amplecti, nulli possint euitare, nulli sustinere. N[=a] vbi veri
+imperij facies est repræsentanda expectanda semper est aliqua curar[=u]
+proportio. Veru cum dignitas Electoria, amicitia suffragatoria, populi
+applausus, [=o]ni[=u] consensus Democratiæ tollendæ causâ ad primatum
+euocauerint, lubens animi nostri strenuæ renuentis temperabo impet[=u],
+et sedulò impendà curam, vt Reip: (si vobis minus possim singulis) toti
+satisfaci[=a]. Hic ego non ità existimo opportun[=u] progressu[=u]
+nostror[=u] aduersarijs cur[=a] imperij promiscuam et indigestam
+collaudantibus respondere, aut status Monarchici necessitat[=e]
+efferentibus assentari: Disceptation[=u] vestrar[=u] non accessi judex,
+accersor imperator; Amori vestro (Viri nobis ad prime chari) lubens
+tribuo gloriæ nostræ ort[=u]; progress[=u] august[=u] atque, gloriosu a
+vobis ex officio vestro exigere, præter amor[=e] nostrum fore no arbitror.
+Tyra[=u]idem non profiteor, imperi[=u] exercebo. Cujus foeliciores
+processus vt promoueantur, atque indies stabiliant æris magis quam oris
+debetis esse prodigi. Quarè primitias amoris, atque officij vestri statuo
+extemplo exigendas, nè aut ipse sinè authoritate imperare, aut imperium
+sinè gloriâ capessisse videar [Greek: Politeian] Atheniensem sequimur,
+cujus ad norman Ego ad munus regui jam suffectus, Mineruæ, Vulcano et
+Prometheo sacra c[=u] ludorum curatoribus pro moris vsu, primâ meâ in his
+sacris authoritate fieri curabo. Interim vero (Viri nostrâ authoritate
+adhuc majores) juxta prædictæ Reipublicæ jmagin[=e] choragos, seu adjutores
+desidero, qui n[=o] tantum ludis præponantur, sed et liberalitate pro
+op[=u] ratione in Reipublicæ impensas vtentes, ex ære publico præmia partim
+proponant, partim de suo insumant, hoc nomine quod illor[=u] sint præfecti.
+Quæ alia vestri sunt officij moniti præstabitis, quæ amoris, vltro (vti
+Spero) offeretis.
+
+"This was counted sufficient for his private installmente, but with
+all it was thought necessary that some more publicke notice hereof
+should be given to the whole Universitie, with more solemnitie and
+better fashion; yet before they would venter to publish their private
+intendements, they were desirous to knowe what authoritie and
+jurisdiction would be graunted to them, what money allowed them
+towards the better going through with that they had begune. And not
+long after the whole company of the Batchelours sent 2 bills to the
+Masters fire, the one cravinge duety and alleageance, the other money
+and maintenance in manner & forme followinge:
+
+  "The coppye of a Bill sent by the Lord Elect, and the whole
+     Company of the Batchelours to the Masters fire, cravinge their
+     duety and alleageance.
+
+"Not doubtinge of those ceremonious and outward duetyes which
+yourselves (for example sake) will performe, Wee _Thomas Tucker_ with
+the rest of the Bacchelours are bold to entreat, but as _Thomas, Lord
+Elect_, with the rest of our Councell are ready to expect, that no
+Tutor or Officer whatsoever shall at any time, or upon any occasion,
+intermeddle, or partake with any scholler, or youth whatsoever, but
+leavinge all matters to the discretion of our selves, stand to those
+censures and judgementes which wee shall give of all offenders that
+are under our govermente in causes appertaininge to our government.
+All wayes promisinge a carefull readinesse to see schollerlike
+excercise performed, and orderly quietnesse mayntained in all sortes;
+This as Wee promise for our owne partes, so Wee would willingly desire
+that you should promise the performance of the rest of your partes,
+accordinge to that bountye & love which allready you have shewed us.
+
+      Yours,    Thomas Tucker
+  Joseph Fletcher     Thomas Downer
+  John Smith          Rouland Juxon
+  Richard Baylye      John Huckstepp
+  Richard Holbrooke   James Bearblocke
+  John Towse          John English
+
+"This Bill subscribed with all their handes was seene and allowed by
+all the Masters, who promised rather more than lesse than that which
+was demanded. But concerninge the other Bill for Subsidyes, it was
+answered that it was not in their power to grant it without the
+President, whose cominge home was every day expected: against which
+time it was provided, and delivered unto him; who together with the 10
+Seniors, was loath to grant any thinge till they were certified what
+sportes should bee, of what quality & charge, that so they might the
+better proportion the one to the other, the meanes to the matter: They
+were allso willinge to knowe what particular Men would take upon them
+the care of furnishinge particular nightes. For they would by no
+meanes relye upon generall promises because they were not ignorant how
+that which concerneth all in generall is by no man in speciall
+regarded. Wherfore they beinge somewhat, although not fully, satisfied
+in their demaundes by some of the Masters, whom they seemed cheefly to
+trust with the whole businesse, the Bill was againe perused, and every
+man ceazed in manner and forme followinge:
+
+ "'The coppye of an auncient Act for taxes and subsidyes made in the
+     raygne of our Predecessor of famous memorye, in this Parliament
+     held in Aula Regni the vi^{th} of November 1577 and now for Our
+     Self new ratified and published, anno regni jº November 7º 1607.
+
+"'Because all lovinge & loyall Subjects doe owe not onely themselves,
+but allso their landes, livinges, goodes, and what soever they call
+theirs, to the good of the Commonwealth, and estate under which they
+peaceably enjoy all, It is further enacted that no man dissemble his
+estate, or hide his abilitye, but be willinge at all times to pay such
+duetyes, taxes, and subsidies, as shall be lawfully demaunded &
+thought reasonable without the hinderance of his owne estate, upon
+payne of forfettinge himself and his goodes whatsoever.'
+
+  [List of contributions amounting to 52^{li} xiii^{s.} vii]
+
+"Though the whole company had thus largely contributed towards the
+ensuinge sportes, yet it was found that when all thinges necessary
+should be layed toegether, a great sum of money would be wantinge, and
+therfore a course was thought upon of sendinge out privie Seales to
+able & willinge Gentlemen which had been sometimes Fellowes or
+commoners of the Colledge that it would please them to better the
+stocke, and out of their good will contribute somewhat towardes the
+Prince's Revells."
+
+Then followed the form of the writ issued, "To our trustye and
+welbeloved Knight, or Esquire," &c. "Given under our privye Seale at
+our Pallace of St. John's in Oxen, the seventh of December in the
+first yeare of our rayne, 1607." Then follow "the names of those who
+were served with this writt, and who most willingly obeyed upon the
+receipt thereof," contributing altogether xvi^{li} x^{s} 0.
+"Others were served and bragd of it, as though they had given, but
+sent nothing."
+
+"For all these Subsidies at home, and helpes abroad, yet it was founde
+that in the ende there would rather be want (as indeed it happened)
+than any superfluitye, and therfore the Prince tooke order with the
+Bowsers to send out warrantes to all the Tenantes & other friendes of
+the Colledge, that they should send in extraordinary provision against
+every Feast, which accordingly was performed; some sendinge money,
+some wine, some venison, some other provision, every one accordinge to
+his abilitye.
+
+"All thinges beinge thus sufficiently (as it was thought) provided
+for, the Councell table, with the Lord himself, mett together to
+nominate officers & to appoint the day of the Prince's publike
+installment which was agreed should be on St. Andrews Day at night;
+because at that time the Colledge allso was to chouse their new
+officers for the yeare followinge.
+
+"Now for that they would not playnely and barely install him without
+any farther ceremonies, it was thought fitt that his whole ensuinge
+Regiment (for good lucke sake) should be consecrated to the _Deitie of
+Fortune_, as the sole Mistres and Patronesse of his estate, and
+therfore a schollerlike devise called _Ara Fortunæ_ was provided for
+his installment; which was performed in manner & forme followinge:
+
+
+ARA FORTUNÆ.
+
+_Inter-locutores._
+
+Princeps.
+Fortuna.
+Tolmæa.
+Thesaurarius.
+Camerarius.
+Jurisconsultus.
+Philosophus.
+Rusticus.
+Stultus.
+Rebellis Primus.
+---- Secundus.
+---- Tertius.
+---- Quartus.
+Nuncius.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+[The Drama is not given on account of its length. And it will be
+remarked that, whenever asterisks are substituted, some portion of the
+MS. has been omitted.]
+
+"This showe by ourselves was not thought worthye of a stage or
+scaffoldes, and therfore after supper the tables were onlye sett
+together, which was not done with out great toyle & difficulty, by
+reason of the great multitude of people (which, by the default of the
+dorekeepers, and divers others, every man bringinge in his friends)
+had filled the Hall before wee thought of it. But for all this it
+began before 8 of clock, and was well liked by the whole audience,
+who, how unrulye so ever they meante to bee afterwardes, resolved I
+think at first with their good applause and quiet behaviour to drawe
+us on so farr, as wee should not bee able to returne backwardes
+without shame & discreditt. They gave us at the ende 4 severall &
+generall plaudites; at the 2 wherof the Canopie which hunge over the
+Altare of Fortune (as it had been frighted with the noise, or meante
+to signifie that 2 plaudites were as much as it deserved) suddenly
+fell downe; but it was cleanly supported by some of the standers by
+till the company was voyded, that none but our selves took notice of
+it.
+
+"Some upon the sight of this Showe (for the better enoblinge of his
+person, and drawinge his pedigree even from the Godes because the
+Prince's name was Tucker, and the last Prince before him was Dr. Case)
+made this conceipt that _Casus et Fortuna genuerunt [Greek: Tycheron]
+Principem Fortunatum_--so the one his father, and the other his
+mother.
+
+"Another accident worthy observation (and which was allso then
+observed) was that the Foole carelesly sittinge downe at the Prince's
+feete brake his staff in the midst, whence wee could not but directly
+gather a verye ill omen, that the default and follye of some would bee
+the very breaknecke of our ensueing sports, which how it fell out, I
+leave to the censures of others; our selves (I am sure) were guilty to
+our selves of many weaknesses and faultes, the number wherof were
+increased by the crossinge untowardnesse, and backwardnesse of divers
+of the Prince's neerest followers, nay the Prince himself had some
+weaknesses which did much prejudice his state, wherof the chiefest
+weere his openesse, and familiaritye with all sortes, beinge
+unwillinge to displease eny, yet not able to please all. But to
+proceede:--On St. Thomas day at night the officers before elect were
+solemnly proclaimed by a Sergeant at armes, and an Herauld, the
+trumpetts soundinge beetwixt every title. This proclamation after it
+was read, was for a time hunge up in the Hall, that every man might
+the better understande the qualitie of his owne place, and they that
+were of lower, or no place, might learne what duety to performe to
+others.
+
+"The manner wherof was as followeth:
+
+ "Whereas by the contagious poyson, and spreadinge malice
+  of some ill disposed persons, hath been threatned not
+  onelye the danger of subvertinge peaceable & orderlye proceedinges,
+  but the allmost utter annihilatinge of auncient &
+  laudable customes--It hath been thought convenient, or
+  rather absolutely necessarye for the avoydinge of a most
+  dangerous ensuinge Anarchie, a more settled order of
+  goverment, for the better safetye of all well meaninge
+  Subjects, and curbinge of discontented, headstronge persons,
+  should bee established. And whereas through wante of good
+  lawes by wise and discreet Magistrates to bee duely and
+  truely executed, a giddye conceipt hath possest the
+  mindes of manye turbulent spirites, of endueringe no
+  superiour, hardly an equall, whereby the common-wealth
+  might growe to bee a manye-headed monster--It hath
+  been provided by the staide and mature deliberations of
+  well-experienced governours and provident counsellours, that
+  one whose highe deserts might answere his high advancement
+  should bee sett over all to the rulinge and directinge
+  of all--Therefore by these presentes bee it knowne unto
+  all of what estate or condicion soever whome it shall
+  concerne that Thomas Tucker, an honorable wise & learned
+  Gentleman to the great comeforte of the weale-publique from
+  hence-forth to be reputed, taken and obayed for the true,
+  onely and undoubted Monarche of this revellinge Climate,
+  whom the generall consent and joynte approbation of the
+  whole Common-wealth hath invested and crowned with
+  these honours and titles followinge:
+
+ "The most magnificent and renowned Thomas by the favour
+  of Fortune, Prince of Alba Fortunata, Lord St. Johns,
+  high Regent of the Hall, Duke of St. Giles, Marquesse
+  of Magdalens, Landgrave of the Grove, County Palatine
+  of the Cloisters, Chiefe Bailiffe of the Beaumonts, high
+  Ruler of Rome, Maister of the Manor of Waltham, Governour
+  of Gloster-greene, sole Commaunder of all Titles, Tourneaments,
+  and Triumphes, Superintendent in all Solemnities
+  whatsoever.
+
+"Now because they whom the unknowne cares, & unweildie burdens of a
+sole regiment shall relie upon, neede extraordinary helpe in the more
+than ordinarye affaires, Hee hath as well for the better discharge &
+ease of those royall duetyes (as it were) which attend on his place,
+as for the avoidinge the odious & ingratefull suspition of a single
+dominion, and private Tyranye, selected and chosen unto himself a
+grave and learned assistance both for Councell and government, whom,
+and every of which, his princely will is, shall in their severall
+places & dignities bee both honoured and obeid, with no lesse respect
+and observance than if himself were there present in person. And that
+carelesse ignorance may bee no lawfull excuse for the breach of his
+will therin hee hath appointed their severall names and titles, with
+their subordinate officers and deputies to be signified & proclaimed
+to all his lovinge and leige Subjects, in manner followinge:
+
+"The right gracious John Duke of Groveland, Earle de Bello-Monte,
+  Baron Smith, chiefe Ranger of the Woods & Forests, great Master of
+  the Prince's Game, hath for his subordinate officers--
+
+    Sir Frauncis Hudson, Keeper of the Parkes, & Warder of the
+      Warrens.
+
+    Sir Thomas Grice, Forrester & Sargeaunt of the Woodhowse.
+
+"The right honourable Rowland Lord Juxon, Lord Chauncelour, Keeper of
+  the Great Seale, Signer of all publicke Charters, Allower of all
+  Priviledges, hath for his subordinate officers.
+
+    Sir William Dickenson, Master of the Requests, & the Prince's
+      Remembrancer.
+
+    Sir Owen Vertue, Clerke of the Signet, and Chafer of Waxe.
+
+"The right honourable Thomas Lord Downer, Lord high Treasurer,
+  Receaver General of all Rents, Revenues, Subsidies, belonginge by
+  Nature, custome or accident to the Prince; the great Payemaster
+  of all necessary charges appertayninge to the Court, hath for his
+  subordinate Officers--
+
+    Sir John Williamson, Steward of the Household, Disburser for the
+      Familye.
+
+    Sir Christopher Wren, Cofferer, and Clerke of the Exchequer.
+
+"The right honourable Joseph Lord Fletcher, Lord high Admirall,
+  great Commaunder of all the narrow seas, floods and passages;
+  Surveyor of the Navye, Mayster of the Ordinance, hath for his
+  subordinate Officers,
+
+    Sir Stephen Angier, Warden of the Cinque Ports, and
+      Victualler of the Fleet.
+
+    Sir Anthony Steevens, Captayne of the Guard.
+
+"The right honourable Richard Lord Baylie, Lord high Marshall,
+  President of all Titles, and Tourneaments, Commander in all
+  Triumphes, Suppressor of suddayne tumultes, Supervisor of all
+  games, and publique pastimes, hath for his subordinate Officers,
+
+    Sir William Blagrove, Master of the Revells.
+
+    Sir John Hungerford, Knight Marshall, severe Commander of the
+      Wayes for the Prince's passage.
+
+"The right honourable John Lord Towse, Lord high Chamberlayne,
+  Purveyor for the Prince's pallace, Overseer of all feasts and
+  banquets, furnisher of all Chambers, and Galleries, Examiner
+  of all private pastimes, hath for his subordinate Officers,
+
+    Sir Richard Swinerton} the Prince's Wards and
+    Sir William Cheyney  } Squiers of his bodye.
+
+    Mr. Edward Cooper, Groome-Porter.
+
+"The right honourable Richard Lord Holbrooke, Comptroller
+  Generall, Chiefe overseer of all Purseavants, Orderer of all
+  household Servaunts, hath for his subordinate officers,
+
+    Sir Thomas Stanley} Sergeaunts at Armes & Gentlemen Ushers
+    Mr. John Alford   } to the Prince
+
+    Mr. Brian Nailor, Master of the Robes of State, Keeper of the
+      Wardrobe, and Surveyor of Liveries.
+
+"The right honourable James Lord Berbloke, principall Secretarye,
+  Lord privye Seale, designer of all Embasies, Drawer of all Edicts
+  and Letters, Scribe to the State, hath for his subordinate Officers,
+
+    Sir Thomas Clarke, Master of the Roles, & Prothonotarye.
+
+    Mr. Marcheaumount Nedham, Clerke of the Councell-table.
+
+"The right honourable John Lord English, Lord Chiefe Justice, Examiner
+  of all causes Capitall; Sessor upon life and death, Judge of
+  controversies criminall, hath for his subordinate Officers,
+
+    Sir John Alder, Attourney Generall, and the Prince's Solicitor.
+
+    Mr. John Sackevile, Baylife Erraunt.
+
+"Now because good Governours without good laws, carefull Magistrates
+without wholesome Statutes are like dumb (though paynted) images, or
+unweapon'd soldiers--Hee of his absolute authoritye, conferred upon
+him in the late free election, doth ratifie and establish all such
+Decrees and Statutes, as Hee now findeth wisely and warely ordayned of
+his famous Predecessor; promisinge onely by a full and severe
+execution to put life in their dead remembrance, Adding moreover some
+few cautions to be observed in his ensuinge Triumphs."
+
+These statutes were ratified and established by the Prince "at our
+Manor of Whites-Hall, December the 21st in the first of our Raygne."
+
+"The same night the Prince, with the rest of his Councell meetinge at
+the high table in the Hall, a Bill was preferred by the Lord Treasurer
+for the advancement of Mr. Henery Swinarton to the Earldome of
+Cloyster-sheere, and the over-seeinge of the Princes great Librarye."
+After due consideration, "the Prince at length graunted the request,
+and his title was presently drawne by the Clerke of the
+Councell-table, and pronounced in manner followinge:
+
+"The right honourable Henry Lord Swinarton, Earle of Cloister-Sheer,
+  Barron of the Garden, chiefe Master of the Presse, and overseer of
+  the Prince's great Librarye, hath for his subordinate Officers,
+
+    Mr. William Rippin, Surveyor of the Walkes.
+
+    Mr. Christopher Riley, Corrector of the Printe.
+
+"From this time forward, and not before, the Prince was thought fully
+to be instal'd, and the forme of government fully established,
+in-so-much that none might or durst contradict anything which was
+appoynted by himself, or any of his officers.
+
+"The Holy-dayes beinge now at hand, his privye-chamber was provided
+and furnisht, wherein a chayre of state was placed upon a carpett with
+a cloth of state hanged over it, newly made for the same purpose. On
+Christmas Day in the morninge he was attended on to prayers by the
+whole companye of the Bacchelours, and some others of his Gentlemen
+Ushers, bare before him. At dinner beinge sett downe in the Hall at
+the high table in the Vice-president's place (for the President
+himself was then allso present) he was served with 20 dishes to a
+messe, all which were brought in by Gentlemen of the Howse attired in
+his Guard's coats, ushered in by the Lord Comptroller, and other
+Officers of the Hall. The first messe was a Boar's Head, which was
+carried by the tallest and lustiest of all the Guard, before whom (as
+attendants) wente first, one attired in a horseman's coate, with a
+Boars-speare in his hande, next to him an other Huntsman in greene,
+with a bloody faucion drawne; next to him 2 Pages in tafatye sarcenet,
+each of them with a messe of mustard; next to whome came hee that
+carried the Boares-head crost with a greene silk scarfe, by which
+hunge the empty scabbard of the faulcion which was carried before him.
+As they entered the Hall, he sang this Christmas Caroll, the three
+last verses of everie staffe beinge repeated after him by the whole
+companye:
+
+  1. The Boare is dead,
+     Loe, here is his head,
+       What man could have done more
+     Than his head off to strike,
+     Meleager like,
+       And bringe it as I doe before?
+
+  2. He livinge spoyled
+     Where good men toyled,
+       Which made kinde Ceres sorrye;
+     But now dead and drawne,
+     Is very good brawne,
+       And wee have brought it for you.
+
+  3. Then sett downe the Swineyard,
+     The foe to the Vineyard,
+       Lett Bacchus crowne his fall,
+     Lett this Boare's-head and mustard
+     Stand for Pigg, Goose, and Custard,
+       And so you are wellcome all.
+
+"At this time, as on all other Holy-dayes, the Princes allowed
+Musitions (which were sent for from Readinge, because our owne Town
+Musick had given us the slipp, as they use to doe at that time when we
+had most need of them) played all dinner time, and allso at supper.
+The Prince as ofte as hee satt in the Hall was attended on by a
+Commoner and Scholler of the Colledge in tafaty sarcenett. After
+supper there was a private Showe performed in the manner of an
+Interlude, contayninge the order of the Saturnalls, and shewinge the
+first cause of Christmas-candles, and in the ende there was an
+application made to the Day and Nativitie of Christ, all which was
+performed in manner followinge:
+
+SATURNALIA.
+
+Hercules
+Curius
+Doulus
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"This shew was very well liked of our selves, and the better: first,
+because itt was the voluntary service of a younge youth; nexte,
+because there were no strangers to trouble us.
+
+"St. Steevens day was past over in silence, and so had St. John's day
+also; butt that some of the Prince's honest neighbours of St. Giles's
+presented him with a maske, or morris, which though it were but
+rudely performed, yet itt being so freely and lovingly profered, it
+could not but bee as lovingly received.
+
+"The same nighte, the twelve daies were suddenly, and as it were
+extempore, brought in, to offer their service to the Prince, the
+holy-daies speaking Latine, and the working-daies English, the
+transition was this:
+
+  Yee see these working-daies they weare no satten,
+  And I assure you they can speake no Latten;
+  But if you please to stay a-while,
+  Some shepheard for them will change the style.
+
+"After some few daunces the Prince, not much liking the sporte (for
+that most of them were out both in their speeches and measures, having
+but thought of this devise some few houres before) rose, and lefte the
+hall, after whose departure, an honest fellow to breake of the sportes
+for that night, and to void the company made suddenly this Epilogue:
+
+  These daunces were perform'd of yore
+  By many worthy Elfes,
+  Now if you will have any more
+  Pray shake your heeles your selves.
+
+"The next day being Innocents-day, it was expected, and partly
+determined by our selves, that the Tragedy of _Philomela_ should have
+been publickly acted, which (as wee thought) would well have fitted
+the day, by reason of the murder of Innocent Itis. But the carpenters
+being no way ready with the stage, or scaffolds (whereof
+notwithstanding some were made before Christmas), wee were constrained
+to deferre it till the nexte day, which was the 29th of December.
+
+PHILOMELA.
+
+Tereus, Rex Thraciæ.
+Progne, Regina, Uxor Terei,
+Eugenes, a consilijs Terei.
+Phaulus, Seruus Terei,
+Tres Socii Terei a Classe,
+Ancilla Prognes.
+Philomela, Soror Prognes
+Itis, Filius Pronges et Terei
+Ancilla Philomelæ.
+Faustulus, Pastor Regius.
+Faustula, Pastoris Filia.
+
+Chorus.
+
+Terra
+Mare.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"The whole play was wel acted and wel liked.
+
+"New-yeare's eve was wholly spent in preparation for the Prince's
+triumphs, so that nothing was done or expected that night.
+
+"Next day in the morning (beeing New-yeare's-day) the Prince sent Mr.
+Richard Swinnerton, one of the Squires of his body to Mr. President
+with a paire of gloves, charging him to say nothing but these two
+verses:
+
+  The Prince and his Councell, in signe of their loves,
+  Present you, their President, with these paire of gloves.
+
+"There was some what else written in the paper which covered them, but
+what it is uncertaine.
+
+"At night were celebrated the Prince's triumphs, at which time onely
+and never before nor after he was carryed in full state from his
+pallace to the hall, where in the sight of the whole University a
+supplication was presented unto him by Time and seconded with a shew
+called _Times Complaint_. It was performed in manner and forme
+following:
+
+TIME'S COMPLAINT.
+
+Time.
+Veritas, the Daughter of Time.
+Opinion } Seducers of Veritas.
+Error   }
+Studioso, a Scholler.
+Manco, a lame Souldiour.
+Clinias, a poore Country-man.
+Humphry Swallow, a drunken Cob
+Goodwife Spiggot, an Ale-wife.
+Philonices, a rangling Lawyer.
+Seruus Philonices.
+Bellicoso, a Casheere Corporall.
+
+PROLOGUE.[62]
+
+  "Worthelie heere wee bring you Time's Complaint
+  Whom we have most just cause for to complaine of,
+  For hee hath lent us such a little space
+  That what wee doe wants much of its true grace.
+  Yet let your wonted love that kindelie take,
+  Which we could wish were better for your sake.
+
+_Enter_ Time _with the Musicians to place them._
+
+Time.
+
+  O wellsaid, wellsaid; wellcome, wellcome, faith!
+  It doth mee good to see I have some friends.
+  Come, true observers of due time, come on:
+  A fitt of musicke, but keepe time, keepe time
+  In your remembrance still, or else you jarre:
+  These for my sake too much neglected are.
+  The world termes them beggars, fidling roagues,
+  But come my fidling friends, I like you well,
+  And for my sake I hope this company,
+  Naie more the Prince himselfe, will like your tunes.
+  Here take your place and shew your greatest skill,
+  All now is well that is not verie ill.
+
+Time _expecting the comming of the Prince (to whom hee preferreth a
+petition) placeth himselfe on the stage till the traine bee past._
+
+  This waie hee comes, here will I place my selfe,
+  They saie hee is an honourable Prince,
+  Respectfull, curteous, liberall, and learn'd:
+  If hee bee soe hee will not choose but heare mee.
+  Poore aged Time was never so abused,
+  And in these daies Princes themselves are wrong'd.
+  If not for my sake, yet for his owne good,
+  Hee will read over my petition.
+  Oft hath the like beene drawne and given up
+  To his nobilitie; But carelesse they
+  In theire deepe pockets swallow good men's praiers.
+  This his owne hand shall have, or I will keepe it:--
+  But here they come, stand close and viewe the traine.
+
+Enter first six Knighte Marshalls men in suitable liveries with
+  links and truncheons two by two.
+
+Next the Knighte Marshall alone in armour and bases with a truncheon.
+
+Then fower other of his men as before.
+
+After these fower Knightes in rich apparell with hats and feathers,
+  rapiers and daggers, bootes and spurres, everie one his Lackie
+  attending on him with torch-light, all two by two.
+
+After these the Master of the Requests, the Master of the Robes in
+  vaste velvet gownes, with Lackies and torches before them.
+
+After these fower Barons in velvet cloakes, likewise attended with
+  Lackies and torches.
+
+After these an Herald at Armes bare, with two Lackies attendant
+  bearing torches.
+
+After these six of the privie Counsell in Schollars gownes and civill
+  hoods, everie one attended on by a Footman bearing on his jacket both
+  behind and before his Lord's armes according to his office (as it is
+  before mentioned) with torches alsoe in theire hands.
+
+After those two Sergeants at armes, with great Maces, and two Squiers
+  before them with torches, all bare.
+
+After these two Hench-men, the one with a sword, the other with a
+  scepter, likewise attended by two Squiers with torch lights, all
+  bare.
+
+After these the Prince himselfe in a scholler's gowne and civill hood,
+  with a coronett of laurell about his hat, attended on by fower
+  footmen in suitable liveries with torches.
+
+After these the Captaine of the guard alone in hose and dublett, hatt
+  and feather, etc., and following him, twenty of the guard in suitable
+  guards' coats and halberds in their hands, and lightes intermingled
+  here and there.
+
+"When this traine first entered out of the Prince's palace there was a
+volye of shotte to the number of fiftie or three-score gunnes, and
+once againe as it passed through the quadrangle, and the third time
+when the Prince was readie to enter uppon the stage in the hall, after
+which third peale ended, the nobilitie having past along some parte of
+the stage, the rest of the traine disposed in places provided for
+them, and the Prince himselfe newlie entered, the showe went forward.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"It hath beene observed if they which performe much in these kinde of
+sportes must needs doe something amisse, or at the least such is the
+danger and trouble of them, that something in the doing will miscarry,
+and so be taken amisse, and such was our fortune at this time; for the
+Prologue (to the great prejudice of that which followed) was most
+shamefully out, and having but halfe a verse to say, so that by the
+very sense the audience was able to prompt him in that which followed,
+yet hee could not goe forward, but after long stay and silence, was
+compelled abruptly to leave the stage, whereupon beeing to play
+another part, hee was so dasht, that hee did nothing well that night.
+
+"After him Good-wife Spiggot, comming forth before her time, was most
+miserably at a non plus & made others so also, whilst her selfe
+staulked in the middest like a great Harry-Lion (as it pleased the
+audience to terme it), either saying nothing at all, or nothing to the
+purpose.
+
+"The drunken-man, which in the repetitions had much pleased and done
+very well, was now so ambitious of his action, that he would needs
+make his part much longer than it was, and stood so long upon it all,
+that he grew most tedious, whereuppon it was well observed and said by
+one that
+
+      ----'twas pitty there should bee
+  In any pleasing thing satiety.
+
+"To make up the messe of absurdities the company had so fil'd the
+stage, that there was no roome to doe any thing well, to bee sure many
+thinges were mistaken and therefore could not but bee very
+distastfull, for it was thought that particular men were aymed at, and
+disciphered by the drunken-man, and Justice Bryar, though it was fully
+knowne to our-selves that the author had no such purpose.
+
+"In fine, expectation the devourer of all good endeavours had
+swallowed more in the very name and title of the interlude than was
+either provided or intended in the whole matter, for wee onely
+proposed to our selves a shew, but the towne expected a perfect and
+absolute play, so that all things mett to make us unhappy that night,
+and had not Time him selfe (whose lines and actions were thought good)
+somewhat pleased them, they would never have endured us without
+hissing, howsoever in the end they gave us two or three cold
+plaudites, though they departed no way satisfyed, unlesse it were in
+the shew about the quadrangle, wherein the Prince was carryd to his
+chamber in the same state that hee came from thence in the beginning
+(as is above mentioned), the whole company of actors beeing added to
+his traine who immediately followed him before the guard in this
+order:
+
+First, Time alone, attended, with two pages and lightes.
+
+Next, Veritas alone, likewise attended.
+
+Then Error and Opinion, which all the way they went pull'd Veritas by
+  the sleeve, one by one and the other by the other, but shee would not
+  harken to them.
+
+After these came Studioso and Philonices, both pleading the case, one
+  upon his ringers and the other with both his hands.
+
+Then came Manco, the lame souldiour and Philonices his man; the
+  souldiour haulting without his cruch, the other beating him with the
+  cruch for counterfeyting.
+
+After these came Clinias and Bellicoso houlding the halter betwixt
+  them, which Bellicoso had found in Clinias his pocket.
+
+Last after these came Humphry Swallow and good wife Spiggot, hee
+  reeling uppon her, she pulling and hayling him for the money he
+  ought her.
+
+After these came the guard as before, and so the Prince in full state
+  was conveyed to his pallace.
+
+"Here wee were all so discouraged that wee could have found in our
+heartes to have gone no farther. But then consulting with our selves
+wee thought it no way fitt to leave when thinges were at the worst,
+and therefore resolved by more industry and better care of those
+things which should follow, to sue out a fine of recovery for our
+credites. Whereuppon the comedy which was already a foote and
+appointed to bee done on 12 day, was revewed and corrected by the best
+judgments in the house, & a Chorus by their direction inserted, to
+excuse former faults, all which was a cause that Twelfe eve & Twelfe
+day past away in silence, because the comedy beeing wholy altered
+could not bee so soone acted, neyther could any other thing bee so
+suddenly provided to furnish those nights.
+
+"Heere the Lord-treasurer made a complaint to the King and the rest of
+his councell that his treasure was poore and almost exhausted, so that
+without a fresh supply or new subsidy nothing more could bee done. And
+that this might not seem an idle complaint, a bill of some of the
+particulars and chiefe expences was exhibited, wherein it might
+appeare how costly the presedent revels had beene."
+
+The "Bill of Expences" amounted to lxiiij^{li} v^{s} o^{d}.
+
+"This bill beeing seene and allowed, they begane to cast about for
+more money, whereuppon a new privy seale was drawn in Latin." "Those
+which were served with this writte and obey'd" contributed a total sum
+of 5^{li}.
+
+"This beeing not as yet sufficient there was a new subsedy levyed by
+the Junior Masters and the rest of the Colledge to the summe of Six
+Poundes three shillings, whereuppon finding themselves againe before
+hand, and resolving to save nothing for a deare yeare, they proceeded
+to new expences and new troubles.
+
+"The Suneday after, beeing the last day of the Vacation and tenth day
+of the moneth, two shewes were privately performed in the Lodging, the
+one presently after dinner called _Somnium Fundatoris_, viz., the
+tradition that wee have concearning the three trees that wee have in
+the President his garden. This interlude by the reason of the death of
+him that made it, not long after was lost, and so could not bee heere
+inserted; but it was very well liked, and so wel deserved, for that it
+was both wel penned and well acted.
+
+"Now because before were divers youths whose voyces or personages
+would not suffer them to act any thing in publicke, yet withall it was
+thought fitt, that in so publicke a buisnes every one should doe some
+thing, therefore a mocke play was provided called _The 7 Dayes of the
+Weeke_, which was to be performed by them which could do nothing in
+earnest, and, that they should bee sure to spoyle nothing, every man's
+part was sorted to his person, and it was resolved that the worse it
+was done, the better it would be liked, and so it fell out; for the
+same day after supper it was presented by one who bore the name of the
+Clerke of St. Gyleses, and acted privately in the lodging in manner
+and forme following:
+
+
+THE SEVEN DAYES OF THE WEEKE.
+
+
+_Interloqutores._
+
+The Clerke of St. Gyleses.
+Mooneday.
+Tuseday.
+Wenesday.
+Thurseday.
+Frieday.
+Satterday.
+Suneday.
+Night.
+
+
+Chorus.
+
+A Woman
+A Paire of Snuffers.
+
+_Enter the Clerke with all his Acteurs._
+
+
+Prologue
+
+Clerke.
+
+  "I am the poore, though not unlettered, Clerke,
+  And these your subjects of St. Gyles his parishe,
+  Who in this officious season would not sharke
+  But thought to greet your highnesse with a morrice,
+    Which since my riper judgement thought not fitt,
+    They have layd down their wisedomes to my witt.
+
+  And that you might perceive (though seeminge rude)
+  Wee savour somewhat of the Academie,
+  Wee had adventur'd on an enterlude
+  But then of actors wee did lacke a manye;
+    Therefore we clipt our play into a showe,
+    Yet bigg enough to speake more than wee knowe.
+
+  The subject of it was not farr to seeke
+  Fine witts worke mickle matter out of nifle:
+  Nam'd it I have _The Seven Dayes of the Weeke_,
+  Which though perchaunce grave heads may judge a trifle,
+    Yet if their action answere but my penninge,
+    You shall heare that, that will deserve a hemminge.
+
+  To tell the argument, were to forstalle
+  And sour the licquour of our sweete conceate;
+  Here are good fellowes that will tell you all
+  When wee begin once, you shall quickely ha'te,
+    Which if your grace will grace with your attention,
+    You shall soone sounde the depth of our invention."
+
+[Then follows the mock play in seven Acts.]
+
+"Nothing, throughout the whole yeare, was better liked and more
+pleasant than this shewe, in so much that, although it were more
+privately done before our selves onely or some few friends, yet the
+report of it went about all the towne, till it came to the
+Vice-chauncellours and L. Clifford's eares, who were very desyrous to
+see it acted againe, and so it was as heereafter shal bee specifyed.
+
+"The next day beeing Munday the 11 of January the terme should have
+begun in the house, but because of the extreame cold and froast which
+had now continued full six weekes and better without any intermission,
+as also by reason the hall was still pestered with the stage and
+scaffolds which were suffered to stand still in expectation of the
+Comedy, therefore it was agreed by the President and the officers that
+the terme should bee prorogued for 7 dayes longer in which time it was
+agreed the Comedy should bee publickely acted on Friday, the 15th day
+of January.
+
+"But heere the President and some of the Seniors in abundance of care
+were affrayd to put any thing againe to the publicke view of the
+University, because their last paines at _The Complaint of Time_ had
+so ill thriving. Besides the season was so severe and tempestuous with
+wind and snow, which had continued some dayes without ceasing, and the
+complaint of the poore was so grievious for want of wood and meate,
+which by this time were growne very scant and deere, that they urged
+it was a time rather to lament and weepe than make sports in,
+whereupon a streight inhibition was sent out from the officers, that
+no man should thinke of playing that night or any time after, till the
+weather should breake up and bee more temperate, for they thought it
+no way fitt publickly to revell at a time of such generall wo and
+calamity.
+
+"But yet because all thinges were in a readinesse and the expectation
+of the whole towne was set uppon that night, the younger men of the
+Colledge went forward with their buisnes, intending to take no notice
+of what the officers had aggreed uppon, wherefore some of the officers
+were fayne to come in person to forbid the worke-men, and to undo some
+things which were already done, to the great griefe and discouragement
+of all the youth, who, though the weather was extreame cold, were
+themselves most hotte uppon the matter in hand, resolving now or never
+to recover their losse credit.
+
+"And, as though the heavens had favoured their designes, so it
+happened that about noone the weather brake up and it begann to thaw,
+whereuppon the President was agayne importun'd by the Prince himselfe
+and his councell for the performance of the Comedy that night; who
+(seeing they were all so earnest) did not so much graunt, as not deny
+them, their request, whereuppon they begann againe to sett forward the
+buisnes, and what they wanted in time they made up by their
+willingnesse and paynes, so that for all these crosses they begann the
+play before 7 a clocke and performed it in manner following:
+
+
+PHILOMATHES.
+
+INTERLOQUTORES.
+
+Chorus.
+
+Janus.
+Tempus.
+
+Motus       Locus.
+Quies       Vacuum.
+
+Philomathes.                                  Sophia.
+Chrysophilos, Senex Avarus.                   Antarchia.
+Phantasta, Stolidus Generosus.                Anthadia.
+[Greek: Aphronios], Filius Chrysophili.       Anæa, Mulier Inepta.
+
+Chrestophilos, Socius Philomathis.
+Crito, Senex, Pater Sophiæ.
+Critonis Seruus.
+Cerdoos, Seruus Chrysophili.
+Petinus, Seruus Phantastæ.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"This play was very well acted, but especially the Chorus, the stage
+was never more free, the audience never more quiett and contented, so
+that they went away many of them crieing--_Abundè satisfactum est!_
+itt was so well liked and applauded of all that saw itt.
+
+"Here the stage & scaffold were pul'd downe which had stood from
+Cristmas, and it was resolved that upon the chaunge of the weather,
+the terme should begin on the Munday following.
+
+"But in the meane time on Sunday nighte, being the Seventeenth of
+January, the Vice-chancelor, and the L. Clifford, with many other
+Doctors and Gentlemen were invited to supper in the President's
+lodging, where after supper they were entertained with a shew before
+mentioned, to witt, _The Seven Dayes in the Weeke_, to which, by this
+time, there was somewhat added, but not much: all was most kindly
+accepted, and the nighte was spent in great mirth. For the straungenes
+of the matter, and rarity of the fashion of their action pleased above
+expectation.
+
+"At the end of this shew for the more rarity, there was one brought in
+my Lord's Stockes with this speech made uppon itt:
+
+"'My Lord, I which am the lowest, am now become the lowdest, though
+(I hope) not the lewdest of your Lordshippe's servauntes. And though I
+come _pridie Calendas_, before I am cald, yet (I hope) my audacity
+shall have audience, and my faithfulnes favor. I am your Lordshippe's
+Elephaunt and heere is your castell, so that where other Lords are
+brought to their castells, heere your castell is brought to you. _Est
+locus in carcere_, there is a locke upon your Lordshippe's castell,
+which was committed unto my trust, how faithfull I have been therein
+they can tell who have taken an exact measure of my office by the
+foote: the matter of which your castell is builded is so precious,
+that there is none amongst company but is contented to wear of it
+within his buttons, the end for which it was builded is very
+commendable, that they may bee kepte in order with wood, which
+otherwise would not bee kepte in order, heere is _fons latus pedibus
+tribus_, a fountaine to wash three mens legs, that they which have
+bene _aurium tenus_, over shoes, heere may be _crurum tenus_ over
+bootes too, This your Lordshippe's oracle or Tripos, out of which
+malefactors tell the truth and foretell of their amendment. Nay, I wil
+bee bould to compare it to your Lordshippe's braine, for what is there
+designed is heere executed. In these sells or ventricles are fancy,
+understanding, and memory. For such as your Lordshippe doth not fancy
+are put in the first hole, such as were dull and without understanding
+were put in the second hole, but such as your Lordshippe threatned
+(remember this) or I'le remember you, were put in the last and lowest
+dungeon, _cum nemini obtrudi potest itur ad me_. When they cannot bee
+ruled otherwise they are brought unto mee, and my entertainment is
+_strato discumbitur ostro_, they straite sett downe att this oister
+table, where they are fast and doe fast, ffor _vinitur exiguo melius_,
+they make small meales, till the flames of clemency doe mitigate the
+Salamanders of your Lordshippe's severity. Now, my Lord, since I have
+told you what I am, I will bee bold to tell you what you may bee--You
+are mortall--Ergo you must die, the three sisters will not spare you,
+though you were their owne brother, and therefore while you have your
+good witts about you, _fac quid vobis_, make your will, that wee may
+know amongst so many well deserving men, that doe lay claime to this
+your castell, to whome as rightfull heire itt shall lawfully descend,
+that so all controversies being ended, before your Lordshippe's
+deceasse, hereafter your bones may ly, and wee your subjects live, in
+all rest and quietnes.
+
+"'Dixi.'
+
+"To make an end of this nighte's sporte, all departed merry and very
+well pleased, the actors were much commended, and the terme for their
+sakes prorogued one day longer.
+
+"On the Thursday following the Prince was solemnly invited by the
+Canons of Christchurch to a comedy called _Yuletide_, where many
+thinges were either ill ment by them, or ill taken by us, but wee had
+very good reason to think the former, both for that the whole towne
+thought so, and the whole play was a medley of Christmas sportes, by
+which occasion Christmas Lords were much jested at, and our Prince was
+soe placed that many thinges were acted upon him, but yet, Mr. Deane
+himselfe, then vice-chancelor, very kindly sent for the Prince and
+some others of our howse, and laboured to satisfie us, protesting that
+no such thing was mente, as was reported, whereupon wee went away
+contented, and forebore the speaking of many things which otherwise
+were afterwards intended, for aunswering of them in their owne kind.
+
+"On Candlemas nighte it was thoughte by our selves, and reported in
+the towne, that the Prince should resigne his place, but nothing being
+in readines for that purpose itt was deferred, but yet, least nothing
+should bee done, there was a Vigilate (as they terme it) a watching
+nighte procured by the Prince and his Counsell, and graunted by the
+officers of the Colledge, which was performed in manner following.
+
+
+"THE VIGILATE.
+
+"First, about eighte of the Clocke (for then itt was to begin, and to
+continue till fowre in the morning) the Colledge gates were shutt, and
+all the students summon'd by the sounding of a Trumpett three times,
+to make their personall appearance in the greate Hall, where after
+they were all come together, that the Prince's pleasure might bee the
+better knowne, this proclamation was publikely pronounced by a
+Serjeant att Armes, in the hearing of them all.
+
+"The high and mighty Thomas by the favour of Fortune Prince of Alba
+  Fortunata, Lord St. Johns, High Regent of the Hall, &c. To all
+  Presidents, Vice Presidents, Officers, Readers, Masters, Batchelors,
+  Felowes, Schollers, Commoners, Under-commoners, Servaunts, Scruitors,
+  sendeth greeting.
+
+Whereas of late by the turbulent spirits of seditious minded persons
+hath bene buzzed into the eares of many of our loving and liege
+subjectes a fearefull and dangerous report of our sudden downefall,
+which according to their libelling speeches should att this nighte
+fall upon us--We have thought it necessary not so much for our owne
+feares which are none at all, as for satisfieing and strengthening our
+welmeaning friends in their love and duty, to publish and by these
+presents to all our loyal subjects of what state and condicion soever,
+that they make their personall appearance to the setting and
+furnishing of a most strong guarde and carefull watch as well for
+their security as the safety of our owne royall person, & the whole
+Common-wealth; In the which generall watch for the better comfort and
+ease of all men, our selfe, with our honourable privy Counsell, and
+the rest of our Nobility, intend to bee personally present.
+
+"But because wee are no way minded to oppresse any man above his
+power, on our princely bounty, wee give licence to such as (for age or
+infirmity) are not able to perform that duty, to forfaite for their
+absence, yf they plead age ijs. vi^{d}.; if infirmity, xii^{d}., towards
+the furnishing of his Highnes with a tall and sufficient watchman.
+
+"Now because that which wee have wisely thought, and for our peace and
+safety, may not proove the cause of new troubles and dissentions, wee
+have thought good to adjoine some few cautions, in way of admonitions
+to bee observed.
+
+"First, for that the disorders of an unruly and mutinous watch
+   doe often open as it were the gate of danger and outrage,
+   our princely will and pleasure is, that each man keepe his
+   station with out murmuring, performing cheerefully all such
+   offices and duties, as shal bee lawfully enjoin'd by us, or
+   our offices, upon paine of forfeiting ijs. vi^{d}., as for age.
+
+"Secondly, because sloth is a kind of disease in a well-ordered
+   Common-wealth wee further charge and command by the
+   vertue of our absolute authority, that no man bee found
+   winking, or pincking, or nodding, much lesse snorting,
+   upon paine of forfaiting twelve pence, as for infirmity.
+
+"Thirdly, for the avoiding of a sudden dearth, or lingring famine
+   which may ensue and justly follow the free and undoubted
+   liberty of a riotous and luxurious time, yt is by us thought
+   necessary that no man should in hugger mugger eate or
+   drincke more than is publickly seene and allowed by the
+   face of the body civill and politicke, upon paine of paieing
+   twise, for such is in a manner stolen provision, and the
+   second paiement to bee arbitrary.
+
+        "Given att our Mannor of Whites-hall, the seacond of
+            February, and in the first of our Raigne.
+
+"This proclamation being read and set up in the great hall, the Prince
+called for his officers and servants about him, charging every man
+carefully to execute his office. First the steward and buttler (who
+for their auncient fidelity kept their places according as they had
+long before beene appointed by the Colledge) were commaunded to bring
+their bookes, and by them to call up all the howse, whereupon (every
+one beeing first charged to aunswere to his name) it presently
+appeared who were present and who were absent.
+
+"After this the Master of the Revels and the Knight Marshall were
+willed to appoint severall sportes that no man might bee seene idle
+upon payne of the Prince's high displeasure whereupon presently some
+went to cardes, some to dice, some to dauncing, every one to some
+thing.
+
+"Not long after, for more variety sake, there was brought in a maske;
+the devise was sudden and extempore, videl: a little page attired in
+his long coats, with these six verses which were spoke as soone as he
+entered the hall.
+
+ "These are six carpet knights, and I one page
+  Can easily bring in six that bee of age,
+  They come to visite this your highnes court,
+  And if they can, to make your honour sport.
+  Nay, this is all, for I have seene the day
+  A richer maske had not so much to say.
+
+"After these maskers had finished the measures, and some few other
+daunces, the said page waved them forth with his wan, and spake these
+two verses:
+
+ "There are three they say would shew you an anticke,
+  But when you see them, you'll thinke them franticke.
+
+"Then there came in three in an anticke which were well attyred for
+that purpose, and daunced well to the great delite of the beholders.
+
+"After these had stollen away one by one, as the manner is, it pleased
+the Prince to aske what was a clocke, it beeing aunswered almost
+twelve hee presently called in for supper. But first the bill of those
+which were before noted to bee absent was called, to see whether any
+of them would yet appeare, and the Prince would deale favourably with
+them. It was also examined whether any of those which were present
+before were now gon to bed, and accordingly authority was given by the
+Prince to the marshalls of the hall and other officers to search the
+chambers for sleepers, and where they made aunswere to aske the reason
+of their slothfull neglect or wilfull contempt of the Prince's
+commands, and if they pleaded either infirmity or age to take their
+fine, and so quietly to depart, first causing them faithfull to give
+their words that they harboured no other idle or suspicious parsons.
+But if they knoct at any of the chambers of those that were absent and
+nobody would answer, then they had full authority to breake open the
+dores and to make a privy search, and if they found any abed they
+tooke them as they were in their shirts and carryed them downe in
+state to the hall after this manner:--
+
+"First went the marshals with lights to make room.
+
+Then came one squire carrying the goune of him whom they
+     brought and another that carryed his hatt & band.
+
+Then came two other squires whereof one carryed his dublet
+     the other his breeches.
+
+Then came two with lights.
+
+Next came he that was in his shirt carryed by two in a chaire
+     and covered with a blanket.
+
+Last behind came one squire more that carryed his shoes &
+     stockings.
+
+"All these beeing entered the hall, the squires made their attendance
+about him, with great observance, every one reaching him his apparrell
+as it pleased him to call for it, and then also helping him on with
+it. And this was the punishment of those that were found a bed.
+
+"Others which were found up in their chambers & would not answer were
+violently brought downe with bills and staves as malefactors and by
+the Knight Marshals appointment were committed close prisoners to the
+Prince's castle, videl. the stocks, which were placed upon a table to
+that purpose, that those which were punished might bee seene to the
+terrour of others.
+
+"By this time supper was ready and the sewer called to the
+dresser whereupon the buttery bell was presently rung, as it
+uses to bee at other ordinary meales, besides a trumpet was
+sounded at the kitchen hatch to call the wayters together.
+
+"After the first messe was served in, the Prince with the rest
+of his councell satt downe, then all the rest of the howse in
+seniority.
+
+"Towardes the end of supper two gentlemen of the second table fell out,
+wee could never distinctly know about what, it was verely supposed
+themselves scarsly knew, but from wordes they fell suddenly to blowes,
+and ere any man was aware, one of them had stabbed the other into the
+arme with his knife to the great prejudice of the mirth, which should or
+would have followed that night. But the offender was presently
+apprehended (and though a gentleman of some worth) put into my Lord's
+stocks, where hee lay most part of that night with shame and blame
+enough. And yet for all that punishment the next day he was convented
+before the officers of the Colledge, and there agayne more grievously
+punished; for the fault was much agravated by the circumstances of the
+time, place and person that was hurt, who was a very worshipfull
+knight's sonne and heyre.
+
+"After this the Prince with some of the better sort of the
+howse beeing much disconted with the mischaunce that had
+happened, retyred themselves into the president lodging, where
+privatly they made themselves merry, with a wassall called the
+five bells of Magdalen Church, because it was an auncient note
+of those bells, that they were almost never silent. This shew
+for the better grace of the night was performed by some of the
+Masters and officers themselves in manner following:
+
+"_Enter the Clerke of Magdalens alone,_
+
+ "Your kind acceptance of the late devise
+  Presented by St. Gyles's clerke, my neighbour,
+  Hath hartned mee to furnish in a trice
+  This nights up sitting with a two houres labour:
+      For any thing I hope, though ne're so naghty
+      Wil be accepted in a Vigilate.
+
+  I have observed as your sportes did passe all
+  (A fault of mine to bee too curious)
+  The twelfe night slipt away without a wassall,
+  A great defect, to custome most injurious:
+      Which I to mend have done my best endeavour
+      To bring it in, for better late than never.
+
+  And more, for our more tuneable proceeding,
+  I have ta'ne downe the five bells in our towre,
+  Which will performe it, if you give them heeding,
+  Most musically, though they ring an houre.--
+      Now I go in to oyle my bells and pruin them,
+      When I come downe Ile bring them downe & tune them.
+
+_Exit._
+
+"After a while he returned with five others presenting his five bells,
+and tyed with five bell-ropes, which after he had pulled one by one,
+they all began a peale, and sang in Latin as followeth:--
+
+
+ "Jam sumus lætis dapibus repleti,
+  Copiam vobis ferimus fluentem,
+  Gaudium vobis canimus jocose
+                          Vivite læti.
+
+  Te deum dicunt (venerande Bacche)
+  Te deum dicunt (reverenda mater)
+  Vos graves vobis removete luctus:
+                          Vivite læti.
+
+  Dat Ceres vires, hominumque firmat
+  Corpora, et Bacchus pater ille vini
+  Liberat curis animos molestis:
+                          Vivite læti.
+
+  Ne dolor vestros animos fatiget,
+  Vos jubet læta hæc removere curas
+  Turba, lætari feriæque suadent
+                          Vivite læti.
+
+  En Ceres lætæ segetis creatrix,
+  Et pater vini placidique somni
+  Pocula hæc vobis hilares ministrant
+                               (monarcha
+                          Sume (
+                               (magister.
+
+
+_Bibunt omnes ordine dum, actores hæc ultima carmina sæpius repetunt;
+max singuli toti conventui sic ordine gratulantur._
+
+_Tenor._
+
+  Reddere fælicem si quemquam copia possit
+    Copia fælicis nomen habere jubet,
+  Copia læte jubet tristes depellere curas,
+    Copia quam cingit Bacchus et alma Ceres.
+
+_Counter._
+
+  Quem non delectant moderatè pocula sumpta?
+
+_Tenor._
+
+    Cujus non animum dulcia vina juvant?
+  Dulcia vina juvant dulcem dant vina soporem,
+    Magnificas ornant dulcia vina dapes.
+
+_Meane._
+
+  Frugibus alma Ceres mortalia pectora nutrit,
+    Exornant campurn frugibus alma Ceres.
+  Si cuiquam desint Cerelia dona, nec illi
+    Lenæi patris munera grata placent.
+
+  Nec vobis Cereris nec Bacchi munera desint,
+    Annuat et votis Jupiter ipse meis.
+
+_Treble._
+
+  Alma Ceres vestris epulis lætatur, et ecce
+    Copia cum Baccho gaudia læta canunt
+                 _Mox omnes cantantes Exeunt._
+
+  Gaudium lætum canimus, canemus
+  Hoc idem semper, nec enim dolere
+  Jam licet, lætae feriæ hic aguntur
+                              Vivite læti.
+
+  Sæpius nobis reriæ revertant,
+  Sæpius vinum liceat potare,
+  Sæpius vobis hilares cánamus
+                            Vivite læti.
+
+"This then was suddenly and extempore clapt together for want of a
+better, but notwithstanding was as willingly and chearefully receaved
+as it was proferd.
+
+"By this time it was foure a clocke and liberty was given to every one
+to goe to bed or stay up as long as they pleased. The Prince with his
+councell brake up their watch, so did most of the Masters of the
+house, but the younger sort stayed up till prayers time, and durst not
+goe to bed for feare of one another. For some, after they had licence
+to depart, were fetcht out of their beds by their fellowes, and not
+suffered to put on their clothes till they came into the hall. And
+thus the day came and made an end of the night's sport.
+
+"On the sixt of February, beeing egge Satterday, it pleased some
+gentlemen schollers in the towne to make a dauncing night of it. They
+had provided many new and curious daunces for the maske of Penelope's
+Woers, but the yeare beeing far spent and Lent drawing on and many
+other thinges to bee performed, the Prince was not able to bestow that
+state upon them which their love & skill deserved. But their good will
+was very kindely received by the Prince in this night's private
+travels. They had some apparell suddenly provided for them, and these
+few Latin verses for their induction:
+
+ "Isti fuere credo Penelopes proci
+  Quos justa forsan ira Telemachi domo
+  Expulit Ulyssis.
+
+"After all this sport was ended the Prince entertayned them very
+royally with good store of wine and a banquet, where they were very
+merry and well pleased all that night.
+
+"Against the next Tuesday following, beeing Shrovetuesday, the great
+stage was againe set up and the scaffolds built about the hall for the
+Prince's resignation, which was performed that night with great state
+and solemnity in manner and forme following:
+
+IRA SEU TUMULUS FORTUNE.
+
+INTERLOCUTORES.
+
+Princeps.
+Admiralius.
+Thesaurarius.
+Comptrollarius.
+Cancellarius.
+Justitiarius.
+Marescallus.
+Camerarius.
+Philosophus.
+Cynicus.
+Momus.
+Polycrates.
+Philadelphus.
+Juridicus.
+Magister Ludorem.
+Anteambulo Primus.
+Anteambulo Secundus.
+Stultus.
+
+CHORUS.
+
+Minerva
+Euphemia
+Fortuna.
+Tolmæa.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"Many straungers of all sorts were invited to this shew, and many more
+came together, for the name's sake only of a resignacon, to see the
+manner and solemnity of it, for that it was reported (and truly) that
+there was nothing els to bee done or seene beside the resignacon and
+no man thought so much could have beene said of so little matter.
+
+"The stage was never so oppressed with company, insomuch that it was
+verely thought it could not bee performed that night for want of
+roome; but the audience was so favourable as to stand as close and
+yeeld as much backe as was possible; so that for all tumults it began
+about 7 a clocke, and was very well liked of all.
+
+"Only some few, more upon their owne guilty suspicion than our plaine
+intention, thinking themselves toucht at that verse of _Momus_:
+
+ "Dixi et quem dederat cursum fortuna peregi,
+
+laboured to raise an hissing, but it was soon smothered, and the whole
+company in the end gave us good applause and departed very well
+pleased.
+
+"After the shew was ended, the sometimes Lord was carried in state to
+his owne private chamber after this manner:
+
+First went two Squires with lights.
+
+Next Euphemia and Tolmæa.
+
+Then 2 other Squires with lightes.
+
+Next Minerva and Fortuna.
+
+Then came 4 other Squires with lightes, and in the midst of
+    them 4 schollers bearing on their shoulders a tombe
+    or sepulcher adorned with scutchions and little flagges,
+    wherein all the Prince's honours had bene buried before.
+
+After this came the Prince alone in his schollers gowne and
+    hood as the chiefe mourner.
+
+Then all the rest of his Counsell and company likewise in
+    blacke gownes and hoodes, like mourners, two by two.
+
+"All these were said to goe to the Temple of Minerva there to
+consecrate and erecte the sepulcher, and this state was very well
+liked of all that saw itt.
+
+"Heere wee thought to have made an end of all, and to have puld downe
+the scaffolds and stage, but then many said that so much preparacon
+was too much for so small a show. Besides there was an English Tragedy
+almost ready, which they were very earnest should bee performed, but
+many arguments were alledged against it: first, for the time, because
+it was neere Lent, and consequently a season unfitt for
+plaies--Secondly, the stile for that itt was English, a language
+unfitt for the Universitie, especially to end so much late sporte with
+all--Thirdly, the suspicon of some did more hinder it than all the
+rest, for that it was thought that some particulars were aimed att in
+the Chorus, which must needs bee distastfull--Lastly, the ill lucke,
+which wee had before with English, made many very loth to have any
+thing done againe in that straine.
+
+"But these objections being aunswered all well as might bee, and
+faithfull promise being made and taken that if any word were thought
+personall, it should be presently put out, the stage was suffered to
+stand, and the scaffolds somewhat enlarged against the Saturday
+following. Att which time such a concourse of people from all places,
+and of all sorts came together presently after dinner, that itt was
+thought impossible any thing should have beene done that night for
+tumults. Yet in the beginning such order and care was taken (every one
+being willing att the last cast to helpe towardes the making a good
+end,) that the stage was kept voide of all company, and the scaffoldes
+were reserved for straungers and men sorte, better than ever they were
+before, so that it began very peaceably somewhat before six a clocke,
+and was performed in manner following:
+
+PERIANDER.
+
+CHORUS
+
+The Master of the Revels.         Detraction.
+The Master of the Revels Boy.     Resolution.
+          Ingenuity a Doctor of Physicke.
+
+INTERLOCUTORES.
+
+Periander, Tyrannus Corinthi.
+Cypsilus, Hæres Periandri, Stultus.
+Lycophron Frater Cypsili.
+Neotinos, Puer, Satelles Lycoph.
+Lysimachos}
+Aristhæus } Nobiles et a Consilijs Periandri.
+
+Philarches}
+Eriterus  } Juuenes Nobiles in Aulâ Periandri.
+Symphilus }
+
+Cratæa Mater Periandri.
+Melissa Uxor Periandri.
+Melissæ Umbra.
+Eugenia Filia Periandri.
+
+Pronæa }
+Zona   } Duæ Meritriculæ Periandri.
+
+Larissæa Soror Philarchis.
+Europe Aristhæi Filia.
+Fæminæ Quatuor Corinthiæ cum 4 or Pueris Inseruientibus.
+Arion Celebris Musicus.
+Nantæ Quatuor.
+Cines Duo Togati.
+Vigiles Duo.
+Calistus   }
+Stratocles } Satellites Periandri.
+Borius     }
+Tres Aut 4 or Alij Satellites.
+Epilogus.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"EPILOGUE.
+
+      "Gentlemen, welcome! our great promises
+  Wee would make upp, your selves must needs confesse,
+  But our small timbred actors, narrow roome,
+  Necessity of thrifte make all short come
+  Of our first apprehensions; wee must keepe
+  Our auntient customes though wee after creepe.
+  But wee forgett times limitts, Nowe tis Lente--
+  Old store this weeke may lawfully be spente
+  Our former shewes were giv'n to our cal'd Lorde,
+  This, and att his request, for you was storde.
+          By many hands was Periander slaine,
+          Your gentler hands will give him live againe.
+
+FINIS.
+
+"A certain gentlewoman, upon the hearing of these two last verses,
+made two other verses, and in way of an aunswer sent them to the
+Prince, who having first plaied Periander afterwards himselfe also
+pronounced the Epilogue.
+
+"The verses were these
+
+  If that my hand or hart him life could give,
+  By hand and hart should Periander live.
+
+"But it is almost incredible to thinke how well this Tragedy was
+performed of all parties, and how well liked of the whole, which (as
+many of them as were within the hall) were very quiet and attentive.
+But those that were without and could not get in made such an hideous
+noice, and raised such a tumult with breaking of windows all about the
+colledge, throwinge of stones into the hall and such like ryott, that
+the officers of the coll: (beeing first dar'd to appeare) were faine
+to rush forth in the beginning of the play, with about a dozen
+whiflers well armed and swords drawne, whereat the whole company
+(which were gathered together before the chapell doore to try whether
+they could breake it open) seeing them come behind them out of the
+lodging, presently gave backe, and ranne away though itt was thought
+they were not so few as 4 or 500.
+
+"The officers gave some faire words and some fowle as they saw
+occasion, the whiflers were very heedfull to marke who were the
+ringleaders of the rest, and having some notice given of them by some
+of our friendes, they took some of them and committed them to the
+Porter's lodge, where they lay close prisoners till the play was done,
+and then they were brought forth and punished, and so sente home.
+
+"After this all was quiet only some were so thrust in the hall, that
+they were carried forth for dead but soone recovered, when they came
+into the aire.
+
+"The Chorus of this Tragedy much pleased for the rarity of it.
+_Detraction_ beeing taken from among the company, where hee had liked
+to have been beaten for his sawsines (as it was supposed) for nobody
+at first toke him for an actor. The chiefest in the hall commaunded
+that notice should be taken of him, that hee might afterwards bee
+punished for his boldnes;--but as soone as it at once appeared that he
+was an actor, their disdaine and anger turned to much pleasure and
+content.
+
+"All were so pleased att the whole course of this play, that there
+were at least eight generall plaudites given in the midst of it in
+divers places and to divers persons.
+
+"In the end, they clapped their hands so long, that they went forth of
+the colledge clapping.
+
+"But in the midst of all this good liking wee were neere two
+mischaunces, the one from Lycophron who lost a faire gold ring from
+his finger, which notwithstanding all the hurleburly in the end of the
+play, was soone found againe; the other from Periander, who, going to
+kill his daughter Eugenia, did not so couch his dagger within his
+hand, but that hee prickt her through all her attire, but (as God
+would have it) it was onely a scratch and so it passed.
+
+
+THE CONCLUSION.
+
+"Many other thinges were in this yeare intended which neither were nor
+could be performed. As the maske of Penelope's Wooer, with the State
+of Telemachus, with a Controversie of Jrus and his ragged Company,
+whereof a great parte was made. The devise of the Embassage from
+Lubber-land, whereof also a parte was made. The Creation of White
+Knights of the order of Aristotle's Well, which should bee sworne to
+defend Aristotle against all authors, water against wine, footemen
+against horsemen, and many more such like injunctions. A lottery for
+those of the colledge or straungers as itt pleased them to draw, not
+for matters of wealth, but only of mirth and witt. The triumph of all
+the founders of the colledges in Oxford, a devise much thought on, but
+it required more invention, more cost than the time would affoord. The
+holding of a court leet and baron for the Prince, wherein there should
+have beene leasses drawne, copies taken, surrenders made, all which
+were not so much neglected as prevented by the shortnes of time and
+want of money, better wits and richer daies may hereafter make upp
+which was then lefte unperfect.
+
+"Here some letters might be inserted, and other gratulatory messages
+from divers friends to the Prince, but it is high time to make an end
+of this tedious and fruitelesse relation, unlesse the knowledge of
+trouble and vanity bee fruitefull.
+
+"Wee intended in these exercises the practise and audacity of our
+youth, the credit and good name of our colledge, the love and favor of
+the University; but instead of all these (so easie a thing it is to be
+deceived in a good meaning) wee met with peevishnesse at home,
+perversnes abroad, contradictions everywhere; some never thought
+themselves entreated enough to their owne good and creditt; others
+thought themselves able to doe nothing if they could not thwarte and
+hinder something; most stood by and gave aime, willing to see much and
+doe nothing, nay perchaunce they were ready to procure most trouble,
+which would bee sure to yield least helpe. And yet wee may not so much
+grudge at faults at home as wee may justly complaine of hard measure
+abroad; for instead of the love and favour of the Universitie, wee
+found our selves (wee will say justly) taxed for any the least error
+(though ingenious spirits would have pardoned many things, where all
+things were intended for their owne pleasure) but most unjustly
+censured, and envied for that which was done (wee dare say)
+indifferently well: so that, in a word, wee paide deere for trouble,
+and in a manner hired and sent for men to doe us wrong.
+
+"Let others herafter take heed how they attempte the like, unlesse
+they find better meanes at home, and better mindes abroad. And yet wee
+cannot complaine of all, some ment well and said well, and those tooke
+good will for good paiment, good endevors for good performaunce, and
+such (in this kind) shall deserve a private favour, when other shal
+bee denied a common benefitt.
+
+ "_Seria vix recte agnoscit, qui ludicra nescit._
+
+FINIS."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENTS.
+
+During the reign of James the First there was a revival of chivalric
+exercises, especially in connection with the training of the young
+Prince Henry. Almost as soon as he could wield a lance and manage his
+horse when clothed in complete armour, he insisted on taking his place
+at the lists; and from this time no great tournament took place in
+England in which his Royal Highness did not take part. The most
+important of these exhibitions was
+
+
+THE GRAND "FEAT OF ARMES"
+
+which took place on Twelfth Night, 1610, at the palace of Whitehall,
+in the presence of King James I. and his queen, and a brilliant
+assemblage of lords, ladies, and gentlemen, among whom were several
+foreign ambassadors, when the heir-apparent, Prince Henry, was in the
+16th year of his age, and therefore arrived at the period for claiming
+the principality of Wales and the duchy of Cornwall. It was granted to
+him by the king and the High Court of Parliament, and the 4th of June
+following appointed for his investiture: "the Christmas before which,"
+Sir Charles Cornwallis says, "his highnesse, not onely for his owne
+recreation, but also that the world might know what a brave prince
+they were likely to enjoy, under the name of Meliades, lord of the
+isles, (an ancient title due to the first born of Scotland,) did, in
+his name, by some appointed for the same purpose, strangely attired,
+accompanied with drummes and trumpets, in the presence, before the
+king and queene, and in the presence of the whole Court, deliver a
+challenge to all knights of Great Britaine." The challenge was to this
+effect, "That Meliades, their noble master, burning with an earnest
+desire to trie the valour of his young yeares in foraigne countryes,
+and to know where vertue triumphed most, had sent them abroad to espy
+the same, who, after their long travailes in all countreys, and
+returne," had nowhere discovered it, "save in the fortunate isle of
+Great Britaine: which ministring matter of exceeding joy to their
+young Meliades, who (as they said) could lineally derive his pedegree
+from the famous knights of this isle, was the cause that he had now
+sent to present the first fruits of his chivalrie at his majesties'
+feete: then after returning with a short speech to her majestie, next
+to the earles, lords, and knights, excusing their lord in this their
+so sudden and short warning, and, lastly, to the ladies; they, after
+humble delivery of their chartle concerning time, place, conditions,
+number of weapons and assailants, tooke their leave, departing
+solemnly as they entered."
+
+Then preparations began to be made for this great fight, and each was
+happy who found himself admitted for a defendant, much more an
+assailant. "At last to encounter his highness, six assailants, and
+fifty-eight defendants, consisting of earles, barons, knights, and
+esquires, were appointed and chosen; eight defendants to one
+assailant, every assailant being to fight by turnes eight several
+times fighting, two every time with push and pike of sword, twelve
+strokes at a time; after which, the barre for separation was to be let
+downe until a fresh onset." The summons ran in these words:
+
+"To our verie loving good ffreind sir Gilbert Loughton, knight, geave
+theis with speed:
+
+"After our hartie commendacions unto you. The prince, his highnes,
+hath commanded us to signifie to you that whereas he doth intend to
+make a challenge in his owne person at the Barriers, with six other
+assistants, to bee performed some tyme this Christmas; and that he
+hath made choice of you for one of the defendants (whereof wee have
+comandement to give you knowledge), that theruppon you may so repaire
+hither to prepare yourselfe, as you may bee fitt to attend him.
+Hereunto expecting your speedie answer wee rest, from Whitehall this
+25th of December, 1609. Your very loving friends,
+
+Nottingham.    T. Suffolke.    E. Worcester."
+
+On New Year's Day, 1610, or the day after, the Prince's challenge was
+proclaimed at court, and "his highnesse, in his own lodging, in the
+Christmas, did feast the earles, barons, and knights, assailants and
+defendants, until the great Twelfth appointed night, on which this
+great fight was to be performed."
+
+On the 6th of January, in the evening, "the barriers" were held at the
+palace of Whitehall, in the presence of the king and queen, the
+ambassadors of Spain and Venice, and the peers and ladies of the land,
+with a multitude of others assembled in the banquetting-house: at the
+upper end whereof was the king's chair of state, and on the right a
+sumptuous pavilion for the prince and his associates, whence, "with
+great bravery and ingenious devices, they descended into the middell
+of the roome, and there the prince performed his first feates of
+armes, that is to say, at _Barriers_, against all commers, being
+assisted onlie with six others, viz., the duke of Lenox, the earle of
+Arundell, the earle of Southampton, the lord Hay, sir Thomas Somerset,
+and sir Richard Preston, who was shortly afterwards created lord
+Dingwell."
+
+To answer these challengers came fifty-six earles, barons, knights,
+and esquiers. They were at "the lower end of the roome, where was
+erected a very delicat and pleasant place, where in privat manner they
+and their traine remained, which was so very great that no man
+imagined that the place could have concealed halfe so many." Thence
+they issued in comely order, "to the middell of the roome, where sate
+the king and the queene, and the court, to behold the barriers, with
+the several showes and devices of each combatant." Every challenger
+fought with eight several defendants two several combats at two
+several weapons, viz. at push of pike, and with single sword. "The
+prince performed this challenge with wonderous skill and courage, to
+the great joy and admiration of the beholders," he "not being full
+sixteene yeeres of age until the 19th of February." These feats, and
+other "triumphant shewes," began before ten o'clock at night, and
+continued until three o'clock in the morning, "being Sonday." The
+speeches at "the barriers" were written by Ben Jonson. The next day
+(Sunday) the prince rode in great pomp to convoy the king to St.
+James', whither he had invited him and all the court to supper, the
+queen alone being absent; and then the prince bestowed prizes to the
+three combatants best deserving; namely, the Earl of Montgomery, Sir
+Thomas Darey (son of Lord Darey), and Sir Robert Gourdon. Thus ended
+the Twelftide court festivities in 1610.
+
+During the early years of James's reign tournaments divided with
+masques the favour of the Court; and, as we have just seen when Prince
+Henry reached his sixteenth year, he put himself forth in a more
+heroic manner than usual with princes of his time to engage in "feats
+of armes" and chivalric exercises; but after his death (1612) these
+sports fell quite out of fashion, and George Wither, a poet of the
+period, expresses, in the person of Britannia, the feelings of the
+nation:--
+
+ "Alas! who now shall grace my tournaments,
+  Or honour me with deeds of chivalry?
+  What shall become of all my merriments,
+  My ceremonies, shows of heraldry,
+  And other rites?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Religious matters received a good deal of attention from James I. in
+the later years of his reign, and his Majesty's proposals raised the
+question of the observance of
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IN SCOTLAND.
+
+In 1617 the King made a journey to Scotland with the object of
+establishing the English Church in all its forms and authority as the
+State Church of Scotland for ever. One of the famous Five Articles in
+which the King set forth his will proposed "That the festivals of
+Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension Day, and Whit Sunday, should
+be observed in Scotland just as in England." The Articles were
+received with unequivocal marks of displeasure, many of the churches
+refusing to obey the royal command, and the revival of the festival of
+Christmas was denounced as the return of the ancient Saturnalia. Three
+years later the King obtained an Act of Parliament enforcing the
+Articles on the repugnant spirit of the people. "Dr. Laud, whose name
+we now meet for the first time, afterwards to become so notorious,
+even urged James to go further lengths; but his fatal advice was
+destined to act with more force on the next generation."[63]
+
+The King returned to London very much displeased with the religious
+views of his Scotch subjects, and his sourness seems to have
+manifested itself even at Christmastide, for on December 20th of this
+year Mr. Chamberlaine thus wrote to Sir Dudley Carleton: "The King
+hath been at Theobald's ever since Wednesday, and came to town this
+day. I am sorry to hear that he grows every day more froward, and with
+such a kind of morosity, that doth either argue a great discontent in
+mind, or a distemper of humours in his body. Yet he is never so out of
+tune but the very sight of my Lord of Buckingham doth settle and quiet
+all."[64]
+
+So soothed and softened was the King by "my Lord of Buckingham" that
+Mr. Chamberlaine, writing again on the 3rd of January, says that on
+New Year's Day the earl was created "Marquis of Buckingham, a dignity
+the King hath not bestowed since his coming to this crown." And, says
+the same writer, "This night was the Lord Marquiss's [Buckingham's]
+great
+
+
+FEAST, WHERE WERE THE KING AND PRINCE,
+
+with Lords and Ladies _sans nombre_. You may guess at the rest of the
+cheer by this scantling, that there were said to be seventeen dozen of
+pheasants, and twelve partridges in a dish throughout; which methinks
+was rather spoil than largess; yet for all the plenty of presents, the
+supper cost £600. Sir Thomas Edmondes undertook the providing and
+managing of all, so that it was much after the French. The King was
+exceedingly pleased, and could not be satisfied with commending the
+meat and the Master; and yet some stick not to say, that young Sir
+Henry Mildmay, a son of George Brooke, that was executed at
+Winchester, and a son of Sir William Monson's, begins to come into
+consideration."
+
+
+THE FAILING HEALTH OF THE KING
+
+interfered somewhat with the celebration of the subsequent Royal
+Christmases of this reign; and Nichols, referring to the Court
+celebrations of Twelfth Day, 1620-1, says:
+
+"'On Twelfth Day the King went to Chappel, but they had much ado to
+support him. He offered gold, frankincence, and myrrhe, and touched 80
+of the evil.'[65] In the evening 'the French Ambassador and his choise
+followers were brought to court by the Earle of Warwick to be present
+at a Maske; he seated as before with the King, the better sort of the
+other on a fourme behind the Lords, the Lord Treasurer onely and the
+Marquesse of Hamilton sitting at the upper end of it, and all the rest
+in a box, and in the best places of the scaffolds on the right hand of
+his Majesty. No other Ambassadors were at that time present or
+invited.'"
+
+As to
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
+
+of the next year (1621-2) Nichols[66] says Mr. Meade wrote thus to Sir
+Martin Stuteville:--
+
+"'The Lieutenant of Middle Temple played a game this Christmas-time,
+whereat his Majesty was highly displeased. He made choise of some
+thirty of the civillest and best-fashioned gentlemen of the House to
+sup with him; and, being at supper, took a cup of wine in one hand,
+and held his sword drawn in the other, and so began a health to the
+distressed Lady Elizabeth [the Queen of Bohemia], and having drunk,
+kissed his sword, and laying his hand upon it, took an oath to live
+and die in her service; then delivered the cup and sword to the next,
+and so the health and ceremonie went round.
+
+"'The Gentlemen of Graye's Inne, to make an end of Christmas on
+Twelfe-night, in the dead time of the night, shot off all the chambers
+they had borrowed from the Tower, being as many as filled four carts.
+The King, awakened with this noise, started out of his bed, and cryed,
+"Treason, treason," &c., and that the Cittie was in an uprore, in such
+sort (as it is told) that the whole court was raised and almost in
+armes, the Earle of Arundell running to the Bed-chamber with his sword
+drawne as to rescue the King's person.'"
+
+In this reign many accomplished writers assisted in the Christmas
+festivities. Professor Henry Morley[67] mentions that in December,
+1623, the name of Philip Massinger, poet and dramatist, first appeared
+in the office book of the Master of the Revells, when his "Bondman"
+was acted, and the play was first printed in 1624.
+
+King James I. died at Theobald's, Herts, on the 27th March, 1625, and
+was buried in Westminster Abbey.
+
+
+KING JAMES I. AND BISHOP ANDREWES ON CHRISTMAS DAYS.
+
+The remarkable fact that Bishop Andrewes preached seventeen sermons on
+the Nativity before James I. gives an unusual interest to the
+Christmas Day services of this reign. Nichols makes the following
+references to them:--
+
+1605. "On Christmas Day the King attended Divine Service at Whitehall,
+where Dr Lancelot Andrews, then recently promoted to the Bishoprick of
+Chichester, preached before his Majesty, on the Epistle of St. Paul to
+the Hebrews, ii. 16."
+
+1606. "On Christmas Day, the King attended Divine Service at
+Whitehall, where Bishop Andrews, now decidedly the King's favourite
+Preacher, discoursed on Esaias ix. 6."
+
+1607. "On Thursday, being Christmas Day, the King attended Divine
+Service at Whitehall, and there heard Bishop Andrews preach on 1 Tim.
+iii. 16."
+
+1609. "Monday, December 25, being Christmas Day, the King attended
+Divine Service at Whitehall, and there heard the Bishop of Ely, Dr.
+Andrews, on Galat. iv. 4, 5." In a note Nichols says: "This sermon was
+much admired by the King. This was probably the reason that it was
+printed in 1610, together with that the Bishop preached on the same
+occasion in that year, under the following title: 'Two Sermons
+preached before the King's Majestie at Whitehall; of the Birth of
+Christ; the one on Christmas Day, anno 1609, the other on Christmas
+Day last, anno 1610. By the Bishop of Elie, his Majestie's Almoner.
+Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, Printer to the King's most
+excellent Majestie, anno 1610.'"
+
+1610. "On Tuesday, the 25th December, Christmas Day, the King attended
+Divine Service at Whitehall, where Bishop Andrews preached on Luke ii.
+9, 10."
+
+1611. "On Christmas Day the King attended Divine Service at Whitehall,
+and Bishop Andrews preached on John. i. 14."
+
+1612. "On Friday, 25th December, Christmas Day was kept as usual at
+Whitehall; where the King attended Divine Service, and Bishop Andrews
+(as usual) preached."
+
+1613. "Saturday, 25th December, being Christmas Day, was kept with the
+usual solemnities; the King attended Divine service at Whitehall, and
+Bishop Andrews preached."
+
+1614. "His Majesty returned to keep Christmas Day, as was customary,
+at Whitehall. Bishop Andrews addressed him from the pulpit as usual."
+
+1615. "'On Christmas Day, the King, being sorely troubled with the
+gout, was not able to go to Divine service; but heard a sermon in
+private, and took the Sacrament.' The Preacher was, as usual, Bishop
+Andrews."
+
+1616. "On Christmas Day, Thomas, Earl of Arundel, who was educated
+from his youth in the Popish Religion, and had lately travelled all
+over Italy detesting the abuses of the Papists, embraced the
+Protestant religion, and received the Sacrament in the King's Chapel
+at Whitehall, where Bishop Andrews preached, as was customary, a
+sermon suited to the Festival of the Nativity."
+
+1618. "On the 25th [December], Bishop Andrews resumed his post as
+preacher on Christmas Day, before the King at Whitehall. His text was
+from Luke ii. 12, 13."
+
+1619. "Christmas was kept by the King at Whitehall, as had ever been
+his practice; and Bishop Andrews preached then before him, on
+Saturday, the 25th."
+
+1620. "During the month of December, before the King left the country,
+he knighted at Newmarket, Sir Francis Michell, afterward degraded in
+June 1621; and at Theobalds, Sir Gilbert Cornwall. On the 23rd, his
+Majestie 'came to Westminster, but went not to Chappel, being
+prevented by the gout.' On Monday, the 25th, however, being Christmas
+Day, Bishop Andrews preached before him at Whitehall, on Matt. ii. 1,
+2; and during Christmas, Sir Clement Cotterell and Sir Henry Carvell
+were there knighted."
+
+1622. "On the 25th [December] Bishop Andrews resumed his Christmas
+station in the pulpit at Whitehall, and thence preached to the King
+and his Court on the same text as he had adopted on the same occasion
+two years before, Matt. ii. 1, 2."
+
+1623. "The King kept inviolate his old custom of being at Whitehall on
+Christmas Day, and hearing there a sermon from Bishop Andrews, who
+this year preached on Ephes. i. 10."
+
+1624. "On Saturday, the 25th of December, Bishop Andrews preached
+before his Majesty at Whitehall, on Psalm ii. 7, it being at least the
+seventeenth, as it was the last, Christmas Day on which King James
+heard that favourite preacher."
+
+The unique series of "Seventeen Sermons on the Nativity, preached
+before King James I. at Whitehall, by the Right Honourable and
+Reverend Father in God, Lancelot Andrewes, sometime Lord Bishop of
+Winchester," were preserved to posterity by an order of Charles I.,
+who, after Bishop Andrewes's death, commanded Bishops Laud and
+Buckeridge to collect and publish his sermons. This series of sermons
+on the Nativity have recently been reprinted in "The Ancient and
+Modern Library of Theological Literature," and the editor, after
+referring to the ability and integrity of Bishop Andrewes, says: "An
+interest apart from that which must be created by his genius,
+learning, and character, belongs to him as the exponent of the mind
+and practice of the English Church in the years that intervened
+between the Reformation and the Revolution."
+
+
+THE POPULAR AMUSEMENTS OF CHRISTMASTIDE
+
+at this period are thus enumerated by Robert Burton in his "Anatomy of
+Melancholy," published in 1621:--
+
+"The ordinary recreations which we have in winter are cards, tables
+and dice, shovelboard, chess-play, the philosopher's game, small
+trunks, billiards, music, masks, singing, dancing, ule games, catches,
+purposes, questions; merry tales of errant knights, kings, queens,
+lovers, lords, ladies, giants, dwarfs, thieves, fairies, goblins,
+friars, witches, and the rest."
+
+The following curious cut is from the title-page of the amusing story
+of the great "Giant Gargantua" of this period:--
+
+[Illustration: "Giant Gargantua"]
+
+The legends of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Bevis of
+Southampton, Guy of Warwick, Adam Bell, and Clymme of Clough, were
+favourites among the lovers of romance; but the people of this age,
+being very superstitious, were very fond of stories about ghosts and
+goblins, believing them to be founded on fact, and also attributing
+feats performed by conjurors and jugglers to supernatural agency. The
+King himself was equally superstitious, for Strutt in describing the
+tricks of jugglers says: "Our learned monarch, James I., was perfectly
+convinced that these, and other inferior feats exhibited by the
+tregetours, could only be performed by the agency of the devil, 'who,'
+says he, 'will learne them many juglarie tricks, at cardes and dice,
+to deceive men's senses thereby, and such innumerable false
+practiques, which are proved by over-many in this age.'"[68]
+
+Looking back to the ancient superstitions about ghosts and fairies,
+Dryden, the poet, has some lines which may fitly close this chapter:--
+
+ "I speak of ancient times, for now the swain
+  Returning late may pass the woods in vain,
+  And never hope to see the mighty train;
+  In vain the dairy now with mint is dressed,
+  The dairy-maid expects no fairy guest,
+  To skim the bowls and after pay the feast.
+  She sighs and shakes her empty shoes in vain,
+  No silver penny to reward her pain:
+  For priests, with prayers and other godly gear,
+  Have made the merry goblins disappear."
+
+    [58] "Curiosities of Literature."
+
+    [59] "Memoirs of Ben Jonson."
+
+    [60] "Progresses of King James the First."
+
+    [61] Cassell's "History of England."
+
+    [62] This portion is inserted to introduce _the Prince's
+    Triumph_, as they are termed.
+
+    [63] Cassell's "History of England."
+
+    [64] Nichols's "Progresses."
+
+    [65] "Camden's Annals."
+
+    [66] "Progresses."
+
+    [67] "Library of English Literature."
+
+    [68] "Dæmonologie," by King James I.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+CHRISTMAS UNDER CHARLES I. AND THE
+COMMONWEALTH.
+
+(1625-1660.)
+
+
+KING CHARLES THE FIRST
+
+was the second son of James I. and of Anne, daughter of Frederick
+III., King of Denmark, and he came to the throne on the death of his
+father in March 1625. As Prince Charles he had taken part in the Court
+entertainments of Christmastide, and had particularly distinguished
+himself in Ben Jonson's masque, "The Vision of Delight." These
+magnificent Christmas masques were continued after Charles's accession
+to the throne until the troubles of his reign stopped them.
+Gifford[69] mentions that Jonson's "Masque of Owls" was presented at
+Kenilworth Castle, "By the Ghost of Captain Cox mounted on his
+Hobby-horse, in 1626":--
+
+"_Enter_ Captain Cox, _on his Hobby-horse._
+
+  Room! room! for my horse will wince,
+  If he come within so many yards of a prince;
+  And though he have not on his wings,
+  He will do strange things,
+  He is the Pegasus that uses
+  To wait on Warwick Muses;
+  And on gaudy-days he paces
+  Before the Coventry Graces;
+  For to tell you true, and in rhyme,
+  He was foal'd in Queen Elizabeth's time,
+  When the great Earl of Lester
+  In this castle did feast her."
+
+[Illustration: THE HOBBY-HORSE.]
+
+Jonson's "The Fortunate Isles, and Their Union," a masque designed for
+the Court, was presented on Twelfth Night, 1626; and "Love's Triumph
+through Callipolis" (a masque invented by Ben Jonson and Inigo Jones)
+was presented at Court in 1630.
+
+
+THE LORD OF MISRULE
+
+also made merry at Christmas at this period; but it sometimes happened
+that when he went forth with his band of merry men, they got into
+trouble. An instance of this, which occurred in 1627, is recorded in
+one of Meade's letters to Sir Martin Stuteville. The letter is worth
+reprinting as an illustration of the manners of the age, and as
+relating to what was probably the last Lord of Misrule elected by the
+barristers. Meade writes:--"On Saturday the Templars chose one Mr.
+Palmer their Lord of Misrule, who, on Twelfth-eve, late in the night,
+sent out to gather up his rents at five shillings a house in Ram-alley
+and Fleet Street. At every door they came to they winded the
+Temple-horn, and if at the second blast or summons they within opened
+not the door, then the Lord of Misrule cried out, 'Give fire, gunner!'
+His gunner was a robustious Vulcan, and the gun or petard itself was a
+huge overgrown smith's hammer. This being complained of to my Lord
+Mayor, he said he would be with them about eleven o'clock on Sunday
+night last; willing that all that ward should attend him with their
+halberds, and that himself, besides those that came out of his house,
+should bring the watches along with him. His lordship, thus attended,
+advanced as high as Ram-alley in martial equipage: when forth came the
+Lord of Misrule, attended by his gallants, out of the Temple-gate,
+with their swords all armed _in cuerpo_. A halberdier bade the Lord of
+Misrule come to my Lord Mayor. He answered, No! let the Lord Mayor
+come to me! At length they agreed to meet halfway: and, as the
+interview of rival princes is never without danger of some ill
+accident, so it happened in this: for first, Mr. Palmer being
+quarrelled with for not pulling off his hat to my Lord Mayor, and
+giving cross answers, the halberds began to fly about his ears, and he
+and his company to brandish their swords. At last being beaten to the
+ground, and the Lord of Misrule sore wounded, they were fain to yield
+to the longer and more numerous weapon. My Lord Mayor taking Mr.
+Palmer by the shoulder, led him to the Compter, and thrust him in at
+the prison-gate with a kind of indignation; and so, notwithstanding
+his hurts, he was forced to lie among the common prisoners for two
+nights. On Tuesday the King's attorney became a suitor to my Lord
+Mayor for their liberty: which his lordship granted, upon condition
+that they should repay the gathered rents, and do reparations upon
+broken doors. Thus the game ended. Mr. Attorney-General, being of the
+same house, fetched them in his own coach, and carried them to the
+court, where the King himself reconciled my Lord Mayor and them
+together with joining all hands; the gentlemen of the Temple being
+this Shrovetide to present a Mask to their majesties, over and besides
+the King's own great Mask, to be performed at the Banquetting-house by
+an hundred actors."
+
+We get other glances at
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES IN THE 17TH CENTURY
+
+through contemporary writers of the period. Nicholas Breton,[70]
+writing in merry mood, says: "It is now Christmas, and not a cup of
+drink must pass without a carol; the beasts, fowl, and fish come to a
+general execution, and the corn is ground to dust for the bakehouse
+and the pastry: cards and dice purge many a purse, and the youth show
+their agility in shoeing of the wild mare: now, good cheer, and
+welcome, and God be with you, and I thank you:--and against the New
+Year provide for the presents:--The Lord of Misrule is no mean man for
+his time, and the guests of the high table must lack no wine: the
+lusty bloods must look about them like men, and piping and dancing
+puts away much melancholy: stolen venison is sweet, and a fat coney is
+worth money: pit-falls are now set for small birds, and a woodcock
+hangs himself in a gin: a good fire heats all the house, and a full
+alms-basket makes the beggar's prayers:--the maskers and the mummers
+make the merry sport, but if they lose their money their drum goes
+dead: swearers and swaggerers are sent away to the ale-house, and
+unruly wenches go in danger of judgment; musicians now make their
+instruments speak out, and a good song is worth the hearing. In sum it
+is a holy time, a duty in Christians for the remembrance of Christ and
+custom among friends for the maintenance of good fellowship. In brief
+I thus conclude it: I hold it a memory of the Heaven's love and the
+world's peace, the mirth of the honest, and the meeting of the
+friendly. Farewell."
+
+In 1633, William Prynne, a Puritan lawyer, published his
+"Histriomastix," against plays, masques, balls, the decking of houses
+with evergreens at Christmas, &c., for which he was committed to the
+Tower, prosecuted in the Star Chamber, and sentenced to pay a fine to
+the King of £5,000, to be expelled from the University of Oxford, from
+the Society of Lincoln's Inn, and from his profession of the law; to
+stand twice in the pillory, each time losing an ear; to have his book
+burnt before his face by the hangman; and to suffer perpetual
+imprisonment: a most barbarous sentence, which Green[71] says, "showed
+the hard cruelty of the Primate."
+
+Milton's masque of "Comus" was produced the following year (1634) for
+performance at Ludlow Castle, in Shropshire, which was the seat of
+government for the Principality of Wales, the Earl of Bridgewater
+being then the Lord President, and having a jurisdiction and military
+command that comprised the English counties of Gloucester, Worcester,
+Hereford and Shropshire. Ludlow Castle was to the Lord President of
+Wales of that period what Dublin Castle is to the Lord Lieutenant of
+Ireland in the present day; and, as hospitality was one of the duties
+of the Lord President's office, the Earl and Countess of Bridgewater
+gave a grand entertainment to the country people, in which the masque
+of "Comus" was an important feature. The music was composed by the
+eminent musician Henry Lawes, and the masque was adapted for
+performance by the family of the earl and countess, who then had ten
+children--eight daughters and two sons.
+
+It is quite refreshing to think of the author of "Paradise Lost," with
+his friend Lawes, the musician, among the country dancers, listening
+to the song of the attendant spirit:--
+
+ "Back, shepherds, back; enough your play
+  Till next sun-shine holiday:
+  Here be, without duck or nod,
+  Other trippings to be trod
+  Of lighter toes, and such court guise
+  As Mercury did first devise
+  With the mincing Dryades,
+  On the lawns, and on the leas."
+
+"But Milton was a courtier when he wrote the Masque at Ludlow Castle,"
+says Charles Lamb, "and still more of a courtier when he composed the
+'Arcades'" (a masque, or entertainment presented to the Countess
+Dowager of Derby, at Harefield, by some noble persons of her family).
+"When the national struggle was to begin, he becomingly cast these
+varieties behind him."
+
+From "Archæologia" (vol. xviii. p. 335), we learn that "Richard
+Evelyn, Esq., High Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex in 1634, held a
+splendid Christmas at his mansion at Wotton, having a regular Lord of
+Misrule for the occasion: and it appears it was then the custom for
+the neighbours to send presents of eatables to provide for the great
+consumption consequent upon such entertainments. The following is a
+list of those sent on this occasion: two sides of venison, two half
+brawns, three pigs, ninety capons, five geese, six turkeys, four
+rabbits, eight partridges, two pullets, five sugar loaves, half a
+pound of nutmeg, one basket of apples, two baskets of pears."
+
+Hone[72] states that "in the ninth year of King Charles I. the four
+Inns of Court provided a Christmas mask, which cost £2,400, and the
+King invited a hundred and twenty gentlemen of the four Inns to a mask
+at Whitehall on Shrove Tuesday following." And Sandys says that on the
+13th December, 1637, a warrant under Privy Seal was issued to George
+Kirke, for £150 to provide masking apparel for the King; and on the
+1st of the same month Edmund Taverner had a warrant for £1,400 towards
+the charge of a mask to be presented at Whitehall the next Twelfth
+Night. A similar sum for a similar purpose was granted to Michael
+Oldisworth on the 3rd of January, 1639.
+
+In connection with the entertainments at the Inns of Court, Sandys
+mentions that by an order, 17th November, 4th Charles I., all playing
+at dice, cards, or otherwise was forbidden at Gray's Inn, except
+during the 20 days in Christmas.
+
+As indicating the prolongation of the Christmas revels at this period,
+it is recorded that in February, 1633, there was a celebrated masque,
+called "The Triumph of Peace," presented jointly by the two Temples,
+Lincoln's Inn and Gray's Inn, which cost the Societies about £20,000.
+Evelyn, in his "Memoirs," relates, that on the 15th December, 1641, he
+was elected one of the Comptrollers of the Middle Temple revellers,
+"as the custom of ye young students and gentlemen was, the Christmas
+being kept this yeare with greate solemnity"; but he got excused.
+
+An order still existed directing the nobility and gentry who had
+mansions in the country "to repair to them to keep hospitality meet to
+their degrees;" for a note in Collier's History states that Sir J.
+Astley, on the 20th of March, 1637, in consequence of ill-health,
+obtained a license to reside in London, or where he pleased, at
+Christmas, or any other times; which proves such license to have been
+requisite.
+
+At this period noblemen and gentlemen lived like petty princes, and in
+the arrangement of their households copied their sovereign, having
+officers of the same import, and even heralds wearing their coat of
+arms at Christmas, and other solemn feasts, crying largesse thrice at
+the proper times. They feasted in their halls where many of the
+Christmas sports were performed. When coals were introduced the hearth
+was commonly in the middle, whence, according to Aubrey, is the
+saying, "Round about our coal-fire." Christmas was considered as the
+commemoration of a holy festival, to be observed with cheerfulness as
+well as devotion. The comforts and personal gratification of their
+dependants were provided for by the landlords, their merriment
+encouraged, and their sports joined. The working man looked forward to
+Christmas as the time which repaid his former toils; and gratitude for
+worldly comforts then received caused him to reflect on the eternal
+blessings bestowed on mankind by the event then commemorated.
+
+[Illustration: SERVANTS' CHRISTMAS FEAST.]
+
+Of all our English poets, Robert Herrick, a writer of the seventeenth
+century, has left us the most complete contemporary picture of the
+Christmas season. He was born in Cheapside, London, and received his
+early education, it is supposed, at Westminster School, whence he
+removed to Cambridge, and after taking his M.A. degree in 1620, left
+Cambridge. He afterwards spent some years in London in familiar
+intercourse with the wits and writers of the age, enjoying those
+"lyric feasts" which are celebrated in his "Ode to Ben Jonson":--
+
+                 "Ah Ben!
+             Say how or when
+           Shall we, thy guests
+         Meet at those lyric feasts
+             Made at the Sun,
+        The Dog, the Triple Tun;
+       Where we such clusters had
+     As made us nobly wild, not mad?
+       And yet each verse of thine
+   Outdid the meat, outdid the frolic wine."
+
+In 1629 he accepted the living of Dean Prior, in Devonshire, where he
+lived as a bachelor Vicar, being ejected by the Long Parliament,
+returning on the Restoration under Charles the Second, and dying at
+length at the age of eighty-four. He was buried in the Church at Dean
+Prior, where a memorial tablet has latterly been erected to his
+memory. And it is fitting that he should die and be buried in the
+quiet Devonshire hamlet from which he drew so much of his happiest
+inspiration, and which will always be associated now with the endless
+charm of the "Hesperides."
+
+In "A New Year's Gift, sent to Sir Simeon Steward," included in his
+"Hesperides," Herrick refers to the Christmas sports of the time, and
+says:--
+
+ "No new device or late-found trick
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  We send you; but here a jolly
+  Verse crowned with ivy and with holly;
+  That tells of winter's tales and mirth,
+  That milk-maids make about the hearth,
+  Of Christmas sports, the Wassail bowl,
+  That's tossed up after Fox-i'-th'-hole;
+  Of Blind-man's-buff, and of the care
+  That young men have to shoe the Mare;
+  Of Twelfth-tide cake, of peas and beans,
+  Wherewith ye make those merry scenes,
+  When as ye choose your king and queen,
+  And cry out, 'Hey for our town green.'
+  Of ash-heaps in the which ye use
+  Husbands and wives by streaks to choose:
+  Of crackling laurel, which fore-sounds
+  A plenteous harvest to your grounds;
+  Of these, and such like things, for shift,
+  We send instead of New-year's gift.
+  Read then, and when your faces shine
+  With bucksome meat and cap'ring wine,
+  Remember us in cups full crowned,
+  And let our city's health go round,
+  Quite through the young maids and the men,
+  To the ninth number, if not ten,
+  Until the firèd chestnuts leap
+  For joy to see the fruits ye reap,
+  From the plump chalice and the cup
+  That tempts till it be tossèd up.
+  Then as ye sit about your embers,
+  Call not to mind those fled Decembers;
+  But think on these, that are t' appear,
+  As daughters to the instant year;
+  Sit crowned with rose-buds and carouse,
+  Till _Liber Pater_ twirls the house
+  About your ears, and lay upon
+  The year, your cares, that's fled and gone.
+  And let the russet swains the plough
+  And harrow hang up resting now;
+  And to the bagpipe all address
+  Till sleep takes place of weariness.
+  And thus, throughout, with Christmas plays,
+  Frolic the full twelve holy-days."
+
+
+SIR ISAAC NEWTON'S BIRTH, ON CHRISTMAS DAY,
+
+at Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire, was the most important Christmas event
+of the memorable year which saw the outbreak of the Civil War (1642).
+In the year of the Restoration he entered Cambridge, where the
+teaching of Isaac Barrow quickened his genius for mathematics, and
+from the time he left College his life became a series of wonderful
+physical discoveries. As early as 1666, he discovered the law of
+gravitation, but it was not till the eve of the Revolution that his
+"Principia" revealed to the world his new theory of the universe.
+
+
+THE CUSTOMS OF CHRISTMASTIDE IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+"A Christmas Carol," by George Wither, a well-known poet of this
+period, contains many allusions to the customs of Christmastide:--
+
+  So, now is come our joyful'st feast;
+    Let every man be jolly;
+  Each room with ivy leaves is drest,
+    And every post with holly.
+  Though some churls at our mirth repine,
+  Round your foreheads garlands twine;
+  Drown sorrow in a cup of wine,
+    And let us all be merry.
+
+  Now all our neighbours' chimneys smoke,
+    And Christmas blocks are burning;
+  Their ovens they with baked 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 pie,
+    And ever more be merry.
+
+  Now every lad is wondrous trim,
+    And no man minds his labour;
+  Our lasses have provided them
+    A bag-pipe and a tabour;
+  Young men and maids, and girls and boys,
+  Give life to one another's joys;
+  And you anon shall by their noise
+    Perceive that they are merry.
+
+  Rank misers now do sparing shun;
+    Their hall of music soundeth;
+  And dogs thence with whole shoulders run,
+    So all things there aboundeth.
+  The country folks themselves advance
+  With crowdy-muttons[73] out of France;
+  And Jack shall pipe, and Jill shall dance,
+    And all the town be merry.
+
+  Ned Squash hath fetched his bands from pawn,
+    And all his best apparel;
+  Brisk Nell hath bought a ruff of lawn
+    With droppings of the barrel;
+  And those that hardly all the year
+  Had bread to eat, or rags to wear,
+  Will have both clothes and dainty fare,
+    And all the day be merry.
+
+  Now poor men to the justices
+    With capons make their errants;
+  And if they hap to fail of these;
+    They plague them with their warrants;
+  But now they feed them with good cheer.
+  And what they want they take in beer;
+  For Christmas comes but once a year,
+    And then they shall be merry.
+
+  Good farmers in the country nurse
+    The poor that else were undone;
+  Some landlords spend their money worse,
+    On lust and pride at London.
+  There the roys'ters they do play,
+  Drab and dice their lands away,
+  Which may be ours another day;
+    And therefore let's be merry.
+
+  The client now his suit forbears,
+    The prisoner's heart is eased:
+  The debtor drinks away his cares,
+    And for the time is pleased.
+  Though other purses be more fat,
+  Why should we pine or grieve at that?
+  Hang sorrow! care will kill a cat,
+    And therefore let's be merry.
+
+  Hark! how the wags abroad do call
+    Each other forth to rambling:
+  Anon you'll see them in the hall
+    For nuts and apples scrambling.
+  Hark! how the roofs with laughter sound!
+  Anon they'll think the house goes round,
+  For they the cellar's depth have found,
+    And there they will be merry.
+
+  The wenches with their wassail bowls
+    About the streets are singing;
+  The boys are come to catch the owls,
+    The wild mare in is bringing.
+  Our kitchen-boy hath broke his box,[74]
+  And to the dealing of the ox
+  Our honest neighbours come by flocks,
+    And here they will be merry.
+
+  Now kings and queens poor sheep cotes have,
+    And mate with everybody;
+  The honest now may play the knave,
+    And wise men play the noddy.
+  Some youths will now a mumming go,
+  Some others play at Rowland-ho
+  And twenty other gambols mo,
+    Because they will be merry.
+
+  Then wherefore in these merry days
+    Should we, I pray, be duller?
+  No, let us sing some roundelays,
+    To make our mirth the fuller.
+  And, whilst thus inspired we sing,
+  Let all the streets with echoes ring,
+  Woods and hills, and everything,
+    Bear witness we are merry.
+
+The preceding poem was evidently written by Wither before the Civil
+War troubles of the reign of Charles the First had interfered to damp
+the national hilarity, or check the rejoicings at the festive season
+of Christmas.
+
+
+THE DEFEAT OF THE ROYALISTS,
+
+the overthrow of the monarchy, and the changes resulting therefrom at
+Christmastide are alluded to in "The Complaint of Christmas, written
+after Twelftide, and printed before Candlemas, 1646," by old John
+Taylor, the Water Poet, who says: "All the liberty and harmless
+sports, the merry gambols, dances and friscols, with which the toiling
+ploughman and labourer once a year were wont to be recreated, and
+their spirits and hopes revived for a whole twelvemonth, are now
+extinct and put out of use, in such a fashion as if they never had
+been. Thus are the merry lords of bad rule at Westminster; nay, more,
+their madness hath extended itself to the very vegetables; senseless
+trees, herbs, and weeds, are in a profane estimation amongst
+them--holly, ivy, mistletoe, rosemary, bays, are accounted ungodly
+branches of superstition for your entertainment. And to roast a
+sirloin of beef, to touch a collar of brawn, to take a pie, to put a
+plum in the pottage pot, to burn a great candle, or to lay one block
+the more in the fire for your sake, Master Christmas, is enough to
+make a man to be suspected and taken for a Christian, for which he
+shall be apprehended for committing high Parliament Treason and mighty
+malignancy against the general Council of the Directorian private
+Presbyterian Conventicle."
+
+With the success of the Parliamentarians, certain changes came in the
+ruling manners of the age; but
+
+
+THE ATTEMPT TO ABOLISH CHRISTMAS DAY
+
+was, of course, a signal failure. The event commemorated made it
+impossible for the commemoration to cease. Men may differ as to the
+mode of celebration, but the Christ must and will be celebrated.
+
+"In 1642," says Sandys, "the first ordinances were issued to suppress
+the performance of plays, and hesitation was expressed as to the
+manner of keeping Christmas. Some shops in London were even opened on
+Christmas Day, 1643, part of the people being fearful of a Popish
+observance of the day. The Puritans gradually prevailed, and in 1647
+some parish officers were committed for permitting ministers to preach
+upon Christmas Day, and for adorning the church. On the 3rd of June in
+the same year, it was ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament
+that the feast of the Nativity of Christ, with other holidays, should
+be no longer observed, and that all scholars, apprentices, and other
+servants, with the leave and approbation of their masters, should have
+such relaxation from labour on the second Tuesday in every month as
+they used to have from such festivals and holy days; and in
+Canterbury, on the 22nd of December following, the crier went round by
+direction of the Mayor, and proclaimed that Christmas Day and all
+other superstitious festivals should be put down, and a market kept
+upon that day."
+
+In describing "The First Christmas under the Puritan Directory," the
+_Saturday Review_ (December 27, 1884) says:--"It must have been taken
+as a piece of good luck by the Parliamentary and Puritanical masters
+of England, or, as they would have said, as 'a providence,' that the
+Christmas Day of 1645 fell upon a week-day. It was the first Christmas
+Day after the legislative abolition of the Anglican Prayer-book and
+the establishment of 'the Directory' in its stead; and, if it had
+fallen upon a Sunday, the Churches must have been opened. A 'Sabbath'
+could not be ignored, even though it chanced to be the 25th of
+December. There can be small doubt that, if the Presbyterian and
+Independent preachers who held all the English parishes subject to the
+Parliament had been obliged to go into the pulpits on the 25th of
+December 1645, they would again have irritated the masses of the
+people by ferociously 'improving the occasion.' The Parliament had not
+the courage to repeat the brutal experiment of the previous year. It
+was easy to abolish the feast by an ordinance; but it was risky to
+insist by an ordinance that the English people and English families
+should keep the dearest and most sacred of their festivals as a fast.
+The rulers knew that such an ordinance would not be obeyed. They
+resolved simply to ignore the day, or treat it as any ordinary
+Thursday. Doubtless many of the members kept up some sort of
+celebration of the old family festival in their own private houses.
+But the legislators marched solemnly to the Lower House, and the
+'divines' marched as solemnly to the Assembly in the Jerusalem
+Chamber, affecting to take no notice of the unusual aspect of the
+shops and streets, which everywhere bore witness to the fact that
+there was a deep and fundamental estrangement between 'the State' and
+'the people,' and that the people were actually keeping the festival
+which the 'Synod' had declared to be profane and superstitious, and
+which the Parliament to please the Scots, the Nonconformists, and the
+Sectaries, had abolished by law. 'Notwithstanding the Ordinance,'
+wrote a Member of the House of Commons, the Erastian Whitelock, in his
+'Memorials,' 'yet generally this day, in London, the shops were shut
+and the day observed.' The Christmas number of the _Mercurius
+Academicus_ (December 25 to 31, 1645), states that General Browne, who
+was a Presbyterian zealot, 'proclaimed' the abolition of Christmas
+Day at Abingdon, and 'sent out his warrants for men to work on
+that day especially.' ... The Parliamentary newspaper, _The Weekly
+Account_, (LIII. week, 1645), has the bald record: 'Thursday, Decemb.
+25. The Commons sate in a Grand Committee concerning the privileges of
+members of their House.' The news in the Tuesday paper, _The
+Kingdome's Weekly Intelligencer_ (No. 152), is equally thin:
+'Thursday, Decemb. 25, vulgarly known by the name of Christmas Day,
+both Houses sate. The House of Commons more especially debated some
+things in reference to the privileges of that House, and made some
+orders therein.' ... The Presbyterian and Independent divines spent
+Christmas Day in the 'Synod' of Westminster. December the 25th, 1645,
+was entered in their minutes as 'Session 561.' ... The City newspaper
+of that period, _Mercurius Civicus, or London's Intelligencer_, in
+what we may call its Christmas number (No. 135, December 18 to
+December 24, 1645), printed an article explaining to the citizens of
+London the absurdity, if not the impiety, of keeping Christmas Day.
+Every good citizen was expected to open his shop as usual on the
+coming Thursday, and compel his apprentices to keep behind the
+counter. The City newspaper stated, that it was more probable that the
+Saviour was born in September than in December, and quotes 'a late
+reverend minister's opinion, that God did conceale the time when
+Christ was borne, upon the same reason that He tooke away the body of
+Moses, that they might not put an holinesse upon that day.' If the
+apprentices want a holiday, 'let them keep the fift of November, and
+other dayes of that nature, or the late great mercy of God in the
+taking of Hereford, which deserves an especiall day of thanksgiving.'
+The mass of the English folk meanwhile protested by all such ways as
+were open to them against the outlandish new religion which was being
+invented for them. The _Mercuricus Civicus_ complained that, 'Many
+people in these times are too much addicted to the superstitious
+observance of this day, December 25th, and other saints days, as they
+are called.' It was asked in a 'Hue and Cry after Christmas,'
+published anonymously at the end of the year 1645, 'Where may
+Christmas be found?' The answer is, 'In the corner of a translator's
+shop, where the cobbler was wont so merrily to chant his carols.' _The
+Moderate Intelligencer_, which devoted itself to 'impartially
+communicating martiall affaires,' in its forty-third number (December
+25, 1645, to January 1, 1646), expressed itself as scandalized at the
+zeal with which the English people, in spite of Parliament and the
+Assembly, had kept their Christmas. Social phenomena lay beyond the
+usual ken of the military chroniclers; but 'we shall only observe,'
+they wrote, 'the loathnesse of the People to part with it, which
+certainly argues a greater adoration than should have been. Hardly
+forty shops were open within the lines upon that day. The State hath
+done well to null it out of this respect, as Moses did the Brazen
+Serpent.' The Scriptural knowledge of the Puritan military newsmen was
+curiously at fault; they evidently confounded Moses with Hezekiah,
+unless they substituted the lawgiver for the king, because they
+thought it unwise to represent the King as the foe of idolatry. The
+traditional scorn of the Pharisee for the common people which know not
+the law comes out in the ironical passage with which the 'martiall'
+organ concludes its reference to the distressing social symptom; 'Sure
+if there were an ordinance for recreation and labour upon the Lord's
+Day, or Sabbath (like the prelatical Book of Sports), these would want
+no observers. Unwillingness to obey, in a multitude, argues generally
+the goodnesse of a law, readinesse the contrary, especially in those
+laws which have anything of religion in them.' Hence the puritanical
+tyrants thought the observation of Christmas Day should be visited in
+future years with more severe penalties. A few days after Christmas a
+pamphlet was issued under the title of 'The Arraignment, Conviction,
+and Imprisonment of Christmas.' A letter from a 'Malignant scholar' in
+Oxford, where Christmas had been observed as usual, to 'a Malignant
+lady in London,' had contained the promise or threat, according to the
+pamphleteer, that the King would shortly appear in London, and restore
+to his poor people their old social and religious liberties. 'We shall
+soon be in London, and have all things as they were wont.' There was
+small chance, six months after Naseby, of the fulfilment of the
+prediction. The puritanical pamphleteer, however, owns that it would
+be welcome to 'every 'prentice boy,' because the return of the King
+would have meant the return of a free Christmas, which he sorely
+missed. 'All popish, prelatical, Jesuitical, ignorant, Judaical, and
+superstitious persons,' said he, 'ask after the old, old, old, very
+old grey-bearded gentleman called Christmas, who was wont to be a very
+familiar ghest (_sic_). Whoever finds him again shall be rewarded with
+a benediction from the Pope, a hundred oaths from the Cavaliers, forty
+kisses from the wanton wenches, and be made pursuivant to the next
+Archbishop.' 'The poor,' he added, 'are sorry for it. They go to every
+door a-begging, as they were wont to do, 'Good Mistress, somewhat
+against this good time.' Instead of going to the alehouse to be
+drunke, they are fain to work all the holy dayes.' Again, 'The
+schollars come into the hall, where their hungry stomacks had thought
+to have found good brawne and Christmas pie, roast-beef and
+plum-porridge. But no such matter. Away, ye profane! These are
+superstitious meats; your stomacks must be fed with sound doctrine.'"
+
+In the _National Magazine_ (1857), Dr. Doran, on "The Ups and Downs of
+Christmas," remarks upon the stout resistance given by the citizens of
+London to the order of the Puritan Parliament, that shops should be
+opened and churches closed on Christmas Day. "We may have a sermon on
+any other day," said the London apprentices, who did not always go to
+hear it, "why should we be deprived on this day?" "It is no longer
+lawful for the day to be kept," was the reply. "Nay," exclaimed the
+sharp-witted fellows, "you keep it yourselves by thus distinguishing
+it by desecration." "They declared," says Dr. Doran, "they would go to
+church; numerous preachers promised to be ready for them with prayer
+and lecture; and the porters of Cornhill swore they would dress up
+their conduit with holly, if it were only to prove that in that
+orthodox and heavily-enduring body there was some respect yet left for
+Christianity and hard drinking--for the raising of the holly was ever
+accompanied by the lifting of tankards.
+
+"Nor was the gallant Christmas spirit less lively in the country than
+in the capital. At Oxford there was a world of skull-breaking; and at
+Ipswich the festival was celebrated by some loss of life. Canterbury
+especially distinguished itself by its violent opposition to the
+municipal order to be mirthless. There was a combat there, which was
+most rudely maintained, and in which the mayor got pummelled until he
+was as senseless as a pocket of hops. The mob mauled him terribly,
+broke all his windows, as well as his bones, and, as we are told,
+'burnt the stoupes at the coming in of his door.' So serious was the
+riot, so complete the popular victory, and so jubilant the exultation,
+that thousands of the never-conquered men of Kent and Kentish men met
+in Canterbury, and passed a solemn resolution that if they could not
+have their Christmas Day, they were determined to have the King on his
+throne again."
+
+Of the Canterbury riot an account is given in a rare tract, published
+in 1647 (preserved in the British Museum), and entitled--
+
+"The Declaration of many thousands of the city of Canterbury, or
+county of Kent. Concerning the late tumult in the city of Canterbury,
+provokt by the Mayor's violent proceedings against those who desired
+to continue the celebration of the Feast of Christ's Nativity, 1,500
+years and upwards maintained in the Church. Together with their
+Resolutions for the restitution of His Majestie to his Crown and
+dignity, whereby Religion may be restored to its ancient splendour,
+and the known Laws of this Kingdom maintained. As also their desires
+to all His Majesties loyall subjects within his Dominions, for their
+concurrence and assistance in this so good and pious a work."
+
+The resolutions of the Canterbury citizens were not couched in the
+choicest terms, for the tract states that the two Houses of Parliament
+"have sate above seven years to hatch Cocatrices and Vipers, they have
+filled the kingdom with Serpents, bloodthirsty Souldiers, extorting
+Committees, Sequestrators, Excisemen; all the Rogues and scumme of the
+kingdom have they set on work to torment and vex the people, to rob
+them, and to eat the bread out of their mouthes; they have raised a
+causelesse and unnaturall Warre against their own Soveraigne Lord and
+King, a most pious Christian Prince, contrary to their allegiance and
+duty, and have shed innocent blood in this Land. Religion is onely
+talkt of, nothing done; they have put down what is good," &c., &c. And
+further on the tract says:--"The cause of this so sudden a posture of
+defence which we have put our selves into was the violent proceedings
+of the Mayor of this city of Canterbury and his uncivill carriage in
+persuance of some petty order of the House of Commons for hindering
+the celebration of Christ's Nativity so long continued in the Church
+of God. That which we so much desired that day was but a Sermon, which
+any other day of the weeke was tollerable by the orders and practise
+of the two Houses and all their adherents, but that day (because it
+was Christ's birth day) we must have none; that which is good all the
+yeer long, yet is this day superstitious. The Mayor causing some of us
+to be beaten contrary to his oath and office, who ought to preserve
+the peace, and to that purpose chiefly is the sword of justice put
+into his hands, and wrongfully imprisoned divers of us, because we did
+assemble ourselves to hear the Word of God, which he was pleased to
+interpret a Ryot; yet we were unarmed, behaved ourselves civilly,
+intended no such tumult as afterwards we were forc'd unto; but at
+last, seeing the manifest wrong done to our children, servants, and
+neighbours, by beating, wounding, and imprisoning them, and to release
+them that were imprisoned, and did call unto our assistance our
+brethren of the county of Kent, who very readily came in to us, as
+have associated themselves to us in this our just and lawfull defence,
+and do concurre with us in this our Remonstrance concerning the King
+Majestie, and the settlement of the peace in this Kingdome." And the
+tract afterwards expresses the desire that "all his Majesties loyall
+subjects within his Dominions" will "readily and cheerfully concurre
+and assist in this so good and pious a work."
+
+Among the single sheets in the British Museum is an order of
+Parliament, dated the 24th of December, 1652, directing,
+
+"That no observation shall be had of the five and twentieth day of
+December, commonly called Christmas Day; nor any solemnity used or
+exercised in churches upon that day in respect thereof."
+
+Referring to the celebration of Christmas Day in 1657, Evelyn says:--
+
+"I went to London with my wife to celebrate Christmas Day, Mr. Gunning
+preaching in Exeter Chapel, on Micah vii. 2. Sermon ended; as he was
+giving us the Holy Sacrament the chapel was surrounded with soldiers,
+and all the communicants and assembly surprised and kept prisoners by
+them, some in the house, others carried away. It fell to my share to
+be confined to a room in the house, where yet I was permitted to dine
+with the master of it, the Countess of Dorset, Lady Hatton, and some
+others of quality who invited me. In the afternoon came Colonel
+Whalley, Goffe, and others from Whitehall to examine us one by one;
+some they committed to the Marshal, some to prison. When I came before
+them they took my name and abode, examined me why, contrary to the
+ordinance made that none should any longer observe the superstitious
+time of the Nativity (as esteemed by them), I durst offend, and
+particularly be at Common Prayers, which they told me was but the mass
+in English, and particularly pray for Charles Stuart, for which we had
+no Scripture. I told them we did not pray for Charles Stuart, but for
+all Christian kings, princes, and governors. They replied, in so doing
+we prayed for the King of Spain too, who was their enemy and a Papist;
+with other frivolous and ensnaring questions and much threatening,
+and, finding no colour to detain me, they dismissed me with much pity
+of my ignorance. These were men of high flight and above ordinances,
+and spake spiteful things of our Lord's Nativity. As we went up to
+receive the sacrament the miscreants held their muskets against us, as
+if they would have shot us at the altar, but yet suffering us to
+finish the office of communion, as perhaps not having instructions
+what to do in case they found us in that action; so I got home late
+the next day, blessed be God!"
+
+Notwithstanding the adverse acts of the Puritans, however, and the
+suppression of Christmas observances in high places, the old customs
+and festivities were still observed in different parts of the country,
+though with less ostentation than formerly; and various publications
+appeared which plainly showed that the popular sentiments were in
+favour of the festivities. The motto of No. 37 of _Mercurius
+Democritus_, from December 22, 1652, begins:
+
+ "Old Christmas now is come to town
+    Though few do him regard,
+  He laughs to see them going down
+    That have put down his Lord."
+
+In "The Vindication of Father Christmas," 1653, a mock complaint in
+the character of Father Christmas, he laments the treatment he had
+received for the last twelve years, and that he was even then but
+coolly received. "But welcome, or not welcome, I am come," he says,
+and then states that his "best and freest welcome was with some kinde
+of country farmers in Devonshire," thus describing his entertainment
+among them:--"After dinner we arose from the boord, and sate by the
+fire, where the harth was imbrodered all over with roasted apples,
+piping hot, expecting a bole of ale for a cooler, which immediately
+was transformed into warm lamb wool. After which we discoursed merily,
+without either prophaneness or obscenity; some went to cards; others
+sung carols and pleasant songs (suitable to the times), and then the
+poor laboring Hinds, and maid-servants, with the plow-boys, went
+nimbly to dancing; the poor toyling wretches being glad of my
+company, because they had little or no sport at all till I came
+amongst them; and therefore they skipped and leaped for joy, singing a
+carol to the tune of hey,
+
+ "Let's dance and sing, and make good chear,
+    For Christmas comes but once a year:
+  Draw hogsheads dry, let flagons fly,
+    For now the bells shall ring;
+  Whilst we endeavour to make good
+    The title 'gainst a King.
+
+"Thus at active games, and gambols of hot cockles, shooing the wild
+mare, and the like harmless sports, some part of the tedious night was
+spent."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE NATIONAL TROUBLES
+
+were not brought to an end by the execution of Charles I. on the 30th
+of January, 1649. In addition to the rioting caused by the attempt to
+abolish the festival of Christmas by law, the Lord Protector (Oliver
+Cromwell) had to struggle against discontented republicans and also
+against fresh outbreaks of the Royalists; and, although able to carry
+on the Protectorate to the end of his own life, Cromwell was unable to
+secure a strong successor. He died on September 3, 1658, having on his
+deathbed nominated his son Richard to succeed him. Richard Cromwell
+was accepted in England and by the European Powers, and carried
+himself discreetly in his new position. A Parliament was assembled on
+January 17, 1659, which recognised the new Protector, but the
+republican minority, headed by Vane and Haselrig, united with the
+officers of the army, headed by Lambert, Fleetwood, and Desborough, to
+force him to dissolve Parliament (April 22, 1659). The Protector's
+supporters urged him to meet force by force, but he replied, "I will
+not have a drop of blood spilt for the preservation of my greatness,
+which is a burden to me." He signed a formal abdication (May, 1659),
+in return for which the restored Rump undertook the discharge of his
+debts. After the Restoration Richard Cromwell fled to the Continent,
+where he remained for many years, returning to England in 1680. A
+portion of his property was afterwards restored to him. He died at
+Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, in 1712.
+
+On Richard Cromwell declining to uphold the Protectorate by force of
+arms, the only hope of establishing a settled form of government and
+of saving the country from a military despotism seemed to be in the
+restoration of the monarchy; therefore, chiefly through the
+instrumentality of General Monk, Charles, the son of Charles I. and
+Henrietta Maria, was invited to return to England. He at once
+responded, and entered London in triumph as Charles II., on May 29,
+1660, having previously signed the declaration of Breda. By this
+declaration the King granted a free and general pardon to all "who
+within forty days after the publishing hereof shall lay hold upon this
+our grace and favour, and shall by any public act declare their doing
+so," except such as the Parliament of both houses should except.
+
+    [69] "Works of Ben Jonson."
+
+    [70] "Fantasticks," 1626.
+
+    [71] "History of the English People."
+
+    [72] "Year Book."
+
+    [73] Fiddlers.
+
+    [74] An allusion to the Christmas money-box, made of
+    earthenware which required to be broken to obtain
+    possession of the money it held.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+CHRISTMAS FROM THE RESTORATION TO
+THE DEATH OF GEORGE II.
+
+(1660-1760.)
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE RESTORATION OF THE MONARCHY
+
+under Charles II., sometimes styled the "Merry Monarch," was an
+occasion of great rejoicing, and the spirit in which the
+so-long-fugitive Prince, who once eluded his pursuers by hiding in an
+oak, was now welcomed as "Charles our King" by "the roaring, ranting"
+portion of the populace is set forth in the following ballad, written
+for the first Christmas after the Restoration, printed in London, the
+same year, and now copied from a collection of illustrated broadsides
+preserved in the Library of the British Museum:--
+
+
+MERRY BOYS OF CHRISTMAS,
+
+OR
+
+The Milk-maid's New Year's Gift.
+
+  When Lads and Lasses take delight,
+    together for to be;
+  They pass away the Winter night,
+    and live most merrily.
+
+    To the tune of, _Hey boys up go we_.
+
+  Come, come my roaring ranting boys
+    lets never be cast down,
+  We'l never mind the female toys,
+    but Loyal be to th' Crown:
+  We'l never break our hearts with care,
+    nor be cast down with fear,
+  Our bellys then let us prepare
+    to drink some Christmas Beer.
+
+  Then here's a health to Charles our King,
+    throughout the world admir'd,
+  Let us his great applauses sing,
+    that we so much desir'd,
+  And wisht amongst us for to reign,
+    when Oliver rul'd here,
+  But since he's home return'd again,
+    come fill some Christmas Beer.
+
+  These holidays we'l briskly drink,
+    all mirth we will devise,
+  No Treason we will speak or think,
+    then bring us brave minc'd pies
+  Roast Beef and brave Plum porridge,
+    our Loyal hearts to chear,
+  Then prithee make no more ado,
+    but bring us Christmas Beer.
+
+[Illustration: "THE HACKIN"]
+
+[In these Times all the Spits were sparkling the _Hackin_ must be boiled
+by Daybreak or else two young Men took the Maiden by the Arms and run
+her round the Market Place till she was ashamed of her laziness.--_Round
+about our Coal Fire or Christmas Entertainments_ published in 1740.]
+
+Many of the popular songs of this period complain of the decline of
+the Christmas celebrations during the time of the Commonwealth, and
+some of them contrast the present with former celebrations. In a
+ballad called "The Old and Young Courtier," printed in 1670, comparing
+the times of Queen Elizabeth with those of her successors, the fifth
+and twelfth verses contain the following parallel respecting
+Christmas--
+
+V
+
+ "With a good old fashion, when Christmasse was come,
+  To call in all his old neighbours with bagpipe and drum,
+  With good chear enough to furnish every old room,
+  And old liquor, able to make a cat speak, and man dumb
+          Like an old Courtier of the Queen's,
+          And the Queen's old Courtier"
+
+XII
+
+ "With a new fashion, when Christmas is drawing on,
+  On a new journey to London straight we all must begone,
+  And leave none to keep house, but our new porter John,
+  Who relieves the poor with a thump on the back with a stone,
+          Like a young courtier of the King's,
+          And the King's young courtier"
+
+(_Percy's Reliques_)
+
+Another called "Time's Alteration, or, the Old Man's Rehearsal, what
+brave dayes he knew a great while agone, when his old cap was new,"
+says--
+
+ "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
+
+  Black jacks to every man
+    Were filled with wine and beer,
+  No pewter pot nor can
+    In those days did appear
+  Good cheer in a nobleman's house
+    Was counted a seemly shew,
+  We wanted no brawn nor souse,
+     When this old cap was new."
+
+(_Evans's Ballads_)
+
+Referring to the Restoration of the monarchy, and contrasting it with
+the Protectorate period, _Poor Robin's Almanack_, 1685, says--
+
+ "Now thanks to God for Charles' return,
+  Whose absence made old Christmas mourn,
+  For then we scarcely did it know,
+  Whether it Christmas were or no
+
+*    *    *    *    *
+
+  To feast the poor was counted sin,
+  When treason that great praise did win
+  May we ne'er see the like again,
+  The roguish Rump should o'er us reign."
+
+After the Restoration an effort was made to revive the Christmas
+entertainments of the Court at Whitehall, but they do not appear to
+have recovered their former splendour. The habits of Charles the
+Second were of too sensual a nature to induce him to interest himself
+in such pursuits; besides which the manners of the country had been
+changed during the sway of the Puritans. Pepys states that Charles II.
+visited Lincoln's Inn to see the Christmas revels of 1661, "there
+being, according to an old custom, a Prince and all his nobles, and
+other matters of sport and charge." And the diary of the Rev. John
+Ward, vicar of Stratford-upon-Avon, extending from 1648 to 1679,
+states: "The Duke of Norfolk expended £20,000 in keeping Christmas.
+Charles II. gave over keeping that festival on this account; his
+munificence gave great offence at Court." Sandys mentions that a
+pastoral called _Calisto_, written by Crowne, was acted by the
+daughters of the Duke of York and the young nobility. About the same
+time the Lady Anne, afterwards Queen, acted the part of Semandra in
+Lee's "Mithridates." Betterton and his wife instructed the performers,
+in remembrance of which, when Anne came to the throne, she gave the
+latter a pension of £100 a year.
+
+The Inns of Court also had their Christmas feasts; but the conduct of
+them was evidently not so much coveted as in former times, for there
+is an entry in the records of Gray's Inn on November 3, 1682, "That
+Mr. Richard Gipps, on his promise to perform the office of Master of
+the Revels, this and the next Term, be called to the Bar of Grace,"
+_i.e._, without payment of the usual fees: thus holding out a reward
+for his services, instead of allowing him, as in former times, to
+spend a large portion of his private fortune unrequited, except by the
+honour of the temporary office.
+
+Among the principal of the royal amusements in the time of Charles the
+Second were horse-racing and theatrical performances. The King kept an
+establishment at Newmarket, where, according to Strutt, "he entered
+horses and ran them in his name." And the author of some doggerel
+verses, referring to Burford Downs, says:--
+
+ "Next for the glory of the place,
+  Here has been rode many a race,--
+  King Charles the Second I saw here;
+  But I've forgotten in what year."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT SEA IN 1675.
+
+The Rev. Henry Teonge, chaplain of an English ship of war, gives in
+his diary a description of the manner in which the Christmas was spent
+on board, in 1675:--"Dec. 25, 1675.--Crismas day wee keepe thus. At 4
+in the morning our trumpeters all doe flatt their trumpetts, and begin
+at our Captain's cabin, and thence to all the officers' and
+gentlemen's cabins; playing a levite at each cabine door, and bidding
+good morrow, wishing a merry Crismas. After they goe to their station,
+viz., on the poope, and sound 3 levitts in honour of the morning. At
+10 wee goe to prayers and sermon; text, Zacc. ix. 9. Our Captaine had
+all his officers and gentlemen to dinner with him, where wee had
+excellent good fayre: a ribb of beife, plumb-puddings, minct pyes, &c.
+and plenty of good wines of severall sorts; dranke healths to the
+King, to our wives and friends, and ended the day with much civill
+myrth."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN THE COUNTRY,
+
+at this period, is referred to by different writers.
+
+Among the Garrick Plays in the British Museum is "_The Christmas
+Ordinary, a Private Show_; wherein is expressed the jovial Freedom of
+that Festival: as it was acted at a Gentleman's House among other
+Revels. By W. R., Master of Arts, 4 to. London, 1682."
+
+The Memoirs of the hospitable Sir John Reresby (Camden Society)
+contain references to the Christmas festivities at Thrybergh. In 1682,
+there assembled on Christmas Eve nineteen of the poorer tenants from
+Denby and Hooton; on Christmas Day twenty-six of the poorer tenants
+from Thrybergh, Brinsford, and Mexborough; on St. Stephen's Day
+farmers and better sort of tenants to the number of fifty-four; on St.
+John's-day forty five of the chief tenants; on the 30th of December
+eighteen gentlemen of the neighbourhood with their wives; on the 1st
+of January sixteen gentlemen; on the 4th twelve of the neighbouring
+clergymen; and on the 6th seven gentlemen and tradesmen. Among the
+guests who lodged at the house were "Mr. Rigden, merchant of York, and
+his wife, a handsome woman," and "Mr. Belton, an ingenious clergyman,
+but too much a good fellow." How the "ingenious clergyman" became "too
+much of a good fellow" may be easily guessed from Sir John's further
+observation that "_the expense of liquor_, _both of wine & others, was
+considerable_, as of other provisions, and my friends appeared well
+satisfied." In 1684, writes Sir John, "I returned to Thrybergh, by
+God's mercy, in safety, to keep Christmas amongst my neighbours and
+tenants. I had more company this Christmas than heretofore. The four
+first days of the new year all my tenants of Thrybergh, Brinsford,
+Denby, Mexborough, Hooton Roberts, and Rotterham dined with me; the
+rest of the time some four-score of gentlemen and yeomen with their
+wives were invited, besides some that came from York; so that all the
+beds in the house and most in the town were taken up. There were
+seldom less than four-score, counting all sorts of people, that dined
+in the house every day, and some days many more. On New Year's-day
+chiefly there dined above three hundred, so that whole sheep were
+roasted and served up to feed them. For music I had four violins,
+besides bagpipes, drums, and trumpets."
+
+At Houghton Chapel, Nottinghamshire, says an old writer, "the good Sir
+William Hollis kept his house in great splendour and hospitality. He
+began Christmas at All Hallowtide, and continued it till Candlemas,
+during which time any man was permitted to stay three days without
+being asked who he was, or from whence he came." This generous knight
+had many guests who rejoiced in the couplet:--
+
+  "If I ask'not my guest whence and whither his way,
+  'Tis because I would have him here with me to stay."
+
+It is no part of our purpose to enter into details of the events which
+led up to the Revolution. Suffice it to say, that during the reign of
+Charles II. began the great struggle between the King and the people,
+but Charles steadily refused to alter the succession by excluding his
+brother James. He died on the 6th of February, 1685, and
+
+
+JAMES II. CAME TO THE THRONE
+
+in the midst of an unsettled state of affairs. James made a bold, but
+unsuccessful, attempt to restore the power of Romanism in England,
+and, ultimately, consulted his own safety by fleeing to France,
+landing at Ambleteuse, in Brittany, on Christmas Day, 1688,
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS OF THE REVOLUTION.
+
+The flight of James put an end to the struggle between Crown and
+people, and the offering of the Crown, with constitutional
+limitations, to William, Prince of Orange, and his wife Mary, daughter
+of King James II. and granddaughter of King Charles I. of England,
+speedily followed.
+
+
+WILLIAM AND MARY
+
+accepted the invitation of the English people, and began their reign
+on February 13, 1689. They both took an interest in the sports and
+pastimes of the people. Strutt says William patronised horse-racing,
+"and established an academy for riding; and his queen not only
+continued the bounty of her predecessors, but added several plates to
+the former donations." The death of Queen Mary, from small-pox, on the
+28th of December, 1694, cast a gloom over the Christmas festivities,
+and left King William almost heart-broken at her loss. As to
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
+
+Brand says that in "Batt upon Batt," a Poem by a Person of Quality
+(1694), speaking of Batt's carving knives and other implements, the
+author asks:--
+
+
+ "Without their help, who can good Christmas keep?
+  Our teeth would chatter and our eyes would weep;
+  Hunger and dullness would invade our feasts,
+  Did not Batt find us arms against such guests.
+  He is the cunning engineer, whose skill
+  Makes fools to carve the goose, and shape the quill:
+  Fancy and wit unto our meals supplies:
+  Carols, and not minc'd-meat, make Christmas pies.
+  'Tis mirth, not dishes, sets a table off;
+  Brutes and Phanaticks eat, and never laugh.
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  When _brawn, with powdred wig_, comes swaggering in,
+  And mighty serjeant ushers in the Chine,
+  What ought a wise man first to think upon?
+  Have I my Tools? if not, I am undone:
+  For 'tis a law concerns both saint and sinner,
+  He that hath no knife must have no dinner.
+  So he falls on; pig, goose, and capon, feel
+  The goodness of his stomach and Batt's steel.
+  In such fierce frays, alas! there no remorse is;
+  All flesh is grass, which makes men feed like horses:
+  But when the battle's done, _off goes the hat_,
+  And each man sheaths, with God-a-mercy Batt.'"
+
+"Batt upon Batt" also gives the following account of the Christmas
+Gambols in 1694:--
+
+ "O mortal man! is eating all you do
+  At Christ-Tide? or the making Sing-songs? No:
+  Our Batt can _dance_, play at _high Jinks with Dice_,
+  At any primitive, orthodoxal Vice.
+  _Shooing the wild Mare, tumbling the young Wenches,
+  Drinking all Night_, and sleeping on the Benches.
+  Shew me a man can _shuffle fair and cut_,
+  Yet always _have three Trays in hand at Putt_:
+  Shew me a man can _turn up Noddy_ still,
+  And _deal himself three Fives too_ when he will:
+  Conclude with _one and thirty, and a Pair_,
+  Never fail _Ten in stock_, and yet play fair,
+  If Batt be not that Wight, I lose my aim."
+
+Another enumeration of the festive sports of this season occurs (says
+Brand) in a poem entitled Christmas--
+
+              "Young Men and Maidens, now
+  At _Feed the Dove_ (with laurel leaf in mouth)
+  Or _Blindman's Buff_, or _Hunt the Slipper_ play,
+  Replete with glee. Some, haply, _Cards_ adopt;
+  Of it to _Forfeits_ they the Sport confine,
+  The happy Folk, adjacent to the fire,
+  Their Stations take; excepting one alone.
+  (Sometimes the social Mistress of the house)
+  Who sits within the centre of the room,
+  To cry the pawns; much is the laughter, now,
+  Of such as can't the Christmas Catch repeat,
+  And who, perchance, are sentenc'd to salute
+  The jetty beauties of the chimney black,
+  Or Lady's shoe: others, more lucky far,
+  By hap or favour, meet a sweeter doom,
+  And on each fair-one's lovely lips imprint
+  The ardent kiss."
+
+_Poor Robin's Almanack_ (1695) thus rejoices at the return of the
+festival:--
+
+ "Now thrice welcome, Christmas,
+    Which brings us good cheer,
+  Minc'd-pies and plumb-porridge,
+    Good ale and strong beer;
+  With pig, goose, and capon,
+    The best that may be,
+  So well doth the weather
+    And our stomachs agree.
+
+  Observe how the chimneys
+    Do smoak all about,
+  The cooks are providing
+    For dinner, no doubt;
+  But those on whose tables
+    No victuals appear,
+  O may they keep Lent
+    All the rest of the year!
+
+  With holly and ivy
+    So green and so gay;
+  We deck up our houses
+    As fresh as the day,
+  With bays and rosemary,
+    And laurel compleat,
+  And every one now
+    Is a king in conceit.
+
+  *     *     *    *    *
+
+  But as for curmudgeons,
+    Who will not be free,
+  I wish they may die
+    On the three-legged tree."
+
+At Christmastide, 1696, an Act of Attainder was passed against Sir
+John Fenwick, one of the most ardent of the Jacobite conspirators who
+took part in the plot to assassinate the King. He was executed on
+Tower Hill, January 28, 1697. This was the last instance in English
+history in which a person was attainted by Act of Parliament, and
+Hallam's opinion of this Act of Attainder is that "it did not, like
+some acts of attainder, inflict a punishment beyond the offence, but
+supplied the deficiency of legal evidence."
+
+Peter the Great, of Russia, kept the Christmas of 1697 in England,
+residing at Sayes Court, a house of the celebrated John Evelyn, close
+to Deptford Dockyard.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS, 1701.
+
+[From _Poor Robin's Almanack_.]
+
+  Now enter Christmas like a man,
+  Armed with spit and dripping-pan,
+  Attended with pasty, plum-pie,
+  Puddings, plum-porridge, furmity;
+  With beef, pork, mutton of each sort
+  More than my pen can make report;
+  Pig, swan, goose, rabbits, partridge, teal,
+  With legs and loins and breasts of veal:
+  But above all the minced pies
+  Must mention'd be in any wise,
+  Or else my Muse were much to blame,
+  Since they from Christmas take their name.
+  With these, or any one of these,
+  A man may dine well if he please;
+  Yet this must well be understood,--
+  Though one of these be singly good,
+  Yet more the merrier is the best
+  As well of dishes as of guest.
+    But the times are grown so bad
+  Scarce one dish for the poor is had;
+  Good housekeeping is laid aside,
+  And all is spent to maintain pride;
+  Good works are counted popish, and
+  Small charity is in the land.
+  A man may sooner (truth I tell ye)
+  Break his own neck than fill his belly.
+  Good God amend what is amiss
+  And send a remedy to this,
+  That Christmas day again may rise
+  And we enjoy our Christmas pies.
+
+The Christmas customs of this period are thus referred to by the
+"Bellman, on Christmas Eve":--
+
+ "This night (you may my Almanack believe)
+  Is the return of famous Christmas Eve:
+  Ye virgins then your cleanly rooms prepare,
+  And let the windows bays and laurels wear;
+  Your _Rosemary_ preserve to dress your _Beef_,
+  Not forget me, which I advise in chief."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS, AT HADDON HALL,
+
+was magnificently kept in the early part of the eighteenth century.
+The amount of good cheer that was required for the table may be
+readily imagined from the magnitude of the culinary furniture in the
+kitchen--two vast fireplaces, with irons for sustaining a surprising
+number of spits, and several enormous chopping-blocks--which survived
+to the nineteenth century. John, the ninth Earl and first Duke of
+Rutland (created Marquis of Granby and Duke of Rutland in 1703),
+revived in the ancient spirit the hospitality of Christmastide. He
+kept sevenscore servants, and his twelve days' feasts at Christmas
+recalled the bountiful celebrations of the "King of the Peak," Sir
+George Vernon--the last male heir of the Vernon family in Derbyshire
+who inherited the manor of Haddon, and who died in the seventh year of
+Queen Elizabeth's reign. "The King of the Peak" was the father of the
+charming Dorothy Vernon, the fair heiress, whose romantic elopement is
+thus depicted in "Picturesque Europe":--"In the fullness of time
+Dorothy loved, but her father did not approve. She determined to
+elope; and now we must fill, in fancy, the Long Gallery with the
+splendour of a revel and the stately joy of a great ball in the time
+of Elizabeth. In the midst of the noise and excitement the fair young
+daughter of the house steals unobserved away. She issues from _her_
+door, and her light feet fly with tremulous speed along the darkling
+Terrace, flecked with light from the blazing ball-room, till they
+reach a postern in the wall, which opens upon the void of the night
+outside dancing Haddon. At that postern some one is waiting eagerly
+for her; waiting with swift horses. That some one is young Sir John
+Manners, second son of the House of Rutland, and her own true love.
+The anxious lovers mount, and ride rapidly and silently away; and so
+Dorothy Vernon transfers Haddon to the owners of Belvoir; and the
+boar's head of Vernon becomes mingled, at Haddon, with the peacock of
+Manners. We fancy with sympathetic pleasure that night-ride and the
+hurried marriage; and--forgetting that the thing happened 'ages long
+agone'--we wish, with full hearts, all happiness to the dear and
+charming Dorothy!"
+
+From the boar's head of Vernon and the peacock of Manners, thought
+passes quite naturally to the boar's head and peacock, which were
+principal items of Christmas fare in the olden time.
+
+In her "Collected Writings," Janetta, Duchess of Rutland, gives an
+interesting account of a revival of some of the ancient glories of
+Haddon:
+
+"In the winter of 1872 the late Duke entertained the Prince and
+Princess of Wales in the banqueting hall at luncheon, when the boar's
+head and peacock in pride were carried in, and formed part of the
+fare, as in olden days: while once more musicians filled the
+minstrels' gallery, great logs blazed in the huge fireplace, and
+scarlet hangings were spread over the walls."
+
+[Illustration: AN ANCIENT FIREPLACE.]
+
+On the 20th of February, 1702, King William III. fell from his horse,
+breaking his collar-bone and sustaining other serious injuries, which
+terminated fatally on Sunday, the 8th of March. He was succeeded by
+Queen Anne, who was the second daughter of King James II., and the
+last of the Stuart sovereigns.
+
+
+QUEEN ANNE KEPT A ROYAL CHRISTMAS
+
+at Windsor, in 1703, and entertained the new King of Spain, who
+arrived at Spithead on the 26th of December. "The Queen dispatched the
+Dukes of Somerset and Marlborough to conduct him to Windsor, and
+Prince George met him on the way at Petworth, the seat of the Duke of
+Somerset, and conducted him to Windsor on the 29th. The King was
+entertained in great state for three days at Windsor, during which
+time he was politic enough to ingratiate himself with the Duchess of
+Marlborough. When the Duchess presented the basin and napkin after
+supper to the Queen for her to wash her hands, the King gallantly took
+the napkin and held it himself, and on returning it to the Queen's
+great favourite, he presented her with a superb diamond ring. After
+three days the King returned to Portsmouth, and on the 4th of January,
+1704, he embarked on board the fleet commanded by Sir George Rooke,
+for Portugal, accompanied by a body of land forces under the Duke of
+Schomberg. The voyage was, however, a most stormy one, and when the
+fleet had nearly reached Cape Finisterre, it was compelled to put back
+to Spithead, where it remained till the middle of February. His next
+attempt was more successful, and he landed in Lisbon amid much popular
+demonstration, though the court itself was sunk in sorrow by the death
+of the Infanta, whom he went to marry."[75]
+
+At the Christmas festivities the following year (1704) there were
+great rejoicings over the return home of the Duke of Marlborough from
+the continental wars. "He arrived in England in the middle of
+December, carrying with him Marshal Tallard and the rest of the
+distinguished officers, with the standards and other trophies of his
+victories. He was received with acclaim by all classes, except a few
+Ultra Tories, who threatened to impeach him for his rash march to the
+Danube. As Parliament had assembled, Marlborough took his seat in the
+House of Peers the day after his arrival, where he was complimented on
+his magnificent success by the Lord Keeper. This was followed by a
+deputation with a vote of thanks from the Commons, and by similar
+honours from the City. But perhaps the most palpable triumph of
+Marlborough was the transferring of the military trophies which he had
+taken from the Tower, where they were first deposited, to Westminster
+Hall. This was done by each soldier carrying a standard or other
+trophy, amid the thunders of artillery and the hurrahs of the people;
+such a spectacle never having been witnessed since the days of the
+Spanish Armada. The Royal Manor of Woodstock was granted him, and
+Blenheim Mansion erected at the cost of the nation."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN THE COUNTRY.
+
+The country squire of three hundred a year, an independent gentleman
+in the reign of Queen Anne, is described as having "never played at
+cards but at Christmas, when the family pack was produced from the
+mantle-piece." "His chief drink the year round was generally ale,
+except at this season, the 5th of November, or some gala days, when he
+would make a bowl of strong brandy punch, garnished with a toast and
+nutmeg. In the corner of his hall, by the fireside, stood a large
+wooden two-armed chair, with a cushion, and within the chimney corner
+were a couple of seats. Here, at Christmas, he entertained his
+tenants, assembled round a glowing fire, made of the roots of trees,
+and other great logs, and told and heard the traditionary tales of the
+village, respecting ghosts and witches, till fear made them afraid to
+move. In the meantime the jorum of ale was in continual
+circulation."[76]
+
+ "This is Yuletide! Bring the holly boughs,
+    Deck the old mansion with its berries red;
+  Bring in the mistletoe, that lover's vows
+    Be sweetly sealed the while it hangs o'erhead.
+  Pile on the logs, fresh gathered from the wood,
+    And let the firelight dance upon the walls,
+  The while we tell the stories of the good,
+    The brave, the noble, that the past recalls."[77]
+
+Many interesting tales respecting the manners and customs of the
+eighteenth century are given by Steele and Addison in their well-known
+series of papers entitled the _Spectator_. Charity and hospitality are
+conspicuous traits of the typical country gentleman of the period, Sir
+Roger de Coverley. "Sir Roger," says the _Spectator_, "after the
+laudable custom of his ancestors, always keeps open house at
+Christmas. I learned from him, that he had killed eight fat hogs for
+this season; that he had dealt about his chines very liberally amongst
+his neighbours; and that in particular he had sent a string of hog's
+puddings with a pack of cards to every poor family in the parish. 'I
+have often thought,' says Sir Roger, 'it happens well that Christmas
+should fall out in the middle of winter. It is the most dead
+uncomfortable time of the year, when the poor people would suffer very
+much from their poverty and cold, if they had not good cheer, warm
+fires, and Christmas gambols to support them. I love to rejoice their
+poor hearts at this season, and to see the whole village merry in my
+great hall. I allow a double quantity of malt to my small beer, and
+set it running for twelve days to every one that calls for it. I have
+always a piece of cold beef and a mince-pie upon the table, and am
+wonderfully pleased to see my tenants pass away a whole evening in
+playing their innocent tricks, and smutting one another. Our friend
+Will Wimble is as merry as any of them, and shows a thousand roguish
+tricks upon these occasions."
+
+Puppet-shows and other scenic exhibitions with moving figures were
+among the Christmas amusements in the reign of Queen Anne. Strutt
+quotes a description of such an exhibition "by the manager of a show
+exhibited at the great house in the Strand, over against the Globe
+Tavern, near Hungerford Market; the best places at one shilling and
+the others at sixpence each: 'To be seen, the greatest Piece of
+Curiosity that ever arrived in England, being made by a famous
+engineer from the camp before Lisle, who, with great labour and
+industry, has collected into a moving picture the following figures:
+first, it doth represent the confederate camp, and the army lying
+intrenched before the town; secondly, the convoys and the mules with
+Prince Eugene's baggage; thirdly, the English forces commanded by the
+Duke of Marlborough; likewise, several vessels laden with provisions
+for the army, which are so artificially done as to seem to drive the
+water before them. The city and the citadel are very fine, with all
+its outworks, ravelins, horn-works, counter-scarps, half-moons, and
+palisades; the French horse marching out at one gate, and the
+confederate army marching in at the other; the prince's travelling
+coach with two generals in it, one saluting the company as it passes
+by; then a trumpeter sounds a call as he rides, at the noise whereof a
+sleeping sentinel starts, and lifts up his head, but, not being
+espied, lies down to sleep again; beside abundance more admirable
+curiosities too tedious to be inserted here.' He then modestly adds,
+'In short, the whole piece is so contrived by art that it seems to be
+life and nature.'"
+
+[Illustration: A DRUID PRIESTESS BEARING MISTLETOE.]
+
+Tumbling and feats of agility were also fashionable during the
+Christmas festival at this period, for in one of the _Tatlers_ (No.
+115, dated January 3, 1709) the following passage occurs: "I went on
+Friday last to the Opera, and was surprised to find a thin house at
+so noble an entertainment, 'till I heard that the tumbler was not to
+make his appearance that night." The sword-dance--dancing "among the
+points of swords and spears with most wonderful agility, and even with
+the most elegant and graceful motions"--rope-dancing, feats of
+balancing, leaping and vaulting, tricks by horses and other animals,
+and bull-baiting and bear-baiting were also among the public
+amusements. And _Hot Cockles_ was one of the favourite indoor
+amusements of Christmastide. Strutt, in his "Sports and Pastimes,"
+says, _Hot Cockles_ is from the French _hautes-coquilles_, "a play in
+which one kneels, and covering his eyes, lays his head in another's
+lap and guesses who struck him." John Gay, a poet of the time, thus
+pleasantly writes of the game:--
+
+ "As at Hot Cockles once I laid me down,
+  And felt the weighty hand of many a clown,
+  Buxoma gave a gentle tap, and I
+  Quick rose, and read soft mischief in her eye."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+On the death of Queen Anne (August 11, 1714) Prince George Louis of
+Hanover was proclaimed King of England as
+
+
+GEORGE THE FIRST.
+
+There was little change in the Christmas festivities in this reign,
+for, as Mr. Thackeray says in his lively sketch of George I.: "He was
+a moderate ruler of England. His aim was to leave it to itself as much
+as possible, and to live out of it as much as he could. His heart was
+in Hanover." The most important addition to the plays of the period
+was
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME.
+
+[Illustration: A NEST OF FOOLS]
+
+In his "English Plays," Professor Henry Morley thus records the
+introduction of the modern English pantomime, which has since been the
+great show of Christmastide:--
+
+"The theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields, which Christopher Rich had been
+restoring, his son, John Rich, was allowed to open on the 18th of
+December, 1714. John Rich was a clever mimic, and after a year or two
+he found it to his advantage to compete with the actors in a fashion
+of his own. He was the inventor of the modern English form of
+pantomime, with a serious part that he took from Ovid's Metamorphosis
+or any fabulous history, and a comic addition of the courtship of
+harlequin and columbine, with surprising tricks and transformations.
+He introduced the old Italian characters of pantomime under changed
+conditions, and beginning with 'Harlequin Sorcerer' in 1717, continued
+to produce these entertainments until a year before his death in 1761.
+They have since been retained as Christmas shows upon the English
+stage."
+
+In a note to "The Dunciad," Pope complains of "the extravagancies
+introduced on the stage, and frequented by persons of the first
+quality in England to the twentieth and thirtieth time," and states
+that "_all_ the extravagances" in the following lines of the poem
+actually appeared on the stage:--
+
+ "See now, what Dulness and her sons admire!
+  See what the charms, that smite the simple heart
+  Not touch'd by nature, and not reach'd by art.
+  His never-blushing head he turn'd aside,
+  (Not half so pleased when Goodman prophesied)
+  And look'd, and saw a sable Sorcerer rise,
+  Swift to whose hand a winged volume flies:
+  All sudden, gorgons hiss, and dragons glare,
+  And ten-horn'd fiends and giants rush to war.
+  Hell rises, Heaven descends, and dance on earth:
+  Gods, imps, and monsters, music, rage, and mirth,
+  A fire, a jig, a battle, and a ball,
+  Till one wide conflagration swallows all.
+    Thence a new world, to nature's laws unknown,
+  Breaks out refulgent, with a heaven its own:
+  Another Cynthia her new journey runs,
+  And other planets circle other suns.
+  The forests dance, the rivers upward rise,
+  Whales sport in woods, and dolphins in the skies;
+  And last, to give the whole creation grace,
+  Lo! one vast egg produces human race."
+
+David Garrick, the eminent actor, wrote in a similar strain, finding
+it hard to hold his own against the patrons of the pantomime:--
+
+ "They in the drama find no joys,
+  But doat on mimicry and toys.
+  Thus, when a dance is in my bill,
+  Nobility my boxes fill;
+  Or send three days before the time,
+  To crowd a new-made pantomime."
+
+
+"OLD MERRY PLENTIFUL CHRISTMAS,"
+
+at this period, is sketched by a writer in _Poor Robin's Almanack_,
+for 1723, thus:--"Now comes on old merry plentiful Christmas. The
+Husbandman lays his great Log behind the fire, and with a few of his
+neighbours, over a good fire, taps his Christmas beer, cuts his
+Christmas cheese, and sets forward for a merry Christmas. The Landlord
+(for we hope there are yet some generous ones left) invites his
+Tenants and Labourers, and with a good Sirloin of Roast Beef, and a
+few pitchers of nappy ale or beer, he wisheth them all a merry
+Christmas. The beggar begs his bread, sells some of it for money to
+buy drink, and without fear of being arrested, or call'd upon for
+parish duties, has as merry a Christmas as any of them all."
+
+[Illustration: "THE MASK DANCE."]
+
+So the people made merry at Christmas throughout the reign of George
+I., who died on June 10, 1727, and was succeeded by his son,
+
+
+GEORGE THE SECOND.
+
+In this reign the customs of Christmas were kept up with unabated
+heartiness, and liberality to the poor was not forgotten. The
+customary distributions of creature comforts on Christmas Eve were
+continued, and, in some instances, provision for the maintenance of
+them was made in the wills of worthy parishioners. An instance of this
+kind is recorded in Devonshire. "It appears, from a statement of
+charities in an old book, that John Martyn, by will, 28th of November,
+1729, gave to the churchwardens and overseers of the poor of the
+parish of St. Mary Major, Exeter, twenty pounds, to be put out at
+interest, and the profits thereof to be laid out every Christmas Eve
+in twenty pieces of beef, to be distributed to twenty poor people of
+the parish, such as had no relief on that day, for ever."[78]
+
+That
+
+
+CHRISTMAS HOUSEKEEPING IN LONDON,
+
+at this period, was excellent, both as to quantity and quality, is
+evident, from a contribution made to _Read's Weekly Journal_, of
+Saturday, January 9, 1731, by Mr. Thomas North, who thus describes the
+Christmas entertainment and good cheer he met with in London at the
+house of a friend: "It was the house of an eminent and worthy
+merchant, and tho', sir, I have been accustomed in my own country to
+what may very well be called good housekeeping, yet I assure you I
+should have taken this dinner to have been provided for a whole
+parish, rather than for about a dozen gentlemen: 'Tis impossible for
+me to give you half our bill of fare, so you must be content to know
+that we had turkies, geese, capons, puddings of a dozen sorts more
+than I had ever seen in my life, besides brawn, roast beef, and many
+things of which I know not the names, minc'd pyes in abundance, and a
+thing they call plumb pottage, which may be good for ought I know,
+though it seems to me to have 50 different tastes. Our wines were of
+the best, as were all the rest of our liquors; in short, the God of
+plenty seemed to reign here, and to make everything perfect, our
+company was polite and every way agreeable; nothing but mirth and
+loyal healths went round. If a stranger were to have made an estimate
+of London from this place, he would imagine it not only the most rich
+but the most happy city in the world."
+
+Another interesting item of this period is the following--
+
+
+CURIOUS CHRISTMAS ADVERTISEMENT,
+
+which has been cut from some publication and (by the late Mr. Joseph
+Haslewood) inserted between pages 358 and 359 of the British Museum
+large paper copy of Brand's "Antiquities," and dated December, 1739:--
+
+"This day is published, Price 6d.
+
+"THE TRIAL OF OLD FATHER CHRISTMAS for encouraging his Majesty's
+subjects in Idleness, Drunkenness, Gaming, Rioting, and all manner of
+Extravagance and Debauchery, at the Assizes held in the city of
+Profusion before the Lord Chief Justice Churchman, Mr. Justice Feast,
+Mr. Justice Gambol, and several other his Majesty's Justices of Oyer
+and Terminer, and Gaol-Delivery.
+
+"To which is added a Diary found in the Pocket of Old Father
+Christmas, with Directions to all Lovers of him how to welcome their
+neighbours; likewise the Judge's sentence and Opinion how Christmas
+ought to be kept; and further Witty Tales and Merry Stories designed
+for Christmas Evenings Diversion, when round about our Coal Fire.
+
+By Josiah King,
+
+Printer for T. Cooper, at the Globe in Pater-noster Row; and sold by
+the Pamphlet-shops of London and Westminster."
+
+Now we come to a quaintly interesting account of
+
+
+CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT IN THE OLDEN TIME.
+
+The manner of observing the Christmas festival in the time of George
+the Second is described in an amusing little book entitled "Round
+about our Coal Fire, or Christmas Entertainments," published in 1740,
+and "illustrated with many diverting cuts." We quote the following
+extracts:--
+
+
+PROLOGUE.
+
+I.
+
+ "O you merry, merry souls,
+    Christmas is a coming,
+  We shall have flowing Bowls,
+    Dancing, piping, drumming.
+
+II.
+
+ "Delicate minced Pies,
+    To feast every Virgin,
+  Capon and Goose likewise,
+    Brawn and a dish of Sturgeon.
+
+III.
+
+ "Then for your Christmas Box,
+    Sweet Plumb-cakes and money,
+  Delicate Holland Smocks,
+    Kisses sweet as Honey.
+
+IV.
+
+ "Hey for the Christmas Ball,
+    Where we shall be jolly,
+  Jigging short and tall,
+    Kate, Dick, Ralph, and Molly.
+
+V.
+
+ "Then to the Hop we'll go,
+    Where we'll jig and caper,
+  Maidens all-a-row,
+    Will shall pay the Scraper.
+
+VI.
+
+ "Hodge shall dance with Prue,
+    Keeping Time with Kisses
+  We'll have a jovial Crew,
+    Of sweet smirking Misses.
+
+[Illustration: THE CHRISTMAS MUMMERS.]
+
+"First acknowledging the sacredness of the Holy Time of _Christmas_, I
+proceed to set forth the Rejoicings which are generally made at that
+great Festival.
+
+"You must understand, good People, that the manner of celebrating this
+great Course of Holydays is vastly different now to what it was in
+former days: There was once upon a time Hospitality in the land; an
+_English_ gentleman at the opening of the great Day, had all his
+Tenants and Neighbours enter'd his Hall by Day-break, the strong Beer
+was broach'd, and the Black Jacks went plentifully about with Toast,
+Sugar, Nutmeg, and good Cheshire Cheese; the Rooms were embower'd with
+Holly, Ivy, Cypress, Bays, Laurel, and Missleto, and a bouncing
+_Christmas_ Log in the Chimney glowing like the cheeks of a country
+Milk-maid; then was the pewter as bright as _Clarinda_, and every bit
+of Brass as polished as the most refined Gentleman; the Servants were
+then running here and there, with merry Hearts and jolly Countenances;
+every one was busy welcoming of Guests, and look'd as smug as
+new-lick'd Puppies; the Lasses as blithe and buxom as the maids in
+good Queen _Bess's_ Days, when they eat Sir-Loins of Roast Beef for
+Breakfast; _Peg_ would scuttle about to make a Toast for _John_, while
+_Tom_ run _harum scarum_ to draw a Jug of Ale for _Margery_: Gaffer
+_Spriggins_ was bid thrice welcome by the 'Squire, and Gooddy _Goose_
+did not fail of a smacking Buss from his Worship while his Son and
+Heir did the Honours of the House: in a word, the Spirit of Generosity
+ran thro' the whole House.
+
+"In these Times all the Spits were sparkling, the _Hackin_ must be
+boiled by Day-break, or else two young Men took the Maiden by the
+Arms, and run her round the Market-place, till she was ashamed of her
+Laziness. And what was worse than this, she must not play with the
+Young Fellows that Day, but stand Neuter, like a Girl doing penance in
+a Winding-sheet at a Church-door.
+
+"But now let us enquire a little farther, to arrive at the Sense of
+the Thing; this great Festival was in former Times kept with so much
+Freedom and Openness of Heart, that every one in the Country where a
+Gentleman resided, possessed at least a Day of Pleasure in the
+_Christmas_ Holydays; the Tables were all spread from the first to the
+last, the Sir-Loyns of Beef, the Minc'd-Pies, the Plumb-Porridge, the
+Capons, Turkeys, Geese, and Plumb-Puddings, were all brought upon the
+board; and all those who had sharp stomachs and sharp Knives eat
+heartily and were welcome, which gave rise to the Proverb--
+
+  _Merry in the Hall, when Beards wag all._"
+
+"There were then Turnspits employed, who by the time Dinner was over,
+would look as black and as greasy as a Welch Porridge-pot, but the
+Jacks have since turned them all out of Doors. The Geese which used to
+be fatted for the honest Neighbours, have been of late sent to
+_London_, and the Quills made into Pens to convey away the Landlord's
+Estate; the Sheep are drove away to raise Money to answer the Loss of
+a Game at Dice or Cards, and their Skins made into Parchment for Deeds
+and Indentures; nay even the poor innocent Bee, who used to pay its
+Tribute to the Lord once a Year at least in good Metheglin, for the
+Entertainment of the Guests, and its Wax converted into beneficial
+Plaisters for sick Neighbours, is now used for the sealing of Deeds to
+his Disadvantage.
+
+"But give me the Man _who has a good Heart_, and has Spirit enough to
+keep up the Old way of Hospitality, feeds his People till they are as
+plump as Partridges, and as fat as Porpoises that every Servant may
+appear as jolly as the late Bishop of _Winchester's_ Porter at
+_Chelsea_.
+
+"The News-Papers however inform us, that the Spirit of Hospitality has
+not quite forsaken us; for three or four of them tell us, that several
+of the Gentry are gone down to their respective Seats in the Country,
+in order to keep their _Christmas_ in the Old Way, and entertain their
+Tenants and Trades-folks as their Ancestors used to do and I wish them
+a merry _Christmas_ accordingly. I must also take notice to the stingy
+Tribe, that if they don't at least make their Tenants or Tradesmen
+drink when they come to see them in the Christmas Holydays, they have
+Liberty of retaliating which is a Law of very ancient Date.
+
+"A merry Gentleman of my Acquaintance desires I will insert, that the
+old Folks in Days of yore kept open House at _Christmas_ out of
+Interest; for then, says he, they receive the greatest Part of their
+Rent in Kind; such as Wheat, Barley or Malt, Oxen, Calves, Sheep,
+Swine, Turkeys, Capon, Geese, and such like; and they not having Room
+enough to preserve their Grain, or Fodder enough to preserve their
+Cattle or Poultry, nor Markets to sell off the Overplus, they were
+obliged to use them in their own Houses; and by treating the People of
+the Country, gained Credit amongst them, and riveted the Minds and
+Goodwill of their Neighbours so firmly in them, that no one durst
+venture to oppose them. The 'Squire's Will was done whatever came on
+it; for if he happened to ask a Neighbour what it was a Clock, they
+returned with a low Scrape, it is what your Worship pleases.
+
+"The Dancing and Singing of the Benchers in the great Inns of Court in
+_Christmas_, is in some sort founded upon Interest; for they hold, as
+I am informed, some Priviledge by Dancing about the Fire in the middle
+of their Hall, and singing the Song of _Round about our Coal Fire_,
+&c.
+
+"This time of year being cold and frosty generally speaking, or when
+Jack-Frost commonly takes us by the Nose, the Diversions are within
+Doors, either in Exercise or by the Fire-side.
+
+"Country-Dancing is one of the chief Exercises....
+
+"Then comes Mumming or Masquerading, when the 'Squire's Wardrobe is
+ransacked for Dresses of all Kinds, and the coal-hole searched
+around, or corks burnt to black the Faces of the Fair, or make
+Deputy-Mustaches, and every one in the Family except the 'Squire
+himself must be transformed from what they were....
+
+"Or else there is a Match at _Blind-Man's-Buff_, and then it is lawful
+to set anything in the way for Folks to tumble over....
+
+"As for _Puss in the Corner_, that is a very harmless Sport, and one
+may romp at it as much as one will....
+
+"The next game to this is _Questions and Commands_, when the Commander
+may oblige his Subject to answer any lawful Question, and make the
+same obey him instantly, under the penalty of being smutted, or paying
+such Forfeit as may be laid on the Aggressor; but the Forfeits being
+generally fixed at some certain Price, as a Shilling, Half a Crown,
+&c., so every one knowing what to do if they should be too stubborn to
+submit, make themselves easy at discretion.
+
+"As for the Game of _Hoop and Hide_, the Parties have the Liberty of
+hiding where they will, in any part of the House; and if they happen
+to be caught, the Dispute ends in Kissing, &c.
+
+"Most of the other Diversions are Cards and Dice, but they are seldom
+set on foot, unless a Lawyer is at hand, to breed some dispute for him
+to decide, or at least have some Party in.
+
+"And now I come to another Entertainment frequently used, which is of
+the Story-telling Order, _viz._ of Hobgoblins, Witches, Conjurers,
+Ghosts, Fairies, and such like common Disturbers."
+
+At this period
+
+
+DAVID GARRICK'S CHRISTMAS ACTING
+
+won him great applause. At Christmas, 1741, he brought out at
+Goodman's Fields a Christmas Farce, written by himself, entitled "The
+Lying Valet," wherein the great actor took the part of "Sharp." It was
+thought the most diverting farce ever performed. "There was a general
+roar from beginning to end. So great was his versatility that people
+were not able to determine whether he was best in tragedy or comedy."
+On his benefit, when his real name was placed on the bills for the
+first time, there was an immense gathering, and the applause was quite
+extraordinary.
+
+The Christmas festivities of 1745 were marred by the
+
+
+DISTURBANCES OF THE JACOBITES,
+
+under the romantic "Prince Charlie," whose attempted invasion of
+England speedily collapsed.
+
+Pointer, in his _Oxoniensis Academia_ (1749) refers to
+
+
+AN OLD CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
+
+of this period. He states that at Merton College, Oxford, the Fellows
+meet together in the Hall, on Christmas Eve, to sing a Psalm and drink
+a grace-cup to one another (called _Poculum Charitatis_), wishing one
+another health and happiness.
+
+The Christmas of 1752 was
+
+
+THE FIRST CHRISTMAS UNDER THE "NEW STYLE,"
+
+and many refused to observe the festival eleven days earlier than
+usual, but insisted on keeping "Old Christmas Day." Why should they be
+robbed of eleven days by a new Act of Parliament? It was of no use to
+tell them that it had been discovered that the fractional few minutes
+which are tailed on to the days and hours which make up the year had,
+by neglect through many centuries, brought us into a wrong condition,
+and that to set us right it would be necessary to give credit for
+eleven days which nobody was conscious of having enjoyed. The law,
+however, had said that it should be so. Accordingly, the day after the
+2nd of September, 1752, was called the 14th, to the great indignation
+of thousands, who reckoned that they had thus been cut off from nearly
+a fortnight of life which honestly belonged to them. These persons
+sturdily refused to acknowledge the Christmas Eve and Day of the new
+calendar. They averred that the true festival was that which now began
+on the 5th of January _next year_. They would go to church, they said,
+on no other day; nor eat mince-pies nor drink punch but in reference
+to this one day. The clergy had a hard time of it with these
+recusants. It will be well, therefore, to quote one singular example
+to show how this recusancy was encountered. It is from a collection of
+pamphlet-sermons preserved by George III., none of which, however,
+have anything curious or particularly meritorious about them save this
+one, which was preached on Friday, January 5, 1753, "Old Christmas
+Day." Mr. Francis Blackburne, "one of the candid disquisitors," opened
+his church on that day, which was crowded by a congregation anxious to
+see the day celebrated as that of the anniversary of the Nativity. The
+service for Christmas Day, however, was not used. "I will answer your
+expectations so far," said the preacher in his sermon, "as to give you
+a _sermon on the day_; and the rather because I perceive you are
+disappointed of _something else_ that you expected." The purport of
+the discourse is to show that the change of style was desirable, and
+that it having been effected by Act of Parliament, with the sanction
+of the King, there was nothing for it but acquiescence. "For," says
+the preacher, "had I, to oblige you, disobeyed this Act of Parliament,
+it is very probable I might have lost my benefice, which, you know, is
+all the subsistence I have in the world; and I should have been
+rightly served; for who am I that I should fly in the face of his
+Majesty and the Parliament? These things are left to be ordered by the
+higher powers; and in any such case as that, I hope not to think
+myself wiser than the King, the whole nobility, and principal gentry
+of Great Britain"!!
+
+The peasants of Buckinghamshire, however, pitched upon a very pretty
+method to settle the question of Christmas, left so meekly by Mr.
+Blackburne to the King, nobility, and most of the gentry. They
+bethought themselves of a blackthorn near one of their villages; and
+this thorn was for the nonce declared to be the growth of a slip from
+the Christmas-flowering thorn at Glastonbury. If the Buckinghamshire
+thorn, so argued the peasants, will only blossom in the night of the
+24th of December, we will go to church next day, and allow that the
+Christmas by Act of Parliament is the true Christmas; but no blossom
+no feast, and there shall be no revel till the eve of old Christmas
+Day. They watched the thorn and drank to its budding; but as it
+produced no promise of a flower by the morning, they turned to go
+homewards as best they might, perfectly satisfied with the success of
+the experiment. Some were interrupted in their way by their respective
+"vicars," who took them by the arm and would fain have persuaded them
+to go to church. They argued the question by field, stile, and
+church-gate; but not a Bucks peasant would consent to enter a pew till
+the parson had promised to preach a sermon to, and smoke a pipe with,
+them on the only Christmas Day they chose to acknowledge.
+
+Now, however, this old prejudice has been conquered, and the "new
+style" has maintained its ground. It has even done more, for its
+authors have so arranged the years and leap years that a confusion in
+the time of Christmas or any other festival is not likely to occur
+again.
+
+    [75] Cassell's "History of England."
+
+    [76] Grose.
+
+    [77] Herbert H. Adams.
+
+    [78] "Old English Customs and Charities," 1842.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER XI._
+
+MODERN CHRISTMASES AT HOME.
+
+[Illustration: THE WAITS.]
+
+
+KING GEORGE THE THIRD
+
+came to the throne on the death of his grandfather, George II.
+(October 25, 1760), and the first Christmas of his reign "was a high
+festival at Court, when his Majesty, preceded by heralds, pursuivants,
+&c., went with their usual state to the Chapel Royal, and heard a
+sermon preached by his Grace the Archbishop of York; and it being a
+collar day, the Knights of the Garter, Thistle and Bath, appeared in
+the collars of their respective orders. After the sermon was over,
+his Majesty, Prince Edward and Princess Augusta went into the Chapel
+Royal, and received the sacrament from the hands of the Bishop of
+Durham; and the King offered the byzant, or wedge of gold, in a purse,
+for the benefit of the poor, and the royal family all made offerings.
+His Majesty afterwards dined with his royal mother at Leicester House,
+and in the evening returned to St. James's."[79]
+
+At this period
+
+
+THE FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS DIVERSION
+
+was card-playing. The King himself spent a great deal of his time in
+playing at cards with the ladies and gentlemen of his court. In doing
+so, however, he was but following the example of George II., of whom
+the biographer already quoted (Mr. Huish) says:--
+
+"After the death of Queen Caroline, the King was very fond of a game
+at cards with the Countess of Pembroke, Albemarle, and other
+distinguished ladies. His attachment to cards was transferred to his
+attachment for the ladies, and it was said that what he gained by the
+one he lost by the other." Cards were very much resorted to at the
+family parties and other social gatherings held during the twelve days
+of Christmas. Hone makes various allusions to card-playing at
+Christmastide, and Washington Irving, in his "Life of Oliver
+Goldsmith," pictures the poet "keeping the card-table in an uproar."
+Mrs. Bunbury invited Goldsmith down to Barton to pass the Christmas
+holidays. Irving regrets "that we have no record of this Christmas
+visit to Barton; that the poet had no Boswell to follow at his heels,
+and take notes of all his sayings and doings. We can only picture him
+in our minds, casting off all care; enacting the Lord of Misrule;
+presiding at the Christmas revels; providing all kinds of merriment;
+keeping the card-table in an uproar, and finally opening the ball on
+the first day of the year in his spring-velvet suit, with the Jessamy
+Bride for a partner."
+
+From the reprint additions made in the British Museum large paper copy
+of Brand's "Antiquities," by the late Mr. Joseph Haslewood, and dated
+January, 1779, we quote the following verses descriptive of the
+concluding portion of the Christmas festivities at this period:--
+
+TWELFTH DAY.
+
+  Now the jovial girls and boys,
+    Struggling for the cake and plumbs,
+  Testify their eager joys,
+    And lick their fingers and their thumbs.
+
+  Statesmen like, they struggle still,
+    Scarcely hands kept out of dishes,
+  And yet, when they have had their fill,
+    Still anxious for the loaves and fishes.
+
+  Kings and Queens, in petty state,
+    Now their sovereign will declare,
+  But other sovereigns' plans they hate,
+    Full fond of peace--detesting war.
+
+  One moral from this tale appears,
+    Worth notice when a world's at stake;
+  That all our hopes and all our fears,
+    Are but a _struggling for the_ Cake.
+
+Other particulars of the
+
+
+POPULAR CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
+
+in the latter part of the eighteenth century are gleaned from
+contemporary writers:--
+
+"At Ripon, on Christmas Eve, the grocers, send each of their customers
+a pound or half of currants and raisins to make a Christmas pudding.
+The chandlers also send large mould candles, and the coopers logs of
+wood, generally called _Yule clogs_, which are always used on
+Christmas Eve; but should it be so large as not to be all burnt that
+night, which is frequently the case, the remains are kept till old
+Christmas Eve."[80]
+
+In Sinclair's Account of Scotland, parish of Kirkden, county of Angus
+(1792), Christmas is said to be held as a great festival in the
+neighbourhood. "The servant is free from his master, and goes about
+visiting his friends and acquaintance. The poorest must have beef or
+mutton on the table, and what they call a dinner with their friends.
+Many amuse themselves with various diversions, particularly with
+shooting for prizes, called here _wad-shooting_; and many do but
+little business all the Christmas week; the evening of almost every
+day being spent in amusement." And in the account of Keith, in
+Banffshire, the inhabitants are said to "have no pastimes or holidays,
+except dancing on Christmas and New Year's Day."
+
+Boyhood's Christmas Breaking-up is thus described in a poem entitled
+"Christmas" (Bristol, 1795):--
+
+ "A school there was, within a well-known town,
+  (Bridgwater call'd), in which the boys were wont,
+  At _breaking-up_ for Christmas' lov'd recess,
+  To meet the master, on the happy morn,
+  At early hour; the custom, too, prevail'd,
+  That he who first the seminary reach'd
+  Should, instantly, perambulate the streets
+  With sounding horn, to rouse his fellows up;
+  And, as a compensation for his care,
+  His flourish'd copies, and his chapter-task,
+  Before the rest, he from the master had.
+  For many days, ere breaking-up commenced,
+  Much was the clamour, 'mongst the beardless crowd,
+  Who first would dare his well-warm'd bed forego,
+  And, round the town, with horn of ox equipp'd,
+  His schoolmates call. Great emulation glow'd
+  In all their breasts; but, when the morning came,
+  Straightway was heard, resounding through the streets,
+  The pleasing blast (more welcome far, to them,
+  Than is, to sportsmen, the delightful cry
+  Of hounds on chase), which soon together brought
+  A tribe of boys, who, thund'ring at the doors
+  Of those, their fellows, sunk in Somnus' arms,
+  Great hubbub made, and much the town alarm'd.
+  At length the gladsome, congregated throng,
+  Toward the school their willing progress bent,
+  With loud huzzas, and, crowded round the desk,
+  Where sat the master busy at his books,
+  In reg'lar order, each receiv'd his own,
+  The youngsters then, enfranchised from the school,
+  Their fav'rite sports pursued."
+
+A writer in the _Gentleman's Magazine_ for February, 1795, gives the
+following account of a Christmas Eve custom at the house of Sir ----
+Holt, Bart., of Aston, near Birmingham:
+
+"As soon as supper is over, a table is set in the hall. On it is
+placed a brown loaf, with twenty silver threepences stuck on the top
+of it, a tankard of ale, with pipes and tobacco; and the two oldest
+servants have chairs behind it, to sit as judges if they please. The
+steward brings the servants, both men and women, by one at a time,
+covered with a winnow-sheet, and lays their right hand on the loaf,
+exposing no other part of the body. The oldest of the two judges
+guesses at the person, by naming a name, then the younger judge, and
+lastly the oldest again. If they hit upon the right name, the steward
+leads the person back again; but, if they do not, he takes off the
+winnow-sheet, and the person receives a threepence, makes a low
+obeisance to the judges, but speaks not a word. When the second
+servant was brought, the younger judge guessed first and third; and
+this they did alternately, till all the money was given away. Whatever
+servant had not slept in the house the preceding night forfeited his
+right to the money. No account is given of the origin of this strange
+custom, but it has been practised ever since the family lived there.
+When the money is gone, the servants have full liberty to drink,
+dance, sing, and go to bed when they please."
+
+Brand quotes the foregoing paragraph and asks: "Can this be what
+Aubrey calls the sport of 'Cob-loaf stealing'?"
+
+THE DELIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS.
+
+A New Song by R. P.
+
+(Tune--"Since Love is my Plan.")
+
+_In the Poor Soldier._
+
+  When Christmas approaches each bosom is gay,
+  That festival banishes sorrow away,
+  While Richard he kisses both Susan and Dolly,
+  When tricking the house up with ivy and holly;
+  For never as yet it was counted a crime,
+  To be merry and cherry at that happy time.
+                            For never as yet, &c.
+
+  Then comes turkey and chine, with the famous roast beef,
+  Of English provisions still reckon'd the chief;
+  Roger whispers the cook-maid his wishes to crown,
+  O Dolly! pray give me a bit of the brown;
+  For never as yet it was counted a crime,
+  To be merry and cherry at that happy time.
+                            For never as yet, &c.
+
+  The luscious plum-pudding does smoking appear,
+  And the charming mince pye is not far in the rear,
+  Then each licks his chops to behold such a sight,
+  But to taste it affords him superior delight;
+  For never as yet it was counted a crime,
+  To be merry and cherry at that happy time.
+                            For never as yet, &c.
+
+  Now the humming October goes merrily round,
+  And each with good humour is happily crown'd,
+  The song and the dance, and the mirth-giving jest,
+  Alike without harm by each one is expressed;
+  For never as yet it was counted a crime,
+  To be merry and cherry at that happy time.
+                            For never as yet, &c.
+
+  Twelfth Day next approaches, to give you delight,
+  And the sugar'd rich cake is display'd to the sight,
+  Then sloven and slut and the king and the queen,
+  Alike must be present to add to the scene;
+  For never as yet it was counted a crime,
+  To be merry and cherry at that happy time.
+                            For never as yet, &c.
+
+  May each be found thus as the year circles round,
+  With mirth and good humour each Christmas be crown'd,
+  And may all who have plenty of riches in store
+  With their bountiful blessings make happy the poor;
+  For never as yet it was counted a crime,
+  To be merry and cherry at that happy time.
+                            For never as yet, &c.[81]
+
+
+CHARLES LAMB ON CHRISTMAS.
+
+In his essay on "Recollections of Christ's Hospital," Charles Lamb
+thus refers to the Christmas festivities of his schoolboy days:--
+
+"Let me have leave to remember the festivities at Christmas, when the
+richest of us would club our stock to have a gaudy day, sitting round
+the fire, replenished to the height with logs, and the pennyless, and
+he that could contribute nothing, partook in all the mirth, and in
+some of the substantialities of the feasting; the carol sung by night
+at that time of the year, which, when a young boy, I have so often
+lain awake to hear from seven (the hour of going to bed) till ten when
+it was sung by the older boys and monitors, and have listened to it,
+in their rude chaunting, till I have been transported in fancy to the
+fields of Bethlehem, and the song which was sung at that season, by
+angels' voices to the shepherds."
+
+In a sonnet sent to Coleridge, in 1797, Lamb says:--
+
+ "It were unwisely done, should we refuse
+  To cheer our path, as featly as we may--
+  Our lonely path to cheer, as travellers use,
+  With merry song, quaint tale, or roundelay.
+  And we will sometimes talk past troubles o'er,
+  Of mercies shown, and all our sickness heal'd,
+  And in His judgments God remembering love:
+  And we will learn to praise God evermore,
+  For those 'glad tidings of great joy,' reveal'd
+  By that sooth messenger, sent from above."
+
+
+[Illustration: THE CHRISTMAS PLUM-PUDDING.
+(_From an old print._)]
+
+Writing to Southey, in 1798, Lamb tells the poet that Christmas is a
+"glorious theme"; and addressing his "dear old friend and absentee,"
+Mr. Manning, at Canton, on December 25, 1815, Lamb says:--"This is
+Christmas Day, 1815, with us; what it may be with you I don't know,
+the 12th of June next year perhaps; and if it should be the
+consecrated season with you, I don't see how you can keep it. You have
+no turkeys; you would not desecrate the festival by offering up a
+withered Chinese bantam, instead of the savoury grand Norfolcian
+holocaust, that smokes all around my nostrils at this moment from a
+thousand firesides. Then what puddings have you? Where will you get
+holly to stick in your churches, or churches to stick your dried
+tea-leaves (that must be the substitute) in? Come out of Babylon, O my
+friend."
+
+[Illustration: ITALIAN MINSTRELS IN LONDON, AT CHRISTMAS, 1825.
+(_From a sketch of that period._)]
+
+ "Ranged in a row, with guitars slung
+  Before them thus, they played and sung:
+  Their instruments and choral voice
+  Bid each glad guest still more rejoice;
+  And each guest wish'd again to hear
+  Their wild guitars and voices clear."[82]
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS GAMES
+
+at the beginning of the nineteenth century include the old Christmas
+game of _Forfeits_, for every breach of the rules of which the players
+have to deposit some little article as a forfeit, to be redeemed by
+some sportive penalty, imposed by the "Crier of the Forfeits" (usually
+a bonnie lassie). The "crying of the forfeits" and paying of the
+penalties creates much merriment, particularly when a bashful youth is
+sentenced to "kiss through the fire-tongs" some beautiful romp of a
+girl, who delights playing him tricks while the room rings with
+laughter.
+
+Some of the old pastimes, however, have fallen into disuse, as, for
+instance, the once popular game of _Hot Cockles_, _Hunt the Slipper_,
+and "the vulgar game of _Post and Pair_"; but _Cards_ are still
+popular, and Snapdragon continues such Christmas merriment as is set
+forth in the following verses:--
+
+[Illustration]
+
+SNAP DRAGON.
+
+ "Here he comes with flaming bowl,
+  Don't he mean to take his toll,
+                    Snip! Snap! Dragon!
+  Take care you don't take too much,
+  Be not greedy in your clutch,
+                    Snip! Snap! Dragon!
+
+  With his blue and lapping tongue
+  Many of you will be stung,
+                    Snip! Snap! Dragon!
+  For he snaps at all that comes
+  Snatching at his feast of plums,
+                    Snip! Snap! Dragon!
+
+  But old Christmas makes him come,
+  Though he looks so fee! fa! fum!
+                    Snip! Snap! Dragon!
+  Don't 'ee fear him, be but bold--
+  Out he goes, his flames are cold,
+                    Snip! Snap! Dragon!"
+
+"Don't 'ee fear him, be but bold," accords with the advice of a writer
+in "Pantalogia," in 1813, who says that when the brandy in the bowl is
+set on fire, and raisins thrown into it, those who are unused to the
+sport are afraid to take out, but the raisins may be safely snatched
+by a quick motion and put blazing into the mouth, which being closed,
+the fire is at once extinguished. The game requires both courage and
+rapidity of action, and a good deal of merriment is caused by the
+unsuccessful efforts of competitors for the raisins in the flaming
+bowl.
+
+
+BLINDMAN'S BUFF.
+
+A favourite game of Christmastide, is thus described by Thomas
+Miller, in his "Sports and Pastimes of Merry England":--
+
+"The very youngest of our brothers and sisters can join in this old
+English game: and it is selfish to select only such sports as they
+cannot become sharers of. Its ancient name is 'hoodman-blind'; and
+when hoods were worn by both men and women--centuries before hats and
+caps were so common as they are now--the hood was reversed, placed
+hind-before, and was, no doubt, a much surer way of blinding the
+player than that now adopted--for we have seen Charley try to catch
+his pretty cousin Caroline, by chasing her behind chairs and into all
+sorts of corners, to our strong conviction that he was not half so
+well blinded as he ought to have been. Some said he could see through
+the black silk handkerchief; others that it ought to have been tied
+clean over his nose, for that when he looked down he could see her
+feet, wherever she moved; and Charley had often been heard to say that
+she had the prettiest foot and ankle he had ever seen. But there he
+goes, head over heels across a chair, tearing off Caroline's gown
+skirt in his fall, as he clutches it in the hope of saving himself.
+Now, that is what I call retributive justice; for she threw down the
+chair for him to stumble over, and, if he has grazed his knees, she
+suffers under a torn dress, and must retire until one of the maids
+darn up the rent. But now the mirth and glee grow 'fast and furious,'
+for hoodman blind has imprisoned three or four of the youngest boys in
+a corner, and can place his hand on whichever he likes. Into what a
+small compass they have forced themselves! But the one behind has the
+wall at his back, and, taking advantage of so good a purchase, he
+sends his three laughing companions sprawling on the floor, and is
+himself caught through their having fallen, as his shoulder is the
+first that is grasped by Blindman-buff--so that he must now submit to
+be hooded."
+
+[Illustration: BLINDMAN'S BUFF.
+(_In the last century_.)]
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS DANCE.
+
+ "Again the ball-room is wide open thrown,
+    The oak beams festooned with the garlands gay;
+  The red dais where the fiddlers sit alone,
+    Where, flushed with pride, the good old tunes they play.
+  Strike, fiddlers, strike! we're ready for the set;
+    The young folks' feet are eager for the dance;
+  We'll trip Sir Roger and the minuet,
+    And revel in the latest games from France."[83]
+
+"Man should be called a dancing animal," said _Old Florentine_; and
+Burton, in his "Anatomy of Melancholy," says, "Young lasses are never
+better pleased than when, upon a holiday, after _even-song_, they may
+meet their sweethearts and dance." And dancing is just as popular at
+Christmas in the present day, as it was in that mediæval age when
+(according to William of Malmesbury) the priest Rathbertus, being
+disturbed at his Christmas mass by young men and women dancing outside
+the church, prayed God and St. Magnus that they might continue to
+dance for a whole year without cessation--a prayer which the old
+chronicler gravely assures us was answered.
+
+[Illustration: THE CHRISTMAS DANCE.]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE OLDEN TIME.
+
+    And well our Christian sires of old
+  Loved when the year its course had roll'd,
+  And brought blithe Christmas back again,
+  With all his hospitable train.
+  Domestic and religious rite
+  Gave honour to the holy night:
+
+  On Christmas Eve the bells were rung;
+  On Christmas Eve the mass was sung:
+  That only night in all the year,
+  Saw the stoled priest the chalice rear.
+  The damsel donn'd her kirtle sheen;
+  The hall was dress'd with holly green;
+  Forth to the wood did merry-men go,
+  To gather in the mistletoe.
+  Then open'd wide the Baron's hall
+  To vassal, tenant, serf, and all;
+  Power laid his rod of rule aside,
+  And Ceremony doffed his pride.
+  The heir, with roses in his shoes,
+  That night might village partner choose.
+  The lord, underogating, share
+  The vulgar game of "post and pair."
+
+  All hail'd, with uncontroll'd delight,
+  And general voice, the happy night
+  That to the cottage, as the crown,
+  Brought tidings of salvation down!
+
+    The fire, with well-dried logs supplied,
+  Went roaring up the chimney wide;
+  The huge hall-table's oaken face,
+  Scrubb'd till it shone, the day to grace
+  Bore then upon its massive board
+  No mark to part the squire and lord.
+
+  Then was brought in the lusty brawn
+  By old blue-coated serving man;
+  Then the grim boar's-head frowned on high,
+  Crested with bays and rosemary.
+  Well can the green-garbed ranger tell
+  How, when, and where the monster fell;
+  What dogs before his death he tore,
+  And all the baiting of the boar.
+  The wassail round in good brown bowls,
+  Garnish'd with ribbons, blithely trowls.
+  There the huge sirloin reek'd; hard by
+  Plum-porridge stood, and Christmas-pye;
+  Nor fail'd old Scotland to produce,
+  At such high tide, her savoury goose.
+  Then came the merry masquers in,
+  And carols roar'd with blithesome din
+  If unmelodious was the song,
+  It was a hearty note, and strong.
+  Who lists may in their mumming see
+  Traces of ancient mystery;
+  White shirts supplied the masquerade,
+  And smutted cheeks the visors made;
+  But oh! what masquers, richly dight,
+  Can boast of bosoms half so light!
+  England was merry England when
+  Old Christmas brought his sports again.
+  'Twas Christmas broached the mightiest ale,
+  'Twas Christmas told the merriest tale;
+  A Christmas gambol oft could cheer
+  The poor man's heart through half the year.
+
+  SIR WALTER SCOTT, 1808.
+
+Lyson's "Magna Britannia" (1813) states the following as an
+
+
+OLD ENGLISH CUSTOM.
+
+"At Cumnor the parishioners, who paid vicarial tithes, claimed a
+custom of being entertained at the vicarage on the afternoon of
+Christmas Day, with four bushels of malt brewed into ale and beer, two
+bushels of wheat made into bread, and half a hundred weight of cheese.
+The remainder was given to the poor the next morning after divine
+service."
+
+Mason ("Statistical Account of Ireland," 1814) records the following
+
+IRISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS:--
+
+"At Culdaff, previous to Christmas, it is customary with the labouring
+classes to raffle for mutton, when a sufficient number can subscribe
+to defray the cost of a sheep. During the Christmas holidays they
+amuse themselves with a game of kamman, which consists in impelling a
+wooden ball with a crooked stick to a given point, while an adversary
+endeavours to drive it in a contrary direction."
+
+YORKSHIRE.
+
+A writer in "Time's Telescope" (1822) states that in Yorkshire at
+eight o'clock on Christmas Eve the bells greet "Old Father Christmas"
+with a merry peal, the children parade the streets with drums,
+trumpets, bells, or perhaps, in their absence, with the poker and
+shovel, taken from their humble cottage fire; the yule candle is
+lighted, and--
+
+        "High on the cheerful fire
+  Is blazing seen th' enormous Christmas brand."
+
+Supper is served, of which one dish, from the lordly mansion to the
+humblest shed, is invariably furmety; yule cake, one of which is
+always made for each individual in the family, and other more
+substantial viands are also added.
+
+
+SOME SOCIAL FESTIVITIES
+
+of Christmastide are sketched by a contributor to the _New Monthly
+Magazine_, December 1, 1825, who says:--
+
+"On the north side of the church at M. are a great many holly-trees.
+It is from these that our dining and bed-rooms are furnished with
+boughs. Families take it by turns to entertain their friends. They
+meet early; the beef and pudding are noble; the mince-pies--peculiar;
+the nuts half play-things and half-eatables; the oranges as cold and
+acid as they ought to be, furnishing us with a superfluity which we
+can afford to laugh at; the cakes indestructible; the wassail bowls
+generous, old English, huge, demanding ladles, threatening overflow as
+they come in, solid with roasted apples when set down. Towards
+bed-time you hear of elder-wine, and not seldom of punch. At the
+manorhouse it is pretty much the same as elsewhere. Girls, although
+they be ladies, are kissed under the mistletoe. If any family among us
+happen to have hit upon an exquisite brewing, they send some of it
+round about, the squire's house included; and he does the same by the
+rest. Riddles, hot-cockles, forfeits, music, dances sudden and not to
+be suppressed, prevail among great and small; and from two o'clock in
+the day to midnight, M. looks like a deserted place out of doors, but
+is full of life and merriment within. Playing at knights and ladies
+last year, a jade of a charming creature must needs send me out for a
+piece of ice to put in her wine. It was evening and a hard frost. I
+shall never forget the cold, cutting, dreary, dead look of every thing
+out of doors, with a wind through the wiry trees, and the snow on the
+ground, contrasted with the sudden return to warmth, light, and
+joviality.
+
+"I remember we had a discussion that time as to what was the great
+point and crowning glory of Christmas. Many were for mince-pie; some
+for the beef and plum-pudding; more for the wassail-bowl; a maiden
+lady timidly said the mistletoe; but we agreed at last, that although
+all these were prodigious, and some of them exclusively belonging to
+the season, the _fire_ was the great indispensable. Upon which we all
+turned our faces towards it, and began warming our already scorched
+hands. A great blazing fire, too big, is the visible heart and soul
+of Christmas. You may do without beef and plum-pudding; even the
+absence of mince-pie may be tolerated; there must be a bowl,
+poetically speaking, but it need not be absolutely wassail. The bowl
+may give place to the bottle. But a huge, heaped-up, _over_ heaped-up,
+all-attracting fire, with a semicircle of faces about it, is not to be
+denied us. It is the _lar_ and genius of the meeting; the proof
+positive of the season; the representative of all our warm emotions
+and bright thoughts; the glorious eye of the room; the inciter to
+mirth, yet the retainer of order; the amalgamater of the age and sex;
+the universal relish. Tastes may differ even on a mince-pie; but who
+gainsays a fire? The absence of other luxuries still leaves you in
+possession of that; but
+
+ 'Who can hold a fire in his hand
+  With thinking on the frostiest twelfth-cake?'
+
+"Let me have a dinner of some sort, no matter what, and then give me
+my fire, and my friends, the humblest glass of wine, and a few
+penn'orths of chestnuts, and I will still make out my Christmas. What!
+Have we not Burgundy in our blood? Have we not joke, laughter,
+repartee, bright eyes, comedies of other people, and comedies of our
+own; songs, memories, hopes? [An organ strikes up in the street at
+this word, as if to answer me in the affirmative. Right thou old
+spirit of harmony, wandering about in that ark of thine, and touching
+the public ear with sweetness and an abstraction! Let the multitude
+bustle on, but not unarrested by thee and by others, and not
+unreminded of the happiness of renewing a wise childhood.] As to our
+old friends the chestnuts, if anybody wants an excuse to his dignity
+for roasting them, let him take the authority of Milton. 'Who now,'
+says he lamenting the loss of his friend Deodati,--'who now will help
+to soothe my cares for me, and make the long night seem short with his
+conversation; while the roasting pear hisses tenderly on the fire, and
+the nuts burst away with a noise,--
+
+ 'And out of doors a washing storm o'erwhelms
+  Nature pitch-dark, and rides the thundering elms?'"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN THE HIGHLANDS.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+From Grant's "Popular Superstitions of the Highlands" Hone gathered
+the following account:--
+
+"As soon as the brightening glow of the eastern sky warns the anxious
+house-maid of the approach of Christmas Day, she rises full of
+anxiety at the prospect of her morning labours. The meal, which was
+steeped in the _sowans-bowie_ a fortnight ago, to make the
+_Prechdachdan sour_, or _sour scones_, is the first object of her
+attention. The gridiron is put on the fire, and the sour scones are
+soon followed by hard cakes, soft cakes, buttered cakes, brandered
+bannocks, and pannich perm. The baking being once over, the sowans pot
+succeeds the gridiron, full of new sowans, which are to be given to
+the family, agreeably to custom, this day in their beds. The
+sowans are boiled into the consistence of molasses, when the
+_Lagan-le-vrich_, or yeast bread, to distinguish it from boiled
+sowans, is ready. It is then poured into as many bickers as there are
+individuals to partake of it, and presently served to the whole, old
+and young. It would suit well the pen of a Burns, or the pencil of a
+Hogarth, to paint the scene which follows. The ambrosial food is
+despatched in aspiring draughts by the family, who soon give evident
+proofs of the enlivening effects of the _Lagan-le-vrich_. As soon as
+each despatches his bicker, he jumps out of bed--the elder branches to
+examine the ominous signs of the day,[84] and the younger to enter on
+its amusements. Flocking to the swing, a favourite amusement on this
+occasion, the youngest of the family get the first '_shoulder_,' and
+the next oldest in regular succession. In order to add the more to the
+spirit of the exercise, it is a common practice with the person in the
+_swing_, and the person appointed to swing him, to enter into a very
+warm and humorous altercation. As the swinged person approaches the
+swinger, he exclaims, _Ei mi tu chal_, 'I'll eat your kail.' To this
+the swinger replies, with a violent shove, _Cha ni u mu chal_, 'You
+shan't eat my kail.' These threats and repulses are sometimes carried
+to such a height, as to break down or capsize the threatener, which
+generally puts an end to the quarrel.
+
+"As the day advances, those minor amusements are terminated at the
+report of the gun, or the rattle of the ball clubs--the gun inviting
+the marksman to the '_Kiavamuchd_,' or prize-shooting, and the latter
+to '_Luchd-vouil_,' or the ball combatants--both the principal sports
+of the day. Tired at length of the active amusements of the field,
+they exchange them for the substantial entertainments of the table.
+Groaning under the '_sonsy haggis_,'[85] and many other savoury
+dainties, unseen for twelve months before, the relish communicated to
+the company, by the appearance of the festive board, is more easily
+conceived than described. The dinner once despatched, the flowing bowl
+succeeds, and the sparkling glass flies to and fro like a weaver's
+shuttle. As it continues its rounds, the spirits of the company become
+more jovial and happy. Animated by its cheering influence, even old
+decrepitude no longer feels his habitual pains--the fire of youth is
+in his eye, as he details to the company the exploits which
+distinguished him in the days of '_auld langsyne_;' while the young,
+with hearts inflamed with '_love and glory_,' long to mingle in the
+more lively scenes of mirth, to display their prowess and agility.
+Leaving the patriarchs to finish those professions of friendship for
+each other, in which they are so devoutly engaged, the younger part of
+the company will shape their course to the ball-room, or the
+card-table, as their individual inclinations suggest; and the
+remainder of the evening is spent with the greatest pleasure of which
+human nature is susceptible."
+
+
+SWORD DANCING AT CHRISTMAS.
+
+Hone's "Table Book" (vol. i.), 1827, contains a letter descriptive of
+the pitmen of Northumberland, which says:--
+
+"The ancient custom of sword-dancing at Christmas is kept up in
+Northumberland exclusively by these people. They may be constantly
+seen at that festive season with their fiddler, bands of swordsmen,
+Tommy and Bessy, most grotesquely dressed, performing their annual
+routine of warlike evolutions."
+
+And the present writer heard of similar festivities at Christmastide
+in the Madeley district of Shropshire, accompanied by grotesque
+imitations of the ancient hobby-horse.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CUMBERLAND.
+
+"A. W. R.," writing to Hone's "Year Book," December 8,
+1827, says:--
+
+"Nowhere does the Christmas season produce more heart-inspiring
+mirth than among the inhabitants of Cumberland.
+
+"With Christmas Eve commences a regular series of 'festivities and
+merry makings.' Night after night, if you want the farmer or his
+family, you must look for them anywhere but at home; and in the
+different houses that you pass at one, two, or three in the morning,
+should you happen to be out so late, you will find candles and fires
+still unextinguished. At Christmas, every farmer gives two 'feasts,'
+one called 't' ould foaks neet,' which is for those who are married,
+and the other 't' young foaks neet,' for those who are single. Suppose
+you and I, sir, take the liberty of attending one of these feasts
+unasked (which by the bye is considered no liberty at all in
+Cumberland) and see what is going on. Upon entering the room we behold
+several card parties, some at 'whist,' others at 'loo' (there called
+'lant'), or any other game that may suit their fancy. You will be
+surprised on looking over the company to find that there is no
+distinction of persons. Masters and servants, rich and poor, humble
+and lofty, all mingle together without restraint--all cares are
+forgotten--and each one seems to glory in his own enjoyment and in
+that of his fellow-creatures. It is pleasant to find ourselves in such
+society, especially as it is rarely in one's life that such
+opportunities offer. Cast your eyes towards the sideboard, and there
+see that large bowl of punch, which the good wife is inviting her
+guests to partake of, with apples, oranges, biscuits, and other
+agreeable eatables in plenty. The hospitable master welcomes us with a
+smiling countenance and requests us to take seats and join one of the
+tables.
+
+"In due time some one enters to tell the company that supper is
+waiting in the next room. Thither we adjourn, and find the raised and
+mince pies, all sorts of tarts, and all cold--except the welcomes and
+entreaties--with cream, ale, &c., in abundance; in the midst of all a
+large goose pie, which seems to say 'Come and cut again.'
+
+"After supper the party return to the card room, sit there for two or
+three hours longer, and afterwards make the best of their way home, to
+take a good long nap, and prepare for the same scene the next night.
+At these 'feasts' intoxication is entirely out of the question--it
+never happens.
+
+"Such are the innocent amusements of these people."
+
+ "With gentle deeds and kindly thoughts,
+    And loving words withal,
+  Welcome the merry Christmas in
+    And hear a brother's call."[86]
+
+
+PROVISION FOR THE POOR ON CHRISTMAS DAY.
+
+[Illustration: THE GIVING AWAY OF CHRISTMAS DOLES.]
+
+By the will of John Popple, dated the 12th of March, 1830, £4 yearly
+is to be paid unto the vicar, churchwardens, and overseers of the poor
+of the parish of Burnham, Buckinghamshire, to provide for the poor
+people who should be residing in the poorhouse, a dinner, with a
+proper quantity of good ale and likewise with tobacco and snuff on
+Christmas Day.[87]
+
+This kindly provision of Mr. Popple for the poor shows that he wished
+to keep up the good old Christmas customs which are so much admired by
+the "old man" in Southey's "The Old Mansion" (a poem of this period).
+In recalling the good doings at the mansion "in my lady's time" the
+"old man" says:--
+
+                        "A woful day
+ 'Twas for the poor when to her grave she went!
+
+          *     *     *     *     *
+
+                         Were they sick?
+  She had rare cordial waters, and for herbs
+  She could have taught the doctors. Then at winter,
+  When weekly she distributed the bread
+  In the poor old porch, to see her and to hear
+  The blessings on her! And I warrant them
+  They were a blessing to her when her wealth
+  Had been no comfort else. At Christmas, sir!
+  It would have warmed your heart if you had seen
+  Her Christmas kitchen; how the blazing fire
+  Made her fine pewter shine, and holly boughs
+  So cheerful red; and as for mistletoe,
+  The finest bough that grew in the country round
+  Was mark'd for madam. Then her old ale went
+  So bountiful about! a Christmas cask,--
+  And 'twas a noble one!--God help me, sir!
+  But I shall never see such days again."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE ROYAL CHRISTMASES
+
+In the reigns of George IV. and William IV., though not kept with the
+grandeur of earlier reigns, were observed with much rejoicing and
+festivity, and the Royal Bounties to the poor of the metropolis and
+the country districts surrounding Windsor and the other Royal Palaces
+were dispensed with the customary generosity. In his "Sketch Book,"
+Washington Irving, who was born in the reign of George III. (1783),
+and lived on through the reigns of George IV., and William IV., and
+the first two decades of the reign of Queen Victoria, gives delightful
+descriptions of the
+
+
+FESTIVITIES OF THE NOBILITY AND GENTRY
+
+of the period, recalling the times when 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. He had travelled
+a good deal on both sides of the Atlantic and he gives a picturesque
+account of an old English stage coach journey "on the day preceding
+Christmas." The coach was crowded with passengers. "It was also loaded
+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 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."
+
+Then follows Irving's graphic sketch of the English stage coachman,
+and the incidents of the journey, during which it seemed "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 house-wives 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."
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"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.... The scene completely realised poor Robin's [1684]
+humble idea of the comforts of mid-winter:
+
+ '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.'"
+
+Mr. Irving afterwards depicts, in his own graphic style, the Christmas
+festivities observed at an old-fashioned English hall, and tells how
+the generous squire pointed with pleasure to the indications of good
+cheer reeking from the chimneys of the comfortable farmhouses, and low
+thatched cottages. "I love," said he, "to see this day well kept by
+rich and poor; it is a great thing to have one day in the year, at
+least, when you are sure of being welcome wherever you go, and of
+having, as it were, the world all thrown open to you; and I am almost
+disposed to join with poor Robin, in his malediction on 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. '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 CHRISTMASES OF QUEEN VICTORIA
+
+have been kept with much bountifulness, but after the gracious manner
+of a Christian Queen who cares more for the welfare of her beloved
+subjects than for ostentatious display. Her Majesty's Royal bounties
+to the poor of the metropolis and its environs, and also to others in
+the country districts surrounding the several Royal Palaces are well
+known, the ancient Christmas and New Year's gifts being dispensed with
+great generosity. The number of aged and afflicted persons usually
+relieved by the Lord High Almoner in sums of 5s. and 13s. exceeds an
+aggregate of 1,200. Then there is the distribution of the beef--a most
+interesting feature of the Royal Bounty--which takes place in the
+Riding School at Windsor Castle, under the superintendence of the
+several Court officials. The meat, divided into portions of from three
+pounds to seven pounds, and decorated with sprigs of holly, is
+arranged upon a table placed in the middle of the Riding School, and
+covered with white cloths from the Lord Steward's department of the
+palace. During the distribution the bells of St. John's Church ring a
+merry peal. There are usually many hundreds of recipients and the
+weight of the beef allotted amounts to many thousands of pounds. Coals
+and clothing and other creature comforts are liberally dispensed,
+according to the needs of the poor. In times of war and seasons of
+distress hospitable entertainments, Christmas-trees, &c., are also
+provided for the wives and children of soldiers and sailors on active
+service; and in many other ways the Royal Bounty is extended to the
+poor and needy at Christmastide.
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS AT WINDSOR CASTLE, IN 1841,
+
+is thus referred to in the "Life of the Prince Consort" (by Theodore
+Martin):--
+
+"When Christmas came round with its pleasant festivities and its
+shining Christmas-trees, it had within it a new source of delight for
+the Royal parents. 'To think,' says the Queen's 'Journal,' 'that we
+have two children now, and one who enjoys the sight already, is like a
+dream!' And in writing to his father the Prince expresses the same
+feeling. 'This,' he says, 'is the dear Christmas Eve, on which I have
+so often listened with impatience for your step, which was to usher us
+into the present-room. To-day I have two children of my own to give
+presents to, who, they know not why, are full of happy wonder at the
+German Christmas-tree and its radiant candles.'
+
+"The coming year was danced into in good old English fashion. In the
+middle of the dance, as the clock finished striking twelve, a flourish
+of trumpets was blown, in accordance with a German custom. This, the
+Queen's 'Journal' records, 'had a fine solemn effect, and quite
+affected dear Albert, who turned pale, and had tears in his eyes, and
+pressed my hand very warmly. It touched me too, for I felt that he
+must think of his dear native country, which he has left for me.'"
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT OSBORNE.
+
+Writing from Cowes, on Christmas Eve, in reference to the Christmas
+festivities at Osborne in the last decade of the nineteenth century, a
+correspondent says:--
+
+"After transacting business the Queen drove out this afternoon,
+returning to Osborne just as the setting sun illumines with its rosy
+rays the Paladin Towers of her Majesty's marine residence. The Queen
+desires to live, as far as the cares of State permit, the life of a
+private lady. Her Majesty loves the seclusion of this lordly estate,
+and here at Christmas time she enjoys the society of her children and
+grandchildren, who meet together as less exalted families do at this
+merry season to reciprocate the same homely delights as those which
+are experienced throughout the land.
+
+"This afternoon a pleasant little festivity has been celebrated at
+Osborne House, where her Majesty, with an ever-kindly interest in her
+servants and dependants, has for many years inaugurated Christmas in a
+similar way, the children of her tenantry and the old and infirm
+enjoying by the Royal bounty the first taste of Christmas fare. The
+Osborne estate now comprises 5,000 acres, and it includes the Prince
+Consort's model farm. The children of the labourers--who are housed in
+excellent cottages--attend the Whippingham National Schools, a pretty
+block of buildings, distant one mile from Osborne. About half the
+number of scholars live upon the Queen's estate, and, in accordance
+with annual custom, the mistresses of the schools, the Misses Thomas,
+accompanied by the staff of teachers, have conducted a little band of
+boys and girls--fifty-four in all--to the house, there to take tea and
+to receive the customary Christmas gifts. Until very recently the
+Queen herself presided at the distribution; but the Princess Beatrice
+has lately relieved her mother of the fatigue involved; for the
+ceremony is no mere formality, it is made the occasion of many a
+kindly word the remembrance of which far outlasts the gifts. All sorts
+of rumours are current on the estate for weeks before this Christmas
+Eve gathering as to the nature of the presents to be bestowed, for no
+one is supposed to know beforehand what they will be; but there was a
+pretty shrewd guess to-day that the boys would be given gloves, and
+the girls cloaks. In some cases the former had had scarves or cloth
+for suits, and the latter dresses or shawls. Whatever the Christmas
+presents may be, here they are, arranged upon tables in two long
+lines, in the servants' hall. To this holly-decorated apartment the
+expectant youngsters are brought, and their delighted gaze falls upon
+a huge Christmas-tree laden with beautiful toys. Everybody knows that
+the tree will be there, and moreover that its summit will be crowned
+with a splendid doll. Now, the ultimate ownership of this doll is a
+matter of much concern; it needs deliberation, as it is awarded to the
+best child, and the judges are the children themselves. The trophy is
+handed to the keeping of Miss Thomas, and on the next 1st of May the
+children select by their votes the most popular girl in the school to
+be elected May Queen. To her the gift goes, and no fairer way could be
+devised. The Princess Beatrice always makes a point of knowing to whom
+the prize has been awarded. Her Royal Highness is so constantly a
+visitor to the cottagers and to the school that she has many an
+inquiry to make of the little ones as they come forward to receive
+their gifts.
+
+"The girls are called up first by the mistress, and Mr. Andrew Blake,
+the steward, introduces each child to the Princess Beatrice, to whom
+Mr. Blake hands the presents that her Royal Highness may bestow them
+upon the recipients with a word of good will, which makes the day
+memorable. Then the boys are summoned to participate in the
+distribution of good things, which, it should be explained, consist
+not only of seasonable and sensible clothing, but toys from the tree,
+presented by the Queen's grandchildren, who, with their parents, grace
+the ceremony with their presence and make the occasion one of family
+interest. The Ladies-in-Waiting also attend. Each boy and girl gets in
+addition a nicely-bound story-book and a large slice of plum pudding
+neatly packed in paper, and if any little one is sick at home its
+portion is carefully reserved. But the hospitality of the Queen is not
+limited to the children. On alternate years the old men and women
+resident on the estate are given, under the same pleasant auspices,
+presents of blankets or clothing. To-day it was the turn of the men,
+and they received tweed for suits. The aged people have their pudding
+as well. For the farm labourers and boys, who are not bidden to this
+entertainment, there is a distribution of tickets, each representing a
+goodly joint of beef for the Christmas dinner. The festivity this
+afternoon was brought to a close by the children singing the National
+Anthem in the courtyard.
+
+"The Queen is accustomed to spend Christmas Day very quietly,
+attending service at the Chapel at Osborne in the morning, and in the
+evening the Royal family meeting at dinner. There are Christmas trees
+for the children, and for the servants too, but the houshold reserves
+its principal festivity for the New Year--a day which is specially set
+aside for their entertainment."
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES AT SANDRINGHAM
+
+are observed with generous hospitality by their Royal Highnesses the
+Prince and Princess of Wales, who take special interest in the
+enjoyment of their tenants, and also remember the poor. A
+time-honoured custom on Christmas Eve is the distribution of prime
+joints of meat to the labourers employed on the Royal estate, and to
+the poor of the five parishes of Sandringham, West Newton, Babingley,
+Dersingham, and Wolferton. From twelve to fifteen hundred pounds of
+meat are usually distributed, and such other gifts are made as the
+inclemency of the season and the necessities of the poor require. In
+Sandringham "Past and Present," 1888, Mrs. Herbert Jones
+says:--"Sandringham, which is the centre of a generous hospitality,
+has not only been in every way raised, benefited, and enriched since
+it passed into the royal hands, which may be said to have created it
+afresh, but rests under the happy glow shed over it by the preference
+of a princess
+
+ "'Whose peerless feature joinèd with her birth,
+   Approve her fit for none but for a king.'
+                         Shakespeare's _Henry VI_."
+
+The Christmas Generosity of the late Duke of Edinburgh.
+
+In a letter to the press a lieutenant of Marines makes the following
+reference to a Christmas entertainment given by H.R.H. the Duke of
+Edinburgh, in 1886: "Last night a large party, consisting of many
+officers of the Fleet, including all the 'old ships' of the Duke, and
+three or four midshipmen from every ship in the Fleet, were invited to
+a Christmas-tree at S. Antonio Palace. In the course of the evening
+two lotteries were drawn, all the numbers being prizes, each guest
+consequently getting two. I have had an opportunity of seeing many of
+these, and they are all most beautiful and useful objects, ranging in
+value from five shillings to perhaps three or four pounds. I should
+think that at least half the prizes I have seen were worth over one
+pound."
+
+
+OTHER SEASONABLE HOSPITALITY AND BENEVOLENCE.
+
+The good example set by royalty is followed throughout the land.
+Friendly hospitalities are general at Christmastide, and in London and
+other large centres of population many thousands of poor people are
+provided with free breakfasts, dinners, teas, and suppers on Christmas
+Day, public halls and school-rooms being utilised for purposes of
+entertainment; children in hospitals are plentifully supplied with
+toys, and Christmas parties are also given to the poor at the private
+residences of benevolent people. As an illustrative instance of
+generous Christmas hospitality by a landowner we cite the following:--
+
+
+CHRISTMAS DINNER TO FIVE THOUSAND POOR.
+
+On Christmas Eve, 1887, Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., the largest
+landowner in the Principality of Wales, gave his annual Christmas
+gifts to the aged and deserving poor throughout the extensive mining
+districts of Ruabon, Rhosllanerchrugog, Cern, and Rhosymedre,
+Denbighshire, where much distress prevailed in consequence of the
+depression in trade. Several fine oxen were slain in Wynnstay Park,
+and the beef was distributed in pieces ranging from 4lb. to 7lb.,
+according to the number of members in each family. A Christmas dinner
+was thus provided for upwards of 5,000 persons. In addition to this,
+Lady Williams Wynn provided thousands of yards of flannel and cloth
+for clothing, together with a large number of blankets, the aged men
+and women also receiving a shilling with the gift. The hon. baronet
+had also erected an elaborate spacious hospital to the memory of his
+uncle, the late Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, M.P., and presented it to
+the parish.
+
+
+DISTRIBUTIONS OF CHRISTMAS FARE TO THE POOR
+
+are liberally made from various centres in different parts of London,
+and thus many thousands of those who have fallen below the poverty
+line share in the festivities of Christmastide.
+
+This illustration of Christian caterers dispensing creature comforts
+to the poor children may be taken as representative of many such
+Christmas scenes in the metropolis. For over forty years the St.
+Giles' Christian Mission, now under the superintendence of Mr. W. M.
+Wheatley, has been exercising a beneficial influence among the needy
+poor, and, it is stated, that at least 104,000 people have through
+this Mission been enabled to make a fresh start in life. Many other
+Church Missions are doing similar work. In addition to treats to poor
+children and aged people at Christmastide, there are also great
+distributions of Christmas fare:--Joints of roasting meat,
+plum-puddings, cakes, groceries, warm clothing, toys, &c., &c.
+
+[Illustration: POOR CHILDREN'S TREAT IN MODERN TIMES.]
+
+At a recent distribution of a Christmas charity at Millbrook,
+Southampton, the Rev. A. C. Blunt stated that one of the recipients
+had nearly reached her 102nd year. She was born in Hampshire, and down
+to a very recent period had been able to do needlework.
+
+In many cities and towns Christmas gifts are distributed on St.
+Thomas's Day, and as an example we cite the Brighton distribution in
+1886, on which occasion the Brighton Police Court was filled by a
+congregation of some of the "oldest inhabitants." And there was a
+distribution from the magistrates poor-box of a Christmas gift of half
+a sovereign to 150 of the aged poor whose claims to the bounty had
+been inquired into by the police. Formerly 100 used to be cheered in
+this way, but the contributions to the box this year enabled a wider
+circle to share in the dole. There was a wonderful collection of old
+people, for the average age was over 83 years. The oldest was a
+venerable widow, who confessed to being 96 years old, the next was
+another lady of 94 years, and then came two old fellows who had each
+attained 93 years. Many of the recipients were too infirm to appear,
+but the oldest of them all, the lady of 96 came into court despite the
+sharpness of the wind and the frozen roads.
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS AT BELVOIR CASTLE,
+
+kept with generous liberality by the Duke of Rutland, in 1883, may be
+cited as an example of Christmas customs continued by the head of a
+noble house:
+
+"The usual Christmas gifts were given to the poor of Knipton,
+Woolsthorpe, and Redmile--nearly two hundred in number--consisting of
+calico, flannel dresses, stockings, and handkerchiefs, each person at
+the same time receiving a loaf of bread and a pint of ale. Twenty-one
+bales of goods, containing counterpanes, blankets, and sheets, were
+also sent to the clergy of as many different villages for distribution
+amongst the poor. The servants at the Castle and workmen of the
+establishment had their Christmas dinner, tea, and supper, the servants'
+hall having been beautifully decorated. At one end of the room was a
+coronet, with the letter 'R'; and at the opposite end three coronets,
+with the 'peacock in pride,' being the crest of the Rutland family.
+The following mottoes, in large letters, were conspicuous, 'Long live
+the Duke of Rutland,' 'Long live Lord and Lady John Manners and
+family,' and 'A Merry Christmas to you all.' These were enclosed in a
+neat border. From the top of the room were suspended long festoons of
+linked ribbons of red, white, blue, and orange. All present thoroughly
+enjoyed themselves, as it was the wish of his Grace they should do."
+
+Similar hospitalities are dispensed by other noblemen and gentlemen in
+different parts of the country at Christmas.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+The lordly hospitality of Lincolnshire is depicted in
+
+
+"THE BARON'S YULE FEAST:
+
+A Christmas Rhyme; by Thomas Cooper, the Chartist" (1846); which is
+inscribed to the Countess of Blessington, and in the advertisement the
+author offers "but one apology for the production of a metrical essay,
+composed chiefly of imperfect and immature pieces: The ambition to
+contribute towards the fund of Christmas entertainment." The scene of
+the Baron's Yule Feast is depicted in Torksey's Hall, Torksey being
+one of the first towns in Lincolnshire in the Saxon period. After some
+introductory verses the writer says:
+
+ "It is the season when our sires
+    Kept jocund holiday;
+  And, now, around our charier fires,
+    Old Yule shall have a lay:--
+  A prison-bard is once more free;
+  And, ere he yields his voice to thee,
+  His song a merry-song shall be!
+
+  Sir Wilfrid de Thorold freely holds
+    What his stout sires held before--
+  Broad lands for plough and fruitful folds,--
+    Though by gold he sets no store;
+  And he saith, from fen and woodland wolds
+    From marish, heath, and moor,--
+      To feast in his hall
+      Both free and thrall,
+    Shall come as they came of yore.
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  Now merrily ring the lady-bells
+    Of the nunnery by the Fosse:--
+  Say the hinds their silver music swells
+  'Like the blessed angels' syllables,
+    At His birth who bore the cross.'
+
+  And solemnly swells Saint Leonard's chime
+    And the great bell loud and deep:--
+  Say the gossips, 'Let's talk of the holy time
+    When the shepherds watched their sheep;
+  And the Babe was born for all souls' crime
+    In the weakness of flesh to weep.'--
+  But, anon, shrills the pipe of the merry mime
+    And their simple hearts upleap.
+
+  'God save your souls, good Christian folk!
+    God save your souls from sin!--
+  Blythe Yule is come--let us blythely joke!'--
+    Cry the mummers ere they begin.
+
+  Then, plough-boy Jack, in kirtle gay,--
+    Though shod with clouted shoon,--
+  Stands forth the wilful maid to play
+  Who ever saith to her lover, 'Nay'--
+    When he sues for a lover's boon.
+
+  While Hob the smith with sturdy arm
+    Circleth the feigned maid;
+  And, spite of Jack's assumed alarm,
+  Busseth his lips, like a lover warm,
+    And will not 'Nay' be said
+
+  Then loffe the gossips, as if wit
+    Were mingled with the joke:
+  Gentles,--they were with folly smit,--
+  Natheless, their memories acquit
+    Of crime--these simple folk!
+
+  No harmful thoughts their revels blight,--
+  Devoid of bitter hate and spite,
+    They hold their merriment;--
+  And, till the chimes tell noon at night,
+    Their joy shall be unspent!
+
+  Come haste ye to bold Thorold's hall,
+    And crowd his kitchen wide;
+  For there, he saith, both free and thrall
+    Shall sport this good Yule-tide."
+
+In subsequent verses the writer depicts the bringing in of the yule
+log to the Baron's Hall,
+
+            "Where its brave old heart
+            A glow shall impart
+  To the heart of each guest at the festival.
+
+       *     *     *     *     *
+
+  They pile the Yule-log on the hearth,--
+    Soak toasted crabs in ale;
+  And while they sip, their homely mirth
+  Is joyous as if all the earth
+    For man were void of bale!
+
+  And why should fears for future years,
+  Mix jolly ale with thoughts of tears
+    When in the horn 'tis poured?
+  And why should ghost of sorrow fright
+  The bold heart of an English knight
+    When beef is on the board?
+
+  De Thorold's guests are wiser than
+    The men of mopish lore;
+  For round they push the smiling can
+    And slice the plattered store.
+
+  And round they thrust the ponderous cheese,
+    And the loaves of wheat and rye;
+  None stinteth him for lack of ease--
+  For each a stintless welcome sees
+    In the Baron's blythesome eye.
+
+  The Baron joineth the joyous feast--
+    But not in pomp or pride;
+  He smileth on the humblest guest
+  So gladsomely--all feel that rest
+    Of heart which doth abide
+  Where deeds of generousness attest
+  The welcome of the tongue professed
+    Is not within belied."
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+In subsequent verses a stranger minstrel appears on the festive scene,
+and tells his tale of love in song, acquitting himself
+
+ "So rare and gentle, that the hall
+  Rings with applause which one and all
+  Render who share the festival."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Some of the poets of this period have dealt playfully with the
+festivities of Christmastide, as, for example, Laman Blanchard (1845)
+in the following effusion:--
+
+
+CHRISTMAS CHIT-CHAT.
+
+In a Large Family Circle.
+
+  "The day of all days we have seen
+  Is Christmas," said Sue to Eugene;
+  "More welcome in village and city
+  Than Mayday," said Andrew to Kitty.
+  "Why 'Mistletoe's' twenty times sweeter
+  Than 'May,'" said Matilda to Peter;
+  "And so you will find it, if I'm a
+  True prophet," said James to Jemima.
+  "I'll stay up to supper, no bed,"
+  Then lisped little Laura to Ned.
+  "The girls all good-natured and dressy,
+  And bright-cheeked," said Arthur to Jessie;
+  "Yes, hoping ere next year to marry,
+  The madcaps!" said Charlotte to Harry.
+  "So steaming, so savoury, so juicy,
+  The feast," said fat Charley to Lucy.
+  "Quadrilles and Charades might come on
+  Before dinner," said Martha to John.
+  "You'll find the roast beef when you're dizzy,
+  A settler," said Walter to Lizzy.
+  "Oh, horrid! one wing of a wren,
+  With a pea," said Belinda to Ben.
+  "Sublime!" said--displaying his leg--
+  George Frederick Augustus to Peg.
+  "At Christmas refinement is all fuss
+  And nonsense," said Fan to Adolphus.
+  "Would romps--or a tale of a fairy--
+  Best suit you," said Robert to Mary.
+  "At stories that work ghost and witch hard,
+  I tremble," said Rosa to Richard.
+  "A ghostly hair-standing dilemma
+  Needs 'bishop,'" said Alfred to Emma;
+  "What fun when with fear a stout crony
+  Turns pale," said Maria to Tony;
+  "And Hector, unable to rally,
+  Runs screaming," said Jacob to Sally.
+  "While you and I dance in the dark
+  The polka," said Ruth unto Mark:
+  "Each catching, according to fancy,
+  His neighbour," said wild Tom to Nancy;
+  "Till candles, to show what we can do,
+  Are brought in," said Ann to Orlando;
+  "And then we all laugh what is truly a
+  Heart's laugh," said William to Julia.
+  "Then sofas and chairs are put even,
+  And carpets," said Helen to Stephen;
+  "And so we all sit down again,
+  Supping twice," said sly Joseph to Jane.
+  "Now bring me my clogs and my spaniel,
+  And light me," said Dinah to Daniel.
+  "My dearest, you've emptied that chalice
+  Six times," said fond Edmund to Alice.
+  "We are going home tealess and coffeeless
+  Shabby!" said Soph to Theophilus;
+  "To meet again under the holly,
+  _Et cetera_," said Paul to fair Polly.
+  "Dear Uncle, has ordered his chariot;
+  All's over," said Matthew to Harriet.
+  "And pray now be all going to bedward,"
+  Said kind Aunt Rebecca to Edward!
+
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE, 1849,
+
+is the time of Robert Browning's beautiful poem of "Christmas Eve and
+Easter Day," in which the poet sings the song of man's immortality,
+proclaiming, as Easter Day breaks and Christ rises, that
+
+  "Mercy every way is infinite."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+And, in his beautiful poem of "In Memoriam," Lord Tennyson
+associates some of his finest verses with the ringing of
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS BELLS.
+
+ "Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
+    The flying cloud, the frosty light:
+    The year is dying in the night;
+  Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
+
+  Ring out the old, ring in the new,
+    Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
+    The year is going, let him go;
+  Ring out the false, ring in the true.
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
+    Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
+    Ring out the thousand wars of old,
+  Ring in the thousand years of peace.
+
+  Ring in the valiant man and free,
+    The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
+    Ring out the darkness of the land,
+  Ring in the Christ that is to be."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration: THE CHRISTMAS BELLS.]
+
+As the poet Longfellow stood on the lofty tower of Bruges
+Cathedral the belfry chimes set him musing, and of those
+chimes he says:
+
+  "Then most musical and solemn, bringing back the olden times,
+  With their strange, unearthly changes, rang the melancholy chimes,
+  Like the psalms from some old cloister, when the nuns sing in the
+    choir;
+  And the great bell tolled among them, like the chanting of a friar.
+  Visions of the days departed, shadowy phantoms filled my brain:
+  They who live in history only seemed to walk the earth again."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CARDS
+
+were first circulated in England in 1846. That year not more than a
+thousand copies were printed, and that was considered a large sale.
+The numbers distributed annually soon increased to tens and hundreds
+of thousands, and now there are millions of them. Mr. J. C. Horsley,
+a member of the Royal Academy, designed this first card which
+was sent out in 1846. It represents a family party of three
+generations--grandfather and grandmother, father and mother, and
+little children--and all are supposed to be joining in the sentiment,
+"A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you." The card was issued
+from the office of one of the periodicals of the time, _Felix
+Summerley's Home Treasury_. It was first lithographed, and then it was
+coloured by hand.
+
+Christmas and New Year Cards became very popular in the decade
+1870-1880. But then, however, simple cards alone did not suffice. Like
+many other things, they felt the influence of the latter-day
+_renaissance_ of art, and by a sort of evolutionary process developed
+cards monochrome and coloured, "Christmas Bell" cards, palettes,
+scrolls, circular and oval panels, stars, fans, crescents, and other
+shaped novelties; embossed cards, the iridescent series, the rustic
+and frosted cards, the folding series, the jewel cards, the crayons,
+and private cards on which the sender's name and sentiments are
+printed in gold, silver, or colours; hand-painted cards with
+landscapes, seascapes, and floral decorations; paintings on porcelain;
+satin cards, fringed silk, plush, Broché, and other artistically
+made-up novelties; "art-gem" panels; elaborate booklets, and other
+elegant souvenirs of the festive season. Many of the Christmas
+booklets are beautifully illustrated editions of popular poems and
+carols.
+
+"Quartette" cards, "Snap" cards, and other cards of games for the
+diversion of social gatherings are also extensively used at
+Christmastide.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+RUSTIC CHRISTMAS MASQUE.
+
+In compliance with a wish expressed by the Lady Londesborough, a
+Masque, entitled, "Recollections of Old Christmas," was performed at
+Grimston at Christmas, 1850, the following prologue being contributed
+by Barry Cornwall:--
+
+ "When winter nights grow long,
+   And winds without blow cold,
+  We sit in a ring round the warm wood-fire,
+   And listen to stories old!
+  And we try to look grave (as maids should be),
+  When the men bring in boughs of the laurel tree.
+      O the laurel, the evergreen tree!
+      The poets have laurels--and why not we?
+
+  How pleasant when night falls down,
+   And hides the wintry sun,
+  To see them come in to the blazing fire,
+   And know that their work is done;
+  Whilst many bring in, with a laugh or rhyme,
+  Green branches of holly for Christmas time!
+      O the holly, the bright green holly!
+      It tells (like a tongue) that the times are jolly!
+
+  Sometimes--(in _our_ grave house
+    Observe this happeneth not;)
+  But at times, the evergreen laurel boughs,
+    And the holly are all forgot!
+  And then! what then? Why the men laugh low,
+  And hang up a branch of--the misletoe!
+      Oh, brave is the laurel! and brave is the holly!
+      But the misletoe banisheth melancholy!
+  Ah, nobody knows, nor ever _shall_ know,
+  What is done under the misletoe!"
+
+A printed copy of the Masque, which bears date, "Tuesday, XXIV
+December, MDCCCL.," is preserved in the British Museum.
+
+
+"CHARACTERS
+
+(Which speak)
+
+"Old Father Christmas         Hon. Mr. Thelluson
+Young Grimston                Hon. Mr. Denison
+Baron of Beef                 Hon. Miss Thelluson
+Plum-Pudding                  Hon. Miss Denison
+Mince-Pie                     Hon. Miss Selina Denison
+Wassail-Bowl                  Hon. Miss Isabella Denison
+
+"CHARACTERS
+
+(Which do not speak, or say as little as possible--all that they are
+requested to do)
+
+Ursa Minor                     Hon. Miss Ursula Denison
+Baby Cake                      Hon. Henry Charles Denison."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+UNDER THE HOLLY BOUGH.
+
+  Ye who have scorn'd each other
+  Or injured friend or brother,
+    In this fast fading year;
+  Ye who, by word or deed,
+  Have made a kind heart bleed,
+    Come gather here.
+  Let sinn'd against and sinning,
+  Forget their strife's beginning;
+  Be links no longer broken,
+  Be sweet forgiveness spoken,
+    Under the holly bough.
+
+  Ye who have lov'd each other,
+  Sister and friend and brother,
+    In this fast fading year:
+  Mother, and sire, and child,
+  Young man and maiden mild,
+    Come gather here;
+  And let your hearts grow fonder,
+  As memory shall ponder
+    Each past unbroken vow.
+  Old loves and younger wooing,
+  Are sweet in the renewing,
+    Under the holly bough.
+
+  Ye who have nourished sadness,
+  Estranged from hope and gladness,
+    In this fast fading year.
+  Ye with o'er-burdened mind
+  Made aliens from your kind,
+    Come gather here.
+  Let not the useless sorrow
+  Pursue you night and morrow,
+    If e'er you hoped--hope now--
+  Take heart: uncloud your faces,
+  And join in our embraces
+    Under the holly bough.
+
+_Charles Mackay, LL.D._
+
+The author of this beautiful poem (Dr. Charles Mackay) was born at
+Perth in 1814, and died on Christmas Eve, 1889, at his residence,
+Longridge Road, Earl's Court, Brompton.
+
+
+GHOST STORIES.
+
+Everybody knows that Christmas is the time for ghost stories, and that
+Charles Dickens and other writers have supplied us with tales of the
+true blood-curdling type. Thomas Hood's "Haunted House," S. T.
+Coleridge's "Ancient Mariner," and some other weird works of poetry
+have also been found serviceable in producing that strange chill of
+the blood, that creeping kind of feeling all over you, which is one of
+the enjoyments of Christmastide. Coleridge (says the late Mr. George
+Dawson)[88] "holds the first place amongst English poets in this
+objective teaching of the vague, the mystic, the dreamy, and the
+imaginative. I defy any man of imagination or sensibility to have
+'The Ancient Mariner' read to him, by the flickering firelight on
+Christmas night, by a master mind possessed by the mystic spirit of
+the poem, and not find himself taken away from the good regions of
+'ability to account for,' and taken into some far-off dreamland, and
+made even to start at his own footfall, and almost to shudder at his
+own shadow. You shall sit round the fire at Christmas time, good men
+and true every one of you; you shall come there armed with your patent
+philosophy; that creak you have heard, it is only the door--the list
+is not carefully put round the door, and it is the wintry wind that
+whistles through the crevices. Ghosts and spectres belong to the olden
+times; science has waved its wand and laid them all. We have no
+superstition about us; we walk enlightened nineteenth-century men; it
+is quite beneath us to be superstitious. By and bye, one begins to
+tell tales of ghosts and spirits; and another begins, and it goes all
+round; and there comes over you a curious feeling--a very
+unphilosophical feeling, in fact, because the pulsations of air from
+the tongue of the storyteller ought not to bring over you that
+peculiar feeling. You have only heard words, tales--confessedly by the
+storyteller himself only tales, such as may figure in the next monthly
+magazine for pure entertainment and amusement. But why do you feel so,
+then? If you say that these things are mere hallucinations, vague
+air-beating or tale-telling, why, good philosopher, do you feel so
+curious, so all-overish, as it were? Again, you are a man without the
+least terror in you, as brave and bold a man as ever stepped: living
+man cannot frighten you, and verily the dead rise not with you. But
+you are brought, towards midnight, to the stile over which is gained a
+view of the village churchyard, where sleep the dead in quietness.
+Your manhood begins just to ooze away a little; you are caught
+occasionally whistling to keep your courage up; you do not expect to
+see a ghost, but you are ready to see one, or to make one." At such a
+moment, think of the scene depicted by Coleridge:--
+
+"'Twas night, calm night, the moon was high;
+  The dead men stood together.
+
+  All stood together on the deck,
+    For a charnel-dungeon fitter:
+  All fixed on me their stony eyes,
+    That in the moon did glitter.
+
+  The pang, the curse, with which they died,
+    Had never passed away:
+  I could not draw my eyes from theirs,
+    Nor turn them up to pray."
+
+With this weird tale in his mind in the mystic stillness of midnight
+would an imaginative man be likely to deny the reality of the spirit
+world? The chances are that he would be spellbound; or, if he had
+breath enough, would cry out--
+
+  "Angels and ministers of grace, defend us!"
+
+"In the year 1421, the widow of Ralph Cranbourne, of Dipmore End, in
+the parish of Sandhurst, Berks, was one midnight alarmed by a noise in
+her bedchamber, and, looking up, she saw at her bedfoot the appearance
+of a skeleton (which she verily believed was her husband) nodding and
+talking to her upon its fingers, or finger bones, after the manner of
+a dumb person. Whereupon she was so terrified, that after striving to
+scream aloud, which she could not, for her tongue clave to her mouth,
+she fell backward as in a swoon; yet not so insensible withal but she
+could see that at this the figure became greatly agitated and
+distressed, and would have clasped her, but upon her appearance of
+loathing it desisted, only moving its jaw upward and downward, as if
+it would cry for help but could not for want of its parts of speech.
+At length, she growing more and more faint, and likely to die of fear,
+the spectre suddenly, as if at a thought, began to swing round its
+hand, which was loose at the wrist, with a brisk motion, and the
+finger bones being long and hard, and striking sharply against each
+other, made a loud noise like to the springing of a watchman's rattle.
+At which alarm, the neighbours running in, stoutly armed, as against
+thieves or murderers, the spectre suddenly departed."[89]
+
+ "His shoes they were coffins, his dim eye reveal'd
+    The gleam of a grave-lamp with vapours oppress'd;
+  And a dark crimson necklace of blood-drops congeal'd
+    Reflected each bone that jagg'd out of his breast."[90]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS.
+
+By MARY HOWITT.
+
+  He comes--the brave old Christmas!
+    His sturdy steps I hear;
+  We will give him a hearty welcome,
+    For he comes but once a year!
+
+  And of all our old acquaintance
+    'Tis he we like the best;
+  There's a jolly old way about him--
+    There's a warm heart in his breast.
+
+  He is not too proud to enter
+    Your house though it be mean;
+  Yet is company fit for a courtier,
+    And is welcomed by the Queen!
+
+  He can tell you a hundred stories
+    Of the Old World's whims and ways,
+  And how they merrily wish'd him joy
+    In our fathers' courting days.
+
+  He laughs with the heartiest laughter
+    That does one good to hear;
+  'Tis a pity so brave an old fellow
+    Should come but once a year!
+
+  But once, then, let us be ready,
+    With all that he can desire--
+  With plenty of holly and ivy,
+    And a huge log for the fire;
+
+  With plenty of noble actions,
+    And plenty of warm good-will;
+  With our hearts as full of kindness
+    As the board we mean to fill.
+
+  With plenty of store in the larder,
+    And plenty of wine in the bin;
+  And plenty of mirth for the kitchen;
+    Then open and let him in!
+
+  Oh, he is a fine old fellow--
+    His heart's in the truest place;
+  You may know that at once by the children,
+    Who glory to see his face.
+
+  For he never forgets the children,
+    They all are dear to him;
+  You'll see that with wonderful presents
+    His pockets are cramm'd to the brim.
+
+  Nor will he forget the servants,
+    Whether you've many or one;
+  Nor the poor old man at the corner;
+    Nor the widow who lives alone.
+
+  He is rich as a Jew, is Old Christmas,
+    I wish he would make me his heir;
+  But he has plenty to do with his money,
+    And he is not given to spare.
+
+  Not he--bless the good old fellow!
+    He hates to hoard his pelf;
+  He wishes to make all people
+    As gay as he is himself.
+
+  So he goes to the parish unions--
+    North, south, and west and east--
+  And there he gives the paupers,
+    At his own expense a feast.
+
+  He gives the old men tobacco,
+    And the women a cup of tea;
+  And he takes the pauper children,
+    And dances them on his knee.
+
+  I wish you could see those paupers
+    Sit down to his noble cheer,
+  You would wish, like them, and no wonder,
+    That he stay'd the livelong year.
+
+  Yes, he is the best old fellow
+    That ever on earth you met;
+  And he gave us a boon when first he came
+    Which we can never forget.
+
+  So we will give him a welcome
+    Shall gladden his old heart's core!
+  And let us in good and gracious deeds
+    Resemble him more and more!
+
+_December 21, 1850._
+
+
+WASSAILING THE APPLE-TREES.
+
+Writing on this subject, in the _Antiquary_, March, 1895, Mr. Harry
+Hems, of Exeter, introduces the reduced copy of an illustration which
+appears on the following page, and which he states was published in
+the _Illustrated London News_, January 11, 1851.
+
+The picture (says Mr. Hems) "presents, as will be seen, a frosty,
+moonlight night, with a brilliantly-lit old farmhouse in the
+background. In the fore are leafless fruit-trees, and three men firing
+guns at them, whilst the jovial farmer and another man drink success
+to the year's crop from glasses evidently filled from a jug of cider,
+which the latter also holds a-high. A crowd of peasants--men, women
+and children--are gathered around, and the following description is
+appended:--
+
+"'Amongst the scenes of jocund hospitality in this holiday season,
+that are handed down to us, is one which not only presents an
+enlivening picture, but offers proof of the superstition that still
+prevails in the Western counties. On Twelfth-even, in Devonshire, it
+is customary for the farmer to leave his warm fireside, accompanied by
+a band of rustics, with guns, blunderbusses, &c., presenting an
+appearance which at other times would be somewhat alarming. Thus
+armed, the band proceeds to an adjoining orchard, where is selected
+one of the most fruitful and aged of the apple-trees, grouping round
+which they stand and offer up their invocations in the following
+quaint doggerel rhyme:--
+
+    "'Here's to thee,
+      Old apple-tree!
+  Whence thou mayst bud,
+  And whence thou mayst blow,
+  And whence thou mayst bear
+      Apples enow:
+      Hats full,
+      Caps full,
+  Bushels, bushels, sacks full,
+  And my pockets full too!
+      Huzza! huzza!'"
+
+[Illustration: WASSAILING THE APPLE-TREES IN DEVONSHIRE.]
+
+The cider-jug is then passed round, and, with many a hearty shout, the
+party fire off their guns, charged with powder only, amidst the
+branches, sometimes frightening the owl from its midnight haunt. With
+confident hopes they return to the farmhouse, and are refused
+admittance, in spite of all weather, till some lucky wight guesses
+aright the peculiar roast the maidens are preparing for their comfort.
+This done, all enter, and soon right merrily the jovial glass goes
+round, that man who gained admittance receiving the honour of King for
+the evening, and till a late hour he reigns, amidst laughter, fun, and
+jollity. The origin of this custom is not known, but it is supposed to
+be one of great antiquity.
+
+"'The illustration is from a sketch by Mr. Colebrooke, Stockdale.'"
+
+We may add that, in the seventeenth century, a similar custom seems to
+have been observed in some places on Christmas Eve, for in Herrick's
+_Hesperides_ the wassailing of fruit trees is among the Christmas Eve
+ceremonies:--
+
+ "Wassail the trees, that they may beare
+  You many a plum, and many a peare;
+  For more or less fruits they will bring,
+  As you do give them wassailing."
+
+CHRISTMAS MORNING IN EXETER CATHEDRAL.
+
+Writing from Exeter, in 1852, a correspondent says "the custom of
+welcoming this season of holy joy with 'psalms and hymns and spiritual
+songs' lingers in the cathedral city of Exeter; where, during
+Christmas Eve, the parish choirs perambulate the streets singing
+anthems, with instrumental accompaniments. The singing is protracted
+through the night, when the celebration often assumes a more secular
+character than is strictly in accordance with the festival. A more
+sacred commemoration is, however, at hand.
+
+"At a quarter-past seven o'clock on Christmas morning the assemblage
+of persons in the nave of Exeter Cathedral is usually very numerous:
+there are the remnants of the previous vigil, with unwashed faces and
+sleepy eyes; but a large number are early risers, who have left their
+beds for better purposes than a revel. There is a great muster of the
+choir, and the fine Old Hundredth Psalm is sung from the gallery to a
+full organ, whose billows of sound roll through the vaulted edifice.
+The scene is strikingly picturesque: all is dim and shadowy; the red
+light from the flaring candles falling upon upturned faces, and here
+and there falling upon a piece of grave sculpture, whilst the grey
+light of day begins to stream through the antique windows, adding to
+the solemnity of the scene. As the last verse of the psalm peals
+forth, the crowd begins to move, and the spacious cathedral is soon
+left to the more devout few who remain to attend the morning service
+in the Lady-chapel."
+
+
+A WELSH CHRISTMAS.
+
+From the "Christmas Chronicles of Llanfairpwllycrochon," by R. P.
+Hampton Roberts, in _Notes and Queries_, December 21, 1878, we quote
+the following:
+
+"Now Thomas Thomas, and Mary Jones, and all their neighbours, had
+great veneration for Christmas, and enjoyed much pleasure in
+looking forward to the annual recurrence of the feast. Not that
+they looked upon it as a feast in any ecclesiastical sense, for
+Llanfairpwllycrochon was decidedly Calvinistically Methodist, and
+rejected all such things as mere popish superstition.
+
+"The Christmas goose was a great institution at Llanfairpwllycrochon.
+The annual goose club had no existence there, it is true, but the
+annual goose had nevertheless. Thomas Thomas, after his memorable
+visit to London, came home imbued with one English idea which startled
+the villagers more than anything had done since the famous bonfire on
+the outlying hill when the heir came of age, and it was a long time
+before they recovered from their surprise. It was nothing less
+than a proposition to substitute beef for the Christmas dinner
+instead of a goose. Here was a sad falling off from the ways of
+Llanfairpwllycrochon! And Thomas Thomas was a man who persisted in an
+idea once it entered his mind--an event of rare occurrence, it is
+true, and consequently all the more stubborn whenever it did occur.
+Thomas Thomas had, however, sufficient respect for the opinion of his
+neighbours to make him compromise matters by providing for himself
+alone a small beefsteak as an adjunct to the time-honoured goose.
+
+"Another Christmas institution at Llanfairpwllycrochon was the
+universal pudding, mixed as is wont by every member of the family.
+Then there was the bun-loaf, or _barabrith_, one of the grand
+institutions of Llanfairpwllycrochon. Many were the pains taken over
+this huge loaf--made large enough to last a week or fortnight,
+according to the appetites of the juvenile partakers--and the combined
+"Christmas-boxes" of the grocer and baker went to make up the
+appetising whole, with much more in addition.
+
+"Christmas Eve was a day of exceeding joy at Llanfairpwllycrochon. The
+manufacture of paper ornaments and 'kissing bushes,' radiant with
+oranges, apples, paper roses, and such like fanciful additions as
+might suit the taste or means of the house-holder, occupied most of
+the day. And then they had to be put up, and the house in its
+Christmas decorations looked more resplendent than the imagination of
+the most advanced villager--at present at school, and of the mature
+age of five and a half years, the rising hope of the schoolmaster, and
+a Lord Chancellor in embryo in fine--could have pictured. As a reward
+for the day's toil came the night's sweet task of making _cyflath_,
+_i.e._, toffee. Thomas Thomas, and those who spoke the Saxon tongue
+among the villagers, called it 'taffy.' Once had Thomas Thomas been
+corrected in his pronunciation, but the hardy Saxon who ventured on
+the bold proceeding was silenced when he heard that he was not to
+think he was going to persuade a reasonable man into mutilating the
+English tongue. 'Taffy it iss, and taffy I says,' and there was an end
+of the matter. Without taffy the inhabitants of Llanfairpwllycrochon,
+it was firmly believed by the vicar, would not have known the
+difference between Christmas and another time, and it is not therefore
+matter for surprise that they should so tenaciously cling to its
+annual making. At midnight, when the syrupy stuff was sufficiently
+boiled, it would be poured into a pan and put into the open air to
+cool. Here was an opportunity for the beaux of the village which could
+not be missed. They would steal, if possible, the whole, pan and all,
+and entail a second making on the unfortunate victims of their
+practical joke.
+
+"Sometimes the Christmas Eve proceedings would be varied by holding a
+large evening party, continued all night, the principal amusement of
+which would be the boiling of toffee, one arm taking, when another was
+tired, the large wooden spoon, and turning the boiling mass of sugar
+and treacle, this process being continued for many hours, until
+nothing would be left to partake of but a black, burnt sort of crisp,
+sugary cinder. Sometimes the long boiling would only result in a soft
+mass, disagreeable to the taste and awkward to the hand, the combined
+efforts of each member of the party failing to secure consistency or
+strength in the mixed ingredients.
+
+"And then there were the carols at midnight, and many more were the
+Christmas customs at Llanfairpwllycrochon."
+
+
+EFFECTS OF THE SEASON.
+
+  "These Christmas decorations are _so_ jolly!"
+     She cried, zeal shining in her orbs of blue.
+  "_Don't_ you like laurel gleaming under holly?"
+     He answered, "_I_ love mistletoe over _yew_!"--_Punch._
+
+[Illustration: "ST. GEORGE" IN COMBAT WITH "ST. PETER."]
+
+
+YORKSHIRE SWORD-ACTORS.
+
+Under this title, Mr. T. M. Fallow, M.A., F.S.A., writing in the
+_Antiquary_, May, 1895, gives an account of rustic performances which
+were witnessed at Christmastide in the neighbourhood of Leeds about
+fifteen years earlier, and he illustrates the subject with a series of
+pictures from photographs taken at the time, which are here
+reproduced. The play depicted is that of the "Seven Champions of
+Christendom," and in the picture on the preceding page "St. George" is
+shown engaged in combat with "St. Peter," while "St. Andrew" and "St.
+Denys" are each kneeling on one knee, a sign of their having been
+vanquished.
+
+"It may be well to point out," says Mr. Fallow, "that in the West
+Riding, or at any rate in the neighbourhood of Leeds, the sword-actors
+were quite distinct from the 'mummers.' They generally numbered nine
+or ten lads, who, disguised by false beards as men, were dressed in
+costume as appropriate to the occasion as their knowledge and finances
+would permit, and who acted, with more or less skill, a short play,
+which, as a rule, was either the 'Peace Egg' or the 'Seven Champions
+of Christendom.' The following illustration shows two of the
+'champions,' as photographed at the time stated:--
+
+[Illustration: "ST. PETER." "ST. DENYS."]
+
+"There was a little indefiniteness," says Mr. Fallow, "as to the
+characters represented in the play, but usually they were the King of
+Egypt, his daughter, a fool or jester, St. George, St. Andrew, St.
+Patrick, St. David, St. Denys, St. James, and a St. Thewhs, who
+represented a Northern nation--Russia, or sometimes Denmark--and whose
+exact identity seems obscure. The seven champions occasionally
+included St. Peter of Rome, as in the group whose photograph is given.
+St. George engaged in mortal combat with each champion in succession,
+fighting for the hand of the King of Egypt's daughter. When at length
+each of the six was slain, St. George, having vanquished them all, won
+the fair lady, amid the applause of the bystanders. Then, at the
+conclusion, after a general clashing and crossing of swords, the fool
+or jester stepped forward, and wound up the performance with an appeal
+for pecuniary recognition."
+
+
+OTHER CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCES.
+
+In a Christmas article, published in 1869, Dr. Rimbault mentions the
+performance of "St. George and the Dragon" in the extreme western and
+northern parts of the country. The following five characters are
+given: Father Christmas, Turkish Knight, King of Egypt, St. George,
+Doctor. Other writers mention similar plays, with variations of
+characters, as seen in the rural parts of Northamptonshire,
+Warwickshire, and Staffordshire, and the present writer has himself
+seen such plays at Madeley, in Shropshire.
+
+S. Arnott, of Turnham Green, writing in _Notes and Queries_, December
+21, 1878, says: "When I was living at Hollington, near Hastings, in
+the year 1869, the village boys were in the habit of visiting the
+houses of the gentry at Christmas time to perform a play, which had
+been handed down by tradition." The description of the play which then
+followed shows that it was another variation of the well-known
+Christmas play, and included the "Turkish Knight," the "Bold Slasher,"
+and other familiar characters.
+
+
+A SCOTCH FIRST FOOTING.
+
+Writing on "Mid-winter Customs in the North," Mr. Edward Garrett says
+"it is not easy to write of 'Christmas customs in the North,' because
+many of them, even though connected with the Christmas festival, do
+not take place till January 6th, that being Christmas Day, Old Style,
+while most of them are associated with the New Year, either Old or New
+Style, one of the most striking celebrations coming off on January
+11th, regarded as 'New Year's Eve.'
+
+"Christmas itself has never been a national Scottish festival since
+the Reformation. On its purely festive side, it has become somewhat of
+a 'fashion' of late years, but its ancient customs have only lingered
+on in those districts where Episcopacy has taken deep root. Such a
+district is 'Buchan'--a track of country in the north-east of
+Aberdeenshire--a place which cannot be better described than in the
+words of one of its own gifted sons, Dr. Walter Smith:--
+
+ "'A treeless land, where beeves are good,
+     And men have quaint, old-fashioned ways,
+   And every burn has ballad lore,
+     And every hamlet has its song,
+   And on its surf-beat, rocky shore
+     The eerie legend lingers long.
+   Old customs live there, unaware
+     That they are garments cast away,
+   And what of light is lingering there
+     Is lingering light of yesterday.'"
+
+[Illustration: A SCOTCH FIRST FOOTING.]
+
+
+YULETIDE CUSTOMS IN SHETLAND.
+
+The inherent Scandinavianism of the Shetlander, which leads him to
+repudiate the appellation of Scotchman, and to cherish in secret the
+old customs and superstitions of his ancestors, asserts itself yearly
+in the high jinks with which he continues to honour the old holy days
+of Yule. Until within the last two or three years, he pertinaciously
+adhered to the old style in his observance of these festivities. On
+Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Uphelya--the twenty-fourth day
+after Yule, and that on which the holy or holidays are supposed to be
+"up"--the youths of Lerwick, attired in fantastic dresses, go
+"guising" about the town in bands, visiting their friends and
+acquaintances and reproducing in miniature the carnival of more
+southern climes. On one or other of these occasions a torchlight
+procession forms part of the revelry. Formerly blazing tar barrels
+were dragged about the town, and afterwards, with the first break of
+morning, dashed over the Knab into the sea. But this ancient and
+dangerous custom has very properly been discontinued. The dresses of
+the guisers are often of the most expensive and fanciful description.
+Highlanders, Spanish cavaliers, negro minstrels, soldiers in the
+peaked caps, kerseymere breeches, and scarlet coats turned up with
+buff, of the reign of George II., Robin Hoods, and Maid Marians were
+found in the motley throng. Some, with a boldness worthy of
+Aristophanes himself, caricature the dress, the walk, or some other
+eccentricity of leading personages in the town; others--for the spirit
+of "the Happy Land" has reached these hyperborean regions--make
+pleasant game of well-known political characters. Each band of guisers
+has its fiddler, who walks before it, playing "Scalloway Lasses," or
+"The Foula Reel," or "The Nippin' Grund," or some other archaic tune.
+Thus conducted, and blowing a horn to give notice of their approach,
+the maskers enter the doors of all houses which they find open, dance
+a measure with the inmates, partake of and offer refreshment, and then
+depart to repeat the same courtesies elsewhere. At daylight the horn
+of the Most Worthy Grand Guiser, a mysterious personage, whose
+personality and functions are enveloped in the deepest concealment, is
+heard summoning all the bands to end their revels, and when, in the
+cold grey dawn of the winter morning, the worthy citizens of Lerwick
+awake to pursue their wonted avocations, not a trace remains of the
+saturnalia of the night before.--Sheriff Rampini, in _Good Words_.
+
+Now, passing from the islands to the sea itself, it is pleasant to
+note that in recent years Christian hearts have carried
+
+
+CHRISTMAS CHEER TO THE NORTH SEA FISHERMEN.
+
+Through the "Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen" twelve thousand brave and
+hardy fishermen have been cheered at Christmastide, for to their
+fleets the Mission's vessels now take medical and surgical aid, books
+and magazines, woollen garments and tobacco, which, as adjuncts to
+higher religious aid, are turning the once wild and desperate
+ocean roughs into clean-living sailors and good husbands and
+fathers--therefore are these days on the North Sea better far than
+those that are gone. Thousands of these brave men turn at Christmas to
+the M.D.S.F. flag as to the one bright link which binds them to
+friendly hearts ashore, assuring them that in England's Christmas
+festivities they and their like have a real part, and are no longer
+forgotten.
+
+Some facts recorded by the Rev. John Sinclair[91] illustrate the
+dangers of the wild winter sea, and also set forth some
+
+
+CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES IN THE ORKNEY ISLES.
+
+They were related to Mr. Sinclair by Mr. Traill, chief of the clan,
+with whom he stayed on the occasion of his visit to the island of
+Pappa Westra. The first of the two incidents was as follows:--"One
+Christmas Day," says Mr. Traill, "during a heavy gale, I wrapped my
+cloak about me, and started off with my telescope to walk upon the
+cliffs. Coming to the other side of the island, on which the surf was
+beating violently, I observed a vessel a few miles off fire a signal
+of distress. I hastened to the nearest point, and with the help of my
+glass perceived that she was Dutch built, and that, having lost her
+rudder, she was quite unmanageable. She fired several guns at short
+intervals, and my people came in large numbers to give assistance. But
+the surf was so fearful that nothing could be done. No boat could have
+lived a moment in such a sea. We were all utterly helpless. As the
+vessel drifted towards us, I could see the whole tragedy as distinctly
+as if it had been acted on the stage. Immediately below me were a
+number of my fellow-creatures, now alive and in health, and in a few
+moments they would all be mangled corpses. I could make out the
+expression of their features, and see in what manner each was
+preparing for inevitable death. But whether they climbed up into the
+shrouds, or held by ropes on deck while the sea was washing over the
+bulwarks, their fate was the same. The first wave lifted the vessel so
+high that I almost thought it would have placed her upon the land. She
+fell back, keel upwards. The next wave struck her with such terrific
+force against the cliffs that she was shivered at once into a thousand
+pieces; hardly two planks held together. It seemed as if she had been
+made of glass. Not a soul escaped. One or two bodies, with a few
+planks and casks, were all that ever reached the shore." Well might
+Mr. Traill add, "I was haunted for months by the remembrance of that
+heartrending sight."
+
+The other story related by Mr. Traill shows that a Christmas party may
+be detained indefinitely in one of these remote islands, should the
+weather prove unfavourable. At Christmastide, a former Laird of Westra
+"collected a numerous party from all the neighbouring islands to
+celebrate the christening of his eldest son." His hospitalities cost
+him dear. A storm arose; his guests could not get away; instead of
+enjoying their society for a few days, he was obliged to entertain
+them at a ruinous expense for many weeks. His larder, his cellar, and
+his barns, were by degrees exhausted. His farm stock had all
+
+been slaughtered, except the old bull, which he was reserving as a
+last resource, when at length the wind abated, and a calm delivered
+him from this ruinous situation.
+
+Thus it appears that in these remote islands of Scotland Christmas is
+not forgotten. But a writer in a well-known Scotch journal says the
+surest sign of the general joy is "Christmas in the Workhouse":--
+
+ "Christmas was gay in the old squire's hall,
+    Gay at the village inn,
+  Cheery and loud by the farmer's fire,
+    Happy the manse within;
+  But the surest signs of the general joy,
+    And that all the world was happy--very,
+  Were the sounds that proved at the workhouse door
+    That even 'the paupers' were merry."
+
+
+A REMARKABLE CHRISTMAS GATHERING.
+
+The Greenwich Hospital for Sick Seamen of all Nations presented on
+Christmas Day, 1880, a remarkable gathering of national
+representatives. There were 179 sailors, representing 31
+nationalities, belonging to ships of 19 distinct nations. They were
+summed up thus:--England, 77; Wales, 3; Scotland, 9; Ireland, 11;
+Norway, 10; Sweden, 9; Finland, 6; United States, 5; Denmark, 5;
+British India, 4; France, 3; Germany, 3; Nova Scotia, 3; Russia, 2;
+Austria, 2; Italy, 2; Cape de Verd Islands, 2; Chili, 2; Jamaica, 2;
+Barbadoes, 2; St. Thomas, 2; Spain, 1; Portugal, 1; Canada, 1; New
+Brunswick, 1; Transvaal, 1; Gold Coast, 1; Brazil, 1; St. Kitts, 1;
+Mauritius, 1; Society Islands, 1. The mercantile marines represented
+were no bad index to the proportion of the carrying trade of the world
+each nation undertakes:--England, 96 vessels; Ireland, 3; Scotland,
+16; Wales, 4; Norway, 7; Sweden, 5; United States, 6; Denmark, 2;
+France, 2; Germany, 3; Nova Scotia, 7; Russia, 2; Netherlands, 4;
+Channel Islands, 2; New Brunswick, 2; Italy, 1; Zanzibar, 1; Spain, 1.
+
+The early morning brought warm Christmas wishes to the patients. Each
+found by his bedside a packet addressed to him by name. Some good lady
+had taken the enormous pains to work a pretty, and, at the same time,
+stout and serviceable wallet, with the inscription, "My letters,"
+embroidered thereupon, and to accompany this little gift, in every
+case, with a short and seasonable letter of Christmas wishes, using
+other languages than English, to suit the convenience of every
+recipient. The initials under which these offerings came were "N. C.
+H." Other gifts, Christmas cards and Christmas reading, in the shape
+of magazines and illustrated papers were gladly welcomed.
+
+The decorations of the corridors and rooms had given occupation to the
+sick sailors for several days, and sentiments of loyalty to the Queen
+and the Royal Family were abundantly displayed, together with
+portraits of members of the Royal Family which had been drawn from
+fancy.
+
+The officers and nurses had dedicated to them some specimens of real
+sailor poetry, combining the names of the staff. With grim humour, the
+"operation room" bore above it "Nil desperandum"; and the decorated
+walls of the hospital told the onlookers that "small vessels should
+keep in shore," that "windmills are not turned by a pair of bellows,"
+that "good things are not found in heaps," that "hasty people fish in
+empty ponds," that "plenty, like want, ruins many," &c.
+
+The dinner at one o'clock was a great success. All who could get out
+of bed made it a point of honour to be present. But for adverse winds
+keeping ships from entering the Thames, the guests would have been
+more numerous. But, as it was, the patients under the roof numbered
+179. There were, of course, difficulties of language; but no "Jack"
+ever ploughed the sea who does not understand a Christmas dinner; and,
+besides, the hospital in its nurses and staff possesses the means of
+conversing in seventeen different languages.
+
+The scene was a thoroughly Christmas one; and many other festive
+scenes, almost as interesting, were seen in all parts of England.
+Whether recorded or unrecorded, who does not rejoice in such efforts
+to promote "goodwill amongst men," and long for the time--
+
+ "When peace shall over all the earth
+    Its ancient splendours fling,
+  And the whole world send back the song,
+    Which now the angels sing."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS CRACKERS.
+
+One of the popular institutions inseparable from the festivities of
+Christmastide has long been the "cracker." The satisfaction which young
+people especially experience in pulling the opposite ends of a gelatine
+and paper cylinder is of the keenest, accompanied as the operation is by
+a mixed anticipation--half fearful as to the explosion that is to
+follow, and wholly delightful with regard to the bonbon or motto which
+will thus be brought to light. Much amusement is afforded to the lads
+and lassies by the fortune-telling verses which some of the crackers
+contain. But the cracker of our early days was something far different
+from what it is now. The sharp "crack" with which the article exploded,
+and from which it took its name, was then its principal, and, in some
+cases, its only feature; and the exclamation, "I know I shall scream,"
+which John Leech, in one of his sketches, puts into the mouth of two
+pretty girls engaged in cracker-pulling, indicated about the all of
+delight which that occupation afforded. Since then, however, the cracker
+has undergone a gradual development. Becoming by degrees a receptacle
+for bon-bons, rhymed mottoes, little paper caps and aprons, and similar
+toys, it has passed on to another and higher stage, and is even made a
+vehicle for high art illustrations. Considerable artistic talent has
+been introduced in the adornment of these novelties. For instance, the
+"Silhouette" crackers are illustrated with black figures, comprising
+portraits of well-known characters in the political, military, and
+social world, exquisitely executed, while appropriate designs have been
+adapted to other varieties, respectively designated "Cameos,"
+"Bric-a-brac," "Musical Toys," &c.; and it is quite evident that the
+education of the young in matters of good taste is not overlooked in the
+provision of opportunities for merriment.
+
+SANTA CLAUS AND THE STOCKING.
+
+  Hang up the baby's stocking! Be
+   sure you don't forget! The dear
+    little dimpled darling, she never
+     saw   Christmas   yet!   But   I've
+     told her all about it, and she opened
+     her  big  blue  eyes; and I'm sure
+     she understood it--she  looked so
+     funny and wise. * * *  Dear, what
+    a tiny stocking!  It doesn't take
+   much to hold such little pink toes
+  as baby's away from the frost and
+ cold.  But then,  for  the baby's
+ Christmas, it will never do at all.
+  Why! Santa wouldn't be looking
+   for    anything    half   so
+    small.  * * *  I know what
+     will do for the baby. I've
+      thought of the very best
+       plan.   I'll  borrow  a
+        stocking  of Grandma's,
+         the longest that ever
+          I can.  And  you'll
+          hang  it  by  mine,
+          dear mother, right
+         here in the corner,
+        so!   And  leave  a
+       letter to Santa, and
+      fasten   it on to the
+     toe. * * * Write--this
+    is the baby's stocking,
+   that hangs in the corner
+    here.  You  never have
+     seen her, Santa, for
+      she only came this
+       year.   But  she's
+        just the blessed'st
+         baby.   And  now
+          before  you  go,
+           just  cram  her
+            stocking  with
+            goodies, from
+             the top clean
+               down to
+                 the
+                  toe!
+
+
+FATALLY BURNT IN CHRISTMAS COSTUMES.
+
+The Christmastide of 1885-6 was marred by two fatal accidents which
+again illustrate the danger of dressing for entertainments in
+highly-inflammable materials. In the first case a London lady, on
+Boxing Night, was entertaining some friends, and appeared herself in
+the costume of _Winter_. She was dressed in a white robe of thin
+fabric, and stood under a canopy from which fell pieces of cotton wool
+to represent snowflakes, and in their descent one of them caught light
+at the candelabra, and fell at deceased's feet. In trying to put it
+out with her foot her dress caught fire, and she was immediately
+enveloped in flames. So inflammable was the material that, although
+prompt assistance was rendered, she was so severely burnt as to become
+unconscious. A medical man was sent for, and everything possible was
+done for her; but she sank gradually, and died from exhaustion. The
+second of these tragical incidents plunged a Paris family in deep
+sorrow. The parents, who lived in a beautiful detached house in the
+Rue de la Bienfaisance, had arranged that their children and some
+youthful cousins were to play before a party of friends on New Year's
+Night on the stage of a little theatre which had just been added to
+their house. The play was to represent the decrepit old year going out
+and the new one coming in. The eldest daughter, a charming girl of
+fourteen, was to be the good genius of 1886, and to be dressed in a
+loose transparent robe. On the appointed evening, after the company
+had assembled, she donned her stage costume and ran into her mother's
+bedroom to see how it became her. While looking at herself in a mirror
+on the toilette table her loose sleeve came in contact with the flame
+of a candle and blazed up. She screamed for help and tried to roll
+herself in the bed clothes; but the bed, being covered with a lace
+coverlet and curtained with muslin was also set on fire, and soon the
+whole room was ablaze. By the time help arrived the girl's clothes
+were all burning into the flesh; but such was her vitality that, in
+spite of the dreadful state in which every inch of her body was, she
+survived the accident many hours.
+
+Similar disasters occurred at Christmas festivities in 1889, at
+Detroit, and in 1891, at Wortley, Leeds. In the former several little
+children were fatally burnt, and in the latter fifteen children were
+set on fire, eleven of them fatally.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS LITERATURE
+
+is too large a subject to enter upon at length, for a bulky volume
+would scarcely suffice to describe the numerous Christmas annuals,
+illustrated Christmas numbers, newspaper supplements and variety
+papers which have become popular at Christmastide since the first
+appearance of Dickens's "Christmas Stories." The development of the
+Christmas trade in this light literature has been marvellous, and it
+is increasing year by year. And the same may be said of the charming
+gift-books which are published annually just before Christmas.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS LETTER MISSIONS.
+
+Through the various letter missions that have been established
+thousands of Christmas letters and illustrated missives, bright with
+anecdote, are despatched annually to the inmates of convalescent homes
+and hospitals, and are heartily welcomed by the recipients, for every
+one likes to be remembered on Christmas Day.
+
+
+THE POST-OFFICE OFFICIALS AND POSTMEN
+
+have, however, been very heavily weighted with these new Christmas
+customs. They have inflicted upon postmen and letter-sorters an amount
+of extra labour that is almost incredible. The postal-parcel work is
+also very heavy at the festive season.
+
+
+THE RAILWAYS AT CHRISTMAS.
+
+ "Home for the holidays, here we go;
+  Bless me, the train is exceedingly slow!
+  Pray, Mr. Engineer, get up your steam,
+  And let us be off, with a puff and a scream!
+  We have two long hours to travel, you say;
+  Come, Mr. Engineer, gallop away!"[92]
+
+This familiar verse recalls the eagerness of the schoolboy to be home
+for the Christmas holidays. And adults are no less eager to join their
+friends at the festive season; many travel long journeys in order to
+do so. Hence the great pressure of work on railway employés, and the
+congested state of the traffic at Christmastide. Two or three days
+before Christmas Day the newspapers publish what are called "railway
+arrangements," detailing the privileges granted by this and that
+company, and presenting the holiday traveller with a sort of
+appetising programme; and any one who will spend an hour at any of the
+great termini of the metropolis at this period can see the remarkable
+extent to which the public avail themselves of the facilities offered.
+The growth of railway travelling at Christmastide has, indeed, been
+marvellous in recent years, and it becomes greater every year. The
+crowded state of the railway stations, and the trains that roll out of
+them heavily laden with men, women, and children, wedged together by
+parcels bursting with good cheer, show most unmistakably that we have
+not forgotten the traditions of Christmas as a time of happy
+gatherings in the family circles of Old England.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+But, as there is also much Christmas-keeping in other parts of the
+world, we pass now to--
+
+    [79] Huish's "Life of George the Third."
+
+    [80] _Gentleman's Magazine_, 1790.
+
+    [81] Copied from an undated leaflet inserted in the
+    British Museum copy of Brand's "Antiquities," by the late
+    Mr Joseph Hazlewood.
+
+    [82] Hone's "Every-day Book," 1826.
+
+    [83] Herbert H. Adams.
+
+    [84] "A black Christmas makes a fat kirk-yard." A windy
+    Christmas and a calm Candlemas are signs of a good year.
+
+    [85] The "savoury haggis" (from _hag_ to chop) is a dish
+    commonly made in a sheep's maw, of its lungs, heart, and
+    liver, mixed with suet, onions, salt, and pepper; or of
+    oatmeal mixed with the latter, without any animal food.
+
+    [86] F. Lawrence.
+
+    [87] "Old English Customs and Charities," 1842.
+
+    [88] "Biographical Lectures."
+
+    [89] "History of Berks," vol. xxv.
+
+    [90] "Grim, King of the Ghosts."
+
+    [91] "Old Times and Distant Places," 1875.
+
+    [92] Eliza Cook.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER XII._
+
+MODERN CHRISTMASES ABROAD.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN THE ARCTIC REGIONS, 1850-1.
+
+"The bluejackets are generally better hands than the red-coats at
+improvising a jollification--Jack, at any rate, does not take his
+pleasures sadly. The gallant bands that have from time to time gone
+forth to a bloodless campaign in the icy north, have always managed to
+keep their Christmas right joyously. Certainly they could not complain
+of uncongenial skies or unseasonable temperatures; while, so far as
+snow and ice are necessary to thorough enjoyment, the supply in the
+Arctic regions is on a scale sufficient to satisfy the most ardent
+admirer of an old-fashioned Christmas. The frozen-in Investigators
+under McClure kept their first Arctic Christmas soberly, cheerfully,
+and in good fellowship, round tables groaning with good cheer, in the
+shape of Sandwich Island beef, musk veal from the Prince of Wales's
+Strait, mince-meat from England, splendid preserves from the Green
+Isle, and dainty dishes from Scotland. Every one talked of home, and
+speculated respecting the doings of dear ones there; and healths were
+drunk, not omitting those of their fellow-labourers sauntering
+somewhere in the regions about, but how near or how far away none
+could tell. When the festival came round again, the _Investigator_ and
+_Enterprise_ were alone in their glory, and they were separated by
+miles of frozen sea; but they had solved the great problem.[93] On
+board the _Investigator_, frost-bound in the Bay of Mercy, things went
+as merry as the proverbial marriage-bell. After divine service,
+everybody took a constitutional on the ice until dinner-time; then the
+officers sat down to a meal of which the _pièce de résistance_ was a
+haunch of Banks' Island reindeer, weighing twenty pounds, with fat two
+inches thick, and a most delicious flavour; while the crew were
+regaling upon venison and other good things, double allowance of grog
+included; and dinner discussed, dancing, singing, and skylarking
+filled up the holiday hours till bedtime; the fun being kept up with
+unflagging humour, and with such propriety withal as to make their
+leader wish the anxious folks at home could have witnessed the scene
+created amidst so many gloomy influences, by the crew of a ship after
+two years' sojourn in those ice-bound regions upon their own
+resources. Another Christmas found the brave fellows still confined in
+their snowy prison; but their table boasted plum-pudding rich enough
+for Arctic appetites, Banks' Land venison, Mercy Bay hare-soup,
+ptarmigan pasties, and musk-ox beef--hung-beef, surely, seeing it had
+been dangling in the rigging above two years. The poets among the men
+wrote songs making light of the hardships they had endured; the
+painters exhibited pictures of past perils; comic actors were not
+wanting; and the whole company, casting all anxiety to the winds,
+enjoyed themselves to the utmost."[94]
+
+In the spring of 1870, before the breaking out of the Franco-German
+war, Germany sent out two ships, the _Germania_ and the _Hansa_, with
+the hope of reaching the North Pole. As is usually the case in Arctic
+expeditions, little could be done during the first season, and the
+ships were obliged to take up their winter-quarters off the east coast
+of Greenland. They had already been separated, so that the crew of one
+vessel, had no idea of the condition of the other. An officer upon the
+_Germania_ gives the following interesting account of their Christmas
+festivities in the Arctic regions:--
+
+"To the men who have already lived many weary months among the
+icebergs, Christmas signifies, in addition to its other associations,
+that the half of their long night--with its fearful storms, its
+enforced cessation of all energy, its discomfort and sadness--has
+passed, and that the sun will soon again shed its life and
+warmth-giving beams on the long-deserted North. From this time the
+grim twilight, during which noon has been hardly distinguishable from
+the other hours, grows daily lighter, until at length all hearts are
+gladdened, and a cheerful activity is once again called forth by the
+first glimpse of the sun. Christmas, the midnight of the Arctic
+explorer, thus marks a period in his life which he has good cause to
+consider a joyful one.
+
+"For days before the festival, an unusual activity was observable all
+over the ship; and as soon as the severe storm which raged from
+December 16th to the 21st had abated, parties were organised, under
+our botanist, Dr. Pansch, to certain points of Sabine Island, near to
+which we were anchored, where, in a strangely sheltered nook, several
+varieties of a native Greenland evergreen plant, _Andromeda
+tetragona_, were to be found. A great quantity of this plant was
+conveyed on board, to be converted into a Christmas-tree. Under the
+orders of Dr. Pansch, the Andromeda was wound round small pieces of
+wood, several of which were attached, like fir-twigs, to a large
+bough; and when these boughs were fastened to a pole, they formed a
+very respectable fir-tree.
+
+"After dinner on Christmas Day, the cabin was cleared for the
+completion of the preparations; and on our recall at six o'clock, we
+found that all had assumed an unwontedly festive appearance. The walls
+were decorated with the signal-flags and our national eagle; and the
+large cabin table, somewhat enlarged to make room to seat seventeen
+men, was covered with a clean white cloth, which had been reserved for
+the occasion. On the table stood the 'fir' tree, shining in the
+splendour of many little wax-lights, and ornaments with all sorts of
+little treasures, some of which, such as the gilded walnuts, had
+already seen a Christmas in Germany; below the tree was a small
+present for each of us, provided long beforehand, in readiness for
+the day, by loving friends and relatives at home. There was a packet
+too for each of the crew, containing some little joking gift, prepared
+by the mirth-loving Dr. Pansch, and a useful present also; while the
+officers were each and all remembered.
+
+"When the lights burned down, and the resinous Andromeda was beginning
+to take fire, the tree was put aside, and a feast began, at which full
+justice was done to the costly Sicilian wine with which a friend had
+generously supplied us before we left home. We had a dish of roast
+seal! Some cakes were made by the cook, and the steward produced his
+best stores. For the evening, the division between the fore and aft
+cabins was removed, and there was free intercourse between officers
+and men; many a toast was drunk to the memory of friends at home, and
+at midnight a polar ball was improvised by a dance on the ice. The
+boatswain, the best musician of the party, seated himself with his
+hand-organ between the antlers of a reindeer which lay near the ship,
+and the men danced two and two on their novel flooring of hard ice!
+
+"Such was our experience of a Christmas in the north polar circle; but
+the uncertainties of Arctic voyaging are great, and the two ships of
+our expedition made trial of the widely different fates which await
+the travellers in those frozen regions: and while we on the _Germania_
+were singularly fortunate in escaping accidents and in keeping our
+crew, in spite of some hardships, in sound health and good spirits,
+the _Hansa_ was crushed by the ice, and her crew, after facing
+unheard-of dangers, and passing two hundred days on a block of ice,
+were barely rescued to return home."
+
+Yet even to the crew of the ill-fated _Hansa_ Christmas brought some
+festivities. The tremendous gale which had raged for many days ceased
+just before the day, and the heavy fall of snow with which it
+terminated, and which had almost buried the black huts that the
+shipwrecked men had constructed for themselves upon the drifting
+icebergs from the _débris_ of the wreck, had produced a considerable
+rise in the temperature, and there was every indication that a season
+of calm might now be anticipated.
+
+The log-book of the _Hansa_ thus describes the celebration of the
+festival:--"The tree was erected in the afternoon, while the greater
+part of the crew took a walk; and the lonely hut shone with wonderful
+brightness amid the snow. Christmas upon a Greenland iceberg! The tree
+was artistically put together of firwood and mat-weed, and Dr. Laube
+had saved a twist of wax-taper for the illumination. Chains of
+coloured paper and newly-baked cakes were not wanting, and the men had
+made a knapsack and a revolver case as a present for the captain. We
+opened the leaden chests of presents from Professor Hochstetter and
+the Geological Society, and were much amused by their contents. Each
+man had a glass of port wine; and we then turned over the old
+newspapers which we found in the chests, and drew lots for the
+presents, which consisted of small musical instruments such as fifes,
+jew's-harps, trumpets, &c., with draughts and other games, puppets,
+crackers, &c. In the evening we feasted on chocolate and gingerbread."
+
+"We observed the day very quietly," writes Dr. Laube in his diary. "If
+this Christmas be the last we are to see, it was at least a cheerful
+one; but should a happy return home be decreed for us, the next will,
+we trust, be far brighter. May God so grant!"
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN THE CRIMEA.
+
+The Christmas of 1854 was a dismal one for the soldiers in the Crimea,
+witnessing and enduring what Lord John Russell spoke of as "the
+horrible and heartrending scenes of that Crimean winter."
+
+"Thanks to General Muddle," says a journal of the period, "the Crimean
+Christmas of 1854 was anything but what it ought to and might have
+been; and the knowledge that plenty of good things had been provided
+by thoughtful hearts at home, but which were anywhere but where they
+were wanted, did not add to the merriment of our poor overworked,
+underfed army; and although some desperate efforts were made to be
+jolly on dreary outpost and in uncomfortable trenches, they only
+resulted in miserable failure. The following Christmas was doubly
+enjoyable by comparison. The stubborn fortress (Sebastopol) had fallen
+at last to its more stubborn assailants; habit had deprived frost and
+snow of their terrors, and every hut ran over with hams, preserves,
+vegetables, and mysterious tins, till it resembled a grocer's store.
+The valleys of Miscomia, too, were rich in mistletoe, to be had for
+the trouble of gathering; but few cared to undergo that trouble for
+the sake of what only reminded them of unattainable sweets, and made
+them sigh for the girls they had left behind them."
+
+In 1855, Messrs. Macmillan & Co. published a poem by H. R. F.,
+entitled "Christmas Dawn, 1854," in which the writer pictures the
+festivities marred by war:--
+
+                    "A happy Christmas!
+  Happy! to whom? Perchance to infancy,
+  And innocent childhood, while the germ of sin,
+  Yet undeveloped, leaves a virgin soil
+  For joy, and Death and Sorrow are but names.
+  But who, that bears a mind matured to thought,
+  A heart to feel, shall look abroad this day
+  And speak of happiness? The church is deckt
+  With festive garlands, and the sunbeams glance
+  From glossy evergreens; the mistletoe
+  Pearl-studded, and the holly's lustrous bough
+  Gleaming with coral fruitage; but we muse
+  Of laurel blent with cypress. Gaze we down
+  Yon crowded aisle? the mourner's dusky weeds
+  Sadden the eye; and they who wear them not
+  Have mourning in their hearts, or lavish tears
+  Of sympathy on griefs too deeply lodged
+  For man's weak ministry.
+                           A happy Christmas!
+  Ah me! how many hearths are desolate!
+  How many a vacant seat awaits in vain
+  The loved one who returns not! Shall we drain
+  The cheerful cup--a health to absent friends?
+  Whom do we pledge? the living or the dead?"
+
+Thus did the poet, "sick at heart," explore "the realm of sorrow"; and
+then again he mused:
+
+ "In humbler mood to hail the auspicious day,
+  Shine forth rejoicing in thy strength, O sun,
+  Shine through the dubious mists and tearful show'rs
+  That darken Hope's clear azure! Christ is born,
+  The life of those who wake, and those who sleep--
+  The Day-spring from on high hath looked on us;
+  And we, who linger militant on earth,
+  Are one in Him, with those, the loved and lost,
+  Whose early graves keep the red field they won
+  Upon a stranger shore. Ah! not in vain
+  Went up from many a wild Crimean ridge
+  The soldier's pray'r, responsive to the vows
+  Breathed far away in many an English home.
+  Not vain the awakened charities, that gush
+  Through countless channels--Christian brotherhoods
+  Of mercy; and that glorious sister-band
+  Who sow by Death's chill waters!--Not in vain,
+  My country! ever loved, but dearest now
+  In this thine hour of sorrow, hast thou learnt
+  To bow to Him who chastens. We must weep--
+  We may rejoice in weeping"
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN ABYSSINIA.
+
+Wherever Englishmen are on the 25th of December, there is Christmas.
+Whether it be in the icy regions of the Arctic zone, or in the
+sweltering heat of tropical sunshine, the coming round of the great
+feast brings with it to every Englishman a hearty desire to celebrate
+it duly. And if this cannot be done in exactly home-fashion, the
+festival is kept as happily as circumstances will allow. In this
+spirit did our soldiers keep Christmas in Abyssinia, in 1867, with the
+thermometer at seventy-five in the shade, and even here the edibles
+included at least one traditional dish--a joint of roast beef. There
+was also an abundance of spur-fowls, guinea-fowls, venison, mutton,
+&c., and the place in which the festive board was spread was decorated
+with branches of fir and such other substitutes for holly and
+mistletoe as could be found.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN INDIA
+
+at different periods shows the same determination of our British
+soldiers to honour the Christmas festival.
+
+In 1857, the saviours of our Indian Empire very nearly lost their
+Christmas. The army was encamped at Intha, within sight of Nepaul,
+waiting for the rain to clear off and the tents to dry, ere it moved
+on to drive the Sepoys into the Raptee. The skies cleared on Christmas
+morning, and Lord Clyde was for marching at once, but relented in time
+to save the men's puddings from being spoiled--not only relented, but
+himself gave a Christmas banquet, at which the favoured guests sat
+down to well-served tables laden with barons of beef, turkeys, mutton,
+game, fish, fowls, plum-puddings, mince-pies, &c. To allay the thirst
+such substantial fare created, appeared beakers of pale ale from
+Burton and Glasgow; porter from London and Dublin; champagne, moselle,
+sherry, and old port, 'rather bothered by travelling twenty miles a
+day on a camel back.' Following the chief's example, each regiment had
+a glorious spread, and throughout the wide expanse of tents sounds of
+rejoicing were heard, for the soldiers kept Christmas right merrily.
+
+Similarly,
+
+
+THE BRITISH SOLDIERS AND SAILORS IN SOUTH AFRICA
+
+did their best to observe the Christmas festival in good old English
+style, even during the sieges of Ladysmith, Kimberley, and Mafeking,
+when provisions were to be had only at famine prices. The ingenious
+Tommy Atkins, in distant lands, has often found sylvan substitutes for
+mistletoe and holly, and native viands to take the place of
+plum-puddings and mince-pies, but it is not so easy to find
+substitutes for the social circles in old England, and when the time
+comes round for the Christmas dance Tommy's thoughts "Return again to
+the girl I've left behind me."
+
+Moreover, it sometimes falls to the lot of soldiers and war
+correspondents to spend their Christmas in most outlandish places. Mr.
+Archibald Forbes has left on record (in the _English Illustrated
+Magazine_, 1885) an interesting account of his own Christmastide in
+the Khyber Pass.
+
+In his graphic style the intrepid war correspondent describes the
+"ride long and hard" which Kinloch and he had through the Khyber to
+Jelalabad plain to fulfil "the tryst they had made to spend Christmas
+Day with the cheery comrades of Sir Sam Browne's headquarter staff."
+They had an adventurous journey together from the Dakka camp to
+Jumrood, where Forbes left Kinloch with Maude's division.
+
+Further on, Mr. Forbes says: "I am not prepared to be definite, after
+five years, as to the number of plum-puddings forming that little
+hillock on the top of my dâk-gharry between Jhelum and Peshawur, on
+the apex of which sat the faithful John amidst a whirl of dust. At
+Peshawur the heap of Christmas gifts were loaded into the panniers of
+a camel, and the ship of the desert started on its measured solemn
+tramp up through the defiles of the Khyber." Then Mr. Forbes tells us
+how he joined Kinloch again at General Maude's headquarters at
+Jumrood. Kinloch "had not forgotten his tryst, but meanwhile there
+were military duties to be done." After the discharge of these
+"military duties," which included a night march to surprise a
+barbarous clan called Zukkur-Kehls, Forbes and Kinloch joined General
+Tytler's column on its return march to Dakka, because at Dakka they
+would be nearer to their friends of Sir Sam Browne's headquarters.
+"Tytler determined to make his exit from the Zukkur-Kahl Valley by a
+previously unexplored pass, toward which the force moved for its
+night's bivouac. About the entrance to the glen there was a fine
+forest of ilex and holly, large, sturdy, spreading trees, whence
+dangled long sprays of mistletoe; the mistletoe bough was here indeed,
+and Christmas was close, but where the fair ones whom, under other
+circumstances, the amorous youth of our column would have so
+enthusiastically led under that spray which accords so sweet a
+license? The young ones prattled of those impossible joys; but the
+seniors, less frivolous, were concerned by the increasing narrowness
+of the gorge, and by the dropping fire that hung on our skirts as we
+entered it. However, there was but one casualty--a poor fellow of the
+17th Regiment had his thigh smashed by a bullet--and we spent the
+night under the ilex trees without further molestation.... It was
+Christmas Eve when we sat chatting with young Beatson in his lonely
+post by the Chardai streamlet; but a few hours of morning riding would
+carry us to Jellalabad whither Sir Sam Browne's camp had been
+advanced, and we were easy on the score of being true to tryst. As in
+the cold grey dawn we resumed our journey, leaving the young officer
+who had been our host to concern himself with the watchfulness of his
+picquets and the vigilance of his patrols, there was a sound of
+unintentional mockery in the conventional wish of a 'Merry Christmas'
+to the gallant lad, and there was a wistfulness in his answering
+smile.... The road to the encampment, the white canvas of whose
+tents showed through the intervening hills, was traversed at a hand
+gallop; and presently Kinloch and myself found ourselves in the street
+of the headquarter camp, shaking hands with friends and comrades, and
+trying to reply to a medley of disjointed questions. The bugles were
+sounding for the Christmas Day Church Parade as we finished a hurried
+breakfast. Out there on the plain the British troops of the division
+were standing in hollow square, the officers grouped in the centre....
+The headquarter street we found swept and garnished, the flagstaff
+bedecked with holly, and a regimental band playing 'Home, Sweet Home.'
+Dear old Sir Sam Browne did not believe in luxury when on campaign,
+but now for the first time I saw him at least comfortable.... The mess
+anteroom was the camp street outside the dining tent; and at the
+fashionable late hour of eight we 'went in' to dinner, to the strains
+of the _Roast Beef of Old England_. It was a right jovial feast, and
+the most cordial good-fellowship prevailed. He would have been a
+cynical epicurean who would have criticised the appointments; the
+banquet itself was above all cavil. Rummaging among some old papers
+the other day, I found the _menu_, which deserves to be quoted:
+'Soup--Julienne. Fish--Whitebait (from the Cabul River).
+Entrées--Cotelettes aux Champignons, Poulets à la Mayonaise.
+Joints--Ham and fowls, roast beef, roast saddle of mutton, boiled
+brisket of beef, boiled leg of mutton and caper sauce. Curry--chicken.
+Sweets--Lemon jelly, blancmange, apricot tart, plum-pudding. Grilled
+sardines, cheese fritters, cheese, dessert.' Truth compels the avowal
+that there was no table-linen, nor was the board resplendent with
+plate or gay with flowers. Table crockery was deficient, or to be more
+accurate, there was none. All the dishes were of metal, and the soup
+was eaten, or rather drunk, out of mugs and iron teacups. But it
+tasted none the worse on this account, and let it be recorded that
+there _were_ champagne glasses, while between every two guests a
+portly magnum reared its golden head. Except 'The Queen,' of course,
+there were but two toasts after the feast--one was 'Absent Friends,'
+drunk in a wistful silence, and the other, the caterer's health,
+greeted with vociferous enthusiasm. A few fields off the wood had been
+collecting all day for the Christmas camp-fire of the 10th Hussars,
+and by ten o'clock the blaze of it was mounting high into the murky
+gloom. A right merry and social gathering it was round the bright glow
+of this Yule log in a far-off land. The flames danced on the wide
+circle of bearded faces, on the tangled fleeces of the postheens, on
+the gold braid of the forage caps, on the sombre hoods of beshliks....
+The songs ranged from gay to grave; the former mood in the ascendency.
+But occasionally there was sung a ditty, the associations with which
+brought it about that there came something strangely like a tear into
+the voice of the singer, and that a yearning wistfulness fell upon the
+faces of the listeners. The bronzed troopers in the background shaded
+with their hands the fire-flash from their eyes; and as the familiar
+homely strain ceased that recalled home and love and trailed at the
+heart strings till the breast felt to heave and the tears to rise,
+there would be a little pause of eloquent silence which told how
+thoughts had gone astraying half across the globe to the loved ones in
+dear old England, and were loath to come back again to the rum and the
+camp fire in Jellalabad plain. Ah, how many stood or sat around that
+camp fire that were never to see old England more? The snow had not
+melted on the Sufed Koh when half a squadron of the troopers were
+drowned in the treacherous Cabul river. No brighter soul or sweeter
+singer round that fire than Monty Slade; but the life went out of
+Monty Slade with his face to the foe and his wet sword grasped in a
+soldier-grip; and he lies under the palm trees by the wells of El
+Teb."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN CANADA.
+
+In Canada the severe and long-continued frosts convert a good deal of
+land and water into fields of ice, and skating is a very popular
+amusement of Christmastide. Sleighing is also very fashionable, and
+the large tracts of country covered with snow afford ample scope for
+the pastime. The jingle of the sleigh bells is heard in all the
+principal thoroughfares which at the season of the great winter
+festival present quite an animated appearance. The ears of the sleigh
+drivers are usually covered either by the cap or with a comforter,
+which in very cold weather is also wrapped over the mouth and nose.
+
+"Christmas Day," says an English Colonist, "is spent quietly in our
+own houses. New Year's Day is the day of general rejoicing, when every
+one either visits or receives their friends: and so, thinking of the
+merry times we have had in Old England, and comparing them with the
+quietness of to-day, we feel more like strangers in a strange land
+than ever before.
+
+"As a special treat, we are to have a real English Christmas dinner
+to-day, and our housekeeper has made a wonderful plum-pudding. The
+turkey is already steaming upon the table, and we soon fall to work
+upon him. He is well cooked, but there seems to be something wrong
+with his legs, which are so tough and sinewy that we come to the
+conclusion that he must have been training for a walking match. The
+rest of the dinner passes off very well, with the exception of the
+plum-pudding, which has to be brought to the table in a basin, as it
+firmly refuses to bind.
+
+"After dinner we retire to the sitting-room, and sit round the stove
+talking, while those of us addicted to the fragrant weed have a quiet
+smoke. Thus passes Christmas afternoon.
+
+"Tea-time soon comes round, and after we have refreshed ourselves, we
+resolve to end the day by paying a visit to a neighbour who possesses
+an American organ, and Christmas evening closes in to the music of
+those sweet old carols which that evening are heard over the whole
+world wherever an English colony is to be found."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRALIA.
+
+Christmas festivities in Australia are carried on in what we should
+call "summer weather." There is no lack of good cheer and good living,
+but cold and snow are at this season unknown, and skating and
+snowballing, as a consequence, are sports unheard of at Christmastide
+by the youth in the Antipodes. Large parties and excursions are often
+arranged for spending a short time in the parks and fields, and
+Christmas picnics partake much of the character of English
+"gipsy-parties." The inhabitants being chiefly English, many of the
+ceremonies customary in English homes are observed, and the changes
+that are made are enforced for the most part by the difference in
+climate, and by the altered circumstances under which the various
+festivities are arranged.
+
+In "A Summer Christmas," Douglas B. W. Sladen thus describes the
+Australian festivities:--
+
+ "The Christmas dinner was at two,
+  And all that wealth or pains could do
+  Was done to make it a success;
+  And marks of female tastefulness,
+  And traces of a lady's care,
+  Were noticeable everywhere.
+  The port was old, the champagne dry,
+  And every kind of luxury
+  Which Melbourne could supply was there.
+  They had the staple Christmas fare,
+  Roast beef and turkey (this was wild),
+  Mince-pies, plum-pudding, rich and mild,
+  One for the ladies, one designed
+  For Mr. Forte's severer mind,
+  Were on the board, yet in a way
+  It did not seem like Christmas day
+  With no gigantic beech yule-logs
+  Blazing between the brass fire-dogs,
+  And with 100° in the shade
+  On the thermometer displayed.
+  Nor were there Christmas offerings
+  Of tasteful inexpensive things,
+  Like those which one in England sends
+  At Christmas to his kin and friends,
+  Though the Professor with him took
+  A present of a recent book
+  For Lil and Madge and Mrs. Forte,
+  And though a card of some new sort
+  Had been arranged by Lil to face
+  At breakfast everybody's place.
+  When dinner ended nearly all
+  Stole off to lounges in the hall.
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  All save the two old folks and Lil,
+  Who made their hearts expand and thrill
+  By playing snatches, slow and clear,
+  Of carols they'd been used to hear
+  Some half a century ago
+  At High Wick Manor, when the two
+  Were bashful maidens: they talked on,
+  Of England and what they had done
+  On byegone Christmas nights at home,
+  Of friends beyond the Northern foam,
+  And friends beyond that other sea,
+  Yet further--whither ceaselessly
+  Travellers follow the old track,
+  But whence no messenger comes back."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN NEW ZEALAND.
+
+In 1887, we received a letter from Mr. W. M. Stanton, of Nelson, New
+Zealand, giving the following interesting account of the colonists'
+observance of Christmas:--
+
+"And now, as to Christmas, I wish I could express all I feel on this
+peculiarly English season of 'peace and goodwill.' I remember the
+picturesque snow (seen here only on the distant blue mountain tops),
+the icy stalactites pendant from the leafless branches, the twitter of
+the robin redbreast, the holly, and the mistletoe, decorated homes,
+redolent with the effects of the festive cooking, and the warm blazing
+firelight, the meeting of families and of friends, the waits, the
+grand old peals from the belfries; but, alas, here these childhood
+associations are dispelled, half broken, and we acclimatised denizens
+adapt our festivities to other modes--not that we forget the Christmas
+season, but enjoy it differently, as I will briefly tell you, as you
+ask, 'how we spend Christmas in New Zealand.' First, our ladies
+decorate the churches for the Christmas services, not with the
+evergreens of old exclusively; they do indeed affect the holly, ivy,
+and (New Zealand) mistletoe, but they make up with umbrageous and rich
+ferns, lachipoden, lauristinas, Portugal laurels, and our own
+beautiful evergreen, Ngaio, and with all the midsummer flowers at
+command; then the clerk, the storeman, the merchant, and the mechanic
+indulge in 'trips,' or day excursions, in small steamboats, to the
+neighbouring bays surrounding small townships, and villages on the
+coast. Others again, take the train for a day's outing and play
+quoits, rounders, lawn tennis, and the like; the sportsman, perhaps,
+preferring his gun and his dog; families, again, are picnic-mad, for
+your colonist can rival the Cockney any day for making his holiday in
+the country. It may be to 'the rocks' he goes to watch his youngsters
+paddling in the rolling tide, or to the toil of clambering up the 'dim
+mountain,' which seems to suit their hardy lungs better than the shade
+of the 'fern glen,' and a journey of eighteen miles to the Maori Pa is
+as nothing. The Union Company's fine coasting steamships run
+passengers at half fares at this season, and the result is an
+interchange of visits between the dwellers in Nelson, Wellington,
+Marlboro', and Wanjani, amongst whom there is much rivalry and more
+friendship. Then there is the Christmas regatta, the performance of
+the 'Messiah' by the musical societies, and the inevitable evening
+dances, and thus the New Zealand Christmas is spent.
+
+"I am reminded, by my young clerk, that the mail is about closing, and
+that this letter must also close, if it is to go to-day, and thus I
+must omit the mention of the new year's festivities, which properly
+belong to our numerous Scottish fellow settlers who in their own
+country ignore Christmas as a popish superstition; they are, however,
+now becoming anglicised ('Englified' they call it) in their habits,
+and similarly the Midland county men of England enter into their
+Caledonian custom, from the harmless orgies of 'Hagmenae' to the
+frantic capers of 'Gillie Cullum,' to the skirl of the panting piper."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.
+
+In "A Voyage in the _Sunbeam_," Lady Brassey gives an interesting
+account of the keeping of Christmas, 1876, on the Sandwich Islands. We
+quote the following extracts:--
+
+"Twenty minutes' hard riding brought us to the door of the 'Volcano
+House,' from which issued the comforting light of a large wood fire,
+reaching half way up the chimney.
+
+"Everything at this inn is most comfortable, though the style is rough
+and ready. The interior is just now decorated for Christmas, with
+wreaths, and evergreens, and ferns, and branches of white plumes, not
+unlike _reva-reva_, made from the path of the silver grass.
+
+"The grandeur of the view in the direction of the volcano increased as
+the evening wore on. The fiery cloud above the present crater grew in
+size and depth of colour; the extinct crater glowed red in thirty or
+forty different places; and clouds of white vapour issued from every
+crack and crevice in the ground, adding to the sulphurous smell with
+which the atmosphere was laden. Our room faced the volcano: there were
+no blinds, and I drew back the curtains and lay watching the splendid
+scene until I fell asleep.
+
+"_Sunday, December 24th (Christmas Eve)_--I was up at four o'clock to
+gaze once more on the wondrous spectacle that lay before me. The
+molten lava still glowed in many places, the red cloud over the fiery
+lake was bright as ever, and steam was slowly ascending in every
+direction over hill and valley, till, as the sun rose, it became
+difficult to distinguish clearly the sulphurous vapours from the
+morning mists. We walked down to the Sulphur Banks, about a quarter of
+a mile from the 'Volcano House,' and burnt our gloves and boots in our
+endeavours to procure crystals, the beauty of which generally
+disappeared after a very short exposure to the air. We succeeded,
+however, in finding a few good specimens, and, by wrapping them at
+once in paper and cotton-wool and putting them into a bottle, hope to
+bring them home uninjured.
+
+"_Monday, December 25th (Christmas Day)_--Turning in last night was
+the work of a very few minutes, and this morning I awoke perfectly
+refreshed and ready to appreciate anew the wonders of the prospect
+that met my eyes. The pillar of fire was still distinctly visible,
+when I looked out from my window, though it was not so bright as when
+I had last seen it, but even as I looked it began to fade and
+gradually disappeared. At the same moment a river of glowing lava
+issued from the side of the bank we had climbed with so much
+difficulty yesterday, and slowly but surely overflowed the ground we
+had walked over. You may imagine the feelings with which we gazed upon
+this startling phenomenon, which had it occurred a few hours earlier,
+might have caused the destruction of the whole party.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"It would, I think, be difficult to imagine a more interesting and
+exciting mode of spending Christmas Eve than yesterday has taught us,
+or a stranger situation in which to exchange our Christmas greetings
+than beneath the grass roof of an inn on the edge of a volcano in the
+remote Sandwich Islands.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"The ride down to Hilo was as dull and monotonous as our upward
+journey had been. At last we reached the pier, where we found the
+usual little crowd waiting to see us off. The girls who had followed
+us when we first landed came forward shyly when they thought they were
+unobserved, and again encircled me with _leis_ of gay and fragrant
+flowers. The custom of decorating themselves with wreaths on every
+possible occasion is in my eyes a charming one, and I like the
+inhabitants of Polynesia for their love of flowers.
+
+"The whole town was _en fête_ to-day. Natives were riding about in
+pairs, in the cleanest of bright cotton dresses and the freshest of
+_leis_ and garlands. Our own men from the yacht contributed not a
+little to the gaiety of the scene. They were all on shore, and the
+greater part of them were galloping about on horseback, tumbling off,
+scrambling on again, laughing, flirting, joking, and enjoying
+themselves generally after a fashion peculiar to English sailors. As
+far as we know the only evil result of all this merriment was that the
+doctor received a good many applications for diachylon plaster in the
+course of the evening, to repair various 'abrasions of the cuticle,'
+as he expressed it.
+
+"I think at least half the population of Hilo had been on board the
+yacht in the course of the day, as a Christmas treat. At last we took
+a boat and went off too, accompanied by Mr. Lyman. The appearance of
+the 'Sunbeam' from the shore was very gay, and as we approached it
+became more festive still. All her masts were tipped with sugar-canes
+in bloom. Her stern was adorned with flowers, and in the arms of the
+figurehead was a large bouquet. She was surrounded with boats, the
+occupants of which cheered us heartily as we rode alongside. The whole
+deck was festooned with tropical plants and flowers, and the
+decorations of the cabins were even more beautiful and elaborate. I
+believe all hands had been hard at work ever since we left to produce
+this wonderful effect, and every garden in Hilo had furnished a
+contribution to please and surprise us on our return.
+
+"The choir from Hilo came out in boats in the evening, sang all sorts
+of songs, sacred and secular, and cheered everybody till they were
+hoarse. After this, having had a cold dinner, in order to save
+trouble, and having duly drunk the health of our friends at home, we
+all adjourned to the saloon, to assist in the distribution of some
+Christmas presents--a ceremony which afforded great delight to the
+children, and which was equally pleasing to the elder people and to
+the crew, if one may judge from their behaviour on the occasion.
+
+"Then we sat on deck, gazing at the cloud of fire over Kilauea, and
+wondering if the appearance of the crater could ever be grander than
+it was last night, when we were standing on its brim.
+
+"So ended Christmas Day, 1876, at Hilo, in Hawaii. God grant that
+there may be many more as pleasant for us in the future!"
+
+
+CHRISTMAS ON BOARD THE "SUNBEAM," 1879.
+
+                "The wind is chill,
+  But let it whistle as it will
+  We'll keep our Christmas merry still."
+
+In "Sunshine and Storm in the East, or Cruises to Cyprus and
+Constantinople," Lady Brassey gives an interesting account of the
+celebration of Christmas on board the _Sunbeam_, between Malta and
+Marseilles, December 25, 1879:--"We had service early and then spent a
+long busy morning in arranging all the presents for the children,
+servants, and crew, and in decorating the cabin. We could not manage
+any holly, but we had carefully preserved one bough of mistletoe from
+Artaki Bay, and had brought on board at Malta baskets full of flowers,
+so that all the pictures, lamps, and even walls, were wreathed with
+festoons of bougainvillæa, ivy, and other creeping plants; while in
+every available corner were placed, vases, bowls, and soup-plates,
+containing flowers. If not exactly 'gay with holly-berries,' so dear
+to English hearts from their association with yule-tide at home, the
+general appearance of the cabins was highly satisfactory. In the
+meantime they had been busy in the kitchen and pantry departments,
+preparing all sorts of good things for dinner, and pretty things for
+dessert, in order that the crew and servants might enjoy a more
+sumptuous repast than usual. A Christmas tree, a snow man, or an ice
+cave, for the distribution of presents, was not within the limit of
+our resources; but we decorated our tables and sideboards with bright
+shawls and scarves, and wreathed and divided the surface of each with
+garlands of flowers, placing in every division a pretty Christmas
+card, bearing the name of the recipient of the present, which was
+hidden away among the flowers beneath.... For the men there was plenty
+of tobacco, besides books and useful things; for the children toys;
+and for ourselves, slippers and little remembrances of various kinds,
+some sent from home to meet us, others recent purchases. The
+distribution over, one or two speeches were made, and mutual
+congratulations and good wishes were exchanged. Then the crew and
+servants retired to enjoy the, to them, all-important event of the
+day--dinner and dessert. After our own late dinner, we thought of
+those near and dear to us at home, and drank to the health of 'absent
+friends.'"
+
+
+A MISSIONARY'S CHRISTMAS IN CHINA.
+
+In a letter from Tsing Cheu Fu Chefoo, December 24, 1887, the Rev. A.
+G. Jones, Baptist missionary, says:--
+
+"Mr. Dawson asks how Englishmen spend Christmas in China. Well, it
+depends. Some spend it at the ports dog-racing and eating
+pudding--having a night of it. The missionaries generally take no
+notice of it. In our mission we hold one of the semi-annual
+dedication-of-children services on Christmas. We think it a very
+appropriate day for the recognition of the sacredness of the gift of
+trust of children. The idea is a Chinese one, originating with one of
+our Christians, and we adopted it as the day for the custom.
+Tomorrow will be Christmas Day, and I have come out twenty miles
+this evening to hold a service of that kind with the semi-annual
+communion as it happens. It will be a cold, cheerless room in a
+clay-built cabin down in the corner of a bare valley in a trap and
+basalt district with sparse vegetation and a bare aspect. A cold spot
+with a handful of Christians, bearing their testimony alone out on the
+margin of our field of work. I hope to see 40 or 50 patients up to
+sundown, and then have worship with them at night. That will be my
+Christmas. This evening--in the city--all the children and our wives
+are having a Christmas tree in the theological lecture-room, and on
+Tuesday next I guess we'll have our dinner. John Bull, Paddy, Sandy,
+and Taffy all seem to agree in _that_ feature. My Sunday will only be
+a sample of others. So it goes--working away. Now I must say goodbye.
+Many thanks and many good wishes."
+
+
+A VISIT TO CHRISTMAS ISLAND.
+
+Letters were received in December, 1887, from H.M.S. _Egeria_,
+Commander Pelham Aldrich, containing particulars of a visit she had
+recently made to Christmas Island, which she was ordered to explore
+for scientific purposes. Christmas Island is situated in the Indian
+Ocean, in latitude 11° south, longitude 105° 30' east; it is 1,100
+feet above the sea, is twelve miles long and eight miles broad. The
+officers and men told off for exploring purposes found that the whole
+place was composed of coral and rock; notwithstanding this, however,
+it is covered almost completely with trees and shrubs, the trees,
+which are of large dimensions, seeming to grow literally out of the
+rock itself, earth surfaces being conspicuous by their absence. It is
+uninhabited by human beings, nor could any traces of animals be
+discovered, but seabirds swarm over every part of the island, and
+about four hundred wood pigeons were shot by the explorers while they
+remained there. No fruits or vegetable matter fit for consumption
+could, however, be found, nor the existence of any supply of fresh
+water, and the belief is that the vegetation of the island is
+dependent for nourishment on the dews and the heavy rains that fall.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA.
+
+Writing just before the Christmas festival of 1855, Mr. Howard Paul
+says the general manner of celebrating Christmas Day is much the same
+wherever professors of the Christian faith are found; and the United
+States, as the great Transatlantic offshoot of Saxon principles, would
+be the first to conserve the traditional ceremonies handed down from
+time immemorial by our canonical progenitors of the East. But every
+nation has its idiocratic notions, minute and otherwise, and it is not
+strange that the Americans, as a creative people, have peculiar and
+varied ways of their own in keeping this, the most remarkable day in
+the calendar. Now and then they add a supplemental form to the
+accepted code--characteristic of the mutable and progressive spirit of
+the people--though there still exists the Church service, the
+conventional carol, the evergreen decorations, the plum-puddings, the
+pantomime, and a score of other "demonstrations" that never can
+legitimately be forgotten.
+
+Society generally seems to apportion the day thus: Church in the
+morning, dinner in the afternoon, and amusements in the evening. The
+Christmas dinners concentrate the scattered members of families, who
+meet together to break bread in social harmony, and exchange those
+home sentiments that cement the happiness of kindred. To-day the
+prodigal once more returns to the paternal roof; the spendthrift
+forsakes his boon companions; the convivialist deserts the wine-cup.
+The beautiful genius of domestic love has triumphed, and who can
+foresee the blessed results?
+
+Parties, balls, and fêtes, with their endless routine of gaieties, are
+looked forward to, as pleasures are, the wide world over; and all
+classes, from highest to lowest, have their modes of enjoyment marked
+out. Preparation follows preparation in festal succession. Sorrow
+hides her Gorgon head, care may betake itself to any dreary recesses,
+for Christmas must be a gala!
+
+There is generally snow on the ground at this time; if Nature is
+amiable, there is sure to be; and a Christmas sleigh-ride is one of
+those American delights that defy rivalry. There is no withstanding
+the merry chime of the bells and a fleet passage over the snow-skirted
+roads. Town and country look as if they had arisen in the morning in
+robes of unsullied white. Every housetop is spangled with the bright
+element; soft flakes are coquetting in the atmosphere, and a pure
+mantle has been spread on all sides, that fairly invites one to
+disport upon its gleaming surface.
+
+We abide quietly within our pleasant home on either the eve or night
+of Christmas. How the sleighs glide by in rapid glee, the music of the
+bells and the songs of the excursionists falling on our ears in very
+wildness. We strive in vain to content ourselves. We glance at the
+cheerful fire, and hearken to the genial voices around us. We
+philosophise, and struggle against the tokens of merriment without;
+but the restraint is torture. We, too, must join the revellers, and
+have a sleigh-ride. Girls, get on your fur; wrap yourselves up warmly
+in the old bear-skin; hunt up the old guitar; the sleigh is at the
+door, the moon is beaming. The bells tinkle and away we go!
+
+An old English legend was transplanted many years ago on the shores of
+America, that took root and flourished with wonderful luxuriance,
+considering it was not indigenous to the country. Probably it was
+taken over to New York by one of the primitive Knickerbockers, or it
+might have clung to some of the drowsy burgomasters who had forsaken
+the pictorial tiles of dear old Amsterdam about the time of Peter de
+Laar, or Il Bombaccia, as the Italians call him, got into disgrace in
+Rome. However this may be, certain it is that Santa Claus, or St.
+Nicholas, the kind Patron-saint of the Juveniles, makes his annual
+appearance on Christmas Eve, for the purpose of dispensing gifts to
+all good children. This festive elf is supposed to be a queer little
+creature that descends the chimney, viewlessly, in the deep hours of
+night, laden with gifts and presents, which he bestows with no sparing
+hand, reserving to himself a supernatural discrimination that he seems
+to exercise with every satisfaction. Before going to bed the children
+hang their newest stockings near the chimney, or pin them to the
+curtains of the bed. Midnight finds a world of hosiery waiting for
+favours; and the only wonder is that a single Santa Claus can get
+around among them all. The story goes that he never misses one,
+provided it belongs to a deserving youngster, and morning is sure to
+bring no reproach that the Christmas Wizard has not nobly performed
+his wondrous duties. We need scarcely enlighten the reader as to who
+the real Santa Claus is. Every indulgent parent contributes to the
+pleasing deception, though the juveniles are strong in their faith of
+their generous holiday patron. The following favourite lines
+graphically describe a visit of St. Nicholas, and, being in great
+vogue with the young people of America, are fondly reproduced from
+year to year:--
+
+"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
+  Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
+  The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
+  In the hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
+  The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
+  While visions of sugar plums danced through their heads;
+  And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
+  Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,
+  When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
+  I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
+  The way to the window, I flew like a flash,
+  Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash;
+  The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
+  Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
+  When what to my wondering eyes should appear
+  But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer;
+  With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
+  I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
+  More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
+  And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
+  Now Dasher! now Dancer! Now Prancer! now Vixen!
+  On Comet! on Cupid! on Donder and Blixen!
+  To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!
+  Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!'
+  As the leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
+  When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
+  So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
+  With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
+  And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof,
+  The prancing and pawing of each little hoof;
+  As I drew in my head and was turning around,
+  Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
+  He was dressed all in furs from his head to his foot
+  And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
+  A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
+  And he looked like a pedlar just opening his pack.
+  His eyes, how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!
+  His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;
+  His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
+  And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
+  The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
+  And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
+  He had a broad face and a little round belly
+  That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
+  He was chubby and plump--a right jolly old elf;
+  And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
+  A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
+  Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
+  He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
+  And filled all the stockings--then turned with a jerk,
+  And laying his finger aside of his nose,
+  And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
+  He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
+  And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
+  But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
+  'Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!'"
+
+A curious feature of an American Christmas is the egg-nogg and free
+lunch, distributed at all the hotels and cafés. A week at least
+before the 25th fanciful signs are suspended over the fountains of the
+bars (the hotel-keepers are quite classic in their ideas) announcing
+superb lunch and egg-noggs on Christmas Day. This invitation is sure
+to meet with a large response from the amateur epicures about town,
+who, ever on the _qui vive_ for a banquet gratis, flock to the festive
+standard, since it has never been found a difficult matter to give
+things away, from the time old Heliogabalus gastronomed in Phoenicia
+up to the present hour. A splendid hall in one of the principal
+hotels, at this moment, occurs to us. A table, the length of the
+apartment, is spread and furnished with twenty made dishes peculiar to
+the Christmas _cuisine_. There are _chorodens_ and _fricassees_,
+_ragoûts_ and _calipee_, of rapturous delicacy. Each dish is labelled,
+and attended by a black servant, who serves its contents on very small
+white gilt-edged plates. At the head of the table a vast bowl,
+ornamented with indescribable Chinese figures, contains the
+egg-nogg--a palatable compound of milk, eggs, brandy, and spices,
+nankeenish in colour, with froth enough on its surface to generate any
+number of Venuses, if the old Peloponnesian anecdote is worth
+remembering at all. Over the egg-nogg mine host usually officiates,
+all smiles and benignity, pouring the rich draught with miraculous
+dexterity into cut-glass goblets, and passing it to the surrounding
+guests with profuse hand. On this occasion the long range of fancy
+drinks are forgotten. Sherry-cobblers, mint-juleps, gin-slings, and
+punches, are set aside in order that the sway of the Christmas draught
+may be supreme. Free lunches are extremely common in the United
+States, what are called "eleven o'clock snacks" especially; but the
+accompaniment of egg-nogg belongs unequivocally to the death of the
+year.
+
+The presentation of "boxes" and souvenirs is the same in America as in
+England, the token of remembrance having an inseparable alliance with
+the same period. Everybody expects to give and receive. A month before
+the event the fancy stores are crowded all day long with old and young
+in search of suitable _souvenirs_, and every object is purchased, from
+costliest gems to the tawdriest _babiole_ that may get into the
+market. If the weather should be fine, the principal streets are
+thronged with ladies shopping in sleighs; and hither and thither sleds
+shoot by, laden with parcels of painted toys, instruments of mock
+music and septuagenarian dread, from a penny trumpet to a sheepskin
+drum.
+
+Christmas seems to be a popular period among the young folk for being
+mated, and a surprising number approach the altar this morning.
+Whether it is that orange-flowers and bridal gifts are admirably
+adapted to the time, or that a longer lease of happiness is ensured
+from the joyous character of the occasion, we are not sufficiently
+learned in hymeneal lore to announce. The Christmas week, however, is
+a merry one for the honeymoon, as little is thought of but mirth and
+gaiety until the dawning New Year soberly suggests that we should put
+aside our masquerade manners.
+
+In drawing-room amusements society has a wealth of pleasing indoor
+pastimes. We remember the sententious Question _réunions_, the
+hilarious Surprise parties, Fairy-bowl, and Hunt-the-slipper. We can
+never forget the vagabond Calathumpians, who employ in their bands
+everything inharmonious, from a fire-shovel to a stewpan, causing more
+din than the demons down under the sea ever dreamed of.
+
+What, then, between the sleigh-rides, the bell-melodies, old Santa
+Claus and his fictions, the egg-nogg and lunches, the weddings and the
+willingness to be entertained, the Americans find no difficulty in
+enjoying Christmas Day. Old forms and new notions come in for a share
+of observances; and the young country, in a glow of good humour, with
+one voice exclaims, "Le bon temps vienara!"
+
+
+PRESIDENT HARRISON AS "SANTA CLAUS."
+
+Writing from New York on December 22, 1891, a correspondent says:
+"President Harrison was seen by your correspondent at the White House
+yesterday, and was asked what he thought about Christmas and its
+religious and social influences. The President expressed himself
+willing to offer his opinions, and said: 'Christmas is the most sacred
+religious festival of the year, and should be an occasion of general
+rejoicing throughout the land, from the humblest citizen to the
+highest official, who, for the time being, should forget or put behind
+him his cares and annoyances, and participate in the spirit of
+seasonable festivity. We intend to make it a happy day at the White
+House--all the members of my family, representing four generations,
+will gather around the big table in the State dining-room to have an
+old-fashioned Christmas dinner. Besides Mrs. Harrison, there will be
+her father, Dr. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. M'Kee and their children, Mrs.
+Dimmick and Lieutenant and Mrs. Parker. I am an ardent believer in the
+duty we owe to ourselves as Christians to make merry for children at
+Christmas time, and we shall have an old-fashioned Christmas tree for
+the grandchildren upstairs; and I shall be their Santa Claus myself.
+If my influence goes for aught in this busy world let me hope that my
+example may be followed in every family in the land.'
+
+"Christmas is made as much of in this country as it is in England, if
+not more. The plum-pudding is not universal, but the Christmas tree is
+in almost every home. Even in the tenement districts of the East side,
+inhabited by the labouring and poorer classes, these vernal emblems of
+the anniversary are quite as much in demand as in other quarters, and
+if they and the gifts hung upon them are less elaborate than their
+West side congeners, the household enthusiasm which welcomes them is
+quite as marked. As in London, the streets are flooded with Christmas
+numbers of the periodicals, which, it may be remarked, are this year
+more elaborate in design and execution than ever. The use of Christmas
+cards has also obtained surprising proportions. A marked feature of
+this year's Christmas is the variety and elegance of offerings after
+the Paris fashion, which are of a purely ornamental and but slight
+utilitarian character. There are bonbonnières in a variety of forms,
+some of them very magnificent and expensive; while the Christmas cards
+range in prices from a cent to ten dollars each. These bonbonnières,
+decked with expensive ribbon or hand-painted with designs of the
+season, attain prices as high as forty dollars each, and are in great
+favour among the wealthy classes. Flowers are also much used, and,
+just now, are exceedingly costly.
+
+"While the usual religious ceremonies of the day are generally
+observed here, the mass of the community are inclined to treat the
+occasion as a festive rather than a solemn occasion, and upon
+festivity the whole population at the present time seems bent."
+
+
+"MERRY CHRISTMAS" WITH THE NEGROES.
+
+A journalist who has been amongst the negroes in the Southern States
+of America thus describes their Christmas festivities:--
+
+"Christmas in the South of the United States is a time-honoured
+holiday season, as ancient as the settlement of the Cavalier colonies
+themselves. We may imagine it to have been imported from 'merrie
+England' by the large-hearted Papist, Lord Baltimore, into Maryland,
+and by that chivalric group of Virginian colonists, of whom the
+central historical figure is the famous Captain John Smith, of
+Pocahontas memory. Perhaps Christmas was even the more heartily
+celebrated among these true Papist and Church of England settlers from
+the disgust which they felt at the stern contempt in which the Natal
+Day was held by 'stiff-necked Puritans' of New England. At least,
+while in New England the pilgrims were wont to work with exceptional
+might on Christmas Day, to show their detestation of it, traditions
+are still extant of the jovial Southern merrymaking of the festival.
+Christmas, with many of the Old England customs imported to the new
+soil, derived new spirit and enjoyment from customs which had their
+origin in the Colonies themselves. Above all was it the gala
+season--the period to be looked forward to and revelled in--of the
+negroes. Slavery, with all its horrors and wickedness, had at least
+some genial features; and the latitude which the masters gave to the
+slaves at Christmas time, the freedom with which the blacks were wont
+to concentrate a year's enjoyment into the Christmas week, was one of
+these. In Washington, where until the war slavery existed in a mild
+and more civilised form, the negro celebrations of Christmas were the
+peculiar and amusing feature of the season. And many of these customs,
+which grew up amid slavery, have survived that institution. The
+Washington negroes, free, have pretty much the same zest for their
+time-honoured amusements which they had when under the dominion of the
+oligarchy. Christmas is still their great gala and occasion for
+merry-making, and the sable creatures thoroughly understand the art of
+having a good time, being superior, at least in this respect, to many
+a _blasé_ Prince and Court noble distracted with _ennui_. Those who
+have seen the 'Minstrels' may derive some idea, though but a slight
+one, of the negro pastimes and peculiarities. They are, above all, a
+social, enthusiastic, whole-souled race; they have their own ideas of
+rank and social caste, and they have a humour which is homely, but
+thoroughly genial, and quite the monopoly of their race. They insist
+on the whole of Christmas week for a holiday. 'Missus' must manage how
+she can. To insist on chaining them down in the kitchen during that
+halcyon time would stir up blank rebellion. Dancing and music are
+their favourite Christmas recreations; they manage both with a will.
+In the city suburbs there are many modest little frame-houses
+inhabited by the blacks; now and then a homely inn kept by a dusky
+landlord. Here in Christmas time you will witness many jolly and
+infectiously pleasant scenes. There is a 'sound of revelry by night.'
+You are free to enter, and observe near by the countless gyrations of
+the negro cotillon, the intricate and deftly executed jig, the rude
+melody of banjos and 'cornstalk fiddles.' They are always proud to
+have 'de white folks' for spectators and applauders, and will give
+you the best seat, and will outdo themselves in their anxiety to show
+off at their best before you. You will be astonished to observe the
+scrupulous neatness of the men, the gaudy and ostentatious habiliments
+of 'de ladies.' The negroes have an intense ambition to imitate the
+upper classes of white society. They will study the apparel of a
+well-dressed gentleman, and squander their money on 'swallow-tail'
+coats, high dickeys, white neckties, and the most elaborate arts of
+their dusky barbers. The women are even more imitative of their
+mistresses. Ribbons, laces, and silks adorn them, on festive
+occasions, of the most painfully vivid colours, and fashioned in all
+the extravagance of negro taste. Not less anxious are they to imitate
+the manners of aristocracy. The excessive chivalry and overwhelming
+politeness of the men towards the women is amazing. They make gallant
+speeches in which they insert as many of the longest and most learned
+words as they can master, picked up at random, and not always
+peculiarly adapted to the use made of them. Their excitement in the
+dance, and at the sound of music, grows as intense as does their furor
+in a Methodist revival meeting. They have, too, dances and music
+peculiar to themselves--jigs and country dances which seem to have no
+method, yet which are perfectly adapted to and rhythmic with the
+inspiring abrupt thud of the banjo and the bones. As they dance, they
+shout and sing, slap their hands and knees, and lose themselves in the
+enthusiasm of the moment. The negroes look forward to Christmas not
+less as the season for present-giving than that of frolicking and
+jollity. Early in the morning they hasten upstairs, and catch 'massa'
+and 'missus' and 'de chillun' with a respectful but eager 'Merry
+Christmas,' and are sure to get in return a new coat or pair of boots,
+a gingham dress, or ear-rings more showy than expensive. They have
+saved up, too, a pittance from their wages, to expend in a souvenir
+for 'Dinah' or 'Pompey,' the never-to-be-forgotten belle or
+sweetheart."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE.
+
+The following account of Christmas in France, in 1823, is given by an
+English writer of the period:--
+
+"The habits and customs of Parisians vary much from those of our own
+metropolis at all times, but at no time more than at this festive
+season. An Englishman in Paris, who had been for some time without
+referring to his almanac, would not know Christmas Day from another
+day by the appearance of the capital. It is indeed set down as a _jour
+de fête_ in the calendar, but all the ordinary business life is
+transacted; the streets are as usual, crowded with waggons and
+coaches; the shops, with few exceptions, are open, although on other
+_fête_ days the order for closing them is rigorously enforced, and if
+not attended to, a fine levied; and at the churches nothing
+extraordinary is going forward. All this is surprising in a Catholic
+country, which professes to pay much attention to the outward rites of
+religion.
+
+"On _Christmas Eve_, indeed, there is some bustle for a midnight mass,
+to which immense numbers flock, as the priests, on this occasion, get
+up a showy spectacle which rivals the theatres. The altars are dressed
+with flowers, and the churches decorated profusely; but there is
+little in all this to please men who have been accustomed to the John
+Bull mode of spending the evening. The good English habit of meeting
+together to forgive offences and injuries, and to cement
+reconciliations, is here unknown. The French listen to the Church
+music, and to the singing of their choirs, which is generally
+excellent, but they know nothing of the origin of the day and of the
+duties which it imposes. The English residents in Paris, however, do
+not forget our mode of celebrating this day. Acts of charity from the
+rich to the needy, religious attendance at church, and a full
+observance of hospitable rites, are there witnessed. Paris furnishes
+all the requisites for a good pudding, and the turkeys are excellent,
+though the beef is not to be displayed as a prize production.
+
+"On _Christmas Day_ all the English cooks in Paris are in full
+business. The queen of cooks, however, is Harriet Dunn, of the
+Boulevard. As Sir Astley Cooper among the cutters of limbs, and
+d'Egville among the cutters of capers, so is Harriet Dunn among the
+professors of one of the most necessary, and in its results most
+gratifying professions in existence; her services are secured
+beforehand by special retainers; and happy is the peer who can point
+to his pudding, and declare that it is of the true Dunn composition.
+Her fame has even extended to the provinces. For some time previous to
+Christmas Day, she forwards puddings in cases to all parts of the
+country, ready cooked and fit for the table, after the necessary
+warming. All this is, of course, for the English. No prejudice can be
+stronger than that of the French against plum-pudding--a Frenchman
+will dress like an Englishman, swear like an Englishman, and get drunk
+like an Englishman; but if you would offend him for ever compel him to
+eat plum-pudding. A few of the leading restaurateurs, wishing to
+appear extraordinary, have _plomb-pooding_ upon their cartes, but in
+no instance is it ever ordered by a Frenchman. Everybody has heard the
+story of St. Louis--Henri Qautre, or whoever else it might be--who,
+wishing to regale the English ambassador on Christmas Day with a
+plum-pudding, procured an excellent recipe for making one, which he
+gave to his cook, with strict injunctions that it should be prepared
+with due attention to all particulars. The weight of the ingredients,
+the size of the copper, the quantity of water, the duration of time,
+everything was attended to except one trifle--the king forgot the
+cloth, and the pudding was served up, like so much soup in immense
+tureens, to the surprise of the ambassador, who was, however, too well
+bred to express his astonishment. Louis XVIII., either to show his
+contempt of the prejudices of his countrymen, or to keep up a custom
+which suits his palate, has always an enormous pudding on Christmas
+Day, the remains of which, when it leaves the table, he requires to be
+eaten by the servants, _bon gré, mauvais gré_; but in this instance
+even the commands of sovereignty are disregarded, except by the
+numerous English in his service, consisting of several valets, grooms,
+coachmen, &c., besides a great number of ladies' maids in the service
+of the duchesses of Angouleme and Berri, who very frequently partake
+of the dainties of the king's table."
+
+In his "Year Book, 1832," Hone says that at Rouen, after the _Te
+Deum_, in the nocturnal office or vigil of Christmas, the
+ecclesiastics celebrated the "office of the shepherds" in the
+following manner:--
+
+"The image of the Virgin Mary was placed in a stable prepared behind
+the altar. A boy from above, before the choir, in the likeness of an
+angel, announced the nativity to certain canons or vicars, who entered
+as shepherds through the great door of the choir, clothed in tunicks
+and amesses. Many boys in the vaults of the church, like angels, then
+began the '_gloria in excelsis_.' The shepherds, hearing this,
+advanced to the stable, singing '_peace, goodwill_,' &c. As soon as
+they entered it, two priests in dalmaticks, as if women (quasi
+obstetrices) who were stationed at the stable, said, 'Whom seek ye?'
+The shepherds answered, according to the angelic annunciation, 'Our
+Saviour Christ.' The women then opening the curtain exhibited the boy,
+saying, 'The little one is here as the Prophet Isaiah said.' They then
+showed the mother, saying, 'Behold the Virgin,' &c. Upon these
+exhibitions they bowed and worshipped the boy, and saluted his mother.
+The office ended by their returning to the choir, and singing,
+Alleluia, &c."[95]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS DAY IN BESIEGED PARIS.
+
+"Christmas, Paris,
+"_Sunday, Dec. 25, 1870, 98th day of the Siege._
+
+"Never has a sadder Christmas dawned on any city. Cold, hunger, agony,
+grief, and despair sit enthroned at every habitation in Paris. It is
+the coldest day of the season and the fuel is very short; and the
+government has had to take hold of the fuel question, and the
+magnificent shade-trees that have for ages adorned the avenues of this
+city are all likely to go in the vain struggle to save France. So says
+the Official Journal of this morning. The sufferings of the past week
+exceed by far anything we have seen. There is scarcely any meat but
+horse-meat, and the government is now rationing. It carries out its
+work with impartiality. The omnibus-horse, the cab-horse, the
+work-horse, and the fancy-horse, all go alike in the mournful
+procession to the butchery shops--the magnificent blooded steed of the
+Rothschilds by the side of the old plug of the cabman. Fresh beef,
+mutton, pork are now out of the question. A little poultry yet remains
+at fabulous prices. In walking through the Rue St. Lazare I saw a
+middling-sized goose and chicken for sale in a shop-window, and I had
+the curiosity to step in and inquire the price (rash man that I was).
+The price of the goose was $25, and the chicken $7."[96]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN PARIS IN 1886.
+
+The Paris correspondent of the _Daily Telegraph_ writes:--"Although
+New Year's Day is the great French festival, the fashion of
+celebrating Christmas something after the English custom is gaining
+ground in Paris every year. Thus a good deal of mistletoe now makes
+its appearance on the boulevards and in the shop windows, and it is
+evident that the famous Druidical plant, which is shipped in such
+large quantities every year to England from Normandy and Brittany, is
+fast becoming popular among Parisians. Another custom, that of
+decorating Christmas trees in the English and German style, has
+become quite an annual solemnity here since the influx of Alsatians
+and Lorrainers, while it is considered _chic_, in many quarters, to
+eat approximate plum-pudding on the 25th of December. Unfortunately,
+the Parisian 'blom budding,' unless prepared by British hands, is
+generally a concoction of culinary atrocities, tasting, let us say,
+like saveloy soup and ginger-bread porridge. In a few instances the
+'Angleesh blom budding' has been served at French tables in a soup
+tureen; and guests have been known to direct fearful and furtive
+glances towards it, just as an Englishman might regard with mingled
+feelings of surprise and suspicion a fricassee of frogs. But
+independently of foreign innovations, Parisians have their own way of
+celebrating Noël. To-night (Christmas Eve) for instance, there will be
+midnight masses in the principal churches, when appropriate canticles
+and Adam's popular 'Noël' will be sung. In many private houses the
+_boudin_ will also be eaten after the midnight mass, the rich
+baptising it in champagne, and the _petit bourgeois_, who has not a
+wine cellar, in a cheap concoction of bottled stuff with a Bordeaux
+label but a strong Paris flavour. The feast of Noël is, however, more
+archaically, and at the same time more earnestly, celebrated in
+provincial France. In the south the head of the family kindles the
+yule-log, or _bûche-de-Noël_, which is supposed to continue burning
+until the arrival of spring. Paterfamilias also lights the _calen_, or
+Christmas lamp, which represents the Star of Bethlehem, and then all
+repair to the midnight mass in those picturesque groups which painters
+have delighted to commit to canvas. The inevitable _baraques_, or
+booths, which are allowed to remain on the great boulevards from
+Christmas Eve until the Feast of the Kings, on January 6, have made
+their appearance. They extend from the Place de la Madeleine to the
+Place de la République, and are also visible on some of the other
+boulevards of the metropolis. Their glittering contents are the same
+as usual, and, despite their want of novelty, crowds of people lounged
+along the boulevards this afternoon and inspected them with as much
+curiosity as if they formed part of a Russian fair which had been
+temporarily transported from Nijni Novgorod to Paris. What was more
+attractive, however, was the show of holly, mistletoe, fir-trees,
+camellias, tea-roses, and tulips in the famous flower-market outside
+the Madeleine. A large tent has been erected, which protects the
+sellers of winter flowers from the rain, and this gives the market a
+gayer and more brilliant appearance than usual. What strikes one more
+than anything else, however, is the number of French people whom one
+sees purchasing holly bushes and mistletoe, which they carry home in
+huge bundles, after the good old English fashion. Notwithstanding the
+dampness and gloom of the weather, which hovers between frost and
+rain, the general aspect of Paris to-day is one of cheerful and
+picturesque animation, and the laughing crowds with whom one jostles
+in the streets are thoroughly imbued with the festive character of the
+season."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN NORMANDY.
+
+In describing the old-custom-loving people of Lower Normandy, a writer
+on "Calvados," in 1884-5, thus refers to the season of Christmas and
+Twelfth-tide: "Now Christmas arrives, and young and old go up to greet
+the little child Jesus, lying on his bed of straw at the Virgin
+Mother's feet and smiling to all the world. Overhead the old cracked
+bell clangs exultant, answering to other bells faint and far on the
+midnight air; a hundred candles are burning and every church window
+shines through the darkness like the gates of that holy New Jerusalem
+'whose light was as a stone most precious--a jasper-stone clear as
+crystal.' With Twelfth-tide this fair vision suffers a metamorphosis,
+blazoning out into the paganish saturnalia of bonfires, which in
+Calvados is transferred from St. John's Eve _le jour des Rois_. Red
+flames leap skyward, fed by dry pine fagots, and our erstwhile devout
+peasants, throwing moderation to the winds, join hands, dance, and
+leap for good luck through blinding smoke and embers, shouting their
+rude doggerel:
+
+"'Adieu les Rois
+  Jusqu'a douze mois,
+  Douze mois passes
+  Les _bougelées_.'"
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN PROVENCE.
+
+[Illustration: PROVENÇAL PLAYS AT CHRISTMASTIDE.]
+
+Heinrich Heine delighted in the infantile childishness of a Provençal
+Christmas. He never saw anything prettier in his life, he said, than a
+Noël procession on the coast of the Mediterranean. A beautiful young
+woman and an equally lovely child sat on a donkey, which an old
+fisherman in a flowing brown gown was supposed to be leading into
+Egypt. Young girls robed in white muslin were supposed to be angels,
+and hovered near the child and its mother to supply to him sweetmeats
+and other refreshments. At a respectful distance there was a
+procession of nuns and village children, and then a band of vocalists
+and instrumentalists. Flowers and streaming banners were unsparingly
+used. Bright sunshine played upon them, and the deep blue sea formed a
+background. The seafaring people who looked on, not knowing whether to
+venerate or laugh, did both. Falling upon their knees they went
+through a short devotional exercise, and then rose to join the
+procession and give themselves up to unrestricted mirth. In the
+chateaux of the South of France _crèches_ are still exhibited, and
+_crèche_ suppers given to the poorer neighbours, and to some of the
+rich, who are placed at a table "above the salt." There are also
+"Bethlehem Stable" puppet-shows, at which the Holy Family, their
+visitors, and four-footed associates are brought forward as _dramatis
+personæ_. St. Joseph, the wise men, and the shepherds are made to
+speak in _patois_. But the Virgin says what she has to say in
+classical French. In the refinement of her diction, her elevation
+above those with her is expressed. At Marseilles an annual fair of
+statuettes is held, the profits of which are spent in setting up
+Bethlehem _crèches_ in the churches and other places. Each statuette
+represents a contemporaneous celebrity, and is contained in the hollow
+part of the wax bust of some saint. Gambetta, Thiers, Cavour, Queen
+Victoria, Grévy, the Pope, Paul Bert, Rouvier (who is a Marseillais),
+the late Czar and other celebrities have appeared among the
+_figurines_ hidden within the saintly busts.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN CORSICA.
+
+"A Winter in Corsica," by "Two Ladies," published in 1868, contains an
+interesting account of the celebration of Christmas in that
+picturesque island of the Mediterranean which is known as the
+birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte--"One day shortly before Christmas
+our hostess, or landlady, was very busy with an old body in the
+kitchen, who had come to make sundry cakes in preparation for that
+festive season. We were all called down to see what was going on, and
+our attention was particularly directed to the great oven which was
+heated on purpose to bake them. One kind of cake was made of chesnut
+flour, another of eggs and _broche_ (a kind of curds made from goats'
+milk), but the principal sort was composed chiefly of almonds,
+extremely good and not unlike macaroons, but thicker and more
+substantial. For several days previously, everybody in the house had
+been busy blanching and pounding almonds; not only the two servants,
+but Rose and Clara, the young work-women who were so often staying in
+the house, and who, indeed, at one time seemed to form part of the
+establishment. The old cook herself, a stout and dumpy person, was
+worth looking at, as she stood surrounded by these young women, who
+did very little but watch her operations; and the whole formed quite
+an animated picture of a foreign _ménage_, which one rarely has the
+opportunity of seeing.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"Towards Christmas, considerable preparations began to be made in the
+shops for the coming season, but chiefly, perhaps, for New Year's Day,
+which is kept throughout France as a grand _fête_ day. Sweetmeats in
+great variety filled the windows, and especially what were called
+_pralines_--an almond comfit covered with rough sugar, and of a
+peculiar flavour. They are very good, and cost three francs per pound.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"It seemed strange writing to friends at home wishing them 'a happy
+Christmas,' when we seemed scarcely to have done with summer.
+
+"There was certainly a good deal of novelty in our mode of passing
+Christmas-time in Ajaccio.
+
+"We had expressed the wish to be present at midnight mass, in the
+cathedral, on Christmas Eve, and our kind hostess readily promised to
+take us, and also said we should have a _petit souper_ with her on our
+return. She told us afterwards that she had spoken to the organist,
+and obtained permission for us to go into the organ-loft, where we
+should have a good view over the church, and not be inconvenienced by
+the crowd. Accordingly, a little before eleven o'clock, we all went
+downstairs, and, accompanied by madame, as well as by a gentleman and
+his daughter, friends of hers, proceeded to the cathedral.
+
+"As there is no gas in Ajaccio, the church of course is lighted only
+with candles, and very dim and gloomy it looked, especially at first,
+and during a dull monotonous kind of chanting, which we were told were
+the offices to the Virgin.
+
+"By and by, as midnight drew near, and the mass was about to commence,
+a great number of candles were lighted on the high altar and in the
+side chapels, and the scene became more brilliant and animated. We
+looked down upon a perfect sea of heads, the women all wearing the
+national handkerchiefs, many of these of bright colours, and making
+them conspicuous among the men, of whom there were also a very large
+number.
+
+"At length the organ struck up, the higher priests entered, wearing
+their richest robes, followed by numerous attendants. Each bowed and
+knelt as he passed the altar, and took his allotted place, and then
+the service began. At one point, supposed to be the moment of our
+Saviour's birth, there was quite an uproar. The people clapped their
+hands, and stamped, and shouted, trumpets sounded, and the organ
+pealed forth its loudest tones.
+
+"Then there was a very sweet hymn-tune played, and some beautiful
+voices sang Adeste Fideles, which was by far the most pleasing part of
+the service to our minds. Next came the reading of the Gospel, with
+much formality of kissing and bowing, and incensing; the book was
+moved from side to side and from place to place; then one priest on
+his knees held it up above his head, while another, sitting, read a
+short passage, and a third came forward to the front of the enclosed
+space near the altar, flinging the censer round and about. Then the
+little bell tinkled, and all that mass of heads bowed down lower, the
+Host was raised, the communion taken by the priests, and at one
+o'clock all was over.
+
+"We gladly regained the fresh air, which, though rather cold, was much
+needed after the close atmosphere of the crowded cathedral. The moon
+was very bright, and we hastened home with appetites sharpened by our
+walk, for what proved to be a handsome dinner, rather than a _petit
+souper_.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"For ourselves, we did not forget the old home custom of Christmas
+decorations, and took some pains to dress our _salon_ with evergreens,
+which we brought down from the hills the previous day. Although we had
+neither holly nor mistletoe, we found good substitutes for them in the
+elegant-leaved lentiscus, the tree heath and sweetly perfumed myrtle;
+while round the mirror and a picture of the Virgin on the opposite
+wall we twined garlands of the graceful sarsaparilla. The whole looked
+extremely pretty, and gave quite a festive appearance to the room.
+
+"On Christmas Day we joined some English friends for a walk, about
+eleven o'clock. It was a charming morning, bright and hot, as we
+strolled along the shore to the orange-garden of Barbacaja, where we
+gathered oranges fresh from the trees.
+
+"On returning home to dinner no plum-pudding or mince-pies awaited us
+certainly, but we had tolerably good beef, for a wonder, and lamb,
+_merles_, and new potatoes.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"Christmas Day in Corsica is observed by the people as a religious
+festival, but not as a social one; and there are no family gatherings
+as in England and Germany. This arises, no doubt, from that
+non-existence of true domestic life which must strike all English
+taking up a temporary residence in France.
+
+"There was a succession of _fête_ days throughout Christmas week, when
+the shops were shut and the people dressed in holiday attire. But the
+great day to which every one seems to look forward is the first of the
+year, _le Jour de l'An_. Presents are then made by everybody to
+everybody, and visits of congratulation, or merely of ceremony,
+received and expected. The gifts are sometimes costly and handsome,
+but generally they are trifling, merely valuable as works of
+remembrance, consisting chiefly of bonbons, boxes of crystallised
+fruits, and other confectionery."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN CHIOS.
+
+[Illustration: From an ivory, Byzantine. British Museum ]
+
+The preceding illustration of Eastern art belongs to the same period
+as many of the Christmas customs which have survived in Chios, and it
+carries our thoughts back to the time when Byzantium was the capital
+of the Greek Empire in the east. From an interesting account by an
+English writer in the _Cornhill Magazine_, for December, 1886, who
+spent a Christmas amongst the Greeks of this once prosperous isle of
+Chios, it appears that, two days before Christmas, he took up his
+quarters at "the village of St. George, a good day's journey from the
+town, on the slopes of a backbone of mountains, which divides Chios
+from north to south." On the morning following the arrival at St.
+George, "echoes of home" were heard which caused the writer to
+exclaim: "Surely they don't have Christmas waits here." Outside the
+house stood a crowd of children singing songs and carrying baskets.
+From the window, the mistress of the house was seen standing amongst
+the children "talking hard, and putting handfuls of something into
+each basket out of a bag." "On descending," says the writer, "I
+inquired the cause of this early invasion, and learnt that it is
+customary on the day before Christmas for children to go round to the
+houses of the village early, before the celebration of the liturgy,
+and collect what is called 'the luck of Christ'--that is to say,
+walnuts, almonds, figs, raisins, and the like. Every housewife is
+careful to have a large stock of these things ready overnight, and if
+children come after her stock is exhausted she says, 'Christ has taken
+them and passed by.' The urchins, who are not always willing to accept
+this excuse, revile her with uncomplimentary remarks, and wish her
+cloven feet, and other disagreeable things."
+
+The writer visited the chief inhabitants of St. George, and was
+regaled with "spoonfuls of jam, cups of coffee, and glasses of mastic
+liquer"; and, in a farmyard, "saw oxen with scarlet horns," it being
+the custom, on the day before Christmas, for "every man to kill his
+pig, and if he has cattle to anoint their horns with blood, thereby
+securing their health for the coming year.
+
+"It is very interesting to see the birthplace of our own Christmas
+customs here in Greece, for it is an undoubted fact that all we see
+now in Greek islands has survived since Byzantine days. Turkish rule
+has in no way interfered with religious observances, and during four
+or five centuries of isolation from the civilised world the
+conservative spirit of the East has preserved intact for us customs as
+they were in the early days of Christianity; inasmuch as the Eastern
+Church was the first Christian Church, it was the parent of all
+Christian customs. Many of these customs were mere adaptations of the
+pagan to the Christian ceremonial--a necessary measure, doubtless, at
+a time when a new religion was forced on a deeply superstitious
+population. The saints of the Christian took the place of the gods of
+the "Iliad." Old customs attending religious observances have been
+peculiarly tenacious in these islands, and here it is that we must
+look for the pedigree of our own quaint Christian habits. We have seen
+the children of St. George collecting their Christmas-boxes, we have
+spoken of pig-killing, and we will now introduce ourselves to Chiote
+Christmas-trees, the _rhamnæ_, as they are called here, which take the
+form of an offering of fruits of the earth and flowers by tenants to
+their landlords.
+
+"The form of these offerings is varied: one tenant we saw chose to
+make his in the shape of a tripod; others merely adorn poles, but all
+of them effect this decoration in a similar fashion, more gaudily than
+artistically. The pole is over a yard in height, and around it are
+bound wreaths of myrtle, olive, and orange leaves; to these are fixed
+any flowers that may be found, geraniums, anemones, and the like, and,
+by way of further decoration, oranges, lemons, and strips of gold and
+coloured paper are added.
+
+"On Christmas morning the tenants of the numerous gardens of Chios
+proceed to the houses of their landlords, riding on mules and carrying
+a _rhamna_ in front of them and a pair of fowls behind. As many as
+three hundred of these may be seen entering the capital of Chios on
+this day, and I was told the sight is very imposing. At St. George we
+had not so many of them, but sufficient for our purpose. On reaching
+his landlord's house the peasant sets up the trophy in the outer room,
+to be admired by all who come; the fowls he hands over to the
+housewife; and then he takes the large family jars or _amphoræ_, as
+they still call them, to the well, and draws the drinking water for
+his landlord's Christmas necessities.
+
+"In the afternoon each landlord gives 'a table' to his tenants, a good
+substantial meal, at which many healths are drunk, compliments
+exchanged, and songs sung, and before returning home each man receives
+a present of money in return for his offerings. A Greek never gives a
+present without expecting an equivalent in return."
+
+Another Christmas custom in Chios which reminded the writer of the
+English custom of carol-singing is thus described: "There are five
+parishes in the village of St. George, each supplied with a church,
+priests, acolytes, and candle-lighters, who answer to our vergers, and
+who are responsible for the lighting of the many lamps and candles
+which adorn an Eastern church. These good people assemble together on
+Christmas Day, after the liturgy is over, and form what is called 'a
+musical company'; one man is secured to play the lyre, another the
+harp, another the cymbals, and another leads the singing--if the
+monotonous chanting in which they indulge can be dignified by the
+title of singing. The candle-lighter, armed with a brass tray, is the
+recognised leader of this musical company, and all day long he
+conducts them from one house to another in the parish to play, sing,
+and collect alms. These musicians of St. George have far more
+consideration for the feelings of their fellow-creatures than English
+carol-singers, for the candle-lighter is always sent on ahead to
+inquire of the household they propose to visit if there is mourning in
+the house, or any other valid reason why the musicians should not
+play, in which case the candle-lighter merely presents his tray,
+receives his offering, and passes on. Never, if they can help it, will
+a family refuse admission to the musicians. They have not many
+amusements, poor things, and their Christmas entertainment pleases
+them vastly.
+
+"The carols of these islands are exceedingly old-world and quaint.
+When permission is given the troupe advance towards the door, singing
+a sort of greeting as follows: 'Come now and open your gates to our
+party; we have one or two sweet words to sing to you.' The door is
+then opened by the master of the house; he greets them and begs them
+to come in, whilst the other members of the family place chairs at one
+end of the room, on which the musicians seat themselves. The first
+carol is a genuine Christmas one, a sort of religious recognition of
+the occasion, according to our notions fraught with a frivolity almost
+bordering on blasphemy; but then it must be remembered that these
+peasants have formed their own simple ideas of the life of Christ, the
+Virgin, and the saints, to which they have given utterance in their
+songs. A priest of St. George kindly supplied me with the words of
+some of their carols, and this is a translation of one of the
+prefatory songs with which the musical company commence:--
+
+
+"'Christmas, Christmas! Christ is born;
+  Saints rejoice and devils mourn.
+  Christmas, Christmas! Christ was fed
+  On sweet honey, milk, and bread,
+  Just as now our rulers eat
+  Bread and milk, and honey sweet.'
+
+After this the company sing a series of songs addressed to the various
+members of the family, to the father, to the mother, to the daughters,
+to the sons; if there chances to be a betrothed couple there, they are
+sure to be greeted with a special song; the little children, too, are
+exhorted in song to be good and diligent at school. Of these songs
+there are an infinite number, and many of them give us curious
+glimpses into the life, not of to-day, but of ages which have long
+since passed away.
+
+"The following song is addressed to the master of the house, and has
+doubtless been sung for centuries of Christmases since the old
+Byzantine days when such things as are mentioned in the song really
+existed in the houses. This is a word-for-word translation:--
+
+"'We have come to our venerable master;
+  To his lofty house with marble halls.
+  His walls are decorated with mosaic;
+  With the lathe his doors are turned.
+  Angels and archangels are around his windows,
+  And in the midst of his house is spread a golden carpet
+  And from the ceiling the golden chandelier sheds light.
+  It lights the guests as they come and go.
+  It lights our venerable master.'
+
+On the conclusion of their carols the musicians pause for rest, the
+cymbal-player throws his cymbal on the floor, and the candle-lighter
+does the same thing with his tray, and into these the master of the
+house deposits his gifts to his parish church, and if they are a
+newly-married couple they tie up presents of food for the musicians in
+a handkerchief--figs, almonds, &c., which the cymbal-player fastens
+round his neck or ties to his girdle.
+
+"Before the musicians take their departure the housewife hurries off
+to her cupboard and produces a tray with the inevitable jam thereon.
+Coffee and mastic are served, and the compliments of the season are
+exchanged. Whilst the candle-lighter is absent looking for another
+house at which to sing, the musicians sing their farewell, 'We wish
+health to your family, and health to yourself. We go to join the
+_pallicari_.'
+
+"In villages where the singing of carols has fallen into disuse the
+inhabitants are content with the priestly blessing only. To distribute
+this the priest of each parish starts off on Christmas morning with
+the candle-lighter and his tray, and an acolyte to wave the censer; he
+blesses the shops, he sprinkles holy water over the commodities, and
+then he does the same by the houses; the smell of incense perfumes the
+air, and the candle-lighter rattles his tray ostentatiously to show
+what a lot of coppers he has got."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN A GREEK CHURCH.
+
+"Swan's Journal of a Voyage up the Mediterranean, 1826," gives the
+following account of Christmas in a Greek Church:--
+
+"Thursday, January 6th, this being Christmas Day with the Greek
+Catholics, their 'churches are adorned in the gayest manner. I entered
+one, in which a sort of raree-show had been set up, illumed with a
+multitude of candles: the subject of it was the birth of Christ, who
+was represented in the background by a little waxen figure wrapped up
+in embroidery, and reclining upon an embroidered cushion, which rested
+upon another of pink satin. This was supposed to be the manger where
+he was born. Behind the image two paper bulls' heads looked
+unutterable things. On the right was the Virgin Mary, and on the left
+one of the eastern Magi. Paper clouds, in which the paper heads of
+numberless cherubs appeared, enveloped the whole; while from a
+pasteboard cottage stalked a wooden monk, with dogs, and sheep, and
+camels, goats, lions, and lambs; here walked a maiden upon a stratum
+of sods and dried earth, and there a shepherd flourishing aloft his
+pastoral staff. The construction of these august figures was chiefly
+Dutch: they were intermixed with china images and miserable daubs on
+paper. In the centre a real fountain, in miniature, squirted forth
+water to the ineffable delight of crowds of prostrate worshippers."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN ROME.
+
+Hone[97] states that after Christmas Day, during the remainder of
+December, there is a Presepio, or representation of the manger, in
+which our Saviour was laid, to be seen in many of the churches at
+Rome. That of the Ara Coeli is the best worth seeing, which church
+occupies the site of the temple of Jupiter, and is adorned with some
+of its beautiful pillars. On entering, we found daylight completely
+excluded from the church; and until we advanced, we did not perceive
+the artificial light, which was so managed as to stream in fluctuating
+rays, from intervening silvery clouds, and shed a radiance over the
+lovely babe and bending mother, who, in the most graceful attitude,
+lightly holds up the drapery which half conceals her sleeping infant
+from the bystanders. He lies in richly embroidered swaddling clothes,
+and his person, as well as that of his virgin mother, is ornamented
+with diamonds and other precious stones; for which purpose, we are
+informed, the princesses and ladies of high rank lend their jewels.
+Groups of cattle grazing, peasantry engaged in different occupations,
+and other objects, enliven the picturesque scenery; every living
+creature in the group, with eyes directed towards the Presepio, falls
+prostrate in adoration. In the front of this theatrical representation
+a little girl, about six or eight years old, stood on a bench,
+preaching extempore, as it appeared, to the persons who filled the
+church, with all the gesticulation of a little actress, probably in
+commemoration of those words of the psalmist, quoted by our blessed
+Lord--"Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected
+praise." In this manner the Scriptures are _acted_; not "read, marked,
+and inwardly digested." The whole scene had, however, a striking
+effect, well calculated to work upon the minds of a people whose
+religion consists so largely in outward show. [From "A Narrative of
+Three Years in Italy."]
+
+[Illustration: CALABRIAN SHEPHERDS PLAYING IN ROME AT CHRISTMAS.
+(_From Hone's "Every-day Book_," 1826)]
+
+As at the beginning, so in the latter part of the nineteenth century,
+the church celebrations of Christmas continue to be great Christmas
+attractions in the Eternal City.
+
+From the description of one who was present at the Christmas
+celebration of 1883, we quote the following extracts:--
+
+"On Christmas morning, at ten o'clock, when all the world was not only
+awake, but up and doing, mass was being said and sung in the principal
+churches, but the great string of visitors to the Imperial City bent
+their steps towards St. Peter's to witness the celebration of this the
+greatest feast in the greatest Christian Church.
+
+"As the heavy leather curtain which hangs before the door fell behind
+one, this sacred building seemed indeed the world's cathedral; for
+here were various crowds from various nations, and men and women
+followers of all forms of faiths, and men and women of no faith at
+all. The great church was full of light and colour--of light that came
+in broad yellow beams through the great dome and the high eastern
+windows, making the candles on the side altars and the hundred
+ever-burning lamps around the St. Peter's shrine look dim and yellow
+in the fulness of its radiance; and of colour combined of friezes of
+burnished gold, and brilliant frescoes, and rich altar pieces, and
+bronze statues, and slabs of oriental alabaster, and blocks of red
+porphyry and lapis lazuli, and guilded vaulted ceiling, and walls of
+inlaid marbles.
+
+"In the large choir chapel, containing the tomb of Clement IX., three
+successive High Masses were celebrated, the full choir of St. Peter's
+attending. In the handsomely carved old oak stalls sat bishops in
+purple and rich lace, canons in white, and minor canons in grey fur
+capes, priests and deacons, and a hundred acolytes wearing
+silver-buckled shoes and surplices. This chapel, with its life-size
+marble figures resting on the cornices, has two organs, and here the
+choicest music is frequently heard.
+
+"Of course the choir chapel was much too small to hold the great
+crowd, which, therefore, overflowed into the aisles and nave of the
+vast church, where the music could be heard likewise. This crowd broke
+up into groups, each worthy of a study, and all combining to afford an
+effect at once strange and picturesque. There are groups of Americans,
+English, French, Germans, and Italians promenading round the church,
+talking in their respective native tongues, gesticulating, and now and
+then pausing to admire a picture or examine a statue. Acquaintances
+meet and greet; friends introduce mutual friends; compliments are
+exchanged, and appointments made. Meanwhile masses are being said at
+all the side altars, which are surrounded by knots of people who fall
+on their knees at the sound of a little bell, and say their prayers
+quite undisturbed by the general murmur going on around them.
+
+"Presently there is a stir in the crowd surrounding the choir chapel;
+the organ is at its loudest, and then comes a long procession of
+vergers in purple and scarlet facings, and cross and torch bearers,
+and censer bearers, and acolytes and deacons and priests and canons
+and bishops, and a red-robed cardinal in vestments of cloth of gold
+wrought and figured with many a sacred sign, and, moreover, adorned
+with precious stones; and High Mass at St. Peter's, on Christmas Day,
+is at an end.
+
+"During the day most of the shops and all the Government offices were
+open. Soldiers were drilled all day long in the Piazza Vittorio
+Emanuele, and were formally marched to their various barracks, headed
+by bands discoursing martial music; whilst the postmen delivered their
+freight of letters as on ordinary days of the week. In the afternoon
+most of those who were at St. Peter's in the morning assembled to hear
+Grand Vespers at the handsome and famous church of San Maria Maggiore,
+one of the oldest in Christendom, the Mosaics on the chancel arch
+dating from the fifth century. The church was illuminated with
+hundreds of candles and hung with scarlet drapery, the effect being
+very fine; the music such as can alone be heard in Rome. On the high
+altar was exhibited in a massive case of gold and crystal two staves
+said to have been taken from the manger in which Christ was laid, this
+being carried round the church at the conclusion of Vespers. Almost
+every English visitor in Rome was present."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT MONTE CARLO.
+
+"Every one has heard of the tiny principality of Monaco, with its six
+square miles of territory facing the Mediterranean, and lying below
+the wonderful Corniche-road, which has been for ages the great highway
+south of the Alps, connecting the South of France with Northern Italy.
+Of course many visitors come here to gamble, but an increasing number
+are attracted by the beauty of the scenery and the charm of the
+climate; and here some hundreds of Englishmen and Englishwomen spent
+their Christmas Day and ate the conventional plum-pudding. Christmas
+had been ushered in by a salvo of artillery and a High Mass at the
+cathedral at eleven on Christmas Eve, and holly and mistletoe (which
+seemed strangely out of place amongst the yellow roses and hedges of
+geraniums) were in many hands. As illustrating the mildness of the
+climate and the natural beauty of the district, the following flowers
+were in full bloom in the open air on Christmas Day: roses of every
+variety, geraniums, primulas, heliotropes, carnations, anemones,
+narcissus, sweetwilliams, stocks, cactus, and pinks; and to these may
+be added lemon trees and orange trees laden with their golden fruit.
+As evening wore on a strong gale burst upon the shore, and Christmas
+Day closed amongst waving foliage and clanging doors and clouds of
+dust, and the fierce thud of angry surf upon the sea-shore below.
+
+"January 2, 1890.      J. S. B."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE FESTIVITIES IN GERMANY.
+
+In "The German Christmas Eve," 1846, Madame Apolline Flohr recalls her
+"childish recollections" of the Christmas festivities in the "happy
+family" of which she was a member. They met amid the glare of a
+hundred lights, and according to an old-established custom, they soon
+joined in chaunting the simple hymn which begins:--
+
+ "Now let us thank our God;
+    Uplift our hands and hearts:
+  Eternal be His praise,
+    Who all good things imparts!"
+
+After the singing (says the writer), I ventured for the first time, to
+approach the pile of Christmas gifts intended for my sisters, my
+brothers, and myself.
+
+The Christmas tree, always the common property of the children of the
+house, bore gilded fruits of every species; and as we gazed with
+childish delight on these sparkling treasures our dear parents wiped
+away the tears they had plentifully shed, while our young voices were
+ringing out the sweet hymn, led by our friend, Herr Von Clappart, with
+such deep and solemn emotion.
+
+Now, as the dear mother led each child to his or her own little
+table--for the gifts for each were laid out separately, and thus
+apportioned beforehand--all was joy and merriment.
+
+A large table stood in the midst, surrounded by smaller ones,
+literally laden with pretty and ingenious toys, the gifts of friends
+and kindred. We liked the toys very much indeed. We were, however, too
+happy to endure quiet pleasure very long, and all prepared to assemble
+around the Christmas tree. After a delightful dance around the tree,
+and around our dear parents, our presents were again examined; for the
+variety of offerings made on these occasions would much exceed the
+belief of a stranger to our customs. Every article for children's
+clothing was here to be found, both for ornament and use; nor were
+books forgotten. It was then I received my first Bible and
+Prayer-book; and at the moment the precious gift was placed in my
+hand, I resolved to accompany my parents to church the following
+morning at five o'clock. (This early attendance at public worship on
+Christmas morning is a custom observed in Central Germany, and is
+called Christ-Kirche.)
+
+The ceremony of withdrawing, in order to attire ourselves in some of
+our new dresses, having been performed, we re-entered the apartment,
+upon which the great folding-doors being thrown open, a second
+Christmas tree appeared, laden with hundreds of lights. This effect
+was produced by the tree being placed opposite some large
+looking-glasses, which reflected the lights and redoubled their
+brilliancy.
+
+Here hung the gifts prepared by the hands of the children for their
+beloved parents.
+
+My eldest sister, Charlotte, had knitted for her mother a beautiful
+evening cap, and a long purse for her father.
+
+Emily presented each one of the family with a pair of mittens; and the
+little Adolphine made similar offerings of open-worked stockings, her
+first attempt.
+
+Our parents were also surprised and delighted to receive some
+drawings, exceedingly well executed, by my brothers, accompanied by a
+letter of thanks from those dear boys, for the kind permission to take
+lessons which had been granted to them during the last half-year.
+
+The great bell had called us together at five o'clock in the
+afternoon, to receive our Christmas gifts; and though at eleven our
+eyes and hearts were still wide awake, yet were we obliged to retire,
+and leave all these objects of delight behind us. All remembered that,
+at least, the elder branches of the family must rise betimes the next
+morning to attend the Christ-Kirche, and to hear a sermon on the birth
+of the Saviour of Mankind.
+
+The great excitement of the previous evening, and the vision of
+delight that still hovered around my fancy, prevented my sleeping
+soundly; so that when the others were attempting to steal away the
+next morning to go to church, I was fully roused, and implored so
+earnestly to be taken with the rest of the family, that at length my
+prayer was granted; but on condition that I should keep perfectly
+still during the service.
+
+Arrived at the church we found it brilliantly illuminated, and
+decorated with the boughs of the holly and other evergreens.
+
+It is quite certain that a child of five years old could not
+understand the importance, beauty, and extreme fitness of the sublime
+service she so often witnessed in after life; yet I can recollect a
+peculiarly sweet, sacred, and mysterious feeling taking possession of
+me, as my infant mind received the one simple impression that this was
+the birthday of the Saviour I had been taught to love and pray to,
+since my infant lips could lisp a word.
+
+Since early impressions are likely to be permanent, it is considered
+most important in my fatherland to surround, Christmas with all joyous
+and holy associations. A day of days, indeed, it is with us--a day
+never to be forgotten.
+
+So far is this feeling carried, that it is no uncommon pastime, even
+at the beginning of the new year, to project plans and presents, happy
+surprises, and unlooked-for offerings, to be presented at the far-off
+time of Christmas festivity.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+Another writer, at the latter end of the nineteenth century, gives the
+following account of the Christmas festivities at the German Court,
+from which it appears that the long-cherished Christmas customs are
+well preserved in the highest circle in Germany:--
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT THE GERMAN COURT.
+
+In accordance with an old custom the Royal Family of Prussia celebrate
+Christmas in a private manner at the Emperor William's palace, where
+the "blue dining-hall" on the first floor is arranged as the Christmas
+room. Two long rows of tables are placed in this hall, and two smaller
+tables stand in the corners on either side of the pillared door
+leading to the ballroom. On these tables stand twelve of the finest
+and tallest fir-trees, reaching nearly to the ceiling, and covered
+with innumerable white wax candles placed in wire-holders, but without
+any other decoration.
+
+In the afternoon of the 24th great packages are brought into this room
+containing the presents for the members of the Imperial household, and
+in the presence of the Emperor his Chamberlain distributes them on the
+tables under the trees. The monarch always takes an active part in
+this work, and, walking about briskly from one table to the other,
+helps to place the objects in the most advantageous positions, and
+fastens on them slips of white paper on which he himself has written
+the names of the recipients. The Empress is also present, occupied
+with arranging the presents for the ladies of her own household. The
+two separate tables still remain empty, until the Emperor and the
+Empress have left the room, as they are destined to hold the presents
+for their Majesties.
+
+At four o'clock the entire Royal Family assemble in the large
+dining-hall of the Palace for their Christmas dinner. Besides all the
+Princes and Princesses without exception, the members of the Imperial
+household, the chiefs of the Emperor's military and civil Cabinets,
+and a number of adjutants are also present.
+
+Shortly after the termination of the dinner the double doors leading
+to the blue hall are thrown wide open at a sign from the Emperor, and
+the brilliant sight of the twelve great fir-trees bearing thousands of
+lighted tapers is disclosed to view. This is the great moment of the
+German Christmas Eve celebration. The Imperial couples then form in
+procession, and all proceed to the Christmas room. The Emperor and the
+Empress then personally lead the members of their households to the
+presents which are grouped in long rows on the tables, and which
+comprise hundreds of articles, both valuable and useful, objects of
+art, pictures, statuary, &c. Meanwhile, the two separate tables still
+remain hidden under white draperies. In other rooms all the officials
+and servants of the palace, down to the youngest stable-boy, are
+presented with their Christmas-boxes. At about nine o'clock the
+Imperial Family and their guests again return to the dining-room,
+where a plain supper is then served. According to old tradition, the
+menu always includes the following dishes: "Carp cooked in beer" (a
+Polish custom), and "Mohnpielen," an East Prussian dish, composed of
+poppy-seed, white bread, almonds and raisins, stewed in milk. After
+the supper all return once more to the Christmas room, where the
+second part of the celebration--the exchange of presents among the
+Royal Family--then comes off.
+
+The Emperor's table stands on the right side of the ballroom door, and
+every object placed on it bears a paper with an inscription intimating
+by whom the present is given. The presents for the Empress on the
+other table are arranged in the same manner. Among the objects never
+missing at the Emperor's Christmas are some large Nuremberg ginger
+cakes, with the inscription "Weihnachten" and the year. About
+half-an-hour later tea is taken, and this terminates the Christmas Eve
+of the first family of the German Empire.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS THROUGHOUT GERMANY,
+
+it may be added, is similarly observed in the year 1900. From the
+Imperial palace to the poor man's cottage there is not a family in
+Germany that has not its Christmas tree and "Weihnachts
+Bescheerung"--Christmas distribution of presents. For the very poor
+districts of Berlin provision is made by the municipal authorities or
+charitable societies to give the children this form of amusement,
+which they look forward to throughout the year.
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES IN AUSTRIA
+
+are similar to those in Germany, the prominent feature being the
+beautifully-adorned and splendidly-lighted Christmas-tree. At one of
+these celebrations, a few years ago, the numerous presents received by
+the young Princess Elizabeth included a speaking doll, fitted with a
+phonograph cylinder, which created no small astonishment. Among other
+things, the doll was able to recite a poem composed by the Archduchess
+Marie Valerie in honour of Christmas Eve.
+
+The poor and destitute of Vienna are not forgotten, for, in addition
+to the Christmas-tree which is set up at the palace for them, a large
+number of charitable associations in the various districts of Vienna
+have also Christmas-trees laden with presents for the poor.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE IN ST. MARK'S, VENICE.
+
+You go into the Duomo late on Christmas Eve, and find the time-stained
+alabasters and dark aisles lit up with five hundreds of wax candles
+over seven feet high. The massive silver lamps suspended across the
+choir have the inner lamps all ablaze, as is also the graceful
+Byzantine chandelier in the centre of the nave that glitters like a
+cluster of stars from dozens of tiny glass cups with wick and oil
+within. In the solemn and mysterious gloom you pass figures of men and
+women kneeling in devotion before the many shrines. Some are
+accompanied by well-behaved and discreet dogs, who sit patiently
+waiting till their owners' prayer shall be over; whilst others less
+well trained, run about from group to group to smell out their friends
+or growl at foes. You slowly work your way through the throng to the
+high altar. That unique reredos, brought from Constantinople in early
+times--the magnificent "Pala d'Ora," an enamelled work wrought on
+plates of gold and silver, and studded with precious stones--is
+unveiled, and the front of the altar has a rich frontispiece of the
+thirteenth century, which is of silver washed with gold, and embossed
+figures. Numbers of ponderous candles throw a glimmer over the
+treasures with which St. Mark's is so richly endowed, that are
+profusely displayed on the altar. Bishops, canons and priests in full
+dress are standing and kneeling, and the handsome and much-beloved
+Patriarch of Venice officiates, in dress of gorgeous scarlet and
+cream-coloured old lace, and heavy-brocaded cope, that is afterwards
+exchanged for one of ermine, and flashing rings and jewelled cross.
+There is no music, but a deep quiet pervades the dim golden domes
+overhead and the faintly-lighted transepts. Stray rays of light catch
+the smooth surface of the mosaics, which throw off sparkles of
+brightness and cast deeper shadows beyond the uncertain radiance.
+After the midnight mass is celebrated you pass out with the stream of
+people into the cold, frosty night, with only the bright stars to
+guide you through the silent alleys to your rooms, where you wish each
+other "A Merry Christmas!" and retire to sleep, and to dream of the
+old home in England.--_Queen_.
+
+[Illustration: SASSOFERRATO (GIOVANNI BATTISTA SALVI) 1605-85
+museum naples]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN NAPLES.
+
+An English writer who spent a Christmas in Naples a few
+years ago, says:--
+
+"In the south Christmas is bright and gay, and in truth noisy. The
+_festa natalizie_, as it is called in Naples, is celebrated by fairs
+and bonfires and fireworks. In the Toledo, that famous street known
+to all the world, booths are erected beside the shops, flaming in
+colour, and filled with all sorts of tempting wares. Throughout
+Christmas Eve an immense crowd of men, women, and children throng this
+street, nearly a mile in length. The vendors shriek at the top of
+their voice, praising themselves and their goods, and then, with merry
+peals of laughter, exhibit with Neapolitan drollery all the arts of
+their trade. The crowd catch the contagious spirit of fun, and toss
+witticisms to and fro, until the welkin rings with shouts and
+laughter. A revolution in Paris could not create greater excitement,
+or greater noise, than the Christmas fair at Naples, the largest, and
+certainly the merriest, in the world. As night draws on the mirth
+grows uproarious; improvisations abound. Pulcinello attracts laughing
+crowds. The bagpipes strike with their ear-piercing sounds, and arise
+shrill above the universal din. Fireworks are let off at every street
+corner, flaming torches carried in procession parade the streets;
+rockets rise in the air, coloured lamps are hung over doorways, and in
+the midst of the blaze of light the church bells announce the midnight
+Mass, and the crowd leave the fair and the streets, and on bended knee
+are worshipping."
+
+[Illustration: Luis de Vargas 1502-1568 Seville Cathedral]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN SPAIN.
+
+Spain in winter must be divided into Spain the frigid and Spain the
+semi-tropic; for while snow lies a foot deep at Christmas in the
+north, in the south the sun is shining brightly, and flowers of spring
+are peeping out, and a nosegay of heliotrope and open-air geraniums is
+the Christmas-holly and mistletoe of Andalusia. There is no chill in
+the air, there is no frost on the window-pane.
+
+When Christmas Eve comes the two days' holiday commences. At twelve
+the labourers leave their work, repair home, and dress in their best.
+Then the shops are all ablaze with lights, ribbons and streamers, with
+tempting fare of sweets and sausages, with red and yellow serge to
+make warm petticoats; with cymbals, drums, and _zambombas_. The chief
+sweetmeats, peculiar to Christmas, and bought alike by rich and poor,
+are the various kinds of preserved fruits, incrusted with sugar, and
+the famous _turrni_. This last, which is of four kinds, and may be
+called in English phraseology, "almond rock," is brought to your door,
+and buy it you must. A coarse kind is sold to the poor at a cheap
+rate. Other comestibles, peculiar to Christmas, are almond soup,
+truffled turkey, roasted chestnuts, and nuts of every sort.
+
+Before the _Noche-buena_, or Christmas Eve, however, one or two good
+deeds have been done by the civil and military authorities. On the
+twenty-third or twenty-fourth the custom is for the military governor
+to visit all the soldier prisoners, in company with their respective
+defensores, or advocates; and, _de officio_, there and then, he
+liberates all who are in gaol for light offences. This plan is also
+pursued in the civil prisons; and thus a beautiful custom is kept up
+in classic, romantic, Old-world Spain, and a ray of hope enters into
+and illuminates even the bitter darkness of a Spanish prisoners' den.
+
+It is Christmas Eve. The poor man has his relations round him, over
+his humble _puchero_ (stew): the rich man likewise. _Friends_ have not
+come, "for it is not the custom." In Spain only blood relations eat
+and drink in the house as invited guests. Families meet as in England.
+Two per cent. of the soldiers get a fortnight's leave of absence and a
+free pass; and there is joy in peasant homes over peasant charcoal
+pans. The dusky shades of evening are stealing over olive grove and
+withering vineyard, and every house lights up its tiny oil lamp, and
+every image of the Virgin is illuminated with a taper. In Eija, near
+Cordova, an image or portrait of the Virgin and the Babe new-born,
+hangs in well-nigh every room in every house. And why? Because the
+beautiful belief is rooted in those simple minds, that, on Christmas
+Eve, ere the clock strikes twelve, the Virgin, bringing blessings in
+her train, visits every house where she can find an image or portrait
+of _her Son_. And many a girl kneels down in robes of white before her
+humble portrait of the Babe and prays; and hears a rustle in the room,
+and thinks, "the Virgin comes: she brings me my Christmas Eve
+blessing;" and turns, and lo! it is _her mother_, and the Virgin's
+blessing is the mother's kiss!
+
+In Northern Andalusia you have the _zambomba_, a flower-pot perforated
+by a hollow reed, which, wetted and rubbed with the finger, gives out
+a hollow, scraping, monotonous sound. In Southern Andalusia the
+_panderita_, or tambourine, is the chief instrument. It is wreathed
+with gaudy ribbons, and decked with bells, and beaten, shaken, and
+tossed in the air with graceful abandon to the strains of the
+Christmas hymn:
+
+ "This night is the good night,
+  And therefore is no night of rest!"
+
+Or, perhaps, the Church chant is sung, called "The child of God was
+born."
+
+Then also men click the castanet in wine-shop and cottage; and in such
+old-world towns as Eija, where no railway has penetrated, a
+breast-plate of eccentrically strung bones--slung round the neck and
+played with sticks--is still seen and heard.
+
+The turkeys have been slaughtered and are smoking on the fire. The
+night is drawing on and now the meal is over. Twelve o'clock strikes,
+and in one moment every bell from every belfrey clangs out its
+summons. Poltroon were he who had gone to bed before twelve on
+_Noche-buena_. From every house the inmates hurry to the gaily-lit
+church and throng its aisles, a dark-robed crowd of worshippers. The
+organ peals out, the priests and choir chant at this midnight hour the
+Christmas hymn, and at last (in some out-of-the-way towns) the
+priests, in gaudiest robes, bring out from under the altar and expose
+aloft to the crowds, in swaddling-clothes of gold and white, the Babe
+new-born, and all fall down and cross themselves in mute adoration.
+This service is universal, and is called the "Misa del Gallo," or
+Cock-crow Mass, and even in Madrid it is customary to attend it. There
+are three masses also on Christmas Day, and the Church rule, strictly
+observed, is that if a man fail to attend this Midnight Mass he must,
+to save his religious character, attend all three on Christmas Day. In
+antique towns, like Eija, there are two days' early mass (called "Misa
+di Luz") anterior to the "Misa del Gallo," at 4 a.m., and in the raw
+morning the churches are thronged with rich and poor. In that strange,
+old-world town, also, the chief dame goes to the Midnight Mass, all
+her men-servants in procession before her, each playing a different
+instrument.
+
+Christmas Eve is over. It is 1.30 a.m. on Christmas morning, and the
+crowds, orderly, devout, cheerful, are wending their way home. Then
+all is hushed; all have sought repose; there are no drunken riots; the
+dark streets are lit by the tiny oil lamps; the watchman's monotonous
+cry alone is heard, "Ave Maria purissima; las dos; y sereno."
+
+The three masses at the churches on Christmas Day are all chanted to
+joyous music. Then the poor come in to pay their rent of turkeys,
+pigs, olives, or what not, to their landlord, and he gives them a
+Christmas-box: such as a piece of salt fish, or money, or what may be.
+Then, when you enter your house, you will find on your table, with the
+heading, "A Happy Christmas," a book of little leaflets, printed with
+verses. These are the petitions of the postman, scavenger, telegraph
+man, newsboy, &c., asking you for a Christmas-box. Poor fellows! they
+get little enough, and a couple of francs is well bestowed on them
+once a year. After mid-day breakfast or luncheon is over, rich and
+poor walk out and take the air, and a gaudy, pompous crowd they form
+as a rule. As regards presents at Christmas, the rule is, in primitive
+Spain, to send a present to the _Cura_ (parish priest) and the doctor.
+Many Spaniards pay a fixed annual sum to their medical man, and he
+attends all the family, including servants. His salary is sent to him
+at Christmas, with the addition of a turkey, or a cake, or some fine
+sweetmeats.
+
+On Christmas Eve the provincial hospitals present one of their most
+striking aspects to the visitor. It is a feast-day, and instead of the
+usual stew, the soup called _caldo_--and very weak stuff it is--or the
+stir-about and fried bread, the sick have their good sound meats,
+cooked in savoury and most approved fashion, their tumbler of wine,
+their extra cigar. Visitors, kindly Spanish ladies, come in, their
+hands laden with sweets and tobacco, &c., and the sight of the black
+silk dresses trailing over the lowly hospital couches is most human
+and pathetic. At last _night_--the veritable Christmas Eve comes. The
+chapels in these hospitals are generally on the ground floor, and
+frequently sunk some feet below it, but open to the hospital; so that
+the poor inmates who can leave their beds can hobble to the railing
+and look down into the chapel--one mass of dazzling lights, glitter,
+colour, and music: and thus, without the fatigue of descending the
+stairs, can join in the service. At half-past eleven at night the
+chapel is gaily lit up; carriage after carriage, mule-cart after
+mule-cart rattles up to the hospital door, discharging crowds of
+ladies and gentlemen in evening dress; thus the common people, chiefly
+the young, with their tambourines and zambombas, pour into the chapel
+from _Campo_, and alley, and street, and soon the chapel is filled;
+while above, sitting, hobbling, lying all round the rails, and gazing
+down upon the motley and noisy throng below, are the inmates of the
+hospital. The priest begins the Midnight Mass, and the organs take up
+the service, the whole of which, for one hour, is chanted. Meanwhile,
+the tambourines and other musical instruments are busy, and join in
+the strains of the organ; and the din, glitter, and excitement are
+most exhilarating. And thus the occupants of the Spanish provincial
+hospitals join in the festivities of Christmastide, as seen by one
+who has dwelt "_Among the Spanish People_."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS IN NORWAY.
+
+A writer who knows the manners and habits of the people of Norway, and
+their customs at Christmastide, says:--
+
+"At Christiania, and other Norwegian towns, there is, or used to be, a
+delicate Christmas custom of offering to a lady a brooch or a pair of
+earings in a truss of hay. The house-door of the person to be
+complimented is pushed open, and there is thrown into the house a
+truss of hay or straw, a sheaf of corn, or a bag of chaff. In some
+part of this "bottle of hay" envelope, there is a "needle" as a
+present to be hunted for. A friend of mine once received from her
+betrothed, according to the Christmas custom, an exceedingly large
+brown paper parcel, which, on being opened, revealed a second parcel
+with a loving motto on the cover. And so on, parcel within parcel,
+motto within motto, till the kernel of this paper husk--which was at
+length discovered to be a delicate piece of minute jewellery--was
+arrived at."
+
+One of the prettiest of Christmas customs is the Norwegian practice of
+giving, on Christmas Day, a dinner to the birds. On Christmas morning
+every gable, gateway, or barn-door, is decorated with a sheaf of corn
+fixed on the top of a tall pole, wherefrom it is intended that the
+birds should make their Christmas dinner. Even the peasants contrive
+to have a handful set by for this purpose, and what the birds do not
+eat on Christmas Day, remains for them to finish at their leisure
+during the winter.
+
+On New Year's Day in Norway, friends and acquaintances exchange calls
+and good wishes. In the corner of each reception-room is placed a
+little table, furnished all through the day with wine and cakes for
+the refreshment of the visitors; who talk, and compliment, and flirt,
+and sip wine, and nibble cake from house to house, with great
+perseverance.
+
+Between Christmas and Twelfth Day mummers are in season. They are
+called "Julebukker," or Christmas goblins. They invariably appear
+after dark, and in masks and fancy dresses. A host may therefore have
+to entertain in the course of the season, a Punch, Mephistopheles,
+Charlemagne, Number, Nip, Gustavus, Oberon, and whole companies of
+other fanciful and historic characters; but, as their antics are
+performed in silence, they are not particularly cheerful company.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN RUSSIA.
+
+With Christmas Eve begins the festive season known in Russia as
+_Svyatki_ or _Svyatuie Vechera_ (Holy Evenings), which lasts till the
+Epiphany. The numerous sportive ceremonies which are associated with
+it resemble, in many respects, those with which we are familiar, but
+they are rendered specially interesting and valuable by the relics of
+the past which they have been the means of preserving--the fragments
+of ritual song which refer to the ancient paganism of the land, the
+time-honoured customs which originally belonged to the feasts with
+which the heathen Slavs greeted each year the return of the sun. On
+Christmas Eve commences the singing of the songs called _Kolyadki_, a
+word, generally supposed to be akin to _Kalendæ_, though reference is
+made in some of them to a mysterious being, apparently a solar
+goddess, named Kolyada. "Kolyada, Kolyada! Kolyada has come. We
+wandered about, we sought holy Kolyada in all the courtyards,"
+commences one of these old songs, for many a year, no doubt, solemnly
+sung by the young people who used in olden times to escort from
+homestead to homestead a sledge in which sat a girl dressed in white,
+who represented the benignant goddess. Nowadays these songs have in
+many places fallen into disuse, or are kept up only by the children
+who go from house to house, to congratulate the inhabitants on the
+arrival of Christmas, and to wish them a prosperous New Year. In every
+home, says one of these archaic poems, are three inner chambers. In
+one is the bright moon, in another the red sun, in a third many stars.
+The bright moon--that is the master of the house; the red sun--that is
+the housewife; the many stars--they are the little children.
+
+The Russian Church sternly sets its face against the old customs with
+which the Christmas season was associated, denouncing the "fiendish
+songs," and "devilish games," the "graceless talk," the "nocturnal
+gambols," and the various kinds of divination in which the faithful
+persisted in indulging. But, although repressed, they were not to be
+destroyed, and at various seasons of the year, but especially those of
+the summer and winter solstice, the "orthodox," in spite of their
+pastors, made merry with old heathenish sports, and, after listening
+to Christian psalms in church, went home and sang songs framed by
+their ancestors in honour of heathen divinities. Thus century after
+century went by, and the fortunes of Russia underwent great changes.
+But still in the villages were the old customs kept up, and when
+Christmas Day came round it was greeted by survivals of the ceremonies
+with which the ancient Slavs hailed the returning sun god, who caused
+the days to lengthen, and filled the minds of men with hopes of a new
+year rich in fruits and grain. One of the customs to which the Church
+most strongly objected was that of mumming. As in other lands, so in
+Russia it was customary for mummers to go about at Christmastide,
+visiting various homes in which the festivities of the season were
+being kept up, and there dancing, and performing all kinds of antics.
+Prominent parts were always played by human representatives of a goat
+and a bear. Some of the party would be disguised as "Lazaruses," that
+is, as the blind beggars who bear that name, and whose plaintive
+strains have resounded all over Russia from the earliest times to the
+present day. The rest disguised themselves as they best could, a
+certain number of them being generally supposed to play the part of
+thieves desirous to break in and steal. When, after a time, they were
+admitted into the room where the Christmas guests were assembled, the
+goat and the bear would dance a merry round together, the Lazaruses
+would sing their "dumps so dull and heavy," and the rest of the
+performers would exert themselves to produce exhilaration. Even among
+the upper classes it was long the custom at this time of year for the
+young people to dress up and visit their neighbours in disguise. Thus
+in Count Tolstoy's "Peace and War," a novel which aims at giving a
+true account of the Russia of the early part of the present century,
+there is a charming description of a visit of this kind paid by the
+younger members of one family to another. On a bright frosty night the
+sledges are suddenly ordered, and the young people dress up, and away
+they drive across the crackling snow to a country house six miles off,
+all the actors creating a great sensation, but especially the fair
+maiden Sonya, who proves irresistible when clad in her cousin's hussar
+uniform and adorned with an elegant moustache. Such mummers as these
+would lay aside their disguises with a light conscience, but the
+peasant was apt to feel a depressing qualm when the sports were over;
+and it is said that, even at the present day, there are rustics who do
+not venture to go to church, after having taken part in a mumming,
+until they have washed off their guilt by immersing themselves in the
+benumbing waters of an ice-hole.
+
+Next to the mumming, what the Church most objected to was the
+divination always practised at Christmas festivals. With one of its
+forms a number of songs have been associated, termed _podblyudnuiya_,
+as connected with a _blyudo_, a dish or bowl. Into some vessel of this
+kind the young people drop tokens. A cloth is then thrown over it, and
+the various objects are drawn out, one after another, to the sound of
+songs, from the tenor of which the owners deduce omens relative to
+their future happiness. As bread and salt are also thrown into the
+bowl, the ceremony may be supposed to have originally partaken of the
+nature of a sacrifice. After these songs are over ought to come the
+game known as the "burial of the gold." The last ring remaining in the
+prophetic bowl is taken out by one of the girls, who keeps it
+concealed in her hand. The others sit in a circle, resting their hands
+on their knees. She walks slowly round, while the first four lines are
+sung in chorus of the song beginning, "See here, gold I bury, I bury."
+Then she slips the ring into one of their hands, from which it is
+rapidly passed on to another, the song being continued the while. When
+it comes to an end the "gold burier" must try to guess in whose hand
+the ring is concealed. This game is a poetical form of our "hunt the
+slipper." Like many other Slavonic customs it is by some archæologists
+traced home to Greece. By certain mythologists the "gold" is supposed
+to be an emblem of the sun, long hidden by envious wintry clouds, but
+at this time of year beginning to prolong the hours of daylight. To
+the sun really refer, in all probability, the bonfires with which
+Christmastide, as well as the New Year and Midsummer is greeted in
+Russia. In the Ukraine the sweepings from a cottage are carefully
+preserved from Christmas Day to New Year's Day, and are then burnt in
+a garden at sunrise. Among some of the Slavs, such as the Servians,
+Croatians, and Dalmatians, a _badnyak_, or piece of wood answering to
+the northern Yule-log, is solemnly burnt on Christmas Eve. But the
+significance originally attached to these practices has long been
+forgotten. Thus the grave attempts of olden times to search the
+secrets of futurity have degenerated into the sportive guesses of
+young people, who half believe that they may learn from omens at
+Christmas time what manner of marriages are in store for them.
+Divinings of this kind are known to all lands, and bear a strong
+family likeness; but it is, of course, only in a cold country that a
+spinster can find an opportunity of sitting beside a hole cut in the
+surface of a frozen river, listening to prophetic sounds proceeding
+from beneath the ice, and possibly seeing the image of the husband who
+she is to marry within the year trembling in the freezing water.
+Throughout the whole period of the _Svyatki_, the idea of marriage
+probably keeps possession of the minds of many Russian maidens, and on
+the eve of the Epiphany, the feast with which those Christmas holidays
+come to an end, it is still said to be the custom for the village
+girls to go out into the open air and to beseech the "stars, stars,
+dear little stars," to be so benignant as to
+
+ "Send forth through the christened world
+  Arrangers of weddings."
+
+W. R. S. Ralston, in _Notes and Queries_, Dec. 21, 1878.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN AFRICA.
+
+"A certain young man about town" (says _Chambers's Journal_, December
+25, 1869), "once forsook the sweet shady side of Pall Mall for the
+sake of smoking his cigar in savage Africa; but when Christmas came,
+he was seized with a desire to spend it in Christian company, and this
+is how he did spend it: 'We English once possessed the Senegal; and
+there, every Christmas Eve, the Feast of Lanterns used to be held. The
+native women picked up the words and airs of the carols; the custom
+had descended to the Gambia, and even to the Casemanche, where it is
+still preserved. A few minutes after I had ridden up, sounds of music
+were heard, and a crowd of blacks came to the door, carrying the model
+of a ship made of paper, and illuminated within; and hollowed pumpkins
+also lighted up for the occasion. Then they sang some of our dear old
+Christmas carols, and among others, one which I had heard years ago
+on Christmas Eve at Oxford:
+
+  Nowel, Nowel, the angels did say,
+  To certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay--
+  In fields as they lay keeping their sheep,
+  One cold winter's night, which was so deep.
+          Nowel, Nowel, Nowel, Nowel,
+          Born is the King of Israel.
+
+You can imagine with what feelings I listened to those simple words,
+sung by negresses who knew not a phrase of English besides. You can
+imagine what recollections they called up, as I sat under an African
+sky, the palm-trees rustling above my head, and the crocodiles moaning
+in the river beyond. I thought of the snow lying thick upon the
+ground; of the keen, clear, frosty air. I thought of the ruddy fire
+which would be blazing in a room I knew; and of those young faces
+which would be beaming still more brightly by its side; I thought
+of--oh, of a hundred things, which I can laugh at now, because I am in
+England, but which, in Africa, made me more wretched than I can well
+express.'
+
+"Next day, sadness and sentiment gave way, for a while at least, to
+more prosaical feelings. When Mr. Reade sat down to his Christmas
+dinner, he must have wished, with Macbeth, 'May good digestion wait on
+appetite,' as he contemplated the fare awaiting discussion, and to
+which a boar's head grinned a welcome. Snails from France, oysters
+torn from trees, gazelle cutlets, stewed iguana, smoked elephant,
+fried locusts, manati-breasts, hippopotamus steaks, boiled alligator,
+roasted crocodile eggs, monkeys on toast, land crabs and Africa soles,
+carp, and mullet--detestable in themselves, but triumphant proof of
+the skill of the cook--furnished forth the festival-table, in company
+with potatoes, plantains, pine-apples, oranges, papaws, bananas, and
+various fruits rejoicing in extraordinary shapes, long native names,
+and very nasty flavours; and last, but not least, palm-cabbage stewed
+in white sauce, 'the ambrosia of the gods,' and a bottle of good
+Bordeaux at every's man's elbow. When evening came, Mr. Reade and a
+special friend sought the river: 'The rosy wine had rouged our yellow
+cheeks, and we lay back on the cushions, and watched the setting sun
+with languid, half-closed eyes. Four men, who might have served as
+models to Appelles, bent slowly to their stroke, and murmured forth a
+sweet and plaintive song. Their oars, obedient to their voice, rippled
+the still water, and dropped from their blades pearls, which the sun
+made rubies with its rays. Two beautiful girls, who sat before us in
+the bow, raised their rounded arms and tinkled their bracelets in the
+air. Then, gliding into the water, they brought us flowers from
+beneath the dark bushes, and kissed the hands which took them, with
+wet and laughing lips. Like a dark curtain, the warm night fell upon
+us; strange cries roused from the forest; beasts of the waters plunged
+around us, and my honest friend's hand pressed mine. And Christmas
+Day was over. We might seek long for a stranger contrast to an
+Englishman's Christmas at home, although--to adapt some seasonable
+lines--
+
+                                Where'er
+  An English heart exists to do and dare,
+  Where, amid Afric's sands, the lion roars,
+  Where endless winter chains the silent shores,
+  Where smiles the sea round coral islets bright,
+  Where Brahma's temple's sleep in glowing light--
+  In every spot where England's sons may roam,
+  Dear Christmas-tide still speaks to them of Home!"
+
+    [93] The discovery of the North-West Passage for
+    navigation from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, by the
+    northern coasts of the American continent; first
+    successfully traversed by Sir R. McClure in 1850-1.
+
+    [94] _Chambers's Journal_, December 25, 1869.
+
+    [95] Fosbroke's "British Monachism."
+
+    [96] "Reminiscences of the Siege and Commune of Paris," by
+    Ex-Minister E. B. Washburne.
+
+    [97] "Year Book."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration: SIMEON RECEIVED THE CHILD JESUS INTO HIS ARMS, AND
+BLESSED GOD
+
+_Luke_ 11 25-32]
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER XIII_
+
+
+CONCLUDING CAROL SERVICE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
+
+Now, returning from the celebrations of Christmas in distant parts of
+the world, we conclude our historic account of the great Christian
+festival by recording the pleasure with which we attended the
+
+
+CONCLUDING CAROL SERVICE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
+
+at a fine old English cathedral--the recently restored and beautiful
+cathedral at Lichfield, whose triple spires are seen and well known by
+travellers on the Trent valley portion of the London and North Western
+main line of railway which links London with the North.
+
+[Illustration: LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL
+(_By permission of Mr. A. C. Lomax's Successors
+Lichfield_)]
+
+Christmas carols have been sung at Lichfield from long before the time
+of "the mighty Offa," King of the Mercians, in whose days and by whose
+influence Lichfield became for a time an archiepiscopal see, being
+elevated to that dignity by Pope Adrian, in 785. And, in the
+seventeenth century, the Deanery of Lichfield was conferred upon the
+Rev. Griffin Higgs, the writer of the events connected with the
+exhibition of "The Christmas Prince" at St. John's College, Oxford, in
+1607, whose authentic account of these interesting historical events
+will be found in an earlier chapter of this work.
+
+The Christmas carols at Lichfield Cathedral, sung by the full choir at
+the special evening service on St. Stephen's Day (December 26th),
+have, for many years, attracted large and appreciative congregations,
+and the last of these celebrations in the nineteenth century (on
+December 26, 1900) was well sustained by the singers and attended by
+many hundreds of citizens and visitors. Eight Christmas Carols and an
+anthem were sung, the concluding Carol being "The First Nowell"; and
+the organist (Mr. J. B. Lott, Mus. Bac., Oxon) played the Pastoral
+Symphony from Sullivan's "Light of the World," Mendelssohn's March
+("Cornelius"), the Pastoral Symphony from Handel's "Messiah," and
+other exquisite voluntaries. From the anthem, E. H. Sears's beautiful
+verses beginning
+
+ "It came upon the midnight clear,
+  That glorious song of old,"
+
+set to Stainer's music and well sung, we quote the concluding
+predictive stanza:
+
+ "For lo, the days are hast'ning on,
+    By prophet-bards foretold,
+  When with the ever-circling years
+    Comes round the age of gold;
+  When peace shall over all the earth
+    Its ancient splendours fling,
+  And the whole world give back the song
+    Which now the angels sing."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+
+A
+
+Abbot of Misrule, 95 (_see_ also Lord of Misrule)
+
+Abbot of Westminster, 80
+
+Abdication of Richard Cromwell, 213
+
+Abingdon, 51, 208
+
+Aboard the _Sunbeam_, 307
+
+Abolition of Christmas celebration attempted, 206
+
+Abraham, 29
+
+Abyssinia, 298
+
+"Adam Bell," 195
+
+Adam's _Noël_, 319
+
+Adams, Herbert H., 227, 249
+
+Addison, 227
+
+_Adeste Fideles_, 323
+
+_Adieu les Rois_, 320
+
+Adrian, Pope, 350
+
+Advent of Christ, the, 5;
+  season of the, 12;
+  date of the, 14
+
+Advertisement, curious, 232
+
+"Aerra Geola" (December), 28
+
+Africa, 345
+
+Africa, South, 299
+
+Agincourt, 81
+
+Agrippina, wife of Claudius, 24
+
+Aidan, Columbian Monk, 27
+
+Ajaccio, 322
+
+Alban, St., 20
+
+Albert, Prince Consort, 261
+
+Albemarle, Lady, 241
+
+Aldrich, Commander Pelham, 308
+
+Ale, 26, 55, 57, 231, 251, 258, 259
+
+Alexander, King of the Scots, 64
+
+Alexander Severus, 29
+
+Alexandria, 54
+
+Alfred the Great, King, 36
+
+All Hallowtide, 73, 131
+
+Almaine accoutrements, 120
+
+"Almes" at Christmas, 148, 257-8
+
+Almoner, Lord High, 260
+
+Alsatians, 319
+
+Alwyn, Walter, 95
+
+Amadas, Rob, 100
+
+Ambassadors, foreign, 152
+
+Ambleteuse, Brittany, 220
+
+Ambrose, St., 21
+
+America, 309-316
+
+Amours of Henry VIII., 106
+
+Amusements, 33, 153, 195, 246-9
+
+Ancaster Heath, 153
+
+Andalusia, 339
+
+Andrew, St., 283
+
+Andrewes, Bishop, 193
+
+_Andromeda tetragona_, 295
+
+Angel, the, appears unto Joseph, 5;
+  unto the shepherds, 7
+
+Angels' Song, 10, 12
+
+Anger, 13
+
+"Angleesh blom-bodding," 319
+
+Angles, King of the, 34
+
+Anglo-Norman language, 57
+
+Anglo-Saxon Kings, 29
+
+Anglo-Saxons, 25, 28
+
+Angouleme, Duchess, 317
+
+Angus, Scotland, 242
+
+Anjou wine, 57
+
+Annan, Dumfriesshire, 71
+
+Anne, daughter of Frederick III., King of Denmark, 197
+
+Anne, Queen, 226
+
+Anne, wife of Richard III., 93
+
+Annunciation, the, 13, 15
+
+Anointing cattle, 325
+
+Anselm, Archbishop, 49
+
+Antioch, 59;
+  the church at, 11;
+  Prince of, 52
+
+Antiochus Epiphanes, 17
+
+Antipodes, 303
+
+Ara Coeli, Church of, 328
+
+"Archæologia," 200
+
+Archbishops' Quarrel, 48
+
+Archduchess Marie Valerie, 335
+
+Arctic regions, 294-6
+
+Aristophanes, 286
+
+Armenian Church, the, 12
+
+Armour under robes, 118
+
+Arnot, S., 284
+
+"Arraignment of Christmas," the, 209
+
+Artaki Bay, 307
+
+Arthur, King, and his Knights, 30, 67, 195
+
+Arthur, Prince of Wales, 99
+
+Arundel, Earl of, 190, 193, 194
+
+Astley, Sir John, 201
+
+Aston, near Birmingham, 243
+
+Athelney, 36
+
+Attainder, 222
+
+Attire, magnificent, 99
+
+Attorney-General, 199
+
+Aubrey, 142, 201, 243
+
+Audley, Lord, 82
+
+Augusta, Princess, 241
+
+Augustine, St., 26, 28
+
+Australia, 303
+
+Austria, 288, 335
+
+Austria, Archduke of, 35;
+  Duke of, 58
+
+
+B
+
+"Babe Cake," 273
+
+Babingley, 263
+
+Babylon, 54, 59
+
+_Bacchanalia_, 13, 15, 19
+
+Bacchus, 19
+
+Bacon, Lord, 93, 94, 152
+
+Baden, Marquis of, 139
+
+Bagpipes, 220
+
+Baker, Chronicler, 105
+
+Balancing, feats of, 229
+
+Balliol, Edward, 71
+
+Balls, 249, 250, 309
+
+Baltimore, Lord, 314
+
+Banks Island reindeer, 294
+
+Banquetings, 31, 88, 126, 146-9, 219, 220, 232
+
+Banqueting-night ceremonies, 135
+
+_Barabrith_, 281
+
+Barbadoes, 288
+
+Barclay Alexander, 104
+
+Barne, Sir George, 117
+
+"Baron of Beef," 273
+
+"Baron's Yule Feast," 266
+
+Barons, 55, 60
+
+Barriers, at, 189
+
+Barristers singing and dancing, 137
+
+Barrow, Isaac, 204
+
+Barry, Sir Charles, 46
+
+Barthe, Master George, 88
+
+"Batt upon Batt," 221
+
+Bay of Mercy, 294
+
+Beamonde, Lord of, 70
+
+Bear-baiting, 119, 229
+
+Beatrice, Princess, 262
+
+Beaufitz, John, 93
+
+Beaumont, 152
+
+Beauties, Court, 99
+
+Becket, St. Thomas, 52
+
+Bedchambers, fifteenth century, 88
+
+Bede, the Venerable, 24
+
+Bedford, 64
+
+Bellman, the, 224
+
+Bells, Christmas, 270, 271
+
+Belshazzar, 78
+
+Belton, Mr., 219
+
+Belvoir Castle, 224, 266
+
+Benevolence, 260-6
+
+Bengel, 13
+
+Berkeley, 69, 146;
+  Lord Henry, 146
+
+Berkshire, 276
+
+Berlin, 335
+
+Bermondsey, 52
+
+Berners, Lord, 69, 88
+
+Berri, Duchess, 317
+
+Bertha, Queen, 27
+
+Berwick, 68
+
+Besieged Paris, 318
+
+Bethlehem, 7, 14
+
+Betterton, 218
+
+Bevis of Southampton, 195
+
+Billiards, 195
+
+Bills of fare, fifteenth century, 82
+
+Bird, 140
+
+Birds' dinner, 342
+
+Birth of Christ, 5;
+  date of, 14
+
+Blackborough Priory, 85
+
+Blackburn, Mr. Francis, 238
+
+Black Prince, 149
+
+Blake, Mr. Andrew, 262
+
+Blanchard, Laman, 268
+
+Blenheim Mansion, 226
+
+Blessington, Countess of, 266
+
+Blindman's Buff, 236, 248, 249
+
+Blue Jackets, 294
+
+Boar, wild, 32, 33, 45, 110
+
+Boar's Head ceremony, 109-11, 125, 167
+
+Bocking, John, 86
+
+Bohemia, Queen of, 193
+
+"Bold Slasher," 284
+
+Boleyn, Anne, 106
+
+Bolingbroke, Henry of, 80
+
+Bonbonnieres, 314
+
+Bonfires, 320, 336
+
+Bonner, Bishop, 122
+
+Boswell, 241
+
+Bosworth Field, 93, 101
+
+Bountifulness, 96, 260
+
+Bounty Royal, 260
+
+Bourchier, Archbishop, 94
+
+Bourchier, John, 69
+
+Bouvines, battle of, 60
+
+Bowyer, Richard, 141
+
+Boy Bishop, 68, 119, 156
+
+Boyhood's Christmas breaking-up, 242
+
+Boy-king taken to Tower, 92
+
+Brabant, States of, 154
+
+Brahmins, 28
+
+Brand, 221, 232, 243, 244
+
+Brandon, Charles, 101
+
+Brandon, Sir William, 101
+
+Brant, Sebastian, 104
+
+Brassey, Lady, 305
+
+Brave, blood of the, 73, 99, 190
+
+Brawn, 96, 232
+
+Brazil, 288
+
+Breda, 214
+
+Breton, Nicholas, 199
+
+Bridgewater, 242
+
+Bridgewater, Earl of, 200
+
+Brill, Vale of Aylesbury, 60
+
+Brilliant episodes, 59, 73, 84, 93, 99
+
+Brinsford, 219
+
+Bristol, 68, 242
+
+British India, 288
+
+British Museum, 114, 145, 210, 211, 232, 241, 244, 324
+
+Brito, Richard, 53
+
+Britons, Ancient, 23, 28
+
+Brittany, 318
+
+Brompton, 274
+
+Brooke, George, 192
+
+Brothers, Royal, at the Tower, 92
+
+Browne, General, 207
+
+Brown, Sir Sam., 300
+
+Browning, Robert, 66, 270
+
+Bruges, 116, 271
+
+Buchan, 285
+
+_Buche-de-Noël_, 319
+
+Buckeridge, Bishop, 195
+
+Buckhurst, Lord, 154
+
+Buckingham, Duke of, 88
+
+Buckingham, Lord, 191
+
+Buckinghamshire peasants, 238
+
+Bull, Dr., 140
+
+Bull-baiting, 229
+
+Bunbury, Mrs., 241
+
+Bun-loaf, 281
+
+Burford Downs, 218
+
+Burgundy, Duke of, 88
+
+Burgundy, House of, 154
+
+Burlesque Court, 126
+
+Burney, 140
+
+Burnham, Buckinghamshire, 257
+
+Burton, Robert, 195
+
+Bury, 68, 84
+
+Bushell, Sir Edward, 153
+
+Buttry, William, 100
+
+Bydnyak, or Yule-log, 345
+
+Byzantium, 324
+
+
+C
+
+Cabul River, 302
+
+Cade, John, 85
+
+Caer Caradoc, 24
+
+Cæsars, the, 35
+
+Cæsarea, the Church at, 11
+
+Cakes, 36, 265, 321
+
+Calais, 72, 81, 109
+
+Calathumpians, the Vagabond, 313
+
+Caledonian custom, 305
+
+"Caliburne," the "gude sword," 58
+
+Caludon, near Coventry, 146
+
+Calvados, 320
+
+Cambridge, 204
+
+Camden Society, 219
+
+Camp fire, 301
+
+Campion, 154
+
+Camulodunum, Bishop of, 25
+
+Canada, 288, 302
+
+Candle illuminations 168, 322, 331
+
+Candlemas, 80, 138, 178
+
+Canning, W., 143
+
+Canons of Christchurch, 177
+
+Canterbury, 63, 86, 210;
+  monks of, 56
+
+Canterbury Cathedral, 53
+
+Canterbury, Archbishop of, 60, 82, 99, 139
+
+Canute, King, 37
+
+Cape de Verd Islands, 288
+
+Cape Finisterre, 226
+
+Caradoc (called Caractacus), 24
+
+Card-playing, 87, 91, 97, 98, 108, 195, 237, 241, 247, 256, 313
+
+Carew, 152
+
+Carleton, Sir Dudley, 154, 191
+
+Carlisle, 68
+
+Carminow, John, 113
+
+Carnival, 286
+
+Carols, 57, 204, 327
+
+Carol service, 349, 350
+
+Carol-singer Luther, 106
+
+Carol-singing, 326
+
+Caroline, Queen, 241
+
+Car, or Ker, Robert, 155
+
+Carvell, Sir Henry, 194
+
+Cary, Sir Robert, 154
+
+Casemanche, 345
+
+Cassel, Dr., Germany, 16
+
+Castanet, 340
+
+Castellated mansion, 148
+
+Castles, 52, 55, 57, 58
+
+Catacombs of Rome, 19
+
+Catches, 195
+
+Catesby, 93
+
+Cawarden, Sir Thomas, 116, 124
+
+Cecil, Sir William, 143
+
+Celebrations in times of persecution, 18
+
+Central Germany, 333
+
+Ceremonies for Christmas Day, 167
+
+Ceremonies for Grand Christmas, 132
+
+Cern, 264
+
+Chaldeans, 28
+
+Challon, 67
+
+Challoner, Thomas, 154
+
+Chamberlain to the King, 88
+
+Chamberlain to the Queen, 88
+
+Chamberlaine, John, 153, 154, 191
+
+Chambers of Pleasance, 88
+
+Chamber of Presence, 139
+
+Champions of Diana, 102
+
+Channel Islands, 288
+
+Chapel Royal, 138, 140, 241
+
+Chardai, 300
+
+Charibert, King, 28
+
+Charlemagne, Emperor, 34, 342
+
+Charles Augustus, Emperor, 35
+
+Charles I., 152, 195, 197, 212, 213
+
+Charles II., 214
+
+Charles, Prince, hiding in an oak, 215
+
+Charles V. of Spain, 118
+
+Charter, The Great, signed, 61
+
+Chaucer, 9, 33, 73, 99
+
+Cheetle, 142
+
+Cherwell, 109
+
+Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, 214
+
+Chess, 33, 91, 195
+
+Chester, Earl of, 64
+
+Cheu Fu Chefoo, 308
+
+Chevalier, Rev. W. A. C, 71
+
+Chichester, Bishop of, 64, 193
+
+Childermas Day, 112, 135
+
+Children of the Chapel Royal, 100, 140, 141
+
+Children's Treat, 264, 265
+
+Chili, 288
+
+China, 308
+
+Chios, 324-8
+
+Chippenham, 35
+
+Chit-chat, 268, 269
+
+Chivalric usages, 59, 84, 155, 190
+
+Christiania, 342
+
+_Christ-Kirche_, 333
+
+Christmas--the origin and associations of, 5;
+  the word "Christmas," its orthography and meaning, 8;
+  words in Welsh, Scotch, French, Italian, and Spanish representing
+    Christmas, 9;
+  an acrostic spelling Christmas, 9;
+  the earlier celebrations of, 10;
+  fixing the date of, 12;
+  Christmas the _Festorum omnium metropolis_, 12;
+  its connection with ancient festivals, 14;
+  Christmas-boxes and presents, 15, 29, 30, 89, 90, 96, 148, 257, 258,
+    260-6, 300, 312, 325, 334-5, 341;
+  candles, 168, 322, 331;
+  cards, 271;
+  ceremonies, 132, 167;
+  customs depicted in a carol, 204;
+  Eve, 125, 131, 250-1, 286, 332-5;
+  "Grand," 125;
+  Island, 308;
+  Lord, 95, 100, 109, 112, 115, 126, 198, 200;
+  Prince, 155;
+  at sea, 95, 96, 218, 307;
+  Tree, 106, 261, 263, 264, 296, 313, 325, 332
+  (see also other items in the index arranged alphabetically).
+
+Chrysostom, St., 12
+
+Church Parade, 301
+
+Church reforms of Cardinal Wolsey, 106
+
+Church shows, 316
+
+Cicilie, Ladie, 139
+
+Cider, 55
+
+Cinque Ports, Barons of, 64
+
+City and country feasts compared, 112
+
+Civil war, 156
+
+Clappart, Herr Von, 332
+
+Clarence, Duke of, 86, 89
+
+Classical and Christian elements, 19
+
+Claudius, fourth Roman Emperor, 23
+
+Clement of Alexandria, 12
+
+Clement IX., tomb of, 330
+
+Clerical players, 77
+
+Cleves, Anne of, 108
+
+Clifford, Lord, 82, 86
+
+Closheys (ninepins), 88
+
+Clothing, 265
+
+Cloth of gold, 88
+
+Clyde, Lord, 299
+
+Clymme of Clough, 195
+
+Cnut, King, 37
+
+Cobham, Lord, 81
+
+"Cob-loaf stealing," 243
+
+Cockpit, 153
+
+Collar-day at Court, 240
+
+Colebrooke, Mr., 279
+
+Coleridge, S. T., 274
+
+Colleges' festivities, 109, 110, 111, 155
+
+Collier, 124, 201
+
+Colonist, English, 302
+
+Columbine, 230
+
+Columbus, Christopher, 95
+
+Combats, inspiriting, 99
+
+Comedies and Tragedies, Latin, 110
+
+Comedies, 112
+
+Comically cruel incident, 75
+
+Commonwealth, 197
+
+Communicants apprehended, 211
+
+"Complaint of Christmas," 206
+
+_Concilium Africanum_, 22
+
+Conger, 96
+
+Conjurors, 237
+
+Consort, Prince, 261-2
+
+Conspiracy against the King, 80
+
+Constable Marshal, 125
+
+Constantine the Great, 21;
+  Church of St. Constantine, 16
+
+Constantinople, 52, 54, 307;
+  Emperor of, 80
+
+Cooper, Sir Astley, 316
+
+Cooper, T., 233
+
+Cooper, Thomas, 266
+
+Corbeuil, Archbishop, 48
+
+Cordova, 339
+
+Cornelius, a Roman Centurion, 23
+
+Cornhill, London, 210
+
+Corniche Road, 331
+
+Cornisse, Mr., 100
+
+Cornwall, 113, 156
+
+Cornwall, the Duchy of, 188
+
+Cornwall, Barry, 272
+
+Cornwall, Sir Gilbert, 194
+
+Cornwallis, Sir Charles, 188
+
+Coronation of Edward III., 69
+
+_Corpus Christi_, festival of, 93
+
+Corsica, 321
+
+Costly garments, 116
+
+Costumes ablaze, 291
+
+Cottage Christmas-keeping, fourteenth century, 71
+
+Cotterell, Sir Clement, 194
+
+Cotton, 152
+
+Cotton MSS., 136
+
+Council of Arles, 25
+
+Council of Auxerre, 22
+
+Councils, Great, 41
+
+Country festivities, 219, 226, 227
+
+Courrieres, Lord of, 118
+
+Court entertainments, 151, 197. (See other items under Sovereigns' names.)
+
+Court Fool, 77, 113, 116
+
+Court Leet and Baron, 187
+
+Court Masques, 151-2
+
+Coventry, 85, 89, 93, 148, 198
+
+Cox, Captain, 197
+
+Crackers, 289
+
+Cranbourne, Ralph, 276
+
+Cranes' flesh, 55
+
+Cranmer, Archbishop, 117
+
+Crecy, 72
+
+Creighton, 74
+
+Crimean Christmas, 297
+
+Croatians, 345
+
+Cromwell, Oliver, 213
+
+Cromwell, Richard, 213
+
+Cromwell, Thomas, 107, 108
+
+Crowne, 218
+
+_Croyland Chronicler_, 87, 93
+
+Crusades, The, 58, 59
+
+Cuba, 96
+
+_Cuisine_, 312
+
+Cumberland, 256
+
+Cumberland, Earl of, 143
+
+Cumnor Custom, 251
+
+Cupids, 119
+
+_Cyflath_, 281
+
+Cymbals, 339
+
+Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, 22
+
+Cyprus, 307;
+  King of, 74
+
+Cyril, St., of Jerusalem, 12
+
+
+D
+
+Dacre, Lord, 86
+
+Dakka, 300
+
+Dalmatians, 345
+
+"Damon and Pythias," 140
+
+Dancers, 32, 49;
+  dancing, 74, 132, 195, 224, 236, 249, 250, 261, 294, 296
+
+Dane, a firework artificer, 154
+
+Danes, 29, 35, 36, 38
+
+Danube, 226
+
+Darey, Sir Thomas, 190
+
+David, City of, 7
+
+David, King of Scotland, 72, 74
+
+David, St., 284
+
+Dawson, Mr. George, 274
+
+Day, John, Aldersgate, 136
+
+Days of "Good Queen Bess," 148
+
+De Beauchamp, William, 64
+
+De Broc, The family of, 53
+
+December, 28, 29, 33
+
+Decking, 15, 204, 227, 273, 282, 305, 318
+
+Decline of Christmas, 217
+
+De Comines, Philip, 93
+
+Decorations, 323. (_See also_ "decking.")
+
+D'Egville, 316
+
+"Delights of Christmas," 243
+
+Dellegrout, 55
+
+De Molis, Sir Nicholas, 64
+
+Demonology, 152, 196
+
+De Montfort, Simon, 65
+
+Denby, 219
+
+Denison, Hon. Mr. and the Misses, 273
+
+Denis, St., 53, 283
+
+Denmark, 284, 288
+
+De Patteshall, Hugh, 64
+
+Dependents feasting, 202
+
+Deposition of Edward II., 69
+
+_De Præfecto Ludorum_, 110
+
+Deptford Dockyard, 223
+
+Derby, Countess Dowager of, 200
+
+Dersingham, 263
+
+Desborough, 213
+
+De Tracy, William, 53
+
+Detroit, 291
+
+Devon, Earl of, 87
+
+Devonshire, 213, 278
+
+De Worde, W., 91
+
+Diana, 102
+
+Diana Hunting, a masque, 120
+
+Dice, 195, 237
+
+Dickens, Charles, 274, 292
+
+Dieppe, 43
+
+Dimmick, Mrs., 313
+
+Dinah, 316
+
+Dingwell, Lord, 190
+
+Dinners to 5,000 poor, 264
+
+Diocletian's atrocities, 20
+
+Dionysius Exiguus, 13
+
+Dipmore End, 276
+
+Disguisings, 75, 76, 91, 95, 100
+
+D'Israeli, 151
+
+"Dissipation and Negligence," 112
+
+Dissolution of Monasteries, 108
+
+Distributions to the poor, 257, 260, 264
+
+Diversions, 76, 91, 95, 101, 119, 153, 205, 246-7, 251
+
+Diverting ditties, 233-7
+
+Divinings, 345
+
+"Doctor," 284;
+  medical, 341
+
+"Domesday Book," 45
+
+Donne, 152
+
+Doran, Dr., 209, 210
+
+Dorset, Countess of, 211
+
+Dorset, Marquis of, 101
+
+Dover, 63, 81
+
+Dragon's heads, &c, 73
+
+Dramatic displays, 123, 136-7, 140-2, 153
+
+Dramatist, England's greatest, 142
+
+Drinkhail, 58
+
+Drinks, 55 (see "Ale," "Mead," &c.)
+
+Druidical plant, 228, 318
+
+Druidism, 15, 28, 228
+
+Drums, 220, 339
+
+Dryden, 196
+
+Dublin, 52
+
+Dudley, Lord Robert, 126
+
+Dugdale, Sir William, 112, 125, 138, 146
+
+Dunn, Harriett, 316
+
+Dunois, 84
+
+Dunstan's Churchyard, St., 136
+
+Durham, 43
+
+Durham, Bishop of, 241
+
+Dutchmen display fireworks, 154
+
+Dwarfs, 195
+
+
+E
+
+Ealdred, Archbishop, 39
+
+Earl Marshal, 82
+
+Early celebrations in Britain, 23
+
+Eastern Churches, the, 11, 12, 325
+
+Edgar, King, 36
+
+Edinburgh, the late Duke of, 263
+
+Edmondes, Sir Thomas, 192
+
+Edmund, Archbishop, 63
+
+Edmundsbury, St., 60
+
+Edmund, son of Ethelred, 37
+
+Edric, the Saxon, 37
+
+Edric, Earl of Northumberland, 37
+
+Edward the Confessor, 38
+
+Edward, Prince, 241
+
+Edward, St., 86
+
+Edward I., 67
+
+Edward II., 68
+
+Edward III., 69
+
+Edward IV., 86, 87, 88, 89
+
+Edward V., 92
+
+Edward VI., 108, 115, 116, 117
+
+Edward the Black Prince, 74
+
+Edwards, Richard, 137, 140
+
+Edwin's Chiefs, King, 30
+
+Effect of Season, 282
+
+"Egeria," H.M.S., 308
+
+Egg-nogg, 311
+
+Egg Saturday, 183
+
+Egmont, Count of, 118
+
+Eija, 339, 340
+
+Eisenach, 106
+
+Eisleben, 106
+
+Eleanor of Aquitane, 58
+
+Eleanor of Castile, 68
+
+Eleanor of Provence, 62
+
+Eleutherius, Bishop of Rome, 24
+
+Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Edward IV. 88
+
+Elizabeth, Princess (afterwards Queen), 119, 120
+
+Elizabeth, Princess of Austria, 335
+
+Elizabeth, Queen, 122, 138, 140, 142, 150
+
+Elizabeth of York, 93
+
+Ellis, 105
+
+El Teb, 302
+
+Eltham, 78, 80, 81, 89, 104
+
+Ely, Bishop of, 193
+
+Ely, Monks of, 37
+
+Emma, the Lady, 37, 38
+
+England, 288
+
+English Court, 38
+
+English exiles, 93
+
+Entertainments, 30, 77, 112, 218, 233, 294
+
+Epiphany, 11, 60, 93, 97, 192, 345
+
+Episcopal cautions, 22
+
+Ernalton of Spayne, 75
+
+Errant, Knights, 195
+
+Essex, Earl of, 143
+
+Ethelbert, King of Kent, 28
+
+Ethelred, King, 36, 37, 38
+
+Ethelwine, Bishop, 43
+
+Eusebius, 13
+
+Evelyn, John, 201, 211, 223
+
+Evelyn, Richard, 200
+
+Ewald, 13
+
+Excursionists, 310
+
+Exeter, 232
+
+Exeter Cathedral, 280
+
+Exeter Chapel, 211
+
+Exeter, Duchess of, 88
+
+Excesses, Anglo-Saxon, 33;
+  Norman, 56
+
+Expenditure for Christmas-keeping, 100-1
+
+Experiences, Christmas, 287
+
+
+F
+
+Fabian, 81
+
+"Fabliau of Sir Cleges," 69
+
+Fair, Christmas, 337
+
+Fairies, 195, 237
+
+Fairy-bowl, 313
+
+Fallow, Mr. T. M., F.S.A., 282-3
+
+Fare, enormous, 65
+
+Farnaby, 140
+
+Farrar, Dean, 7
+
+Fatally Burnt in Christmas Costumes, 291
+
+"Father Christmas," 284
+
+Favourites of James I., 155
+
+Feast in the hall, 148
+
+Feats of arms, 59, 67, 72, 73, 81, 99, 188
+
+Fenwick, Sir John, 153, 222
+
+Ferrers, George, 115, 116
+
+"Ferrex and Porrex," 136
+
+_Festa Natalazie_, 336
+
+Festival in Scotland, the, 191
+
+Festivities in the seventeenth century, 199
+
+Fêtes, 309
+
+Finland, 288
+
+Fire, the all-attracting, at Christmas, 201, 217, 253, 259
+
+Fire at King's Palace, 96
+
+Fire in middle of halls, 30, 201
+
+First English Tragedy, 125
+
+First Footing in Scotland, 285
+
+"First Nowell," the, 346, 350
+
+Fitzstephen, 45
+
+Fitz Urse, Reginald, 53
+
+Fitzwilliam, Lord Admiral, 109
+
+Fitzwilliam, Sir William, 122
+
+Five Articles of James I., 191
+
+"Five Bells of Magdalen Church," 182
+
+Fleet, the, 112
+
+Fleetwood, 213
+
+Flemings, 52
+
+Fletcher, 152
+
+Flodden Field, 98
+
+Flohr, Madame Appoline, 332
+
+_Florentine, Old,_ 249
+
+Flowers, 306, 307
+
+Foiz, Erle of, 75
+
+"Fool's Dance," the, 116
+
+Fool, or Jester, 77, 113, 116, 284
+
+Forbes, Mr. Archibald, 299
+
+Forest of Dean, 43
+
+Foresters, Lady, 75
+
+Foresters and huntsmen in play, 100, 102
+
+Forfeits, 246-7
+
+Forte, Mr., 303
+
+Fosse, the, 267
+
+Foster, Birket, illustrations by, 2, 32, 44, 57, 111, 202, 234, 240,
+  250, 257, 271
+
+"Foula Reel," the, 286
+
+France, 63, 72, 108, 288, 316-321
+
+Francis II., Emperor, 35
+
+Franco-German War, 35
+
+"Franklin's Tale," the, 33
+
+Fraser, Sir Simon, 71
+
+Free-lunches at hotels, 311
+
+Freeman, William, 25, 37, 43, 45
+
+French Embassy, 101
+
+Fretevel, 53
+
+Friars, 195, 271
+
+Friday Street Tavern, 152
+
+Friscobald, Leonard, 100
+
+Froissart, Sir John, 31, 69, 75
+
+Frost, hard, of 1564, 138
+
+Frozen regions, 296
+
+Fuller, 94
+
+Fur-clad revellers, 310
+
+
+G
+
+Gairdner, Mr. James, 86
+
+Gaities, 309
+
+Gala, 309
+
+Galerius, 20
+
+Gambia, 345
+
+Gambols, 213, 221, 228, 247, 251
+
+Games, 33, 88, 98, 102, 154, 205, 246
+
+Garden of pleasure, 88
+
+Garrard, Rev. G., 156
+
+Garret, Mr. Edward, 284
+
+Garrick, David, 219, 230, 237
+
+Gascoigne, 140
+
+Gascon wine, 57
+
+Gaul, 28
+
+Gaunt, John of, 94
+
+Gay, John, 229
+
+Geikie, Dr., 12
+
+Generosity, 31, 263
+
+Gentlemen of the Chapel Royal, 136, 141
+
+_Gentleman's Magazine_, 243
+
+Gentry, 55, 91. (_Also see_ items under names of "Gentry.")
+
+Geoffrey of Monmouth, 31, 49, 136
+
+Geological Society, 297
+
+George I., 229
+
+George II., 231
+
+George II., costumes, 286
+
+George III., 240
+
+George IV., 258
+
+George's Chapel, St., Windsor, 140
+
+George, King of Bohemia, 89
+
+George, Prince, 225
+
+George, St., village of, 324
+
+George, St., and the Dragon, 59, 284
+
+Germans, 33, 35, 288, 332, 333, 334
+
+Germany, Emperor and Empress of, 334
+
+"Germania," 295
+
+_Gesta Grayorum_, 142
+
+Ghost Stories, 33, 237, 274, 276
+
+Giants, 195
+
+Gifford, 152, 197
+
+Gifts, 30, 42, 69, 89, 96, 148, 170, 300, 323
+
+Giles, 140
+
+Giles's Christian Mission, St., 265
+
+Giles Fields, St., London, 81
+
+"Gillie Cullum," 305
+
+Gipps, Mr. Richard, 218
+
+Giraldus Cambrensis, 49
+
+Gleemen, 31, 69 (_Also see_ "Minstrels.")
+
+"_Gloria in Excelsis_," 317
+
+Gloucester, 38, 45
+
+Gloucester, Duke of, 92
+
+Gloucestershire, Sheriff of, 65
+
+Goblins of the "Iliad," 325
+
+Goddesses and huntresses, 119
+
+Godwin, House of, 38
+
+Goffe, 212
+
+Gold Coast, 288
+
+Golden play at Court, 154
+
+Goldsmith, Oliver, 241
+
+"Good old fashion," 146
+
+Googe, Barnaby, 121
+
+Goose-pie, 256
+
+"Gorboduc," 125, 136
+
+Gorgeous apparelling, 101
+
+Gosford Street, Coventry, 148
+
+Gospatric, 38
+
+Gourdon, Sir Robert, 190
+
+"Governance Lord," 112
+
+"Gracious time," a, 34
+
+Graduals, 22
+
+Grand entertainments, 99, 100-2
+
+"Grand Christmas" ceremonies, 132
+
+Grand Guiser, 286
+
+Grant, 254
+
+Granthuse, Lord of, 87
+
+Grape gathering, 16
+
+Grattan, 59
+
+Gray's Inn, 111, 112, 142, 143, 144, 145, 193, 218
+
+Gray's Inn List of Performers, 143-5
+
+Great houses, 111
+
+Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop, 22
+
+Gregory the Great--His _Antiphonary_, 22;
+  his story about English slaves, 27;
+  sends Augustine to England, 28
+
+Greek Church show, 328
+
+Greek Empire, 324
+
+Green, J. R., 122, 200
+
+Greenland, 295, 296
+
+Greenwich, 100, 108, 115, 119
+
+Greenwich Hospital Gathering, 288
+
+Grey de Ruthyn, Lord, 82
+
+Grey, Lady Jane, and her husband, 117
+
+Grey, Lord Richard, 92
+
+Griffiths, William, 136
+
+"Grimston, Young," 273
+
+Groceries, 265
+
+Grose, 227
+
+Guildford, 60, 73
+
+Guising, 286
+
+Gunhild, 37
+
+Gunning, Mr., 211
+
+Gustavus, 342
+
+Guy of Warwick, 195
+
+Gybson, Richard, 100
+
+
+H
+
+"Hackin, the," 216, 235
+
+Haddon Hall, 224, 225
+
+_Hagmenae_, 305
+
+"Halig monath" (Holy month), 29
+
+Hallam, 223
+
+Hall, chronicler, 100, 104
+
+Hall, a gentleman's, 30, 201
+
+Halstead, 93
+
+Hamilton, Marquesse of, 192
+
+"Hamlet," 34, 142
+
+Hampton Court, 108, 139
+
+Handel, 350
+
+Hanover, 229
+
+"Hansa," the, 295
+
+"Happy Land," the, 286
+
+Harefield, 200
+
+Harefleur, 93
+
+Hare soup, 295
+
+Harleian, MS., 30, 95
+
+Harlequin, 230
+
+"Harlequin Sorcerer," 230
+
+Harold I., son of Canute, 37
+
+Harold II., son of Godwin, 39
+
+Harpers, 31, 41, 91
+
+Harrison, President, and Mrs., 313
+
+Harthacnut, 37
+
+Haselrig, 213
+
+Haslewood, Mr. Joseph, 232, 241, 244
+
+Hastings, battle of, 39
+
+Hastings, Lord, 87, 88
+
+Hatfield House, 119, 120
+
+Hat of Estate, royal, 96
+
+Hatton, Lady, 211
+
+Hawaii, 307
+
+Hawking, 32, 154
+
+Hay, Lord, 190
+
+Heathenish practices, 26
+
+Hebrew and Hellenic elements, 19
+
+Heine, Henrich, 321
+
+Helena of York, 21
+
+Heliogabalus, 312
+
+Helmes, Mr. Henry, 143
+
+Hemans, Mrs., 47
+
+Hems, Mr. Harry, 278
+
+Hengest, 28
+
+Henley-on-Thames, 157
+
+Henrietta Maria, 214
+
+Henry, Cardinal of Winchester, 82
+
+Henry I., 47
+
+Henry II., 52, 56
+
+Henry III., 62, 64
+
+Henry IV., 79
+
+Henry V., 80;
+  widow of, 94
+
+Henry VI., 83, 85, 86, 87
+
+Henry of Richmond, 93
+
+Henry VII., marries Elizabeth of York, 94
+
+Henry VIII., 98;
+  becomes head of Church, 107
+
+Henry V. of Germany, 47
+
+Henry, Prince, Son of James I., 152, 188
+
+"Henry, Prince of Purpoole," 142
+
+Herald Angels, the (a poem), 3
+
+Heralds and pursuivants, 89
+
+Herbert, Sir Philip, 153
+
+Hereford, Duke of, 78
+
+Herod, King, 7
+
+Herons, 96
+
+Herrick, Robert, 202, 279
+
+"Hesperides," the, 203, 279
+
+Heton, 68
+
+Heynalte, Syr John, 70
+
+Heywood, a player, 108
+
+Higgs, Griffin, writer of the "Christmas Prince," 157, 350
+
+High Festival at Court, 240
+
+Highgate, 122
+
+Highlands, 254
+
+Hilary's Day, St., 73
+
+Hilo, 306
+
+Hinds' and maids' festivities, 213
+
+Hippodrome, 52
+
+Hobbyhorse, the, 197
+
+Hobgoblins, 237
+
+Hochstetter, Professor, 297
+
+Hogges, village of, 52
+
+Holbein, Hans, 109, 114
+
+Holinshed, 100, 115, 122
+
+Holland, Governor of, 87
+
+Holland, Lord, 156
+
+Hollington, near Hastings, 284
+
+Hollis, Sir William, 220
+
+Holst, Duke of, 153
+
+Holt, Sir, 243
+
+Holly, 273, 282
+
+"Holly Bough, under the," 274
+
+Holy evenings, 342
+
+Holy Land, 67
+
+Homage in the fifteenth century, 90
+
+Hone, 66, 241, 317
+
+Honey and wine, 55
+
+Hood, Thomas, 274
+
+Hoop and hide, 237
+
+Hooton Roberts, 220
+
+Horses gaily caparisoned, 99
+
+Hospitality, 30, 124, 145, 146, 220, 256, 260-6, 278
+
+Hostilities suspended for Christmas-day, 81, 84
+
+Hot cockles, 229, 247, 252
+
+Houghton Chapel, 220
+
+Household Book of Henry VII., 95
+
+Household Book of Henry VIII., 100
+
+Housekeeping, Christmas, 232
+
+House of Commons, 207
+
+House of Peers, 226
+
+Howard family, 101
+
+Howard, Frances, Countess of Essex, 155
+
+Howitt, Mary, 276
+
+"Hue and Cry after Christmas," 208
+
+Huet, Sir John, 153
+
+Huish, 241
+
+Humber, the, 43
+
+Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, 82
+
+Hungary, 153;
+  King of, 35
+
+Hunting, 32, 54
+
+Huntingdon, Earl of, 79;
+  Countess of, 82
+
+Hunt the Slipper, 247, 313
+
+Hussars, 10th, 301
+
+Hussey, Sir Richard, 153
+
+Hypocras, 55
+
+
+I
+
+Iceberg, Christmas upon an, 297
+
+Ice-bound regions, 295
+
+Ice sports, 45, 138, 154-5
+
+Ideler, 13
+
+Illuminations at Hampton Court, 120
+
+Immanuel, 5, 6
+
+India, 299
+
+Indian Ocean, 308
+
+Ingenuities and devices, 63
+
+Inner Temple, 125, 136, 138
+
+Innocents' Day, 38, 119, 169
+
+Inns of Court, 111, 112, 137, 201, 218
+
+Interludes, 103, 112
+
+Interruptions of festivities, 85, 206
+
+"Investigator," the, 294
+
+Iona, the monks of, 27
+
+Ipomydon, Romance of, 33
+
+Ipswich, 68, 210
+
+_Ira Seu Tumulus Fortune_, 183
+
+Ireland, 52, 288
+
+Irish customs, 251
+
+Irish Princes and Chieftains, 55
+
+Irving, Washington, 241, 258
+
+Isabel, Queen of France, 78
+
+Isabella, daughter of Edward III., 75
+
+Isaiah, the Prophet, 5
+
+Italy, 288
+
+Italian characters, 230
+
+Italian Masque, 100
+
+
+J
+
+"Jack Straw," a masque, 112
+
+Jacobites, 237
+
+Jade, a charming, 252
+
+Jamaica, 288
+
+James I., 138, 150, 191, 193, 196
+
+James II., 220, 225
+
+James III. of Scotland, 98
+
+James IV. of Scotland, 98
+
+James's, St., 241
+
+"Jane the Fool," 108
+
+Jellalabad Plain, 302
+
+Jermyn, Sir Isaac, 153;
+  Sir Robert, 153
+
+Jerome, St., 13, 21
+
+Jerusalem, the church at, 11
+
+Jerusalem Chamber, 207
+
+"Jesus, the Nazarene," 52
+
+Jhelum, 300
+
+Jinks, high, 285
+
+Joan of Arc, 84
+
+Joan of Kent, 76, 149
+
+Jocund holiday, 266
+
+John's College, St., Oxford, 111
+
+John III., Duke of Cleves, 109
+
+John's Day, St., 86, 134, 153, 219, 320
+
+John, King, 59
+
+John of Gaunt, 74
+
+John of Salisbury, 54
+
+John the Baptist, 13
+
+Joints of meats, 265
+
+Jones, Rev. A. G., 308
+
+Jones, Mr. Charles C., 102
+
+Jones, Mrs. Herbert, 85, 263
+
+Jones, Inigo, 151
+
+Jones, Mary, 280
+
+Jonson, Ben, 86, 141, 148, 149, 151, 152, 190, 197
+
+Jordan, 19
+
+Joseph, 5, 6
+
+Jousts, 32, 120
+
+Judas Maccabæus, 17
+
+Judæan origin of Christmas, supposed, 17
+
+Jugglers, 31
+
+Jule (_see_ Yule)
+
+"Julebukker," 342
+
+Julius Agricola, 25
+
+Julius I., Bishop of Rome, 12
+
+Jupiter, 152
+
+Justin Martyr, 7
+
+Justiciars' extravagance, 59
+
+
+K
+
+Katherine of Arragon, 99
+
+Katherine, wife of Henry V., 81
+
+Kalends of January, 22
+
+Karumpie, 55
+
+Ken, Bishop, 11
+
+Kenilworth Castle, 67, 68, 69, 84, 93, 197
+
+Kent, 118
+
+Kent, earldom of, 46
+
+Kent, Countess of, 82;
+  Fair Maid of, 149
+
+"Kepe Open Court," 69
+
+"Kepe open thy door," 30, 146, 220
+
+Kilaue, 307
+
+Kimberley, 299
+
+King and Council, 117
+
+King at Lord Buckingham's, 192
+
+King, Josiah, 233
+
+King of Christmas, 112
+
+"King of the Cockneys," 112
+
+"King of the Peak," 224
+
+King of Egypt and his daughter, 284
+
+King's deer, 75
+
+King's Lynn, 85
+
+King's players, 151, 153
+
+King's singing men, 89
+
+King's train-bearer, 96
+
+"Kingdome's Weekly Intelligencer," 208
+
+Kinloch, 300
+
+Kirke, George, 201
+
+Kissing Bush, 250, 281
+
+Kitts, St., 288
+
+Knevet, Sir Thomas, 101
+
+Knights and Ladies, playing at, 252
+
+Knights of the Round Table, 30
+
+Knights in armour, 99
+
+Knight Templars, 60
+
+Knipton, 266
+
+Kyrie Eliesons, 22, 28
+
+
+L
+
+_La Blanche Nef,_ 47
+
+Ladies-in-waiting, 263
+
+Lady-bells ring, 267
+
+Lady-Mass, 88
+
+"Lady Public Weal," 112
+
+Ladysmith, 299
+
+Lalain, Count of, 118
+
+Lamb, Charles, 200, 244-6
+
+Lambeth, 38, 138
+
+"Lamentation," 145
+
+Lancastrians, 85, 86
+
+Lanfranc, Archbishop, 46, 49
+
+Lanterns, Feast of, 345
+
+"Largess," a, 129
+
+Latimer, Hugh, 113
+
+Latin and Greek verse, 111
+
+Laube, Dr., 297
+
+Laud, Dr. (Archbishop), 191, 195
+
+Launcelot, Sir, 32
+
+Laurel, 273, 282
+
+Laurel blent with cypress, 298
+
+Lavaine, Sir, 32
+
+Lavish entertainments, 59
+
+Law, Christmas, ancient, 35
+
+Lawes, Henry, 151
+
+Leaping, 32, 229
+
+Leech, John, 289
+
+Lee's "Mithridates," 218
+
+Leeds, 283, 291
+
+Legend of St. Nicholas, 310
+
+Leicester, Earl of, 66, 139
+
+Leigh, Gerard, 127
+
+Leland, 95
+
+Lenox, Duke of, 190
+
+Leo, Pope, 35
+
+Leon, King of Armenia, 78
+
+Leon von Rozmital, 89
+
+Leonard's chime, St., 267
+
+Lerwick, 286
+
+Letter Missions, 292
+
+Leyden, 157
+
+Library, St. John's College, 156
+
+Lichfield Cathedral, 349, 350;
+  Deanery of, 157, 350
+
+Lincoln, 51, 68
+
+Lincoln, Earl of, 64
+
+Lincoln's Inn, 111, 112, 138
+
+Lincolnshire, 266
+
+Linlithgow, 68
+
+Lion and antelope as performers, 102
+
+Lions' heads, 119
+
+Lisbon, 226
+
+Lists of combat, 101
+
+Literature, 292, 313
+
+Llanfairpyllycrochon, 280
+
+Llewellyn, Prince of Wales, 67
+
+Log-fires, 32, 301
+
+Lollards, 80
+
+London, 36, 38, 43, 45, 51, 60, 63, 71, 78, 138
+
+London, Bishop of, 25, 79
+
+Longchamps, William, Bishop of Ely, 59
+
+Longe, John, 71, 72
+
+Longfellow, 26, 43, 44, 271
+
+Lord Chamberlain, 87, 139
+
+Lord Chamberlain's players, 151
+
+Lord Mayor of London, 116
+
+Lord Mayor and Lord of Misrule at loggerheads, 198
+
+Lord of Misrule, 74, 95, 100, 105, 109, 112, 115, 125, 126, 198, 200,
+  218
+
+Lord President of Wales, 200
+
+Lord Treasurer, 192
+
+Lorrainers, 319
+
+Loseley, Surrey, 122
+
+Lott, Mr. J. B., 350
+
+Louis of France, 62
+
+Lambert, 213
+
+Louis, St., 317
+
+"Love's Triumph," 198
+
+Lucius Verus, 24
+
+"Luck of Christ," the, 325
+
+Ludlow, 92, 200
+
+Luke, St., 6, 7
+
+Luther, Martin, 106
+
+"Lying Valet," 237
+
+Lyly's Plays, 141
+
+Lyson's "Magna Britannia," 251
+
+
+M
+
+Macaulay, Lord, 40
+
+Machinists, ingenious, 151
+
+Mackay, Dr. Charles, 274
+
+Madden, Sir Frederick, 87
+
+Madeley, Shropshire, 255, 284
+
+Mafeking, 299
+
+Magdalen College, Oxford, 109, 110
+
+Magdalene College, Cambridge, 145
+
+Magi, the, 11, 19, 28
+
+_Magna Charta_, 60
+
+Magnificence, 40, 87
+
+Magnus, St., 49
+
+Maid of Kent, Fair, 76, 149
+
+Maid Marians, 286
+
+Mainard, John, 117
+
+Mallard, John, 114
+
+Malory, Sir Thomas, 32
+
+Malta, 307
+
+Manger, superb substitutes for, 328
+
+Manners, Lord and Lady John, 266
+
+Manners, Sir John, 224
+
+Manor, ancient, 148, 149
+
+Mansfeld, 106
+
+Mansions, 55
+
+Manuel, Emperor, 52
+
+Maori Pa, 304
+
+March, Earl of, 82
+
+Marcus Aurelius Antonius, 24
+
+Margaret, daughter of Henry III., 64
+
+Margaret of Anjou, 85, 86
+
+Margaret, daughter of Henry VII., 97
+
+Mark's, St., Venice, 336
+
+Marlboro', 304
+
+Marlborough, Duchess of, 225;
+  Duke of, 225
+
+"Marmion," 36
+
+Marriage festivities, 62, 63, 64, 81, 99, 151-2
+
+Marseilles, 307
+
+Marteaux (a game with balls), 88
+
+Martial music, 84
+
+Martigny, George, 88
+
+Martin, 152
+
+Martin's, St., Canterbury, 24
+
+Martyn, John, 231
+
+Martyrs, British, 20
+
+Mary, the mother of Jesus, 5, 6,
+
+Mary, St., 53
+
+Mary, Princess (afterwards Queen), 105;
+  her accession, 117;
+  Queen, 119, 136
+
+Maryland, 314
+
+Mary, Queen, wife of William III., 221
+
+Mason, 251
+
+Masquerade, 100, 102, 236
+
+Masques, 52, 99, 119, 120, 143, 151, 152, 153, 154, 168, 192, 195,
+  197, 201;
+  rustic masque, 272
+
+Massacres of Christians, 20
+
+Massinger, Philip, 112, 193
+
+"Master Christmas," 206
+
+Master of the Children, the, 136
+
+Master of the Revels, 74, 112, 125, 218 (_see also_ Lord of Misrule)
+
+Matilda, Empress, daughter of Henry I., 47, 51
+
+Matilda, Queen of Henry I., 49
+
+Matins, 88
+
+Matthew, St., 6
+
+Maud, General, 300
+
+Maupigyrum, 55
+
+Mauritius, 288
+
+Mayor and Aldermen of London, 74, 96
+
+Mayor of Canterbury mobbed, 210
+
+McClure, Sir R., 294
+
+Mead, 55
+
+Meade, Mr., 192, 198
+
+Mediterranean, 307, 321, 331
+
+Medley of Nymphs, savages, &c., 102
+
+Melbourne, 303
+
+"Meliades," 189
+
+Melrose, 98
+
+Memphis, 59
+
+Mendelssohn, 350
+
+Men of Kent, 210
+
+Mephistopheles, 342
+
+Mercia, 34, 35
+
+"Merciless Parliament," 78
+
+"_Mercurius Academicus_," 207
+
+"_Mercurius Civicus_," 208
+
+Mermaid Inn, 152
+
+"Merry Boys of Christmas," 215
+
+Merry Disports, Lord of, 117 (_see also_ Master of the Revels)
+
+"Merry in the hall," 235
+
+Merry tales, 195
+
+Merton College, Oxford, 237
+
+"Messiah," 304, 350
+
+Metrical Romance, 69
+
+Mexborough, 219
+
+Michell, Sir Francis, 194
+
+Middle Temple, 156, 192
+
+Middleton Tower, Norfolk, 84
+
+Midnight Mass, 316, 323
+
+Midwinter Customs in the north, 284
+
+Mildmay, Sir Henry, 192
+
+Milford Haven, 93
+
+Millbrook, Southampton, 265
+
+Miller, Thomas, 248
+
+Mills, 148
+
+Milner, Dr., 31
+
+Milton, 13, 200, 253
+
+Mimics, 69
+
+"Mince-pie," 273
+
+Minerva, the Goddess, 102
+
+Minstrels, 31, 41, 42, 43, 44, 58, 69, 315
+
+Miracles at Becket's Sepulchre, 54
+
+Miracle Plays, 52, 77
+
+"_Misa del Gallo_," 340
+
+"_Misa di Lux_," 340
+
+Miscomia, 297
+
+Misrule (_see_ "Lord of Misrule")
+
+Missionary's Christmas, 308
+
+Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, 286
+
+Mistletoe, 28, 228, 250, 273, 282, 307, 318, 319
+
+M'Kee, Mr. and Mrs., 313
+
+Modern Christmases at home, 240
+
+Modern Christmases abroad, 294
+
+"Modern Intelligencer," The, 208
+
+Mohnpielen, 335
+
+Monk, General, 214
+
+Monks, merry, 37, 56
+
+Monson, Sir William, 192
+
+Monstrelet, 81
+
+Monte Carlo, 331
+
+Montegele, Lord, 154
+
+Montgomery, 154, 190
+
+Morat, 55
+
+Moray, Earl of, 71
+
+More, Mr., of Loseley, 122
+
+Morley, Lady, 91
+
+Morley, Professor Henry, 69, 125, 136, 193, 229
+
+Morrice Dance, 102
+
+Mortimer, Anne, 86
+
+Morville, Hugh de, 53
+
+Mosaics, 16, 331
+
+Mother of the maids, 139
+
+Motley throng, 286
+
+Mowbrays, 148
+
+Moyle, Thomas, 112
+
+Muddle, General, 297
+
+Mumming, 52, 80, 121, 234, 236, 267
+
+Murray, Sir Andrew, 71
+
+Muschamp, Sir Thomas, 153
+
+Music, 195
+
+Musicians, 129
+
+Musk veal, 294
+
+Mysteries, 77
+
+
+N
+
+"_Naogeorgus_," 121
+
+Naples, 336
+
+Napoleon Bonaparte, 321
+
+Naseby, 209
+
+Nativity, place of the, 7;
+  Church and Convent of the, 7;
+  feast of the, 15;
+  massacres at the, 20;
+  sermons on the, 193-5
+
+Navarre, 63
+
+Navidad discovered, 96
+
+Negroes' merry Christmas, 314
+
+Negro minstrels, 286
+
+Neighbours and Tenants, 146, 220
+
+Nelson, New Zealand, 304
+
+Nero, 15, 20
+
+Netherlands, 288
+
+Neville's Cross, 74
+
+Neville, Sir Richard, 82
+
+Nevil, Lord, 86, 101
+
+Newark-on-Trent, 62
+
+New Brunswick, 288
+
+Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 68
+
+New England Puritans, 314
+
+New Forest, 47
+
+Newmarket, 194, 218
+
+New style, 237
+
+Newton, Sir Isaac, 14, 204
+
+New Year's Day, 93, 95, 96, 100, 130, 135, 169, 170, 189, 199, 203,
+  260, 263, 271, 284, 286, 291, 323, 342
+
+New Zealand, 304
+
+Nicholas's Day, St., 119
+
+Nichols, 120, 124, 126, 153, 155, 191, 192, 193-5
+
+Nicomedia, 20
+
+Nigellus, 53
+
+Novgorod, 319
+
+Nip, 342
+
+"Nippin Grund," the, 286
+
+Noblemen, 99, 124
+  (see others named)
+
+_Noche-buena_, 340
+
+Nocturnal Office, 317
+
+Noël or Nowell, 9, 33, 319, 321, 346, 350
+
+Nonconformists, 207
+
+Norfolk, 143, 146, 218
+
+"Norman Baron," the, 43-4
+
+Norman celebrations, 40, 41
+
+Norman Conquest helped, 37
+
+Norman-French customs, 38
+
+Normandy, dukedom of, 47
+
+Normandy, 42, 318, 320
+
+Northampton, Marquis of, 139
+
+Northamptonshire, 284
+
+North, Mr. Thomas, 232
+
+Northern nations, 15
+
+North Pole, 295
+
+North Sea fishermen, 286
+
+North West Passage, 294
+
+Northumberland, 43, 255
+
+Northumberland, Earl of, 37, 86;
+  earldom of, 43;
+  Duke of, 117
+
+Northumberland Household Book, 103
+
+Northumbrians, 27, 38
+
+Norton, Thomas, 125
+
+Norway, 288, 342
+
+Nottingham, 68, 189
+
+Nova Scotia, 288
+
+Nuns, 267, 271, 321
+
+
+O
+
+Oberon, 342
+
+Odo, Bishop, 46
+
+Offa, "the mighty," 34, 350
+
+Officers of "Grand Christmas," list of, 126;
+  of Christmas Prince, 165-6-7;
+  officers, Royal, of Arms, 139
+
+Oglethorpe, Bishop, 123
+
+Olaf, King, 26
+
+"Old Christmas," 145, 230, 273, 276
+
+"Old and Young Courtiers," 217
+
+Oldisworth, Michael, 201
+
+"Open Court" of Cardinal Wolsey, 104
+
+"Open House," 113, 220
+
+Opera, the, 228
+
+Order of the Garter instituted, 72
+
+Ordinances of the Puritans, 207
+
+Orkney Isles, 287
+
+Orleans, 84
+
+Orpheus, 19, 29, 152
+
+Osborne House, 261-3
+
+Othbert, 49
+
+Ovation to Henry V., 81
+
+Overbury, Sir Thomas, 155
+
+Ovid, 230
+
+Oxford, 38, 51, 68, 109, 140, 210
+
+
+P
+
+Paganism, 19, 20, 22, 28
+
+Pageantry, 31, 63, 122
+
+Paget, Lord, 120
+
+Palatine, marriage of, 151
+
+"Palemon and Arcite," 140
+
+Palestine, 54
+
+"Pallas, Knights of," 102
+
+Palmer, Mr., Lord of Misrule, 198
+
+Pansch, Dr., 295
+
+Panting Piper, 305
+
+Pantomime, 229, 230
+
+Papal Legate, 64
+
+Pappa Westra, 287
+
+Paris, 35, 291, 316, 317, 318
+
+Paris, Matthew, 54, 63
+
+Paris Tournament, 78
+
+Parker, Lieutenant and Mrs., 313
+
+"Parlement," 45
+
+Parliamentarians, 206
+
+Parliament, new Houses of, 46
+
+Parliament, the first English, 65
+
+Parson makes merry with parishioners, 113
+
+Parties, 309
+
+"Paston Letters," 86, 91
+
+Pastoral, "Calisto," 218
+
+Patriarch of Venice, 336
+
+Patrick, St., 284
+
+_Paulinus_, Missionary, 30
+
+Paul, Mr. Howard, 309
+
+Paul's Cathedral, St., 140
+
+Paul's Church, St., 119
+
+Paul's Cross, St., 92
+
+Paul St., Earl of, 79
+
+Paul's School, St., 77
+
+Paupers, merry, 288
+
+Pavy, Salathiel, 142
+
+Peacocks, 96, 97
+
+Pegasus, 198
+
+Pembroke, the Regent, 62
+
+Pembroke, Countess of, 241
+
+"Penelope's Wooer," 187
+
+Penshurst, Kent, 148-9
+
+Pepys, Samuel, 145, 218
+
+Perche, Countess of, 47
+
+Peres, William, 103
+
+Performers, various, 41, 77
+
+"Periander," a tragedy, 185
+
+Periodicals, 292, 313
+
+Period of Christmas, 12, 35, 111, 135, 227
+
+Perrers, Alice, 74, 75
+
+Perth, 274
+
+Perry, 55
+
+Peshawur, 300
+
+Petavius, 13
+
+Peter of Blois, 56
+
+Peter, St., 283
+
+Peter the Great, of Russia, 223
+
+Peter's, St., Rome, 330
+
+_Pétit Souper_, 322
+
+Petworth, 225
+
+Philip of Spain, 118
+
+Philip and Mary, 119
+
+Philippa, Queen, 72
+
+"Philomathes," 176
+
+"Philomela," a tragedy, 169
+
+Philosopher's game, 195
+
+Phoenicia, 55
+
+Picnics, 304
+
+Picts and Scots, 26, 31
+
+"Picturesque Europe," 224
+
+_Pièce de résistance_, 294
+
+Piers Gaveston, 68
+
+Pigment, 55
+
+Pilgrims, 59
+
+Pires Barnard, 68
+
+Pipers, 31, 89
+
+_Place de la Madeline_, 319
+
+_Place de la République_, 319
+
+Plague, the, 139
+
+Plantagenets, 68
+
+Plato's Dialogue, 17
+
+Plays, Christmas, 76-7, 84, 91, 95, 102, 112, 125, 136-7, 142, 284,
+  320-1
+
+Playing Cards, 90
+
+Plum-pudding, 245, 263, 265, 273, 317, 319
+
+Pocahontas, 314
+
+_Poculum charitatis_, 237
+
+Poetic pictures of Christmas, 33, 34, 43-4, 69, 203, 204-5, 217,
+  221-2, 227, 250, 258, 274, 276-8, 288, 298, 350
+
+Poictiers, 74
+
+Pointer, 237
+
+Poleaxes for Pensioners, 156
+
+Pole, Cardinal, 118, 119
+
+"Pompey," 36
+
+Pontefract, 87, 92
+
+"Poor Robin's Almanack," 217, 222, 223, 230
+
+Pope, poet, 46, 230
+
+"Popish Customs," so called, 109
+
+Popple, John, 257
+
+Popular festivities, 242
+
+Portugal, 226, 288
+
+Post and Pair, 247, 250
+
+Post-office and postmen, 292
+
+Poverty at Court, 86
+
+Prayer Books of Edward VI., 117
+
+Presbytery, 109
+
+Presents, 15, 42, 69, 88, 312, 323, 326, 335
+
+Presentation in the Temple, 348
+
+_Presepio_ (manger), 328
+
+Preston, Sir Richard, 190
+
+Priestess, Druid, 228
+
+Priests bearing relics, 90
+
+Priestly practices, 121, 317, 328
+
+Primate's cruelty, 200
+
+Primitive celebrations, 19
+
+"Prince Charlie," 237
+
+Prince of Wales, 85, 225, 263
+
+Prince of Wales's Strait, 294
+
+Princes of Germany, 35, 109
+
+Princes play in masques, 152, 197
+
+Privy Council, 117
+
+Prolongation of Revels, 201
+
+Promethus, 152
+
+Protectorate, the, 213
+
+Protestantism of Queen Elizabeth, 122
+
+Provençal Plays, 320-1
+
+Provence, 320, 321;
+  Eleanor of, 62-4
+
+Provision for the poor, 257-8, 260-6
+
+Prowess, 67, 72, 73, 84, 99, 190
+
+Prussian Royal Family, 334
+
+Prynne, William, 199
+
+Psyche, 19
+
+Ptarmigan pasties, 295
+
+_Punch_, 282, 342
+
+Puppet shows, 227, 321, 328
+
+Purification, the, 73
+
+Puritan Directory, 207
+
+Puritanism, 109
+
+Purposes, 195
+
+Puss-in-the-Corner, 236
+
+Pynson, printer, 104
+
+
+Q
+
+Quadrangle, Royal, 88
+
+"Quartette" cards, 272
+
+Queen's College, Oxford, 109
+
+Queen's Gentlewomen, 88
+
+Questions and Commands, 195, 236
+
+Quintin, 45, 59
+
+
+R
+
+Races, 218
+
+Railways, the, 292
+
+Raleigh, Sir Walter, 152
+
+Rampini, Sheriff, 286
+
+Ratcliffe, 93
+
+Rathbertus, a priest, 49
+
+Reade, Mr., 346
+
+"Read's Weekly Journal," 232
+
+"Recollections of old Christmas," 272
+
+Recreations, 195, 315
+
+Redcoats, 294
+
+Redmile, 266
+
+Roedwald, 29
+
+Reformation, 106, 109
+
+Regatta, the Christmas, 304
+
+"_Regis Orator et Calamo_," 114
+
+Regulations for a grand Christmas, 112
+
+Reindeer-sleigh of St. Nick, 311
+
+Rejoicings on French battle ground, 72
+
+Relics, sacred, 90, 331
+
+Religious matters, 117
+
+Rennes cloth, 88
+
+Reresby, Sir John, 219
+
+Restoration, the, 215
+
+Reunions, 313
+
+Revels resembling _Saturnalia_, 18
+
+Revels, called a Maskelyn, 100
+
+Revels, Master of the, 112 (_see also_ "Lord of Misrule")
+
+Revels, 132, 153, 180, 181, 192, 193, 218, 315
+
+Revolution, 220
+
+_Rex Fabarum_, 109
+
+Rhedon, 93
+
+Rheims Cathedral, 94
+
+Rhosllanerchrugog, 264
+
+Rhosymedre, Denbighshire, 264
+
+Rhys, brother of Gruffydd, 38
+
+Richard I. ("_Coeur de Lion_"), 58
+
+Richard II., 76
+
+Richard, Duke of Gloucester, 92
+
+Richard III., 93, 101
+
+Richard, Duke of York, 86, 87
+
+Richard the Good, of Normandy, 38
+
+Rich, Christopher, 229
+
+Rich, John, 229
+
+Richmond, 96, 98, 99, 102, 108, 119
+
+Richmond, Duke of, 105
+
+"Richemond Manor," open house at, 104
+
+Riding School, Windsor, 260
+
+Riddles, 252
+
+Rigden, Mr., 219
+
+Ripon, 242
+
+Rivers, Lady, 88;
+  Earl, 92
+
+Rivet, Andrew, 157
+
+"Roast Beef of Old England," 301
+
+Robert of Comines, 43
+
+Robes, costly, 75
+
+Robin Hood, 66
+
+Robin Hood and his foresters depicted, 100, 286
+
+Rochester, 118
+
+Rochester, Bishop of, 139
+
+Roe, Sergeant, 112
+
+Roger de Coverley, Sir, 227
+
+Roger Mortimer, 68
+
+Roland, Captain of Charlemagne, 41
+
+Roman Church, 62
+
+Roman Catholic reaction, 118
+
+Roman Empire, 35
+
+Roman invasion of Britain, 23
+
+Romantic days, 31
+
+Rome, early Church at, 11
+
+Rome, 328
+
+Romish priestly practices, 121
+
+Rooke, Sir George, 226
+
+Rope-dancing, 229
+
+Roses united in marriage, 94
+
+Rotterham, 220
+
+Rouen, 81, 317
+
+"Round about our Coal Fire," 201, 233
+
+Round Table, 30, 67, 73
+
+Royalists, 206, 215
+
+Royal Bounties, 258, 260
+
+Royal festivities, 54, 94, 99, 141, 261 (_see also_ other festivities
+  recorded under the names of different Sovereigns)
+
+Rowbotham, 28
+
+Rowe, 142
+
+Rowse, Sir John, 153
+
+Royston, 153
+
+Roxburgh Collection (British Museum), 145
+
+Ruabon, 264
+
+Rufus's revelries, 47
+
+Rump, the, 213, 217
+
+Running, 32
+
+Runnymede, 60
+
+Russell, Lord John, 297
+
+Russia, 284, 288, 342
+
+Rutland, Duke of, 224, 266;
+  Janetta, Duchess of, 225;
+  Lord, 80, 87
+
+
+S
+
+Sabine Island, 295
+
+Sackville, Thomas, 125
+
+Sailors' gathering, 288
+
+Salisbury, Earl of, 87, 154, 156
+
+Salom Moss, 101
+
+Sanctuary at Westminster, 92
+
+Sandal Castle, 87
+
+Sandhurst, Berkshire, 276
+
+Sandringham, 85, 263
+
+Sandwich Island, 294
+
+Sandwich Islands, 305
+
+Sandys, William, F.S.A., 15, 104, 137, 201, 206
+
+San Maria Maggiore Church, 331
+
+Saracens, 59
+
+Santa Claus, 290, 310
+
+"Saturday Review," 207
+
+_Saturnalia_, 13, 15, 19, 29, 168, 191, 320
+
+Saxon chiefs, 43
+
+Saxon sports, 44
+
+Scales, Lord and Lady, 84, 85
+
+Scaliger, 13
+
+"Scalloway Lasses," 286
+
+Scandinavianism, 285
+
+Scenic magnificence, 152
+
+Schomberg, Duke of, 226
+
+Scottish annals, 48, 68, 71, 82, 98, 154, 191, 207, 242, 254, 284-8
+
+Scotch first-footing, 285
+
+Scott, Dr., 313
+
+Scott, Sir Walter, 36, 98, 250
+
+Scripture history plays, 77
+
+Sea celebrations, 95, 218, 307
+
+Sears, E. H., 350
+
+Sectaries, 207
+
+Segraves, 148
+
+Selden, 152
+
+Seleucus Nicator, 13
+
+Senegal, 345
+
+Senlac, battle of, 39
+
+"Seven Champions of Christendom," 283
+
+"Seven Dayes of the Weeke," the, 174
+
+Sermons, Christmas, 193
+
+Servants' feasts, 202, 212-3, 263
+
+Servians, 345
+
+Settlers, English, 314
+
+Seville Cathedral, 338
+
+Seymour, Jane, 108
+
+Shaftesbury, 37
+
+Shakespeare, 34, 80, 81, 141, 142, 151, 152, 153, 263
+
+Shaw, Dr., 92
+
+Shene, 75, 96
+
+Shepherds, 7, 317
+
+Sherwood Forest, 66
+
+Shetland, 285
+
+"Shewes," triumphant, 190
+
+Shipwreck on Christmas-day, 287
+
+Shopping in sleighs, 312
+
+Shovelboard, 195
+
+Shrewsbury, Earl of, 139
+
+Shrine of St. Peter, 330
+
+Shropshire, 24, 118, 255, 284
+
+Shrove Tuesday, 183
+
+Sicily, King of, 59
+
+Sidney, Sir Philip, 148
+
+Sieur de Nigry, 118
+
+Silurians, King of, 24
+
+Simeon, 348
+
+Sinclair, Rev. John, 287
+
+Singing, 140, 195, 294, 326, 350
+
+Sirloin of roast beef, 231
+
+Siward, Sir Richard, 64
+
+Skating, 45 (see "Ice Sports")
+
+Skeleton at bed foot, 276
+
+Skinner's Wells, 76
+
+Skylarking, 294
+
+Slade, Monty, 302
+
+Sladen Douglas, B. W., 303
+
+Slavs, 345
+
+Sleighing, 302, 310
+
+Smith, Captain John, 314
+
+Smith, Dr. Walter, 285
+
+Smith, Sir Thomas, 139
+
+Smithfield, London, 79
+
+Smyth, John, court fool, 116
+
+Smyth, Matthew, 143
+
+"Snap" cards, 272
+
+Snapdragon, 247
+
+Social festivities, 252
+
+Society Islands, 288
+
+Somerset, Duke of, 87, 115, 225
+
+Somerset, Earl of, 155
+
+Somerset, Sir Thomas, 190
+
+Somersetshire, 31
+
+Somers, Will, king's jester, 113
+
+"Sonsy haggis" 255
+
+"_Sonya_," 344
+
+Southampton, Earl of, 190
+
+Southern merrymaking, 314
+
+Southey, 257
+
+Souvenirs, 312
+
+Spain, 75, 108, 120, 190, 212, 225, 288, 338
+
+Spanish cavaliers, 286
+
+Spectacular entertainments, 52, 99
+
+"Spectator," the, 227
+
+Speech from the throne, 87
+
+Spenser, 149
+
+Spithead, 225
+
+Sports, 33, 54, 154, 169, 198, 203, 247, 252
+
+Stacy, Louis, 88
+
+Staffordshire, 284, 349, 350
+
+Stained glass, modern, 348
+
+Stainer, 350
+
+Stanley, Dean, 17
+
+Stanton, Mr. W. M., 304
+
+Stapleton, Lady, 91
+
+Star of Bethlehem, 319
+
+Star Chamber, 156
+
+State meetings, 29, 38, 45, 54;
+  State worship, 96-7
+
+Steele, 227
+
+Stephen, King, 51
+
+Stephen's Day, St., 120, 126, 130, 133, 168, 219, 350
+
+Steward's Department, Lord, 260
+
+Steward, Sir John, 82
+
+"Still Christmas" of Henry VIII., 104
+
+Stoke Abbat, 157
+
+Stony Stratford, 92
+
+Stories of Christmastide, 48, 49, 237, 274, 275, 276, 287
+
+Stowe, 66, 74, 102, 112, 116
+
+Strafford papers, 156
+
+Strange, Lady, 139
+
+Stratford-upon-Avon, 218
+
+Strutt, 44, 76, 103, 119, 218
+
+Strype, 119
+
+Sturgeon, 96
+
+Stuteville, Sir Martin, 192, 198
+
+Subtleties, 83, 97
+
+Sufed Koh, 302
+
+Suffolk, 146
+
+Suffolk, Earl of, 84, 189
+
+Sullivan, 350
+
+Sumptuous feasts of Normans, 54
+
+Superstitions, 33, 34, 285
+
+Sussex, Earl of, 139
+
+Sussex, Sheriff of, 65
+
+Swans, 96
+
+Sweden, 288
+
+Sweetmeats, 322
+
+Swegen, King, 36
+
+Swein, King of Denmark, 43
+
+Swithin, St., Winchester, 56
+
+Sword-dance, 229, 255
+
+Sword actors, 282-4
+
+Sword of King Arthur, 58
+
+Swynford Catherine, 94
+
+"Synod of Westminster," 208
+
+Synod of Whitby, 27
+
+Syria, 55
+
+
+T
+
+Tacitus, 24, 33
+
+Taillefer, Norman minstrel, 41
+
+Talbot, Sir John, 84
+
+Tallard, Marshal, 226
+
+Tales, weird, 274-5
+
+Tallis, 140
+
+Tambourine, 340
+
+Tancred, King, 58
+
+"Tatler," the, 228
+
+Taverner, Edmund, 201
+
+Taylor, John, 206
+
+_Te Deum_, 317
+
+Telesphorus, St., Bishop of Rome, 13
+
+Tempest, great, 74
+
+Templars' sports, 198
+
+Temple-horn winded, 198
+
+Temple of Minerva, 184
+
+Temples, the, 111
+
+Tenants' and labourers' feast, 231
+
+Tennyson, 31, 270
+
+Teonge, Rev. Henry, 218
+
+Tetzel, 89
+
+Teuton forefathers, our, 26
+
+Teuton kinsmen, 34
+
+Tewkesbury, 94
+
+Thackeray, Mr., 229
+
+Thames, 108, 127
+
+Thanet, Isle of, 28
+
+Theatrical exhibitions, 141, 229, 230
+
+Thelluson, Hon. Mr. and Miss, 273
+
+Theobald, Archbishop, 53
+
+Theobalds, 154, 193, 194
+
+Theodosius the younger, 22
+
+Thewlis, St., 284
+
+Thomas, St., 54
+
+Thomas, St. (a place), 288
+
+Thomas's Day, St., 130, 164, 265
+
+Thomas, Thomas, 280
+
+Thomas, the Misses, 262
+
+Thor, 15, 26, 29
+
+Thorold, Sir Wilfrid de, 267
+
+Thunder (_see_ Thor), 29
+
+Thurstan, Archbishop, 48
+
+Thrybergh, 219
+
+Tilting, 155 (_see also_ Tournament)
+
+"Time's Alteration," 217
+
+"Time's Complaint," 170
+
+"Time's Telescope," 251
+
+Tobacco, 259, 278
+
+Toffee, 281
+
+Tommy Atkins, 299
+
+Torchlight procession, 286
+
+Torksey Hall, 266
+
+Tostig, Earl, 38
+
+Tournaments, 32, 52, 67, 73, 78, 99, 101, 155, 189, 190
+
+Tower of London, 79, 92, 117, 123, 223, 226
+
+Towton, 87
+
+Toys, 265
+
+Tragedy of "Gowry," the, 153
+
+Traill, Mr., 287
+
+Transatlantic Saxons, 309
+
+Transvaal, 288
+
+Travelling, ancient, 31
+
+"Treason! treason!" cried James I., 193
+
+Tricks by animals, 229
+
+Trinity College, Cambridge, 110
+
+Trinity Term, 131
+
+Triphook, Robert, 155
+
+Tripoli, 55
+
+Triumphs of the tournament, 101
+
+Trumpeters, 89
+
+Trumpets, 220, 261
+
+Trunks, small, 195
+
+"Truth," in pageantry, 122
+
+Tucker, Thomas, the elected Prince, 156
+
+Tudela, Benjamin of, 52
+
+Tudor, Edmund, Jasper, Owen, 94
+
+Tumbling, 119, 228
+
+Turkeys, 246, 340
+
+"Turkish Knight," 284
+
+"Turkish Magistrates," 119
+
+Turnham Green, 284
+
+Tusser, Thomas, 124, 140, 146
+
+Twelfthtide, 15, 35, 95, 97, 100, 102, 125, 135, 153, 154, 188, 190,
+  193, 198, 201, 241, 320, 342
+
+Twelve days of Christmas, 35, 111, 125, 227
+
+Tyrrel, Sir Walter, 47
+
+Tytler, General, 300
+
+
+U
+
+Udall, Nicholas, 119
+
+Ukraine, 345
+
+Ule (_see_ Yule)
+
+Uniformity, Act of, 117
+
+United States, 288, 309-316
+
+_Uphelya_, 286
+
+"Ups and Downs of Christmas," the, 209
+
+"_Ursa Minor_," 273
+
+Usher, 13
+
+Ushers, Gentlemen, 139
+
+Uvedale, Lord of Wickham Manor, 71
+
+
+V
+
+Valorous deeds, 59
+
+Vane, 213
+
+Variety of players, 63
+
+Vaughan, Master, 88
+
+Vawce, Sergeant, 117
+
+"Venetian Senators," 119
+
+Venice, 190, 336
+
+Vere, Earl of Oxford, 75
+
+Vere, Lady Susan, 153
+
+Vernon, Dorothy, 224
+
+Versailles, 35
+
+Vespers, 331
+
+Viands, 55
+
+Victoria, Queen, 258, 260-3
+
+Victoria's grandchildren, Queen, 262
+
+Vienna, 336
+
+Vigil of Christmas, 49, 317
+
+Vigilate, a, 178
+
+"Vindication of Father Christmas," the, 212
+
+Vineyard of pleasure, 88
+
+Vintage, the, 16
+
+Violins, 220
+
+Virgil's _Eclogues_, 17
+
+Virginian Colonists, 314
+
+Virgin Mary, image of the, 317
+
+Visors depicted in verse, 104
+
+Vivian, Sir Francis, 156;
+  Mr. Vivian, 156
+
+Volcano, 305
+
+
+W
+
+Waits, 44, 240
+
+Wakefield, battle of, 86
+
+Wales, 38, 188, 200, 280, 288
+
+Wales, Prince and Princess of, 85, 225, 263
+
+Wallingford, 51, 68
+
+Wanjani, 304
+
+Ward, Rev. John, 218
+
+Warning shots, 127
+
+Warren, Earl of, 64
+
+Warrior-King (Edward III.), 74
+
+Warriors rewarded, 42
+
+Wars of Barons, 65
+
+Wars of Roses, 85
+
+Wars of Roses ended, 93
+
+War suspended for Christmas, 81, 84
+
+Warton, author, 110
+
+Warwick, Earl of, 87, 93, 139, 192
+
+Warwick muses, 198
+
+Warwickshire, 146, 284
+
+Wash, the, 62
+
+Wassail, 15, 58, 97, 181
+
+"Wassail Bowl," 15, 273
+
+Wassailing the apple-trees, 278-9
+
+Washburn, Ex-Minister E. B., 318
+
+Washington negroes, 314
+
+Wattewille, Monsieur Robert, 68
+
+"Weekly Account," the, 208
+
+"_Weihnacten_," 335
+
+"_Weihnactt's Bescheerung_," 335
+
+"Welcome to Christmas," 276
+
+Welcome to all comers, 30, 148, 220, 256
+
+Wellington, 304
+
+Welsh border, 38, 43
+
+Welsh Christmas, 280-2
+
+Western Church, the, 12
+
+West Kington, 113
+
+Westminster, 46, 62, 64, 74, 87, 89, 123
+
+Westminster Abbey, 38, 51, 123, 140, 193
+
+Westminster Hall, 46, 60, 64, 68, 78, 93, 118, 123, 226
+
+Weston, Dr., 118
+
+West Riding of Yorkshire, 282-4
+
+West Newton, 263
+
+Whalley, Colonel, 212
+
+Wheatley, Mr. W. M., 265
+
+Whippingham, 262
+
+White, Sir Thomas, 118
+
+Whitehall, 118, 154
+
+Whitelock, 207
+
+"White Rose of York," 85
+
+Whittier, J. G., 37
+
+Wild Boar, 32, 33, 45, 110
+
+William, Prince of Orange, 220
+
+William and Mary, 221
+
+William IV., 258
+
+William the Almoner, 64
+
+William the Conqueror, 39
+
+William, King of Prussia, 35
+
+William Rufus, 46
+
+William, son of Henry I., 47
+
+William of Malmesbury, 49
+
+William of Ypres, 52
+
+Williams, 99
+
+Willoughby, Lord, 82
+
+Winchester, 31, 34, 37, 47, 65;
+  monks of, 56
+
+Winchester, Bishop of, 195
+
+Winchester Palace, 62, 65
+
+Winchester School, 71
+
+Windsor, 31, 47, 48, 54, 62, 75, 80, 87, 225, 261
+
+Wine and honey, 55
+
+Winer, 13
+
+Winters, hard, 67, 138, 154-5
+
+Winter solstice, 15, 29, 295
+
+Winwood, Mr., 153
+
+Wise Men (Magi), 11, 19, 28
+
+Wise Men (the King's), 29, 38, 45
+
+Witches, 195, 237
+
+"Wit-combats," 153
+
+Witenagemot, 29
+
+Wither, George, 190, 204
+
+Wizard of Christmas, 310
+
+Woden, 25, 29
+
+Wolf, 45
+
+Wolferton, 263
+
+Wolley, Sir Francis, 154
+
+Wolsey, Cardinal, 104, 106, 112
+
+Women masks, 119
+
+Wood, Mr., 109, 140, 157
+
+Woodstock, 226
+
+Woodville, Elizabeth, 89
+
+Woodville family, 92
+
+Woolsthorpe, 204, 266
+
+Worcester, 52, 60, 67;
+  Earl of, 82, 189
+
+Workhouse, Christmas at, 288
+
+Worksop, 87
+
+Worship in State, 96-7
+
+Wortley, near Leeds, 291
+
+Wotton, 200
+
+Wrestling, 32
+
+Wright, Thomas, F.S.A., 90
+
+Wyatt, Sir Thomas, 118
+
+Wykeham, William of, 71
+
+Wynh, Lady Williams, 264
+
+Wynn, Sir W. W., Bart., 264
+
+Wynnstay Park, 264
+
+_Wyrcester, William_, 87, 89
+
+
+X
+
+Xtemas, 9
+
+
+Y
+
+Yeoman, 124
+
+Yew, 282
+
+York, 31, 36, 43, 64, 68, 86
+
+York, Archbishop of, 65, 240
+
+York, Bishop of, 25
+
+York, Duchess of, 82
+
+York, Duke of, the young, 92
+
+York, wars of, 85
+
+Yorkshire, 251, 282-4
+
+Yule, Jule, or Ule, 9, 15, 195, 285
+
+Yule-log, 1, 268, 302, 319, 345
+
+"Yuletide," 177, 227, 267, 285
+
+
+Z
+
+_Zambombas_, 339
+
+Zanzibar, 288
+
+Zukkur Kehls, 300
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS: ITS ORIGIN AND
+ASSOCIATIONS***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 22042-8.txt or 22042-8.zip *******
+
+
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+<h1 class="pg">The Project Gutenberg eBook, Christmas: Its Origin and Associations, by
+William Francis Dawson</h1>
+<pre>
+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 <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: Christmas: Its Origin and Associations</p>
+<p>       Together with Its Historical Events and Festive Celebrations During Nineteen Centuries</p>
+<p>Author: William Francis Dawson</p>
+<p>Release Date: July 10, 2007  [eBook #22042]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS: ITS ORIGIN AND ASSOCIATIONS***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>E-text prepared by Robert Cicconetti, Turgut Dincer,<br />
+    and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="Frontispiece" id="Frontispiece" ></a>
+<img src="images/frontise_a.jpg" alt="BRINGING IN THE YULE LOG." title="" width="600" height="390" />
+<span class="caption"><span class="smcap">bringing in the yule log.</span><small>&nbsp;<i>Frontispiece.</i></small></span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h1>CHRISTMAS:</h1>
+
+
+<h3><i>ITS ORIGIN AND ASSOCIATIONS,</i></h3>
+
+
+<h6>TOGETHER WITH</h6>
+
+<h3>ITS HISTORICAL EVENTS AND FESTIVE</h3>
+<h3>CELEBRATIONS DURING NINETEEN</h3>
+<h3>CENTURIES:</h3>
+
+
+<h4>DEPICTING, BY PEN AND PENCIL,</h4>
+
+<div class="center_title">MEMORABLE CELEBRATIONS, STATELY MEETINGS OF EARLY KINGS,</div>
+<div class="center_title">REMARKABLE EVENTS, ROMANTIC EPISODES, BRAVE DEEDS,</div>
+<div class="center_title">PICTURESQUE CUSTOMS, TIME-HONOURED SPORTS,</div>
+<div class="center_title">ROYAL CHRISTMASES, CORONATIONS AND ROYAL MARRIAGES,</div>
+<div class="center_title">CHIVALRIC FEATS, COURT BANQUETINGS AND REVELLINGS,</div>
+<div class="center_title">CHRISTMAS AT THE COLLEGES AND THE INNS OF COURT,</div>
+<div class="center_title">POPULAR FESTIVITIES, AND CHRISTMAS-KEEPING</div>
+<div class="center_title">IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD,</div>
+<div class="center_title">DERIVED FROM THE MOST AUTHENTIC</div>
+<div class="center_title">SOURCES, AND ARRANGED</div>
+<div class="center_title">CHRONOLOGICALLY.</div>
+
+
+
+<h6>BY</h6>
+
+<h2>W. F. DAWSON.</h2>
+
+<table width="50%" summary="poetry" border="0">
+<tr>
+<td><p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At home, at sea, in many distant lands,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><p class="poetry">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This Kingly Feast without a rival stands!</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<h4>LONDON</h4>
+<h4>ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.</h4>
+<h4>1902.</h4>
+
+<h6>REPUBLISHED BY GALE RESEARCH COMPANY, BOOK TOWER, DETROIT, 1968</h6>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/004orn.jpg" width="600" height="121" alt="ORNAMENT" title=
+"" /></div>
+
+<h3>PREFACE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>In the third quarter of the nineteenth century, it fell to my lot
+to write an article on Christmas, its customs and festivities.
+And, although I sought in vain for a chronological account of the
+festival, I discovered many interesting details of its observances
+dispersed in the works of various authors; and, while I found
+that some of its greater celebrations marked important epochs
+in our national history, I saw, also, that the successive celebrations
+of Christmas during nineteen centuries were important
+links in the chain of historical Christian evidences. I became
+enamoured of the subject, for, in addition to historical interest,
+there is the charm of its legendary lore, its picturesque customs,
+and popular games. It seemed to me that the origin and hallowed
+associations of Christmas, its ancient customs and festivities,
+and the important part it has played in history combine
+to make it a most fascinating subject. I resolved, therefore,
+to collect materials for a larger work on <i>Christmas</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Henceforth, I became a snapper-up of everything relating to
+Christmastide, utilised every opportunity of searching libraries,
+bookstalls, and catalogues of books in different parts of the
+country, and, subsequently, as a Reader of the British Museum
+Library, had access to that vast storehouse of literary and
+historical treasures.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after commencing the work, I realised that I had
+entered a very spacious field of research, and that, having to
+deal with the accumulated materials of nineteen centuries, a
+large amount of labour would be involved, and some years must
+elapse before, even if circumstances proved favourable, I could
+hope to see the end of my task. Still, I went on with the work,
+for I felt that a complete account of Christmas, ancient and
+modern, at home and abroad, would prove generally acceptable,
+for while the historical events and legendary lore would interest
+students and antiquaries, the holiday sports and popular
+celebrations would be no less attractive to general readers.</p>
+
+<p>The love of story-telling seems to be ingrained in human
+nature. Travellers tell of vari-coloured races sitting round their
+watch fires reciting deeds of the past; and letters from colonists
+show how, even amidst forest-clearing, they have beguiled their
+evening hours by telling or reading stories as they sat in the
+glow of their camp fires. And in old England there is the
+same love of tales and stories. One of the chief delights of
+Christmastide is to sit in the united family circle and hear, tell,
+or read about the quaint habits and picturesque customs of
+Christmas in the olden time; and one of the purposes of
+<i>CHRISTMAS</i> is to furnish the retailer of Christmas wares
+with suitable things for re-filling his pack.</p>
+
+<p>From the vast store of materials collected it is not possible to
+do more than make a selection. How far I have succeeded in
+setting forth the subject in a way suited to the diversity of tastes
+among readers I must leave to their judgment and indulgence;
+but I have this satisfaction, that the gems of literature it
+contains are very rich indeed; and I acknowledge my great
+indebtedness to numerous writers of different periods whose
+references to Christmas and its time-honoured customs are
+quoted.</p>
+
+<p>I have to acknowledge the courtesy of Mr. Henry Jewitt,
+Mr. E. Wiseman, Messrs. Harper, and Messrs. Cassell &amp; Co.,
+in allowing their illustrations to appear in this work.</p>
+
+<p>My aim is neither critical nor apologetic, but historical and
+pictorial: it is not to say what might or ought to have been,
+but to set forth from extant records what has actually taken
+place: to give an account of the origin and hallowed associations
+of Christmas, and to depict, by pen and pencil, the important
+historical events and interesting festivities of Christmastide
+during nineteen centuries. With materials collected from
+different parts of the world, and from writings both ancient and
+modern, I have endeavoured to give in the present work a
+chronological account of the celebrations and observances of
+Christmas from the birth of Christ to the end of the nineteenth
+century; but, in a few instances, the subject-matter has been
+allowed to take precedence of the chronological arrangement.
+Here will be found accounts of primitive celebrations
+of the Nativity, ecclesiastical decisions fixing the date of
+Christmas, the connection of Christmas with the festivals of the
+ancients, Christmas in times of persecution, early celebrations in
+Britain, stately Christmas meetings of the Saxon, Danish, and
+Norman kings of England; Christmas during the wars of the
+Roses, Royal Christmases under the Tudors, the Stuarts and
+the Kings and Queens of Modern England; Christmas at the
+Colleges and the Inns of Court; Entertainments of the nobility
+and gentry, and popular festivities; accounts of Christmas
+celebrations in different parts of Europe, in America and
+Canada, in the sultry lands of Africa and the ice-bound Arctic
+coasts, in India and China, at the Antipodes, in Australia and
+New Zealand, and in the Islands of the Pacific; in short,
+throughout the civilised world.</p>
+
+<p>In looking at the celebrations of Christmas, at different
+periods and in different places, I have observed that, whatever
+views men hold respecting Christ, they all agree that His Advent
+is to be hailed with joy, and the nearer the forms of festivity
+have approximated to the teaching of Him who is celebrated
+the more real has been the joy of those who have taken part in
+the celebrations.</p>
+
+<p>The descriptions of the festivities and customs of different
+periods are given, as far as possible, on the authority of contemporary
+authors, or writers who have special knowledge of
+those periods, and the most reliable authorities have been
+consulted for facts and dates, great care being taken to make
+the work as accurate and trustworthy as possible. I sincerely
+wish that all who read it may find as much pleasure in its
+perusal as I have had in its compilation.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">william francis dawson.</span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_ix.jpg" width="400" height="212" alt="WINTER SCENE." title=
+"" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_x.jpg" width="400" height="151" alt="CONTENTS" title=
+"" /></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<table width="100%" summary="contents" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CHAPTER I.</td>
+<td class="cell_right"><span class="smcap"><small>page</small></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Origin and Associations of Christmas</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center" colspan="2">CHAPTER II.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Earlier Celebrations of the Festival</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center" colspan="2">CHAPTER III.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Early Christmas Celebrations in Britain</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center" colspan="2">CHAPTER IV.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Christmas, From the Norman Conquest To Magna Charta</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center" colspan="2">CHAPTER V.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Christmas, From Magna Charta To the End of the Wars of the Roses</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center2" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">(a.d. 1215-1485.)</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center" colspan="2">CHAPTER VI.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Christmas Under Henry VII. and Henry VIII.</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center2" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">(a.d. 1485-1547.)</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center" colspan="2">CHAPTER VII.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Christmas Under Edward VI., Mary, and Elizabeth</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center2" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">(a.d. 1547-1603.)</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center" colspan="2">CHAPTER VIII.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Christmas Under James I.</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center2" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">(a.d. 1603-1625.)</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center" colspan="2">CHAPTER IX.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Christmas Under Charles the First and the Commonwealth</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_197">197</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center2" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">(a.d. 1625-1660.)</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center" colspan="2">CHAPTER X.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Christmas, From the Restoration To the Death Of George II.</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center2" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">(a.d. 1660-1760.)</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XI.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Modern Christmases at Home</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XII.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Modern Christmases Abroad</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_294">294</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XIII.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Concluding Carol Service of the Nineteenth Century</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_349">349</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="2"><p class="low">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">INDEX</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_351">351</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 100px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_xii.jpg" width="100" height="113" alt="ORNAMENT" title=
+"" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/004orn.jpg" width="600" height="121" alt="ORNAMENT" title=
+"" /></div>
+
+
+<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2>
+
+<table width="100%" summary="contents" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_right" colspan="2"><span class="smcap"><small>page</small></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Bringing in the Yule Log</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Frontispiece"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Herald Angels</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_2">2</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Virgin and Child</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Joseph Taking Mary to be Taxed, and the Nativity Events</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Nativity</span> (<i>Central portion of Picture in National Gallery</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_8">8</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Virgin and Child</span> (<i>Relievo</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Group from the Angels' Serenade</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Adoration of the Magi</span> (<i>From Pulpit of Pisa</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">"The Inns are Full"</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Grape Gathering and the Vintage</span> (<i>Mosaic in the Church of St. Constantine, Rome, A.D. 320</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">German Ninth Century Picture of the Nativity</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Ancient Roman Illustrations</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Ancient Roman Illustrations</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Ancient Agape</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Ancient Roman Illustrations</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Early Celebrations in Britain</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Queen Bertha</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">An Ancient Fireplace</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Traveling in the Olden Time, with a "Christmas Fool:
+on the Front Seat</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Wild Boar Hunt: Killing the Boar</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Adoration of the Magi</span> (<i>Picture of Stained Glass, Winchester
+Cathedral</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">A King at Dinner</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Blind Minstrel at a Feast</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Minstrels' Christmas Serenade at an Old Baronial Hall</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Westminster Hall</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Strange Old Stories Illustrated</span> (<i>From Harl. MS.</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">A Cook of the Period</span> (<i>Early Norman</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Monk Undergoing Discipline</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Wassailing at Christmastide</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Panoply of a Crusader</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Royal Party Dining in State</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Ladies Looking from the Hustings upon the Tournament</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Lord of Misrule</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Curious Cuts of Priestly Players in the Olden Time</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_76">76</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">A Court Fool</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_77">77</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Virgin and Child</span> (<i>Florentine, 1480. South Kensington Museum</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Henry VI.'s Cradle</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Lady Musician of the Fifteenth Century</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Rustic Christmas Minstrel with Pipe and Tabor</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Martin Luther and the Christmas Tree</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_106">106</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Little Orleans Madonna of Raphael</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Magdalen College, Oxford</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Bringing in the Boar's Head with Minstrelsy</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Virgin and Child, Chirbury, Shropshire</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Riding a-Mumming at Christmastide</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_121">121</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">A Dumb Show in the Time of Elizabeth</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Fool of the Old Play</span> (<i>From a Print by Breughel</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Acting of one of Shakespeare's Plays in the Time of
+Queen Elizabeth</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Neighbours with Pipe and Tabor</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_147">147</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Christmas in the Hall</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Hobby-Horse</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_197">197</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Servants' Christmas Feast</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_202">202</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">"The Hackin"</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_216">216</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Seafaring Pilgrims</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_219">219</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">An Ancient Fireplace</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_225">225</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">A Druid Priestess Bearing Mistletoe</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_228">228</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">A Nest of Fools</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_229">229</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">"The Mask Dance"</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_231">231</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Mummers</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_234">234</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Waits</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Plum-Pudding</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_245">245</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Italian Minstrels in London, at Christmas, 1825</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_246">246</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Snap Dragon</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_247">247</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Blindman's Buff</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_249">249</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Dance</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_250">250</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Giving Away of Christmas Doles</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_257">257</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Poor Children's Treat in Modern Times</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_265">265</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Bells</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_271">271</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Wassailing the Apple-Trees in Devonshire</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_279">279</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Modern Christmas Performers: Yorkshire Sword-Actors</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_282">282</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Modern Christmas Characters: "St Peter," "St. Denys"</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_283">283</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">A Scotch First Footing</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_285">285</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Proven&ccedil;al Plays at Christmastide</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_320">320</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Nativity Picture</span> (<i>From Byzantine Ivory in the British Museum</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_324">324</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Calabrian Shepherds Playing in Rome at Christmas</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_329">329</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Worshipping the Child Jesus</span> (<i>From a Picture in the Museum
+at Naples</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_337">337</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Angels and Men Worshipping the Child Jesus</span> (<i>From a
+Picture in Seville Cathedral</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_338">338</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Simeon Received the Child Jesus into his Arms</span> (<i>From
+Modern Stained Glass in Bishopsgate Church, London</i>)</p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_348">348</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left"><p class="indent2"><span class="smcap">Lichfield Cathedral</span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_right"><a href="#Page_349">349</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_xvi.jpg" width="200" height="213"alt="ORNAMENT" title=
+"" /></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">001</a></span></p>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">002</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;">
+<img src="images/fig01a.jpg" width="300" height="385" alt="THE HERALD ANGELS" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">While shepherds watched their flocks by night,</span>
+<span class="i1">All seated on the ground;</span>
+<span class="i0">The angel of the Lord came down,</span>
+<span class="i1">And glory shone around.</span>
+<span class="i10"><i>Carol.</i></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">003</a></span></p>
+
+<h3><a name="THE_HERALD_ANGELS" id="THE_HERALD_ANGELS"></a>THE HERALD ANGELS.</h3>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Lo! God hath ope'd the glist'ring gates of heaven,</span>
+<span class="i2">And thence are streaming beams of glorious light:</span>
+<span class="i0">All earth is bath'd in the effulgence giv'n</span>
+<span class="i2">To dissipate the darkness of the night.</span>
+<span class="i0">The eastern shepherds, 'biding in the fields,</span>
+<span class="i2">O'erlook the flocks till now their constant care,</span>
+<span class="i0">And light divine to mortal sense reveals</span>
+<span class="i2">A seraph bright descending in the air.</span>
+<br />
+<span class="i0">Hark! strains seraphic fall upon the ear,</span>
+<span class="i2">From shining ones around th' eternal gates:</span>
+<span class="i0">Glad that man's load of guilt may disappear,</span>
+<span class="i2">Infinite strength on finite weakness waits.</span>
+<br />
+<span class="i0">Why are the trembling shepherds sore afraid?</span>
+<span class="i2">Why shrink they at the grand, the heavenly sight?</span>
+<span class="i0">"Fear not" (the angel says), nor be dismay'd,</span>
+<span class="i2">And o'er them sheds a ray of God-sent light.</span>
+<span class="i0">O matchless mercy! All-embracing love!</span>
+<span class="i2">The angel speaks and, gladly, men record:&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">"I bring you joyful tidings from above:</span>
+<span class="i2">This day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord!"</span>
+<br />
+<span class="i0">Hark! "Peace on earth, and God's good-will to men!"</span>
+<span class="i2">The angels sing, and heaven resounds with praise&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">That fallen man may live with God again,</span>
+<span class="i2">Through Christ, who deigns the sons of men to raise.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p class=" quotsig">W. F. D</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">004</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">005</a></span></p>
+
+<h4><i>CHAPTER I.</i></h4>
+
+<h3>THE ORIGIN AND ASSOCIATIONS OF
+CHRISTMAS.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The First Christmas: the Advent of Christ.</span></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Behold, a virgin shall conceive,</span>
+<span class="i0">And bear a Son,</span>
+<span class="i0">And shall call His name Immanuel.</span>
+<span class="i10">(<i>Isaiah</i> vii. 14.)</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig02.jpg" width="400" height="291" alt="VIRGIN AND CHILD" title=
+"" /></div>
+
+<p>Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When His
+mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came
+together she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. And
+Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to
+make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
+But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the
+Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son
+of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that
+which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall
+bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call His name Jesus; for it is
+He that shall save His people from their sins. Now all this is
+come to pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the
+Lord through the prophet, saying,</p>
+
+<p class="two_d">Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son,</p>
+<p class="two_d">And they shall call His name Immanuel;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">006</a></span>which is, being interpreted, God with us. And Joseph arose
+from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded
+him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had
+brought forth a Son; and he called His name Jesus.</p>
+
+<p class="quotsig">(<i>Matthew</i> i. 18-25.)</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig03.jpg" width="600" height="866" alt="JOSEPH TAKING MARY TO BE TAXED, AND THE NATIVITY EVENTS" title=
+"" /></div>
+
+<p class="two_d"><small>"There went out a decree from C&aelig;sar Augustus that all the world should
+be taxed. And Joseph went to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife,
+being great with child."</small></p>
+<p class="quotsig"><small>(<i>Luke</i> ii. 1-5.)</small></p>
+
+<p>And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">007</a></span>
+field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an
+angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord
+shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the
+angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you
+good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for
+there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour,
+which is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you; Ye
+shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a
+manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of
+the heavenly host praising God, and saying,</p>
+
+<p class="two_d">Glory to God in the highest,</p>
+<p class="two_d">And on earth peace among men in whom He is well pleased.</p>
+
+<p>And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them
+into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go
+even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass,
+which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came
+with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the Babe
+lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they made known
+concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this
+child. And all that heard it wondered at the things which were
+spoken unto them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these
+sayings, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds
+returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that
+they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.</p>
+
+<p class="quotsig">(<i>Luke</i> ii. 8-20.)</p>
+
+<h4><a name="The_Place_of_the_Nativity" id="The_Place_of_the_Nativity"></a><span class="smcap">The Place of the Nativity.</span></h4>
+
+<p>The evangelist Matthew tells us that "Jesus was born in
+Bethlehem of Jud&aelig;a in the days of Herod the king;" and Justin
+Martyr, who was born at Shechem and lived less than a century
+after the time of Christ, places the scene of the Nativity in a
+cave. Over this cave has risen the Church and Convent of the
+Nativity, and there is a stone slab with a star cut in it to mark
+the spot where the Saviour was born. Dean Farrar, who has
+been at the place, says: "It is impossible to stand in the little
+Chapel of the Nativity, and to look without emotion on the silver
+star let into the white marble, encircled by its sixteen ever-burning
+lamps, and surrounded by the inscription, '<i>Hic de
+Virgine Maria Jesus Christus natus est.</i>'"</p>
+
+<p>To visit such a scene is to have the thoughts carried back
+to the greatest event in the world's history, for it has been truly
+said that the birth of Christ was the world's second birthday.</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Now, death is life! and grief is turn'd to joy!</span>
+<span class="i1">Since glory shone on that auspicious morn,</span>
+<span class="i0">When God incarnate came, not to destroy,</span>
+<span class="i1">But man to save and manhood's state adorn!</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p class="quotsig">W. F. D.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">008</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig04.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="THE NATIVITY (Central portion of Picture in National Gallery)" title=
+"" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+The Nativity by Sandro Botticelli.</span><br />
+Centre Portion of Picture in National Gallery</span></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">009</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Word "Christmas": Its Orthography and Meaning.</span></div>
+
+
+<p>"Christmas" (pronounced Kris'mas) signifies "Christ's Mass,"
+meaning the festival of the Nativity of Christ, and the
+word has been variously spelt at different periods. The following
+are obsolete forms of it found in old English writings:
+Crystmasse, Cristmes, Cristmas, Crestenmes, Crestenmas,
+Cristemes, Cristynmes, Crismas, Kyrsomas, Xtemas, Cristesmesse,
+Cristemasse, Crystenmas, Crystynmas, Chrystmas,
+Chrystemes, Chrystemasse, Chrystymesse, Cristenmas, Christenmas,
+Christmass, Christmes. Christmas has also been called
+<i>No&euml;l</i> or <i>Nowel</i>. As to the derivation of the word <i>No&euml;l</i>, some say
+it is a contraction of the French <i>nouvelles</i> (tidings), <i>les bonnes
+nouvelles</i>, that is "The good news of the Gospel"; others take
+it as an abbreviation of the Gascon or Proven&ccedil;al <i>nada&uuml;</i>, <i>nadal</i>,
+which means the same as the Latin <i>natalis</i>, that is, <i>dies natalis</i>,
+"the birthday." In "The Franklin's Tale," Chaucer alludes
+to "Nowel" as a festive cry at Christmastide: "And 'Nowel'
+crieth every lusty man." Some say <i>No&euml;l</i> is a corruption of
+<i>Yule</i>, <i>Jule</i>, or <i>Ule</i>, meaning "The festival of the sun." The
+name <i>Yule</i> is still applied to the festival in Scotland, and some
+other places. Christmas is represented in Welsh by <i>Nadolig</i>,
+which signifies "the natal, or birth"; in French by <i>No&euml;l</i>; and
+in Italian by <i>Il Natale</i>, which, together with its cognate term in
+Spanish, is simply a contraction of <i>dies natalis</i>, "the birthday."</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><b>CHRISTMAS</b>:&nbsp;blest Feast of the Nativity!</span>
+<span class="i0"><b>H</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;eaven made thy lowly shrine</span>
+<span class="i0"><b>R</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;esplendent with the gift of the eternal Deity</span>
+<span class="i0"><b>I</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;n whom we live and move, whose large benignity</span>
+<span class="i0"><b>S</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;pared not His Son divine:</span>
+<span class="i0"><b>T</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;hat well-beloved Son by God was given,</span>
+<span class="i0"><b>M</b>&nbsp;ankind to save with His redeeming blood;</span>
+<span class="i0"><b>A</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;nd Jesus freely left the bliss of Heaven,</span>
+<span class="i0"><b>S</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;uffering death, to achieve our lasting good.&mdash;W. F. D.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig05.jpg" width="400" height="392" alt="VIRGIN AND CHILD (Relievo)" title=
+"" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+Virgin and Child</span> (<i>Relievo</i>)</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">010</a></span></p>
+
+<h4><i>CHAPTER II</i>.</h4>
+
+<h3>THE EARLIER CELEBRATIONS OF THE
+FESTIVAL.</h3>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Earlier Celebrations.</span></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig06.jpg" width="400" height="483" alt="GROUP FROM THE ANGELS' SERENADE" title=
+"" /><br /><span class="caption">
+<span class="smcap">Group from the Angels' Serenade, Theodore Mintrop</span></span></div>
+
+<p>The Angels' Song has been called the first Christmas Carol, and
+the shepherds who heard this heavenly song of peace and goodwill,
+and went "with haste" to the birthplace at Bethlehem,
+where they "found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">011</a></span>
+manger," certainly took part in the first celebration of the
+Nativity. And the Wise Men, who came afterwards with
+presents from the East, being led to Bethlehem by the appearance
+of the miraculous star, may also be regarded as taking part
+in the first celebration of the Nativity, for the name Epiphany
+(now used to commemorate the manifestation of the Saviour)
+did not come into use till long afterwards, and when it was first
+adopted among the Oriental Churches it was designed to commemorate
+both the birth and baptism of Jesus, which two events
+the Eastern Churches believed to have occurred on January 6th.
+Whether the shepherds commemorated the Feast of the Nativity
+annually does not appear from the records of the Evangelists;
+but it is by no means improbable that to the end of their lives
+they would annually celebrate the most wonderful event which
+they had witnessed.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig07.jpg" width="400" height="280" alt="ADORATION OF THE MAGI (From Pulpit of Pisa)" title=
+"" /><br /><span class="caption">
+<span class="smcap">adoration of the magi (Relievo.) From Pulpit of Pisa-Nicola:Pisano</span></span></div>
+
+<p>Within thirty years after the death of our Lord, there were
+churches in Jerusalem, C&aelig;sarea, Rome, and the Syrian Antioch.
+In reference to the latter, Bishop Ken beautifully says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Fair Antioch the rich, the great,</span>
+<span class="i0">Of learning the imperial seat,</span>
+<span class="i1">You readily inclined,</span>
+<span class="i1">To light which on you shined;</span>
+<span class="i0">It soon shot up to a meridian flame,</span>
+<span class="i0">You first baptized it with a Christian name."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Clement, one of the Apostolic Fathers and third Bishop of Rome,
+who flourished in the first century, says: "Brethren, keep
+diligently feast-days, and truly in the first place the day of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">012</a></span>
+Christ's birth." And according to another of the early Bishops
+of Rome, it was ordained early in the second century, "that in
+the holy night of the Nativity of our Lord and Saviour, they do
+celebrate public church services and in them solemnly sing the
+Angels' Hymn, because also the same night He was declared
+unto the shepherds by an angel, as the truth itself doth witness."</p>
+
+<p>But, before proceeding further with the historical narrative, it
+will be well now to make more particular reference to the fixing
+of the date of the festival.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Fixing the Date of Christmas.</span></div>
+
+<p>Whether the 25th of December, which is now observed as
+Christmas Day, correctly fixes the period of the year when
+Christ was born is still doubtful, although it is a question upon
+which there has been much controversy. From Clement of
+Alexandria it appears, that when the first efforts were made to
+fix the season of the Advent, there were advocates for the 20th
+of May, and for the 20th or 21st of April. It is also found that
+some communities of Christians celebrated the festival on the
+1st or 6th of January; others on the 29th of March, the time of
+the Jewish Passover: while others observed it on the 29th of
+September, or Feast of Tabernacles. The Oriental Christians
+generally were of opinion that both the birth and baptism of
+Christ took place on the 6th of January. Julius I., Bishop of
+Rome (A.D. 337-352), contended that the 25th of December was
+the date of Christ's birth, a view to which the majority of the
+Eastern Church ultimately came round, while the Church of
+the West adopted from their brethren in the East the view that
+the baptism was on the 6th of January. It is, at any rate,
+certain that after St. Chrysostom Christmas was observed on the
+25th of December in East and West alike, except in the
+Armenian Church, which still remains faithful to January 6th.
+St. Chrysostom, who died in the beginning of the fifth century,
+informs us, in one of his Epistles, that Julius, on the solicitation
+of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, caused strict inquiries to be made on
+the subject, and thereafter, following what seemed to be the best
+authenticated tradition, settled authoritatively the 25th of December
+as the anniversary of Christ's birth, the <i>Festorum omnium
+metropolis</i>, as it is styled by Chrysostom. It may be observed,
+however, that some have represented this fixing of the day to
+have been accomplished by St. Telesphorus, who was Bishop of
+Rome A.D. 127-139, but the authority for the assertion is very
+doubtful. There is good ground for maintaining that Easter
+and its accessory celebrations mark with tolerable accuracy the
+anniversaries of the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord,
+because we know that the events themselves took place at the
+period of the Jewish Passover; but no such precision of date
+can be adduced as regards Christmas. Dr. Geikie<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> says: "The
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">013</a></span><i>season</i> at which Christ was born is inferred from the fact that
+He was six months younger than John, respecting the date of
+whose birth we have the help of knowing the time of the
+annunciation during his father's ministrations in Jerusalem.
+Still, the whole subject is very uncertain. Ewald appears to fix
+the date of the birth as five years earlier than our era. Petavius
+and Usher fix it as on the 25th of December, five years before
+our era; Bengel, on the 25th of December, four years before our
+era; Anger and Winer, four years before our era, in the spring;
+Scaliger, three years before our era, in October; St. Jerome,
+three years before our era, on December 25th; Eusebius, two
+years before our era, on January 6th; and Ideler, seven years
+before our era, in December." Milton, following the immemorial
+tradition of the Church, says that&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"It was the winter wild."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>But there are still many who think that the 25th of December
+does not correspond with the actual date of the birth of Christ,
+and regard the incident of the flocks and shepherds in the open
+field, recorded by St. Luke, as indicative of spring rather than
+winter. This incident, it is thought, could not have taken place
+in the inclement month of December, and it has been conjectured,
+with some probability, that the 25th of December was
+chosen in order to substitute the purified joy of a Christian
+festival for the license of the <i>Bacchanalia</i> and <i>Saturnalia</i> which
+were kept at that season. It is most probable that the Advent
+took place between December, 749, of Rome, and February,
+750.</p>
+
+<p>Dionysius Exiguus, surnamed the Little, a Romish monk of
+the sixth century, a Scythian by birth, and who died <span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 556,
+fixed the birth of Christ in the year of Rome 753, but the best
+authorities are now agreed that 753 was not the year in which
+the Saviour of mankind was born. The Nativity is now
+placed, not as might have been expected, in <span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 1, but in
+<span class="smcap">b.c.</span> 5 or 4. The mode of reckoning by the "year of our Lord"
+was first introduced by Dionysius, in his "Cyclus Paschalis,"
+a treatise on the computation of Easter, in the first half of the
+sixth century. Up to that time the received computation of
+events through the western portion of Christendom had been
+from the supposed foundation of Rome (<span class="smcap">b.c.</span> 754), and events
+were marked accordingly as happening in this or that year,
+<i>Anno Urbis Condit&aelig;</i>, or by the initial letters A.U.C. In the East
+some historians continued to reckon from the era of Seleucid&aelig;,
+which dated from the accession of Seleucus Nicator to the
+monarchy of Syria, in <span class="smcap">b.c.</span> 312. The new computation was
+received by Christendom in the sixth century, and adopted
+without adequate inquiry, till the sixteenth century. A more
+careful examination of the data presented by the Gospel
+history, and, in particular, by the fact that "Jesus was born<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">014</a></span>
+in Bethlehem of Jud&aelig;a" before the death of Herod, showed
+that Dionysius had made a mistake of four years, or perhaps
+more, in his calculations. The death of Herod took place in
+the year of Rome <span class="smcap">a.u.c.</span> 750, just before the Passover. This
+year coincided with what in our common chronology
+would be <span class="smcap">b.c.</span> 4&mdash;so that we have to recognise the fact that our
+own reckoning is erroneous, and to fix <span class="smcap">b.c.</span> 5 or 4 as the date of
+the Nativity.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 444px;"><img src=
+"images/fig08.jpg" width="444" height="600" alt="THE INNS ARE FULL." title=
+"" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+"the inns are full."</span></span></div>
+
+<p>Now, out of the consideration of the time at which the
+Christmas festival is fixed, naturally arises another question,
+viz.:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Connection of Christmas with Ancient Festivals.</span></div>
+
+<p>Sir Isaac Newton<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> says the Feast of the Nativity, and most
+of the other ecclesiastical anniversaries, were originally fixed at
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">015</a></span>cardinal points of the year, without any reference to the dates
+of the incidents which they commemorated, dates which, by
+lapse of time, it was impossible to ascertain. Thus the Annunciation
+of the Virgin Mary was placed on the 25th of March, or
+about the time of the vernal equinox; the Feast of St. Michael
+on the 29th of September, or near the autumnal equinox; and
+the Birth of Christ at the time of the winter solstice. Christmas
+was thus fixed at the time of the year when the most celebrated
+festivals of the ancients were held in honour of the return of
+the sun which at the winter solstice begins gradually to regain
+power and to ascend apparently in the horizon. Previously to
+this (says William Sandys, F.S.A.),<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> the year was drawing to a
+close, and the world was typically considered to be in the same
+state. The promised restoration of light and commencement
+of a new era were therefore hailed with rejoicings and thanksgivings.
+The Saxon and other northern nations kept a festival
+at this time of the year in honour of Thor, in which they
+mingled feasting, drinking, and dancing with sacrifices and
+religious rites. It was called Yule, or Jule, a term of which the
+derivation has caused dispute amongst antiquaries; some considering
+it to mean a festival, and others stating that Iol, or Iul
+(spelt in various ways), is a primitive word, conveying the idea
+of Revolution or Wheel, and applicable therefore to the return
+of the sun. The <i>Bacchanalia</i> and <i>Saturnalia</i> of the Romans
+had apparently the same object as the Yuletide, or feast of the
+Northern nations, and were probably adopted from some more
+ancient nations, as the Greeks, Mexicans, Persians, Chinese,
+&amp;c., had all something similar. In the course of them, as is
+well known, masters and slaves were supposed to be on an
+equality; indeed, the former waited on the latter.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> Presents
+were mutually given and received, as Christmas presents in
+these days. Towards the end of the feast, when the sun was
+on its return, and the world was considered to be renovated,
+a king or ruler was chosen, with considerable power granted to
+him during his ephemeral reign, whence may have sprung some
+of the Twelfth-Night revels, mingled with those in honour of
+the Manifestation and Adoration of the Magi. And, in all
+probability, some other Christmas customs are adopted from the
+festivals of the ancients, as decking with evergreens and mistletoe
+(relics of Druidism) and the wassail bowl. It is not surprising,
+therefore, that Bacchanalian illustrations have been found
+among the decorations in the early Christian Churches. The
+illustration on the following page is from a mosaic in the
+Church of St. Constantine, Rome, A.D. 320.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">016</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig09.jpg" width="400" height="199" alt="GRAPE GATHERING AND THE VINTAGE." title=
+"" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+grape gathering and the vintage.<br />
+mosaic in the church of st. constantine, rome, a.d. 320.</span></span></div>
+
+
+<p>Dr. Cassel, of Germany, an erudite Jewish convert who is
+little known in this country has endeavoured to show that</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig10.jpg" width="400" height="687" alt="GERMAN NINTH CENTURY PICTURE OF THE NATIVITY." title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+From an Ivory (Part of Book Cover) German Ninth Century, British Museum.</span></span></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">017</a></span>the festival of Christmas has a Jud&aelig;an origin. He considers that
+its customs are significantly in accordance with those of the
+Jewish festival of the Dedication of the Temple. This feast was
+held in the winter time, on the 25th of Cisleu (December 20th),
+having been founded by Judas Maccab&aelig;us in honour of the
+cleansing of the Temple in <span class="smcap">b.c.</span> 164, six years and a half after
+its profanation by Antiochus Epiphanes. In connection with
+Dr. Cassel's theory it may be remarked that the German word
+<i>Weihnachten</i> (from <i>weihen</i>, "to consecrate, inaugurate," and
+<i>nacht</i>, "night") leads directly to the meaning, "Night of the
+Dedication."</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig11.jpg" width="400" height="234" alt="ANCIENT ROMAN ILLUSTRATIONS."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+ancient roman illustrations.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>In proceeding with our historical survey, then, we must
+recollect that in the festivities of Christmastide there is a
+mingling of the Divine with the human elements of society&mdash;the
+establishment and development of a Christian festival on
+pagan soil and in the midst of superstitious surroundings.
+Unless this be borne in mind it is impossible to understand
+some customs connected with the celebration of Christmas.
+For while the festival commemorates the Nativity of Christ,
+it also illustrates the ancient practices of the various peoples
+who have taken part in the commemoration, and not inappropriately
+so, as the event commemorated is also linked to the
+past. "Christmas" (says Dean Stanley) "brings before us the
+relations of the Christian religion to the religions which went
+before; for the birth at Bethlehem was itself a link with the
+past. The coming of Jesus Christ was not unheralded or
+unforeseen. Even in the heathen world there had been
+anticipations of an event of a character not unlike this. In
+Plato's Dialogue bright ideals had been drawn of the just
+man; in Virgil's Eclogues there had been a vision of a new
+and peaceful order of things. But it was in the Jewish nation
+that these anticipations were most distinct. That wonderful<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">018</a></span>
+people in all its history had looked, not backward, but forward.
+The appearance of Jesus Christ was not merely the accomplishment
+of certain predictions; it was the fulfilment of this wide
+and deep expectation of a whole people, and that people the
+most remarkable in the ancient world." Thus Dean Stanley
+links Christianity with the older religions of the world, as other
+writers have connected the festival of Christmas with the festivals
+of paganism and Judaism. The first Christians were
+exposed to the dissolute habits and idolatrous practices of
+heathenism, as well as the superstitious ceremonials of Judaism,
+and it is in these influences that we must seek the true origin
+of many of the usages and institutions of Christianity. The old
+hall of Roman justice and exchange&mdash;an edifice expressive of
+the popular life of Greece and Rome&mdash;was not deemed too
+secular to be used as the first Christian place of worship:
+pagan statues were preserved as objects of adoration, being
+changed but in name; names describing the functions of
+Church officers were copied from the civil vocabulary of the
+time; the ceremonies of Christian worship were accommodated
+as far as possible to those of the heathen, that new converts
+might not be much startled at the change, and at the Christmas
+festival Christians indulged in revels closely resembling those
+of the <i>Saturnalia</i>.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig12.jpg" width="400" height="172" alt="ANCIENT ROMAN ILLUSTRATIONS."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+ancient roman illustrations.</span></span></div>
+
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Times of Persecution.</span></div>
+
+<p>It is known that the Feast of the Nativity was observed as
+early as the first century, and that it was kept by the primitive
+Christians even in dark days of persecution. "They wandered
+in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth"
+(Heb. xi. 38). Yet they were faithful to Christ, and the Catacombs
+of Rome contain evidence that they celebrated the
+Nativity.</p>
+
+<p>The opening up of these Catacombs has brought to light
+many most interesting relics of primitive Christianity. In
+these Christian cemeteries and places of worship there are
+signs not only of the deep emotion and hope with which they
+buried their dead, but also of their simple forms of worship
+and the festive joy with which they commemorated the Nativity
+of Christ. On the rock-hewn tombs these primitive Christians<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">019</a></span>
+wrote the thoughts that were most consoling to themselves, or
+painted on the walls the figures which gave them the most
+pleasure. The subjects of these paintings are for the most part
+taken from the Bible, and the one which illustrates the earliest
+and most universal of these pictures, and exhibits their Christmas
+joy, is "The Adoration of the Magi." Another of these emblems
+of joyous festivity which is frequently seen, is a vine, with its
+branches and purple clusters spreading in every direction,
+reminding us that in Eastern countries the vintage is the great
+holiday of the year. In the Jewish Church there was no
+festival so joyous as the Feast of Tabernacles, when they
+gathered the fruit of the vineyard, and in some of the earlier
+celebrations of the Nativity these festivities were closely copied.
+And as all down the ages pagan elements have mingled in the
+festivities of Christmas, so in the Catacombs they are not absent.
+There is Orpheus playing on his harp to the beasts; Bacchus
+as the god of the vintage; Psyche, the butterfly of the soul;
+the Jordan as the god of the rivers. The classical and the
+Christian, the Hebrew and the Hellenic elements had not yet
+parted; and the unearthing of these pictures after the lapse of
+centuries affords another interesting clue to the origin of some
+of the customs of Christmastide. It is astonishing how many
+of the Catacomb decorations are taken from heathen sources
+and copied from heathen paintings; yet we need not wonder
+when we reflect that the vine was used by the early Christians
+as an emblem of gladness, and it was scarcely possible for them
+to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity&mdash;a festival of glad tidings&mdash;without
+some sort of <i>Bacchanalia</i>. Thus it appears that even</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig13.jpg" width="400" height="290" alt="ANCIENT AGAPE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+ancient agape.</span></span></div>
+
+<p class="small">(<i>From Withrow's</i> "<i>Catacombs of Rome</i>,' which states that the inscriptions,
+according to Dr. Maitland, should be expanded thus IRENE DA CALDA[M
+AQVAM]&mdash;"Peace, give hot water,' and AGAPE MISCE MI
+[VINVM CVM AQVA]&mdash;"Love, mix me wine with water," the allusion
+being to the ancient custom of tempering wine with water, hot or cold)</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">020</a></span>
+beneath the palaces and temples of pagan Rome the birth of
+Christ was celebrated, this early undermining of paganism by
+Christianity being, as it were, the germ of the final victory, and
+the secret praise, which came like muffled music from the
+Catacombs in honour of the Nativity, the prelude to the
+triumph-song in which they shall unite who receive from
+Christ the unwithering crown.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig14.jpg" width="400" height="190" alt="ANCIENT ROMAN ILLUSTRATIONS."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p>But they who would wear the crown must first bear the cross,
+and these early Christians had to pass through dreadful days of
+persecution. Some of them were made food for the torches
+of the atrocious Nero, others were thrown into the Imperial
+fish-ponds to fatten lampreys for the Bacchanalian banquets,
+and many were mangled to death by savage beasts, or still more
+savage men, to make sport for thousands of pitiless sightseers,
+while not a single thumb was turned to make the sign of mercy.
+But perhaps the most gigantic and horrible of all Christmas
+atrocities were those perpetrated by the tyrant Diocletian, who
+became Emperor <span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 284. The early years of his reign were
+characterised by some sort of religious toleration, but when his
+persecutions began many endured martyrdom, and the storm of
+his fury burst on the Christians in the year 303. A multitude
+of Christians of all ages had assembled to commemorate the
+Nativity in the temple at Nicomedia, in Bithynia, when the
+tyrant Emperor had the town surrounded by soldiers and set
+on fire, and about twenty thousand persons perished. The
+persecutions were carried on throughout the Roman Empire,
+and the death-roll included some British martyrs, Britain being
+at that time a Roman province. St. Alban, who was put to
+death at Verulam in Diocletian's reign, is said to have been
+the first Christian martyr in Britain. On the retirement of
+Diocletian, satiated with slaughter and wearied with wickedness,
+Galerius continued the persecutions for a while. But the
+time of deliverance was at hand, for the martyrs had made
+more converts in their deaths than in their lives. It was vainly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">021</a></span>
+hoped that Christianity would be destroyed, but in the succeeding
+reign of Constantine it became the religion of the
+empire. Not one of the martyrs had died in vain or passed
+through death unrecorded.</p>
+
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"There is a record traced on high,</span>
+<span class="i0">That shall endure eternally;</span>
+<span class="i0">The angel standing by God's throne</span>
+<span class="i0">Treasures there each word and groan;</span>
+<span class="i0">And not the martyr's speech alone,</span>
+<span class="i0">But every word is there depicted,</span>
+<span class="i1">With every circumstance of pain</span>
+<span class="i0">The crimson stream, the gash inflicted&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i1">And not a drop is shed in vain."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_020.jpg" width="150" height="170" alt="Gladiators."
+title="" /></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Celebrations under Constantine the Great.</span></div>
+
+<p>With the accession of Constantine (born at York, February 27,
+274, son of the sub-Emperor Constantius by a British mother,
+the "fair Helena of York," and who, on the death of his father
+at York in 306, was in Britain proclaimed Emperor of the
+Roman Empire) brighter days came to the Christians, for his
+first act was one of favour to them. He had been present at
+the promulgation of Diocletian's edict of the last and fiercest
+of the persecutions against the Christians, in 303, at Nicomedia,
+soon after which the imperial palace was struck by lightning,
+and the conjunction of the events seems to have deeply impressed
+him. No sooner had he ascended the throne than his
+good feeling towards the Christians took the active form of an
+edict of toleration, and subsequently he accepted Christianity,
+and his example was followed by the greater part of his family.
+And now the Christians, who had formerly hidden away in the
+darkness of the Catacombs and encouraged one another with
+"Alleluias," which served as a sort of invitatory or mutual call
+to each other to praise the Lord, might come forth into the
+Imperial sunshine and hold their services in basilicas or public
+halls, the roofs of which (Jerome tells us) "re-echoed with their
+cries of Alleluia," while Ambrose says the sound of their psalms
+as they sang in celebration of the Nativity "was like the surging
+of the sea in great waves of sound." And the Catacombs contain
+confirmatory evidence of the joy with which relatives of the
+Emperor participated in Christian festivities. In the tomb of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">022</a></span>
+Constantia, the sister of the Emperor Constantine, the only
+decorations are children gathering the vintage, plucking the
+grapes, carrying baskets of grapes on their heads, dancing on
+the grapes to press out the wine. This primitive conception
+of the Founder of Christianity shows the faith of these early
+Christians to have been of a joyous and festive character, and
+the Graduals for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, the
+beautiful Kyrie Eleisons (which in later times passed into
+carols), and the other festival music which has come down to
+us through that wonderful compilation of Christian song,
+<i>Gregory's Antiphonary</i>, show that Christmas stood out prominently
+in the celebrations of the now established Church,
+for the Emperor Constantine had transferred the seat of
+government to Constantinople, and Christianity was formally
+recognised as the established religion.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Episcopal References to Christmas and Cautions Against
+Excesses.</span></div>
+
+<p>Cyprian, the intrepid Bishop of Carthage, whose stormy
+episcopate closed with the crown of martyrdom in the latter
+half of the third century, began his treatise on the Nativity
+thus: "The much wished-for and long expected Nativity of
+Christ is come, the famous solemnity is come"&mdash;expressions
+which indicate the desire with which the Church looked
+forward to the festival, and the fame which its celebrations
+had acquired in the popular mind. And in later times, after
+the fulness of festivity at Christmas had resulted in some
+excesses, Bishop Gregory Nazianzen (who died in 389), fearing
+the spiritual thanksgiving was in danger of being subordinated
+to the temporal rejoicing, cautioned all Christians "against
+feasting to excess, dancing, and crowning the doors (practices
+derived from the heathens); urging the celebration of the
+festival after an heavenly and not an earthly manner."</p>
+
+<p>In the Council, generally called <i>Concilium Africanum</i>, held
+<span class="smcap">A.D.</span> 408, "stage-playes and spectacles are forbidden on the
+Lord's-day, Christmas-day, and other solemn Christian
+festivalls." Theodosius the younger, in his laws <i>de Spectaculis</i>,
+in 425, forbade shows or games on the Nativity, and some
+other feasts. And in the Council of Auxerre, in Burgundy, in
+578, disguisings are again forbidden, and at another Council, in
+614, it was found necessary to repeat the prohibitory canons
+in stronger terms, declaring it to be unlawful to make any
+indecent plays upon the Kalends of January, according to the
+profane practices of the pagans. But it is also recorded that
+the more devout Christians in these early times celebrated the
+festival without indulging in the forbidden excesses.</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Notes to "Life of Christ."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> "Commentary on the Prophecies of Daniel."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Introduction to "Christmas Carols," 1833.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> The Emperor Nero himself is known to have presided at the <i>Saturnalia</i>,
+having been made by lot the <i>Rex bibendi</i>, or Master of the Revels. Indeed it
+was at one of these festivals that he instigated the murder of the young Prince
+Britannicus, the last male descendant of the family of the Claudii, who had been
+expelled from his rights by violence and crime; and the atrocious act was committed
+amid the revels over which Nero was presiding as master.</p></div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">023</a></span></p>
+
+<h4><i>CHAPTER III.</i></h4>
+
+<h3>EARLY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS IN
+BRITAIN.</h3>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig15.jpg" width="600" height="206" alt="EARLY CELEBRATIONS IN BRITAIN"
+title="" /></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Early Celebrations in Britain.</span></div>
+
+<p>It is recorded that there were "saints in C&aelig;sar's household,"
+and we have also the best authority for saying there were
+converts among Roman soldiers. Cornelius, a Roman centurion,
+"was a just man and one that feared God," and
+other Roman converts are referred to in Scripture as having
+been found among the officers of the Roman Empire. And
+although it is not known who first preached the Gospel in
+Britain, it seems almost certain that Christianity entered with
+the Roman invasion in <span class="smcap">A.D.</span> 43. As in Palestine some of the
+earlier converts served Christ secretly "for fear of the Jews,"
+so, in all probability, did they in Britain for fear of the Romans.
+We know that some confessed Christ and closed their earthly
+career with the crown of martyrdom. It is also certain that
+very early in the Christian era Christmas was celebrated in
+Britain, mingling in its festivities some of the winter-festival
+customs of the ancient Britons and the Roman invaders, for traces
+of those celebrations are still seen in some of the Christmas
+customs of modern times. Moreover, it is known that Christians
+were tolerated in Britain by some of the Roman governors before
+the days of Constantine. It was in the time of the fourth
+Roman Emperor, Claudius, that part of Britain was first really
+conquered. Claudius himself came over in the year 43, and his
+generals afterwards went on with the war, conquering one after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">024</a></span>
+another of the British chiefs, Caradoc, whom the Romans called
+Caractacus, holding out the longest and the most bravely.
+This intrepid King of the Silurians, who lived in South Wales
+and the neighbouring parts, withstood the Romans for several
+years, but was at last defeated at a great battle, supposed to
+have taken place in Shropshire, where there is a hill still called
+Caer Caradoc. Caradoc and his family were taken prisoners
+and led before the Emperor at Rome, when he made a remarkable
+speech which has been preserved for us by Tacitus.
+When he saw the splendid city of Rome, he wondered that
+an Emperor who lived in such splendour should have meddled
+with his humble home in Britain; and in his address before
+the Emperor Claudius, who received him seated on his throne
+with the Empress Agrippina by his side, Caradoc said: "My
+fate this day appears as sad for me as it is glorious for thee. I
+had horses, soldiers, arms, and treasures; is it surprising that
+I should regret the loss of them? If it is thy will to command
+the universe, is it a reason we should voluntarily accept slavery?
+Had I yielded sooner, thy fortune and my glory would have
+been less, and oblivion would soon have followed my execution.
+If thou sparest my life, I shall be an eternal monument of thy
+clemency." Although the Romans had very often killed their
+captives, to the honour of Claudius be it said that he treated
+Caradoc kindly, gave him his liberty, and, according to some
+historians, allowed him to reign in part of Britain as a prince
+subject to Rome. It is surprising that an emperor who had
+shown such clemency could afterwards become one of
+Rome's sanguinary tyrants; but Claudius was a man of
+weak intellect.</p>
+
+<p>There were several of the Roman Emperors and Governors
+who befriended the Christians, took part in their Christmas
+festivities, and professed faith in Christ. The Venerable
+Bede says: "In the reign of Marcus Aurelius Antonius, and
+his partner in the Empire, Lucius Verus, when Eleutherius
+was Bishop of Rome, Lucius, a British king, sent a letter to his
+prelate, desiring his directions to make him a Christian. The
+holy bishop immediately complied with this pious request;
+and thus the Britons, being brought over to Christianity,
+continued without warping or disturbance till the reign of
+the Emperor Diocletian." And Selden says: "Howsoever,
+by injury of time, the memory of this great and illustrious
+Prince King Lucy hath been embezzled and smuggled; this,
+upon the credit of the ancient writers, appears plainly, that the
+pitiful fopperies of the Pagans, and the worship of their idol
+devils, did begin to flag, and within a short time would have
+given place to the worship of the true God." As this "illustrious
+Prince King Lucy"&mdash;Lucius Verus&mdash;flourished in the
+latter part of the second century, and is credited with the
+erection of our first Christian Church on the site of St.
+Martin's, at Canterbury, it seems clear that even in those<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">025</a></span>
+early days Christianity was making progress in Britain. From
+the time of Julius Agricola, who was Roman Commander from
+78 to 84, Britain had been a Roman province, and although
+the Romans never conquered the whole of the island, yet during
+their occupation of what they called their province (the whole
+of Britain, excepting that portion north of the Firths of Forth
+and Clyde), they encouraged the Christmas festivities and did
+much to civilise the people whom they had conquered and
+whom they governed for more than three hundred years. They
+built towns in different parts of the country and constructed
+good roads from one town to another, for they were excellent
+builders and road-makers. Some of the Roman emperors
+visited Britain and others were chosen by the soldiers of
+Britain; and in the reigns of Constantine the Great and
+other tolerant emperors the Britains lived like Romans,
+adopted Roman manners and customs, and some of them
+learned to speak the Latin language. Christian churches
+were built and bishoprics founded; a hierarchy was established,
+and at the Council of Arles, in 314, three British bishops
+took part&mdash;those of York, London, and Camulodunum (which
+is now Colchester or Malden, authorities are divided, but
+Freeman says Colchester). The canons framed at Arles on
+this occasion became the law of the British Church, and in
+this more favourable period for Christians the Christmas
+festival was kept with great rejoicing. But this settled state
+of affairs was subsequently disturbed by the departure of the
+Romans and the several invasions of the Anglo-Saxons and the
+Danes which preceded the Norman Conquest.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_024.jpg" width="150" height="155" alt="A KNIGHT."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Again in Troublous Times: The Departure of
+the Romans and the Invasion of the Anglo-Saxons.</span></div>
+
+<p>The outgoing of the Romans and the incoming of the Angles,
+the Saxons, and the Jutes disastrously affected the festival of
+Christmas, for the invaders were heathens, and Christianity was
+swept westward before them. They had lived in a part of the
+Continent which had not been reached by Christianity nor
+classic culture, and they worshipped the false gods of Woden<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">026</a></span>
+and Thunder, and were addicted to various heathenish practices,
+some of which now mingled with the festivities of Christmastide.
+Still, as these Angles came to stay and have given their name to
+our country, it may be well to note that they came over to
+Britain from the one country which is known to have borne the
+name of Angeln or the Engle-land, and which is now called
+Sleswick, a district in the middle of that peninsula which parts
+the Baltic from the North Sea or German Ocean. The Romans
+having become weakened through their conflicts with Germany
+and other nations, at the beginning of the fifth century, the
+Emperor Honorius recalled the Roman legions from Britain,
+and this made it much easier for the Angles and Saxons (who
+had previously tried to get in) to come and remain in this
+country. Thus our Teuton forefathers came and conquered
+much the greater part of Britain, the Picts and Scots remaining
+in the north and the Welsh in the west of the island. It was
+their custom to kill or make slaves of all the people they could,
+and so completely did they conquer that part of Britain in
+which they settled that they kept their own language and
+manners and their own heathenish religion, and destroyed or
+desecrated Christian churches which had been set up. Hence
+Christian missionaries were required to convert our ancestral
+worshippers of Woden and Thunder, and a difficult business it
+was to Christianise such pagans, for they stuck to their false
+gods with the same tenacity that the northern nations did.</p>
+
+<p>In his poem of "King Olaf's Christmas" Longfellow refers to
+the worship of Thor and Odin alongside with the worship of
+Christ in the northern nations:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"At Drontheim, Olaf the King</span>
+<span class="i0">Heard the bells of Yule-tide ring,</span>
+<span class="i1">As he sat in his banquet-hall.</span>
+<span class="i0">Drinking the nut-brown ale,</span>
+<span class="i0">With his bearded Berserks hale</span>
+<span class="i1">And tall.</span>
+<span class="i0">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</span>
+<span class="i0">O'er his drinking horn, the sign</span>
+<span class="i0">He made of the Cross divine</span>
+<span class="i1">As he drank, and muttered his prayers;</span>
+<span class="i0">But the Berserks evermore</span>
+<span class="i0">Made the sign of the Hammer of Thor</span>
+<span class="i2">Over theirs."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>In England, too, Christ and Thor were worshipped side by side
+for at least 150 years after the introduction of Christianity, for
+while some of the English accepted Christ as their true friend
+and Saviour, He was not accepted by all the people. Indeed,
+the struggle against Him is still going on, but we anticipate the
+time when He shall be victorious all along the line.</p>
+
+<p>The Christmas festival was duly observed by the missionaries
+who came to the South of England from Rome, headed by
+Augustine, and in the northern parts of the country the Christian<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">027</a></span>
+festivities were revived by the Celtic missionaries from Iona,
+under Aidan, the famous Columbian monk. At least half of
+England was covered by the Columbian monks, whose great
+foundation upon the rocky island of Iona, in the Hebrides, was
+the source of Christianity to Scotland. The ritual of the Celtic
+differed from that of the Romish missionaries, and caused
+confusion, till at the Synod of Whitby (664) the Northumbrian
+Kingdom adopted the Roman usages, and England obtained
+ecclesiastical unity as a branch of the Church of Rome. Thus
+unity in the Church preceded by several centuries unity in the
+State.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig16.jpg" width="200" height="443" alt="QUEEN BERTHA."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+Queen Bertha.</span>
+</span></div>
+
+<p>In connection with Augustine's mission to England, a memorable
+story (recorded in Green's "History of the English
+People") tells how, when but a young Roman deacon, Gregory
+had noted the white bodies, the fair faces, the golden hair of
+some youths who stood bound in the market-place of Rome.
+"From what country do these slaves come?" he asked the
+traders who brought them. "They are English, Angles!" the
+slave-dealers answered. The deacon's pity veiled itself in
+poetic humour. "Not Angles, but Angels," he said, "with
+faces so angel-like! From what country come they?" "They<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">028</a></span>
+come," said the merchants, "from Deira." "De ira!" was the
+untranslatable reply; "aye, plucked from God's ire, and called
+to Christ's mercy! And what is the name of their king?"
+"&AElig;lla," they told him, and Gregory seized on the words as of
+good omen. "Alleluia shall be sung in &AElig;lla's land!" he cried,
+and passed on, musing how the angel-faces should be brought
+to sing it. Only three or four years had gone by when the
+deacon had become Bishop of Rome, and the marriage of
+Bertha, daughter of the Frankish king, Charibert of Paris, with
+&AElig;thelberht, King of Kent, gave him the opening he sought;
+for Bertha, like her Frankish kinsfolk, was a Christian.</p>
+
+<p>And so, after negotiations with the rulers of Gaul, Gregory
+sent Augustine, at the head of a band of monks, to preach the
+gospel to the English people. The missionaries landed in 597,
+on the very spot where Hengest had landed more than a
+century before, in the Isle of Thanet; and the king received
+them sitting in the open air on the chalk-down above Minster,
+where the eye nowadays catches, miles away over the marshes,
+the dim tower of Canterbury. Rowbotham, in his "History of
+Music," says that wherever Gregory sent missionaries he also
+sent copies of the Gregorian song as he had arranged it in his
+"Antiphonary." And he bade them go singing among the
+people. And Augustine entered Kent bearing a silver cross
+and a banner with the image of Christ painted on it, while a
+long train of choristers walked behind him chanting the <i>Kyrie
+Eleison</i>. In this way they came to the court of &AElig;thelberht,
+who assigned them Canterbury as an abode; and they entered
+Canterbury with similar pomp, and as they passed through the
+gates they sang this petition: "Lord, we beseech Thee to keep
+Thy wrath away from this city and from Thy holy Church,
+Alleluia!"</p>
+
+<p>As papal Rome preserved many relics of heathen Rome,
+so, in like manner, Pope Gregory, in sending Augustine
+over to convert the Anglo-Saxons, directed him to accommodate
+the ceremonies of the Christian worship as much as possible to
+those of the heathen, that the people might not be much
+startled at the change; and, in particular, he advised him to
+allow converts to kill and eat at the Christmas festival a great
+number of oxen to the glory of God, as they had formerly done
+to the honour of the devil. The clergy, therefore, endeavoured
+to connect the remnants of Pagan idolatry with Christianity,
+and also allowed some of the practices of our British ancestors
+to mingle in the festivities of Christmastide. The religion of
+the Druids, the priests of the ancient Britons, is supposed to
+have been somewhat similar to that of the Brahmins of India,
+the Magi of Persia, and the Chaldeans of Syria. They worshipped
+in groves, regarded the oak and mistletoe as objects of
+veneration, and offered sacrifices. Before Christianity came to
+Britain December was called "Aerra Geola," because the sun
+then "turns his glorious course." And under different names,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">029</a></span>
+such as Woden (another form of Odin), Thor, Thunder, Saturn,
+&amp;c., the pagans held their festivals of rejoicing at the
+winter solstice; and so many of the ancient customs connected
+with these festivals were modified and made subservient to
+Christianity.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the English even tried to serve Christ and the older
+gods together, like the Roman Emperor, Alexander Severus,
+whose chapel contained Orpheus side by side with Abraham
+and Christ. "R&oelig;dwald of East Anglia resolved to serve
+Christ and the older gods together, and a pagan and a Christian
+altar fronted one another in the same royal temple."<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> Kent,
+however, seems to have been evangelised rapidly, for it is
+recorded that on Christmas Day, 597, no less than ten thousand
+persons were baptized.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_029.jpg" width="300" height="272" alt="AN ANCIENT COLUMN."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<p>Before his death Augustine was able to see almost the whole
+of Kent and Essex nominally Christian.</p>
+
+<p>Christmas was now celebrated as the principal festival of the
+year, for our Anglo-Saxon forefathers delighted in the festivities
+of the Halig-Monath (holy month), as they called the month
+of December, in allusion to Christmas Day. At the great
+festival of Christmas the meetings of the Witenagemot were
+held, as well as at Easter and Whitsuntide, wherever the Court
+happened to be. And at these times the Anglo-Saxon, and afterwards
+the Danish, Kings of England lived in state, wore their
+crowns, and were surrounded by all the great men of their kingdoms
+(together with strangers of rank) who were sumptuously
+entertained, and the most important affairs of state were brought
+under consideration. There was also an outflow of generous
+hospitality towards the poor, who had a hard time of it during
+the rest of the year, and who required the Christmas gifts to
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">030</a></span>provide them with such creature comforts as would help them
+through the inclement season of the year.</p>
+
+<p>Readers of Saxon history will remember that chieftains in the
+festive hall are alluded to in the comparison made by one of
+King Edwin's chiefs, in discussing the welcome to be given
+to the Christian missionary Paulinus: "The present life of
+man, O King, seems to me, in comparison of that time which is
+unknown to us, like to the swift flight of a sparrow through
+the hall where you sit at your meal in winter, with your chiefs
+and attendants, warmed by a fire made in the middle of the
+hall, while storms of rain or snow prevail without."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig17.jpg" width="300" height="270" alt="AN ANCIENT FIREPLACE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+an ancient fireplace.</span></span></div>
+
+
+<p>The "hall" was the principal part of a gentleman's house in
+Saxon times&mdash;the place of entertainment and hospitality&mdash;and
+at Christmastide the doors were never shut against any who
+appeared to be worthy of welcome. And with such modes of
+travelling as were in vogue in those days one can readily understand
+that, not only at Christmas, but also at other seasons, the
+rule of hospitality to strangers was a necessity.</p>
+
+<p>To this period belong the princely pageants and the
+magnificent</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Entertainments of King Arthur</span></div>
+
+<p>and the Knights of his Round Table. We know that some
+people are inclined to discredit the accounts which have come
+down to us of this famous British King and Christian hero, but
+for our own part we are inclined to trust the old chroniclers,
+at all events so far as to believe that they give us true pictures<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">031</a></span>
+of the manners and customs of the times of which they write;
+and in this prosaic age it may surely be permitted to us at
+Christmastide to linger over the doings of those romantic days,</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"When every morning brought a noble chance,</span>
+<span class="i0">And every chance brought out a noble knight."<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig18.jpg" width="600" height="343" alt="TRAVELLING IN THE OLDEN TIME WITH A 'CHRISTMAS FOOL' ON THE FRONT SEAT."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+travelling in the olden time with a "christmas fool" on the front seat.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>Sir John Froissart tells us of the princely pageants which King
+Arthur held at Windsor in the sixth century, and of the
+sumptuous Christmas banquetings at his Round Table&mdash;the
+very Round Table (so we are to believe, on the authority of
+Dr. Milner)<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> which has been preserved in the old chapel, now
+termed the county hall, at Winchester. It consists of stout oak
+plank, perforated with many bullets, supposed to have been
+shot by Cromwell's soldiers. It is painted with a figure to
+represent King Arthur, and with the names of his twenty-four
+knights as they are stated in the romances of the old chroniclers.
+This famous Prince, who instituted the military order of the
+Knights of the Round Table, is also credited with the reintroduction
+of Christianity at York after the Saxon invaders had
+destroyed the first churches built there. He was unwearying
+in his warfare against enemies of the religion of Christ.
+His first great enterprise was the siege of a Saxon army at
+York, and, having afterwards won brilliant victories in Somersetshire
+and other parts of southern England, he again marched
+northward and penetrated Scotland to attack the Picts and
+Scots, who had long harassed the border. On returning from
+Scotland, Arthur rested his wearied army at York and kept
+Christmas with great bountifulness. Geoffrey of Monmouth
+says he was a prince of "unparalleled courage and generosity,"
+and his Christmas at York was kept with the greatest joy and
+festivity. Then was the round table filled with jocund guests,
+and the minstrels, gleemen, harpers, pipe-players, jugglers, and
+dancers were as happy round about their log-fires as if they
+had shone in the blaze of a thousand gas-lights.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">032</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig19.jpg" width="600" height="616" alt="THE WILD BOAR HUNT: KILLING THE BOAR."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the wild boar hunt: killing the boar.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>King Arthur and his Knights also indulged in out-door amusements,
+as hunting, hawking, running, leaping, wrestling, jousts,
+and tourneys. "So," says Sir Thomas Malory,<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> "passed forth
+all the winter with all manner of hunting and hawking, and
+jousts and tourneys were many between many great lords.
+And ever, in all manner of places, Sir Lavaine got great worship,
+that he was nobly renowned among many of the knights of the
+Round Table. Thus it passed on until Christmas, and every
+day there were jousts made for a diamond, that whosoever
+joust best should have a diamond. But Sir Launcelot would
+not joust, but if it were a great joust cried; but Sir Lavaine
+jousted there all the Christmas passing well, and most was
+praised; for there were few that did so well as he; wherefore
+all manner of knights deemed that Sir Lavaine should be made
+a Knight of the Round Table, at the next high feast of
+Pentecost."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">033</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Anglo-Saxon Excesses</span></div>
+
+<p>are referred to by some of the old chroniclers, intemperance
+being a very prevalent vice at the Christmas festival. Ale and
+mead were their favourite drinks; wines were used as occasional
+luxuries. "When all were satisfied with dinner," says an old
+chronicler, "and their tables were removed, they continued
+drinking till the evening." And another tells how drinking and
+gaming went on through the greater part of the night.
+Chaucer's one solitary reference to Christmastide is an allegorical
+representation of the jovial feasting which was the characteristic
+feature of this great festival held in "the colde frosty season
+of December."</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Janus sits by the fire with double beard,</span>
+<span class="i0">And drinketh of his bugle horn the wine:</span>
+<span class="i0">Before him stands the brawn of tusk&eacute;d swine,</span>
+<span class="i0">And 'Nowel' cryeth every lusty man."<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>The Saxons were strongly attached to field sports, and as the
+"brawn of the tusk&eacute;d swine" was the first Christmas dish, it
+was provided by the pleasant preliminary pastime of hunting
+the wild boar; and the incidents of the chase afforded interesting
+table talk when the boar's head was brought in ceremoniously
+to the Christmas festival.</p>
+
+<p>Prominent among the Anglo-Saxon amusements of Christmastide,
+Strutt mentions their propensity for gaming with dice, as
+derived from their ancestors, for Tacitus assures us that the
+ancient Germans would not only hazard all their wealth, but
+even stake their liberty, upon the turn of the dice: "and he who
+loses submits to servitude, though younger and stronger than his
+antagonist, and patiently permits himself to be bound and sold
+in the market; and this madness they dignify by the name of
+honour." Chess and backgammon were also favourite games
+with the Anglo-Saxons, and a large portion of the night was
+appropriated to the pursuit of these sedentary amusements,
+especially at the Christmas season of the year, when the early
+darkness stopped out-door games.</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"When they had dined, as I can you say,</span>
+<span class="i0">Lords and ladies went to play;</span>
+<span class="i0">Some to tables, and some to chess,</span>
+<span class="i0">With other games more and less."<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Our Saxon forefathers were very superstitious. They had
+many pretenders to witchcraft. They believed in the powers
+of philtres and spells, and invocated spirits; and they relished
+a blood-curdling ghost story at Christmas quite as much as their
+twentieth-century descendants. They confided in prognostics,
+and believed in the influence of particular times and seasons;
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">034</a></span>and at Christmastide they derived peculiar pleasure from their
+belief in the immunity of the season from malign influences&mdash;a
+belief which descended to Elizabethan days, and is referred
+to by Shakespeare, in "Hamlet":&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes,</span>
+<span class="i0">Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated,</span>
+<span class="i0">The bird of dawning singeth all night long:</span>
+<span class="i0">And then, they say, no spirit dares stir abroad;</span>
+<span class="i0">The nights are wholesome; then no planets strike,</span>
+<span class="i0">No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm,</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_034.jpg" width="400" height="414" alt="ADORATION OF THE MAGI
+(Picture of Stained Glass, Winchester Cathedral)"
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+adoration of the magi:
+old glass winchester cathedral.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>We cannot pass over this period without mentioning a great
+Christmas in the history of our Teutonic kinsmen on the
+Continent, for the Saxons of England and those of Germany
+have the same Teutonic origin. We refer to</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Crowning of Charlemagne Emperor of the
+Romans on Christmas Day.</span></div>
+
+<p>The coronation took place at Rome, on Christmas Day, in
+the year 800. Freeman<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> says that when Charles was King of
+the Franks and Lombards and Patrician of the Romans, he was
+on very friendly terms with the mighty Offa, King of the Angles
+that dwelt in Mercia. Charles and Offa not only exchanged
+letters and gifts, but each gave the subjects of the other various
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">035</a></span>rights in his dominions, and they made a league together, "for
+that they two were the mightiest of all the kings that dwelt in
+the Western lands." As conqueror of the old Saxons in
+Germany, Charles may be regarded as the first King of all
+Germany, and he was the first man of any Teutonic nation who
+was called Roman Emperor. He was crowned with the diadem
+of the C&aelig;sars, by Pope Leo, in the name of Charles Augustus,
+Emperor of the Romans. And it was held for a thousand years
+after, down to the year 1806, that the King of the Franks, or,
+as he was afterwards called, the King of Germany, had a right
+to be crowned by the Pope of Rome, and to be called Emperor
+of the Romans. In the year 1806, however, the Emperor
+Francis the Second, who was also King of Hungary and Archduke
+of Austria, resigned the Roman Empire and the Kingdom
+of Germany. Since that time no Emperor of the Romans has
+been chosen; but a new German Emperor has been created,
+and the event may be regarded as one of Christmastide, for the
+victorious soldiers who brought it about spent their Christmas
+in the French capital, and during the festival arranged for the
+re-establishment of the German Empire. So it happens, that
+while referring to the crowning of the first German Emperor of
+the Roman Empire, on Christmas Day, 800, we are able to
+record that more than a thousand years afterwards the unification
+of the German Empire and the creation of its first Emperor
+also occurred at Christmastide, under the influence of the
+German triumphs over the French in the war of 1870. The
+imposing event was resolved upon by the German Princes on
+December 18, 1870, the preliminaries were completed during
+the Christmas festival, and on January 18, 1871, in the Galerie
+des Glaces of the ch&acirc;teau of Versailles, William, King of
+Prussia, was crowned and proclaimed first Emperor of the new
+German Empire.</p>
+
+<p>Now, going back again over a millennium, we come to</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in the Time of Alfred the Great.</span></div>
+
+<p>During the reign of Alfred the Great a law was passed with
+relation to holidays, by virtue of which the twelve days after the
+Nativity of our Saviour were set apart for the celebration of the
+Christmas festival. Some writers are of opinion that, but for
+Alfred's strict observance of the "full twelve holy days," he
+would not have been defeated by the Danes in the year 878. It
+was just after Twelfth-night that the Danish host came suddenly&mdash;"bestole,"
+as the old Chronicle says&mdash;to Chippenham. Then
+"they rode through the West Saxons' land, and there sat down,
+and mickle of the folk over sea they drove, and of others the
+most deal they rode over; all but the King Alfred; he with a
+little band hardly fared after the woods and on the moor-fastnesses."
+But whether or not Alfred's preparations for the battle
+just referred to were hindered by his enjoyment of the festivities<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">036</a></span>
+of Christmastide with his subjects, it is quite certain that the
+King won the hearts of his people by the great interest he took
+in their welfare. This good king&mdash;whose intimacy with his
+people we delight to associate with the homely incident of the
+burning of a cottager's cakes&mdash;kept the Christmas festival quite
+as heartily as any of the early English kings, but not so boisterously
+as some of them. Of the many beautiful stories told about
+him, one might very well belong to Christmastide. It is said
+that, wishing to know what the Danes were about, and how
+strong they were, King Alfred one day set out from Athelney in
+the disguise of a Christmas minstrel, and went into the Danish
+camp, and stayed there several days, amusing the Danes with his
+playing, till he had seen all he wanted, and then went back without
+any one finding him out.</p>
+
+<p>Now, passing on to</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas under the Danish Kings of England,</span></div>
+
+<p>we find that in 961 King Edgar celebrated the Christmas
+festival with great splendour at York; and in 1013 Ethelred
+kept his Christmas with the brave citizens of London who had
+defended the capital during a siege and stoutly resisted Swegen,
+the tyrant king of the Danes. Sir Walter Scott, in his beautiful
+poem of "Marmion," thus pictures the "savage Dane" keeping
+the great winter festival:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Even, heathen yet, the savage Dane</span>
+<span class="i0">At Iol more deep the mead did drain;</span>
+<span class="i0">High on the beach his galleys drew,</span>
+<span class="i0">And feasted all his pirate crew;</span>
+<span class="i0">Then in his low and pine-built hall,</span>
+<span class="i0">Where shields and axes deck'd the wall,</span>
+<span class="i0">They gorged upon the half-dress'd steer;</span>
+<span class="i0">Caroused in seas of sable beer;</span>
+<span class="i0">While round, in brutal jest, were thrown</span>
+<span class="i0">The half-gnaw'd rib, and marrow bone:</span>
+<span class="i0">Or listen'd all, in grim delight.</span>
+<span class="i0">While Scalds yell'd out the joys of fight.</span>
+<span class="i0">Then forth, in frenzy, would they hie,</span>
+<span class="i0">While wildly-loose their red locks fly,</span>
+<span class="i0">And dancing round the blazing pile,</span>
+<span class="i0">They make such barbarous mirth the while,</span>
+<span class="i0">As best might to the mind recall</span>
+<span class="i0">The boisterous joys of Odin's hall."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>When the citizens of London saw that Swegen had succeeded
+all over England except their own city, they thought it was no
+use holding out any longer, and they too, submitted and gave
+hostages. And so Swegen was the first Dane who was king, or
+(as Florence calls him) "Tyrant over all England;" and Ethelred,
+sometimes called the "Unready," King of the West Saxons,
+who had struggled unsuccessfully against the Danes, fled with
+his wife and children to his brother-in-law's court in Normandy.
+On the death of Swegen, the Danes of his fleet chose his son<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">037</a></span>
+Cnut to be King, but the English invited Ethelred to return from
+Normandy and renew the struggle with the Danes. He did so,
+and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says: "He held his kingdom
+with great toil and great difficulty the while that his life lasted."
+After his death and that of his son Edmund, Cnut was finally
+elected and crowned. Freeman,<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> in recording the event, says
+that: "At the Christmas of 1016-1017, Cnut was a third time
+chosen king over all England, and one of the first things that
+he did was to send to Normandy for the widowed Lady Emma,
+though she was many years older than he was. She came over;
+she married the new king; and was again Lady of the English.
+She bore Cnut two children, Harthacnut and Gunhild. Her
+three children by Ethelred were left in Normandy. She seems
+not to have cared at all for them or for the memory of Ethelred;
+her whole love passed to her new husband and her new children.
+Thus it came about that the children of Ethelred were brought
+up in Normandy, and had the feelings of Normans rather than
+Englishmen, a thing which again greatly helped the Norman
+Conquest."</p>
+
+<p>Cnut's first acts of government in England were a series of
+murders; but he afterwards became a wise and temperate king.
+He even identified himself with the patriotism which had withstood
+the stranger. He joined heartily in the festivities of
+Christmastide, and atoned for his father's ravages by costly gifts
+to the religious houses. And his love for monks broke out in
+the song which he composed as he listened to their chant at
+Ely: "Merrily sang the monks in Ely when Cnut King rowed
+by" across the vast fen-waters that surrounded their Abbey.
+"Row, boatmen, near the land, and hear we these monks sing."<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"'All hail!' the monks at Christmas sang;</span>
+<span class="i0">The merry monks who kept with cheer</span>
+<span class="i0">The gladdest day of all the year."<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>It is said that Cnut, who is also called Canute, "marked one of
+his royal Christmases by a piece of sudden retributive justice:
+bored beyond all endurance by the Saxon Edric's iteration of
+the traitorous services he had rendered him, the King exclaimed
+to Edric, Earl of Northumberland: 'Then let him receive his
+deserts, that he may not betray us as he betrayed Ethelred and
+Edmund!' upon which the ready Norwegian disposed of all
+fear on that score by cutting down the boaster with his axe, and
+throwing his body into the Thames."<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a></p>
+
+<p>In the year 1035, King Cnut died at Shaftesbury, and was
+buried in Winchester Cathedral. His sons, Harold and Harthacnut,
+did not possess the capacity for good government, otherwise
+the reign of the Danes might have continued. As it was, their
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">038</a></span>reigns, though short, were troublesome. Harold died at Oxford
+in 1040, and was buried at Westminster (being the first king who
+was buried there); Harthacnut died at Lambeth at a wedding-feast
+in 1042, and was buried beside his father in Winchester
+Cathedral. And thus ended the reigns of the Danish kings of
+England.</p>
+
+<p>Now we come to</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Reign of Edward the Confessor</span></div>
+
+<p>who, we are told, was heartily chosen by all the people, for the
+two very good reasons, that he was an Englishman by birth, and
+the only man of either the English or the Danish royal families
+who was at hand. He was the son of Ethelred and Emma, and
+at the Christmas festival of his coronation there was great
+rejoicing. As his early training had been at the court of his
+uncle, Richard the Good, in Normandy, he had learnt to prefer
+Norman-French customs and life to those of the English.
+During his reign, therefore, he brought over many strangers and
+appointed them to high ecclesiastical and other offices, and
+Norman influence and refinement of manners gradually increased
+at the English court, and this, of course, led to the more stately
+celebration of the Christmas festival. The King himself, being
+of a pious and meditative disposition, naturally took more
+interest in the religious than the temporal rejoicings, and the
+administration of state affairs was left almost entirely to members
+of the house of Godwin during the principal part of his reign.
+Many disturbances occurred during Edward's reign in different
+parts of the country, especially on the Welsh border. At the
+Christmas meeting of the King and his Wise Men, at Gloucester,
+in 1053, it was ordered that Rhys, the brother of Gruffydd, the
+South Welsh king, be put to death for his great plunder and
+mischief. The same year, the great Earl Godwine, while dining
+with the king at Winchester at the Easter feast, suddenly fell in
+a fit, died four days after, and was buried in the old cathedral. A
+few years later (1065), the Northumbrians complained that Earl
+Tostig, Harold's brother, had caused Gospatric, one of the chief
+Thanes, to be treacherously murdered when he came to the
+King's court the Christmas before. King Edward kept his last
+Christmas (1065), and had the meeting of his Wise Men in
+London instead of Gloucester as usual. His great object was
+to finish his new church at Westminster, and to have it hallowed
+before he died. He lived just long enough to have this done.
+On Innocent's Day the new Minster was consecrated, but the
+King was too ill to be there, so the Lady Edith stood in his
+stead. And on January 5, 1066, King Edward, the son of
+Ethelred, died. On the morning of the day following his death,
+the body of the Confessor was laid in the tomb, in his new
+church; and on the same day<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">039</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Harold was crowned King</span></div>
+
+<p>in his stead. Thus three very important events&mdash;the consecration
+of Westminster Abbey, the death of Edward the Confessor,
+and the crowning of Harold&mdash;all occurred during the same
+Christmas festival.</p>
+
+<p>In the terrible year 1066 England had three kings. The reign
+of Harold, the son of Godwine, who succeeded Edward the
+Confessor, terminated at the battle of Senlac, or Hastings, and
+on the following</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Day William the Conqueror was Crowned
+King</span></div>
+
+<p>by Archbishop Ealdred. He had not at that time conquered all
+the land, and it was a long while before he really possessed the
+whole of it. Still, he was the king, chosen, crowned, and
+anointed, and no one ever was able to drive him out of the land,
+and the crown of England has ever since been held by his
+descendants.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_039.jpg" width="150" height="118" alt="A LYRE."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> Green's "History of the English People."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Tennyson.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> "History of Winchester."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> "History of King Arthur and His Noble Knights."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> "The Franklin's Tale."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> "Romance of Ipomydon."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> "Old English History."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> "Short History of the Norman Conquest."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> "History of the English People."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> J. G. Whittier.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> "Chambers's Journal," Dec. 28, 1867.</p></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">040</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h4><i>CHAPTER IV.</i></h4>
+
+<h3>CHRISTMAS, FROM THE NORMAN CONQUEST
+TO MAGNA CHARTA.</h3>
+
+<h5>(1066 to 1215.)</h5>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_053.jpg" width="600" height="360" alt="A KING AT DINNER."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+a king at dinner.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>Now we come to the</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Celebrations under the Normans.</span></div>
+
+
+<p>Lord Macaulay says "the polite luxury of the Normans presented
+a striking contrast to the coarse voracity and drunkenness
+of their Saxon and Danish neighbours." And certainly the above
+example of a royal dinner scene (from a manuscript of the
+fourteenth century) gives an idea of stately ceremony which is
+not found in any manuscripts previous to the coming over of the
+Normans. They "loved to display their magnificence, not in
+huge piles of food and hogsheads of strong drink, but in large
+and stately edifices, rich armour, gallant horses, choice falcons,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">041</a></span>
+well-ordered tournaments, banquets delicate rather than abundant,
+and wines remarkable rather for their exquisite flavour
+than for their intoxicating power." Quite so. But even the
+Normans were not all temperate. And, while it is quite true
+that the refined manners and chivalrous spirit of the Normans
+exercised a powerful influence on the Anglo-Saxons, it is equally
+true that the conquerors on mingling with the English people
+adopted many of the ancient customs to which they tenaciously
+clung, and these included the customs of Christmastide.</p>
+
+<p>The Norman kings and nobles displayed their taste for magnificence
+in the most remarkable manner at their coronations,
+tournaments, and their celebrations of Christmas, Easter, and
+Whitsuntide. The great councils of the Norman reigns which
+assembled at Christmas and the other great festivals, were in
+appearance a continuation of the Witenagemots, but the power
+of the barons became very formal in the presence of such
+despotic monarchs as William the Conqueror and his sons. At
+the Christmas festival all the prelates and nobles of the kingdom
+were, by their tenures, obliged to attend their sovereign to
+assist in the administration of justice and in deliberation on the
+great affairs of the kingdom. On these occasions the King wore
+his crown, and feasted his nobles in the great hall of his palace,
+and made them presents as marks of his royal favour, after which
+they proceeded to the consideration of State affairs. Wherever
+the Court happened to be, there was usually a large assemblage
+of gleemen, who were jugglers and pantomimists as well as
+minstrels, and were accustomed to associate themselves in companies,
+and amuse the spectators with feats of strength and
+agility, dancing, tumbling, and sleight-of-hand tricks, as well as
+musical performances. Among the minstrels who came into
+England with William the Conqueror was one named Taillefer,
+who was present at the battle of Hastings, and rode in front of
+the Norman army, inspiriting the soldiers by his songs. He
+sang of Roland, the heroic captain of Charlemagne, tossing his
+sword in the air and catching it again as he approached the
+English line. He was the first to strike a blow at the English,
+but after mortally wounding one or two of King Harold's
+warriors, he was himself struck down.</p>
+
+<p>At the Christmas feast minstrels played on various musical
+instruments during dinner, and sang or told tales afterwards,
+both in the hall and in the chamber to which the king and his
+nobles retired for amusement. Thus it is written of a court
+minstrel:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Before the King he set him down</span>
+<span class="i0">And took his harp of merry soun,</span>
+<span class="i0">And, as he full well can,</span>
+<span class="i0">Many merry notes he began.</span>
+<span class="i0">The king beheld, and sat full still,</span>
+<span class="i0">To hear his harping he had good will.</span>
+<span class="i0">When he left off his harping,</span>
+<span class="i0">To him said that rich king,</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">042</a></span>
+<span class="i0">To him said that rich king,</span>
+<span class="i0">Minstrel, we liketh well thy glee,</span>
+<span class="i0">What thing that thou ask of me</span>
+<span class="i0">Largely I will thee pay;</span>
+<span class="i0">Therefore ask now and asay."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (<i>Sir&nbsp;Orpheo.</i>)</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_055.jpg" width="600" height="438" alt="BLIND MINSTREL AT A FEAST."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+blind minstrel at a feast.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>After the Conquest the first entertainments given by William
+the Conqueror were those to his victorious warriors:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Every warrior's manly neck</span>
+<span class="i0">Chains of regal honour deck,</span>
+<span class="i0">Wreathed in many a golden link:</span>
+<span class="i0">From the golden cup they drink</span>
+<span class="i0">Nectar that the bees produce,</span>
+<span class="i0">Or the grape's extatic juice.</span>
+<span class="i0">Flush'd with mirth and hope they burn."</span>
+<span class="i10"><i>The Gododin.</i></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>In 1067 the Conqueror kept a grand Christmas in London.
+He had spent eight months of that year rewarding his warriors
+and gratifying his subjects in Normandy, where he had held a
+round of feasts and made a grand display of the valuable booty
+which he had won by his sword. A part of his plunder he sent
+to the Pope along with the banner of Harold. Another portion,
+consisting of gold, golden vases, and richly embroidered stuffs,
+was distributed among the abbeys, monasteries, and churches of
+his native duchy, "neither monks nor priests remaining without
+a guerdon." After spending the greater part of the year in
+splendid entertainments in Normandy, apparently undisturbed
+by the reports which had reached him of discontent and
+insurrection among his new subjects in England, William at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">043</a></span>
+length embarked at Dieppe on the 6th of December, 1067, and
+returned to London to celebrate the approaching festival of
+Christmas. With the object of quieting the discontent which
+prevailed, he invited a considerable number of the Saxon chiefs
+to take part in the Christmas festival, which was kept with
+unusual splendour; and he also caused a proclamation to be
+read in all the churches of the capital declaring it to be his will
+that "all the citizens of London should enjoy their national
+laws as in the days of King Edward." But his policy of
+friendship and conciliation was soon changed into one of
+cruelty and oppression.</p>
+
+<p>At the instigation of Swein, the King of Denmark, who
+appeared in the Humber with a fleet, the people in the north
+of England and in some other parts rose in revolt against the
+rule of the Conqueror in 1068. So skilfully had the revolt been
+planned that even William was taken by surprise. While he
+was hunting in the Forest of Dean he heard of the loss of York
+and the slaughter of his garrison of 3,000 Normans, and resolved
+to avenge the disaster. Proceeding to the Humber with his
+horsemen, by a heavy bribe he got the King of Denmark to
+withdraw his fleet; then, after some delay, spent in punishing
+revolters in the Welsh border, he attacked and took the city of
+York. The land in Durham and Northumberland was still quite
+unsubdued, and some of William's soldiers had fared badly in
+their attempts to take possession. At the Christmas feast of
+1068 William made a grant of the earldom of Northumberland
+to Robert of Comines, who set out with a Norman army to take
+possession. But he fared no better than his predecessors had
+done. The men of the land determined to withstand him, but
+through the help of Bishop &AElig;thelwine he entered Durham
+peaceably. But he let his men plunder, so the men of the city
+rose and slew him and his followers. And now, says Freeman,<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a>
+William "did one of the most frightful deeds of his life. He
+caused all Northern England, beginning with Yorkshire, to be
+utterly laid waste, that its people might not be able to fight
+against him any more. The havoc was fearful; men were
+starved or sold themselves as slaves, and the land did not
+recover for many years. Then King William wore his crown
+and kept his Christmas at York" (1069).</p>
+
+<p>Now the Conqueror set barons in different parts of the
+country, and each of them kept his own miniature court and
+celebrated Christmas after the costly Norman style. In his
+beautiful poem of "The Norman Baron" Longfellow pictures
+one of these Christmas celebrations, and tells how&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"In the hall, the serf and vassal</span>
+<span class="i0">Held, that night, their Christmas wassail;</span>
+<span class="i0">Many a carol, old and saintly,</span>
+<span class="i1">Sang the minstrels and the waits.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">044</a></span>And so loud these Saxon gleemen</span>
+<span class="i0">Sang to slaves the songs of freemen,</span>
+<span class="i0">That the storm was heard but faintly</span>
+<span class="i1">Knocking at the castle-gates.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Till at length the lays they chaunted</span>
+<span class="i0">Reached the chamber terror-haunted,</span>
+<span class="i0">Where the monk, with accents holy,</span>
+<span class="i1">Whispered at the baron's ear.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Tears upon his eyelids glistened</span>
+<span class="i0">As he paused awhile and listened,</span>
+<span class="i0">And the dying baron slowly</span>
+<span class="i1">Turned his weary head to hear.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">'Wassail for the kingly stranger</span>
+<span class="i0">Born and cradled in a manger!</span>
+<span class="i0">King, like David, priest, like Aaron,</span>
+<span class="i1">Christ is born to set us free!'"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_057a.jpg" width="600" height="825" alt="MINSTRELS' CHRISTMAS SERENADE AT AN OLD
+BARONIAL HALL."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+minstrels' christmas serenade at an old
+baronial hall.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>According to Strutt, the popular sports and pastimes prevalent
+at the close of the Saxon era were not subjected to any<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">045</a></span>
+material change by the coming of the Normans. But William
+and his immediate successors restricted the privileges of the
+chase, and imposed great penalties on those who presumed to
+destroy the game in the royal forests without a proper license.
+The wild boar and the wolf still afforded sport at the Christmas
+season, and there was an abundance of smaller game. Leaping,
+running, wrestling, the casting of darts, and other pastimes
+which required bodily strength and agility were also practised,
+and when the frost set in various games were engaged in upon
+the ice. It is not known at what time skating made its first
+appearance in England, but we find some traces of such an
+exercise in the thirteenth century, at which period, according
+to Fitzstephen, it was customary in the winter, when the ice
+would bear them, for the young citizens of London to fasten
+the leg bones of animals under the soles of their feet by tying
+them round their ankles; and then, taking a pole shod with iron
+into their hands, they pushed themselves forward by striking it
+against the ice, and moved with celerity equal, says the author,
+to a bird flying through the air, or an arrow from a cross-bow;
+but some allowance, we presume, must be made for the poetical
+figure: he then adds, "At times, two of them thus furnished
+agree to start opposite one to another, at a great distance; they
+meet, elevate their poles, attack, and strike each other, when
+one or both of them fall, and not without some bodily hurt;
+and, even after their fall, are carried a great distance from each
+other, by the rapidity of the motion, and whatever part of the
+head comes upon the ice it is sure to be laid bare."</p>
+
+<p>The meetings of the King and his Wise Men for the consideration
+of state affairs were continued at the great festivals, and
+that held at Christmas in 1085 is memorable on account of the
+resolution then passed to make the Domesday survey, in reference
+to which Freeman says: "One of the greatest acts of
+William's reign, and that by which we come to know more
+about England in his time than from any other source, was
+done in the assembly held at Gloucester at the Christmas of
+1085. Then the King had, as the Chronicle says, 'very deep
+speech with his Wise Men.' This 'deep speech' in English is
+in French <i>parlement</i>; and so we see how our assemblies came
+by their later name. And the end of the deep speech was that
+commissioners were sent through all England, save only the
+Bishopric of Durham and the earldom of Northumberland, to
+make a survey of the land. They were to set down by whom
+every piece of land, great and small, was held then, by whom
+it was held in King Edward's day, what it was worth now, and
+what it had been worth in King Edward's day. All this was
+written in a book kept at Winchester, which men called
+<i>Domesday Book</i>. It is a most wonderful record, and tells us
+more of the state of England just at that moment than we
+know of it for a long time before or after."</p>
+
+<p>The Domesday Book was completed in 1086, and the following<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">046</a></span>
+year (1087) William the Conqueror died, and his son, William
+Rufus, succeeded him.</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Coronation of William the Red</span></div>
+
+<p>took place at Westminster on September 26, 1087, Archbishop
+Lanfranc officiating. The King kept his first Christmas sumptuously
+at Westminster, and, Freeman says, "it seems to have
+been then that he gave back the earldom of Kent to his uncle,
+Bishop Odo." The character of the Royal Christmases degenerated
+during the reign of Rufus, whose licentiousness fouled the
+festivities. In the latter part of his reign Rufus reared the
+spacious hall at Westminster, where so many Royal Christmases
+were afterwards kept, and which Pope calls</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Rufus's roaring hall."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_059a.jpg" width="600" height="483" alt="WESTMINSTER HALL."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+westminster hall.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>It is a magnificent relic of the profuse hospitality of former
+times. Richard the Second heightened its walls and added
+its noble roof of British oak, which shows the excellence of
+the wood carving of that period. Although Sir Charles Barry
+has shortened the Hall of its former proportions to fit it as a
+vestibule to the New Houses of Parliament, it is still a noble
+and spacious building, and one cannot walk through it without
+in imagination recalling some of the Royal Christmases and
+other stately scenes which have been witnessed there. The
+last of these festal glories was the coronation of George the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">047</a></span>
+Fourth, which took place in 1821. This grand old hall at
+Westminster was the theatre of Rufus's feasting and revelry;
+but, vast as the edifice then was, it did not equal the ideas of
+the extravagant monarch. An old chronicler states that one of
+the King's courtiers, having observed that the building was too
+large for the purposes of its construction, Rufus replied, "This
+halle is not begge enough by one half, and is but a bedchamber
+in comparison of that I mind to make." Yet this hall was for
+centuries the largest of its kind in Europe, and in it the Christmas
+feasts were magnificently kept.</p>
+
+<p>After a reign of thirteen years the vicious life of William
+Rufus met with a tragical close. His dead body was found by
+peasants in a glade of the New Forest with the arrow either of
+a hunter or an assassin in his breast. Sir Walter Tyrrel, a
+Norman knight, who had been hunting with the king just before
+his death, fled to Normandy immediately afterwards, and was
+suspected of being a regicide. The body of Rufus was buried
+in Winchester Cathedral.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in the Reign of Henry I.</span></div>
+
+<p>Henry the First's Christmas festival at Windsor, in 1126, was
+a memorable one. In that year Henry's daughter Matilda
+became a widow by the death of her husband, Henry V. of
+Germany, and King Henry determined to appoint her his
+successor to the throne of England and the Dukedom of
+Normandy. On Christmas Day, 1126, a general assembly of
+the nobles and higher ecclesiastics of the kingdom was held at
+Windsor for the purpose of declaring the Empress Matilda (as
+she was still called) the legitimate successor of Henry I., and
+the clergy and Norman barons of both countries swore allegiance
+to her in the event of the king's death. This appointment
+of Matilda was made by Henry in consequence of the calamity
+which occurred just before Christmas, in 1120, when he lost
+his much-loved son, Prince William&mdash;the only male legitimate
+issue of Henry&mdash;through the wreck of <i>La Blanche Nef</i> (the
+White Ship). On board the vessel were Prince William, his
+half-brother Richard, and Henry's natural daughter the Countess
+of Perche, as well as about a hundred and forty young noblemen
+of the most distinguished families in England and Normandy, all
+of whom were lost in their passage home, only a few hours
+after the safe arrival of the king in England. Henry is said to
+have swooned at the intelligence, and was never afterwards
+seen to smile. He had returned home anticipating a joyous
+Christmas festival, a season of glad tidings, but he was closely
+followed by this sad news of the death of the heir apparent.
+The incident has called forth one of the most beautiful poems
+of Mrs. Hemans, from which we quote two verses:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"The bark that held a prince went down,</span>
+<span class="i1"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">048</a></span>The sweeping waves rolled on;</span>
+<span class="i0">And what was England's glorious crown</span>
+<span class="i1">To him that wept a son?</span>
+<span class="i0">He lived&mdash;for life may long be borne,</span>
+<span class="i1">Ere sorrow break its chain:</span>
+<span class="i0">Why comes not death to those who mourn?</span>
+<span class="i1">He never smiled again!</span><br />
+
+<span class="i0">He sat where festal bowls went round,</span>
+<span class="i1">He heard the minstrel sing;</span>
+<span class="i0">He saw the tourney's victor crowned,</span>
+<span class="i1">Amidst the kingly ring;</span>
+<span class="i0">A murmur of the restless deep</span>
+<span class="i1">as blent with every strain,</span>
+<span class="i0">A voice of winds that would not sleep,&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i1">He never smiled again!"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>In 1127 Henry invited the king of the Scots to Windsor to
+join in the royal celebration of Christmas, but the festivities
+were marred by an unseemly quarrel between the two primates.
+Thurstan, Archbishop of York, encroaching upon the privileges
+of his brother of Canterbury (William de Corbeuil), insisted
+upon placing the crown upon the king's head ere he set out
+for church. This the partisans of Canterbury would not allow,
+settling the matter by turning Thurstan's chaplain and followers
+out of doors, and thereby causing such strife between the heads
+of the Church that they both set off to Rome to lay their
+grievances before the Pope. And, subsequently, appeals to
+Rome became frequent, until a satisfactory adjustment of the
+powers and privileges of the two archbishops was arrived at.
+The Archbishop of Canterbury was acknowledged Primate of
+all England and Metropolitan; but, while the privilege of
+crowning the sovereign was reserved for the Archbishop
+of Canterbury, that of crowning the Queen Consort was given
+to the Archbishop of York.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_048.jpg" width="400" height="301" alt="GARGOILE."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Strange Old Stories of Christmastide.</span></div>
+
+<p>The progress of literature under the Conqueror and his sons
+was very great, many devoting themselves almost entirely to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">049</a></span>
+literary pursuits. Lanfranc and Anselm, the Archbishops of
+Canterbury, had proved themselves worthy of their exalted
+station. Their precepts and examples had awakened the clergy
+and kindled an ardour for learning unknown in any preceding
+age. Nor did this enthusiasm perish with its authors: it was
+kept alive by the honours which were lavished on all who could
+boast of literary acquirements. During the reign of Henry I.
+Geoffrey of Monmouth published his History of the Britons,
+and William of Malmesbury assures us that every poet hastened
+to the court of Henry's Queen Matilda, at Westminster, to read
+his verses to the Queen and partake of her bounty. William of
+Malmesbury carefully collected the lighter ballads which
+embodied the popular traditions of the English kings, and he
+tells an amusing story which is connected with the festival of
+Christmas. In early times dancing developed into a sort of
+passion, men and women continually dancing and singing
+together, holding one another by the hands, and concluding the
+dances with kisses. These levities were at first encouraged by
+the Church, but afterwards, seeing the abuse of them, the priests
+were compelled to reprimand and restrain the people. And the
+story told by William of Malmesbury describes the singular
+punishment which came upon some young men and women for
+disturbing a priest who was performing mass on the eve of
+Christmas. "I, Othbert, a sinner," says the story, "have lived
+to tell the tale. It was the vigil of the Blessed Virgin, and in a
+town where was a church of St. Magnus. And the priest,
+Rathbertus, had just begun the mass, and I, with my comrades,
+fifteen young women and seventeen young men, were dancing
+outside the church. And we were singing so loud that our
+songs were distinctly heard inside the building, and interrupted
+the service of the mass. And the priest came out and told us
+to desist; and when we did not, he prayed God and St. Magnus
+that we might dance as our punishment for a year to come. A
+youth, whose sister was dancing with us, seized her by the arm
+to drag her away, but it came off in his hand, and she danced
+on. For a whole year we continued. No rain fell on us; cold,
+nor heat, nor hunger, nor thirst, nor fatigue affected us; neither
+our shoes nor our clothes wore out; but still we went on
+dancing. We trod the earth down to our knees, next to our
+middles, and at last were dancing in a pit. At the end of the
+year release came."</p>
+
+<p>Giraldus Cambrensis, amongst many ridiculous Christmas
+stories of miracles, visions, and apparitions, tells of one devil
+who acted a considerable time as a gentleman's butler with
+great prudence and probity; and of another who was a very
+diligent and learned clergyman, and a mighty favourite of his
+archbishop. This last clerical devil was, it seems, an excellent
+historian, and used to divert the Archbishop with telling him old
+stories, some of which referred to the incarnation of our
+Saviour, and were related at the Christmas season. "Before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">050</a></span>
+the incarnation of our Saviour," said the Archbishop's historian,
+"the devils had great power over mankind, but after that event
+their power was much diminished and they were obliged to fly.
+Some of them threw themselves into the sea; some concealed
+themselves in hollow trees, or in the clefts of rocks; and I
+myself plunged into a certain fountain. As soon as he had
+said this, finding that he had discovered his secret, his face
+was covered with blushes, he went out of the room, and was no
+more seen."</p>
+
+<p>The following cut (taken from MS. Harl., No. 4751, of the
+end of the twelfth century) represents an elephant, with its
+castle and armed men, engaged in battle. The bestiaries relate
+many strange things of the elephant. They say that, though so
+large and powerful, and so courageous against larger animals, it
+is afraid of a mouse; that its nature is so cold that it will never
+seek the company of the female until, wandering in the
+direction of Paradise, it meets with the plant called the
+mandrake, and eats of it, and that each female bears but one
+young one in her life.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_063.jpg" width="600" height="557" alt="AN ELEPHANT, WITH ITS
+CASTLE AND ARMED MEN, ENGAGED IN BATTLE."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p>Absurd as we consider such stories, they were believed by the
+Normans, who were no less credulous than the Anglo-Saxons.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">051</a></span>
+This is evident from the large number of miracles, revelations,
+visions, and enchantments which are related with great gravity
+by the old chroniclers.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_051.jpg" width="200" height="204" alt="A GENIE."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Misrule of King Stephen.</span></div>
+
+<p>Stephen of Blois was crowned at Westminster Abbey during
+the Christmas festival (December 26, 1135). As a King of
+Misrule, he was fitly crowned at Christmastide, and it would
+have been a good thing for the nation if his reign had been of
+the ephemeral character which was customary to Lords of
+Misrule. The nineteen years of his reign were years of disorder
+unparalleled in any period of our history. On the landing of
+Henry the First's daughter, "the Empress Matilda," who
+claimed the English crown for her son Henry, a long struggle
+ensued, and the country was divided between the adherents of
+the two rivals, the West supporting Matilda, and London and
+the East Stephen. For a time the successes in war alternated
+between the two parties. A defeat at Lincoln left Stephen a
+prisoner in the hands of his enemies; but after his escape he
+laid siege to the city of Oxford, where Matilda had assembled
+her followers. "The Lady" of the English (as Matilda was
+then called) had retreated into the castle, which, though a place
+of great strength, proved to be insufficiently victualled. It was
+surrounded and cut off from all supplies without, and at
+Christmastide (1142), after a siege of three months, Matilda
+consulted her own safety by taking flight. On a cold December
+night, when the ground was covered with snow, she quitted the
+castle at midnight, attended by four knights, who as well as
+herself were clothed in white, in order that they might pass
+unobserved through the lines of their enemies. The adventurous
+"Lady" made good her escape, and crossing the river unnoticed
+on the ice, found her way to Abingdon. The long
+anarchy was ended by the Treaty of Wallingford (1153),
+Stephen being recognised as king during his life, and the
+succession devolving upon Matilda's son Henry. A year had
+hardly passed from the signing of the treaty, when Stephen's
+death gave Henry the crown, and his coronation took place at
+Christmastide, 1154, at Westminster.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">052</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Reign of Henry II.,</span></div>
+
+<p>it has been truly said, "initiated the rule of law," as distinct
+from despotism, whether personal or tempered by routine, of
+the Norman kings. And now the despotic barons began
+gradually to be shorn of their power, and the dungeons of their
+"Adulterine" castles to be stripped of their horrors, and it
+seemed more appropriate to celebrate the season of glad
+tidings. King Henry the Second kept his first Christmas at
+Bermondsey with great solemnity, marking the occasion by
+passing his royal word to expel all foreigners from the kingdom,
+whereupon William of Ypres and his Flemings decamped
+without waiting for further notice. In 1158 Henry, celebrating
+the Christmas festival at Worcester, took the crown from his
+head and placed it upon the altar, after which he never wore it.
+But he did not cease to keep Christmas. In 1171 he went to
+Ireland, where the chiefs of the land displayed a wonderful
+alacrity in taking the oath of allegiance, and were rewarded by
+being entertained in a style that astonished them. Finding no
+place in Dublin large enough to contain his own followers,
+much less his guests, Henry had a house built in Irish fashion
+of twigs and wattles in the village of Hogges, and there held
+high revelry during Christmastide, teaching his new subjects to
+eat cranes' flesh, and take their part in miracle plays, masques,
+mummeries, and tournaments. And a great number of oxen
+were roasted, so that all the people might take part in the
+rejoicings.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Entertainments at Constantinople.</span></div>
+
+<p>In his description of Christian Constantinople, Benjamin of
+Tudela, a Spanish Jew, who travelled through the East in the
+twelfth century (1159 or 1160), describes a "place where the king
+diverts himself, called the hippodrome, near to the wall of the
+palace. There it is that every year, on the day of the birth of
+Jesus the Nazarene, the king gives a grand entertainment. There
+are represented by magic arts before the king and queen, figures
+of all kinds of men that exist in the world; thither also are taken
+lions, bears, tigers, and wild asses, which are made to fight
+together; as well as birds. There is no such sight to be seen
+in all the world." At Constantinople, on the marriage of the
+Emperor Manuel with Mary, daughter of the Prince of Antioch,
+on Christmas Day, 1161, there were great rejoicings, and
+similar spectacular entertainments to those described by
+Benjamin of Tudela.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">An Archbishop Murdered at Christmastide.</span></div>
+
+<p>During the Christmas festival of 1170 (December 29th)
+occurred an event memorable in ecclesiastical history&mdash;the
+murder of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. In
+1162 Becket (who had previously been Chancellor to Henry II.)<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">053</a></span>
+was made Archbishop, in succession to Archbishop Theobald.
+The King soon found that he who had served him faithfully as
+Chancellor would oppose him doggedly as Archbishop. Henry
+determined to subject the Church as well as the State to the
+supremacy of the law; and Becket determined to resist the King
+to the end, thus manifesting his desire for martyrdom in the
+cause of the Church. Henry had greatly offended the Archbishop
+by causing his eldest son to be crowned by the Archbishop
+of York. For this violation of the rights of Canterbury
+Becket threatened to lay the country under an interdict, which
+he had the power from the Pope to pronounce. A sort of
+reconciliation was effected between the King and the Archbishop
+at Freteval on July 21, 1170, but a further dispute arose
+on Becket delaying his return to England, the King being
+anxious to get him out of France. The Archbishop was full of
+complaints against Henry for the injuries he had done to his
+see, and the King stood upon his dignity, regardless of the
+threatened interdiction. The Archbishop returned to England
+on the 1st of December, and was joyfully received by the
+people. His enemies, however, and especially the family of
+De Broc, did all they could to annoy him; and on Christmas
+Day he uttered a violent anathema against them. He preached
+from the text, "I come to die among you," evidently anticipating
+what might be the personal consequences of his action. He
+told his congregation that one of the archbishops had been a
+martyr, and they would probably soon see another; but before
+he departed home he would avenge some of the wrongs the
+Church had suffered during the previous seven years. Then he
+thundered forth his sentence of excommunication against
+Ranulph and Robert de Broc, and Nigellus, rector of Harrow.
+Meanwhile news had reached the King that Becket had
+excommunicated certain bishops who had taken part in his
+son's coronation. In a fit of exasperation the King uttered
+some hasty words of anger against the Archbishop. Acting
+upon these, four of Henry's knights&mdash;Hugh de Morville,
+Reginald FitzUrse, William de Tracy, and Richard Brito&mdash;crossed
+to England, taking with them Ranulf de Broc and a
+band of men, and murdered the Archbishop in Canterbury
+Cathedral. In the altercation which took place before the
+consummation of the terrible deed, the Primate was asked to
+absolve the bishops whom he had excommunicated, but he
+refused in a defiant and insulting manner. "Then die," exclaimed
+FitzUrse, striking at Becket's head with his weapon;
+but the devoted cross-bearer warded off the blow with his own
+arm, which was badly cut, so that the Archbishop was but
+slightly injured. One of the attacking party then called out,
+"Fly, or thou diest!" The Archbishop, however, clasped his
+hands, and, with the blood streaming down his face, fervently
+exclaimed, "To God, to St. Mary, to the holy patrons of this
+Church, and to St. Denis I commend my soul and the Church's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">054</a></span>
+cause." He was then struck down by a second blow, and the
+third completed the tragedy; whereupon one of the murderers,
+putting his foot on the dead prelate's neck, cried, "Thus dies a
+traitor!" In 1173 the Archbishop was canonised, and his
+festival was appointed for the day of his martyrdom; and for
+three centuries after his death the shrine of St. Thomas at
+Canterbury was a favourite place of pilgrimage, so great was
+the impression that his martyrdom made on the minds of the
+English people. As early as the Easter of 1171 Becket's
+sepulchre was the scene of many miracles, if Matthew Paris,
+the historian, is to be believed. What must have been the
+credulity of the people in an age when an historian could
+gravely write, as Matthew Paris did in 1171? "In this year,
+about Easter, it pleased the Lord Jesus Christ to irradiate his
+glorious martyr Thomas Becket with many miracles, that it
+might appear to all the world he had obtained a victory suitable
+to his merits. None who approached his sepulchre in faith
+returned without a cure. For strength was restored to the
+lame, hearing to the deaf, sight to the blind, speech to the
+dumb, health to the lepers, and life to the dead. Nay, not only
+men and women, but even birds and beasts were raised from
+death to life."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Royal Christmases at Windsor.</span></div>
+
+<p>Windsor Castle appears to have been the favourite residence
+of Henry II. When, in 1175, he had united with him his son
+Henry in his crown and prerogatives, the two kings held an
+assembly at Windsor, attended by the judges, deputies of
+counties and districts, and all the great officers of state. Henry
+also kept his ensuing Christmas with the magnificence and
+display peculiar to the times, and all the ancient sports and
+usages; in which the nobles and gentry of the surrounding
+country assisted with much splendour at the hunt and tourney,
+and bestowed lavish gifts on the spectators and the people.
+After the kingdom was parcelled out into four jurisdictions,
+another assembly was held at the castle, in 1179, by the two
+kings; and, in 1184, Henry for the last time celebrated his
+Christmas in the same hall of state: his son, who had shared
+the throne with him, being then dead.</p>
+
+<p>For the festivals of this period the tables of princes, prelates,
+and great barons were plentifully supplied with many dishes of
+meat dressed in various ways. The Normans sent agents into
+different countries to collect the most rare dishes for their
+tables, by which means, says John of Salisbury, this island,
+which is naturally productive of plenty and variety of provisions,
+was overflowed with everything that could inflame a luxurious
+appetite. The same writer says he was present at an entertainment
+which lasted from three o'clock in the afternoon to
+midnight; at which delicacies were served up which had been
+brought from Constantinople, Babylon, Alexandria, Palestine,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">055</a></span>
+Tripoli, Syria, and Ph&oelig;nicia. The sumptuous entertainments
+which the kings of England gave to their nobles and prelates at
+the festivals of Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide diffused a
+taste for profuse and expensive banqueting; for the wealthy
+barons, prelates, and gentry, in their own castles and mansions,
+imitated the splendour of the royal entertainments. Great men
+had some kinds of provisions at their tables which are not now
+to be found in Britain. When Henry II. entertained his own
+court, the great officers of his army, and all the kings and great
+men in Ireland, at the feast of Christmas, 1171, the Irish princes
+and chieftains were quite astonished at the profusion and variety
+of provisions which they beheld, and were with difficulty
+prevailed on by Henry to eat the flesh of cranes, a kind of food
+to which they had not been accustomed. Dellegrout, maupigyrum,
+karumpie, and other dishes were then used, the
+composition of which is now unknown, or doubtful. Persons
+of rank and wealth had variety of drinks, as well as meats; for,
+besides wines of various kinds, they had pigment, morat, mead,
+hypocras, claret, cider, perry, and ale. The claret of those times
+was wine clarified and mixed with spices, and hypocras was wine
+mixed with honey.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_068.jpg" width="400" height="664" alt="A COOK OF THE PERIOD."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+a cook of the period.</span></span></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">056</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The profusion of viands and drinks, obtained at great expense
+from different parts of the world for the gratification of the
+animal appetites at such festivals as have been described,
+naturally led to</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Excesses in Eating and Drinking,</span></div>
+
+<p>and from the statements and illustrations in old manuscripts
+it would appear that "the merry monks" were prominent in
+gastronomical circles. And extant records also state that the
+abbots of some of the monasteries found it necessary to make
+regulations restraining the monks, and to these regulations the
+monks objected. Consequently the monks of St. Swithin at
+Winchester made a formal complaint to Henry II. against
+their abbot for taking away three of the thirteen dishes they
+used to have at dinner. The monks of Canterbury were still
+more luxurious, for they had at least seventeen dishes every
+day besides a dessert; and these dishes were dressed with
+spices and sauces which excited the appetite as well as pleased
+the taste. And of course the festive season of Christmas was
+an occasion of special indulgence. Sometimes serious excesses
+were followed by severe discipline, administered after the
+manner shown in the ancient illustration which is reproduced
+here.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_056.jpg" width="300" height="198" alt="MONK UNDERGOING DISCIPLINE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+monk undergoing discipline.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>But these excesses were by no means confined to the
+monks. The Norman barons and gentry adopted many
+of the manners of the English among whom they lived,
+and especially was this the case in regard to the drinking
+customs of Christmastide. Instead of commending the
+Normans of his time for their sobriety, as he might
+have done their ancestors, Peter of Blois, who was
+chaplain to Henry II., says: "When you behold our barons
+and knights going upon a military expedition you see their
+baggage horses loaded, not with iron but wine, not with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">057</a></span>
+lances but cheeses, not with swords but bottles, not with
+spears but spits. You would imagine they were going to
+prepare a great feast rather than to make war. There are
+even too many who boast of their excessive drunkenness and
+gluttony, and labour to acquire fame by swallowing great
+quantities of meat and drink." The earliest existing carol
+known to antiquaries is in the Anglo-Norman language, and
+contains references to the drinking customs of the period:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"To English ale, and Gascon wine,</span>
+<span class="i0">And French, doth Christmas much incline&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i4">And Anjou's too;</span>
+<span class="i0">He makes his neighbour freely drink,</span>
+<span class="i0">So that in sleep his head doth sink</span>
+<span class="i4">Often by day.</span>
+<span class="i0">May joys flow from God above</span>
+<span class="i0">To all those who Christmas love.</span>
+<br />
+<span class="i0">Lords, by Christmas and the host</span>
+<span class="i0">Of this mansion hear my toast&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i4">Drink it well&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Each must drain his cup of wine,</span>
+<span class="i0">And I the first will toss off mine:</span>
+<span class="i4">Thus I advise,</span>
+<span class="i0">Here then I bid you all <i>Wassail</i>,</span>
+<span class="i0">Cursed be he who will not say Drinkhail."
+<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a>
+<a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_070a.jpg" width="600" height="619" alt="WASSAILING AT CHRISTMASTIDE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+wassailing at christmastide.</span></span></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">058</a></span>
+</p>
+
+
+<p>Proceeding with our historical narrative we come now to</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Romantic Reign of Richard the First,</span></div>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_071.jpg" width="200" height="395" alt="PANOPLY OF A CRUSADER"
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p>surnamed C&oelig;ur de Lion, the second son of Henry II. and Eleanor
+of Aquitaine, who succeeded to the English throne on the death of his
+father in 1189. Richard is generally supposed to have derived his
+surname from a superiority of animal courage; but, if the metrical
+romance bearing his name, and written in the thirteenth century, be
+entitled to credit, he earned it nobly and literally, by plucking out
+the heart of a lion, to whose fury he had been exposed by the Duke of
+Austria for having slain his son with a blow of his fist. In the
+numerous descriptions afforded by the romance Richard is a most
+imposing personage. He is said to have carried with him to the
+Crusades, and to have afterwards presented to Tancred, King of Sicily,
+the wonder-working sword of King Arthur&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The gude sword</span>
+<span class="i2">that Arthur luffed so well."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p>He is also said to have carried a shaft, or lance, 14 feet in length,
+and</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">059</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i6_5">"An axe for the nones,</span>
+<span class="i0">To break therewith the Sarasyns bones.</span>
+<span class="i0">The head was wrought right wele,</span>
+<span class="i0">Therein was twenty pounds of steel."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>But, without attempting to follow Richard through all the
+brilliant episodes of his romantic career, there can be no doubt
+that he was a king of great strength and courage, and that his
+valorous deeds won the admiration of poets and chroniclers,
+who have surrounded him with a splendid halo of romance.
+Contemporary writers tell us that while Richard kept magnificent
+Christmases abroad with the King of Sicily and other
+potentates, his justiciars (especially the extravagant William
+Longchamp, Bishop of Ely) were no less lavish in their
+expenditure for festive entertainments at home. And the old
+romance of "Richard C&oelig;ur de Lion" assures us that&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Christmas is a time full honest;</span>
+<span class="i0">Kyng Richard it honoured with gret feste.</span>
+<span class="i0">All his clerks and barouns</span>
+<span class="i0">Were set in their pavylouns,</span>
+<span class="i0">And seryed with grete plent&eacute;</span>
+<span class="i0">Of mete and drink and each daint&eacute;."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>There is no doubt that the Crusades had a vast influence
+upon our literary tastes, as well as upon the national manners
+and the festivities of Christmastide. On their return from the
+Holy Land the pilgrims and Crusaders brought with them new
+subjects for theatrical representation, founded on the objects
+of their devotion and the incidents in their wars, and these
+found expression in the early mysteries and other plays of
+Christmastide&mdash;that of St. George and the Dragon, which
+survived to modern times, probably owing its origin to this
+period. It is to Richard C&oelig;ur de Lion that we are indebted
+for the rise of chivalry in England. It was he who developed
+tilts and tournaments, and under his auspices these diversions
+assumed a military air, the genius of poetry flourished, and the
+fair sex was exalted in admiration. How delightful was it then,
+beneath the inspiring gaze of the fair&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Sternly to strike the quintin down;</span>
+<span class="i0">Or fiercely storm some turf-formed town;</span>
+<span class="i0">To rush with valour's doughty sway,</span>
+<span class="i0">Against a Babylon of clay;</span>
+<span class="i0">A Memphis shake with furious shock,</span>
+<span class="i0">Or raze some flower-built Antioch!"<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<p>On the death of Richard, in 1199, his brother</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">John was crowned King of England.</span></div>
+
+<p>The youngest and favourite son of Henry II., John, was
+humoured in childhood and grew to be an arrogant and
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">060</a></span>petulant man, and was one of the worst of English kings.
+He possessed ability, but not discipline. He could neither
+govern himself nor his kingdom. He was tyrannical and passionate,
+and spent a good deal of time in the gratification of
+his animal appetites. He was fond of display and good living,
+and extravagant in his Christmas entertainments. When, in
+1201, he kept Christmas at Guildford he taxed his purse and
+ingenuity in providing all his servitors with costly apparel, and
+he was greatly annoyed because the Archbishop of Canterbury,
+in a similar fit of sumptuary extravagance, sought to outdo his
+sovereign. John, however, cunningly concealed his displeasure
+at the time, but punished the prelate by a costly celebration
+of the next Easter festival at Canterbury at the Archbishop's
+expense. In consequence of John's frequent quarrels with his
+nobles the attendance at his Christmas feasts became smaller
+every year, until he could only muster a very meagre company
+around his festive board, and it was said that he had almost as
+many enemies as there were nobles in the kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>In 1205 John spent his Christmas at the ancient town of Brill,
+in the Vale of Aylesbury, and in 1213 he kept a Royal Christmas
+in the great hall at Westminster.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Magna Charta demanded at a Christmas Festival.</span></div>
+
+<p>The Christmas of 1214 is memorable in English history as the
+festival at which the barons demanded from King John that
+document which as the foundation of our English liberties is
+known to us by the name of <i>Magna Charta</i>, that is, the Great
+Charter. John's tyranny and lawlessness had become intolerable,
+and the people's hope hung on the fortunes of the French campaign
+in which he was then engaged. His defeat at the battle
+of Bouvines, fought on July 27, 1214, gave strength to his
+opponents; and after his return to England the barons secretly
+met at St. Edmundsbury and swore to demand from him, if
+needful by force of arms, the restoration of their liberties
+by charter under the king's seal. Having agreed to assemble
+at the Court for this purpose during the approaching festival
+of Christmas they separated. When Christmas Day arrived John
+was at Worcester, attended only by a few of his immediate
+retainers and some foreign mercenaries. None of his great
+vassals came, as was customary at Christmas, to offer their
+congratulations. His attendants tried in vain to assume an
+appearance of cheerfulness and festivity; but John, alarmed
+at the absence of the barons, hastily rode to London and there
+shut himself up in the house of the Knights Templars. On the
+Feast of the Epiphany the barons assembled in great force at
+London and presenting themselves in arms before the King
+formally demanded his confirmation of the laws of Edward the
+Confessor and Henry I. At first John assumed a bold and
+defiant air and met the barons with an absolute refusal and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">061</a></span>
+threats; but, finding the nobles were firm, he sank to the meanness
+of subterfuge, and pleaded the necessity of time for the
+consideration of demands so weighty. With some reluctance
+the barons granted the delay, and ultimately, in 1215, the tyrant
+bowed to the inevitable, called the barons to a conference at
+Runnymede, and there signed the Great Charter, whose most
+important clauses protect the personal liberty and property of
+every freeman in the kingdom by giving security from arbitrary
+imprisonment and unjust exactions.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_061.jpg" width="200" height="174" alt="RADIATING FIGURE."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> "Short History of the Norman Conquest."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> Wassail and Drinkhail are both derived from the Anglo-Saxon. They were
+the common drinking pledges of the age. Wassail is equivalent to the phrase,
+"Your health," of the present day. Drinkhail, which literally signifies "drink
+health," was the usual acknowledgment of the other pledge. The carol from
+which the verses are quoted was evidently sung by the wandering minstrels who
+visited the castles of the Norman nobility at the festive season of Christmas.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> Grattan.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">062</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h4><i>CHAPTER V.</i></h4>
+
+<h3>CHRISTMAS, FROM MAGNA CHARTA TO THE
+END OF THE WARS OF THE ROSES.</h3>
+
+<h5>(1215-1485.)</h5>
+
+
+<p>Soon after the disaster which overtook John's army at the
+Wash the King ended his wretched career by death. He died
+on October 18, 1216, in the castle of Newark on the Trent, and
+the old chroniclers describe him as dying in an extremity of
+agony and remorse.</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Henry the Third,</span></div>
+
+<p>sometimes called "Henry of Winchester," came to the throne
+in troublous times, before he was ten years of age. The tyranny
+of his father had alienated every class of his subjects, and the
+barons who had obtained Magna Charta from King John had
+called in Louis of France. But through the conciliatory
+measures of the Regent Pembroke towards the barons, and the
+strong support which the Roman Church gave the boy-king
+(whose father had meanly done homage to the Pope), the
+foreigners were expelled, and the opposition of the barons was
+suppressed for a time, though in later years they again struggled
+with the crown for supremacy of power. When Henry had
+grown to manhood and the responsibility of government rested
+upon his own shoulders, he still exulted in the protection of the
+Holy See, which found in him a subservient vassal. He fasted
+during Lent, but feasted right royally both at Christmas and
+Easter. In 1234 he kept a grand Christmas in the Great Hall at
+Westminster, and other royal Christmases were celebrated at
+Windsor Castle and at his palace at Winchester. He made
+large additions to Windsor Castle, and some of his mandates
+giving minute directions for the decoration of his palace at
+Winchester are still preserved. He enjoyed the old plays and
+ballets of Christmastide introduced from France at this period.</p>
+
+<p>Henry the Third's most splendid Christmas was in the twentieth
+year of his reign, when he welcomed Eleanor, daughter of the
+Count of Provence, to whom he was married on January 14,
+1236. The youthful princess left Provence amidst the rejoicings<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">063</a></span>
+</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig30.jpg" width="600" height="426" alt="ROYAL PARTY DINING IN STATE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+royal party dining in state.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>of the whole kingdom. She was accompanied by Henry's
+ambassadors and a grand cavalcade, in which were more than
+three hundred ladies on horseback. Her route lay through
+Navarre and France. On reaching England, at Dover, the
+princess and her train proceeded to Canterbury, where Henry
+awaited their coming. It was in that ancient city that the royal
+pair were married by the Archbishop Edmund and the prelates
+who accompanied Eleanor. From Canterbury the newly-wedded
+king and queen set out for London, attended by a
+splendid array of nobles, prelates, knights and ladies. On the
+20th of January, Eleanor was crowned at Westminster with
+great splendour. Matthew Paris, the historian, gives an interesting
+description of the royal procession, and the loyal welcome of
+the citizens of London: "There had assembled together so
+great a number of the nobility of both sexes, so great a number
+of religious orders, so great a concourse of the populace, and so
+great a variety of players, that London could scarcely contain
+them in her capacious bosom. Therefore was the city adorned
+with silk hangings, and with banners, crowns, palls, tapers, and
+lamps, and with certain marvellous ingenuities and devices; all
+the streets being cleaned from dirt, mud, sticks and everything
+offensive. The citizens of London going to meet the king and
+queen, ornamented and trapped and wondrously sported their
+swift horses; and on the same day they went from the City to
+Westminster, that they might discharge the service of butler to
+the king in his coronation, which is acknowledged to belong to
+them of ancient right. They went in well-marshalled array,
+adorned in silken vestments, wrapped in gold-woven mantles,
+with fancifully-devised garments, sitting on valuable horses
+refulgent with new bits and saddles: and they bore three hundred<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">064</a></span>
+and sixty gold and silver cups, the king's trumpeters going before
+and sounding their trumpets; so that so wonderful a novelty
+produced a laudable astonishment in the spectators." The
+literary monk of St. Albans also describes the splendour of
+the feast, and the order of the service of the different vassals of
+the crown, many of whom were called upon at the coronation to
+perform certain peculiar services. According to the ancient
+City records, "these served in order in that most elegant and
+unheard-of feast: the Bishop of Chichester, the Chancellor,
+with the cup of precious stones, which was one of the ancient
+regalia of the king, clothed in his pontificals, preceded the king,
+who was clad in royal attire, and wearing the crown. Hugh
+de Pateshall walked before with the patine, clothed in a dalmatica;
+and the Earls of Chester, Lincoln, and Warren, bearing
+the swords, preceded him. But the two renowned knights, Sir
+Richard Siward and Sir Nicholas de Molis, carried the two royal
+sceptres before the king; and the square purple cloth of silk,
+which was supported upon four silver lances, with four little
+bells of silver gilt, held over the king wherever he walked, was
+carried by the barons of the Cinque Ports; four being assigned
+to each lance, from the diversity of ports, that one port should
+not seem to be preferred before the other. The same in like
+manner bore a cloth of silk over the queen, walking behind the
+king, which said cloths they claimed to be theirs by right, and
+obtained them. And William de Beauchamp of Bedford, who
+had the office of almoner from times of old, found the striped
+cloth or <i>burel</i>, which was laid down under the king's feet as he
+went from the hall as far as the pulpit of the Church of Westminster;
+and that part of the cloth that was <i>within</i> the Church
+always fell to the sexton in whatever church the king was
+crowned; and all that was <i>without</i> the church was distributed
+among the poor, by the hands of William the almoner." The
+ancient records contain many other particulars respecting the
+ceremonies which graced the marriage feast of Henry and
+Eleanor of Provence, but enough has been quoted to show the
+magnificence of the celebration.</p>
+
+<p>Year by year, as the Christmas festival came round, it was
+royally celebrated wherever the Court happened to be, even
+though the king had to pledge his plate and jewels with the
+citizens of London to replenish his exchequer. But Henry's
+Royal Christmases did not allay the growing disaffection of his
+subjects on account of his showing too much favour to foreigners;
+and some of the barons who attended the Royal Christmas at
+Westminster in 1241, left in high dudgeon, because the place of
+honour at the banquet was occupied by the papal legate, then
+about to leave England, "to the sorrow of no man but the king."
+In 1252, Henry gave in marriage his beautiful daughter
+Margaret, to Alexander, King of the Scots, and held his
+Christmas at the same time. The city of York was the scene
+of the regal festivities. The marriage took place on Christmas<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">065</a></span>
+Day, the bridegroom and many of his nobles receiving knighthood
+at the hands of the English king. Henry seems to have
+conciliated the English barons for a time, for most of them were
+present at the marriage festivities, and he counted a thousand
+knights in his train; while Alexander brought sixty splendidly-attired
+Scottish knights with him. That the banqueting was on
+no mean scale is evident from the fact that six hundred fat oxen
+were slaughtered for the occasion, the gift of the Archbishop of
+York, who also subscribed four thousand marks (&pound;2,700) towards
+the expenses. The consumption of meats and drinks at such
+feasts was enormous. An extant order of Henry's, addressed to
+his keeper of wines, directs him to deliver two tuns of white and
+one of red wine, to make garhiofilac and claret 'as usual,' for the
+king at Christmas; and upon another occasion the Sheriffs of
+Gloucestershire and Sussex were called upon to supply part of
+the necessary provisions; the first named being directed to get
+twenty salmon, and make pies of them; while the latter was
+instructed to send ten peacocks, ten brawns with their heads,
+and other things. And all this provision was necessary, for
+while Henry feasted the rich, he did not forget the poor.
+When he kept his Christmas at Winchester in 1248, he ordered
+his treasurer to fill Westminster Hall with poor people, and
+feast them there for a week. Twenty years afterwards, he kept
+his Royal Christmas in London for fifteen days, opening a fair
+meantime at Westminster, and forbidding any shop to be
+opened in London as long as the festival lasted. This prohibition
+of business naturally displeased the citizens of London,
+but the king would not withdraw his prohibition until they
+agreed to make him a present of two thousand pounds, upon
+the receipt of which the prohibition was withdrawn.</p>
+
+<p>We cannot pass over this period without reference to the
+summoning of</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The First English Parliament,</span></div>
+
+<p>which was a great event of Christmastide.</p>
+
+<p>The Barons' Wars interfered seriously with the Christmas
+festivities, but they solved the problem of how to ensure the
+government of the realm in accordance with the provisions of
+the Great Charter. The King (Henry III.) had sworn again and
+again to observe the Charter, but his oath was no sooner taken
+than it was unscrupulously broken. The barons, with the
+patriotic Simon de Montfort at their head, were determined to
+uphold the rights of the people, and insisted on the king's compliance
+with the provisions of the Charter; and this struggle
+with the Crown yielded one of the greatest events of Christmastide:
+the summoning of the first national Parliament. By
+summoning the representatives of the cities and boroughs to sit
+beside the knights of the shires, the barons and the bishops in
+the Parliament of the realm, Simon de Montfort created a new
+force in English politics. This first national assembly met at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">066</a></span>
+Westminster, in January, 1265, while the king was a prisoner of
+Earl Simon. The form of national representation thus inaugurated
+had an immense influence on the rising liberties of the
+people, and has endured to our own times. It is not surprising,
+therefore, that the adoption of this measure by the great Earl of
+Leicester invested his memory with a lustre which has not been
+dimmed by the lapse of centuries. The paltering of the king
+called forth the patriotism of the people. "So may a glory
+from defect arise." The sevenfold lustre of the rainbow is only
+seen when there is rain as well as sun.</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Only the prism's obstruction shows aright</span>
+<span class="i0">The secret of a sunbeam, breaks its light</span>
+<span class="i0">Into the jewelled bow from blankest white;</span>
+<span class="i1">So may a glory from defect arise."<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_066.jpg" width="300" height="290" alt="A DEER ON A HELMET."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Death of Robin Hood on Christmas Eve.</span></div>
+
+<p>The famous freebooter, Robin Hood, who, according to
+tradition, flourished in Sherwood Forest in the distracted reign
+of Henry the Third, is said to have died on Christmas Eve, in
+the year 1247. The career of this hero of many popular ballads
+is not part of our subject, though Hone<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> records his death as a
+Christmas event; and Stowe, writing in 1590, evidently believes
+in Robin Hood as an historical personage, for he says, "he
+suffered no woman to be oppressed ... poor men's goods he
+spared, abundantly relieving them with that which by theft he
+got from the abbeys, and the houses of rich old earles."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">067</a></span></p>
+<p>From the doubtful doings of the romantic chief and his band
+of freebooters, we now pass on to the</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Reign of Edward the First.</span></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_067.jpg" width="300" height="163" alt="ER."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p>Edward the First was in the truest sense a national king.
+He was English to the core, and he won the love of his people
+by his bravery, justice, and good government. He joined freely
+in the national sports and pastimes, and kept the Christmas
+festival with great splendour. There was much of the chivalric
+in his character, and he shared to the full his people's love of
+hard fighting. He was invested with the honour of knighthood
+and went to foreign courts to display his prowess. Matthew of
+Westminster states that while Edward was travelling in France,
+he heard that a lord of Burgundy was continually committing
+outrages on the persons and property of his neighbours. In
+the true spirit of chivalry Edward attacked the castle of the
+uncourteous baron. His prowess asserted the cause of justice,
+and he bestowed the domains which he had won upon a nobler
+lord. For the sake of acquiring military fame he exposed himself
+to great dangers in the Holy Land, and, during his journey
+homeward, saved his life by sheer fighting in a tournament at
+Challon. At his "Round Table of Kenilworth" a hundred
+lords and ladies "clad all in silk" renewed the faded glories of
+Arthur's Court, and kept Christmas with great magnificence.
+In 1277, Llewellyn, Prince of Wales, bidden from his mountain
+fastnesses "with a kiss of peace," sat a guest at the Christmas
+feast of Edward, but he was soon to fall the last defender of his
+weeping country's independence in unequal battle with the
+English King. In 1281-2, Edward kept his feast of Christmas
+at Worcester, and there was "such a frost and snow as no man
+living could remember the like." Rivers were frozen over, even
+including the Thames and Severn; fish in ponds, and birds in
+woods died for want of food; and on the breaking up of the
+ice five of the arches of old London bridge were carried away
+by the stream, and the like happened to many other bridges.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">068</a></span>
+In 1286 Edward kept his Christmas at Oxford, but the honour
+was accompanied by an unpleasant episode in the hanging of
+the Mayor by the King's command. In 1290, 1292, and 1303,
+Edward the First kept Royal Christmases in the great hall at
+Westminster. On his way to Scotland, in the year 1299, the
+King witnessed the Christmas ceremonial of the Boy Bishop.
+He permitted one of the boy bishops to say vespers before him
+in his chapel at Heton, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and made a
+present to the performers of forty shillings, no inconsiderable
+sum in those days. During his Scotch wars, in 1301, Edward,
+on the approach of winter, took up his quarters in Linlithgow,
+where he built a castle and kept his Christmas; and during his
+reign he celebrated the festival at other places not usually so
+honoured&mdash;namely, Bury, Ipswich, Bristol, Berwick, Carlisle,
+and Lincoln.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Edward the Second</span></div>
+
+<p>succeeded his father in 1307, being the fourth son of Edward I.
+and Eleanor of Castile. He took great delight in the Christmas
+revels and expended large sums of money in the entertainment
+of his court favourites. In 1311 he kept his Christmas at York,
+rejoicing in the presence of Piers Gaveston, whom he had
+recalled from banishment in utter disregard of advice given to
+him by his father (Edward I.) on his death-bed. Edward II.
+kept his Christmas in the great hall at Westminster in 1317,
+when, however, few nobles were present, "because of discord
+betwixt them and the King;" but in 1320 the Royal Christmas
+was kept at Westminster "with great honour and glorie." In
+1324-5 the King's Christmas was sumptuously observed at
+Nottingham, but the following year found Edward a prisoner at
+Kenilworth, while his wife, who had successfully intrigued with
+Roger Mortimer, leader of the Barons, observed the Christmas
+festivities with her son at Wallingford, glad at the downfall of
+her husband. Edward was an irresolute and weak-minded
+king. He displayed singular incapacity for government, wasting
+almost all his time in frivolous amusements. The chief
+characteristics of his reign were defeat and disgrace abroad,
+and misrule ending in misery at home. Instead of following
+the example of his noble father, Edward I., who has been
+deservedly styled "the greatest of the Plantagenets," he proved
+himself the weakest of that line of kings, spending his time in
+such trifling diversions as "cross and pile," a game of chance
+with coins. He was so utterly devoid of self-respect that he
+even borrowed money of his barber to carry on this frivolous
+pastime, such items as the following being found in his wardrobe
+rolls:&mdash;"Item, paid to Henry, the king's barber, for money
+which he lent the king to play at cross and pile, five shillings.
+Item, paid to Pires Barnard, usher of the king's chamber, money
+which he lent the king, and which he lost at cross and pile; to
+Monsieur Robert Wattewille eightpence." At length the barons,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">069</a></span>
+tired of Edward's misgovernment, revolted, and made the king
+a prisoner. During the Christmas festival of 1326, Edward was
+imprisoned in Kenilworth Castle. While there he was informed
+that in a Parliament held at Westminster, during Christmas
+1326-7, he was deposed, and his son Edward, then only
+fourteen years of age, elected in his stead. On the 21st of
+September in the same year Edward II. ended his miserable
+career in Berkeley Castle, being, it is supposed, cruelly murdered
+by his keepers.</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Edward The Third's Coronation</span></div>
+
+<p>festivities were a sumptuous enlargement of the Christmas
+celebration, which usually extended over Twelfth Night. It is
+said that the banqueting cost the equivalent of forty thousand
+pounds of our money; and before the young king there
+appeared quite a multitude of minstrels, mimics, and gleemen.
+Professor Henry Morley<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> gives a specimen of the metrical
+romances which were translated from the French for recitation
+at the royal and noble banquets of this period. They were
+"busy with action, and told with a lively freedom;" and, in
+the one quoted, "The Fabliau of Sir Cleges," we catch some
+interesting references to the celebration of Christmas:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Every year Sir Cleges would</span>
+<span class="i0">At Christm&aacute;s a great feast hold</span>
+<span class="i1">In worship of that day,</span>
+<span class="i0">As roy&aacute;l in all&eacute; thing</span>
+<span class="i0">As he hadd&eacute; been a king</span>
+<span class="i1">For sooth as I you say.</span>
+<span class="i0">Rich and poor in the country about</span>
+<span class="i0">Should be there withouten doubt;</span>
+<span class="i1">There would no man say nay.</span>
+<span class="i0">Minstrels would not be behind,</span>
+<span class="i0">For there they might most mirth&eacute;s find</span>
+<span class="i1">There would they be aye.</span>
+<br />
+<span class="ii">"Minstrels when the feast was done</span>
+<span class="i0">Withouten gift&eacute;s should not gon,</span>
+<span class="i1">And that both rich and good:</span>
+<span class="i0">Hors&eacute;, robes and rich&eacute; ring,</span>
+<span class="i0">Gold, silver, and other thing,</span>
+<span class="i1">To mend with their mood.</span>
+<span class="i0">Ten year&eacute; such feast be held,</span>
+<span class="i0">In the worship of Mary mild</span>
+<span class="i1">And for Him that died on the rood.</span>
+<span class="i0">By that his good began to slake</span>
+<span class="i0">For the great feasts that he did make.</span>
+<span class="i1">The knight gentil of blood."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">"Kepe Open Court" At Christmas.</span></div>
+
+<p>Froissart, in Cap. XIIII. of his "Chronicles,"<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> gives the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">070</a></span>following account of the Christmas Celebration at which
+Edward the Third was crowned:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"After that the most part of the company of Heynaulte were
+departed, and syr John Heynaulte lorde of Beamonde taryed,
+the Quene gave leve to her people to departe, savynge a
+certayne noble knightis the whiche she kept styl about her and
+her s&#333;ne, to counsell them, and commaunded all them that
+departed, to be at London the next Christmas, for as than she
+was determyned to kepe open court, and all they promysed her
+so to do. And whan Christmas was come, she helde a great
+court. And thyther came dukes, erles, barons, knightis, and all
+the nobles of the realme, with prelates, and burgesses of good
+townes, and at this assemble it was advised that the realme
+coud nat long endure without a head and a chief lord. Than
+they put in wrytynge all the dedis of the kyng who was in
+prison, and all that he had done by evyll counsell, and all his
+usages, and evyll behavyngis, and how evyll he had governed
+his realme, the which was redde openly in playn audience, to
+thentent that the noble sagis of the realme might take therof
+good advyce, and to fall at acorde how the realme shuld be
+governed from thensforth; and whan all the cases and dedis
+that the kyng had done and c&#333;sented to, and all his behavyng
+and usages were red, and wel understand, the barons and
+knightis and al ye co&#363;sels of the realme, drew them aparte to
+co&#363;sell, and the most part of them accorded, and namely the
+great lordes and nobles, with the burgesses of ye good townes,
+accordyng as they had hard say, and knew themselfe the most
+parte of his dedis. Wherfore they c&#333;cluded that such a man
+was nat worthy to be a kyng. But they all accorded that
+Edward his eldeste son who was ther present, and was ryghtful
+heyre, shuld be crowned kyng in stede of his father, so that he
+would take good counsell, sage and true about hym, so that the
+realme from thensforth myght be better governed than it was
+before, and that the olde kyng his father shuld be well and
+honestly kept as long as he lyved accordyng to his astate; and
+thus as it was agreed by all the nobles, so it was accomplysshed,
+and than was crowned with a crowne royall at the palaice of
+Westminster, beside L&#333;don, the yong kyng Edward the III. who
+in his dayes after was right fortunate and happy in armes. This
+coronacion was in the yere of our Lorde MCCCXXVI, on
+Christymas day, and as than the yong kyng was about the age
+of XVI., and they held the fest tyl the c&#333;vercion of saynt Paule
+followyng: and in the mean tyme greatly was fested sir John of
+Heynaulte and all the princis and nobles of his co&#363;tre, and
+was gyven to hym, and to his company, many ryche jewels.
+And so he and his company in great feast and solas both with
+lordis and ladyes taried tyll the XII. day."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Edward Balliol, of Scotland, defeated at Christmas.</span></div>
+
+<p>The Christmas of 1332 is memorable in Scottish annals as the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">071</a></span>
+time of the defeat of Edward Balliol, the "phantom king" of
+Scotland. His success was as unreal as a dream. He was
+solemnly crowned at Scone in the month of September, 1332,
+fondly imagining that he had permanently conquered the
+patriotic Scottish nobles who had opposed him. His reign,
+however, only lasted for a few months. The leaders of the
+national party suddenly assembled a force, and attacked him,
+while he was feasting at Annan, in Dumfriesshire, where he had
+gone to keep his Christmas. A body of horse under Sir
+Archibald, the young Earl of Moray, and Sir Simon Fraser,
+made a dash into the town to surprise Balliol, and he escaped
+only by springing upon a horse without any saddle, leaving
+behind him his brother Henry slain. Balliol escaped to
+England and was kindly received by Edward III., who afterwards
+made fresh expeditions into Scotland to support him.
+"Whenever the English king appeared the Scots retired to
+their mountain fastnesses, while Edward and his army overran
+the country with little opposition, burnt the houses, and laid
+waste the lands of those whom he styled rebels; but whenever
+he returned to England they came forth again, only the more
+embittered against the contemptible minion of the English
+king, the more determined against the tyranny of England.
+The regent, Sir Andrew Murray, pursued, with untiring activity,
+Balliol and his adherents. When Edward marched homeward
+to spend in London the Christmas of 1336, he left Scotland to
+all appearance prostrate, and flattered himself that it was completely
+subdued. Never was it further from such a condition.
+Only one spirit animated the Scottish nation&mdash;that of eternal
+resistance to the monarch who had inflicted on it such
+calamities, and set a slave on its throne."<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a></p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Cottage Christmas-Keeping in the Fourteenth Century.</span></div>
+
+<p>At this period the greatest of the Bishops of Winchester,
+William of Wykeham, was a schoolboy. He was born of
+humble parents, educated at Winchester school, and afterwards
+became secretary to Uvedale, Lord of Wickham Manor, through
+whom he was introduced to King Edward III. In his interesting
+"Story of the Boyhood of William of Wykeham," the
+Rev. W. A. C. Chevalier thus pictures William's Christmas
+holidays:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Three days after William's arrival home was Christmas-eve.
+There were great preparations in the cottage for spending
+Christmas worthily, for if there was one thing more than
+another that John Longe believed in, it was the proper keeping
+of Christmas. It was a part of the worthy yeoman's faith. He
+was a humble and thorough believer in all the tenets of Christianity,
+he worshipped the Saviour and adored His Nativity, but
+his faith was a cheerful one, and he thought he best honoured
+his Master by enjoying the good gifts which He sent. Hence
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">072</a></span>it was a part of his creed to be jovial at Christmas-tide. And
+so Dame Alice had been busy all that day, and a part of the
+day before, making Christmas pies, dressing Christmas meats,
+and otherwise making ready for the great festival. John
+Longe, too, had not been idle. He and his men had been
+working hard all day getting in huge Yule-logs for the great
+kitchen fire, whilst William and little Agnes had been employed
+in decorating the kitchen with evergreens and mistletoe, displaying
+in great profusion the red berries of the holly bushes.
+Everything was decked with evergreens, from the cups and
+platters on the shelves to the hams and bacon hanging from the
+ceiling."</p>
+
+<p>At length the preparations were completed; then came the
+telling of tales and cheerful gossip round the blazing fire on
+Christmas Eve, and the roasting of chestnuts on the embers.
+"Christmas Day passed at the little homestead with all the
+social and religious honours that the honest yeoman could think
+of. The little household attended the service of Mass in the
+morning, and then, with clear consciences and simple hearts,
+spent the rest of the day in domestic and convivial enjoyment."</p>
+
+<p>Returning to royalty, we next see illustrated Froissart's statement
+that "Edward the third was right fortunate and happy in
+armes."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Edward the Third's Victories and Festivities.</span></div>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_072.jpg" width="200" height="329" alt="A COAT OF ARMS."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<p>During the invasion of France,
+Edward III. raised the martial glory
+of England by his splendid victories
+at Crecy, Poictiers, and other places;
+and he kept Christmas right royally
+with his soldiers on French soil. After
+the battle of Crecy, at which the Prince
+of Wales gained the celebrated title of
+the Black Prince, Edward marched
+upon Calais, and laid siege to it;
+and at length he took the place.
+During Edward's absence, England
+was invaded by David II. of Scotland,
+who was defeated and taken prisoner
+by the army under Philippa, Edward's
+Queen. The brave Queen then joined
+King Edward on the French battle-ground,
+and they kept the Christmas
+of 1346 with much rejoicing.</p>
+
+<p>During the Christmas festivities of this period the most noble
+Order of the Garter was instituted by King Edward III. to
+excite emulation amongst the aristocratic warriors of the time,
+in imitation of orders of a similar kind, both religious and
+military, which had been instituted by different monarchs of
+Europe; and that those who were admitted to the order were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">073</a></span>
+enjoined to exalt the religion of Christ is evident from some
+lines which Chaucer addressed to the Lords and Knights&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Do forth, do forth, continue your succour,</span>
+<span class="i0">Hold up Christ's banner, let it not fall."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>And again&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Ye Lordis eke, shining in noble fame,</span>
+<span class="i0">To which appropered is the maintenance</span>
+<span class="i0">Of Christ 'is cause; in honour of his name,</span>
+<span class="i0">Shove on, and put his foes to utterance."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>In imitation of King Arthur, Edward III. set up at Windsor
+a Round Table, which was consecrated with feasts and tournaments,
+and baptized with the blood of the brave. On New
+Year's Day, 1344, he issued his royal letters of protection for
+the safe-coming and return of foreign knights to the solemn
+jousts which he appointed to be held at Windsor on St. Hilary's
+Day, in extension of the Christmas festivities. The festival was
+opened with a splendid supper; and the next day, and until
+Lent, all kinds of knightly feats of arms were performed. "The
+queen and her ladies," says an old historian, "that they might
+with more convenience behold this spectacle, were orderly seated
+upon a firm ballustrade, or scaffold, with rails before it, running
+all round the lists. And certainly their extraordinary beauties,
+set so advantageously forth with excessive riches of apparel,
+did prove a sight as full of pleasant encouragement to the
+combatants, as the fierce hacklings of men and horses, gallantly
+armed, were a delightful terror to the feminine beholders."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_086.jpg" width="400" height="138" alt="LADIES LOOKING FROM THE HUSTINGS UPON THE TOURNAMENT."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+ladies looking from the hustings upon the tournament.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>In 1348 Edward III. kept a grand Christmas at Guildford.
+"Orders were given to manufacture for the Christmas sports
+eighty tunics of buckram of different colours, and a large
+number of masks&mdash;some with faces of women, some with
+beards, some like angel heads of silver. There were to be
+mantles embroidered with heads of dragons, tunics wrought
+with heads and wings of peacocks, and embroidered in many
+other fantastic ways. The celebration of Christmas lasted from
+All Hallow's Eve, the 31st of October, till the day after the
+Purification, the 3rd of February. At the court a lord of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">074</a></span>
+misrule was appointed, who reigned during the whole of this
+period, and was called 'the master of merry disports.' He
+ruled over and organised all the games and sports, and during
+the period of his rule there was nothing but a succession of
+masques, disguisings, and dances of all kinds. All the nobles,
+even the Mayor of London, had an officer of this kind chosen
+in their households. Dancing was a very favourite amusement.
+It was practised by the nobility of both sexes. The damsels of
+London spent their evenings in dancing before their masters'
+doors, and the country lasses danced upon the village green."<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_087.jpg" width="200" height="246" alt="THE LORD OF MISRULE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the lord of misrule.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>A Royal Christmas was kept at Westminster, with great
+splendour, in 1358, when King Edward had two crowned
+guests at his feast; but these were present from no choice of
+their own: they were the victims to the fortune of war
+at Poictiers and Neville's Cross. And in 1362, King David
+of Scotland and the King of Cyprus met at King Edward's
+grand entertainments. The later years of his life were spent
+by this great warrior-king in partial retirement from public
+affairs, and under the influence of his mistress, Alice Perrers,
+while John of Gaunt took a leading part in the government of
+the state. In 1376 Edward the Black Prince died, and the
+same year King Edward III. kept his last Christmas at Westminster,
+the festival being made memorable by all the nobles of
+the realm attending to swear fealty to the son of the Black
+Prince, who, by the King's desire, took precedence of his uncles
+at the banquet as befitted the heir apparent to the crown. The
+King died on the 21st of June, 1377, having reigned for just
+over half a century.</p>
+
+<p>The old chronicler, Stowe, refers to a</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Terrible Christmas Tempest,</span></div>
+
+<p>which he says occurred in 1362: "The King held his Christmas
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">075</a></span>at Windsore, and the XV. day following a sore and vehement
+south-west winde brake forth, so hideous that it overthrew high
+houses, towers, steeples, and trees, and so bowed them, that
+the residue which fell not, but remained standing, were the
+weaker."</p>
+
+<p>King Edward the Third's wardrobe accounts witness to the</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Costly Christmas Robes</span></div>
+
+<p>that were worn at this period. And these accounts also show
+that Alice Perrers was associated with the King's daughter and
+granddaughter in the Christmas entertainments. There are
+items in 1376 stating that the King's daughter Isabella (styled
+Countess of Bedford), and her daughter (afterwards wife of
+Vere, Earl of Oxford), were provided with rich garments
+trimmed with ermine, in the fashion of the robes of the Garter,
+and with others of shaggy velvet, trimmed with the same fur,
+for the Christmas festival; while articles of apparel equally
+costly are registered as sent by the King to his chamber at
+Shene, to be given to Alice Perrers. And at a festival at
+Windsor the King caused twelve ladies (including his daughters
+and Alice Perrers) to be clothed in handsome hunting suits,
+with ornamented bows and arrows, to shoot at the King's deer;
+and a very attractive band of foresters they made. We have
+also seen that eighty costly tunics were provided for the Christmas
+sports and disguisings at Guildford.</p>
+
+<p>We now come to a</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Comically Cruel Christmas Incident,</span></div>
+
+<p>recorded by Sir John Froissart, and which he says gave "great
+joye" to the hilarious "knightes and squyers" who kept the
+festival with "the Erle of Foiz":&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"So it was on a Christmas day the Erle of Foiz helde a great
+feest, and a plentifull of knightes and squyers, as it is his
+usage; and it was a colde day, and the erle dyned in the hall,
+and with him great company of lordes; and after dyner he
+departed out of the hall, and went up into a galarye of xxiiii
+stayres of heyght, in which galarye ther was a great chymney,
+wherin they made fyre whan therle was ther; and at that
+tyme there was but a small fyre, for the erle loved no great
+fyre; howbeit, he hadde woode ynoughe there about, and in
+Bierne is wode ynoughe. The same daye it was a great frost
+and very colde: and when the erle was in the galarye, and saw
+the fyre so lytell, he sayde to the knightes and squiers about
+hym, Sirs, this is but a small fyre, and the day so colde: than
+Ernalton of Spayne went downe the stayres, and beneth in the
+courte he sawe a great meny of asses, laden with woode to
+serve the house: than he went and toke one of the grettest
+asses, with all the woode, and layde hym on his backe, and
+went up all the stayres into the galary, and dyde cast downe
+the asse with all the woode into the chymney, and the asses fete<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">076</a></span>
+upward; wherof the erle of Foiz had great joye, and so hadde
+all they that were there, and had marveyle of his strength howe
+he alone came up all the stayres with the asse and the woode in
+his necke."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_076.jpg" width="150" height="88" alt="CURIOUS CUTS OF PRIESTLY PLAYERS IN THE OLDEN TIME."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<p>Passing on to</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Reign of Richard the Second,</span></div>
+
+<p>the son of Edward the Black Prince and Joan of Kent, who
+came to the throne (in tutelage) on the death of his grandfather,
+Edward III. (1377), we find that costly banquetings, disguisings,
+pageants, and plays continued to be the diversions
+of Christmastide at court. From the rolls of the royal wardrobe,
+it appears that at the Christmas festival in 1391, the sages
+of the law were made subjects for disguisements, this entry
+being made: "Pro XXI <i>coifs</i> de tela linea pro hominibus de
+lege contrafactis pro Ludo regis tempore natalis Domini anno
+XII." That is, for twenty-one linen coifs for counterfeiting
+men of the law in the King's play at Christmas. And Strutt<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a>
+says that in the same year (1391) the parish clerks of London
+put forth a play at Skinners' Wells, near Smithfield, which
+continued three days: the king, queen, and many of the
+nobility, being present at the performance.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_089.jpg" width="400" height="195" alt="MONETA NOVA ADRIANI
+STVLTORV PAPE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+moneta nova adriani stvltorv pape.</span></span></div>
+
+<table width="70%" summary="MONETA NOVA ADRIANI">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_just">[On one side is the legend, <span class="smcap">moneta nova adriani
+stvltorv pape</span>, the last <span class="smcap">e</span> being in the field of the
+piece, on which is represented the Pope, with his double
+cross and tiara, with a fool in full costume approaching
+his bauble to the pontifical cross, and two persons
+behind, who form part of his escort. On the reverse is
+a "mother fool," with her bauble, attended by a grotesque
+person with a cardinal's hat, with the oft-recurring
+legend, <span class="smcap">STVLTORV INFINITVS EST NVMERVS.]</span></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">077</a></span>But the miracle plays and mysteries performed by the
+Churchmen differed greatly from the secular plays and interludes
+which at this period "were acted by strolling companies
+of minstrels, jugglers, tumblers, dancers, bourdours, or jesters,
+and other performers properly qualified for the different parts
+of the entertainment, which admitted of a variety of exhibitions.
+These pastimes are of higher antiquity than the ecclesiastical
+plays; and they were much relished not only by the vulgar
+part of the people, but also by the nobility. The courts of the
+kings of England, and the castles of the great earls and barons,
+were crowded with the performers of the secular plays, where
+they were well received and handsomely rewarded; vast sums
+of money were lavishly bestowed upon these secular itinerants,
+which induced the monks and other ecclesiastics to turn actors
+themselves, in order to obtain a share of the public bounty.
+But to give the better colouring to their undertaking, they took
+the subjects of their dialogues from the holy writ, and performed
+them in the churches. The secular showmen, however, retained
+their popularity notwithstanding the exertions of their clerical
+rivals, who diligently endeavoured to bring them into disgrace,
+by bitterly inveighing against the filthiness and immorality of
+their exhibitions. On the other hand, the itinerant players
+sometimes invaded the province of the churchmen, and performed
+their mysteries, or others similar to them, as we find
+from a petition presented to Richard II. by the scholars of
+St. Paul's School, wherein complaint is made against the secular
+actors, because they took upon themselves to act plays composed
+from the Scripture history, to the great prejudice of
+the clergy, who had been at much expense to prepare such
+performances for public exhibition at the festival of Christmas."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_090.jpg" width="300" height="380" alt="A COURT FOOL."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+a court fool.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>In his Christmas feasts Richard the Second outdid his
+predecessors in prodigal hospitality. He delighted in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">078</a></span>
+neighbourhood of Eltham, and spent much of his time in
+feasting with his favourites at the royal palace there. In 1386
+(notwithstanding the still prevalent distress, which had continued
+from the time of the peasant revolt) Richard kept the
+Christmas festivities at Eltham with great extravagance, at the
+same time entertaining Leon, King of Armenia, in a manner
+utterly unjustified by the state of the royal exchequer, which
+had been replenished by illegal methods. And, on the completion
+of his enlargements and embellishments of Westminster
+Hall, Richard reopened it with "a most royal Christmas feast"
+of twenty-eight oxen and three hundred sheep, and game and
+fowls without number, feeding ten thousand guests for many
+days. Yet but a few years afterwards (such is the fickleness
+of fortune and the instability of human affairs) this same king,
+who had seen the "Merciless Parliament," who had robbed
+Hereford of his estates, who had been robed in cloth of gold
+and precious stones, and who had alienated his subjects by his
+own extravagance, was himself deposed and sentenced to lifelong
+banishment, his doom being pronounced in the very hall
+which he had reared to such magnificence for his own glory.
+Thus ingloriously Richard disappears from history, for nothing
+certain is known of the time, manner, or place of his death,
+though it is conjectured that he was speedily murdered. How
+history repeats itself! Richard's ignominious end recalls to
+mind the verse in which an English poet depicts the end of an
+Eastern king who was too fond of revelling:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"That night they slew him on his father's throne,</span>
+<span class="i0">The deed unnoticed and the hand unknown:</span>
+<span class="i0">Crownless and sceptreless Belshazzar lay,</span>
+<span class="i0">A robe of purple round a form of clay!"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_078.jpg" width="200" height="111" alt="A SNAKE."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Grand Christmas Tournament.</span></div>
+
+<p>An example of the tournaments which were favourite diversions
+of kings and nobles at this period is found in that held at
+Christmastide in London in 1389. Richard II., his three uncles,
+and the greater barons having heard of a famous tournament at
+Paris at the entry of Isabel, Queen of France, resolved to hold
+one of equal splendour at London, in which sixty English
+knights, conducted to the scene of action by sixty ladies,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">079</a></span>
+should challenge all foreign knights. They therefore sent
+heralds into all parts of England, Scotland, Germany, Italy,
+Flanders, Brabant, Hainault, and France to proclaim the time,
+place, and other circumstances of the proposed gathering, and
+to invite all valorous knights and squires to honour it with their
+presence. This, says the historian, excited a strong desire in
+the knights and squires of all these countries to attend to see
+the manners and equipages of the English, and others to tourney.
+The lists were prepared in Smithfield, and chambers erected
+around them for the accommodation of the king, queen,
+princes, lords, ladies, heralds, and other spectators. As the
+time approached many important personages of both sexes,
+attended by numerous retinues, arrived in London. On the
+first day of the tournament (Sunday) sixty-five horses, richly
+furnished for the jousts, issued one by one from the Tower, each
+conducted by a squire of honour, and proceeded in a slow pace
+through the streets of London to Smithfield, attended by a
+numerous band of trumpeters and other minstrels. Immediately
+after, sixty young ladies, elegantly attired and riding
+on palfreys, issued from the same place, and each lady leading
+a knight completely armed by a silver chain, they proceeded
+slowly to the field. When they arrived there the ladies were
+lifted from the palfreys and conducted to the chambers provided
+for them; the knights mounted their horses and began
+the jousts, in which they exhibited such feats of valour and dexterity
+as won the admiration of the spectators. When the
+approach of night put an end to the jousts the company repaired
+to the palace of the Bishop of London, in St. Paul's Street,
+where the king and queen then staying, the supper was prepared.
+The ladies, knights, and heralds who had been appointed
+judges awarded one of the prizes, a crown of gold, to the Earl
+of St. Paul as the best performer among the foreign knights,
+and the other, a rich girdle adorned with gold and precious
+stones, to the Earl of Huntingdon as the best performer of
+the English. After a sumptuous supper the ladies and knights
+spent the remainder of the night in dancing. The tournaments
+were continued in a similar manner on Monday, Tuesday,
+Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and on Saturday the
+Court, with all the company, removed to Windsor, where the
+jousts, feasting, and other diversions were renewed, and lasted
+several days longer. Subsequently the king presented the
+foreign ladies, lords, and knights with valuable gifts, and they
+returned to their own countries highly pleased with the entertainment
+which they had enjoyed in England.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">King Henry the Fourth</span></div>
+
+<p>was born at Bolingbroke, in Lincolnshire, being the eldest son
+of John of Gaunt and of his first wife, the heiress of the house
+of Lancaster, and a grandson of Edward III. On the death of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">080</a></span>
+John of Gaunt in 1399, Richard II. seized his lands, having
+in the previous year banished Henry of Bolingbroke. On
+Henry hearing what had occurred, knowing his own popularity
+and Richard's unpopularity, Henry returned from
+banishment, and succeeded in an attack on Richard, whom
+he made a prisoner. Then summoning a Parliament, at which
+Richard was formally deposed and himself made king, Henry
+came to the throne with the title of Henry IV. Soon, however,
+he found himself menaced by danger. Some of the lords who
+had been stripped of the honours and wealth heaped upon
+them by Richard entered into a conspiracy to assassinate
+Henry the usurper. During the Christmas holidays they met
+frequently at the lodgings of the Abbot of Westminster to plan
+the king's destruction. After much deliberation they agreed to
+hold a splendid tournament at Oxford on the 3rd of January,
+1400. Henry was to be invited to preside, and while intent on
+the spectacle a number of picked men were to kill him and his
+sons. The king was keeping his Christmas at Windsor, whither
+the Earl of Huntingdon presented himself and gave him the
+invitation. Henry accepted it, but on the 2nd of January, the
+day previous to the tournament, the Earl of Rutland, who was
+privy to the plot, went secretly to Windsor and informed the
+king of the arrangements which had been made for his assassination.
+The same evening, after dusk, the king proceeded to
+London; and the next day when the conspirators assembled
+at Oxford they were surprised to find that neither the king
+nor their own accomplice, Rutland, had arrived. Suspecting
+treachery they resolved to proceed at once to Windsor and
+surprise Henry, but arrived only to find that he had escaped.
+They afterwards raised the standard of revolt, but their insurrection
+proved abortive, and the fate of the leaders was
+summary and sanguinary.</p>
+
+<p>The favourite palace of Henry the Fourth was at Eltham,
+where, in the second year of his reign, he kept a grand
+Christmas, and entertained the Emperor of Constantinople.
+At this festival the men of London made a "gret mummyng
+to him of XII. Aldermen and theire sones, for which they had
+gret thanke." Similar festivities were observed at several subsequent
+festivals; then the king's health gave way, and he
+passed the last Christmas of his life in seclusion at Eltham,
+suffering from fits of epilepsy, and lying frequently for hours
+in an unconscious state. After Candlemas he was so much
+better as to be able to return to his palace at Westminster, but
+he died there on the 20th of March the same year (1413). The
+final scene and the parting words of the king to his son, who
+became Henry V., have been beautifully depicted by Shakespeare.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">King Henry the Fifth.</span></div>
+
+<p>In connection with the Christmas festival in 1414 a conspiracy
+to murder the king is alleged against the Lollards,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">081</a></span>
+but the charge has never been satisfactorily proved. "If we
+are to believe the chroniclers of the times the Lollards resolved
+to anticipate their enemies, to take up arms and to repel force by
+force. Seeing clearly that war to the death was determined
+against them by the Church, and that the king had yielded at
+least a tacit consent to this iniquitous policy, they came to the
+conclusion to kill not only the bishops, but the king and all his
+kin. So atrocious a conspiracy is not readily to be credited
+against men who contended for a greater purity of gospel
+truth, nor against men of the practical and military knowledge
+of Lord Cobham. But over the whole of these transactions
+there hangs a veil of impenetrable mystery, and we can only
+say that the Lollards are charged with endeavouring to surprise
+the king and his brother at Eltham, as they were keeping their
+Christmas festivities there, and that this attempt failed through
+the Court receiving intimation of the design and suddenly
+removing to Westminster."<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> Lord Cobham was put to death
+by cruel torture in St. Giles's Fields, London, on Christmas Day,
+1418.</p>
+
+
+<p>In the early part of his reign Henry invaded France and
+achieved a series of brilliant successes, including the famous
+victory at Agincourt. The hero of this great battle did not
+allow the holiday season to interfere with his military operations;
+but he did generously suspend proceedings against
+Rouen upon Christmas Day and supply his hungry foes with
+food for that day only, so that they might keep the feast of
+Christmas. After his military successes in France Henry married
+the Princess Katherine, the youngest daughter of Charles VI.,
+King of France, and the king and queen spent their first Christmas
+of wedded life at Paris, the festival being celebrated by
+a series of magnificent entertainments. Henry's subsequent
+journey to England was "like the ovation of an ancient conqueror."
+He and his queen were received with great festivity
+at the different towns on their way, and on the 1st of February
+they left Calais, and landed at Dover, where, according to
+Monstrelet, "Katherine was received as if she had been an
+angel of God." All classes united to make the reception
+of the hero of Agincourt and his beautiful bride a most magnificent
+one. They proceeded first to Eltham, and thence,
+after due rest, to London, where Katherine was crowned with
+great rejoicing on the 24th of February, 1421. Henry's
+brilliant career was cut short by his death on the last day of
+August, 1422.</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Small time, but, in that small, most greatly liv'd</span>
+<span class="i1">This star of England: fortune made his sword;</span>
+<span class="i0">By which the world's best garden he achiev'd,</span>
+<span class="i1">And of it left his son imperial lord."<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Fabian's account of the stately feast at the coronation of
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">082</a></span>Henry the Fifth's newly-wedded consort is an interesting
+picture of the</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Court Life and Christmas Festivities of the Period.</span></div>
+
+<p>Queen Katherine was conveyed to the great hall at Westminster
+and there set to dinner. Upon her right hand, at the
+end of the table, sat the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Henry,
+surnamed the rich Cardinal of Winchester; and upon her left
+hand the King of Scotland in his royal robes; near the end sat
+the Duchess of York and the Countess of Huntingdon. The
+Earl of March, holding a sceptre, knelt upon her right side, and
+the Earl-Marshal upon her left; his Countess sat at the Queen's
+left foot under the table, and the Countess of Kent at her right
+foot. Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, was overlooker, and
+stood before the Queen bareheaded; Sir Richard Nevill was
+carver, the Earl of Suffolk's brother cupbearer, Sir John Steward
+server, Lord Clifford panterer, Lord Willoughby butler, Lord
+Grey de Ruthyn naperer, the Lord Audley almoner, and the
+Earl of Worcester, Earl-Marshal, rode about the hall during
+dinner on a charger, with a number of constables to keep order.</p>
+
+<p>The bill of fare consisted of: <i>First course</i>&mdash;Brawn and
+mustard, dedells in burneaux, frument with balien, pike in
+erbage (pike stuffed with herbs), lamprey powdered, trout,
+codling, fried plaice and marling, crabs, leche lumbard
+flourished, and tarts. Then came a subtlety representing a
+pelican sitting on her nest with her young and an image of St.
+Katherine bearing a book and disputing with the doctors,
+bearing a reason (motto) in her right hand, saying, in the
+French apparently of Stratford-at-the-Bow, "Madame le
+Royne," and the pelican as an answer&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Ce est la signe</span>
+<span class="i0">Et lu Roy</span>
+<span class="i0">Pur tenir ioy</span>
+<span class="i0">Et a tout sa gent,</span>
+<span class="i0">Elle mete sa entent."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><i>Second course</i>&mdash;Jelly coloured with columbine flowers, white
+potage, or cream of almonds, bream of the sea, conger, soles,
+cheven, barbel with roach, fresh salmon, halibut, gurnets,
+broiled roach, fried smelt, crayfish or lobster, leche damask
+with the king's word or proverb flourished "<i>une sanz plus</i>."
+Lamprey fresh baked, flampeyn flourished with an escutcheon
+royal, therein three crowns of gold, planted with flowers de
+luce, and flowers of camomile wrought of confections. Then
+a subtlety representing a panther with an image of St.
+Katherine having a wheel in one hand and a roll with a
+reason in the other, saying&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"La royne ma file,</span>
+<span class="i0">In ceste ile,</span>
+<span class="i0">Par bon reson</span>
+<span class="i0">Alues renoun."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">083</a></span><i>Third course</i>&mdash;Dates in composite, cream mottled, carp,
+turbot, tench, perch, fresh sturgeon with whelks, porpoise
+roasted, memis fried, crayfish, prawns, eels roasted with
+lamprey, a leche called the white leche flourished with hawthorn
+leaves and red haws, and a march pane, garnished with
+figures of angels, having among them an image of St. Katherine
+holding this reason&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Il est ecrit,</span>
+<span class="i0">Pour voir et dit</span>
+<span class="i0">Per mariage pur</span>
+<span class="i0">C'est guerre ne dure."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>And lastly, a subtlety representing a tiger looking into a mirror,
+and a man sitting on horseback fully armed, holding in his arms
+a tiger's whelp, with this reason, "Par force sanz reson il ay
+pryse ceste beste," and with his one hand making a countenance
+of throwing mirrors at the great tiger, the which held
+this reason&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Gile de mirror,</span>
+<span class="i0">Ma fete distour."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_096.jpg" width="400" height="653" alt="VIRGIN AND CHILD (Florentine, 1480. South Kensington Museum)."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+Marble Panel Florentine 1420,
+S.&nbsp;Kensington museum.</span></span></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">King Henry the Sixth</span></div>
+
+<p>became king in 1422, before he was nine months old, and
+although the regency of the two kingdoms to which he was
+heir had been arranged by Henry V. before his death, the reign
+of the third king of the House of Lancaster saw the undoing of
+much that had been accomplished in the reigns of his father<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">084</a></span>
+and grandfather. It was during the reign of Henry VI. that
+Joan of Arc came forward alleging her Divine commission to
+rescue France from the English invader. But it is not part
+of our subject to describe her heroic career. The troublous
+times which made the French heroine a name in history were
+unfavourable to Christmas festivities. The Royal Christmases
+of Henry the Sixth were less costly than those of his immediate
+predecessors. But as soon as he was old enough to do so he
+observed the festival, as did also his soldiers, even in time
+of war. Mills<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> mentions that, "during the memorable siege
+of Orleans [1428-9], at the request of the English the festivities
+of Christmas suspended the horrors of war, and the nativity of
+the Saviour was commemorated to the sound of martial music.
+Talbot, Suffolk, and other ornaments of English chivalry made
+presents of fruits to the accomplished Dunois, who vied with
+their courtesy by presenting to Suffolk some black plush he
+wished for as a lining for his dress in the then winter season.
+The high-spirited knights of one side challenged the prowest
+knights of the other, as their predecessors in chivalry had done.
+It is observable, however, that these jousts were not held in
+honour of the ladies, but the challenge always declared that
+if there were in the other host a knight so generous and loving
+of his country as to be willing to combat in her defence, he
+was invited to present himself."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_097.jpg" width="400" height="293" alt="HENRY IV.'S CRADLE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+Henry IV.'s Cradle.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>In 1433 Henry kept his Christmas at Bury, and in 1436 at
+Kenilworth Castle. Nothing remarkable, however, is recorded
+respecting these festivities. But some interesting particulars
+have been preserved of a</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Play Performed in 1445</span></div>
+
+<p>at Middleton Tower, Norfolk, the family seat of Lord Scales,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">085</a></span>one of the early owners of Sandringham, which is now a
+residence of the Prince of Wales. Mrs. Herbert Jones<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"One winter, when he was about forty-six years old, in a
+quiet interval soon after Henry the Sixth's marriage to Margaret
+of Anjou, Lord Scales and his wife were living at Middleton.
+In a south-east direction lay the higher ground where rose the
+Blackborough Priory of nuns, founded by a previous Lady
+Scales; west of them, at three miles' distance, bristling with
+the architecture of the Middle Ages in all its bloom and beauty,
+before religious disunion had defaced it, prosperous in its self-government,
+stood the town of Lynn.</p>
+
+<p>"The mayor and council had organised a play to be acted on
+Christmas Day, 1445, before the Lord Scales at Middleton, representing
+scenes from the Nativity of our Lord. Large sums were
+paid by order of the mayor for the requisite dresses, ornaments,
+and scenery, some of which were supplied by the 'Nathan' of
+Lynn, and others prepared and bought expressly. 'John Clerk'
+performed the angel Gabriel, and a lady of the name of Gilbert
+the Virgin Mary. Their parts were to be sung. Four other
+performers were also paid for their services, and the whole
+party, headed by the mayor, set off with their paraphernalia
+in a cart, harnessed to four or more horses, for Middleton on
+Christmas morning. The breakfast of the carters was paid for
+at the inn by the town, but the magnates from Lynn and the
+actors were entertained at the castle.<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a></p>
+
+<p>"It was in the courtyard that this quaint representation took
+place; the musical dialogues, the songs and hymns, the profusion
+of ornaments, personal and otherwise, recorded as pressed
+on to the stage, the grotesque angel and virgin, must have furnished
+a lively hour under the castle walls on that long-ago
+Christmas Day."</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Wars of the Roses.</span></div>
+
+<p>During the destructive wars of York and Lancaster the
+festivities of Christmas were frequently interrupted by hostilities,
+for some of the most bloody encounters (as, for example,
+the terrible battle of Wakefield) occurred at Christmastide. The
+wars of the contending factions continued throughout the reign
+of Henry VI., whose personal weakness left the House of Lancaster
+at the mercy of the Parliament, in which the voice of the
+Barons was paramount. That the country was in a state of
+shameful misgovernment was shown by the attitude of the
+commercial class and the insurrection under John Cade; yet
+Henry could find time for amusement. "Under pretence of
+change of air the court removed to Coventry that the king
+might enjoy the sports of the field."<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Christmases of Henry were not kept with the splendour
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">086</a></span>which characterised those of his rival and successor, Edward IV.
+Henry's habits were religious, and his house expenses parsimonious&mdash;sometimes
+necessarily so, for he was short of
+money. From the introduction to the "Paston Letters"
+(edited by Mr. James Gairdner) it appears that the king was
+in such impecunious circumstances in 1451 that he had to
+borrow his expenses for Christmas: "The government was
+getting paralysed alike by debt and by indecision. 'As for
+tidings here,' writes John Bocking, 'I certify you all that is
+nought, or will be nought. The king borroweth his expenses.'"
+Henry anticipated what Ben Jonson discovered in a later age,
+that&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Christmas is near;</span>
+<span class="i0">And neither good cheer,</span>
+<span class="i0">Mirth, fooling, nor wit,</span>
+<span class="i0">Nor any least fit</span>
+<span class="i0">Of gambol or sport</span>
+<span class="i0">Will come at the Court,</span>
+<span class="i0">If there be no money."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>And so rather than leave Christmas unobserved the poor king
+"borrowed his expenses." Subsequently Henry's health failed,
+and then later comes the record: "At Christmas [1454], to
+the great joy of the nation, the king began to recover from his
+painful illness. He woke up, as it were, from a long sleep.
+So decidedly had he regained his faculties that on St. John's
+Day (27th December) he commanded his almoner to ride to
+Canterbury with an offering, and his secretary to present
+another at the shrine of St. Edward."<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></p>
+
+<p>The terrible battle of Wakefield at Christmastide, 1460, was
+one of the most important victories won by the Lancastrians
+during the Wars of the Roses. The king, Henry VI., had secretly
+encouraged Richard, Duke of York, that the nation would soon
+be ready to assent to the restoration of the legitimate branch
+of the royal family. Richard was the son of Anne Mortimer,
+who was descended from Philippa, the only daughter of the
+Duke of Clarence, second son of Edward III.; and consequently
+he stood in the order of succession before the king actually on
+the throne, who was descended from John of Gaunt, a younger
+son of Edward III. The Duke of York at length openly
+advanced his title as the true heir to the crown, and urged
+Parliament to confer it upon him. As, however, the Lancastrian
+branch of the royal family had enjoyed the crown for three
+generations it was resolved that Henry VI. should continue to
+reign during his life and that Richard should succeed him.
+This compromise greatly displeased the queen, Margaret, who
+was indignant at the injury it inflicted on her son. She therefore
+urged the nobles who had hitherto supported her husband to
+take up arms on behalf of his son. Accordingly the Earl
+of Northumberland, with Lords Dacre, Clifford, and Nevil,
+assembled an army at York, and were soon joined by the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">087</a></span>Duke of Somerset and the Earl of Devon. "Parliament being
+prorogued in December, the Duke of York and the Earl of
+Salisbury hastened from London with a large armed force
+towards York, but coming unexpectedly upon the troops of
+the Duke of Somerset at Worksop, their vanguard was destroyed.
+On the 21st of December, however, they reached
+Sandal Castle with six thousand men, and kept their Christmas
+there, notwithstanding that the enemy under the Duke of
+Somerset and the Earl of Northumberland were close by at
+Pontefract" (<i>William Wyrcester</i>). On the 30th of December
+the opposing forces met at Wakefield, and in the terrible battle
+which ensued Richard, Duke of York was slain, his son, Lord
+Rutland, was murdered by Lord Clifford while escaping from
+the battlefield, and the Earl of Salisbury and others were taken
+as prisoners to Pontefract, where they were beheaded.</p>
+
+<p>Edward, son of Richard Duke of York, was afterwards joined
+by his cousin, Richard, Earl of Warwick, the famous "kingmaker."
+They hastened northwards and met the Lancastrians
+at Towton, where a decisive battle was fought, and won by
+the Yorkists. Edward was then recognised by Parliament and
+proclaimed king as Edward IV., and Henry VI. was attainted
+of high treason.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">In 1461 Edward the Fourth</span></div>
+
+<p>called his first Parliament at Westminster, and concluded the
+session by the unusual but popular measure of a speech from
+the throne to the Commons delivered by himself. It was during
+this session that the statute was passed prohibiting the great
+and rich from giving or wearing any liveries or signs of
+companionship, except while serving under the king; from
+receiving or maintaining plunderers, robbers, malefactors, or
+unlawful hunters; and from allowing dice and cards in their
+houses beyond the twelve days of Christmas (Parl. Rolls, 488).</p>
+
+<p>The Christmas festival was kept by Edward IV. with great
+magnificence, the king's natural inclinations leading him to
+adopt whatever was splendid and costly. "At the Christmas
+festivities he appeared in a variety of most costly dresses, of a
+form never seen before, which he thought displayed his person
+to considerable advantage" (<i>Croyland Chronicler</i>). Sir Frederick
+Madden's narrative of the visit of the Lord of Granthuse,
+Governor of Holland, to Edward, in 1472, paints in glowing
+colours the luxury of the English Court. On his arrival at
+Windsor he was received by Lord Hastings, who conducted
+him to the chambers of the King and Queen. These apartments
+were richly hung with cloth of gold arras. When he had
+spoken with the King, who presented him to the Queen's Grace,
+the Lord Chamberlain, Hastings, was ordered to conduct him to
+his chamber, where supper was ready for him. "After he had
+supped the King had him brought immediately to the Queen's
+own chamber, where she and her ladies were playing at the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">088</a></span>
+marteaux [a game played with small balls of different colours];
+and some of her ladies were playing at closheys [ninepins] of
+ivory, and dancing, and some at divers other games: the which
+sight was full pleasant to them. Also the King danced with my
+Lady Elizabeth, his eldest daughter. In the morning when
+Matins was done, the King heard, in his own chapel, Our
+Lady-Mass, which was most melodiously chaunted, the Lord
+Granthuse being present. When the Mass was done, the King
+gave the said Lord Granthuse a cup of gold, garnished with
+pearl. In the midst of the cup was a great piece of unicorn's
+horn, to my estimation seven inches in compass; and on the
+cover of the cup a great sapphire." After breakfast the King
+came into the Quadrangle. "My Lord Prince, also, borne by
+his Chamberlain, called Master Vaughan, which bade the Lord
+of Granthuse welcome. Then the King had him and all his
+company into the little Park, where he made him have great
+sport; and there the King made him ride on his own horse, on
+a right fair hobby, the which the King gave him." The King's
+dinner was "ordained" in the Lodge, Windsor Park. After
+dinner they hunted again, and the King showed his guest his
+garden and vineyard of pleasure. Then "the Queen did ordain
+a great banquet in her own chamber, at which King Edward,
+her eldest daughter the Lady Elisabeth, the Duchess of Exeter,
+the Lady Rivers, and the Lord of Granthuse, all sat with her at
+one mess; and, at the same table, sat the Duke of Buckingham,
+my Lady, his wife, with divers other ladies, my Lord Hastings,
+Chamberlain to the King, my Lord Berners, Chamberlain to the
+Queen, the son of Lord Granthuse, and Master George Barthe,
+Secretary to the Duke of Burgundy, Louis Stacy, Usher to the
+Duke of Burgundy, George Martigny, and also certain nobles of
+the King's own court. There was a side table, at which sat
+a great view (<i>show</i>) of ladies, all on the one side. Also, in the
+outer chamber, sat the Queen's gentlewomen, all on one side.
+And on the other side of the table, over against them, as many
+of the Lord Granthuse's servants, as touching to the abundant
+welfare, like as it is according to such a banquet. And when
+they had supped my Lady Elizabeth, the King's eldest daughter,
+danced with the Duke of Buckingham and divers other ladies
+also. Then about nine of the clock, the King and the Queen,
+with her ladies and gentlewomen, brought the said Lord of
+Granthuse to three chambers of plesance, all hanged with white
+silk and linen cloth, and all the floors covered with carpets.
+There was ordained a bed for himself of as good down as could
+be gotten. The sheets of Rennes cloth and also fine fustians;
+the counterpane, cloth of gold, furred with ermines. The tester
+and ceiler also shining cloth of gold; the curtains of white
+sarcenet; as for his head-suit and pillows, they were of the
+Queen's own ordonnance. In the second chamber was likewise
+another state-bed, all white. Also, in the same chamber, was
+made a couch with feather beds, and hanged with a tent, knit<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">089</a></span>
+like a net, and there was a cupboard. In the third chamber
+was ordained a bayne (<i>bath</i>) or two, which were covered with
+tents of white cloth. And, when the King and the Queen with
+all her ladies and gentlemen had showed him these chambers,
+they turned again to their own chambers, and left the said Lord
+Granthuse there, accompanied with the Lord Chamberlain
+(Hastings), who undressed him, and they both went together
+to the bath.&mdash;And when they had been in their baths as long as
+was their pleasure, they had green ginger, divers syrups, comfits,
+and ipocras, and then they went to bed. And in the morning
+he took his cup with the King and Queen, and returned to
+Westminster again."</p>
+
+<p>In 1465 Edward the Fourth and his Queen kept Christmas in
+the Abbey at Coventry, and for six days (says <i>William Wyrcester</i>)
+"the Duke of Clarence dissembled there."</p>
+
+<p>In 1478 the King celebrated the Christmas festival at Westminster
+with great pomp, wearing his crown, feasting his nobles,
+and making presents to his household; and in 1482-3 he kept a
+splendid Christmas at Eltham, more than two thousand people
+being fed at his expense every day. Edward almost entirely
+rebuilt Eltham Palace, of which the hall was the noblest part.
+In that hall he kept the Christmas festival, "with bountiful
+hospitality for high and low, and abundance of mirth and
+sport."</p>
+
+<p>One of the continental visitors who participated in the royal
+festivities of this period was Leo von Rozmital, brother of
+George, King of Bohemia. His retinue included Tetzel, who,
+in describing the Court of Edward the Fourth, after remarking
+upon Edward's own handsome person, says, "The king has the
+finest set of courtiers that a man may find in Christendom. He
+invited my Lord Leo and all his noble companions, and gave
+them a very costly feast, and also he gave to each of them the
+medal of his order, to every knight a golden one, and to every
+one who was not a knight a silver one; and he himself hung
+them upon their necks. Another day the king called us to
+court. In the morning the queen (Elizabeth Woodville) went
+from child-bed to church with a splendid procession of many
+priests, bearing relics, and many scholars, all singing, and
+carrying burning candles. Besides there was a great company
+of women and maidens from the country and from London, who
+were bidden to attend. There were also a great number of
+trumpeters, pipers, and other players, with forty-two of the
+king's singing men, who sang very sweetly. Also, there were
+four and twenty heralds and pursuivants, and sixty lords and
+knights. Then came the queen, led by two dukes, and with
+a canopy borne over her. Behind her followed her mother and
+above sixty ladies and maidens. Having heard the service sung,
+and kneeled down in the church, she returned with the same
+procession to her palace. Here all who had taken part in the
+procession were invited to a feast, and all sat down, the men<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">090</a></span>
+and the women, the clergy and the laity, each in his rank, filling
+four large rooms. Also, the king invited my lord and all his
+noble attendants to the table where he usually dined with his
+courtiers. And one of the king's greatest lords must sit at the
+king's table upon the king's stool, in the place of the king; and
+my lord sat at the same table only two steps below him. Then
+all the honours which were due to the king had to be paid to
+the lord who sat in his place, and also to my lord; and it is
+incredible what ceremonies we observed there. While we were
+eating, the king was making presents to all the trumpeters,
+pipers, players, and heralds; to the last alone he gave four
+hundred nobles, and every one, when he received his pay, came
+to the tables and told aloud what the king had given him.
+When my lord had done eating, he was conducted into a costly
+ornamented room, where the queen was to dine, and there he
+was seated in a corner that he might see all the expensive
+provisions. The queen sat down on a golden stool alone at her
+table, and her mother and the queen's sister stood far below
+her. And when the queen spoke to her mother or to the king's
+sister, they kneeled down every time before her, and remained
+kneeling until the queen drank water. And all her ladies and
+maids, and those who waited upon her, even great lords, had
+to kneel while she was eating, which continued three hours(!).
+After dinner there was dancing, but the queen remained sitting
+upon her stool, and her mother kneeled before her. The king's
+sister danced with two dukes, and the beautiful dances and
+reverences performed before the queen&mdash;the like I have never
+seen, nor such beautiful maidens. Among them were eight
+duchesses, and above thirty countesses and others, all daughters
+of great people. After the dance the king's singing men came
+in and sang. When the king heard mass sung in his private
+chapel my lord was admitted: then the king had his relics
+shown to us, and many sacred things in London. Among them
+we saw a stone from the Mount of Olives, upon which there is
+the footprint of Jesus Christ, our Lady's girdle, and many other
+relics."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Cards and other Christmas Diversions in the Fifteenth
+Century.</span></div>
+
+<p>The amusements of the people in the fifteenth century are
+referred to by Thomas Wright, Esq., M.A., F.S.A., who says:
+"In England, in the third year of the reign of Edward IV.
+(1463), the importation of playing-cards, probably from Germany,
+was forbidden, among other things, by Act of Parliament; and
+as that Act is understood to have been called for by the English
+manufacturers, who suffered by the foreign trade, it can hardly
+be doubted that cards were then manufactured in England on
+a rather extensive scale. Cards had then, indeed, evidently
+become very popular in England; and only twenty years
+afterwards they are spoken of as the common Christmas game,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">091</a></span>
+for Margery Paston wrote as follows to her husband, John
+Paston, on the 24th of December in 1483:&mdash;'Please it you to
+weet (<i>know</i>) that I sent your eldest son John to my Lady
+Morley, to have knowledge of what sports were used in her
+house in the Christmas next following after the decease of my
+lord her husband; and she said that there were none disguisings,
+nor harpings, nor luting, nor singing, nor none loud disports,
+but playing at the tables, and the chess, and <i>cards</i>&mdash;such
+disports she gave her folks leave to play, and none other....
+I sent your younger son to the lady Stapleton, and she said
+according to my lady Morley's saying in that, and as she had
+seen used in places of worship (<i>gentlemen's houses</i>) there as she
+had been.' ... After the middle of the fifteenth century, cards
+came into very general use; and at the beginning of the following
+century, there was such a rage for card-playing, that an
+attempt was made early in the reign of Henry VIII. to restrict
+their use by law to the period of Christmas. When, however,
+people sat down to dinner at noon, and had no other occupation
+for the rest of the day, they needed amusement of some sort
+to pass the time; and a poet of the fifteenth century observes
+truly&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">'A man may dryfe forthe the day that long tyme dwellis</span>
+<span class="i0">With harpyng and pipyng, and other mery spellis,</span>
+<span class="i4">With gle, and wyth game.'"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_104.jpg" width="400" height="302" alt="LADY MUSICIAN OF THE 15TH CENTURY."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+lady musician of the 15th century.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>Another book well known to bibliomaniacs ("Dives and
+Pauper," ed. W. de Worde; 1496) says: "For to represente in
+playnge at Crystmasse herodes and the thre kynges and other
+processes of the gospelles both then and at Ester and other
+tymes also it is lefull and c&#333;mendable."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">092</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_105.jpg" width="400" height="356" alt="RUSTIC CHRISTMAS MINSTREL WITH PIPE AND TABOR."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+rustic christmas minstrel with pipe and tabor.</span></span></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Edward the Fifth</span></div>
+
+<p>succeeded his father, Edward IV., in the dangerous days of
+1483. He was at Ludlow when his father died, being under the
+guardianship of his uncle, Earl Rivers, and attended by other
+members of the Woodville family. Almost immediately he set
+out for London, but when he reached Stony Stratford, on April
+29th, he was met by his uncle Richard, Duke of Gloucester,
+who had arrested Lord Rivers and Lord Richard Grey. The
+young king (a boy of thirteen) renewed his journey under
+Gloucester's charge, and on reaching London was lodged in
+the Tower. His mother, on hearing of the arrest of Rivers and
+Grey, had taken sanctuary at Westminster. Lord Hastings, a
+supporter of the king, was arrested and executed because he
+would not sanction Gloucester's nefarious schemes for obtaining
+the throne. About the same time Rivers and Grey were
+beheaded at Pontefract, whither they had been taken by
+Gloucester's orders. Soon afterwards the Queen was compelled
+to deliver up the young Duke of York to Richard, who sent him
+to join his brother in the Tower. On June 22nd, at the request
+of Richard, Dr. Shaw, brother of the Lord Mayor of London,
+delivered a sermon at St. Paul's Cross, in which he insisted on
+the illegitimacy of Edward V. and his brother. On June 25th
+a deputation of nobles and citizens of London offered the crown
+to Richard. He accepted it, and began to reign as Richard III.
+And, according to a confession afterwards made by Sir James
+Tyrell, one of Richard's officers, the two young princes remained
+in the Tower, being put to death by their Uncle Richard's
+orders. Thus, atrociously, began the reign of the murderous
+usurper,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">093</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Richard the Third.</span></div>
+
+<p>The King kept his first Christmas at Kenilworth Castle,
+having previously visited the city of Coventry, at the festival
+of <i>Corpus Christi</i>, to see the plays. The accounts of Kenilworth
+Castle show that in 1484 John Beaufitz was paid &pound;20 "for
+divers reparacions made in the Castell of Kyllingworth" by
+order of Richard III. At this time, says Philip de Comines,
+"he was reigning in greater splendour and authority than any
+king of England for the last hundred years." The following
+year Richard kept Christmas in the great hall at Westminster,
+celebrating the festival with great pomp and splendour, encouraging
+the recreations usual at the season, and so attentively
+observing the ancient customs that a warrant is entered for the
+payment of "200 marks for certain new year's gifts bought
+against the feast of Christmas." The festivities continued
+without interruption until the day of the Epiphany, when they
+terminated with an entertainment of extraordinary magnificence
+given by the monarch to his nobles in Westminster Hall&mdash;"the
+King himself wearing his crown," are the words of the Croyland
+historian, "and holding a splendid feast in the great hall, similar
+to that of his coronation." "Little did Richard imagine that
+this would be the last feast at which he would preside&mdash;the last
+time he would display his crown in peace before his assembled
+peers."<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> An allusion to this Christmas festival, and to the
+King's wicked nature, is contained in a note to Bacon's "Life
+of King Henry VII.," which says: "Richard's wife was Anne,
+the younger daughter of Warwick the King-maker. She died
+16th March, 1485. It was rumoured that her death was by
+poison, and that Richard wished to marry his niece Elizabeth
+of York, eldest daughter of Edward IV. It is said that in the
+festivities of the previous Christmas the Princess Elizabeth had
+been dressed in robes of the same fashion and colour as those
+of the Queen. Ratcliffe and Catesby, the King's confidants, are
+credited with having represented to Richard that this marriage
+of so near a kinswoman would be an object of horror to the
+people, and bring on him the condemnation of the clergy."</p>
+
+<p>At a Christmas festival at Rhedon, in Brittany, Henry of
+Richmond met English exiles to the number of 500, and swore
+to marry Elizabeth of York as soon as he should subdue the
+usurper; and thereupon the exiles unanimously agreed to
+support him as their sovereign. On the 1st of August, 1485,
+Henry set sail from Harfleur with an army of 3,000 men, and a
+few days afterwards landed at Milford Haven. He was received
+with manifest delight, and as he advanced through Wales his
+forces were increased to upwards of 6,000 men. Before the
+close of the month he had encountered the royal army and slain
+the King at Bosworth Field, and by this memorable victory had
+terminated the terrible Wars of the Roses and introduced into
+England a new dynasty.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_114.jpg" width="200" height="123" alt="ORNAMENT."
+title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> Browning.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> "Every-day Book," vol. ii. p. 1635.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> "Shorter Poems."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> Sir John Froissart's Chronicles of England, France, Spain, Portugal, Scotland,
+Brittany, Flanders, and the adjoining countries; translated from the original
+French, at the command of King Henry the Eighth, by John Bourchier, Lord
+Berners. London edition, 1812.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> Cassell's "History of England."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> Creighton's "Life of Edward the Black Prince."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> "Sports and Pastimes."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> Cassell's "History of England."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> Shakespeare.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> "History of Chivalry."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> "Sandringham Past and Present, 1888."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> King's Lynn Chamberlains' Accounts Rolls, 23rd of Henry VI.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> "Chronicles of the White Rose of York."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> "Paston Letters."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> Halstead's "Life of Richard III."</p></div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">94</a></span></p>
+<h4><i>CHAPTER VI.</i></h4>
+
+<h3>CHRISTMAS UNDER HENRY VII. AND
+HENRY VIII.</h3>
+
+<h5>(1485-1547.)</h5>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Henry the Seventh</span></div>
+
+<p>Was the son of Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond, son of
+Owen Tudor, a Welsh gentleman who had married the widow
+of Henry V. His mother, Margaret, was a great-granddaughter
+of John of Gaunt by Catherine Swynford. In early life Henry
+was under the protection of Henry VI.; but after the battle of
+Tewkesbury he was taken by his uncle, Jasper Tudor, Earl of
+Pembroke, to Brittany for safety. Edward IV. made several
+unsuccessful attempts to get him into his power, and Richard
+III. also sent spies into Brittany to ascertain his doings. On
+Christmas Day, 1483, the English exiles, who gathered round
+Henry in Brittany, took an oath in the Cathedral of Rheims to
+support him in ousting Richard and succeeding him to the
+English throne. Henry, on his part, agreed to reconcile the
+contending parties by marrying Elizabeth of York, eldest
+daughter and co-heir of Edward IV., and this promise he
+faithfully kept. After his defeat of Richard the Third at
+Bosworth he assumed the royal title, advanced to London,
+and had himself crowned King of England; and at the following
+Christmas festival he married Elizabeth of York. The
+Archbishop who married them (Archbishop Bourchier) had
+crowned both Richard III. and Henry VII., and Fuller quaintly
+describes this last official act of marrying King Henry to Elizabeth
+of York as the holding of "the posie on which the White
+Rose and the Red Rose were tied together." And Bacon says,
+"the so-long-expected and so-much-desired marriage between
+the King and the Lady Elizabeth was celebrated with greater
+triumph and demonstrations, especially on the people's part, of
+joy and gladness, than the days either of his entry or coronation."</p>
+
+<p>The Christmas festivities were attended to with increasing
+zest during the reign of Henry VII., for the King studied<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">095</a></span>
+magnificence quite as much as his predecessors had done. His
+riding dress was "a doublet of green or white cloth of gold
+satin, with a long gown of purple velvet, furred with ermine,
+powdered, open at the sides, and purpled with ermine, with a
+rich sarpe (scarf) and garter." His horse was richly caparisoned,
+and bore a saddle of estate, covered with gold. His Majesty
+was attended by seven henchmen, clothed in doublets of crimson
+satin, with gowns of white cloth of gold. The Queen appeared
+with equal splendour, "wearing a round circle of gold, set with
+pearls and precious stones, arrayed in a kirtle of white damask
+cloth of gold, furred with miniver pure, garnished, having a
+train of the same, with damask cloth of gold, furred with ermine,
+with a great lace, and two buttons and tassels of white silk, and
+gold at the breast above." And the royal apartments were kept
+with great splendour. At his ninth Christmas festival (Dec. 31,
+1494) the King established new rules for the government of the
+royal household (preserved among the Harleian MSS.), which
+he directed should be kept "in most straightest wise." The
+Royal Household Book of the period, in the Chapter-house at
+Westminster, contains numerous disbursements connected with
+Christmas diversions. In the seventh year of this reign is a
+payment to Wat Alyn (Walter Alwyn) in full payment for
+the disguising made at Christmas, &pound;14 13s. 4d., and payments
+for similar purposes occur in the following years. Another
+book, also in the Chapter-house, called "The Kyng's boke of
+paymentis," contains entries of various sums given to players
+and others who assisted to amuse the King at Christmas, and
+among the rest, to the Lord of Misrule (or Abbot as he is sometimes
+called), for several years, "in rewarde for his besynes in
+Crestenmes holydays, &pound;6 13s. 4d." The plays at this festival
+seem to have been acted by the "gentlemen of the King's
+Chapell," as there are several liberal payments to certain of
+them for playing on Twelfth Night; for instance, an entry
+on January 7th, 23 Henry VII., of a reward to five of
+them of &pound;6 13s. 4d., for acting before the King on the
+previous night; but there was a distinct set of players for
+other times.</p>
+
+<p>Leland, speaking of 1489, says: "This Cristmas I saw no disgysyngs,
+and but right few plays. But ther was an Abbot of
+Misrule, that made much sport and did right well his office."
+In the following year, however, "on neweres day at nyght,
+there was a goodly disgysyng," and "many and dyvers
+pleyes."</p>
+
+<p>That the Christmas festival did not pass unobserved by the
+men of this period who navigated the high seas we know from
+the name of a Cuban port which was</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">A Christmas Discovery by Christopher Columbus.</span></div>
+
+<p>On Christmas Day, 1492, Christopher Columbus, the celebrated
+Genoese navigator, landed at a newly-discovered port<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">096</a></span>
+in Cuba, which he named Navidad, because he landed there
+on Christmas Day.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Fire at the Royal Residence, Shene,</span></div>
+
+<p>was the event of Christmas, 1497. It broke out in the palace,
+on the evening of December 21st, while the royal family were
+there, and for three hours raged fiercely, destroying, with the
+fairest portion of the building, the rich furniture, beds, tapestry,
+and other decorations of the principal chambers. Fortunately
+an alarm was given in time, and the royal and noble personages
+of the Court escaped to a place of safety. In consequence of
+this fire the King built the fine new palace of Richmond.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Royal Christmases</span></div>
+
+<p>were kept by Henry VII. at Westminster Hall with great hospitality,
+the King wearing his crown, and feasting numerous
+guests, loading the banquet-table with peacocks, swans, herons,
+conger, sturgeon, brawn, and all the delicacies of the period.
+At his ninth Christmas festival the Mayor and Aldermen of
+London were feasted with great splendour at Westminster,
+the King showing them various sports on the night following
+in the great hall, which was richly hung with tapestry: "which
+sports being ended <i>in the morning</i>, the king, queen, and court
+sat down at a table of stone, to 120 dishes, placed by as many
+knights and esquires, while the Mayor was served with twenty-four
+dishes and abundance of wine. And finally the King and
+Queen being conveyed with great lights into the palace, the
+Mayor, with his company in barges, returned to London by
+break of the next day."</p>
+
+<p>From the ancient records of the Royal Household it appears
+that on the morning of New Year's Day, the King "sitting in his
+foot-sheet," received according to prescribed ceremony a new
+year's gift from the Queen, duly rewarding the various officers
+and messengers, according to their rank. The Queen also "sat
+in her foot-sheet," and received gifts in the same manner,
+paying a less reward. And on this day, as well as on Christmas
+Day, the King wore his kirtle, his surcoat and his pane
+of arms; and he walked, having his hat of estate on his head,
+his sword borne before him, with the chamberlain, steward,
+treasurer, comptroller, preceding the sword and the ushers;
+before whom must walk all the other lords except those who
+wore robes, who must follow the King. The highest nobleman
+in rank, or the King's brother, if present, to lead the Queen;
+another of the King's brothers, or else the Prince, to walk with
+the King's train-bearer. On Twelfth Day the King was to go
+"crowned, in his royal robes, kirtle, and surcoat, his furred hood
+about his neck, and his ermines upon his arms, of gold set full of
+rich stones with balasses, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls."
+This ornament was considered so sacred, that "no temporal
+man" (none of the laity) but the King was to presume to touch<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">097</a></span>
+it; an esquire of the body was to bring it in a fair handkerchief,
+and the King was to put it on with his own hands; he must also
+have his sceptre in his right hand, the ball with the cross in his
+left hand, and must offer at the altar gold, silver, and incense,
+which offering the Dean of the Chapel was to send to the
+Archbishop of Canterbury, and this was to entitle the Dean to
+the next vacant benefice. The King was to change his mantle
+when going to meat, and to take off his hood and lay it about
+his neck, "clasping it before with a rich <i>owche</i>." The King and
+the Queen on Twelfth Night were to take the <i>void</i> (evening
+repast) in the hall; as for the wassail, the steward and treasurer
+were to go for it, bearing their staves; the chapel choir to stand
+on the side of the hall, and when the steward entered at the hall
+door he was to cry three times, "Wassail! Wassail! Wassail!"
+and the chapel to answer with a good song; and when all was
+done the King and Queen retired to their chamber.</p>
+
+<p>Among the special features of the banquets of this period
+were the devices for the table called subtleties, made
+of paste, jelly, or blanc-mange, placed in the middle of
+the board, with labels describing them; various shapes
+of animals were frequent; and on a saint's day,
+angels, prophets, and patriarchs were set upon the table in
+plenty. Certain dishes were also directed as proper for
+different degrees of persons; as "conies parboiled, or else
+rabbits, for they are better for a lord"; and "for a great
+lord take squirrels, for they are better than conies"; a whole
+chicken for a lord; and "seven mackerel in a dish, with a
+dragge of fine sugar," was also a dish for a lord. But the
+most famous dish was "the peacock enkakyll, which is foremost
+in the procession to the king's table." Here is the recipe for
+this royal dish: Take and flay off the skin with the feathers, tail,
+and the neck and head thereon; then take the skin, and all the
+feathers, and lay it on the table abroad, and strew thereon
+ground cinnamon; then take the peacock and roast him, and
+baste him with raw yolks of eggs; and when he is roasted, take
+him off, and let him cool awhile, and take him and sew him in
+his skin, and gild his comb, and so serve him with the last
+course.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Card-Playing was Forbidden except at Christmas,</span></div>
+
+<p>by a statute passed in the reign of Henry VII. A Scotch
+writer,<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> referring to this prohibition, says: "A universal Christmas
+custom of the olden time was playing at cards; persons
+who never touched a card at any other season of the year felt
+bound to play a few games at Christmas. The practice had
+even the sanction of the law. A prohibitory statute of Henry
+VII.'s reign, forbade card-playing save during the Christmas
+holidays. Of course, this prohibition extended only to persons
+of humble rank; Henry's daughter, the Princess Margaret,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">098</a></span>played cards with her suitor, James IV. of Scotland; and
+James himself kept up the custom, receiving from his treasurer,
+at Melrose, on Christmas Night, 1496, thirty-five unicorns, eleven
+French crowns, a ducat, a <i>ridare</i>, and a <i>leu</i>, in all about equal to
+&pound;42 of modern money, to use at the card-table." Now, as the
+Scottish king was not married to the English princess until
+1503, it is quite clear that he had learned to play cards
+long before his courtship with Margaret; for in 1496, when
+he received so much card-money from his treasurer, the English
+princess was but seven years of age. James had evidently
+learned to play at cards with the Scottish barons who frequented
+his father's Court, and whose lawlessness led to the
+revolt which ended in the defeat and melancholy fate of
+James III. (1488), and gave the succession to his son, James
+IV., at the early age of fifteen years. The no less tragic end
+of James IV. at Flodden Field, in 1513, is strikingly depicted by
+Sir Walter Scott, who tells:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Of the stern strife, and carnage drear,</span>
+<span class="i1_5">Of Flodden's fatal field,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Where shiver'd was fair Scotland's spear,</span>
+<span class="i1_5">And broken was her shield."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_098.jpg" width="200" height="233" alt="HELMET WITH LION."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Reign of Henry the Eighth.</span></div>
+
+<p>On the death of Henry VII., who had given England peace
+and prosperity, and established firmly his own house on the
+English throne, in 1509, his son Henry became king as Henry
+VIII. He was a handsome and accomplished young man, and
+his accession was an occasion of great rejoicing. Henry kept
+his first</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Royal Christmas at Richmond,</span></div>
+
+<p>with great magnificence. Proclaimed king on the 22nd of April
+at the age of eighteen, and married on the 3rd of June to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">099</a></span>
+Katherine of Arragon, widow of his deceased brother Arthur,
+Prince of Wales, the youthful Monarch and his Queen were
+afterwards crowned at Westminster Abbey by the Archbishop
+of Canterbury, and spent the first Christmas of their wedded
+life at Richmond. "And a very pleasant time it ought to have
+been to the Queen, for every species of entertainment was there
+got up by the handsome young king and his gallant company of
+courtiers, for her particular gratification. There was a grand
+tournament on the green, before the palace, which was rendered
+brilliant with pavilions, and the other gay structures always
+erected for these chivalrous ceremonies. The King and Queen
+took their places in the customary elevated position, surrounded
+by the nobles and beauties of the Court, to witness the feats of
+arms of the many gallant knights who had thronged to display
+their prowess before their sovereign; these, with their esquires,
+the heralds, pages, and other attendants, mounted and on foot,
+clad in their gay apparel, the knights wearing handsome suits
+of armour, and careering on gaily caparisoned horses, made a
+very inspiriting scene, in which the interest deepened when the
+usual combats between individuals or select companies commenced."<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"For every knight that loved chivalry,</span>
+<span class="i0">And would his thanks have a passant name,</span>
+<span class="i0">Hath prayed that he might be of that game,</span>
+<span class="i0">And well was him that thereto chosen was."<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The spectacle presented was one of great splendour; for "the
+commencement of the reign of Henry VIII., who was then
+styled by his loving subjects 'the rose without a thorn,' witnessed
+a remarkable revival of magnificence in personal
+decoration. So brilliant were the dresses of both sexes at
+the grand entertainment over which the King and Queen
+presided at Richmond, that it is difficult to convey an adequate
+idea of their splendour. But in the first half of the sixteenth
+century the principal Courts of Europe were distinguished by a
+similar love of display, which, though it fostered habits of
+luxury, afforded an extraordinary impulse towards art."<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> In
+England the love of finery became so general among the people
+that several statutes were passed during Henry's reign to restrain
+it. But while the King was quite willing that his subjects should
+observe due propriety in regard to their own dress and adornments,
+not exceeding the regulations laid down for their
+particular rank or station in life, he was lavish in his own
+expenditure, and it pleased the people to see Henry dressed
+in kingly fashion. He greatly increased his own popularity by
+taking part in the tournaments, in which "he did exceedingly
+well"; and he also assisted in the several curious and picturesque
+masques of Christmastide.</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">100</a></span></p>
+<p>On one occasion the King with some of the chief nobles of
+his Court appeared apparelled as Robin Hood and his foresters,
+in which disguise he entered unexpectedly into the Queen's
+chamber, "whereat," says Holinshed, "the Queen and her
+ladies were greatly amazed, as well for the strange sight as
+for the sudden appearance."</p>
+
+<p>The splendour of the Court festivities necessitated</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Increased Expenditure for Christmas-Keeping,</span></div>
+
+<p>notwithstanding that the King's domestic affairs were managed
+by "a good number of honourable, virtuous, wise, expert, and
+discreet persons of his Council." The preserved bills of fare
+show that the Court diet was liberal generally, but especially
+sumptuous at the grand entertainments of Christmas. And the
+Royal Household Accounts also show increased expenditure for
+the diversions, as well as for the banquetings, of the festival.
+For instance, the payments to the Lord of Misrule, which in
+Henry the Seventh's time never exceeded &pound;6 13s. 4d., were
+raised by Henry the Eighth in his first year to &pound;8 6s. 8d., and
+subsequently to &pound;15 6s. 8d. In the first year is a payment to
+"Rob Amadas upon his bill for certain plate of gold stuf bought
+of him for the disguisings," &pound;451 12s. 2d.; and another to
+"Willm. Buttry upon his bill for certen sylks bought of him for
+the disguisings," &pound;133 7s. 5d. In the sixth year are charges
+"To Leonard Friscobald for diverse velvets, and other sylks, for
+the disguising," &pound;247 12s. 7d.; and "To Richard Gybson for
+certen apparell, &amp;c., for the disguysing at the fest of Cristemes
+last," &pound;137 14s. &frac12;d. Considerable payments are made to the
+same Gybson in after years for the same purpose, particularly in
+the eleventh, for revels, called a Maskelyn. In the tenth year
+large rewards were given to the gentlemen and children of the
+King's Chapel; the former having &pound;13 6s. 8d. "for their good
+attendance in Xtemas"; and "Mr. Cornisse for playing affore
+the King opon newyeres day at nyght with the children,"
+&pound;6 13s. 4d.</p>
+
+<p>Hall, in his Chronicle, Henry VIII. folio 15b, 16a, gives the
+following account of a</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Royal Masquerade at Greenwich,</span></div>
+
+<p>where the King was keeping his Christmas in 1512: "On the
+daie of the Epiphanie, at night, the King with XI others, wer
+disguised after the maner of Italie, called a maske, a thing not
+seen afore in England; thei were appareled in garments long
+and brode, wrought all with gold, with visers and cappes of
+gold; and after the banket doen, these maskers came in with
+six gentlemen disguised in silke, bearing staffe torches, and
+desired the ladies to daunce: some were content, and some that
+new the fashion of it refused, because it was a thing not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">101</a></span>
+commonly seen. And after thei daunced and communed
+together, as the fashion of the maske is, thei tooke their leave
+and departed, and so did the quene and all the ladies."</p>
+
+<p>In 1521 the King kept his Christmas at Greenwich "with
+great nobleness and open court," and again in 1525. In 1527,
+he received the French Embassy here, and also kept his
+Christmas "with revels, masks, disguisings, and banquets
+royal;" as he did again in 1533, in 1537, and in 1543; the last-mentioned
+year "he entertained twenty-one of the Scottish
+nobility whom he had taken prisoners at Salom Moss, and gave
+them their liberty without ransom."<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a></p>
+
+<p>On all these occasions Henry diverted his guests right
+royally, spending vast sums on the masques and disguisings;
+but none of the Christmas diversions proved greater attractions
+than</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The King's Tournament Displays.</span></div>
+
+<p>To these splendid exercises Henry gave unremitting attention,
+and not to display proficiency in them was almost to lose
+his favour; yet some discretion was required to rival, but not
+to excel the King, whose ardent temper could not brook
+superiority in another. But, although victory was always
+reserved for royalty, it is but fair to allow that the King was
+no mean adept in those pursuits for which his bodily powers
+and frequent exercise had qualified him.</p>
+
+<p>Among the most distinguished Knights of Henry's Court
+Charles Brandon was pre-eminent, not only for his personal
+beauty and the elegance that attended every movement which
+the various evolutions of the game required, but for his courage,
+judgment, and skill, qualities which he displayed to great
+advantage at the royal festivities. This celebrated man was
+the son of Sir William Brandon, who, bearing the standard of
+Henry the Seventh, was slain by Richard the Third at Bosworth
+Field. Three sons of the Howard family were also distinguished
+at the royal tournaments. Lord Thomas Howard was one of
+the most promising warriors, and, unfortunately, one of the
+most dissolute men at the Court of Henry. Sir Edward and
+Sir Edmund Howard, the one famed for naval exploits, the
+other less remarkable, but not without celebrity for courage.
+Sir Thomas Knevet, Master of the Horse, and Lord Neville,
+brother to the Marquis of Dorset, were also prominent in the
+lists of combat. The trumpets blew to the field the fresh,
+young gallants and noblemen, gorgeously apparelled with
+curious devices of arts and of embroideries, "as well in their
+coats as in trappers for their horses; some in gold, some in
+silver, some in tinsel, and divers others in goldsmith's work
+goodly to behold." Such was the array in which the young
+knights came forth at Richmond, in the splendid tournament
+which immediately succeeded Henry's coronation, "assuming
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">102</a></span>the name and devices of the knights or scholars of Pallas,
+clothed in garments of green velvet, carrying a crystal shield,
+on which was pourtrayed the goddess Minerva, and had the
+bases and barbs of their horses embroidered with roses and
+pomegranates of gold; those of Diana were decorated with the
+bramble-bush, displayed in a similar manner. The prize of
+valour was the crystal shield. Between the lists the spectators
+were amused with a pageant, representing a park enclosed with
+pales, containing fallow deer, and attended by foresters and
+huntsmen. The park being moved towards the place where the
+queen sat, the gates were opened, the deer were let out,
+pursued by greyhounds, killed and presented by Diana's
+champions to the Queen and the ladies. Thus were they
+included in the amusement, not only as observers, but as
+participators; nor were the populace without their share of
+enjoyments; streams of Rhenish wine and of claret, which
+flowed from the mouths of animals sculptured in stone and
+wood, were appropriated to their refreshment. Night closed
+on the joyous scene; but before its approach the King, perceiving
+that the ardour of the combatants had become intemperate
+and dangerous, wisely limited the number of strokes, and closed
+the tourney.</p>
+
+<p>"It was about this period that the tournament ceased to be
+merely a chivalric combat; and, united with the pageant,
+acquired more of the dramatic character. The pageant consisted
+of a temporary building, moved on biers, generally
+representing castles, rocks, mountains, palaces, gardens, or
+forests. The decoration of these ambulating scenes was
+attended with considerable expense, but was seldom conducted
+with taste or consistency. They generally contained figures,
+personating a curious medley of nymphs, savages, heathen
+gods, and Christian saints, giants and the nine worthies, who
+descended and danced among the spectators.</p>
+
+<p>"On the night of the Epiphany (1516) a pageant was introduced
+into the hall at Richmond, representing a hill studded
+with gold and precious stones, and having on its summit a tree
+of gold, from which hung roses and pomegranates. From the
+declivity of the hill descended a lady richly attired, who, with
+the gentlemen, or, as they were then called, children of honour,
+danced a morris before the King.</p>
+
+<p>"On another occasion, in the presence of the Court, an
+artificial forest was drawn in by a lion and an antelope, the
+hides of which were richly embroidered with golden ornaments;
+the animals were harnessed with chains of gold, and on
+each sat a fair damsel in gay apparel. In the midst of the
+forest, which was thus introduced, appeared a gilded tower,
+at the gates of which stood a youth, holding in his hands a
+garland of roses, as the prize of valour in a tournament which
+succeeded the pageant."<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a></p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">103</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Festivities of Noblemen and Others.</span></div>
+
+<p>The royal magnificence was imitated by the nobility and
+gentry of the period, who kept the Christmas festival with much
+display and prodigality, maintaining such numerous retinues as
+to constitute a miniature court. The various household books
+that still exist show the state in which they lived. From that
+of the Northumberland family (1512), it appears that the
+"Almonar" was often "a maker of Interludys," and had "a
+servaunt to the intent for writynge the parts." The persons on
+the establishment of the Chapel performed plays from some
+sacred subject during Christmas; as "My lorde usith and
+accustomyth to gyf yerely, if his lordship kepe a chapell and be
+at home, them of his lordschipes chapell, if they doo play the
+Play of the Nativitie uppon Cristynmes day in the mornnynge
+in my lords chapell befor his lordship, xxs." Other players
+were also permitted and encouraged, and a Master of the
+Revells appointed to superintend. And "My lorde useth and
+accustomyth yerly to gyf hym which is ordynede to be Master
+of the Revells yerly in my lordis hous in Cristmas for the
+overseyinge and orderinge of his lordschips Playes, Interludes,
+and Dresinge that is plaid befor his lordship in his hous in the
+XII dayes of Christenmas, and they to have in rewarde for that
+caus yerly, xxs." Another entry shows that 13s. 4d. was the
+price paid to the chaplain, William Peres, in the 17th Henry
+VIII., "for makyng an Enterlued to be playd this next
+Christenmas."</p>
+
+<p>In this reign the working classes were allowed greater
+privileges at Christmas than at any other part of the year.
+The Act of 11 Henry VII. c. 2, against unlawful games, expressly
+forbids Artificers, Labourers, Servants, or Apprentices,
+to play at any such games, except at Christmas, and then only
+in their masters' houses by the permission of the latter; and a
+penalty of 6s. 8d. was incurred by any householder allowing
+such games, except during those holidays; which, according to
+Stow, extended from All-hallows evening to the day after
+Candlemas Day. The Act of 33 Henry VIII. c. 9, enacts more
+particularly, "That no manner of Artificer or Craftsman of any
+handicraft or occupation, Husbandman, Apprentice, Labourer,
+Servant at husbandry, Journeyman, or Servant of Artificer,
+Mariners, Fishermen, Watermen, or any Serving-man, shall
+from the said feast of the Nativity of <i>St. John Baptist</i>, play at
+the Tables, Tennis, Dice, Cards, Bowls, Clash, Coyting, Logating,
+or any other unlawful Game, out of <i>Christmas</i>, under the
+pain of xxs. to be forfeit for every time; and in <i>Christmas</i> to
+play at any of the said Games in their Masters' houses, or in
+their Masters' presence."</p>
+
+<p>In his description of the "mummings and masquerades" of this
+period, Strutt<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> says that the "mummeries" practised by the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">104</a></span>lower classes of the people usually took place at the Christmas
+holidays; and such persons as could not procure masks rubbed
+their faces over with soot, or painted them; hence Sebastian
+Brant, in his "Ship of Fools" (translated by Alexander Barclay,
+and printed by Pynson, in 1508) alluding to this custom, says:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"The one hath a visor ugley set on his face,</span>
+<span class="i1_5">Another hath on a vile counterfaite vesture,</span>
+<span class="i0">Or painteth his visage with fume in such case,</span>
+<span class="i1_5">That what he is, himself is scantily sure."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Sandys,<a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> in reference to this period, says: "The lower classes,
+still practising the ceremonies and superstitions of their forefathers,
+added to them some imitations of the revelries of their
+superiors, but, as may be supposed, of a grosser description; and
+many abuses were committed. It was, therefore, found necessary
+by an Act passed in the 3rd year of Henry VIII. to order that no
+person should appear abroad like mummers, covering their faces
+with vizors, and in disguised apparel, under pain of three months'
+imprisonment; and a penalty of 20s. was declared against such
+as kept vizors in their house for the purpose of mumming. It
+was not intended, however, to debar people from proper recreations
+during this season, but, on the contrary, we have reason to
+believe that many indulgencies were afforded them, and that
+landlords and masters assisted them with the means of enjoying
+the customary festivities; listening to their tales of legendary
+lore, round the yule block, when weary of more boisterous
+sports, and encouraging them by their presence."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">King Henry VIII.'s "Still Christmas."</span></div>
+
+<p>In the 17th year of his reign, in consequence of the prevalence
+of the plague in London, the King kept his Christmas quietly
+in the old palace at Eltham, whence it was called the "still
+Christmas." This suppression of the mirth and jollity which
+were the usual concomitants of the festive season did not satisfy
+the haughty Cardinal Wolsey, who "laye at the Manor of
+Richemond, and there kept open householde, to lordes, ladies,
+and all other that would come, with plaies and disguisyng in
+most royall maner; whiche sore greved the people, and in
+especiall the Kynges servauntes, to se hym kepe an open Court
+and the Kyng a secret Court."<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a></p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Royal Christmases</span></div>
+
+<p>subsequently kept, however, made amends for the cessation of
+festivities at the Kyng's "Still Christmas," especially the royal
+celebrations at Greenwich. In 1527 the "solemne Christmas"
+held there was "with revels, maskes, disguisings, and banquets;
+and on the thirtieth of December and the third of January were
+solemne Justs holden, when at night the King and fifteen other
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">105</a></span>with him, came to Bridewell, and there putting on masking
+apparell, took his barge, and rowed to the Cardinall's (Woolsey)
+place, where were at supper many Lords and Ladyes, who
+danced with the maskers, and after the dancing was made
+a great Banquet."<a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a></p>
+
+<p>During the girlhood of the Princess (afterwards Queen) Mary,
+entertainments were given for her amusement, especially at
+Christmastide; and she gave presents to the King's players, the
+children of the Chapel, and others. But, Sandys says, that "as
+she grew up, and her temper got soured, she probably lost all
+enjoyment of such scenes." Ellis, in his "Original Letters,"
+gives a curious application from the Council for the household
+of the Lady Mary to the Cardinal Wolsey, to obtain his directions
+and leave to celebrate the ensuing Christmas. In this
+letter the reader is reminded of the long train of sports and
+merriment which made Christmas cheerful to our ancestors.
+The Cardinal, at the same time that he established a household
+for the young Duke of Richmond, had also "ordained a council,
+and stablished another household for the Lady Mary, then
+being <i>Princess of the Realm</i>."<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> The letter which seems to have
+been written in the same year in which the household was
+established, 1525, is as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Please it youre Grace for the great repaire of straungers supposed
+unto the Pryncesse honorable householde this solempne
+fest of Cristmas, We humbly beseche the same to let us knowe
+youre gracious pleasure concernyng as well a ship of silver for
+the almes disshe requysite for her high estate, and spice plats,
+as also for trumpetts and a rebek to be sent, and whither we
+shall appoynte any Lord of Mysrule for the said honorable
+householde, provide for enterluds, disgysyngs, or pleyes in the
+said fest, or for banket on twelf nyght. And in likewise whither
+the Pryncesse shall sende any newe yeres gifts to the Kinge, the
+Quene, your Grace, and the Frensshe Quene, and of the value
+and devise of the same. Besechyng yowre Grace also to pardon
+oure busy and importunate suts to the same in suche behalf
+made. Thus oure right syngler goode lorde we pray the holy
+Trynyte have you in his holy preservacion. At Teoxbury, the
+xxvij day of November.</p>
+
+<table width="70%"  summary="Youre humble orators">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_left10" colspan="2">Youre humble orators,</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50" rowspan="6"><p class="two">"To the most reverent Father in God the Lord Cardinall his good Grace."</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left10">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_left40"><span class="smcap">John Exon</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left10">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_left40"><span class="smcap">Jeilez Grevile</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left10">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_left40"><span class="smcap">Peter Burnell</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left10">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_left40"><span class="smcap">John Salter</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left10">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_left40"><span class="smcap">G. Bromley</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left10">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_left40"><span class="smcap">Thomas Audeley.</span></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas and the Reformation.</span></div>
+
+<p>The great Reformer, Martin Luther, took much interest in
+the festivities of Christmastide, including, of course, the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">106</a></span>Christmas-tree. One of his biographers<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a> tells how young
+Luther, with other boys of Mansfeld, a village to the north-west
+of Eisleben, sang Christmas carols "in honour of the Babe of
+Bethlehem." And the same writer says, "Luther may be justly
+regarded as the central representative of the Reformation in its
+early period, for this among other reasons&mdash;that he, more
+powerfully than any other, impressed upon the new doctrine
+the character of glad tidings of great joy." On Christmas Day,
+1521, Martin Luther "administered the communion in both
+kinds, and almost without discrimination of applicants," in the
+parish church of Eisenach, his "beloved town."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_119.jpg" width="600" height="539" alt="MARTIN LUTHER AND THE CHRISTMAS TREE."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+martin luther and the christmas tree.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>In England, the desire for some reform in the Church was
+recognised even by Cardinal Wolsey, who obtained from the
+Pope permission to suppress thirty monasteries, and use their
+revenues for educational purposes; and Wolsey's schemes of
+reform might have progressed further if Henry VIII. had not
+been fascinated by Anne Boleyn. But the King's amour with
+the "little lively brunette" precipitated a crisis in the relations
+between Church and State. Henry, who, by virtue of a papal
+dispensation, had married his brother's widow, Katherine, now</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">107</a></span></p>
+
+<p>needed papal consent to a divorce, that he might marry Anne
+Boleyn, and when he found that he could not obtain it, he
+resolved to be his own Pope, "sole protector and supreme head
+of the Church and clergy of England." And among the events</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_107.jpg" width="400" height="552" alt="THE LITTLE ORLEANS MADONNA OF RAPHAEL."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+The Little Orleans Madonna of Raphael.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>of Christmastide may be mentioned the resolution of the King's
+minister, Thomas Cromwell, and his party, in 1533, to break
+the ecclesiastical connection with Rome, and establish an
+independent Church in England. The necessary Bills were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">108</a></span>
+framed and introduced to Parliament soon after the Christmas
+holidays by Cromwell, who for his successful services was made
+Chancellor of the Exchequer for life. Authority in all matters
+ecclesiastical, as well as civil, was vested solely in the Crown,
+and the "courts spiritual" became as thoroughly the King's
+courts as the temporal courts at Westminster. The enslavement
+of the clergy, the dissolution of the monasteries, and the
+gagging of the pulpits followed, the years of Cromwell's
+administration being an English reign of terror. But the ruthless
+manner in which he struck down his victims sickened the
+English people, and they exhibited their disapprobation in a
+manner which arrested the attention of the King. The time
+of Cromwell himself was coming, for the block was the goal to
+which Henry's favourite minister was surely hastening; and
+it is only anticipating events by very few years, to say that
+he was beheaded on Tower Hill, July 28, 1540.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Another Royal Christmas.</span></div>
+
+<p>That following the execution of Anne Boleyn (1536), Henry
+spent in the company of his third Queen, Jane Seymour, at
+Richmond Palace, with a merry party, and subsequently crossed
+the frozen Thames to Greenwich. During the following summer
+the Queen went with her husband on a progress, and in the
+autumn retired to Hampton Court, where she gave birth to
+a son (who became Edward VI.), and died twelve days afterwards,
+on the 14th of October, 1537.</p>
+
+<p>During the married life of Queen Jane, the Princess Mary
+was often with the Court at Richmond, affecting affectionate
+attachment for the Queen, apparently to conciliate her father.
+The birth of a prince, followed by the death of the queen,
+it might have been thought would have a chastening effect upon
+Mary, as somewhat altering her prospects; but after acting
+as chief mourner to her friendly stepmother, she spent a
+pleasant Christmas at Richmond, where she remained till
+February. Her losses at cards during the Christmas festivities
+were very considerable, for she was fond of gambling. And
+she appears to have also amused herself a good deal with her
+attendant, "Jane the Fool," to whose maintenance she contributed
+while staying at Richmond. One curious entry in the
+Household Book of the Princess Mary is: "Item, for shaving
+Jane fooles hedde, iiiid." Another is: "Item, geven Heywood,
+playeng an enterlude with his children before my Ladye's
+grace xls."</p>
+
+<p>The great event of Christmas, 1539, was</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Landing of Anne of Cleves,</span></div>
+
+<p>at Deal, on the 27th of December. King Henry had become
+alarmed at the combination between France and Spain, and his
+unprincipled Chancellor, Cromwell, desirous of regaining his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">109</a></span>
+lost influence with the King, recommended a Protestant
+marriage. He told Henry that Anne, daughter of John III.,
+Duke of Cleves, was greatly extolled for her beauty and good
+sense, and that by marrying her he would acquire the friendship
+of the Princes of Germany, in counterpoise to the designs of
+France and Spain. Henry despatched Hans Holbein to take
+the lady's portrait, and, being delighted with the picture produced,
+soon concluded a treaty of marriage, and sent the Lord
+Admiral Fitzwilliam, Earl of Southampton, to receive the
+Princess at Calais, and conduct her to England. On her arrival
+Henry was greatly disappointed. He did not think the Princess
+as charming as her portrait; and, unfortunately for her, she
+was unable to woo him with winning words, for she could
+speak no language but German, and of that Henry did not
+understand a word. Though not ugly (as many contemporaries
+testify), she was plain in person and manners, and she and her
+maidens, of whom she brought a great train, are said to have
+been as homely and awkward a bevy as ever came to England
+in the cause of Royal matrimony. The Royal Bluebeard, who
+had consorted with such celebrated beauties as Anne Boleyn
+and Jane Seymour, recollecting what his queens had been, and
+what Holbein and Cromwell had told him should again be,
+entered the presence of Anne of Cleves with great anticipation,
+but was thunderstruck at the first sight of the reality. Lord John
+Russell, who was present, declared "that he had never seen his
+highness so marvellously astonished and abashed as on that
+occasion." The marriage was celebrated on the 6th of January,
+1540, but Henry never became reconciled to his German
+queen; and he very soon vented his anger upon Cromwell for
+being the means of bringing him, not a wife, but "a great
+Flanders mare."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas at the Colleges.</span></div>
+
+<p>The fine old tower of Magdalen College, embowered in
+verdure (as though decorated for Christmas), is one of the most
+picturesque of the venerable academical institutions of Oxford.
+It stands on the east side of the Cherwell, and is the first
+object of interest to catch the eye of the traveller who enters
+the city from the London Road. This college was the scene of
+many Christmas festivities in the olden time, when it was the
+custom of the several colleges to elect a "Christmas Lord, or
+Lord of Misrule, styled in the registers <i>Rex Fabarum</i> and <i>Rex
+Regni Fabarum</i>; which custom continued till the Reformation
+of Religion, and then that producing Puritanism, and Puritanism
+Presbytery, the profession of it looked upon such laudable and
+ingenious customs as Popish, diabolical and anti-Christian."<a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a>
+Queen's College, Oxford (whose members have from time
+immemorial been daily summoned to dine in hall by sound
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">110</a></span>of trumpet, instead of by bell as elsewhere), is noted for its
+ancient Christmas ceremony of ushering in the boar's head with
+the singing of the famous carol&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i1_5">"<i>Caput afri differo</i></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>Reddens laudes Domino.</i></span>
+<span class="i0">The boar's head in hand bring I,</span>
+<span class="i0">With garlands gay and rosemary,</span>
+<span class="i0">I pray you all sing merrily</span>
+<span class="i2"><i>Qui estis in convivio</i>."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Tradition says that this old custom commemorates the deliverance
+of a student of the college, who, while walking in the
+country, studying Aristotle, was attacked by a wild boar from
+Shotover Forest, whereupon he crammed the philosopher down
+the throat of the savage, and thus escaped from its tusks.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_110.jpg" width="600" height="605" alt="MAGDALEN COLLEGE, OXFORD."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+magdalen college, oxford.</span></span></div>
+
+
+<p>Warton<a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> mentions that, "in an original draught of the
+Statutes of Trinity College, at Cambridge, founded in 1546, one
+of the chapters is entitled <i>De Pr&aelig;fecto Ludorum qui Imperator
+dicitur</i>, under whose direction and authority Latin Comedies
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">111</a></span>and Tragedies are to be exhibited in the hall at Christmas.
+With regard to the peculiar business and office of Imperator
+it is ordered that one of the Masters of Arts shall be placed
+over the juniors, every Christmas, for the regulation of their
+games and diversions at that season of festivity. At the same
+time, he is to govern the whole society in the hall and chapel,
+as a republic committed to his special charge by a set of laws
+which he is to frame in Latin and Greek verse. His sovereignty
+is to last during the twelve days of Christmas, and he is to
+exercise the same power on Candlemas. His fee amounted
+to forty shillings. Similar customs were observed at other
+colleges during Christmastide. In a subsequent chapter of this
+work will be found an account of a grand exhibition of the
+Christmas Prince, at St. John's College, Oxford, in the year
+1607.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_111.jpg" width="600" height="561" alt="BRINGING IN THE BOAR'S HEAD WITH MINSTRELSY."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+bringing in the boar's head with minstrelsy.</span></span></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas at the Inns of Court and Great Houses.</span></div>
+
+<p>In the time of Henry the Eighth the Christmases at the Inns
+of Court became celebrated, especially those at Lincoln's Inn,
+which had kept them as early as the reign of Henry VI. The
+Temples and Gray's Inn afterwards disputed the palm with it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">112</a></span>
+Every Corporation appointed a Lord of Misrule or Master of
+Merry Disports, and, according to Stow, there was the like
+"in the house of every nobleman of honour or good worship,
+were he spiritual or temporal." And during the period of the
+sway of the Lord of Misrule, "there were fine and subtle
+disguisings, masks, and mummeries, with playing at cards for
+counters, nails, and points in every house, more for pastime
+than for gain." Town and country would seem to have vied
+with each other as to which should exhibit the greatest extravagance
+in the Christmas entertainments, but (as in the days of
+Massinger the poet), the town carried off the palm:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i5">"Men may talk of country Christmasses&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Their thirty-pound buttered eggs, their pies of carps' tongues,</span>
+<span class="i0">Their pheasants drenched with ambergris, the carcases</span>
+<span class="i0">Of three fat wethers bruised for gravy; to</span>
+<span class="i0">Make sauce for a single peacock; yet their feasts</span>
+<span class="i0">Were fasts, compared with the city's."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>The earliest particular account of the regulations for conducting
+one of these grand Christmases is in the 9th of Henry
+VIII.,<a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> when, besides the King for Christmas Day, the Marshal
+and the Master of the Revels, it is ordered that the King of
+Cockneys, on Childermas Day, should sit and have due service,
+and "that Jack Straw, and all his adherents, should be thenceforth
+utterly banished, and no more to be used in this house,
+upon pain to forfeit for every time five pounds, to be levied
+on every fellow hapning to offend against this rule." "Jack
+Straw" was a kind of masque, which was very much disliked
+by the aristocratic and elder part of the community, hence the
+amount of the fine imposed. The Society of Gray's Inn, however,
+in 1527, got into a worse scrape than permitting Jack
+Straw and his adherents, for they acted a play (the first on
+record at the Inns of Court) during this Christmas, the effect
+whereof was, that Lord Governance was ruled by Dissipation
+and Negligence, by whose evil order Lady Public Weal was
+put from Governance. Cardinal Wolsey, conscience-smitten,
+thought this to be a reflection on himself, and deprived the
+author, Sergeant Roe, of his coif, and committed him to the
+Fleet, together with Thomas Moyle, one of the actors, until
+it was satisfactorily explained to him.</p>
+
+<p>It was found necessary from time to time to make regulations
+to limit the extent of these revels and plays, and to provide for
+the expenses, which were considerable, and they were therefore
+not performed every year. In 1531 the Lincoln's Inn Society
+agreed that if the two Temples kept Christmas, they would also
+do so, not liking to be outdone. And later an order was made
+in Gray's Inn that no Comedies, commonly called Interludes,
+should be acted in the refectory in the intervals of vacation,
+except at the celebration of Christmas; and that then the whole
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">113</a></span>body of students should jointly contribute towards the dresses,
+scenes, and decorations.</p>
+
+<p>As an example of the Christmas hospitality of the period, we
+refer to the establishment of John Carminow, whose family was
+of high repute in the county of Cornwall in the time of Henry
+the Eighth. Hals says that "he kept open house for all comers
+and goers, drinkers, minstrells, dancers, and what not, during the
+Christmas time, and that his usual allowance of provision for
+those twelve days, was twelve fat bullocks, twenty Cornish
+bushels of wheat (<i>i.e.</i>, fifty Winchesters), thirty-six sheep, with
+hogs, lambs, and fowls of all sort, and drink made of wheat and
+oat-malt proportionable; for at that time barley-malt was little
+known or used in those parts."</p>
+
+<p>That the beneficed clergy of this period also "made merry"
+with their parishioners is quite clear from the writings of
+"Master Hugh Latimer," who, in Henry's reign, held the
+benefice of West Kington, in Wiltshire. A citation for heresy
+being issued against Latimer, he wrote with his peculiar medley
+of humour and pathos: "I intend to make merry with my
+parishioners this Christmas, for all the sorrow, lest perchance
+I may never return to them again."</p>
+
+<p>One of the most celebrated personages of this period was</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Will Somers, the King's Jester.</span></div>
+
+<p>This famous fool enlivened the Christmas festivities at the
+Court of Henry the Eighth, and many quaint stories are told
+of his drolleries and witticisms. Though a reputed fool, his
+sarcastic wit and sparkling talents at repartee won him great
+celebrity. Very little is known of his actual biography, but
+some interesting things are told about him in a scarce tract,
+entitled "A pleasant History of the Life and Death of Will
+Somers," &amp;c. (which was first published in 1676, and a great
+part of which is said to have been taken from Andrew Borde's
+collection of "The Merry Jests and Witty Shifts of Scoggin").
+"And now who but Will Sommers, the King's Fool? who had
+got such an interest in him by his quick and facetious jests, that
+he could have admittance to his Majesty's Chamber, and have
+his ear, when a great nobleman, nay, a privy counsellor, could
+not be suffered to speak with him: and farther, if the King
+were angry or displeased with anything, if no man else durst
+demand the cause of his discontent, then was Will Sommers
+provided with one pleasant conceit or another, to take off the
+edge of his displeasure. Being of an easy and tractable disposition
+he soon found the fashions of the court, and obtained
+a general love and notice of the nobility; for he was no carry-tale,
+nor flattering insinuator to breed discord and dissension,
+but an honest, plain, downright [man], that would speak home
+without halting, and tell the truth of purpose to shame the devil&mdash;so
+that his plainness, mixed with a kind of facetiousness, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">114</a></span>
+tartness with pleasantry, made him acceptable into the company
+of all men." There cannot, perhaps, be a greater proof of the
+estimation in which Somers was held by King Henry, than
+the circumstance of his portrait having been twice introduced
+into the same piece with that of the King; once in the fine
+picture by Holbein of Henry VIII. and his family, and again, in
+an illuminated Psalter which was expressly written for the
+King, by John Mallard, his chaplain and secretary ("<i>Regis
+Orator et Calamo</i>"), and is now preserved in the British
+Museum. According to an ancient custom, there is prefixed
+to Psalm lii., "<i>dixit incipens</i>" in the Psalter, a miniature
+illumination of King David and a Fool, whose figures, in this
+instance, are portraits of Henry VIII. and his favourite Will
+Somers. The King is seated at a kind of altar table, and
+playing on the harp, whilst Somers who is standing near him,
+with his hands clasped over his breast, appears to listen with
+admiration. The King wears a round flat cap, furred, and a
+vest of imperial purple striped with gold, and fluted at bottom;
+his doublet is red, padded with white; his hose crimson; on
+his right leg is a blue garter. Somers is in a vest, with a hood
+thrown over the back; his stockings are blue; at his girdle is
+a black pouch.</p>
+
+<p>When Henry VIII. became old and inactive, his Christmases
+grew gradually duller, until he did little more than sit out a
+play or two, and gamble with his courtiers, his Christmas play-money
+requiring a special draught upon the treasury, usually for
+a hundred pounds. He died on January 28, 1547.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_126.jpg" width="200" height="123" alt="ORNAMENT."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> "Book of Days," Edinburgh.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> Williams's "Domestic Memoirs of the Royal Family and of the Court of
+England."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> Chaucer.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> "William's Domestic Memoirs."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> Nichols's "Progresses of Queen Elizabeth."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> "Recollections of Royalty," by Mr. Charles C. Jones, 1828.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> "Sports and Pastimes."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> Introduction to "Christmas Carols."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> Hall's "Chronicle."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> Baker's "Chronicle."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> Hall's "Chronicle."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> Peter Bayne, LL. D.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> Wood's "Athen&aelig; Oxonienses."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> "History of English Poetry."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> Dugdale, "Origines Juridiciales."</p></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">115</a></span></p>
+<h4><i>CHAPTER VII.</i></h4>
+
+<h3>CHRISTMAS UNDER EDWARD VI., MARY,
+AND ELIZABETH.</h3>
+
+<h5>(1547-1603.)<br /></h5>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas under King Edward VI.&mdash;George Ferrers
+"Master of the King's Pastimes."</span></div>
+
+<p>During the short reign of the youthful monarch Edward the
+Sixth (1547-1553), the splendour of the Royal Christmases
+somewhat abated, though they were still continued; and the
+King being much grieved at the condemnation of the Duke of
+Somerset, his uncle and Protector, it was thought expedient to
+divert his mind by additional pastimes at the Christmas
+festival, 1551-2. "It was devised," says Holinshed, "that the
+feast of Christ's nativitie, commonlie called Christmasse, then
+at hand, should be solemnlie kept at Greenwich, with open
+houshold, and franke resort to Court (which is called keeping
+of the hall), what time of old ordinarie course there is alwaise
+one appointed to make sport in the court, commonlie Lord of
+Misrule; whose office is not unknown to such as have been
+brought up in noblemen's houses, and among great housekeepers,
+who use liberall feasting in that season. There was therefore
+by order of the Councell, a wise gentleman, and learned, named
+George Ferrers, appointed to that office for this yeare; who,
+being of better credit and estimation than comonlie his predecessors
+had been before, received all his commissions and
+warrants by the name of the maister of the King's pastimes.
+Which gentleman so well supplied his office, both in show of
+sundry sights and devices of rare inventions, and in act of
+diverse interludes, and matters of pastime plaied by persons, as
+not onlie satisfied the common sort, but also were verie well
+liked and allowed by the Councell, and other of skill in the like
+pastimes; but best of all by the young King himselfe, as
+appeered by his princelie liberalitie in rewarding that service."
+The old chronicler quaintly adds, that "Christmas being thus
+passed with much mirth and pastime, it was thought now good
+to proceed to the execution of the judgment against the Duke<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">116</a></span>
+of Somerset." The day of execution was the 22nd of January,
+1552, six weeks after the passing of the sentence.</p>
+
+<p>King Edward took part in some of the Christmas masques
+performed at his Court, with other youths of his age and stature,
+all the performers being suitably attired in costly garments.
+Will Somers also figured in some of these masques. The young
+King seems to have found more amusement in the pageants
+superintended by Master Ferrers than he had gained from some
+of the solemnities of the state in which he had been obliged to
+play a prominent part; but none of the diversions restored him
+to good health. Large sums of money were expended on these
+Christmas entertainments, and the King handsomely rewarded
+the Master of his pastimes.</p>
+
+<p>George Ferrers, who was a lawyer, a poet, and an historian,
+was certainly well qualified for his task, and well supplied with
+the means of making sport, as "Master of the King's Pastimes."
+He complained to Sir Thomas Cawarden that the dresses
+provided for his assistants were not sufficient, and immediately
+an order was given for better provision. He provided clowns,
+jugglers, tumblers, men to dance the fool's dance, besides being
+assisted by the "Court Fool" of the time&mdash;John Smyth. This
+man was newly supplied for the occasion, having a long fool's
+coat of yellow cloth of gold, fringed all over with white, red,
+and green velvet, containing 7&frac12; yards at &pound;2 per yard, guarded
+with plain yellow cloth of gold, 4 yards at 33s. 4d. per yard;
+with a hood and a pair of buskins of the same figured gold
+containing 2&frac12; yards at &pound;5, and a girdle of yellow sarsenet
+containing one quarter 16d., the whole value of "the
+fool's dress" being &pound;26 14s. 8d. Ferrers, as the "Lord of
+Misrule" wore a robe of rich stuff made of silk and golden
+thread containing 9 yards at 16s. a yard, guarded with
+embroidered cloth of gold, wrought in knots, 14 yards at
+11s. 4d. a yard; having fur of red feathers, with a cape of
+camlet thrum. A coat of flat silver, fine with works, 5 yards
+at 50s., with an embroidered garb of leaves of gold and coloured
+silk, containing 15 yards at 20s. a yard. He wore a cap of
+maintenance, hose buskins, panticles of Bruges satin, a girdle of
+yellow sarsenet with various decorations, the cost of his dress
+being &pound;52 8s. 8d., which, considering the relative value of
+money, must be considered a very costly dress.</p>
+
+<p>The office which George Ferrers so ably filled had been
+too often held by those who possessed neither the wit nor
+the genius it required; but, originally, persons of high rank and
+ability had been chosen to perform these somewhat difficult
+duties. Ferrers received &pound;100 for the charges of his office;
+and afterwards the Lord Mayor, who probably had been at the
+Royal festival, entertained him in London. The cost of the
+Royal festivities exceeded &pound;700.</p>
+
+<p>Stowe, in his "Annals," thus refers to the celebration: "The
+King kept his Christmasse with open houshold at Greenwich,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">117</a></span>
+George Ferrers, Gentleman of Lincolnes Inne, being Lord of
+the merry Disports all the 12 dayes, who so pleasantly and
+wisely behaved himselfe, that the King had great delight in his
+pastimes. On Monday the fourth of January, the said Lord of
+Merry Disports came by water to London, and landed at the
+Tower-wharfe, entered the Tower, and then rode through the
+Tower-streete, where he was received by Sergeant Vawce, Lord
+of Misrule to John Mainard, one of the Sheriffes of London, and
+so conducted through the Citie with a great company of young
+Lords and gentlemen, to the house of Sir George Barne, Lord
+Maior; where he, with the chiefe of his company dined, and
+after had a great banquet; and, at his departure, the Lord
+Maior gave him a standing cup, with a cover of silver and gilt,
+of the value of ten pounds, for a reward; and also set a hogs-head
+of wine, and a barrell of beere, at his gate, for his traine
+that followed him; the residue of his gentlemen and servants
+dined at other Aldermen's houses, and with the sheriffes, and so
+departed to the Tower wharfe againe, and to the Court by water,
+to the great commendation of the Maior and Aldermen, and
+highly accepted of the King and Councell."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Religious Matters</span></div>
+
+<p>occupied public attention throughout the reign of Edward VI.
+The young king was willing to support the reforming projects
+of Archbishop Cranmer, and assented to the publication of the
+new Liturgy in the Prayer Book of 1549, and the Act of
+Uniformity. And with the sanction of the sovereign, Cranmer,
+in 1552, issued a revised Liturgy, known as the Second Prayer
+Book of King Edward VI., and the Forty-two Articles, which
+were markedly Protestant in tendency. On his health failing,
+the King, acting on the advice of the Duke of Northumberland,
+altered the settlement of the crown as arranged in the will of
+Henry VIII., and made a will excluding Mary and Elizabeth
+from the succession in favour of Lady Jane Grey, daughter-in-law
+of Northumberland, which was sanctioned by Archbishop
+Cranmer and the Privy Council. Although Cranmer had
+sanctioned this act with great reluctance, and on the assurance
+of the judges, it sufficed to secure his condemnation for high
+treason on Mary's accession. Edward sank rapidly and died
+on July 6, 1553.</p>
+
+<p>The Duke of Northumberland then</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Proclaimed Lady Jane Grey Queen,</span></div>
+
+<p>but the people refused to recognise the usurpation. After a
+brief reign of eleven days,</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Crown was transferred to Mary,</span></div>
+
+<p>daughter of Henry VIII. and Catherine of Arragon, and Lady Jane
+Grey and her husband were sent to the Tower, and subsequently<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">118</a></span>
+condemned to death. They were kept in captivity for some
+time, and were not executed until after Wyatt's rebellion in 1554.</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_118.jpg" width="200" height="357" alt="VIRGIN AND CHILD, CHIRBURY, SHROPSHIRE."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+Virgin &amp; Child, Chirbury.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>Mary was a firm Roman Catholic,
+and she looked to her uncle, Charles V.
+of Spain, for assistance and support.
+In January, 1554, much to the disappointment
+of her subjects, she concluded
+a treaty of marriage with Philip
+of Spain, son of Charles V. Afterwards
+her reign was disturbed by
+insurrections, and also by the persecution
+of Protestants by Cardinal Pole,
+who came over to England to push
+forward the Roman Catholic reaction.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">This Troubled Reign</span></div>
+
+<p>was not congenial to Christmas festivities,
+though they were still kept up
+in different parts of the country. During
+the Christmas festival (January 2,
+1554) a splendid embassy, sent by the
+Emperor, Charles the Fifth, headed by
+the Counts Egmont and Lalain, the Lord
+of Courrieres, and the Sieur de Nigry,
+landed in Kent, to arrange the marriage
+between Queen Mary and Philip. The
+unpopularity of the proceeding was
+immediately manifested, for the men of Kent, taking Egmont
+for Philip, rose in fury and would have killed him if they could
+have got at him. Although an attempt was made to allay the
+fears of the English, within a few days three insurrections broke
+out in different parts of the kingdom, the most formidable
+being that under Sir Thomas Wyatt, who fixed his headquarters
+at Rochester. In city and court alike panic prevailed. The
+lawyers in Westminster Hall pleaded in suits of armour hidden
+under their robes, and Dr. Weston preached before the Queen
+in Whitehall Chapel, on Candlemas Day, in armour under his
+clerical vestments. Mary alone seemed calm and self-possessed.
+She mounted her horse, and, attended by her ladies and her
+Council, rode into the City, where, summoning Sir Thomas White,
+Lord Mayor, and the Aldermen, who all came clad in armour
+under their civic livery, she ascended a chair of State, and with
+her sceptre in her hand addressed them, declaring she would
+never marry except with the leave of her Parliament. Her
+courage gained the day. The rebellion was speedily quelled
+and the ringleaders put to death; and the following July the
+marriage took place. Mary's subsequent reign was a "reign of
+terror, a time of fire and blood, such as has no parallel in the
+history of England."<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">119</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Diversions of Queen Mary.</span></div>
+
+<p>During her "reign of terror" Queen Mary was diverted by
+Christmas plays and pageants, and she showed some interest in the
+amusements of the people. Strutt's "Sports and Pastimes," in an
+article on the "Antiquity of Tumbling," says: "It would seem
+that these artists were really famous mirth-makers; for one of
+them had the address to excite the merriment of that solemn bigot
+Queen Mary. 'After her Majesty,' observes Strype, 'had reviewed
+the royal pensioners in Greenwich Park, there came a tumbler,
+and played many pretty feats, the Queen and Cardinal Pole
+looking on; whereat she was observed to laugh heartily.'"
+Strutt also mentions that "when Mary visited her sister, the
+Princess Elizabeth, during her confinement at Hatfield House,
+the next morning, after mass, a grand exhibition of bear-baiting
+was made for their amusement, with which, it is said, 'their
+highnesses were right well content.'" The idle pageantry of
+the Boy-bishop, which had been formally abrogated by proclamation
+from the King, in the thirty-third year of Henry VIII.,
+was revived by his daughter Mary. Strutt says that "in the
+second year of her reign an edict, dated November 13, 1554,
+was issued from the Bishop of London to all the clergy of his
+diocese, to have a Boy-bishop in procession. The year following,
+'the child Bishop, of Paules Church, with his company,'
+were admitted into the Queen's privy chamber, where he sang
+before her on Saint Nicholas Day, and upon Holy Innocents
+Day. After the death of Mary this silly mummery was totally
+discontinued."</p>
+
+<p>The Christmas entertainments of Philip and Mary at Richmond
+are thus described by Folkstone Williams:<a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a> "The Queen
+strove to entertain her Royal husband with masques, notwithstanding
+that he had seen many fair and rich beyond the seas;
+and Nicholas Udall, the stern schoolmaster, was ordered to
+furnish the drama. An idea of these performances may be
+gathered from the properties of a masque of patrons of gallies
+like Venetian senators with galley-slaves for their torch-bearers,
+represented at Court in Christmas of the first and second years
+of Philip and Mary, with a Masque of six Venuses, or amorous
+ladies, with six Cupids, and as many torch-bearers. Among
+them were lions' heads, sixteen other headpieces, made in
+quaint fashion for the Turkish magistrates, as well as eight
+falchions for them, the sheaths covered with green velvet, and
+bullioned with copper. There were eight headpieces for
+women-masks, goddesses and huntresses. A masque of eight
+mariners, of cloth of gold and silver, and six pairs of chains for
+the galley slaves. Another mask of goddesses and huntresses,
+with Turks, was performed on the following Shrovetide; and
+one of six Hercules, or men of war, coming from the sea with
+six Mariners to their torch-bearers, was played a little later.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">120</a></span>Besides which, we find mention of a masque of covetous men
+with long noses&mdash;a masque of men like Argus&mdash;a masque of
+women Moors&mdash;a masque of Amazons&mdash;one of black and tawney
+tinsel, with baboons' faces&mdash;one of Polanders, and one of women
+with Diana hunting."</p>
+
+<p>Nichols ("Progresses," vol. i. p. 18) says that in 1557 the Princess
+Elizabeth was present at a Royal Christmas kept with great
+solemnity by Queen Mary and King Philip at Hampton Court.
+"On Christmas Eve, the great hall of the palace was illuminated
+with a thousand lamps curiously disposed. The Princess supped
+at the same table in the hall with the King and Queen, next the
+cloth of state; and after supper, was served with a perfumed
+napkin and plates of confects by the Lord Paget. But she
+retired to her ladies before the revels, maskings, and disguisings
+began. On St. Stephen's day she heard mattins in the Queen's
+closet adjoining to the chapel, where she was attired in a robe
+of white sattin, strung all over with large pearls. On the 29th
+day of December she sate with their majesties and the nobility
+at a grand spectacle of justing, when two hundred spears were
+broken. Half of the combatants were accoutred in the Almaine
+and half in the Spanish fashion. Thus our chronicler, who is
+fond of minute description. But these and other particularities,
+insignificant as they seem, which he has recorded so carefully,
+are a vindication of Queen Mary's character in the treatment of
+her sister; they prove that the Princess, during her residence at
+Hatfield, lived in splendour and affluence; that she was often
+admitted to the diversions of the Court; and that her present
+situation was by no means a state of oppression and imprisonment,
+as it has been represented by most of our
+historians."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_120.jpg" width="300" height="296" alt="SAINTS AND ANGELS."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">121</a></span></p>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Romish Priestly Practices</span></div>
+
+<p>on "Christmass-daye," at this period, are referred to in the
+following translation from Naogeorgus, by Barnaby Googe:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Then comes the day wherein the Lorde did bring his birth to passe;</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Whereas at midnight up they rise, and every man to Masse,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">This time so holy counted is, that divers earnestly</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Do think the waters all to wine are chaunged sodainly;</span>
+<span class="i0_5">In that same houre that Christ Himselfe was borne, and came to light,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">And unto water streight againe transformde and altred quight.</span>
+<span class="i0_5">There are beside that mindfully the money still do watch,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">That first to aultar commes, which then they privily do snatch.</span>
+<span class="i0_5">The priestes, least other should it have, take oft the same away,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Whereby they thinke throughout the yeare to have good lucke in play,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">And not to lose: then straight at game till day-light do they strive,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">To make some present proofe how well their hallowde pence wil thrive.</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Three Masses every priest doth singe upon that solemn day,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">With offrings unto every one, that so the more may play.</span>
+<span class="i0_5">This done, a woodden childe in clowtes is on the aultar set,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">About the which both boyes and gyrles do daunce and trymly jet;</span>
+<span class="i0_5">And Carrols sing in prayse of Christ, and, for to helpe them heare,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">The organs aunswere every verse with sweete and solemne cheare.</span>
+<span class="i0_5">The priestes do rore aloude; and round about the parentes stande</span>
+<span class="i0_5">To see the sport, and with their voyce do helpe them and their hande."</span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Mummers</span></div>
+
+<p>played a prominent part in the festivities of this period, and
+the following illustration shows how they went a-mumming.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_121.jpg" width="600" height="523" alt="RIDING A-MUMMING AT CHRISTMASTIDE."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+riding a-mumming at christmastide.</span></span></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">122</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Queen Mary died on November 17, 1558, and her half-sister,</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Elizabeth, came to the Throne</span></div>
+
+<p>in perilous times, for plots of assassination were rife, and
+England was engaged on the side of Spain in war with France.
+But the alliance with Spain soon came to an end, for Queen
+Elizabeth saw that the defence of Protestantism at home and
+peace with France abroad were necessary for her own security
+and the good of her subjects. She began her reign by regarding
+the welfare of her people, and she soon won and never lost
+their affection.</p>
+
+<p>With the accession of Queen Elizabeth there was a revival of
+the courtly pomp and pageantry which were marked characteristics
+of her father's reign. Just before the Christmas festival
+(1558) the new queen made a state entry into the metropolis,
+attended by a magnificent throng of nobles, ladies, and gentlemen,
+and a vast concourse of people from all the country round.
+At Highgate she was met by the bishops, who kneeled by the
+wayside and offered their allegiance. She received them
+graciously and gave them all her hand to kiss, except Bonner,
+whom she treated with marked coldness, on account of his
+atrocious cruelties: an intimation of her own intentions on the
+score of religion which gave satisfaction to the people. In the
+pageantry which was got up to grace her entry into London, a
+figure representing "Truth" dropped from one of the triumphal
+arches, and laid before the young Queen a copy of the Scriptures.
+Holinshed says she revived the book with becoming reverence,
+and, pressing it to her bosom, declared that of all the gifts and
+honours conferred upon her by the loyalty of the people this
+was the most acceptable. Yet Green,<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> in describing Elizabeth's
+reign, says: "Nothing is more revolting in the Queen, but
+nothing is more characteristic, than her shameless mendacity.
+It was an age of political lying, but in the profusion and
+recklessness of her lies Elizabeth stood without a peer in
+Christendom."</p>
+
+<p>Sir William Fitzwilliam, writing to Mr. More, of Loseley,
+Surrey, a few weeks after the accession of Elizabeth, as an
+important piece of Court news, says: "You shall understand
+that yesterday, being Christmas Day, the Queen's Majesty
+repaired to her great closet with her nobles and ladies, as
+hath been accustomed in such high feasts; and she, perceiving
+a bishop preparing himself to mass, all in the old form, tarried
+there until the gospel was done, and when all the people looked
+for her to have offered according to the old fashion, she with
+her nobles returned again from the closet and the mass, on to
+her privy chamber, which was strange unto divers. Blessed be
+God in all His gifts."</p>
+
+<p>During the Christmas festival (1558) preparations went on for
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">123</a></span>the coronation of Elizabeth, which was to take place on the 15th
+of January. On the 12th of that month she proceeded to the
+Tower by water, attended by the lord mayor and citizens, and
+greeted with peals of ordnance, with music and gorgeous
+pageantry&mdash;a marked contrast to her previous entrance there
+as a suspected traitor in imminent peril of her life. Two days
+later the Queen rode in state from the Tower to Westminster,
+"most honourably accompanied, as well with gentlemen, barons,
+and other the nobility of this realm, as also with a notable train
+of godly and beautiful ladies, richly appointed," and all riding
+on horseback. The streets through which the procession passed
+were adorned with stately pageants, costly decorations, and
+various artistic devices, and were crowded with enthusiastic
+spectators, eager to welcome their new sovereign, and to
+applaud "the signs they noticed in her of a most prince-like
+courage, and great readiness of wit." On the following day
+(Sunday, the 15th of January) Elizabeth was crowned in Westminster
+Abbey, by Dr. Oglethorpe, Bishop of Carlisle, "Queen
+of England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith." The
+ceremonials of the coronation were regulated according to
+ancient custom, and the entertainment in Westminster Hall
+was on a scale of great magnificence.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig45.jpg" width="600" height="526" alt="A DUMB SHOW IN THE TIME OF ELIZABETH."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+a dumb show in the time of elizabeth.</span><br />
+<small>(From Messrs. Cassels &amp; Co.'s <i>"English Plays,"</i> by permission.)</small></span></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">124</a></span>
+Elizabeth was particularly fond of dramatic displays, and her
+first Royal Christmas was celebrated with plays and pageants of
+a most costly description. Complaints, however, being made
+of the expense of these entertainments, she determined to control
+them, and directed an estimate to be made in the second
+year of her reign for the masques and pastimes to be shown
+before her at Christmas and Shrovetide. Sir Thomas Cawarden
+was then, as he had for some time previous been, Master of
+the Revels. According to Collier, the estimate amounted to
+&pound;227 11s. 2d., being nearly &pound;200 less than the expenses in the
+former year. The control over the expenses, however, must
+soon have ceased, for in subsequent years the sums were greatly
+enlarged.</p>
+
+<p>Nichols<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a> mentions that on Twelfth Day, 1559, in the afternoon,
+the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, and all the crafts of London,
+and the Bachelors of the Mayor's Company, went in procession
+to St. Paul's, after the old custom, and there did hear a sermon.
+The same day a stage was set up in the hall for a play; and
+after the play was over, there was a fine mask; and, afterwards,
+a great banquet which lasted till midnight.</p>
+
+<p>In this reign a more decorous and even refined style of entertainment
+had usurped the place of the boisterous feastings of
+former times, but there was no diminution in that ancient spirit
+of hospitality, the exercise of which had become a part of the
+national faith. This is evident from the poems of Thomas
+Tusser (born 1515&mdash;died 1580) and other writers, who show that
+the English noblemen and yeomen of that time made hospitality
+a prominent feature in the festivities of the Christmas season.
+In his "Christmas Husbandry Fare," Tusser says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Good husband and housewife, now chiefly be glad</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Things handsome to have, as they ought to be had,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">They both do provide against Christmas do come,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">To welcome their neighbour, good cheer to have some;</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Good bread and good drink, a good fire in the hall,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Brawn pudding and souse, and good mustard withal.</span>
+<br />
+<span class="i0_5">Beef, mutton, and pork, shred pies of the best,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Pig, veal, goose, and capon, and turkey well dressed;</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Cheese, apples, and nuts, jolly carols to hear,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">As then in the country is counted good cheer.</span>
+<br />
+<span class="i0_5">What cost to good husband is any of this?</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Good household provision only it is;</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Of other the like I do leave out a many,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">That costeth the husbandman never a penny."</span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 100px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_124.jpg" width="100" height="78" alt="ORNAMENT."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">125</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Grand Christmas of the Inner Temple, 1561-2.</span></div>
+
+<p>Professor Henry Morley<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a> says the first English tragedy,
+"Gorboduc," was written for the Christmas festivities of the
+Inner Temple in the year 1561 by two young members of
+that Inn&mdash;Thomas Norton, then twenty-nine years old, and
+Thomas Sackville, then aged twenty-five. And the play was
+performed at this "Grand Christmass" kept by the members
+of the Inner Temple. Before a "Grand Christmas" was kept
+the matter was discussed in a parliament of the Inn, held on the
+eve of St. Thomas's Day, December 21st. If it was resolved
+upon, the two youngest of those who served as butlers for the
+festival lighted two torches, with which they preceded the
+benchers to the upper end of the hall. The senior bencher
+there made a speech; officers were appointed for the occasion,
+"and then, in token of joy and good liking, the Bench and
+company pass beneath the hearth and sing a carol."<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a> The
+revellings began on Christmas Eve, when three Masters of the
+Revels sat at the head of one of the tables. All took their
+places to the sound of music played before the hearth. Then
+the musicians withdrew to the buttery, and were themselves
+feasted. They returned when dinner was ended to sing a song
+at the highest table. Then all tables were cleared, and revels
+and dancing were begun, to be continued until supper and after
+supper. The senior Master of the Revels, after dinner and
+after supper, sang a carol or song, and commanded other gentlemen
+there present to join him. This form of high festivity
+was maintained during the twelve days of Christmas, closing
+on Twelfth Night. On Christmas Day (which in 1561 was a
+Thursday), at the first course of the dinner, the boar's head
+was brought in upon a platter, followed by minstrelsy. On
+St. Stephen's Day, December the 26th, the Constable Marshal
+entered the hall in gilt armour, with a nest of feathers of all
+colours on his helm, and a gilt pole-axe in his hand; with him
+sixteen trumpeters, four drums and fifes, and four men armed
+from the middle upward. Those all marched three times about
+the hearth, and the Constable Marshal, then kneeling to the
+Lord Chancellor, made a speech, desiring the honour of admission
+into his service, delivered his naked sword, and was
+solemnly seated. That was the usual ceremonial when a Grand
+Christmas was kept. At this particular Christmas, 1561, in the
+fourth year of Elizabeth, it was Lord Robert Dudley, afterwards
+Earl of Leicester, who was Constable Marshal, and with
+chivalrous gallantry, taking in fantastic style the name of
+Palaphilos, Knight of the Honourable Order of Pegasus,
+Pegasus being the armorial device of the Inner Temple, he
+contributed to the splendour of this part of the entertainment.
+After the seating of the Constable Marshal, on the same St.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">126</a></span>Stephen's Day, December the 26th, the Master of the Game
+entered in green velvet, and the Ranger of the Forest in green
+satin; these also went three times about the fire, blowing their
+hunting-horns. When they also had been ceremoniously seated,
+there entered a huntsman with a fox and a cat bound at the end
+of a staff. He was followed by nine or ten couple of hounds,
+who hunted the fox and the cat to the glowing horns, and killed
+them beneath the fire. After dinner, the Constable Marshal
+called a burlesque Court, and began the Revels, with the help
+of the Lord of Misrule. At seven o'clock in the morning of St.
+John's Day, December the 27th (which was a Saturday in 1561)
+the Lord of Misrule was afoot with power to summon men to
+breakfast with him when service had closed in the church.
+After breakfast, the authority of this Christmas official was in
+abeyance till the after-dinner Revels. So the ceremonies went
+on till the Banqueting Night, which followed New Year's Day.
+That was the night of hospitality. Invitations were sent out to
+every House of Court, that they and the Inns of Chancery might
+see a play and masque. The hall was furnished with scaffolds
+for the ladies who were then invited to behold the sports.
+After the play, there was a banquet for the ladies in the
+library; and in the hall there was also a banquet for the
+Lord Chancellor and invited ancients of other Houses. On
+Twelfth Day, the last of the Revels, there were brawn, mustard,
+and malmsey for breakfast after morning prayer, and the dinner
+as on St. John's Day.</p>
+
+<p>The following particulars of this "Grand Christmas" at the
+Inner Temple are from Nichols's "Progresses of Queen Elizabeth":&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<p>"In the fourth year of Queen Elizabeth's reign there was kept
+a magnificent Christmas here; at which the Lord Robert Dudley
+(afterwards Earl of Leicester) was the chief person (his title
+Palaphilos), being Constable and Marshall; whose officers were
+as followeth:</p>
+
+<table width="90%" summary="magnificent Christmas">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">Mr. Onslow, Lord Chancellour.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">Anthony Stapleton, Lord Treasurer.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">Robert Kelway, Lord Privy Seal.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">John Fuller, Chief Justice of the King's Bench.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">William Pole, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">Roger Manwood, Chief Baron of the Exchequer.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">Mr. Bashe, Steward of the Household.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">Mr. Copley, Marshall of the Household.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">Mr. Paten, Chief Butler.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">Christopher Hatton, Master of the Game. (He was afterwards Lord Chancellor of England.)</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20">Mr. Blaston</td>
+<td class="cell_05" rowspan="4"><img src="images/para3.jpg"
+height="100%" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="cell_75" rowspan="4">Masters of the Revells.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20">Mr. Yorke</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20">Mr. Penston</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20">Mr. Jervise</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">127</a></span>Mr. Parker, Lieutenant of the Tower.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">Mr. Kendall, Carver.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">Mr. Martin, Ranger of the Forests.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3">Mr. Stradling, Sewer.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>"And there were fourscore of the Guard; beside divers others
+not here named.</p>
+
+<p>"Touching the particulars of this Grand Feast, Gerard Leigh,
+in his 'Accidence of Armory,' p. 119, &amp;c., having spoken of
+the Pegasus borne for the armes of this Society, thus goes on:
+'After I had travelled through the East parts of the unknown
+world, to understand of deedes of armes, and so arriving in the
+fair river of Thames, I landed within half a league from the City
+of London, which was (as I conjecture) in December last; and
+drawing neer the City, suddenly heard the shot of double canons,
+in so great a number, and so terrible, that it darkened the whole
+ayr; wherewith, although I was in my native country, yet stood
+I amazed, not knowing what it meant. Thus, as I abode in
+despair, either to return or to continue my former purpose, I
+chanced to see coming towards me an honest citizen, clothed in
+a long garment, keeping the highway, seeming to walk for his
+recreation, which prognosticated rather peace than perill; of
+whom I demanded the cause of this great shot; who friendly
+answered, "It is," quoth he, "a warning shot to the Constable
+Marshall of the Inner Temple, to prepare to dinner."</p>
+
+<p>"'"Why," said I, "what, is he of that estate that seeketh no
+other means to warn his officers than with so terrible shot in so
+peaceable a country?" "Marry," saith he, "he uttereth himself
+the better to be that officer whose name he beareth."</p>
+
+<p>"'I then demanded, "What province did he govern, that needed
+such an officer?" He answered me, "The province was not
+great in quantity, but antient in true nobility. A place," said
+he, "privileged by the most excellent Princess the High
+Governor of the whole Island, wherein are store of Gentlemen
+of the whole Realm, that repair thither to learn to rule and
+obey by Law, to yield their fleece to their Prince and Commonweal;
+as also to use all other exercises of body and mind
+whereunto nature most aptly serveth to adorn, by speaking,
+countenance, gesture, and use of apparel the person of a
+Gentleman; whereby amity is obtained, and continued, that
+Gentlemen of all countries, in their young years, nourished
+together in one place, with such comely order, and daily conference,
+are knit by continual acquaintance in such unity of
+minds and manners as lightly never after is severed, than which
+is nothing more profitable to the Commonweale."</p>
+
+<p>"'And after he had told me thus much of honour of the place,
+I commended in mine own conceit the policy of the Governour,
+which seemed to utter in itself the foundation of a good
+Commonweal; for that, the best of their people from tender
+years trained up in precepts of justice, it could not choose but
+yield forth a profitable People to a wise Commonweal; where<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">128</a></span>fore
+I determined with myself to make proof of what I heard
+by report.</p>
+
+<p>"'The next day I thought of my pastime to walk to this
+Temple, and entring in at the gates, I found the building
+nothing costly; but many comely Gentlemen of face and
+person, and thereto very courteous, saw I to pass to and fro,
+so as it seemed a Prince's port to be at hand; and passing
+forward, entred into a Church of antient building, wherein
+were many monuments of noble personages armed in knightly
+habit, with their cotes depainted in ancient shields, whereat I
+took pleasure to behold. Thus gazing as one bereft with the
+rare sight, there came unto me an Hereaught, by name Palaphilos,
+a King of Armes, who courteously saluted me, saying,
+"For that I was a stranger, and seeming by my demeanour a
+lover of honour, I was his guest of right," whose courtesy (as
+reason was) I obeyed; answering, "I was at his commandment."</p>
+
+<p>"'"Then," said he, "ye shall go to mine own lodging here
+within the Palace, where we will have such cheer as the
+time and country will yield us;" where, I assure you I was so
+entertained, and no where I met with better cheer or company,
+&amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>"'&mdash;Thus talking, we entred the Prince his Hall, where anon
+we heard the noise of drum and fyfe. "What meaneth this
+drum?" said I. Quoth he, "This is to warn Gentlemen of the
+Houshold to repair to the dresser; wherefore come on with
+me, and ye shall stand where ye may best see the Hall served:"
+and so from thence brought me into a long gallery, that
+stretched itself along the Hall neer the Prince's table, where I
+saw the Prince set: a man of tall personage, a manly countenance,
+somewhat brown of visage, strongly featured, and
+thereto comely proportioned in all lineaments of body. At the
+nether end of the same table were placed the Embassadors of
+sundry Princes. Before him stood the carver, sewer, and cupbearer,
+with great number of gentlemen-wayters attending his
+person; the ushers making place to strangers, of sundry regions
+that came to behold the honour of this mighty Captain. After
+the placing of these honourable guests, the Lord Steward,
+Treasurer, and Keeper of Pallas Seal, with divers honourable
+personages of that Nobility, were placed at a side-table neer
+adjoining the Prince on the right hand: and at another table,
+on the left side, were placed the Treasurer of the Houshold,
+Secretary, the Prince his Serjeant at the Law, four Masters of
+the Revels, the King of Arms, the Dean of the Chappel, and
+divers Gentlemen Pensioners to furnish the same.</p>
+
+<p>"'At another table, on the other side, were set the Master of
+the Game, and his Chief Ranger, Masters of Houshold, Clerks
+of the Green Cloth and Check, with divers other strangers to
+furnish the same.</p>
+
+<p>"'On the other side against them began the table, the
+Lieutenant of the Tower, accompanied with divers Captains of
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">129</a></span>foot-bands and shot. At the nether end of the Hall began the
+table, the High Butler, the Panter, Clerks of the Kitchen,
+Master Cook of the Privy Kitchen, furnished throughout with
+the souldiers and Guard of the Prince: all which, with number
+of inferior officers placed and served in the Hall, besides the
+great resort of strangers, I spare to write.</p>
+
+<p>"'The Prince so served with tender meats, sweet fruits, and
+dainty delicates confectioned with curious cookery, as it seemed
+wonder a world to observe the provision: and at every course
+the trumpetters blew the couragious blast of deadly war, with
+noise of drum and fyfe, with the sweet harmony of violins, sack-butts,
+recorders, and cornetts, with other instruments of musick,
+as it seemed Apollo's harp had tuned their stroke.</p>
+
+<p>"'Thus the Hall was served after the most ancient order of
+the Island; in commendation whereof I say, I have also seen
+the service of great Princes, in solemn seasons and times of
+triumph, yet the order hereof was not inferior to any.</p>
+
+<p>"'But to proceed, this Herehaught Palaphilos, even before the
+second course came in, standing at the high table, said in this
+manner: "The mighty Palaphilos, Prince of Sophie, High
+Constable Marshall of the Knights Templars, Patron of the
+Honourable Order of Pegasus:" and therewith cryeth, "A
+Largess." The Prince, praysing the Herehaught, bountifully
+rewarded him with a chain to the value of an hundred talents.</p>
+
+<p>"'I assure you I languish for want of cunning ripely to utter
+that I saw so orderly handled appertaining to service; wherefore
+I cease, and return to my purpose.</p>
+
+<p>"'The supper ended, and tables taken up, the High Constable
+rose, and a while stood under the place of honour, where his
+achievement was beautifully embroidered, and devised of
+sundry matters, with the Ambassadors of foreign nations, as he
+thought good, till Palaphilos, King of Armes, came in, his
+Herehaught Marshal, and Pursuivant before him; and after
+followed his messenger and Calligate Knight; who putting off
+his coronal, made his humble obeysance to the Prince, by whom
+he was commanded to draw neer, and understand his pleasure;
+saying to him; in few words, to this effect: "Palaphilos,
+seeing it hath pleased the high Pallas, to think me to demerit
+the office of this place; and thereto this night past vouchsafed
+to descend from heavens to increase my further honour, by
+creating me Knight of her Order of Pegasus; as also commanded
+me to join in the same Society such valiant Gentlemen
+throughout her province, whose living honour hath best
+deserved the same, the choice whereof most aptly belongeth
+to your skill, being the watchman of their doings, and register
+of their deserts; I will ye choose as well throughout our whole
+armyes, as elsewhere, of such special gentlemen, as the gods
+hath appointed, the number of twenty-four, and the names of
+them present us: commanding also those chosen persons to
+appear in our presence in knightly habit, that with conveniency
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">130</a></span>we may proceed in our purpose." This done, Palaphilos obeying
+his Prince's commandement, with twenty-four valiant
+Knights, all apparelled in long white vestures, with each man a
+scarf of Pallas colours, and them presented, with their names,
+to the Prince; who allowed well his choise, and commanded
+him to do his office. Who, after his duty to the Prince, bowed
+towards these worthy personages, standing every man in his
+antienty, as he had borne armes in the field, and began to shew
+his Prince's pleasure; with the honour of the Order.'"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Other Particulars touching these Grand Christmasses, extracted
+out of the Accompts of the House</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"First, it hath been the duty of the Steward, to provide five
+fat brawns, vessels, wood, and other necessaries belonging to the
+kitchen: as also all manner of spices, flesh, fowl, and other
+cates for the kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>"The office of the Chief Butler, to provide a rich cupboard
+of plate, silver and parcel gilt: seaven dozen of silver and gilt
+spoons: twelve fair salt-cellers, likewise silver and gilt: twenty
+candlesticks of the like.</p>
+
+<p>"Twelve fine large table cloths, of damask and diaper.
+Twenty dozen of napkins suitable at the least. Three dozen
+of fair large towels; whereof the Gentleman Sewers, and
+Butlers of the House, to have every of them one at mealtimes,
+during their attendance. Likewise to provide carving knives;
+twenty dozen of white cups and green potts: a carving table;
+torches; bread, beer, and ale. And the chief of the Butlers
+was to give attendance on the highest table in the Hall, with
+wine, ale and beer: and all the other Butlers to attend at the
+other tables in like sort.</p>
+
+<p>"The cupboard of plate is to remain in the Hall on Christmas
+Day, St. Stephen's Day and New Year's Day, from breakfast
+time ended untill after supper. Upon the banquetting night it
+was removed into the buttry; which in all respects was very
+laudably performed.</p>
+
+<p>"The office of the Constable Marshall to provide for his
+employment, a fair gilt compleat harneys, with a nest of
+fethers in the helm; a fair pole-axe to bear in his hand,
+to be chevalrously ordered on Christmas Day and other days,
+as afterwards is shewed; touching the ordering and settling
+of all which ceremonies, during the said Grand Christmas, a
+solemn consultation was held at their Parliament in this house;
+in the form following:</p>
+
+<p>"First, at the Parliament kept in their Parliament Chamber
+in this House, on the even at night of St. Thomas the Apostle,
+officers are to attend, according as they had been long before
+that time, at a former Parliament named and elected to undergo
+several offices for this time of solemnity, honour, and pleasance;
+of which officers these are the most eminent; namely, the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">131</a></span>Steward, Marshall, Constable Marshall, Butler and Master of
+the Game. These officers are made known and elected in
+Trinity Term next before; and to have knowledg thereof
+by letters, in the country, to the end they may prepare themselves
+against All-Hallow-tide; that, if such nominated officers
+happen to fail, others may then be chosen in their rooms. The
+other officers are appointed at other times nearer Christmas Day.</p>
+
+<p>"If the Steward, or any of the said officers named in Trinity
+Term, refuse or fail, he or they were fined every one, at the discretion
+of the Bench; and the officers aforenamed agreed upon.
+And at such a Parliament, if it be fully resolved to proceed with
+such a Grand Christmas, then the two youngest Butlers must
+light two torches, and go before the Bench to the upper end of
+the Hall; who being set down, the antientest Bencher delivereth
+a speech briefly, to the whole society of Gentlemen then present,
+touching their consent as afore: which ended, the eldest Butler
+is to publish all the officers' names, appointed in Parliament;
+and then in token of joy and good-liking, the Bench and Company
+pass beneath the harth, and sing a carol, and so to boyer.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Christmas Eve.</i>&mdash;The Marshall at dinner is to place at the
+highest table's end, and next to the Library, all on one side
+thereof, the most antient persons in the company present: the
+Dean of the Chappel next to him; then an antient or Bencher,
+beneath him. At the other end of the table, the Sewer, Cup-bearer,
+and Carver. At the upper end of the bench-table, the
+King's Serjeant and Chief Butler; and when the Steward hath
+served in, and set on the table the first mess, then he is also to
+sit down.</p>
+
+<p>"Also at the supper end of the other table, on the other side
+of the Hall, are to be placed the three Masters of the Revels;
+and at the lower end of the bench-table are to sit, the King's
+Attorney, the Ranger of the Forest, and the Master of the
+Game. And at the lower end of the table, on the other side
+of the Hall, the fourth Master of the Revels, the Common
+Serjeant, and Constable-Marshall. And at the upper end of
+the Utter Barrister's table, the Marshal sitteth, when he hath
+served in the first mess; the Clark of the Kitchen also, and the
+Clark of the Sowce-tub, when they have done their offices in
+the kitchen, sit down. And at the upper end of the Clark's
+table, the Lieutenant of the Tower, and the attendant to the
+Buttery are placed.</p>
+
+<p>"At these two tables last rehersed, the persons they may sit
+upon both sides of the table; but of the other three tables all
+are to sit upon one side. And then the Butlers or Christmas
+Servants, are first to cover the tables with fair linnen table-cloths;
+and furnish them with salt-cellers, napkins, and
+trenchers, and a silver spoon. And then the Butlers of the
+House must place at the salt-celler, at every the said first three
+highest tables, a stock of trenchers and bread; and at the other
+tables, bread onely without trenchers.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">132</a></span>
+"At the first course the minstrels must sound their instruments,
+and go before; and the Steward and Marshall are next
+to follow together; and after them the Gentleman Sewer;
+and then cometh the meat. Those three officers are to make
+altogether three solemn curtesies, at three several times, between
+the skreen and the upper table; beginning with the first at the
+end of the Bencher's table; the second at the midst; and the
+third at the other end; and then standing by the Sewer
+performeth his office.</p>
+
+<p>"When the first table is set and served, the Steward's table
+is next to be served. After him the Master's table of the
+Revells; then that of the Master of the Game. The High
+Constable-Marshall; then the Lieutenant of the Tower; then
+the Utter Barrister's table; and lastly the Clerk's table; all
+which time the musick must stand right above the harth side,
+with the noise of their musick; their faces direct towards the
+highest table; and that done, to return into the buttry, with
+their music sounding.</p>
+
+<p>"At the second course every table is to be served as at the
+first course, in every respect; which performed the Servitors
+and Musicians are to resort to the place assigned for them to
+dine at; which is the Valects or Yeoman's table, beneath the
+skreen. Dinner ended the musicians prepare to sing a song,
+at the highest table: which ceremony accomplished, then the
+officers are to address themselves every one in his office, to
+avoid the tables in fair and decent manner, they beginning
+at the Clerk's table; thence proceed to the next; and thence
+to all the others till the highest table be solemnly avoided.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, after a little repose, the persons at the highest table
+arise and prepare to revells: in which time, the Butlers, and
+other Servitors with them, are to dine in the Library.</p>
+
+<p>"At both the doors in the hall are porters, to view the comers
+in and out at meal times; to each of them is allowed a cast of
+bread, and a caudle nightly after supper.</p>
+
+<p>"At night before supper are revels and dancing, and so
+also after supper during the twelve daies of Christmas. The
+antientest Master of the Revels is, after dinner and supper, to
+sing a caroll or song; and command other gentlemen then
+there present to sing with him and the company; and so it
+is very decently performed.</p>
+
+<p>"A repast at dinner is 8d.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Christmas Day.</i>&mdash;Service in the Church ended, the Gentlemen
+presently repair into the hall to breakfast, with brawn,
+mustard and malmsey.</p>
+
+<p>"At dinner, the Butler appointed for the Grand Christmas,
+is to see the tables covered and furnished: and the Ordinary
+Butlers of the House are decently to set bread, napkins, and
+trenchers in good form, at every table; with spoones and knives.</p>
+
+<p>"At the first course is served in a fair and large bore's-head,
+upon a silver platter, with minstralsye. Two Gentlemen in
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">133</a></span>gowns are to attend at supper, and to bear two fair torches
+of wax, next before the Musicians and Trumpetters, and to
+stand above the fire with the musick till the first course be
+served in through the Hall. Which performed, they, with
+the musick, are to return into the buttery. The like course
+is to be observed in all things, during the time of Christmas.
+The like at supper.</p>
+
+<p>"At service time, this evening, the two youngest Butlers are
+to bear two torches <i>Genealogia</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"A repast at dinner is 12d. which strangers of worth are
+admitted to take in the Hall; and such are to be placed at the
+discretion of the Marshall.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>St. Stephen's Day.</i>&mdash;The Butler, appointed for Christmas,
+is to see the tables covered, and furnished with salt-sellers,
+napkins, bread, trenchers, and spoons. Young Gentlemen
+of the House are to attend and serve till the latter dinner,
+and then dine themselves.</p>
+
+<p>"This day the Sewer, Carver, and Cup-bearer are to serve
+as afore. After the first course served in, the Constable-Marshall
+cometh into the Hall, arrayed with a fair rich
+compleat harneys, white and bright, and gilt, with a nest of
+fethers of all colours upon his crest or helm, and a gilt pole-axe
+in his hand: to whom is associate the Lieutenant of the Tower,
+armed with a fair white armour, a nest of fethers in his helm,
+and a like pole-axe in his hand; and with them sixteen Trumpetters;
+four drums and fifes going in rank before them; and
+with them attendeth four men in white harneys, from the
+middle upwards, and halberds in their hands, bearing on
+their shoulders the Tower: which persons, with the drums,
+trumpets and musick, go three times about the fire. Then the
+Constable-Marshall, after two or three curtesies made, kneeleth
+down before the Lord Chancellor; behind him the Lieutenant;
+and they kneeling, the Constable-Marshall pronounceth an
+oration of a quarter of an hour's length, therby declaring
+the purpose of his coming; and that his purpose is to be
+admitted into his Lordship's service.</p>
+
+<p>"The Lord Chancellor saith, 'He will take further advice
+therein.'</p>
+
+<p>"Then the Constable-Marshall, standing up, in submissive
+manner delivereth his naked sword to the Steward; who giveth
+it to the Lord Chancellor: and thereupon the Lord Chancellor
+willeth the Marshall to place the Constable-Marshall in his seat:
+and so he doth, with the Lieutenant also in his seat or place.
+During this ceremony the Tower is placed beneath the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Then cometh the Master of the Game, apparelled in green
+velvet, and the Ranger of the Forest also, in a green suit of satten;
+bearing in his hand a green bow and divers arrows, with either
+of them a hunting horn about their necks; blowing together
+three blasts of venery, they pace round about the fire three
+times. Then the Master of the Game maketh three curtesies;
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">134</a></span>as aforesaid; and kneeleth down before the Lord Chancellor,
+declaring the cause of his coming; and desireth to be admitted
+into his service, &amp;c. All this time the Ranger of the Forest
+standeth directly behind him. Then the Master of the Game
+standeth up.</p>
+
+<p>"This ceremony also performed, a Huntsman cometh into the
+Hall, with a fox and a purse-net; with a cat, both bound at the
+end of a staff; and with them nine or ten couple of hounds,
+with the blowing of hunting hornes. And the fox and cat are
+by the hounds set upon, and killed beneath the fire. This sport
+finished the Marshall placeth them in their several appointed
+places.</p>
+
+<p>"Then proceedeth the second course; which done, and
+served out, the Common Serjeant delivereth a plausible
+speech to the Lord Chancellour, and his company at the
+highest table, how necessary a thing it is to have officers at
+this present; the Constable-Marshall and Master of the Game,
+for the better honour and reputation of the Commonwealth;
+and wisheth them to be received, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>"Then the King's Serjeant at Law declareth and inferreth
+the necessity; which heard the Lord Chancellor desireth
+respite of farther advice. Then the antientest of the Masters
+of the Revels singeth a song with the assistance of others there
+present.</p>
+
+<p>"At Supper the Hall is to be served in all solemnity, as upon
+Christmas Day, both the first and second course to the highest
+table. Supper ended the Constable-Marshall presenteth himself
+with drums afore him, mounted upon a scaffold, born by
+four men; and goeth three times round about the harthe, crying
+out aloud, 'A Lord, a lord,' &amp;c. Then he descendeth and goeth
+to dance, &amp;c. And after he calleth his Court every one by
+name, one by one, in this manner:</p>
+
+<p>"Sir <i>Francis Flatterer</i> of <i>Fowlehurst</i>, in the county of
+<i>Buckingham</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir <i>Randle Rakabite</i>, of <i>Rascall-Hall</i>, in the county of <i>Rakehell</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir <i>Morgan Mumchance</i>, of <i>Much Monkery</i>, in the county of
+<i>Mad Mopery</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir <i>Bartholomew Baldbreech</i>, of <i>Buttocks-bury</i>, in the county
+of <i>Brekeneck</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"This done the Lord of Misrule addresseth himself to the
+banquet; which ended with some minstralsye, mirth and
+dancing every man departeth to rest.</p>
+
+<p>"At every mess is a pot of wine allowed.</p>
+
+<p>"Every repast is 6d.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>St. John's Day.</i>&mdash;About seaven of the clock in the morning,
+the Lord of Misrule is abroad, and if he lack any officer or
+attendant, he repaireth to their chambers, and compelleth them
+to attend in person upon him after service in the church, to
+breakfast, with brawn, mustard, and malmsey. After breakfast<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">135</a></span>
+ended, his Lordship's power is in suspense, until his personal
+presence at night; and then his power is most potent.</p>
+
+<p>"At dinner and supper is observed the diet and service performed
+on St. Stephen's Day. After the second course served
+in, the King's Serjeant, orator-like, declareth the disorder of the
+Constable-Marshall, and of the Common-Serjeant: which complaint
+is answered by the Common-Serjeant; who defendeth
+himself and the Constable-Marshall with words of great efficacy.
+Hereto the King's Serjeant replyeth. They rejoyn, &amp;c., and
+who so is found faulty is committed to the Tower, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>"If any officer be absent at dinner or supper times; if it be
+complained of, he that sitteth in his place is adjudged to have
+like punishment as the officer should have had being present:
+and then withal he is enjoyned to supply the office of the true
+absent officer, in all pointe. If any offendor escape from the
+Lieutenant into the Buttery, and bring into the Hall a manchet
+upon the point of a knife, he is pardoned: for the buttry in
+that case is a sanctuary. After cheese served to the table not
+any is commanded to sing.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Childermas Day.</i>&mdash;In the morning, as afore on Monday, the
+Hall is served; saving that the Sewer, Carver, and Cup-bearer,
+do not attend any service. Also like ceremony at supper.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Thursday.</i>&mdash;At breakfast, brawn, mustard, and malmsey. At
+dinner, roast beef, venison-pasties, with like solemnities as afore.
+And at supper, mutton and hens roasted.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>New Year's Day.</i>&mdash;In the morning, breakfast as formerly.
+At dinner like solemnity as on Christmas Eve.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>The Banquetting Night.</i>&mdash;It is proper to the Butler's office,
+to give warning to every House of Court, of this banquet; to
+the end that they and the Innes of Chancery, be invited thereto
+to see a play and mask. The hall is to be furnished with
+scaffolds to sit on, for Ladies to behold the sports, on each
+side. Which ended the ladyes are to be brought into the
+Library, unto the Banquet there; and a table is to be covered
+and furnished with all banquetting dishes, for the Lord Chancellor,
+in the Hall; where he is to call to him the Ancients of
+other Houses, as many as may be on the one side of the table.
+The Banquet is to be served in by the Gentlemen of the House.</p>
+
+<p>"The Marshall and Steward are to come before the Lord
+Chancellour's mess. The Butlers for Christmas must serve wine;
+and the Butlers of the House beer and ale, &amp;c. When the
+banquet is ended, then cometh into the Hall the Constable-Marshall,
+fairly mounted on his mule; and deviseth some sport
+for passing away the rest of the night.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Twelf Day.</i>&mdash;At breakfast, brawn, mustard, and malmsey,
+after morning prayer ended. And at dinner, the Hall is to be
+served as upon St. John's Day."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">136</a></span></p><hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The performance of "Gorboduc" at the Inner Temple was
+received with such great applause, and the services of Lord
+Robert Dudley, first favourite of the Queen, so highly appreciated
+at that particular "grand Christmasse," that Queen
+Elizabeth commanded a repetition of the play about a fortnight
+later, before herself, at her Court at Whitehall. A contemporary
+MS. note (Cotton MSS., Vit. F. v.) says of</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Performance before the Queen,</span></div>
+
+<p>that "on the 18th of January, 1562, there was a play in the
+Queen's Hall at Westminster by the gentlemen of the Temple
+after a great mask, for there was a great scaffold in the hall,
+with great triumph as has been seen; and the morrow after,
+the scaffold was taken down." An unauthorised edition of the
+play was first published, in September of that year, by William
+Griffith, a bookseller in St. Dunstan's Churchyard; but nine
+years afterwards an authorised and "true copy" of the play
+was published by John Day, of Aldersgate, the title being then
+altered from "Gorboduc" (in which name the spurious edition
+had been issued) to "Ferrex and Porrex." The title of this
+edition set forth that the play was "without addition or alteration,
+but altogether as the same was shewed on stage before
+the Queen's Majestie, by the gentlemen of the Inner Temple."
+The argument of the play was taken from Geoffrey of Monmouth's
+"History of British Kings," and was a call to Englishmen
+to cease from strife among themselves and become an united
+people, obedient to one undisputed rule:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Within one land one single rule is best:</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Divided reigns do make divided hearts;</span>
+<span class="i0_5">But peace preserves the country and the prince."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>It recalled the horrors of the civil wars, and forbade the like
+again:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"What princes slain before their timely hour!</span>
+<span class="i0_5">What waste of towns and people in the land!</span>
+<span class="i0_5">What treasons heap'd on murders and on spoils!</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Whose just revenge e'en yet is scarcely ceas'd:</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Ruthful remembrance is yet raw in mind.</span>
+<span class="i0_5">The gods forbid the like to chance again."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>A good description of the play, with copious extracts, is published
+in Morley's "English Plays," from which it also appears
+that "Queen Mary's expenditure on players and musicians had
+been between two and three thousand pounds a year in salaries.
+Elizabeth reduced this establishment, but still paid salaries
+to interlude players and musicians, to a keeper of bears and
+mastiffs, as well as to the gentlemen and children of the chapel.
+The Master of the Children had a salary of forty pounds a year;
+the children had largesse at high feasts, and when additional
+use was made of their services; and each Gentleman of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">137</a></span>
+Chapel had nineteenpence a day, with board and clothing.
+The Master of the Chapel who at this time had the training
+of the children was Richard Edwards, who had written lighter
+pieces for them to act before her Majesty, and now applied his
+skill to the writing of English comedies, and teaching his boys
+to act them for the pleasure of the Queen. The new form of
+entertainment made its way at Court and through the country."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig46.jpg" width="400" height="526" alt="THE FOOL OF THE OLD PLAY"
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the fool of the old play</span><br />
+<small>(<i>From a print by Bruegel.</i>)</small></span></div>
+
+<p>At this period</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Revels at the Inns of Court</span></div>
+
+<p>were observed with much zest and jollity. Sandys (writing in
+1833 of Elizabeth's time) says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The order of the usual Christmas amusements at the Inns
+of Court at this period would cause some curious scenes if
+carried into effect in the present day. Barristers singing and
+dancing before the judges, serjeants and benchers, would
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">138</a></span>'draw a house' if spectators were admitted. Of so serious
+import was this dancing considered, that by an order in
+Lincoln's Inn of February, 7th James I., the under barristers
+were by decimation put out of commons because the whole
+bar offended by not dancing on Candlemas Day preceding,
+according to the ancient order of the society, when the judges
+were present; with a threat that if the fault were repeated, they
+should be fined or disbarred."</p>
+
+<p>Sir William Dugdale makes the following reference to</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Revels of the Inner Temple:&mdash;</span></div>
+
+<p>"First, the solemn Revells (after dinner, and the play ended,)
+are begun by the whole House, Judges, Sergeants at Law,
+Benchers; the Utter and Inner Barr; and they led by the <i>Master
+of the Revells</i>: and one of the Gentlemen of the Utter Barr are
+chosen to sing a song to the Judges, Serjeants, or Masters of
+the Bench; which is usually performed; and in default thereof,
+there may be an amerciament. Then the Judges and Benchers
+take their places, and sit down at the upper end of the Hall.
+Which done, the <i>Utter-Barristers</i> and <i>Inner-Barristers</i>, perform a
+second solemn Revell before them. Which ended, the <i>Utter-Barristers</i>
+take their places and sit down. Some of the Gentlemen
+of the <i>Inner-Barr</i>, do present the House with dancing,
+which is called the <i>Post Revells</i>, and continue their Dances, till
+the Judges or Bench think meet to rise and depart."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Hard Frost of 1564</span></div>
+
+<p>gave the citizens of London an opportunity of keeping
+Christmas on the ice. An old chronicler says: "From
+21st December, 1564, a hard frost prevailed, and on new
+year's eve, people went over and alongst the Thames on the ise
+from London Bridge to Westminster. Some plaied at the football
+as boldlie there, as if it had been on the drie land; divers
+of the Court, being then at Westminster shot dailie at prickes
+set upon the Thames, and tradition says, Queen Elizabeth
+herself walked upon the ise. The people both men and
+women, went on the Thames in greater numbers than in any
+street of the City of London. On the third daie of January,
+1565, at night it began to thaw, and on the fifth there was no
+ise to be seene between London Bridge and Lambeth, which
+sudden thaw caused great floods, and high waters, that bore
+downe bridges and houses and drowned Manie people in
+England."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">How Queen Elizabeth went to Worship, Christmas, 1565.</span></div>
+
+<p>Nichols<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> gives the following particular account of Queen
+Elizabeth's attendance at Divine worship, at the "Chappell of
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">139</a></span>Whitehall, Westminster," Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,
+1565:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Item, on Monday, the 24th of December, the Officers of
+Arms being there present, the Queen's Majesty came to the
+evening prayer, the sword borne by the Earle of Warwick, her
+trayn borne by the Lady Strange.</p>
+
+<p>"Item, on Christmas Day her Majesty came to service very
+richly apparelled in a gown of purple velvet embroidered with
+silver very richly set with stones, with a rich collar set with
+stones; the Earl of Warwick bare the sword, the Lady Strange
+the trayn. After the Creed, the Queene's Majesty went down to
+the offering, and having a short forme with a carpet, and a
+cushion laid by a gentleman usher, the ... taken by the
+Lord Chamberlain, her Majesty kneeled down, her offering
+given her by the Marquis of Northampton; after which she
+went into her traverse, where she abode till the time of the
+communion, and then came forth, and kneeled down at the
+cushion and carpet aforesaid; the Gentlemen Ushers delivered
+the towel to the Lord Chamberlain, who delivered the same to
+be holden by the Earl of Sussex on the right hand, and the
+Earl of Leicester on the left hand; the Bishop of Rochester
+served the Queen both of wine and bread; then the Queen
+went into the traverse again; and the Ladie Cicilie, wife of the
+Marquis of Baden, came out of the traverse, and kneeled at
+the place where the Queen kneeled, but she had no cushion,
+but one to kneel on; after she had received she returned to the
+traverse again; then the Archbishop of Canterbury and the
+Lord Chamberlain received the Communion with the Mother of
+the Maids; after which the service proceeded to the end, and
+the Queen returned again to the Chamber of presence strait,
+and not the closet. Her Majesty dined not abroad; the said
+Officers of Arms had a mess of meat of seven dishes, with
+bread, beer, ale, and wine."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Royal Christmases at Hampton Court.</span></div>
+
+<p>In 1568, the Earl of Shrewsbury, writing from Hampton
+Court to his countess, says, "The Plage is disposed far abrode
+in London, so that the Queene kepes hur Kyrsomas her, and
+goth not to Grenwych as it was mete." Meet or not, Elizabeth
+kept many Christmases at Hampton Court, banqueting,
+dancing, and dicing&mdash;the last being a favourite amusement
+with her, because she generally won, thanks to her dice being
+so loaded as to throw up the higher numbers. Writing from
+Hampton Court at Christmas, 1572, Sir Thomas Smith says:
+"If ye would what we do here, we play at tables, dance, and
+keep Christmasse."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">140</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_140.jpg" width="150" height="163" alt="A COAT OF ARMS."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Queen Elizabeth's Singers and Players.</span></div>
+
+<p>The Christmas entertainments of Queen Elizabeth were
+enlivened by the beautiful singing of the children of her
+Majesty's Chapel. From the notes to Gascoigne's <i>Princely
+Pleasures</i> (1821) it appears that Queen Elizabeth retained on
+her Royal establishment four sets of singing boys; which
+belonged to the Cathedral of St. Paul, the Abbey of Westminster,
+St. George's Chapel, Windsor, and the Household
+Chapel. For the support and reinforcement of her musical
+bands, Elizabeth, like the other English Sovereigns, issued
+warrants for taking "up suche apt and meete children, as are fitt
+to be instructed and framed in the Art and Science of Musicke
+and Singing." Thomas Tusser, the well-known author of "Five
+Hundreth Points of Good Husbandrye," was in his youth a
+choir boy of St. Paul's. Nor is it astonishing, that although
+masses had ceased to be performed, the Queen should yet
+endeavour to preserve sacred melody in a high state of perfection;
+since, according to Burney, she was herself greatly
+skilled in musical learning. "If her Majesty," says that
+eminent author, "was ever able to execute any of the pieces
+that are preserved in a MS. which goes under the name of
+Queen Elizabeth's Virginal-book, she must have been a very
+great player, as some of the pieces which were composed by
+Tallis, Bird, Giles, Farnaby, Dr. Bull, and others, are so difficult
+that it would be hardly possible to find a master in Europe who
+would undertake to play any of them at the end of a month's
+practice."<a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> But the children of the chapel were also employed
+in the theatrical exhibitions represented at Court, for which
+their musical education had peculiarly qualified them. Richard
+Edwards, an eminent poet and musician of the sixteenth
+century, had written two comedies; Damon and Pythias, and
+Palemon and Arcite, which, according to Wood, were often
+acted before the Queen, both at Court and at Oxford.</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">141</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig47.jpg" width="600" height="657" alt="THE ACTING OF ONE OF SHAKESPEARE'S PLAYS.
+IN THE TIME OF QUEEN ELIZABETH."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the acting of one of shakespeare's plays.
+in the time of queen elizabeth.</span><br />
+<small>(<i>By permission, from Messr Cassell &amp; Cos "Illustrated History
+of England"</i>)</small></span></div>
+
+<p>With the latter of these Queen Elizabeth was so much delighted that
+she promised Edwards a reward, which she subsequently gave
+him by making him first Gentleman of her Chapel, and in 1561
+Master of the Children on the death of Richard Bowyer. As
+the Queen was particularly attached to dramatic entertainments,
+about 1569 she formed the children of the Royal Chapel into a
+company of theatrical performers, and placed them under the
+superintendence of Edwards. Not long after she formed a
+second society of players under the title of the "Children of the
+Revels," and by these two companies all Lyly's plays, and many
+of Shakespeare's and Jonson's, were first performed. Jonson
+has celebrated one of the chapel children, named Salathiel
+Pavy, who was famous for his performance of old men, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">142</a></span>
+who died about 1601, under the age of thirteen. In his
+beautiful epitaph of Pavy, Jonson says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"'Twas a child that did so thrive</span>
+<span class="i1_5">In grace and feature,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">As heaven and nature seem'd to strive</span>
+<span class="i1_5">Which own'd the creature.</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Years he number'd scarce thirteen</span>
+<span class="i1_5">When fates turn'd cruel,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Yet three fill'd Zodiacs had he been</span>
+<span class="i1_5">The stage's jewel;</span>
+<span class="i0_5">And did act, what now we moan.</span>
+<span class="i1_5">Old men so duly,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">That the Parc&oelig; thought him one</span>
+<span class="i1_5">He played so truly."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>The Shakespearian period had its grand Christmases, for</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Players</span></div>
+
+<p>at the Court of Queen Elizabeth included England's greatest
+dramatist, William Shakespeare; and the Queen not only took
+delight in witnessing Shakespeare's plays, but also admired the
+poet as a player. The histrionic ability of Shakespeare was by
+no means contemptible, though probably not such as to have
+transmitted his name to posterity had he confined himself
+exclusively to acting. Rowe informs us that "the tip-top of
+his performances was the ghost in his own <i>Hamlet</i>;" but
+Aubrey states that he "did act exceedingly well"; and Cheetle,
+a contemporary of the poet, who had seen him perform, assures
+us that he was "excellent in the quality he professed." An
+anecdote is preserved in connection with Shakespeare's playing
+before Queen Elizabeth. While he was taking the part of a
+king, in the presence of the Queen, Elizabeth rose, and, in
+crossing the stage, dropped her glove as she passed the poet.
+No notice was taken by him of the incident; and the Queen,
+desirous of finding out whether this was the result of inadvertence,
+or a determination to preserve the consistency of
+his part, moved again towards him, and again dropped her
+glove. Shakespeare then stooped down to pick it up, saying,
+in the character of the monarch whom he was playing&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"And though now bent on this high embassy,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Yet stoop we to take up our cousin's glove."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>He then retired and presented the glove to the Queen, who was
+highly pleased with his courtly performance.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Grand Christmas at Gray's Inn.</span></div>
+
+<p>In 1594 there was a celebrated Christmas at Gray's Inn, of
+which an account was published in 1688 under the following
+title:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Gesta Grayorum: or the History of the High and Mighty
+Prince, Henry Prince of Purpoole, Arch-Duke of Stapulia and
+Bernardia, Duke of High and Nether Holborn, Marquis of St.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">143</a></span>
+Giles and Tottenham, Count Palatine of Bloomsbury and
+Clerkenwell, Great Lord of the Cantons of Islington, Kentish-Town,
+Paddington, and Knights-bridge, Knight of the most
+Heroical Order of the Helmet, and Sovereign of the same;
+Who Reigned and Died, <span class="smcap">a.d.</span>&nbsp;1594. Together with a Masque,
+as it was presented (by his Highness's Command) for the entertainment
+of Q. Elizabeth; who, with the Nobles of both Courts,
+was present thereat. London, Printed for W. Canning, at his
+shop in the Temple-Cloysters, MDCLXXXVIII. Price one
+shilling." 4to nine sheets, dedicated "To the most honourable
+Matthew Smyth, Esq., Comptroller of the honourable society of
+the Inner Temple."</p>
+
+<p>The Prince of Purpoole was Mr. Henry Helmes, a Norfolk
+gentleman, "who was thought to be accomplished with all good
+parts, fit for so great a dignity; and was also a very proper man
+of personage, and very active in dancing and revelling." His
+coffers were filled by voluntary contributors, amongst whom the
+lord treasurer, Sir William Cecil, sent him ten pounds, and a
+purse of rich needlework.</p>
+
+<p>The performers were highly applauded by Queen Elizabeth,
+who expressed satisfaction in her own peculiar style. When
+the actors had performed their Masque, some of her Majesty's
+courtiers danced a measure, whereupon the Queen exclaimed:
+"What! shall we have bread and cheese after a banquet?"
+Finally the Prince and his Officers of State were honoured by
+kissing her fair hands, and receiving the most flattering commendations.
+The whole amusement terminated in fighting at
+barriers; the Earl of Essex, and others, challengers; the Earl
+of Cumberland and company defendants, "into which number,"
+says the narrator, "our Prince was taken, and behaved himself
+so valiantly and skilfully therein, that he had the prize adjudged
+due unto him, which it pleased her Majesty to deliver him with
+her own hands; telling him, that it was not her gift, for if it
+had, it should have been better; but she gave it to him, as that
+prize which was due to his desert, and good behaviour in those
+exercises; and that hereafter he should be remembered with a
+better reward from herself. The prize was a jewel, set with
+seventeen diamonds and four rubies; in value accounted worth
+a hundred marks."</p>
+
+<p>The following is the Gray's Inn list of performers, which
+included some gentlemen who were afterwards "distinguished
+members in the law."</p>
+
+<div class="center">[From "Gesta Grayorum," page 6.]</div>
+
+<p>"The order of the Prince of Purpoole's proceedings, with his
+officers and attendants at his honourable inthronization; which
+was likewise observed in all his solemn marches on grand days,
+and like occasions; which place every officer did duly attend,
+during the reign of his highness's government.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">144</a></span></p>
+
+<table width="70%" border="0" summary="Prince of Purpoole's proceedings">
+<tr>
+<td class="players_40r"><p class="two_0r">A Marshal.</p></td>
+<td class="players_10" rowspan="2"><img class="side_5" src="images/para3.jpg" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="players_10r" rowspan="2"><img class="side_5" src="images/para2.jpg" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="players_40"><p class="two_0">A Marshal.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_40r"><p class="two_0r">Trumpets.&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="players_40"><p class="two_0">Trumpets.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<table width="100%" border="0" summary="Prince of Purpoole's proceedings">
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75"><p class="two_0">Pursuevant at Arms</p></td>
+<td class="players_25"><p class="two_0"><i>Lanye.</i></p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<table width="100%" border="0" summary="Prince of Purpoole's proceedings">
+<tr>
+<td class="players_40"><p class="two_0">Townsmen in the Prince's Livery with Halberts</p></td>
+<td class="players_10" rowspan="2"><img class="side_5" src="images/para3.jpg" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="players_10r" rowspan="2"><img class="side_5" src="images/para2.jpg" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="players_40"><p class="two_0">Yeomen of the Guard<br />three couples.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<table width="100%" border="0" summary="Prince of Purpoole's proceedings">
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75"><p class="two_0">Captain of the Guard</p></td>
+<td class="players_25"><p class="two_0"><i>Grimes.</i></p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75"><p class="two_0">Baron of the Grand Port</p></td>
+<td class="players_25"><p class="two_0"><i>Dudley.</i></p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75"><p class="two_0">Baron of the Base Port</p></td>
+<td class="players_25"><p class="two_0"><i>Grante.</i></p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Gentlemen for Entertainment, three couples</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Binge, &amp;c.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Baron of the Petty Port</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Williams.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Baron of the New Port</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Lovel.</i></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<table width="100%" border="0" summary="Prince of Purpoole's proceedings">
+<tr>
+<td class="players_70" rowspan="3">Gentlemen for Entertainment, three couples</td>
+<td class="players_05r" rowspan="3"><img class="side_15" src="images/para2.jpg" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Wentworth.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Zukenden.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Forrest.</i></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<table width="100%" border="0" summary="Prince of Purpoole's proceedings">
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lieutenant of the Pensioners</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Tonstal.</i></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<table width="100%" border="0" summary="Prince of Purpoole's proceedings">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center">Gentlemen Pensioners, twelve couples, viz.:</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<table width="75%" border="0" summary="Prince of Purpoole's proceedings">
+<tr>
+<td class="players_20">Lawson.</td>
+<td class="players_10" rowspan="4"><img class="side_20" src="images/para3.jpg" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="players_10r" rowspan="4"><img class="side_20" src="images/para2.jpg" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="players_20">Rotts.</td>
+<td class="players_10" rowspan="4"><img class="side_20" src="images/para3.jpg" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="players_10r" rowspan="4"><img class="side_20" src="images/para2.jpg" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="players_20">Davison.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_25">Devereux.</td>
+<td class="players_25">Anderson.</td>
+<td class="players_25">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_25">Stapleton.</td>
+<td class="players_25">Glascott.</td>
+<td class="players_25">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_25">Daniel.</td>
+<td class="players_25">Elken.</td>
+<td class="players_25">cum&nbsp;reliquis.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<table class="players" width="100%" border="0" summary="Prince of Purpoole's proceedings">
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Chief Ranger and Master of the Game</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Forrest.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Master of the Revels</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Lambert.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Master of the Revellers</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Tevery.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Captain of the Pensioners</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Cooke.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Sewer</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Archer.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Carver</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Moseley.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Another Sewer</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Drewery.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Cup-bearer</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Painter.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Groom-porter</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Bennet.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Sheriff</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Leach.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Clerk of the Council</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Jones.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Clerk of the Parliament.</td>
+<td class="players_25">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Clerk of the Crown</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Downes.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Orator</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Heke.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Recorder</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Starkey.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Solicitor</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Dunne.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Serjeant</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Goldsmith.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Speaker of the Parliament</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Bellen.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Commissary</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Greenwood.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Attorney</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Holt.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Serjeant</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Hitchcombe.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Master of the Requests</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Faldo.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Chanplayersor of the Exchequer</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Kitts.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Master of the Wards and Idiots</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Ellis.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Reader</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Cobb.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Briggs.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Master of the Rolls</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Hetlen.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord Chief Baron of the Common Pleas</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Damporte.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord Chief Justice of the Princes Bench</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Crew.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Master of the Ordnance</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Fitz-Williams.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lieutenant of the Tower</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Lloyd.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Master of the Jewel-house</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Darlen.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Treasurer of the House-hold</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Smith.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Knight Marshal</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Bell.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Master of the Ward-robe</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Conney.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Comptroller of the House-hold</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Bouthe.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Bishop of St. Giles's in the Fie</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Dandye.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Steward of the House-hold</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Smith.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord Warden of the four Ports</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Damporte.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Secretary of State</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Jones.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord Admiral</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Cecil (Richard).</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord Treasurer</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Morrey.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord Great Chamberlain</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Southworth.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord High Constable.</td>
+<td class="players_25">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord Privy Seal</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Knapolck.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord Marshal</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Lamphew.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord MarshalLord Chamberlain of the House-hold</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Markham.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord High Steward</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Kempe.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Lord Chancellor</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Johnson.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Archbishop of St. Andrews in Holborn</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Bush.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Serjeant at Arms, with the Mace</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Flemming.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Gentleman-Usher</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Chevett.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">The Shield of Pegasus, for the Inner-Temple</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Scevington.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Serjeant at Arms, with the Sword</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Glascott.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Gentleman-Usher</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Paylor.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">The Shield of the Griffin, for Gray's-Inn</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Wickliffe.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">The King at Arms</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Perkinson.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">The great Shield of the Prince's Arms</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Cobley.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">The Prince of Purpoole</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Helmes.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">A Page of Honour</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Wandforde.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber, six couples.</td>
+<td class="players_25">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">A Page of Honour</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Butler (Roger).</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Vice-Chamberlain</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Butler (Thomas).</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Master of the Horse</td>
+<td class="players_25"><i>Fitz-Hugh.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Yeomen of the Guard, three couples.</td>
+<td class="players_25">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="players_75">Townsmen in Liveries.</td>
+<td class="players_25">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<table width="100%" border="0" summary="Prince of Purpoole's proceedings">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center">The Family and Followers."</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">145</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas's Lamentation</span></div>
+
+<p>is the subject of an old song preserved in the Roxburgh Collection
+of Ballads in the British Museum. The full title is:
+"Christmas's Lamentation for the losse of his acquaintance;
+showing how he is forst to leave the country and come to
+London." It appears to have been published at the end of the
+sixteenth or the beginning of the seventeenth century. The
+burden of the song is that Christmas "charity from the country
+is fled," and the first verse will sufficiently indicate the style of
+the writing:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Christmas is my name, far have I gone,</span>
+<span class="i0">Have I gone, have I gone, have I gone, without regard,</span>
+<span class="i0">Whereas great men by flocks there be flown,</span>
+<span class="i0">There be flown, there be flown, there be flown, to London-ward;</span>
+<span class="i0">Where they in pomp and pleasure do waste</span>
+<span class="i0">That which Christmas was wonted to feast, Welladay!</span>
+<span class="i0">Houses where music was wont for to ring</span>
+<span class="i0">Nothing but bats and owlets do sing.</span>
+<span class="i2">Welladay! Welladay! Welladay! where should I stay?</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Old Christmas Returned</span></div>
+
+<p>is the title of a lively Christmas ditty which is a kind of reply
+to the preceding ballad. It is preserved in the collection formed
+by Samuel Pepys, some time Secretary to the Admiralty, and
+author of the famous diary, and by him bequeathed to Magdalene<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">146</a></span>
+College, Cambridge. The full title and first verse of the
+old song are as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Old Christmas returned, or Hospitality revived; being a
+Looking-glass for Rich Misers, wherein they may see (if they
+be not blind) how much they are to blame for their penurious
+house-keeping, and likewise an encouragement to those noble-minded
+gentry, who lay out a great part of their estates in
+hospitality, relieving such persons as have need thereof:</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">'Who feasts the poor, a true reward shall find,</span>
+<span class="i1_5">Or helps the old, the feeble, lame, and blind.'"</span>
+<br />
+<span class="i0">"All you that to feasting and mirth are inclined,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Come, here is good news for to pleasure your mind;</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Old Christmas is come for to keep open house,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">He scorns to be guilty of starving a mouse;</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Then come, boys, and welcome, for diet the chief,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minc'd pies, and roast beef."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas-Keeping in the Country</span></div>
+
+<p>was revived in accordance with the commands of Queen Elizabeth,
+who listened sympathetically to the "Lamentations" of her
+lowlier subjects. Their complaint was that the royal and public
+pageants at Christmastide allured to the metropolis many country
+gentlemen, who, neglecting the comforts of their dependents in
+the country at this season, dissipated in town part of their means
+for assisting them, and incapacitated themselves from continuing
+that hospitality for which the country had been so long noted.
+In order to check this practice, the gentlemen of Norfolk and
+Suffolk were commanded by Queen Elizabeth to depart from
+London before Christmas, and "to repair to their counties, and
+there to keep hospitality amongst their neighbours." The
+presence of the higher classes was needed among the country
+people to give that assistance which was quaintly recommended
+by Tusser in his "Hundreth good Points of Husbandrie":</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"At Christmas be mery, and thanke God of all:</span>
+<span class="i0_5">And feast thy pore neighbours, the great with the small.</span>
+<span class="i0_5">Yea al the yere long have an eie to the poore:</span>
+<span class="i0_5">And God shall sende luck to kepe open thy doore."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Henry Lord Berkeley, who had a seat in Warwickshire,
+appears to have set a good example in this respect to the
+noblemen of the period, for, according to Dugdale, "the greatest
+part of this lord's abydinge after his mother's death, happenynge
+in the sixth yeare of Queen Elizabeth, was at Callowdon, till his
+own death in the eleventh of Kinge James, from whence, once
+in two or three yeares, hee used in July to come to Berkeley."
+The historic house of Berkeley essentially belongs to Gloucestershire;
+but on the death of Edward VI., Henry Lord Berkeley,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">147</a></span>
+</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_147a.jpg" width="600" height="444" alt="NEIGHBOURS WITH PIPE AND TABOR."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><small>
+With a good old fashion,
+when when Christmas was come,<br />
+To call in all his old neighbours with bagpipe and drum.</small></span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">148</a></span>
+by descent from the Mowbrays and the Segraves, became
+possessed of the ancient Manor and castellated mansion of
+Caludon, near Coventry, where he lived in splendour, and kept
+a grand retinue, being profuse in his hospitalities at Christmas,
+as well as in his alms to the poor throughout the year. "As
+touchinge the Almes to the poore of 5 &amp; six country p'ishes &amp;
+villages hard adjoyninge to Callowdon were relieved, with each
+of them a neepe of holsome pottage, with a peece of beoffe or
+mutton therin, halfe a cheate loafe, &amp; a kan of beere, besides
+the private Almes that dayly went out of his purse never without
+eight or ten shillings in single money of ijd iijd &amp; groates, &amp;
+besides his Maundy &amp; Thursday before Ester day, wherein
+many poore men and women were clothed by the liberality of
+this lord and his first wife, whilest they lived; and besides
+twenty markes, or twenty pound, or more, which thrice each
+yeare, against the feaste of Christmas, Ester, and Whitsontide,
+was sent by this Lord to two or three of the chiefest Inhabitants
+of these villages, and of Gosford Street at Coventry, to bee distributed
+amongst the poore accordinge to their discretions.
+Such was the humanity of this Lord, that in tymes of Christmas
+and other festyvalls, when his neighbor townships were invited
+and feasted in his Hall, hee would, in the midst of their dynner,
+ryse from his owne, &amp; goynge to each of their tables in his Hall,
+cheerfully bid them welcome. And his further order was, having
+guests of Honour or remarkable ranke that filled his owne table,
+to seate himselfe at the lower end; and when such guests filled
+but half his bord, &amp; a meaner degree the rest of his table, then
+to seate himselfe the last of the first ranke, &amp; the first of the
+later, which was about the midst of his large tables, neare the
+salt."</p>
+
+<p>Another home of Christmas hospitality in the days of "Good
+Queen Bess" was Penshurst in Kent, the birthplace of the distinguished
+and chivalrous Sir Philip Sidney. "All who enjoyed
+the hospitality of Penshurst," says Mills's <i>History of Chivalry</i>,
+"were equal in consideration of the host; there were no odious
+distinctions of rank or fortune; 'the dishes did not grow coarser
+as they receded from the head of the table,' and no huge salt-cellar
+divided the noble from the ignoble guests." That hospitality
+was the honourable distinction of the Sidney family in
+general is also evident from Ben Jonson's lines on Penshurst:</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i6">"Whose liberal board doth flow</span>
+<span class="i0">With all that hospitality doth know!</span>
+<span class="i0">Where comes no guest but is allow'd to eat,</span>
+<span class="i0">Without his fear, and of thy Lord's own meat</span>
+<span class="i0">Where the same beer and bread, and self-same wine,</span>
+<span class="i0">That is His Lordship's, shall be also mine."<a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">149</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A reviewer of "The Sidneys of Penshurst," by Philip Sidney,
+says there is a tradition that the Black Prince and his Fair Maid
+of Kent once spent their Christmastide at Penshurst, whose
+banqueting hall, one of the finest in England, dates back to
+that age of chivalry. At Penshurst Spenser wrote part of his
+"Shepherd's Calendar," and Ben Jonson drank and rhymed and
+revelled in this stateliest of English manor houses.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_149.jpg" width="600" height="785" alt="CHRISTMAS IN THE HALL."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+christmas in the hall.</span></span></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A man might then behold,</span>
+<span class="i1">At Christmas, in each hall,</span>
+<span class="i0">Good fires to curb the cold,</span>
+<span class="i1">And meat for great and small."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">150</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Queen Elizabeth died on March 23, 1603, after nominating
+James VI. of Scotland as her successor, and</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Accession of King James,</span></div>
+
+<p>as James I. of England, united the crowns of England and
+Scotland, which had been the aim of Mary Queen of Scots
+before her death.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_150.jpg" width="150" height="158" alt="A RABBIT AND A DOG."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> Cassell's "History of England."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> "Domestic Memoirs of the Royal Family."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> "History of the English People."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> "Progresses."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> "English Plays."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> Sir William Dugdale's "Origines Juridiciales."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> "Progresses."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> "History of Music," vol iii. p. 15.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> Gifford's "Ben Jonson," vol. viii. p. 254.</p></div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">151</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h4><i>CHAPTER VIII.</i></h4>
+
+<h3>CHRISTMAS UNDER JAMES I.</h3>
+
+<h5>(1603-1625.)</h5>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Court Masques.</span></div>
+
+<p>The Court entertainments of Christmastide in the reign of
+James the First consisted chiefly of the magnificent masques of
+Ben Jonson and others, who, by their training in the preceding
+reign, had acquired a mastery of the dramatic art. The
+company to which Shakespeare belonged (that of Lord
+Chamberlain's players) became the King's players on the
+accession of James, and several of Shakespeare's plays were
+produced at Court. But very early in this reign plays gave
+place to the more costly and elaborate entertainments called
+masques, but which were very different from the dumb-show
+masques of Elizabeth's reign, the masquerades of Henry the
+Eighth, and the low-buffoonery masques of earlier times. At
+the Court of James thousands of pounds were sometimes
+expended on the production of a single masque. To the aid
+of poetry, composed by poets of the first rank, came the most
+skilful musicians and the most ingenious machinists. Inigo
+Jones, who became architect to the Court in 1606, shared
+honours with Ben Jonson in the production of the Court
+masques, as did also Henry Lawes, the eminent musician.
+In some of the masques the devices of attire were the work of
+"Master Jones," as well as the invention and the architecture
+of the whole of the scenery. D'Israeli<a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> says:&mdash;"That the
+moveable scenery of these masques formed as perfect a scenical
+illusion as any that our own age, with all its perfection and
+decoration, has attained to, will not be denied by those who
+have read the few masques that have been printed. They
+usually contrived a double division of the scene; one part was
+for some time concealed from the spectator, which produced
+surprise and variety. Thus in the Lord's Masque, at the
+marriage of the Palatine, the scene was divided into two parts
+from the roof to the floor; the lower part being first discovered,
+there appeared a wood in perspective, the innermost part being
+of "releeve or whole round," the rest painted. On the left a
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">152</a></span>cave, and on the right a thicket from which issued Orpheus.
+At the back of the scene, at the sudden fall of a curtain, the
+upper part broke on the spectators, a heaven of clouds of all
+hues; the stars suddenly vanished, the clouds dispersed; an
+element of artificial fire played about the house of Prometheus&mdash;a
+bright and transparent cloud reaching from the heavens to
+the earth, whence the eight maskers descended with the music
+of a full song; and at the end of their descent the cloud broke
+in twain, and one part of it, as with a wind, was blown athwart
+the scene. While this cloud was vanishing, the wood, being
+the under part of the scene, was insensibly changing: a perspective
+view opened, with porticoes on each side, and female
+statues of silver, accompanied with ornaments of architecture,
+filled the end of the house of Prometheus, and seemed all of
+goldsmith's work. The women of Prometheus descended from
+their niches till the anger of Jupiter turned them again into
+statues. It is evident, too, that the size of the procenium
+accorded with the magnificence of the scene; for I find
+choruses described, 'and changeable conveyances of the song,'
+in manner of an echo, performed by more than forty different
+voices and instruments in various parts of the scene."</p>
+
+<p>The masque, as Lord Bacon says, was composed for princes,
+and by princes it was played. The King and Queen, Prince
+Henry, and Prince Charles (afterwards Charles the First) all
+appeared in Court masques, as did also the nobility and gentry
+of the Court, foreign ambassadors, and other eminent personages.</p>
+
+<p>In his notes to "The Masque of Queens," Ben Jonson refers
+several times to "the King's Majesty's book (our sovereign) of
+Demonology." The goat ridden was said to be often the devil
+himself, but "of the green cock, we have no other ground (to
+confess ingenuously) than a vulgar fable of a witch, that with a
+cock of that colour, and a bottom of blue thread, would transport
+herself through the air; and so escaped (at the time of her
+being brought to execution) from the hand of justice. It was a
+tale when I went to school."</p>
+
+<p>That there was no lack of ability for carrying out the Court
+commands in regard to the Christmas entertainments of this
+period is evident from the company of eminent men who used
+to meet at the "Mermaid." "Sir Walter Raleigh," says
+Gifford,<a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a> "previously to his unfortunate engagement with the
+wretched Cobham and others, had instituted a meeting of <i>beaux
+esprits</i> at the Mermaid, a celebrated tavern in Friday Street.
+Of this club, which combined more talent and genius, perhaps,
+than ever met together before or since, Jonson was a member;
+and here, for many years, he regularly repaired with Shakespeare,
+Beaumont, Fletcher, Selden, Cotton, Carew, Martin,
+Donne, and many others, whose names, even at this distant
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">153</a></span>period, call up a mingled feeling of reverence and respect."
+Here, in the full flow and confidence of friendship, the lively
+and interesting "wit-combats" took place between Shakespeare
+and Jonson; and hither, in probable allusion to them, Beaumont
+fondly lets his thoughts wander in his letter to Jonson
+from the country.</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i8_5">"What things have we seen,</span>
+<span class="i0">Done at the Mermaid? heard words that have been,</span>
+<span class="i0">So nimble, and so full of subtle flame,</span>
+<span class="i0">As if that every one from whom they came,</span>
+<span class="i0">Had meant to put his whole wit in a jest," &amp;c.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Masques, however, were not the only Christmas diversions of
+royalty at this period, for James I. was very fond of hunting,
+and Nichols<a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a> says that, in 1604, the King kept</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">A Royal Christmas at Royston,</span></div>
+
+<p>at his new hunting seat there, and "between the 18th of
+December and 22nd of January he there knighted Sir Richard
+Hussey, of Salop; Sir Edward Bushell, of Gloucestershire; Sir
+John Fenwick, of Northumberland; Sir John Huet, of London;
+Sir Robert Jermyn, of Suffolk; Sir Isaac Jermyn, of Suffolk;
+Sir John Rowse; Sir Thomas Muschamp, of Surrey. Mr.
+Chamberlaine, in a letter to Mr. Winwood from London,
+December 18th, says: 'The King came back from Royston on
+Saturday; but so far from being weary or satisfyed with those
+sports, that presently after the holy-days he makes reckoning to
+be there againe, or, as some say, to go further towards Lincolnshire,
+to a place called <i>Ancaster Heath</i>.'"</p>
+
+<p>In this letter Mr. Chamberlaine also refers to</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Other Court Amusements of Christmastide,</span></div>
+
+<p>for, proceeding, he says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"In the meantime here is great provision for Cockpit, to
+entertaine him at home, and of Masks and Revells against the
+marriage of Sir Philip Herbert and the Lady Susan Vere, which
+is to be celebrated on St. John's Day. The Queen hath likewise
+a great Mask in hand against Twelfth-tide, for which
+there was &pound;3,000 delivered a month ago. Her brother, the
+Duke of Holst, is here still, procuring a levy of men to carry
+into Hungary. The Tragedy of 'Gowry,' with all the action
+and actors, hath been twice represented by the King's Players,
+with exceeding concourse of all sorts of people; but whether
+the matter or manner be not well handled, or that it be thought
+unfit that Princes should be played on the stage in their lifetime,
+I hear that some great Councellors are much displeased
+with it, and so 'tis thought shall be forbidden. And so wishing
+a merry Christmas and many a good year to you and Mrs.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">154</a></span>Winwood, I committ you to God. Yours, most assuredly,
+<span class="smcap">John Chamberlaine.</span>"</p>
+
+<p>"On the 26th of January, Mr. Chamberlaine writes thus to
+Mr. Winwood: 'I doubt not but Dudley Carleton hath
+acquainted you with all their Christmas-games at Court, for
+he was a spectator of all the sports and shows. The King went
+to Royston two days after Twelfth-tide, where and thereabout
+he hath continued ever since, and finds such felicity in that
+hunting life, that he hath written to the Councill that it is the
+only means to maintain his health, which being the health and
+welfare of us all, he desires them to take the charge and burden
+of affairs, and foresee that he be not interrupted or <i>troubled
+with too much business</i>.'"</p>
+
+<p>Campion's Masque in honour of Lord Hayes and his bride
+was presented before King James, at Whitehall, on Twelfth
+Night, 1606; and in reference to the Christmas festivities at
+Court the following year (1607), Mr. Chamberlaine, writing to
+Sir D. Carleton, on the 5th of January, says:</p>
+
+<p>"The Masque goes forward at Court for Twelfth-day, though
+I doubt the New Room will be scant ready. All the Holidays
+there were Plays; but with so little concourse of strangers, that
+they say they wanted company. The King was very earnest to
+have one on Christmas-night; but the Lords told him it was
+not the fashion. Which answer pleased him not a whit; but
+he said, 'What do you tell me of the fashion? I will make it a
+fashion.' Yesterday he dined in the Presence in great pomp,
+with two rich cupboards of plate, the one gold, the other that
+of the House of Burgundy pawned to Queen Elizabeth by the
+States of Brabant, and hath seldom been seen abroad, being
+exceeding massy, fair, and sumptuous. I could learn no reason
+of this extraordinary bravery, but that he would show himself in
+glory to certain Scots that were never here before, as they say
+there be many lately come, and that the Court is full of new
+and strange faces. Yesterday there were to be shewn certain
+rare fire-works contrived by a Dane, two Dutchmen, and Sir
+Thomas Challoner, in concert."</p>
+
+<p>On January 8th, another letter of Mr. Chamberlaine thus
+refers to gaming at Court: "On the Twelfth-eve there was
+great golden play at Court. No Gamester admitted that
+brought not &pound;300 at least. Montgomery played the King's
+money, and won him &pound;750, which he had for his labour. The
+Lord Montegle lost the Queen &pound;400. Sir Robert Cary, for the
+Prince, &pound;300; and the Earl Salisbury, &pound;300; the Lord Buckhurst,
+&pound;500; <i>et sic de c&aelig;teris</i>. So that I heard of no winner but
+the King and Sir Francis Wolley, who got above &pound;800. The
+King went a hawking-journey yesterday to Theobalds and
+returns to-morrow.</p>
+
+<p>"Above Westminster the Thames is quite frozen over; and
+the Archbishop came from Lambeth, on Twelfth-day, over the
+ice to Court. Many fanciful experiments are daily put in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">155</a></span>
+practice; as certain youths burnt a gallon of wine upon the ice,
+and made all the passengers partakers. But the best is, of an
+honest woman (they say) that had a great longing to encrease
+her family on the Thames" (Nichols's "Progresses").</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Reign of James I.'s Favourites</span></div>
+
+<p>dates from Christmas Day, 1607, when he knighted Robert
+Carr, or Ker, a young border Scot of the Kers of Fernihurst,
+the first of the favourites who ruled both the King and the
+kingdom. Carr had been some years in France, and being
+a handsome youth&mdash;"straight-limbed, well-formed, strong-shouldered,
+and smooth-faced"&mdash;he had been led to believe
+that if he cultivated his personal appearance and a courtliness
+of address, he was sure of making his fortune at the Court of
+James. "Accordingly he managed to appear as page to Lord
+Dingwall at a grand tilting match at Westminster, in 1606.
+According to chivalric usage it became his duty to present his
+lord's shield to his Majesty; but in man&oelig;uvring his horse on
+the occasion it fell and broke his leg. That fall was his rise.
+James was immediately struck with the beauty of the youth
+who lay disabled at his feet, and had him straightway carried
+into a house near Charing Cross, and sent his own surgeon to
+him.... On Christmas Day, 1607, James knighted him and
+made him a gentleman of the bedchamber, so as to have him
+constantly about his person. Such was his favour that every
+one pressed around him to obtain their suits with the King. He
+received rich presents; the ladies courted his attention; the
+greatest lords did him the most obsequious and disgusting
+homage."<a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a> He afterwards formed that connection with Frances
+Howard, Countess of Essex, which resulted in her divorce from
+her husband, and, subsequently, on his marrying Lady Essex,
+the King made him Earl of Somerset, that the lady might not
+lose in rank. On the circumstances attending the murder of
+Sir Thomas Overbury being brought to light, the complicity of
+Somerset was thought to be involved in the ascertained guilt
+of his wife. In May, 1616, the Countess was convicted; a
+week later her husband shared her fate. After a long imprisonment
+Somerset was pardoned, and ended his life in obscurity.</p>
+
+<p>In this reign the Court revels and shows of Christmas were
+imitated at the country seats of the nobility and gentry, and at
+the Colleges of Oxford and Cambridge. An account has been
+preserved of one of the most remarkable exhibitions of this
+kind, entitled&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">"the christmas prince."</span></div>
+
+<p>It took place in the year 1607, at St. John's College, Oxford,
+and the authentic account was published from the original
+manuscript, in 1816, by Robert Tripbook, of 23, Old Bond
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">156</a></span>Street, London: "To the President, Fellows, and Scholars of
+St. John Baptist College, in the University of Oxford, this
+curious Record of an ancient custom in their Society, is respectfully
+inscribed by the Publisher." Of the authenticity of this
+description the Publisher says "no doubt can possibly exist, it
+was written by an eye-witness of, and performer in, the sports;
+and is now printed, for the first time, from the original manuscript
+preserved in the College Library.</p>
+
+<p>"From the Boy Bishop, the Christmas Prince may be supposed
+to derive his origin. Whilst the former was bearing
+sway in the ecclesiastical foundations, the latter was elected to
+celebrate the festivities of Christmas in the King's palace, at the
+seats of the nobility, at the universities, and in the Inns of Court.
+The custom prevailed till the ascendancy of the Puritans during
+the civil war; and some idea of the expense, and general
+support it received, may be formed from the account of the
+Gray's Inn Prince and an extract from one of the Strafford
+Papers. The latter is from a letter written by the Rev. G.
+Garrard to the Earl of Strafford, dated Jan. 8, 1635: 'The
+Middle Temple House have set up a prince, who carries himself
+in great state; one Mr. Vivian a Cornish gentleman, whose
+father Sir Francis Vivian was fined in the Star-Chamber about
+a castle he held in Cornwall, about three years since. He hath
+all his great officers attending him, lord keeper, lord treasurer,
+eight white staves at the least, captain of his pensioners, captain
+of his guard, two chaplains, who on Sunday last preached
+before him, and in the pulpit made three low legs to his
+excellency before they began, which is much laughed at. My
+lord chamberlain lent him two fair cloths of state, one hung up
+in the hall under which he dines, the other in his privy
+chamber; he is served on the knee, and all that come to see
+him kiss his hand on their knee. My lord of Salisbury hath
+sent him pole-axes for his pensioners. He sent to my lord of
+Holland, his justice in Eyre, for venison, which he willingly
+sends him; to the lord mayor and sheriffs of London for wine,
+all obey. Twelfth-day was a great day, going to the chapel
+many petitions were delivered him, which he gave to his
+masters of the requests. He hath a favourite, whom with some
+others, gentlemen of great quality, he knighted at his return
+from church, and dined in great state; at the going out of the
+chambers into the garden, when he drank the King's health, the
+glass being at his mouth he let it fall, which much defaced his
+purple satten suit, for so he was clothed that day, having a
+cloak of the same down to his foot, for he mourns for his father
+who lately died. It cost this prince &pound;2,000 out of his own
+purse. I hear of no other design, but that all this is done to
+make them fit to give the prince elector a royal entertainment
+with masks, dancings, and some other exercises of wit, in
+orations or arraignments, that day that they invite him.'</p>
+
+<p>"The writer, or narrator, of the events connected with the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">157</a></span>
+Christmas Prince of St. John's was Griffin Higgs, who was
+descended of a respectable and opulent family in Gloucestershire,
+though he was himself born at Stoke Abbat, near Henley
+on Thames, in 1589. He was educated at St. John's, and
+thence, in 1611, elected fellow of Merton college, where he
+distinguished himself, in the execution of the procuratorial
+duties, as a man of great courage, though, says Wood, of little
+stature. In 1627 he was appointed chaplain to the Queen of
+Bohemia, by her brother Charles the First, and during his
+absence, in the performance of his duties, was created a doctor
+of divinity at Leyden by the learned Andrew Rivet. He
+returned, after a residence abroad of about twelve years, when
+he had the valuable rectory of Clive or Cliff, near Dover, and
+shortly after the deanery of Lichfield, conferred upon him.
+During the civil wars he was a sufferer for the royal cause, and,
+losing his preferment, retired to the place of his birth, where he
+died in the year 1659, and was buried in the chancel of the
+church of South Stoke.</p>
+
+<p>"Thomas Tucker, the elected Prince, was born in London,
+in 1586, entered at St. John's in 1601, became fellow of that
+house and took holy orders. He afterwards had the vicarage
+of Pipping-burge, or Pemberge, in Kent, and the rectory of
+Portshead, near Bristol, and finally obtained the third stall in
+the cathedral church of Bristol, in which he was succeeded,
+August 25, 1660, by Richard Standfast."</p>
+
+<p>The following explanation is given of "the apparently
+strange titles of the Prince of St. John's: 'The most magnificent
+and renowned Thomas, by the favour of Fortune, Prince
+of <i>Alba Fortunata</i>, Lord St. Johns, high Regent of the Hall,
+Duke of St. Giles, Marquis of Magdalens, Landgrave of the
+Grove, County Palatine of the Cloisters, Chief Bailiff of the
+Beaumonts, High Ruler of Rome, Master of the Manor of
+Waltham, Governor of Gloucester Green, Sole Commander of
+all Tilts,' &amp;c. The Prince of <i>Alba Fortunata</i> alludes, as may be
+readily conjectured, to the name of the founder, Sir Thomas
+<i>White</i>; St. John's, and the Hall, are equally clear; Magdalens
+is the parish in which a portion of the college stands, and a
+part of which belongs to the society; the Grove and the
+Cloisters are again parts of the home domain of the college;
+Beaumonts is the name of a portion of land belonging to the
+college, on which stands the ruin of the palace of Beaumonts,
+built about the year 1128 by King Henry the First; Rome is a
+piece of land so called, near to the end of the walk called
+<i>Non Ultra</i>, on the north side of Oxford. The manor of
+Waltham, or Walton, is situate in the north suburb of Oxford,
+and is the property of the college, as is a considerable portion
+of Gloucester-green, which though now better known as the
+site of an extensive bridewell, was in 1607 literally a meadow,
+and without any building more contiguous than Gloucester-hall,
+from which house it derived its name."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">158</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Then follows "A true and faithfull relation of the rising and
+fall of Thomas Tucker, Prince of <i>Alba Fortunata</i>, Lord St.
+Johns, &amp;c., with all the occurrents which happened throughout
+his whole domination."</p>
+
+<p>"It happened in the yeare of our Lord 1607, the 31 of
+October, beinge All Sayntes Eve, that at night a fier was made
+in the Hall of St. John Baptist's Colledge, in Oxon, accordinge to
+the custome and statuts of the same place, at which time the
+whole companye or most parte of the Students of the same
+house mette together to beginne their Christmas, of which
+some came to see sports, to witte the Seniors as well Graduates,
+as Under-graduates. Others to make sports, viz., Studentes of
+the seconde yeare, whom they call Poulderlings, others to make
+sporte with all, of this last sorte were they whome they call
+Fresh-menn, Punies of the first yeare, who are by no meanes
+admitted to be agents or behoulders of those sports, before
+themselves have been patient perfourmers of them. But (as it
+often falleth out) the Freshmen or patients, thinkinge the
+Poulderlings or Agentes too buysie and nimble, They them too
+dull and backwarde in theyr duety, the standers by findinge
+both of them too forwarde and violente, the sportes for that
+night for feare of tumultes weare broken upp, everye mann
+betakinge himself to his reste.</p>
+
+<p>"The next night followinge, beinge the feast of All Sayntes,
+at nighte they mett agayne together; And whereas it was
+hoped a night's sleepe would have somewhat abated their rage,
+it contraryewise sett a greater edge on theyr furye, they havinge
+all this while but consulted how to gett more strength one
+agaynst another, and consequently to breed newe quarrells and
+contradictions, in so much that the strife and contentions of
+youthes and children had like to have sett Men together by the
+eares, to the utter annihilatinge of all Christmas sportes for the
+whole yeare followinge.</p>
+
+<p>"Wherfore for the avoydinge both the one, and the other,
+some who studied the quiet of all, mentioned the choosinge of a
+Christmas Lord, or Prince of the Revells, who should have
+authorytie both to appoynt &amp; moderate all such games, and
+pastimes as should ensue, &amp; to punishe all offenders which
+should any way hinder or interrupte the free &amp; quiet passage
+of any antient &amp; allowed sporte.</p>
+
+<p>"This motion (for that the person of a Prince or Lorde of the
+Revells had not been knowen amongst them for thirty yeares
+before, and so consequentlye the danger, charge and trouble of
+such jestinge was cleane forgotten) was presentlye allowed and
+greedilye apprehended of all; Wher upon 13 of the senior
+Under graduates (7 of the bodye of the House &amp; 6 Comoners,
+Electors in such a case) withdrew themselves into the parlour,
+where after longe debatinge whether they should chouse a
+Graduate or an Under Graduate, thinkinge the former would
+not vouchsafe to undertake it at theyr appoyntmentes, the latter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">159</a></span>
+should not be upheld &amp; backed as it was meete &amp; necessary for
+such a place, they came forth rather to make triall what would
+be done, than to resolve what should be done. And therefore
+at their first entrance into the Hall meeting Sir Towse a younge
+man (as they thought) fitt for the choyse, they laid handes on
+him, and by maine strength liftinge him upp, <i>viva voce</i>, pronounced
+him Lord. But hee as stronglye refusinge the place
+as they violentlye thrust it upon him, shewing with all reasons
+why hee could by no meanes undergoe such a charge, they gott
+onlye this good by their first attempt, that they understood heer
+by how that the whole Colledge was rather willinge a Seniour
+Batchelour at least, if not a junior Master should be chosen in
+to the place rather than any Under graduate, because they
+would rather an earnest sporte than a scoffinge jest should be
+made of it. Wher fore the Electors returninge againe into the
+Parlour and shuttinge the dore close upon themselves begaune
+more seriously to consult of the matter, and findinge some
+unable, some unwillinge to take the place, at length they concluded
+to make the 2 assay but with more formalitie and
+deliberation; resolvinge, if they were not now seconded of all
+handes, to meddle no more with it. Wherfore, enteringe the
+second time in to the Hall they desired one of the 10 Seniors
+&amp; one of the Deanes of the Colledge to hold the Scrutinye and
+the Vice-President to sitt by as overseer, who willingly harkeninge
+to their request, sate all 3 downe at the highe table: Then
+the Electors went up one by one in senioritye to give their
+voyce by writinge. In the meane time there was great expectation
+who should bee the Man. Some in the lower ende of the
+Hall, to make sporte, had theyr Names loudest in their mouthes
+whome they least thought of in their mindes, &amp; whome they
+knew should come shortest of the place. At length all the
+voyces being given and, accordinge to custome, the Scrutinie at
+large being burned, the Vice-president with the rest stoode
+upp, and out of the abstract the Deane read distinctly in the
+hearinge of all present as followeth</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Nominantur in hoc Scrutinio duo quorum</i></p>
+<table width="90%" summary="Nominantur in hoc Scrutinio duo quorum" border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_05" rowspan="2"><img src="images/para2.jpg" width="10" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="cell_95">1 Joanes Towse, <i>habet suffragia sex</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_95">2us Thomas Tucker, <i>habet suffragia septem</i>.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>"These wordes were not out of his mouthe before a generall
+and loud crie was made of Tucker, Tucker, Vivat, Vivat, &amp;ct.
+After which all the younger sorte rane forth of the Colledge
+crieinge the same in the streets; which Sir Tucker beinge
+then howsde not farr from the Colledge, over hearinge, kept
+himself close till the companye were past, and then, as soone
+and secretly as he could, gott him to his Chamber; where
+(after he had been longe sought for abroad in the Towne, and
+at home in the Colledge, haste and desire out runinge it self, and
+seekinge there last where it might first finde) he was in a
+manner surprised, and more by violence than any will of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">160</a></span>
+owne, taken upp &amp; with continuall &amp; joyfull outcries, carried
+about the Hall, and so backe to his Chamber, as his owne
+request was, where for that night he rested, dismissinge the
+Company and desiringe some time to think of their loves and
+goodwill, and to consider of his owne charge and place.</p>
+
+<p>"About 3 or 4 dayes after, on the 5 of November the Lord
+Elect with the Batchelours, and some of the Senior Under-graduates
+came into the Hall where every man beinge seated in
+his order, many speaches were made by diverse of diverse
+matters, some commendinge a monarchicall state of Governmente,
+and the sometimes suddayne necessitye of Dictators,
+others discommendinge both. Some again extollinge sportes
+&amp; revells, others mainely disallowinge them, all of them drawinge
+some conclusion concerninge the like or dislike of the
+government newly begune, and like for a little space to continue
+amongst them. In the ende the Lord Elect himselfe, to
+conclude all, delivered his owne minde in manner followinge:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Qu&aelig; beneficia (Viri Electores clarissimi) plus difficultatis
+atque, oneris apportant collacata, qu&#257; debite administrata; poterunt
+honoris, caut&egrave; magis primo in limine credo excipienda qu&#257;
+aut imens&aelig; dignitatis expectatione appetenda auid&egrave;, aut boni
+incogniti c&oelig;co appetitu app'hendenda temere. Quor&#363; in albo
+(Electores conscripti) c&#363; semper dignitates istiusmodi serio
+retulerim, Vos (pace dic&#257; vestr&aelig; diligenti&aelig;) non tam mihi
+videmini gratias debere expectare, qua ipse istud onus suscepturus
+videor promereri. N&#257; illud demum gratijs excipitur
+benefici&#363; (pro tempor&#363; ratione loquor) quod nec sollicitudo
+vrget nec offici&#363;&mdash;Infinit&aelig; autem adeo sunt anxietates, qu&aelig; vel
+istam dominatus &#945;&#957;&#945;&#964;&#973;&#960;&#969;&#963;&#953;&#957; circumcingunt, vt pauci velint ipsas
+c&#363; dominatu lubent&egrave;r amplecti, nulli possint euitare, nulli sustinere.
+N&#257; vbi veri imperij facies est repr&aelig;sentanda expectanda
+semper est aliqua curar&#363; proportio. Veru cum dignitas Electoria,
+amicitia suffragatoria, populi applausus, &#333;ni&#363; consensus Democrati&aelig;
+tollend&aelig; caus&acirc; ad primatum euocauerint, lubens animi
+nostri strenu&aelig; renuentis temperabo impet&#363;, et sedul&ograve; impend&agrave;
+curam, vt Reip: (si vobis minus possim singulis) toti satisfaci&#257;.
+Hic ego non it&agrave; existimo opportun&#363; progressu&#363; nostror&#363;
+aduersarijs cur&#257; imperij promiscuam et indigestam collaudantibus
+respondere, aut status Monarchici necessitat&#275; efferentibus
+assentari: Disceptation&#363; vestrar&#363; non accessi judex, accersor
+imperator; Amori vestro (Viri nobis ad prime chari) lubens
+tribuo glori&aelig; nostr&aelig; ort&#363;; progress&#363; august&#363; atque, gloriosu a
+vobis ex officio vestro exigere, pr&aelig;ter amor&#275; nostrum fore no
+arbitror. Tyra&#363;idem non profiteor, imperi&#363; exercebo. Cujus
+f&oelig;liciores processus vt promoueantur, atque indies stabiliant &aelig;ris
+magis quam oris debetis esse prodigi. Quar&egrave; primitias amoris,
+atque officij vestri statuo extemplo exigendas, n&egrave; aut ipse sin&egrave;
+authoritate imperare, aut imperium sin&egrave; glori&acirc; capessisse videar
+&#928;&#959;&#955;&#953;&#964;&#949;&#943;&#945;&#957; Atheniensem sequimur, cujus ad norman Ego ad
+munus regui jam suffectus, Mineru&aelig;, Vulcano et Prometheo<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">161</a></span>
+sacra c&#363; ludorum curatoribus pro moris vsu, prim&acirc; me&acirc; in his
+sacris authoritate fieri curabo. Interim vero (Viri nostr&acirc;
+authoritate adhuc majores) juxta pr&aelig;dict&aelig; Reipublic&aelig; jmagin&#275;
+choragos, seu adjutores desidero, qui n&#333; tantum ludis pr&aelig;ponantur,
+sed et liberalitate pro op&#363; ratione in Reipublic&aelig; impensas
+vtentes, ex &aelig;re publico pr&aelig;mia partim proponant, partim de
+suo insumant, hoc nomine quod illor&#363; sint pr&aelig;fecti. Qu&aelig; alia
+vestri sunt officij moniti pr&aelig;stabitis, qu&aelig; amoris, vltro (vti
+Spero) offeretis.</p>
+
+<p>"This was counted sufficient for his private installmente, but
+with all it was thought necessary that some more publicke
+notice hereof should be given to the whole Universitie, with
+more solemnitie and better fashion; yet before they would
+venter to publish their private intendements, they were desirous
+to knowe what authoritie and jurisdiction would be graunted to
+them, what money allowed them towards the better going
+through with that they had begune. And not long after the
+whole company of the Batchelours sent 2 bills to the Masters
+fire, the one cravinge duety and alleageance, the other money
+and maintenance in manner &amp; forme followinge:</p>
+
+<p class="two">"The coppye of a Bill sent by the Lord Elect, and the
+whole Company of the Batchelours to the Masters fire,
+cravinge their duety and alleageance.</p>
+
+<p>"Not doubtinge of those ceremonious and outward duetyes
+which yourselves (for example sake) will performe, Wee <i>Thomas
+Tucker</i> with the rest of the Bacchelours are bold to entreat, but
+as <i>Thomas, Lord Elect</i>, with the rest of our Councell are ready to
+expect, that no Tutor or Officer whatsoever shall at any time, or
+upon any occasion, intermeddle, or partake with any scholler,
+or youth whatsoever, but leavinge all matters to the discretion
+of our selves, stand to those censures and judgementes which
+wee shall give of all offenders that are under our govermente in
+causes appertaininge to our government. All wayes promisinge
+a carefull readinesse to see schollerlike excercise performed,
+and orderly quietnesse mayntained in all sortes; This as Wee
+promise for our owne partes, so Wee would willingly desire
+that you should promise the performance of the rest of your
+partes, accordinge to that bountye &amp; love which allready you
+have shewed us.</p>
+
+<table width="90%" summary="signatures" border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_05b">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_15">Yours,</td>
+<td class="cell_35" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Thomas Tucker</span></td>
+
+</tr>
+</table>
+<table width="90%"  summary="signatures" border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_35"><span class="smcap">Joseph Fletcher</span></td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35"><span class="smcap">Thomas Downer</span></td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_35"><span class="smcap">John Smith</span></td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35"><span class="smcap">Rouland Juxon</span></td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_35"><span class="smcap">Richard Baylye</span></td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35"><span class="smcap">John Huckstepp</span></td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_35"><span class="smcap">Richard Baylye</span></td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35"><span class="smcap">James Bearblocke</span></td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_35"><span class="smcap">John Towse</span></td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35"><span class="smcap">John English</span></td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>"This Bill subscribed with all their handes was seene and
+allowed by all the Masters, who promised rather more than
+lesse than that which was demanded. But concerninge the
+other Bill for Subsidyes, it was answered that it was not in their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">162</a></span>
+power to grant it without the President, whose cominge home
+was every day expected: against which time it was provided,
+and delivered unto him; who together with the 10 Seniors, was
+loath to grant any thinge till they were certified what sportes
+should bee, of what quality &amp; charge, that so they might the
+better proportion the one to the other, the meanes to the
+matter: They were allso willinge to knowe what particular Men
+would take upon them the care of furnishinge particular nightes.
+For they would by no meanes relye upon generall promises
+because they were not ignorant how that which concerneth all
+in generall is by no man in speciall regarded. Wherfore they
+beinge somewhat, although not fully, satisfied in their demaundes
+by some of the Masters, whom they seemed cheefly to trust with
+the whole businesse, the Bill was againe perused, and every man
+ceazed in manner and forme followinge:</p>
+
+<p class="two">"'The coppye of an auncient Act for taxes and subsidyes
+made in the raygne of our Predecessor of famous
+memorye, in this Parliament held in <span class="smcap">Aula Regni</span> the
+vi<sup>th</sup> of November 1577 and now for <span class="smcap">Our Self</span> new
+ratified and published, anno regni j&ordm; November 7&ordm; 1607.</p>
+
+<p>"'Because all lovinge &amp; loyall Subjects doe owe not onely
+themselves, but allso their landes, livinges, goodes, and what
+soever they call theirs, to the good of the Commonwealth, and
+estate under which they peaceably enjoy all, It is further
+enacted that no man dissemble his estate, or hide his abilitye,
+but be willinge at all times to pay such duetyes, taxes, and
+subsidies, as shall be lawfully demaunded &amp; thought reasonable
+without the hinderance of his owne estate, upon payne of
+forfettinge himself and his goodes whatsoever.'</p>
+
+<div class="center">[List of contributions amounting to 52<sup>li</sup> xiii<sup>s.</sup> vii]</div>
+
+<p>"Though the whole company had thus largely contributed
+towards the ensuinge sportes, yet it was found that when all
+thinges necessary should be layed toegether, a great sum of money
+would be wantinge, and therfore a course was thought upon of
+sendinge out privie Seales to able &amp; willinge Gentlemen which
+had been sometimes Fellowes or commoners of the Colledge
+that it would please them to better the stocke, and out of their
+good will contribute somewhat towardes the Prince's Revells."</p>
+
+<p>Then followed the form of the writ issued, "To our trustye
+and welbeloved Knight, or Esquire," &amp;c. "Given under our
+privye Seale at our Pallace of St. John's in Oxen, the seventh of
+December in the first yeare of our rayne, 1607." Then follow
+"the names of those who were served with this writt, and who
+most willingly obeyed upon the receipt thereof," contributing
+altogether xvi<sup>li</sup> x<sup>s</sup> 0. "Others were served and bragd of it, as
+though they had given, but sent nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"For all these Subsidies at home, and helpes abroad, yet it
+was founde that in the ende there would rather be want (as
+indeed it happened) than any superfluitye, and therfore the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">163</a></span>
+Prince tooke order with the Bowsers to send out warrantes to
+all the Tenantes &amp; other friendes of the Colledge, that they
+should send in extraordinary provision against every Feast,
+which accordingly was performed; some sendinge money, some
+wine, some venison, some other provision, every one accordinge
+to his abilitye.</p>
+
+<p>"All thinges beinge thus sufficiently (as it was thought)
+provided for, the Councell table, with the Lord himself, mett
+together to nominate officers &amp; to appoint the day of the Prince's
+publike installment which was agreed should be on St. Andrews
+Day at night; because at that time the Colledge allso was to
+chouse their new officers for the yeare followinge.</p>
+
+<p>"Now for that they would not playnely and barely install him
+without any farther ceremonies, it was thought fitt that his
+whole ensuinge Regiment (for good lucke sake) should be
+consecrated to the <i>Deitie of Fortune</i>, as the sole Mistres and
+Patronesse of his estate, and therfore a schollerlike devise called
+<i>Ara Fortun&aelig;</i> was provided for his installment; which was
+performed in manner &amp; forme followinge:</p>
+
+<div class="center">ARA FORTUN&AElig;.</div>
+
+<table width="70%"  summary="Inter-locutores." border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_center2" colspan="4"><i>Inter-locutores.</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><span class="smcap">Princeps.</span></td>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25"><span class="smcap">Princeps.</span></td>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><span class="smcap">Fortuna.</span></td>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25"><span class="smcap">Stultus.</span></td>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><span class="smcap">Tolm&aelig;a.</span></td>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Rebellis&nbsp;&nbsp;Primus.</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><span class="smcap">Thesaurarius.</span></td>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; Secundus.</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><span class="smcap">>Camerarius.</span></td>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="2"><span class="smcap"><small>&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; Tertius.</small></span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><span class="smcap">Jurisconsultus.</span></td>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash; Quartus.</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><span class="smcap">Philosophus.</span></td>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Nuncius.</span></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>[The Drama is not given on account of its length. And it
+will be remarked that, whenever asterisks are substituted, some
+portion of the MS. has been omitted.]</p>
+
+<p>"This showe by ourselves was not thought worthye of a stage
+or scaffoldes, and therfore after supper the tables were onlye
+sett together, which was not done with out great toyle &amp; difficulty,
+by reason of the great multitude of people (which, by the
+default of the dorekeepers, and divers others, every man bringinge
+in his friends) had filled the Hall before wee thought of it.
+But for all this it began before 8 of clock, and was well liked by
+the whole audience, who, how unrulye so ever they meante to
+bee afterwardes, resolved I think at first with their good applause
+and quiet behaviour to drawe us on so farr, as wee should not
+bee able to returne backwardes without shame &amp; discreditt.
+They gave us at the ende 4 severall &amp; generall plaudites; at the
+2 wherof the Canopie which hunge over the Altare of Fortune
+(as it had been frighted with the noise, or meante to signifie
+that 2 plaudites were as much as it deserved) suddenly fell
+downe; but it was cleanly supported by some of the standers by
+till the company was voyded, that none but our selves took notice
+of it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">164</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Some upon the sight of this Showe (for the better enoblinge
+of his person, and drawinge his pedigree even from the Godes
+because the Prince's name was Tucker, and the last Prince
+before him was Dr. Case) made this conceipt that <i>Casus et
+Fortuna genuerunt</i> &#932;&#965;&#967;&#949;&#961;&#959;&#957; <i>Principem Fortunatum</i>&mdash;so the one his
+father, and the other his mother.</p>
+
+<p>"Another accident worthy observation (and which was allso
+then observed) was that the Foole carelesly sittinge downe at the
+Prince's feete brake his staff in the midst, whence wee could not
+but directly gather a verye ill omen, that the default and follye of
+some would bee the very breaknecke of our ensueing sports,
+which how it fell out, I leave to the censures of others; our
+selves (I am sure) were guilty to our selves of many weaknesses
+and faultes, the number wherof were increased by the crossinge
+untowardnesse, and backwardnesse of divers of the Prince's
+neerest followers, nay the Prince himself had some weaknesses
+which did much prejudice his state, wherof the chiefest weere
+his openesse, and familiaritye with all sortes, beinge unwillinge to
+displease eny, yet not able to please all. But to proceede:&mdash;On
+St. Thomas day at night the officers before elect were solemnly
+proclaimed by a Sergeant at armes, and an Herauld, the trumpetts
+soundinge beetwixt every title. This proclamation after it
+was read, was for a time hunge up in the Hall, that every man
+might the better understande the qualitie of his owne place, and
+they that were of lower, or no place, might learne what duety to
+performe to others.</p>
+
+<p>"The manner wherof was as followeth:</p>
+
+<p class="two">"Whereas by the contagious poyson, and spreadinge malice
+of some ill disposed persons, hath been threatned not
+onelye the danger of subvertinge peaceable &amp; orderlye proceedinges,
+but the allmost utter annihilatinge of auncient &amp;
+laudable customes&mdash;It hath been thought convenient, or
+rather absolutely necessarye for the avoydinge of a most
+dangerous ensuinge Anarchie, a more settled order of
+goverment, for the better safetye of all well meaninge
+Subjects, and curbinge of discontented, headstronge persons,
+should bee established. And whereas through wante of good
+lawes by wise and discreet Magistrates to bee duely and
+truely executed, a giddye conceipt hath possest the
+mindes of manye turbulent spirites, of endueringe no
+superiour, hardly an equall, whereby the common-wealth
+might growe to bee a manye-headed monster&mdash;It hath
+been provided by the staide and mature deliberations of
+well-experienced governours and provident counsellours, that
+one whose highe deserts might answere his high advancement
+should bee sett over all to the rulinge and directinge
+of all&mdash;Therefore by these presentes bee it knowne unto
+all of what estate or condicion soever whome it shall
+concerne that Thomas Tucker, an honorable wise &amp; learned
+Gentleman to the great comeforte of the weale-publique from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">165</a></span>
+hence-forth to be reputed, taken and obayed for the true,
+onely and undoubted Monarche of this revellinge Climate,
+whom the generall consent and joynte approbation of the
+whole Common-wealth hath invested and crowned with
+these honours and titles followinge:</p>
+
+<p class="two">"The most magnificent and renowned Thomas by the favour
+of Fortune, Prince of Alba Fortunata, Lord St. Johns,
+high Regent of the Hall, Duke of St. Giles, Marquesse
+of Magdalens, Landgrave of the Grove, County Palatine
+of the Cloisters, Chiefe Bailiffe of the Beaumonts, high
+Ruler of Rome, Maister of the Manor of Waltham, Governour
+of Gloster-greene, sole Commaunder of all Titles, Tourneaments,
+and Triumphes, Superintendent in all Solemnities
+whatsoever.</p>
+
+<p>"Now because they whom the unknowne cares, &amp; unweildie
+burdens of a sole regiment shall relie upon, neede extraordinary
+helpe in the more than ordinarye affaires, Hee hath as well for
+the better discharge &amp; ease of those royall duetyes (as it were)
+which attend on his place, as for the avoidinge the odious &amp;
+ingratefull suspition of a single dominion, and private Tyranye,
+selected and chosen unto himself a grave and learned assistance
+both for Councell and government, whom, and every of which,
+his princely will is, shall in their severall places &amp; dignities bee
+both honoured and obeid, with no lesse respect and observance
+than if himself were there present in person. And that carelesse
+ignorance may bee no lawfull excuse for the breach of his
+will therin hee hath appointed their severall names and titles,
+with their subordinate officers and deputies to be signified
+&amp; proclaimed to all his lovinge and leige Subjects, in manner
+followinge:</p>
+
+<p class="two">"The right gracious John Duke of Groveland, Earle de Bello-Monte,
+Baron Smith, chiefe Ranger of the Woods &amp; Forests,
+great Master of the Prince's Game, hath for his subordinate
+officers&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="six">Sir Frauncis Hudson, Keeper of the Parkes, &amp; Warder
+of the Warrens.</p>
+
+<p class="six">Sir Thomas Grice, Forrester &amp; Sargeaunt of the Woodhowse.</p>
+
+<p class="two">"The right honourable Rowland Lord Juxon, Lord Chauncelour,
+Keeper of the Great Seale, Signer of all publicke Charters,
+Allower of all Priviledges, hath for his subordinate officers.</p>
+
+<p class="six">Sir William Dickenson, Master of the Requests, &amp; the
+Prince's Remembrancer.</p>
+
+<p class="six">Sir Owen Vertue, Clerke of the Signet, and Chafer of
+Waxe.</p>
+
+<p class="two">
+"The right honourable Thomas Lord Downer, Lord high
+Treasurer, Receaver General of all Rents, Revenues,
+Subsidies, belonginge by Nature, custome or accident to
+the Prince; the great Payemaster of all necessary charges
+appertayninge to the Court, hath for his subordinate
+Officers&mdash;
+</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">166</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="six">Sir John Williamson, Steward of the Household, Disburser
+for the Familye.</p>
+
+<p class="six">Sir Christopher Wren, Cofferer, and Clerke of the
+Exchequer.</p>
+
+<p class="two">"The right honourable Joseph Lord Fletcher, Lord high
+Admirall, great Commaunder of all the narrow seas, floods
+and passages; Surveyor of the Navye, Mayster of the
+Ordinance, hath for his subordinate Officers,</p>
+
+<p class="six">Sir Stephen Angier, Warden of the Cinque Ports, and
+Victualler of the Fleet.</p>
+
+<p class="six">Sir Anthony Steevens, Captayne of the Guard.</p>
+
+<p class="two">"The right honourable Richard Lord Baylie, Lord high
+Marshall, President of all Titles, and Tourneaments,
+Commander in all Triumphes, Suppressor of suddayne
+tumultes, Supervisor of all games, and publique pastimes,
+hath for his subordinate Officers,</p>
+
+<p class="six">Sir William Blagrove, Master of the Revells.</p>
+
+<p class="six">Sir John Hungerford, Knight Marshall, severe Commander
+of the Wayes for the Prince's passage.</p>
+
+<p class="two">"The right honourable John Lord Towse, Lord high Chamberlayne,
+Purveyor for the Prince's pallace, Overseer of all
+feasts and banquets, furnisher of all Chambers, and
+Galleries, Examiner of all private pastimes, hath for his
+subordinate Officers,</p>
+
+<table width="100%" summary="subordinate Officers" border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_40">Sir Richard Swinerton</td>
+<td class="cell_05" rowspan="2"><img src="images/para3.jpg" width="10" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="cell_40" rowspan="2"><p class="two_aa">the Prince's Wards and Squiers of his bodye.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_40">Sir William Cheyney</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_40" colspan="3">Mr. Edward Cooper, Groome-Porter.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>"The right honourable Richard Lord Holbrooke, Comptroller
+Generall, Chiefe overseer of all Purseavants, Orderer of all
+household Servaunts, hath for his subordinate officers,</p>
+
+<table width="100%" summary="subordinate Officers" border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_40">Sir Thomas Stanley</td>
+<td class="cell_05" rowspan="2"><img src="images/para3.jpg" width="10" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="cell_40" rowspan="2"><p class="two_aa">Sergeaunts at Armes &amp; Gentlemen Ushers to the Prince</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_40">Mr. John Alford</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_40" colspan="3"><p class="two_aa">Mr. Brian Nailor, Master of the Robes of State,
+Keeper of the Wardrobe, and Surveyor of
+Liveries.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>"The right honourable James Lord Berbloke, principall
+Secretarye, Lord privye Seale, designer of all Embasies,
+Drawer of all Edicts and Letters, Scribe to the State, hath
+for his subordinate Officers,</p>
+
+<table width="100%"  summary="subordinate Officers" border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_aa">Sir Thomas Clarke, Master of the Roles, &amp; Prothonotarye.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_aa">Mr. Marcheaumount Nedham, Clerke of the Councell-table.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>"The right honourable John Lord English, Lord Chiefe Justice,
+Examiner of all causes Capitall; Sessor upon life and
+death, Judge of controversies criminall, hath for his subordinate
+Officers,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">167</a></span></p>
+
+<table width="100%"  summary="subordinate Officers" border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_aa">Sir John Alder, Attourney Generall, and the Prince's
+Solicitor.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_aa">Mr. John Sackevile, Baylife Erraunt.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>"Now because good Governours without good laws, carefull
+Magistrates without wholesome Statutes are like dumb (though
+paynted) images, or unweapon'd soldiers&mdash;Hee of his absolute
+authoritye, conferred upon him in the late free election, doth
+ratifie and establish all such Decrees and Statutes, as Hee now
+findeth wisely and warely ordayned of his famous Predecessor;
+promisinge onely by a full and severe execution to put life
+in their dead remembrance, Adding moreover some few
+cautions to be observed in his ensuinge Triumphs."</p>
+
+<p>These statutes were ratified and established by the Prince
+"at our Manor of Whites-Hall, December the 21st in the first
+of our Raygne."</p>
+
+<p>"The same night the Prince, with the rest of his Councell
+meetinge at the high table in the Hall, a Bill was preferred
+by the Lord Treasurer for the advancement of Mr. Henery
+Swinarton to the Earldome of Cloyster-sheere, and the over-seeinge
+of the Princes great Librarye." After due consideration,
+"the Prince at length graunted the request, and his title was
+presently drawne by the Clerke of the Councell-table, and
+pronounced in manner followinge:</p>
+
+<p class="two">"The right honourable Henry Lord Swinarton, Earle of Cloister-Sheer,
+Barron of the Garden, chiefe Master of the Presse,
+and overseer of the Prince's great Librarye, hath for his
+subordinate Officers,</p>
+
+<p class="six">Mr. William Rippin, Surveyor of the Walkes.</p>
+
+<p class="six">Mr. Christopher Riley, Corrector of the Printe.</p>
+
+<p>"From this time forward, and not before, the Prince was
+thought fully to be instal'd, and the forme of government fully
+established, in-so-much that none might or durst contradict
+anything which was appoynted by himself, or any of his
+officers.</p>
+
+<p>"The Holy-dayes beinge now at hand, his privye-chamber
+was provided and furnisht, wherein a chayre of state was placed
+upon a carpett with a cloth of state hanged over it, newly made
+for the same purpose. On Christmas Day in the morninge he
+was attended on to prayers by the whole companye of the
+Bacchelours, and some others of his Gentlemen Ushers, bare
+before him. At dinner beinge sett downe in the Hall at the
+high table in the Vice-president's place (for the President
+himself was then allso present) he was served with 20 dishes
+to a messe, all which were brought in by Gentlemen of the
+Howse attired in his Guard's coats, ushered in by the Lord
+Comptroller, and other Officers of the Hall. The first messe
+was a Boar's Head, which was carried by the tallest and lustiest
+of all the Guard, before whom (as attendants) wente first, one
+attired in a horseman's coate, with a Boars-speare in his hande,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">168</a></span>
+next to him an other Huntsman in greene, with a bloody faucion
+drawne; next to him 2 Pages in tafatye sarcenet, each of them
+with a messe of mustard; next to whome came hee that carried
+the Boares-head crost with a greene silk scarfe, by which hunge
+the empty scabbard of the faulcion which was carried before
+him. As they entered the Hall, he sang this Christmas Caroll,
+the three last verses of everie staffe beinge repeated after him
+by the whole companye:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">1. The Boare is dead,</span>
+<span class="i1_5">Loe, here is his head,</span>
+<span class="i2_5">What man could have done more</span>
+<span class="i1_5">Than his head off to strike,</span>
+<span class="i1_5">Meleager like,</span>
+<span class="i2_5">And bringe it as I doe before?</span>
+<br /><br />
+<span class="i0">2. He livinge spoyled</span>
+<span class="i1_5">Where good men toyled,</span>
+<span class="i2_5">Which made kinde Ceres sorrye;</span>
+<span class="i1_5">But now dead and drawne,</span>
+<span class="i1_5">Is very good brawne,</span>
+<span class="i2_5">And wee have brought it for you.</span>
+<br /><br />
+<span class="i0">3. Then sett downe the Swineyard,</span>
+<span class="i1_5">The foe to the Vineyard,</span>
+<span class="i2_5">Lett Bacchus crowne his fall,</span>
+<span class="i1_5">Lett this Boare's-head and mustard</span>
+<span class="i1_5">Stand for Pigg, Goose, and Custard,</span>
+<span class="i2_5">And so you are wellcome all.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"At this time, as on all other Holy-dayes, the Princes allowed
+Musitions (which were sent for from Readinge, because our
+owne Town Musick had given us the slipp, as they use to doe
+at that time when we had most need of them) played all dinner
+time, and allso at supper. The Prince as ofte as hee satt in the
+Hall was attended on by a Commoner and Scholler of the
+Colledge in tafaty sarcenett. After supper there was a private
+Showe performed in the manner of an Interlude, contayninge
+the order of the Saturnalls, and shewinge the first cause of
+Christmas-candles, and in the ende there was an application
+made to the Day and Nativitie of Christ, all which was
+performed in manner followinge:</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">SATURNALIA.</span></div>
+
+<table width="30%" summary="SATURNALIA.">
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Hercules</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Curius</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Doulus</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"This shew was very well liked of our selves, and the better:
+first, because itt was the voluntary service of a younge youth;
+nexte, because there were no strangers to trouble us.</p>
+
+<p>"St. Steevens day was past over in silence, and so had St.
+John's day also; butt that some of the Prince's honest neighbours
+of St. Giles's presented him with a maske, or morris,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">169</a></span>
+which though it were but rudely performed, yet itt being so
+freely and lovingly profered, it could not but bee as lovingly
+received.</p>
+
+<p>"The same nighte, the twelve daies were suddenly, and as
+it were extempore, brought in, to offer their service to the
+Prince, the holy-daies speaking Latine, and the working-daies
+English, the transition was this:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Yee see these working-daies they weare no satten,</span>
+<span class="i0">And I assure you they can speake no Latten;</span>
+<span class="i0">But if you please to stay a-while,</span>
+<span class="i0">Some shepheard for them will change the style.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"After some few daunces the Prince, not much liking the
+sporte (for that most of them were out both in their speeches
+and measures, having but thought of this devise some few
+houres before) rose, and lefte the hall, after whose departure,
+an honest fellow to breake of the sportes for that night, and
+to void the company made suddenly this Epilogue:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">These daunces were perform'd of yore</span>
+<span class="i0">By many worthy Elfes,</span>
+<span class="i0">Now if you will have any more</span>
+<span class="i0">Pray shake your heeles your selves.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"The next day being Innocents-day, it was expected, and
+partly determined by our selves, that the Tragedy of <i>Philomela</i>
+should have been publickly acted, which (as wee thought) would
+well have fitted the day, by reason of the murder of Innocent
+Itis. But the carpenters being no way ready with the stage, or
+scaffolds (whereof notwithstanding some were made before
+Christmas), wee were constrained to deferre it till the nexte
+day, which was the 29th of December.</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">PHILOMELA.</span></div>
+
+<table width="40%" summary="PHILOMELA.">
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Tereus, Rex Thraci&aelig;.</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Progne, Regina, Uxor Terei,</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Eugenes, a consilijs Terei.</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Tres Socii Terei a Classe,</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Ancilla Prognes.</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Philomela, Soror Prognes</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Itis, Filius Pronges et Terei</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Ancilla Philomel&aelig;.</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Faustulus, Pastor Regius.</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><small><span class="smcap">Faustula, Pastoris Filia.</span></small></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="center"><small><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span>
+<br />
+Terra<br />
+Mare.<br />
+</small>
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"The whole play was wel acted and wel liked.</p>
+
+<p>"New-yeare's eve was wholly spent in preparation for the
+Prince's triumphs, so that nothing was done or expected that
+night.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">170</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Next day in the morning (beeing New-yeare's-day) the
+Prince sent Mr. Richard Swinnerton, one of the Squires of his
+body to Mr. President with a paire of gloves, charging him to
+say nothing but these two verses:</p>
+
+<p>
+The Prince and his Councell, in signe of their loves,<br />
+Present you, their President, with these paire of gloves.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"There was some what else written in the paper which
+covered them, but what it is uncertaine.</p>
+
+<p>"At night were celebrated the Prince's triumphs, at which
+time onely and never before nor after he was carryed in full
+state from his pallace to the hall, where in the sight of the
+whole University a supplication was presented unto him by
+Time and seconded with a shew called <i>Times Complaint</i>. It
+was performed in manner and forme following:</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">TIME'S COMPLAINT.</span></div>
+
+<table width="50%" summary="TIME'S COMPLAINT." border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="3">Time.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="3">Veritas, the Daughter of Time.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s">Opinion</td>
+<td class="cell_05" rowspan="2"><img src="images/para3.jpg" height="40" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="cell_left50s" rowspan="2">Seducers of Veritas.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s">Error</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Studioso, a Scholler.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Manco, a lame Souldiour.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Clinias, a poore Country-man.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Humphry Swallow, a drunken Cob</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Goodwife Spiggot, an Ale-wife.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Philonices, a rangling Lawyer.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Seruus Philonices.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Bellicoso, a Casheere Corporall.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">PROLOGUE.<a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a></span></div>
+
+
+<table width="70%" summary="PROLOGUE." border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">"Worthelie heere wee bring you Time's Complaint</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Whom we have most just cause for to complaine of,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">For hee hath lent us such a little space</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">That what wee doe wants much of its true grace.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="two_a">Yet let your wonted love that kindelie take,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Which we could wish were better for your sake.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<small><i>Enter</i><span class="smcap">Time</span> <i>with the Musicians to place them</i></small></p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2"><b>Time.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">O wellsaid, wellsaid; wellcome, wellcome, faith!</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">It doth mee good to see I have some friends.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Come, true observers of due time, come on:</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">A fitt of musicke, but keepe time, keepe time</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">In your remembrance still, or else you jarre:</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="two_a">These for my sake too much neglected are.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="two_a">The world termes them beggars, fidling roagues,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="two_a">But come my fidling friends, I like you well,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="two_a">And for my sake I hope this company,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="two_a">Naie more the Prince himselfe, will like your tunes.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="two_a">Here take your place and shew your greatest skill,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="two_a">All now is well that is not verie ill.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="six_a"><small><span class="smcap">Time</span> <i>expecting the comming of the Prince (to whom hee preferreth a petition)
+placeth himselfe on the stage till the traine bee past.</i></small></p>
+
+<table width="70%" summary="Time" border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">This waie hee comes, here will I place my selfe,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">They saie hee is an honourable Prince,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Respectfull, curteous, liberall, and learn'd:</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">If hee bee soe hee will not choose but heare mee.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Poore aged Time was never so abused,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">171</a></span></p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">If not for my sake, yet for his owne good,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Hee will read over my petition.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Oft hath the like beene drawne and given up</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">To his nobilitie; But carelesse they</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">In theire deepe pockets swallow good men's praiers.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">This his owne hand shall have, or I will keepe it:&mdash;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">But here they come, stand close and viewe the traine.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="two">Enter first six Knighte Marshalls men in suitable liveries with
+links and truncheons two by two.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Next the Knighte Marshall alone in armour and bases with
+a truncheon.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Then fower other of his men as before.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After these fower Knightes in rich apparell with hats and
+feathers, rapiers and daggers, bootes and spurres, everie
+one his Lackie attending on him with torch-light, all two
+by two.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After these the Master of the Requests, the Master of the
+Robes in vaste velvet gownes, with Lackies and torches
+before them.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After these fower Barons in velvet cloakes, likewise attended
+with Lackies and torches.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After these an Herald at Armes bare, with two Lackies
+attendant bearing torches.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After these six of the privie Counsell in Schollars gownes and
+civill hoods, everie one attended on by a Footman bearing
+on his jacket both behind and before his Lord's
+armes according to his office (as it is before mentioned)
+with torches alsoe in theire hands.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After those two Sergeants at armes, with great Maces, and
+two Squiers before them with torches, all bare.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After these two Hench-men, the one with a sword, the other
+with a scepter, likewise attended by two Squiers with
+torch lights, all bare.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After these the Prince himselfe in a scholler's gowne and
+civill hood, with a coronett of laurell about his hat,
+attended on by fower footmen in suitable liveries with
+torches.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After these the Captaine of the guard alone in hose and
+dublett, hatt and feather, etc., and following him, twenty
+of the guard in suitable guards' coats and halberds in
+their hands, and lightes intermingled here and there.</p>
+
+<p>"When this traine first entered out of the Prince's palace
+there was a volye of shotte to the number of fiftie or three-score
+gunnes, and once againe as it passed through the quadrangle,
+and the third time when the Prince was readie to enter uppon
+the stage in the hall, after which third peale ended, the nobilitie
+having past along some parte of the stage, the rest of the traine
+disposed in places provided for them, and the Prince himselfe
+newlie entered, the showe went forward.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">172</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It hath beene observed if they which performe much in
+these kinde of sportes must needs doe something amisse, or
+at the least such is the danger and trouble of them, that something
+in the doing will miscarry, and so be taken amisse, and
+such was our fortune at this time; for the Prologue (to the
+great prejudice of that which followed) was most shamefully
+out, and having but halfe a verse to say, so that by the very
+sense the audience was able to prompt him in that which
+followed, yet hee could not goe forward, but after long stay and
+silence, was compelled abruptly to leave the stage, whereupon
+beeing to play another part, hee was so dasht, that hee did
+nothing well that night.</p>
+
+<p>"After him Good-wife Spiggot, comming forth before her
+time, was most miserably at a non plus &amp; made others so also,
+whilst her selfe staulked in the middest like a great Harry-Lion
+(as it pleased the audience to terme it), either saying nothing
+at all, or nothing to the purpose.</p>
+
+<p>"The drunken-man, which in the repetitions had much
+pleased and done very well, was now so ambitious of his
+action, that he would needs make his part much longer than
+it was, and stood so long upon it all, that he grew most tedious,
+whereuppon it was well observed and said by one that</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;'twas pitty there should bee</span>
+<span class="i0">In any pleasing thing satiety.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"To make up the messe of absurdities the company had so
+fil'd the stage, that there was no roome to doe any thing well,
+to bee sure many thinges were mistaken and therefore could
+not but bee very distastfull, for it was thought that particular
+men were aymed at, and disciphered by the drunken-man, and
+Justice Bryar, though it was fully knowne to our-selves that the
+author had no such purpose.</p>
+
+<p>"In fine, expectation the devourer of all good endeavours
+had swallowed more in the very name and title of the interlude
+than was either provided or intended in the whole matter, for
+wee onely proposed to our selves a shew, but the towne expected
+a perfect and absolute play, so that all things mett to make us
+unhappy that night, and had not Time him selfe (whose lines
+and actions were thought good) somewhat pleased them, they
+would never have endured us without hissing, howsoever in
+the end they gave us two or three cold plaudites, though they
+departed no way satisfyed, unlesse it were in the shew about
+the quadrangle, wherein the Prince was carryd to his chamber
+in the same state that hee came from thence in the beginning
+(as is above mentioned), the whole company of actors beeing
+added to his traine who immediately followed him before the
+guard in this order:</p>
+
+<p class="two">First, Time alone, attended, with two pages and lightes.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Next, Veritas alone, likewise attended.</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">173</a></span></p>
+<p class="two">Then Error and Opinion, which all the way they went pull'd
+Veritas by the sleeve, one by one and the other by the
+other, but shee would not harken to them.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After these came Studioso and Philonices, both pleading the
+case, one upon his ringers and the other with both his
+hands.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Then came Manco, the lame souldiour and Philonices his
+man; the souldiour haulting without his cruch, the other
+beating him with the cruch for counterfeyting.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After these came Clinias and Bellicoso houlding the halter
+betwixt them, which Bellicoso had found in Clinias his
+pocket.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Last after these came Humphry Swallow and good wife
+Spiggot, hee reeling uppon her, she pulling and hayling
+him for the money he ought her.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After these came the guard as before, and so the Prince in
+full state was conveyed to his pallace.</p>
+
+<p>"Here wee were all so discouraged that wee could have
+found in our heartes to have gone no farther. But then consulting
+with our selves wee thought it no way fitt to leave when
+thinges were at the worst, and therefore resolved by more
+industry and better care of those things which should follow,
+to sue out a fine of recovery for our credites. Whereuppon
+the comedy which was already a foote and appointed to bee
+done on 12 day, was revewed and corrected by the best judgments
+in the house, &amp; a Chorus by their direction inserted, to
+excuse former faults, all which was a cause that Twelfe eve &amp;
+Twelfe day past away in silence, because the comedy beeing
+wholy altered could not bee so soone acted, neyther could any
+other thing bee so suddenly provided to furnish those nights.</p>
+
+<p>"Heere the Lord-treasurer made a complaint to the King
+and the rest of his councell that his treasure was poore and
+almost exhausted, so that without a fresh supply or new subsidy
+nothing more could bee done. And that this might not seem
+an idle complaint, a bill of some of the particulars and chiefe
+expences was exhibited, wherein it might appeare how costly
+the presedent revels had beene."</p>
+
+<p>The "Bill of Expences" amounted to lxiiij<sup>li</sup> v<sup>s</sup> o<sup>d</sup>.</p>
+
+<p>"This bill beeing seene and allowed, they begane to cast about
+for more money, whereuppon a new privy seale was drawn in
+Latin." "Those which were served with this writte and
+obey'd" contributed a total sum of 5<sup>li</sup>.</p>
+
+<p>"This beeing not as yet sufficient there was a new subsedy
+levyed by the Junior Masters and the rest of the Colledge to the
+summe of Six Poundes three shillings, whereuppon finding themselves
+againe before hand, and resolving to save nothing for a
+deare yeare, they proceeded to new expences and new troubles.</p>
+
+<p>"The Suneday after, beeing the last day of the Vacation and
+tenth day of the moneth, two shewes were privately performed
+in the Lodging, the one presently after dinner called <i>Somnium
+Fundatoris</i>, viz., the tradition that wee have concearning the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">174</a></span>
+three trees that wee have in the President his garden. This
+interlude by the reason of the death of him that made it, not
+long after was lost, and so could not bee heere inserted; but it
+was very well liked, and so wel deserved, for that it was both
+wel penned and well acted.</p>
+
+<p>"Now because before were divers youths whose voyces or
+personages would not suffer them to act any thing in publicke,
+yet withall it was thought fitt, that in so publicke a buisnes
+every one should doe some thing, therefore a mocke play was
+provided called <i>The 7 Dayes of the Weeke</i>, which was to be performed
+by them which could do nothing in earnest, and, that
+they should bee sure to spoyle nothing, every man's part was
+sorted to his person, and it was resolved that the worse it
+was done, the better it would be liked, and so it fell out; for
+the same day after supper it was presented by one who bore
+the name of the Clerke of St. Gyleses, and acted privately in
+the lodging in manner and forme following:</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">THE SEVEN DAYES OF THE WEEKE.</span></div>
+
+<div class="center"><small><i>Interloqutores.</i></small></div>
+
+<table width="50%" summary="THE SEVEN DAYES OF THE WEEKE." border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">The Clerke of St. Gyleses.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Mooneday.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Tuseday.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Wenesday.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Thurseday.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Frieday.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Satterday.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Suneday.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s" colspan="2">Night.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span></div>
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 12em;"><small>A Woman</small></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 12em;"><small>A Paire of Snuffers.</small></span>
+</p>
+
+<div class="center"><small><i>Enter the Clerke with all his Acteurs.</i></small></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Prologue</span></div>
+
+<table width="80%" summary="Prologue" border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="two_a"><b>Clerke.</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">"I am the poore, though not unlettered, Clerke,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">And these your subjects of St. Gyles his parishe,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Who in this officious season would not sharke</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">But thought to greet your highnesse with a morrice,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Which since my riper judgement thought not fitt,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">They have layd down their wisedomes to my witt.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">And that you might perceive (though seeminge rude)</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Wee savour somewhat of the Academie,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Wee had adventur'd on an enterlude</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">But then of actors wee did lacke a manye;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Therefore we clipt our play into a showe,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Yet bigg enough to speake more than wee knowe.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">The subject of it was not farr to seeke</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Fine witts worke mickle matter out of nifle:</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Nam'd it I have <i>The Seven Dayes of the Weeke</i>,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Which though perchaunce grave heads may judge a trifle,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Yet if their action answere but my penninge,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">You shall heare that, that will deserve a hemminge.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">175</a></span></p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">To tell the argument, were to forstalle</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">And sour the licquour of our sweete conceate;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Here are good fellowes that will tell you all</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">When wee begin once, you shall quickely ha'te,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Which if your grace will grace with your attention,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">You shall soone sounde the depth of our invention."</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center">[Then follows the mock play in seven Acts.]</div>
+
+<p>"Nothing, throughout the whole yeare, was better liked and
+more pleasant than this shewe, in so much that, although it
+were more privately done before our selves onely or some few
+friends, yet the report of it went about all the towne, till it
+came to the Vice-chauncellours and L. Clifford's eares, who
+were very desyrous to see it acted againe, and so it was as
+heereafter shal bee specifyed.</p>
+
+<p>"The next day beeing Munday the 11 of January the terme
+should have begun in the house, but because of the extreame
+cold and froast which had now continued full six weekes and
+better without any intermission, as also by reason the hall was
+still pestered with the stage and scaffolds which were suffered
+to stand still in expectation of the Comedy, therefore it was
+agreed by the President and the officers that the terme should
+bee prorogued for 7 dayes longer in which time it was agreed
+the Comedy should bee publickely acted on Friday, the 15th
+day of January.</p>
+
+<p>"But heere the President and some of the Seniors in abundance
+of care were affrayd to put any thing againe to the
+publicke view of the University, because their last paines at
+<i>The Complaint of Time</i> had so ill thriving. Besides the season
+was so severe and tempestuous with wind and snow, which had
+continued some dayes without ceasing, and the complaint of
+the poore was so grievious for want of wood and meate, which
+by this time were growne very scant and deere, that they urged
+it was a time rather to lament and weepe than make sports in,
+whereupon a streight inhibition was sent out from the officers,
+that no man should thinke of playing that night or any time
+after, till the weather should breake up and bee more temperate,
+for they thought it no way fitt publickly to revell at a time of
+such generall wo and calamity.</p>
+
+<p>"But yet because all thinges were in a readinesse and the
+expectation of the whole towne was set uppon that night, the
+younger men of the Colledge went forward with their buisnes,
+intending to take no notice of what the officers had aggreed
+uppon, wherefore some of the officers were fayne to come in
+person to forbid the worke-men, and to undo some things which
+were already done, to the great griefe and discouragement of
+all the youth, who, though the weather was extreame cold, were
+themselves most hotte uppon the matter in hand, resolving now
+or never to recover their losse credit.</p>
+
+<p>"And, as though the heavens had favoured their designes,
+so it happened that about noone the weather brake up and it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">176</a></span>
+begann to thaw, whereuppon the President was agayne importun'd
+by the Prince himselfe and his councell for the performance
+of the Comedy that night; who (seeing they were all so earnest)
+did not so much graunt, as not deny them, their request, whereuppon
+they begann againe to sett forward the buisnes, and what
+they wanted in time they made up by their willingnesse and
+paynes, so that for all these crosses they begann the play before
+7 a clocke and performed it in manner following:</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">PHILOMATHES.</span></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">interloqutores.</span></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Chorus.</span></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Janus.</span></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Tempus.</span></div>
+
+<table width="90%"  summary="PHILOMATHES." border="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25">Motus.</td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35s">Locus.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25">Quies.</td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35s">Vacuum.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35s">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="2">Philomathes.</td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35s">Sophia.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="2">Chrysophilos, Senex Avarus.</td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35s">Antarchia.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="2">Phantasta, Stolidus Generosus.</td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35s">Anthadia.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="2">Phantasta, Stolidus Generosus.</td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35s">Anthadia.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="2">&#913;&#966;&#961;&#972;&#957;&#953;&#959;&#962;, Filius Chrysophili.</td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35s">An&aelig;a, Mulier Inepta.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_15">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_35s">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="3">Chrestophilos, Socius Philomathis.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="3">Crito, Senex, Pater Sophi&aelig;.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="3">Critonis Seruus.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="3">Cerdoos, Seruus Chrysophili.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="cell_25" colspan="3">Petinus, Seruus Phantast&aelig;.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"This play was very well acted, but especially the Chorus, the
+stage was never more free, the audience never more quiett and
+contented, so that they went away many of them crieing&mdash;<i>Abund&egrave;
+satisfactum est!</i> itt was so well liked and applauded
+of all that saw itt.</p>
+
+<p>"Here the stage &amp; scaffold were pul'd downe which had
+stood from Cristmas, and it was resolved that upon the
+chaunge of the weather, the terme should begin on the
+Munday following.</p>
+
+<p>"But in the meane time on Sunday nighte, being the Seventeenth
+of January, the Vice-chancelor, and the L. Clifford, with
+many other Doctors and Gentlemen were invited to supper in
+the President's lodging, where after supper they were entertained
+with a shew before mentioned, to witt, <i>The Seven Dayes
+in the Weeke</i>, to which, by this time, there was somewhat added,
+but not much: all was most kindly accepted, and the nighte was
+spent in great mirth. For the straungenes of the matter, and
+rarity of the fashion of their action pleased above expectation.</p>
+
+<p>"At the end of this shew for the more rarity, there was one
+brought in my Lord's Stockes with this speech made uppon itt:</p>
+
+<p>"'My Lord, I which am the lowest, am now become the
+lowdest, though (I hope) not the lewdest of your Lordshippe's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">177</a></span>
+servauntes. And though I come <i>pridie Calendas</i>, before I am
+cald, yet (I hope) my audacity shall have audience, and my
+faithfulnes favor. I am your Lordshippe's Elephaunt and
+heere is your castell, so that where other Lords are brought
+to their castells, heere your castell is brought to you. <i>Est locus
+in carcere</i>, there is a locke upon your Lordshippe's castell, which
+was committed unto my trust, how faithfull I have been therein
+they can tell who have taken an exact measure of my office by
+the foote: the matter of which your castell is builded is so
+precious, that there is none amongst company but is contented
+to wear of it within his buttons, the end for which it was builded
+is very commendable, that they may bee kepte in order with
+wood, which otherwise would not bee kepte in order, heere
+is <i>fons latus pedibus tribus</i>, a fountaine to wash three mens legs,
+that they which have bene <i>aurium tenus</i>, over shoes, heere may
+be <i>crurum tenus</i> over bootes too, This your Lordshippe's oracle
+or Tripos, out of which malefactors tell the truth and foretell
+of their amendment. Nay, I wil bee bould to compare it to
+your Lordshippe's braine, for what is there designed is heere
+executed. In these sells or ventricles are fancy, understanding,
+and memory. For such as your Lordshippe doth not fancy are
+put in the first hole, such as were dull and without understanding
+were put in the second hole, but such as your
+Lordshippe threatned (remember this) or I'le remember you,
+were put in the last and lowest dungeon, <i>cum nemini obtrudi
+potest itur ad me</i>. When they cannot bee ruled otherwise they
+are brought unto mee, and my entertainment is <i>strato discumbitur
+ostro</i>, they straite sett downe att this oister table, where they
+are fast and doe fast, ffor <i>vinitur exiguo melius</i>, they make small
+meales, till the flames of clemency doe mitigate the Salamanders
+of your Lordshippe's severity. Now, my Lord, since I have
+told you what I am, I will bee bold to tell you what you may
+bee&mdash;You are mortall&mdash;Ergo you must die, the three sisters will
+not spare you, though you were their owne brother, and therefore
+while you have your good witts about you, <i>fac quid vobis</i>,
+make your will, that wee may know amongst so many well
+deserving men, that doe lay claime to this your castell, to
+whome as rightfull heire itt shall lawfully descend, that
+so all controversies being ended, before your Lordshippe's
+deceasse, hereafter your bones may ly, and wee your subjects
+live, in all rest and quietnes.</p>
+
+<p class="quotsig">"'Dixi.'</p>
+
+<p>"To make an end of this nighte's sporte, all departed merry
+and very well pleased, the actors were much commended, and
+the terme for their sakes prorogued one day longer.</p>
+
+<p>"On the Thursday following the Prince was solemnly invited
+by the Canons of Christchurch to a comedy called <i>Yuletide</i>,
+where many thinges were either ill ment by them, or ill taken
+by us, but wee had very good reason to think the former, both<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">178</a></span>
+for that the whole towne thought so, and the whole play was
+a medley of Christmas sportes, by which occasion Christmas
+Lords were much jested at, and our Prince was soe placed that
+many thinges were acted upon him, but yet, Mr. Deane himselfe,
+then vice-chancelor, very kindly sent for the Prince and
+some others of our howse, and laboured to satisfie us, protesting
+that no such thing was mente, as was reported, whereupon wee
+went away contented, and forebore the speaking of many things
+which otherwise were afterwards intended, for aunswering of
+them in their owne kind.</p>
+
+<p>"On Candlemas nighte it was thoughte by our selves, and
+reported in the towne, that the Prince should resigne his
+place, but nothing being in readines for that purpose itt was
+deferred, but yet, least nothing should bee done, there was a
+Vigilate (as they terme it) a watching nighte procured by the
+Prince and his Counsell, and graunted by the officers of the
+Colledge, which was performed in manner following.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center">"THE VIGILATE.</div>
+
+<p>"First, about eighte of the Clocke (for then itt was to begin,
+and to continue till fowre in the morning) the Colledge gates
+were shutt, and all the students summon'd by the sounding of a
+Trumpett three times, to make their personall appearance in the
+greate Hall, where after they were all come together, that the
+Prince's pleasure might bee the better knowne, this proclamation
+was publikely pronounced by a Serjeant att Armes, in
+the hearing of them all.</p>
+
+<p class="two">"The high and mighty Thomas by the favour of Fortune Prince
+of Alba Fortunata, Lord St. Johns, High Regent of the
+Hall, &amp;c. To all Presidents, Vice Presidents, Officers,
+Readers, Masters, Batchelors, Felowes, Schollers, Commoners,
+Under-commoners, Servaunts, Scruitors, sendeth
+greeting.</p>
+
+<p>Whereas of late by the turbulent spirits of seditious minded
+persons hath bene buzzed into the eares of many of our loving
+and liege subjectes a fearefull and dangerous report of our
+sudden downefall, which according to their libelling speeches
+should att this nighte fall upon us&mdash;We have thought it
+necessary not so much for our owne feares which are none
+at all, as for satisfieing and strengthening our welmeaning
+friends in their love and duty, to publish and by these presents
+to all our loyal subjects of what state and condicion soever,
+that they make their personall appearance to the setting and
+furnishing of a most strong guarde and carefull watch as well
+for their security as the safety of our owne royall person, &amp;
+the whole Common-wealth; In the which generall watch for
+the better comfort and ease of all men, our selfe, with our
+honourable privy Counsell, and the rest of our Nobility, intend
+to bee personally present.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">179</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But because wee are no way minded to oppresse any man
+above his power, on our princely bounty, wee give licence to
+such as (for age or infirmity) are not able to perform that duty,
+to forfaite for their absence, yf they plead age ijs. vi<sup>d.</sup>; if
+infirmity, xii<sup>d</sup>., towards the furnishing of his Highnes with a
+tall and sufficient watchman.</p>
+
+<p>"Now because that which wee have wisely thought, and for
+our peace and safety, may not proove the cause of new troubles
+and dissentions, wee have thought good to adjoine some few
+cautions, in way of admonitions to bee observed.</p>
+
+<p class="two">"First, for that the disorders of an unruly and mutinous watch
+doe often open as it were the gate of danger and outrage,
+our princely will and pleasure is, that each man keepe his
+station with out murmuring, performing cheerefully all such
+offices and duties, as shal bee lawfully enjoin'd by us, or
+our offices, upon paine of forfeiting ijs. vi<sup>d</sup>., as for age.</p>
+
+<p class="two">"Secondly, because sloth is a kind of disease in a well-ordered
+Common-wealth wee further charge and command by the
+vertue of our absolute authority, that no man bee found
+winking, or pincking, or nodding, much lesse snorting,
+upon paine of forfaiting twelve pence, as for infirmity.</p>
+
+<p class="two">"Thirdly, for the avoiding of a sudden dearth, or lingring famine
+which may ensue and justly follow the free and undoubted
+liberty of a riotous and luxurious time, yt is by us thought
+necessary that no man should in hugger mugger eate or
+drincke more than is publickly seene and allowed by the
+face of the body civill and politicke, upon paine of paieing
+twise, for such is in a manner stolen provision, and the
+second paiement to bee arbitrary.</p>
+
+<p class="six">"Given att our Mannor of Whites-hall, the seacond of
+February, and in the first of our Raigne.</p>
+
+<p>"This proclamation being read and set up in the great hall,
+the Prince called for his officers and servants about him,
+charging every man carefully to execute his office. First the
+steward and buttler (who for their auncient fidelity kept their
+places according as they had long before beene appointed by
+the Colledge) were commaunded to bring their bookes, and by
+them to call up all the howse, whereupon (every one beeing first
+charged to aunswere to his name) it presently appeared who
+were present and who were absent.</p>
+
+<p>"After this the Master of the Revels and the Knight Marshall
+were willed to appoint severall sportes that no man might bee
+seene idle upon payne of the Prince's high displeasure whereupon
+presently some went to cardes, some to dice, some to
+dauncing, every one to some thing.</p>
+
+<p>"Not long after, for more variety sake, there was brought in
+a maske; the devise was sudden and extempore, videl: a little
+page attired in his long coats, with these six verses which were
+spoke as soone as he entered the hall.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">180</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"These are six carpet knights, and I one page</span>
+<span class="i0">Can easily bring in six that bee of age,</span>
+<span class="i0">They come to visite this your highnes court,</span>
+<span class="i0">And if they can, to make your honour sport.</span>
+<span class="i0">Nay, this is all, for I have seene the day</span>
+<span class="i0">A richer maske had not so much to say.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"After these maskers had finished the measures, and some
+few other daunces, the said page waved them forth with his
+wan, and spake these two verses:</p>
+
+<div class="poem2_5">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"There are three they say would shew you an anticke,</span>
+<span class="i0">But when you see them, you'll thinke them franticke.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Then there came in three in an anticke which were well
+attyred for that purpose, and daunced well to the great delite
+of the beholders.</p>
+
+<p>"After these had stollen away one by one, as the manner is,
+it pleased the Prince to aske what was a clocke, it beeing
+aunswered almost twelve hee presently called in for supper.
+But first the bill of those which were before noted to bee
+absent was called, to see whether any of them would yet
+appeare, and the Prince would deale favourably with them. It
+was also examined whether any of those which were present
+before were now gon to bed, and accordingly authority was
+given by the Prince to the marshalls of the hall and other
+officers to search the chambers for sleepers, and where they
+made aunswere to aske the reason of their slothfull neglect or
+wilfull contempt of the Prince's commands, and if they pleaded
+either infirmity or age to take their fine, and so quietly to
+depart, first causing them faithfull to give their words that they
+harboured no other idle or suspicious parsons. But if they
+knoct at any of the chambers of those that were absent and
+nobody would answer, then they had full authority to breake
+open the dores and to make a privy search, and if they found
+any abed they tooke them as they were in their shirts and
+carryed them downe in state to the hall after this manner:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="two">"First went the marshals with lights to make room.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Then came one squire carrying the goune of him whom they
+brought and another that carryed his hatt &amp; band.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Then came two other squires whereof one carryed his dublet
+the other his breeches.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Then came two with lights.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Next came he that was in his shirt carryed by two in a chaire
+and covered with a blanket.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Last behind came one squire more that carryed his shoes &amp;
+stockings.</p>
+
+<p>"All these beeing entered the hall, the squires made their
+attendance about him, with great observance, every one
+reaching him his apparrell as it pleased him to call for it, and
+then also helping him on with it. And this was the punishment
+of those that were found a bed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">181</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Others which were found up in their chambers &amp; would
+not answer were violently brought downe with bills and staves
+as malefactors and by the Knight Marshals appointment were
+committed close prisoners to the Prince's castle, videl. the
+stocks, which were placed upon a table to that purpose, that
+those which were punished might bee seene to the terrour of
+others.</p>
+
+<p>"By this time supper was ready and the sewer called to the
+dresser whereupon the buttery bell was presently rung, as it
+uses to bee at other ordinary meales, besides a trumpet was
+sounded at the kitchen hatch to call the wayters together.</p>
+
+<p>"After the first messe was served in, the Prince with the rest
+of his councell satt downe, then all the rest of the howse in
+seniority.</p>
+
+<p>"Towardes the end of supper two gentlemen of the second
+table fell out, wee could never distinctly know about what, it
+was verely supposed themselves scarsly knew, but from wordes
+they fell suddenly to blowes, and ere any man was aware, one
+of them had stabbed the other into the arme with his knife to
+the great prejudice of the mirth, which should or would have
+followed that night. But the offender was presently apprehended
+(and though a gentleman of some worth) put into my
+Lord's stocks, where hee lay most part of that night with shame
+and blame enough. And yet for all that punishment the next
+day he was convented before the officers of the Colledge, and
+there agayne more grievously punished; for the fault was much
+agravated by the circumstances of the time, place and person
+that was hurt, who was a very worshipfull knight's sonne and
+heyre.</p>
+
+<p>"After this the Prince with some of the better sort of the
+howse beeing much disconted with the mischaunce that had
+happened, retyred themselves into the president lodging, where
+privatly they made themselves merry, with a wassall called the
+five bells of Magdalen Church, because it was an auncient note
+of those bells, that they were almost never silent. This shew
+for the better grace of the night was performed by some of the
+Masters and officers themselves in manner following:</p>
+
+<div class="center">"<i>Enter the Clerke of Magdalens alone,</i><br /></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Your kind acceptance of the late devise</span>
+<span class="i0">Presented by St. Gyles's clerke, my neighbour,</span>
+<span class="i0">Hath hartned mee to furnish in a trice</span>
+<span class="i0">This nights up sitting with a two houres labour:</span>
+<span class="i2">For any thing I hope, though ne're so naghty</span>
+<span class="i2">Wil be accepted in a Vigilate.<br /></span>
+
+<span class="i0">I have observed as your sportes did passe all</span>
+<span class="i0">(A fault of mine to bee too curious)</span>
+<span class="i0">The twelfe night slipt away without a wassall,</span>
+<span class="i0">A great defect, to custome most injurious:</span>
+<span class="i2">Which I to mend have done my best endeavour</span>
+<span class="i2">To bring it in, for better late than never.</span>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">182</a></span></p>
+
+<span class="i0">And more, for our more tuneable proceeding,</span>
+<span class="i0">I have ta'ne downe the five bells in our towre,</span>
+<span class="i0">Which will performe it, if you give them heeding,</span>
+<span class="i0">Most musically, though they ring an houre.&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i2">Now I go in to oyle my bells and pruin them,</span>
+<span class="i2">When I come downe Ile bring them downe &amp; tune them.</span>
+<span class="i20"><i>Exit.</i></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"After a while he returned with five others presenting his
+five bells, and tyed with five bell-ropes, which after he had
+pulled one by one, they all began a peale, and sang in Latin as
+followeth:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Jam sumus l&aelig;tis dapibus repleti,</span>
+<span class="i0">Copiam vobis ferimus fluentem,</span>
+<span class="i0">Gaudium vobis canimus jocose</span>
+<span class="i12">Vivite l&aelig;ti.<br /></span>
+
+<span class="i0">Te deum dicunt (venerande Bacche)</span>
+<span class="i0">Te deum dicunt (reverenda mater)</span>
+<span class="i0">Vos graves vobis removete luctus:</span>
+<span class="i12">Vivite l&aelig;ti.<br /></span>
+
+<span class="i0">Dat Ceres vires, hominumque firmat</span>
+<span class="i0">Corpora, et Bacchus pater ille vini</span>
+<span class="i0">Liberat curis animos molestis:</span>
+<span class="i12">Vivite l&aelig;ti.<br /></span>
+
+<span class="i0">Ne dolor vestros animos fatiget,</span>
+<span class="i0">Vos jubet l&aelig;ta h&aelig;c removere curas</span>
+<span class="i0">Turba, l&aelig;tari feri&aelig;que suadent</span>
+<span class="i12">Vivite l&aelig;ti.<br /></span>
+
+<span class="i0">En Ceres l&aelig;t&aelig; segetis creatrix,</span>
+<span class="i0">Et pater vini placidique somni</span>
+<span class="i0">Pocula h&aelig;c vobis hilares ministrant</span>
+<span class="i12">Sume&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;{monarcha</span>
+<span class="i15">{magister.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="six_a"><i>Bibunt omnes ordine dum, actores h&aelig;c ultima carmina s&aelig;pius repetunt; max
+singuli toti conventui sic ordine gratulantur.</i></p>
+
+<table width="70%" border="0" summary="Tenor." cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2"><i>Tenor.</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Reddere f&aelig;licem si quemquam copia possit</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Copia f&aelig;licis nomen habere jubet,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Copia l&aelig;te jubet tristes depellere curas,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Copia quam cingit Bacchus et alma Ceres.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2"><i>Counter.</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Copia quam cingit Bacchus et alma Ceres.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2"><i>Tenor.</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Cujus non animum dulcia vina juvant?</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Dulcia vina juvant dulcem dant vina soporem,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Magnificas ornant dulcia vina dapes.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2"><i>Meane.</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Frugibus alma Ceres mortalia pectora nutrit,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Exornant campurn frugibus alma Ceres.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Si cuiquam desint Cerelia dona, nec illi</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Len&aelig;i patris munera grata placent.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Nec vobis Cereris nec Bacchi munera desint,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Annuat et votis Jupiter ipse meis.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2"><i>Treble.</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Copia cum Baccho gaudia l&aelig;ta canunt</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Copia cum Baccho gaudia l&aelig;ta canunt</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="quotsig"><small><i>Mox omnes cantantes Exeunt.</i></small></p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">183</a></span></p>
+
+<table width="70%" border="0" summary="Gaudium" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Gaudium l&aelig;tum canimus, canemus</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Hoc idem semper, nec enim dolere</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">Jam licet, l&aelig;tae feri&aelig; hic aguntur</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="twelve">Vivite l&aelig;ti.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">S&aelig;pius nobis reri&aelig; revertant,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">S&aelig;pius vinum liceat potare,</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="two_a">S&aelig;pius vobis hilares c&aacute;namus</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_15r"><p class="small2">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_85"><p class="twelve">Vivite l&aelig;ti.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>"This then was suddenly and extempore clapt together for
+want of a better, but notwithstanding was as willingly and
+chearefully receaved as it was proferd.</p>
+
+<p>"By this time it was foure a clocke and liberty was given to
+every one to goe to bed or stay up as long as they pleased.
+The Prince with his councell brake up their watch, so did most
+of the Masters of the house, but the younger sort stayed up
+till prayers time, and durst not goe to bed for feare of one
+another. For some, after they had licence to depart, were
+fetcht out of their beds by their fellowes, and not suffered to
+put on their clothes till they came into the hall. And thus the
+day came and made an end of the night's sport.</p>
+
+<p>"On the sixt of February, beeing egge Satterday, it pleased
+some gentlemen schollers in the towne to make a dauncing
+night of it. They had provided many new and curious daunces
+for the maske of Penelope's Woers, but the yeare beeing far
+spent and Lent drawing on and many other thinges to bee performed,
+the Prince was not able to bestow that state upon them
+which their love &amp; skill deserved. But their good will was
+very kindely received by the Prince in this night's private
+travels. They had some apparell suddenly provided for them,
+and these few Latin verses for their induction:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Isti fuere credo Penelopes proci</span>
+<span class="i0">Quos justa forsan ira Telemachi domo</span>
+<span class="i0">Expulit Ulyssis.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p>"After all this sport was ended the Prince entertayned them
+very royally with good store of wine and a banquet, where they
+were very merry and well pleased all that night.</p>
+
+<p>"Against the next Tuesday following, beeing Shrovetuesday,
+the great stage was againe set up and the scaffolds built about
+the hall for the Prince's resignation, which was performed that
+night with great state and solemnity in manner and forme
+following:</p>
+
+<div class="center2"><span class="smcap">IRA SEU TUMULUS FORTUNE.</span></div>
+
+<div class="center2"><span class="smcap"><small>INTERLOCUTORES.</small></span></div>
+
+<table width="30%" summary="INTERLOCUTORES.">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_75"><p class="two_a">Princeps.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_75"><p class="two_a">Admiralius.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_75"><p class="two_a">Thesaurarius.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_75"><p class="two_a">Comptrollarius.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_75"><p class="two_a">Cancellarius.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_75"><p class="two_a">Justitiarius.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_75"><p class="two_a">Marescallus.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_75"><p class="two_a">Camerarius.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_25"><p class="two_a">&nbsp;</p></td>
+<td class="cell_75"><p class="two_a">Camerarius.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">184</a></span></p>
+
+<table width="60%" border="0" summary="Players.">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Philosophus.</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Juridicus.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Cynicus.</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Magister Ludorem.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Momus.</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Anteambulo Primus.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Polycrates.</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Anteambulo Secundus.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Philadelphus.</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Stultus.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap"><small>CHORUS.</small></span></div>
+
+<table width="60%" border="0" summary="Players.">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Minerva</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Fortuna.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Euphemia</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50"><p class="two_a">Tolm&aelig;a.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"Many straungers of all sorts were invited to this shew, and
+many more came together, for the name's sake only of a resignacon,
+to see the manner and solemnity of it, for that it was
+reported (and truly) that there was nothing els to bee done or
+seene beside the resignacon and no man thought so much could
+have beene said of so little matter.</p>
+
+<p>"The stage was never so oppressed with company, insomuch
+that it was verely thought it could not bee performed that night
+for want of roome; but the audience was so favourable as to
+stand as close and yeeld as much backe as was possible; so
+that for all tumults it began about 7 a clocke, and was very well
+liked of all.</p>
+
+<p>"Only some few, more upon their owne guilty suspicion than
+our plaine intention, thinking themselves toucht at that verse of
+<i>Momus</i>:</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Dixi et quem dederat cursum fortuna peregi,</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>laboured to raise an hissing, but it was soon smothered, and the
+whole company in the end gave us good applause and departed
+very well pleased.</p>
+
+<p>"After the shew was ended, the sometimes Lord was carried
+in state to his owne private chamber after this manner:</p>
+
+<p class="two">First went two Squires with lights.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Next Euphemia and Tolm&aelig;a.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Then 2 other Squires with lightes.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Next Minerva and Fortuna.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Then came 4 other Squires with lightes, and in the midst of
+them 4 schollers bearing on their shoulders a tombe
+or sepulcher adorned with scutchions and little flagges,
+wherein all the Prince's honours had bene buried before.</p>
+
+<p class="two">After this came the Prince alone in his schollers gowne and
+hood as the chiefe mourner.</p>
+
+<p class="two">Then all the rest of his Counsell and company likewise in
+blacke gownes and hoodes, like mourners, two by two.</p>
+
+<p>"All these were said to goe to the Temple of Minerva there
+to consecrate and erecte the sepulcher, and this state was very
+well liked of all that saw itt.</p>
+
+<p>"Heere wee thought to have made an end of all, and to have
+puld downe the scaffolds and stage, but then many said
+that so much preparacon was too much for so small a show.
+Besides there was an English Tragedy almost ready, which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">185</a></span>
+they were very earnest should bee performed, but many arguments
+were alledged against it: first, for the time, because it
+was neere Lent, and consequently a season unfitt for plaies&mdash;Secondly,
+the stile for that itt was English, a language unfitt for
+the Universitie, especially to end so much late sporte with all&mdash;Thirdly,
+the suspicon of some did more hinder it than all the
+rest, for that it was thought that some particulars were aimed
+att in the Chorus, which must needs bee distastfull&mdash;Lastly, the
+ill lucke, which wee had before with English, made many very
+loth to have any thing done againe in that straine.</p>
+
+<p>"But these objections being aunswered all well as might bee,
+and faithfull promise being made and taken that if any word
+were thought personall, it should be presently put out, the
+stage was suffered to stand, and the scaffolds somewhat
+enlarged against the Saturday following. Att which time such
+a concourse of people from all places, and of all sorts came
+together presently after dinner, that itt was thought impossible
+any thing should have beene done that night for tumults. Yet
+in the beginning such order and care was taken (every one being
+willing att the last cast to helpe towardes the making a good
+end,) that the stage was kept voide of all company, and the
+scaffoldes were reserved for straungers and men sorte, better
+than ever they were before, so that it began very peaceably
+somewhat before six a clocke, and was performed in manner
+following:</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">PERIANDER.</span></div>
+
+<div class="center"><small><span class="smcap">CHORUS</span></small></div>
+
+<table width="60%" summary="Players.">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_75"><p class="two_a">The Master of the Revels.</p></td>
+<td class="cell_25"><p class="two_a">Detraction.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_75"><p class="two_a">The Master of the Revels Boy.</p></td>
+<td class="cell_25"><p class="two_a">Resolution.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_100c"><p class="two_a">Ingenuity a Doctor of Physicke.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="center"><small><span class="smcap">INTERLOCUTORES.</span></small></div>
+
+<table width="70%" border="0" summary="INTERLOCUTORES." cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Periander, Tyrannus Corinthi.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Cypsilus, H&aelig;res Periandri, Stultus.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Lycophron Frater Cypsili.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Neotinos, Puer, Satelles Lycoph.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_20"><p class="two_a">Lysimachos</p></td>
+
+<td class="cell_05" rowspan="2"><img src="images/para3.jpg" height="40" alt="" /></td>
+
+<td class="cell_75" rowspan="2"><p class="two_a">Nobiles et a Consilijs Periandri.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_20"><p class="two_a">Aristh&aelig;us</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_20"><p class="two_a">Philarches</p></td>
+
+<td class="cell_05" rowspan="3"><img src="images/para3.jpg" height="60"alt="" /></td>
+
+<td class="cell_75" rowspan="3"><p class="two_a">Juuenes Nobiles in Aul&acirc; Periandri.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20"><p class="two_a">Eriterus</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20"><p class="two_a">Symphilus</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Crat&aelig;a Mater Periandri.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Melissa Uxor Periandri.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Meliss&aelig; Umbra.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Eugenia Filia Periandri.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20"><p class="two_a">Pron&aelig;a</p></td>
+<td class="cell_05" rowspan="2"><img src="images/para3.jpg" height="40" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="cell_75" rowspan="2"><p class="two_a">Du&aelig; Meritricul&aelig; Periandri.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20"><p class="two_a">Zona</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Lariss&aelig;a Soror Philarchis.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Europe Aristh&aelig;i Filia.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">F&aelig;min&aelig; Quatuor Corinthi&aelig; cum 4 or Pueris Inseruientibus.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Arion Celebris Musicus.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Nant&aelig; Quatuor.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Cines Duo Togati.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Vigiles Duo.</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_20"><p class="two_a">Calistus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">186</a></span></p></td>
+<td class="cell_05" rowspan="3"><img src="images/para3.jpg" height="60" alt="" /></td>
+<td class="cell_75" rowspan="3"><p class="two_a">Satellites Periandri.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20"><p class="two_a">Stratocles</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20"><p class="two_a">Borius</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Tres Aut 4 or Alij Satellites.</p></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="cell_20" colspan="3"><p class="two_a">Epilogus.</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<div class="center"><small><span class="smcap">"EPILOGUE.</span></small></div>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">"Gentlemen, welcome! our great promises</span>
+<span class="i0">Wee would make upp, your selves must needs confesse,</span>
+<span class="i0">But our small timbred actors, narrow roome,</span>
+<span class="i0">Necessity of thrifte make all short come</span>
+<span class="i0">Of our first apprehensions; wee must keepe</span>
+<span class="i0">Our auntient customes though wee after creepe.</span>
+<span class="i0">But wee forgett times limitts, Nowe tis Lente&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Old store this weeke may lawfully be spente</span>
+<span class="i0">Our former shewes were giv'n to our cal'd Lorde,</span>
+<span class="i0">This, and att his request, for you was storde.</span>
+<span class="i4">By many hands was Periander slaine,</span>
+<span class="i4">Your gentler hands will give him live againe.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="center"><small><span class="smcap">FINIS.</span></small></div>
+
+
+<p>"A certain gentlewoman, upon the hearing of these two last
+verses, made two other verses, and in way of an aunswer sent
+them to the Prince, who having first plaied Periander afterwards
+himselfe also pronounced the Epilogue.</p>
+
+<p>"The verses were these</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">If that my hand or hart him life could give,</span>
+<span class="i0">By hand and hart should Periander live.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"But it is almost incredible to thinke how well this Tragedy
+was performed of all parties, and how well liked of the whole,
+which (as many of them as were within the hall) were very
+quiet and attentive. But those that were without and could
+not get in made such an hideous noice, and raised such a
+tumult with breaking of windows all about the colledge, throwinge
+of stones into the hall and such like ryott, that the officers
+of the coll: (beeing first dar'd to appeare) were faine to rush
+forth in the beginning of the play, with about a dozen whiflers
+well armed and swords drawne, whereat the whole company
+(which were gathered together before the chapell doore to try
+whether they could breake it open) seeing them come behind
+them out of the lodging, presently gave backe, and ranne away
+though itt was thought they were not so few as 4 or 500.</p>
+
+<p>"The officers gave some faire words and some fowle as they
+saw occasion, the whiflers were very heedfull to marke who were
+the ringleaders of the rest, and having some notice given of
+them by some of our friendes, they took some of them and
+committed them to the Porter's lodge, where they lay close
+prisoners till the play was done, and then they were brought
+forth and punished, and so sente home.</p>
+
+<p>"After this all was quiet only some were so thrust in the hall,
+that they were carried forth for dead but soone recovered,
+when they came into the aire.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">187</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The Chorus of this Tragedy much pleased for the rarity of
+it. <i>Detraction</i> beeing taken from among the company, where
+hee had liked to have been beaten for his sawsines (as it was
+supposed) for nobody at first toke him for an actor. The
+chiefest in the hall commaunded that notice should be taken of
+him, that hee might afterwards bee punished for his boldnes;&mdash;but
+as soone as it at once appeared that he was an actor, their
+disdaine and anger turned to much pleasure and content.</p>
+
+<p>"All were so pleased att the whole course of this play, that
+there were at least eight generall plaudites given in the midst
+of it in divers places and to divers persons.</p>
+
+<p>"In the end, they clapped their hands so long, that they went
+forth of the colledge clapping.</p>
+
+<p>"But in the midst of all this good liking wee were neere two
+mischaunces, the one from Lycophron who lost a faire gold
+ring from his finger, which notwithstanding all the hurleburly
+in the end of the play, was soone found againe; the other from
+Periander, who, going to kill his daughter Eugenia, did not
+so couch his dagger within his hand, but that hee prickt her
+through all her attire, but (as God would have it) it was onely a
+scratch and so it passed.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">THE CONCLUSION.</span></div>
+
+<p>"Many other thinges were in this yeare intended which neither
+were nor could be performed. As the maske of Penelope's
+Wooer, with the State of Telemachus, with a Controversie of Jrus
+and his ragged Company, whereof a great parte was made. The
+devise of the Embassage from Lubber-land, whereof also a parte
+was made. The Creation of White Knights of the order of
+Aristotle's Well, which should bee sworne to defend Aristotle
+against all authors, water against wine, footemen against horsemen,
+and many more such like injunctions. A lottery for those
+of the colledge or straungers as itt pleased them to draw, not
+for matters of wealth, but only of mirth and witt. The triumph
+of all the founders of the colledges in Oxford, a devise much
+thought on, but it required more invention, more cost than the
+time would affoord. The holding of a court leet and baron
+for the Prince, wherein there should have beene leasses drawne,
+copies taken, surrenders made, all which were not so much
+neglected as prevented by the shortnes of time and want of
+money, better wits and richer daies may hereafter make upp
+which was then lefte unperfect.</p>
+
+<p>"Here some letters might be inserted, and other gratulatory
+messages from divers friends to the Prince, but it is high time
+to make an end of this tedious and fruitelesse relation, unlesse
+the knowledge of trouble and vanity bee fruitefull.</p>
+
+<p>"Wee intended in these exercises the practise and audacity
+of our youth, the credit and good name of our colledge, the
+love and favor of the University; but instead of all these (so
+easie a thing it is to be deceived in a good meaning) wee met<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">188</a></span>
+with peevishnesse at home, perversnes abroad, contradictions
+everywhere; some never thought themselves entreated enough
+to their owne good and creditt; others thought themselves able
+to doe nothing if they could not thwarte and hinder something;
+most stood by and gave aime, willing to see much and
+doe nothing, nay perchaunce they were ready to procure most
+trouble, which would bee sure to yield least helpe. And yet
+wee may not so much grudge at faults at home as wee may
+justly complaine of hard measure abroad; for instead of the
+love and favour of the Universitie, wee found our selves (wee will
+say justly) taxed for any the least error (though ingenious spirits
+would have pardoned many things, where all things were intended
+for their owne pleasure) but most unjustly censured,
+and envied for that which was done (wee dare say) indifferently
+well: so that, in a word, wee paide deere for trouble, and in
+a manner hired and sent for men to doe us wrong.</p>
+
+<p>"Let others herafter take heed how they attempte the like,
+unlesse they find better meanes at home, and better mindes
+abroad. And yet wee cannot complaine of all, some ment well
+and said well, and those tooke good will for good paiment,
+good endevors for good performaunce, and such (in this kind)
+shall deserve a private favour, when other shal bee denied a
+common benefitt.</p>
+
+<div class="center">"<i>Seria vix recte agnoscit, qui ludicra nescit.</i></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">"finis"</span></div>
+
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Tournaments.</span></div>
+
+<p>During the reign of James the First there was a revival of
+chivalric exercises, especially in connection with the training of
+the young Prince Henry. Almost as soon as he could wield a
+lance and manage his horse when clothed in complete armour,
+he insisted on taking his place at the lists; and from this time
+no great tournament took place in England in which his Royal
+Highness did not take part. The most important of these
+exhibitions was</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Grand "Feat of Armes"</span></div>
+
+<p>which took place on Twelfth Night, 1610, at the palace of
+Whitehall, in the presence of King James I. and his queen, and
+a brilliant assemblage of lords, ladies, and gentlemen, among
+whom were several foreign ambassadors, when the heir-apparent,
+Prince Henry, was in the 16th year of his age, and
+therefore arrived at the period for claiming the principality
+of Wales and the duchy of Cornwall. It was granted to him
+by the king and the High Court of Parliament, and the 4th of
+June following appointed for his investiture: "the Christmas
+before which," Sir Charles Cornwallis says, "his highnesse, not
+onely for his owne recreation, but also that the world might<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">189</a></span>
+know what a brave prince they were likely to enjoy, under the
+name of Meliades, lord of the isles, (an ancient title due to the
+first born of Scotland,) did, in his name, by some appointed for
+the same purpose, strangely attired, accompanied with drummes
+and trumpets, in the presence, before the king and queene, and
+in the presence of the whole Court, deliver a challenge to all
+knights of Great Britaine." The challenge was to this effect,
+"That Meliades, their noble master, burning with an earnest desire
+to trie the valour of his young yeares in foraigne countryes, and
+to know where vertue triumphed most, had sent them abroad to
+espy the same, who, after their long travailes in all countreys,
+and returne," had nowhere discovered it, "save in the fortunate
+isle of Great Britaine: which ministring matter of
+exceeding joy to their young Meliades, who (as they said) could
+lineally derive his pedegree from the famous knights of this
+isle, was the cause that he had now sent to present the first
+fruits of his chivalrie at his majesties' feete: then after returning
+with a short speech to her majestie, next to the earles,
+lords, and knights, excusing their lord in this their so sudden
+and short warning, and, lastly, to the ladies; they, after humble
+delivery of their chartle concerning time, place, conditions,
+number of weapons and assailants, tooke their leave, departing
+solemnly as they entered."</p>
+
+<p>Then preparations began to be made for this great fight, and
+each was happy who found himself admitted for a defendant,
+much more an assailant. "At last to encounter his highness,
+six assailants, and fifty-eight defendants, consisting of earles,
+barons, knights, and esquires, were appointed and chosen;
+eight defendants to one assailant, every assailant being to fight
+by turnes eight several times fighting, two every time with push
+and pike of sword, twelve strokes at a time; after which, the
+barre for separation was to be let downe until a fresh onset."
+The summons ran in these words:</p>
+
+<p class="small3">"To our verie loving good ffreind sir Gilbert Loughton, knight, geave theis with
+speed:</p>
+
+<p class="small3">"After our hartie commendacions unto you. The prince, his highnes, hath
+commanded us to signifie to you that whereas he doth intend to make a challenge
+in his owne person at the Barriers, with six other assistants, to bee performed
+some tyme this Christmas; and that he hath made choice of you for one of the
+defendants (whereof wee have comandement to give you knowledge), that
+theruppon you may so repaire hither to prepare yourselfe, as you may bee fitt to
+attend him. Hereunto expecting your speedie answer wee rest, from Whitehall
+this 25th of December, 1609. Your very loving friends,</p>
+
+<table width="90%" summary="signatures.">
+<tr>
+<td><span class="smcap">Nottingham.</span></td>
+<td><span class="smcap">T. Suffolke.</span></td>
+<td><span class="smcap">E. Worcester.</span></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>On New Year's Day, 1610, or the day after, the Prince's
+challenge was proclaimed at court, and "his highnesse, in his
+own lodging, in the Christmas, did feast the earles, barons, and
+knights, assailants and defendants, until the great Twelfth
+appointed night, on which this great fight was to be performed."</p>
+
+<p>On the 6th of January, in the evening, "the barriers" were
+held at the palace of Whitehall, in the presence of the king<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">190</a></span>
+and queen, the ambassadors of Spain and Venice, and the peers
+and ladies of the land, with a multitude of others assembled in
+the banquetting-house: at the upper end whereof was the
+king's chair of state, and on the right a sumptuous pavilion for
+the prince and his associates, whence, "with great bravery and
+ingenious devices, they descended into the middell of the roome,
+and there the prince performed his first feates of armes, that is
+to say, at <i>Barriers</i>, against all commers, being assisted onlie with
+six others, viz., the duke of Lenox, the earle of Arundell, the
+earle of Southampton, the lord Hay, sir Thomas Somerset, and
+sir Richard Preston, who was shortly afterwards created lord
+Dingwell."</p>
+
+<p>To answer these challengers came fifty-six earles, barons,
+knights, and esquiers. They were at "the lower end of the
+roome, where was erected a very delicat and pleasant place,
+where in privat manner they and their traine remained, which
+was so very great that no man imagined that the place could
+have concealed halfe so many." Thence they issued in comely
+order, "to the middell of the roome, where sate the king and
+the queene, and the court, to behold the barriers, with the
+several showes and devices of each combatant." Every challenger
+fought with eight several defendants two several combats
+at two several weapons, viz. at push of pike, and with single
+sword. "The prince performed this challenge with wonderous
+skill and courage, to the great joy and admiration of the
+beholders," he "not being full sixteene yeeres of age until the
+19th of February." These feats, and other "triumphant
+shewes," began before ten o'clock at night, and continued until
+three o'clock in the morning, "being Sonday." The speeches
+at "the barriers" were written by Ben Jonson. The next day
+(Sunday) the prince rode in great pomp to convoy the king to
+St. James', whither he had invited him and all the court to
+supper, the queen alone being absent; and then the prince
+bestowed prizes to the three combatants best deserving; namely,
+the Earl of Montgomery, Sir Thomas Darey (son of Lord
+Darey), and Sir Robert Gourdon. Thus ended the Twelftide
+court festivities in 1610.</p>
+
+<p>During the early years of James's reign tournaments divided
+with masques the favour of the Court; and, as we have just
+seen when Prince Henry reached his sixteenth year, he put
+himself forth in a more heroic manner than usual with princes
+of his time to engage in "feats of armes" and chivalric exercises;
+but after his death (1612) these sports fell quite out of
+fashion, and George Wither, a poet of the period, expresses, in
+the person of Britannia, the feelings of the nation:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Alas! who now shall grace my tournaments,</span>
+<span class="i0">Or honour me with deeds of chivalry?</span>
+<span class="i0">What shall become of all my merriments,</span>
+<span class="i0">My ceremonies, shows of heraldry,</span>
+<span class="i0"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">191</a></span>And other rites?"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_191.jpg" width="300" height="235" alt="RELIGIOUS IMAGE."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<p>Religious matters received a good deal of attention from
+James I. in the later years of his reign, and his Majesty's
+proposals raised the question of the observance of</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Festival in Scotland.</span></div>
+
+<p>In 1617 the King made a journey to Scotland with the
+object of establishing the English Church in all its forms
+and authority as the State Church of Scotland for ever. One
+of the famous Five Articles in which the King set forth his
+will proposed "That the festivals of Christmas, Good Friday,
+Easter, Ascension Day, and Whit Sunday, should be observed
+in Scotland just as in England." The Articles were
+received with unequivocal marks of displeasure, many of the
+churches refusing to obey the royal command, and the
+revival of the festival of Christmas was denounced as the return
+of the ancient Saturnalia. Three years later the King obtained
+an Act of Parliament enforcing the Articles on the repugnant
+spirit of the people. "Dr. Laud, whose name we now meet
+for the first time, afterwards to become so notorious, even
+urged James to go further lengths; but his fatal advice was
+destined to act with more force on the next generation."<a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a>
+</p><p>
+The King returned to London very much displeased with the
+religious views of his Scotch subjects, and his sourness seems
+to have manifested itself even at Christmastide, for on December
+20th of this year Mr. Chamberlaine thus wrote to Sir Dudley
+Carleton: "The King hath been at Theobald's ever since
+Wednesday, and came to town this day. I am sorry to hear
+that he grows every day more froward, and with such a kind of
+morosity, that doth either argue a great discontent in mind, or
+a distemper of humours in his body. Yet he is never so out of
+tune but the very sight of my Lord of Buckingham doth settle
+and quiet all."<a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">192</a></span>
+So soothed and softened was the King by "my Lord of
+Buckingham" that Mr. Chamberlaine, writing again on the 3rd
+of January, says that on New Year's Day the earl was created
+"Marquis of Buckingham, a dignity the King hath not bestowed
+since his coming to this crown." And, says the same
+writer, "This night was the Lord Marquiss's [Buckingham's]
+great</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Feast, where were the King and Prince,</span></div>
+<p>
+with Lords and Ladies <i>sans nombre</i>. You may guess at the
+rest of the cheer by this scantling, that there were said to be
+seventeen dozen of pheasants, and twelve partridges in a dish
+throughout; which methinks was rather spoil than largess;
+yet for all the plenty of presents, the supper cost &pound;600. Sir
+Thomas Edmondes undertook the providing and managing of
+all, so that it was much after the French. The King was
+exceedingly pleased, and could not be satisfied with commending
+the meat and the Master; and yet some stick not to say,
+that young Sir Henry Mildmay, a son of George Brooke, that
+was executed at Winchester, and a son of Sir William Monson's,
+begins to come into consideration."
+</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Failing Health of the King</span></div>
+<p>
+interfered somewhat with the celebration of the subsequent
+Royal Christmases of this reign; and Nichols, referring to the
+Court celebrations of Twelfth Day, 1620-1, says:</p>
+<p>
+"'On Twelfth Day the King went to Chappel, but they had
+much ado to support him. He offered gold, frankincence, and
+myrrhe, and touched 80 of the evil.'<a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a> In the evening 'the
+French Ambassador and his choise followers were brought to
+court by the Earle of Warwick to be present at a Maske; he
+seated as before with the King, the better sort of the other on a
+fourme behind the Lords, the Lord Treasurer onely and the
+Marquesse of Hamilton sitting at the upper end of it, and all
+the rest in a box, and in the best places of the scaffolds on the
+right hand of his Majesty. No other Ambassadors were at
+that  time present or invited.'"
+</p><p>
+As to
+</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Festivities</span></div>
+
+<p>
+of the next year (1621-2) Nichols<a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> says Mr. Meade wrote thus
+to Sir Martin Stuteville:&mdash;
+</p><p>
+"'The Lieutenant of Middle Temple played a game this
+Christmas-time, whereat his Majesty was highly displeased.
+He made choise of some thirty of the civillest and best-fashioned
+gentlemen of the House to sup with him; and, being
+at supper, took a cup of wine in one hand, and held his sword
+drawn in the other, and so began a health to the distressed
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">193</a></span>Lady Elizabeth [the Queen of Bohemia], and having drunk,
+kissed his sword, and laying his hand upon it, took an oath to
+live and die in her service; then delivered the cup and sword
+to the next, and so the health and ceremonie went round.
+</p><p>
+"'The Gentlemen of Graye's Inne, to make an end of Christmas
+on Twelfe-night, in the dead time of the night, shot off
+all the chambers they had borrowed from the Tower, being as
+many as filled four carts. The King, awakened with this noise,
+started out of his bed, and cryed, "Treason, treason," &amp;c., and
+that the Cittie was in an uprore, in such sort (as it is told) that
+the whole court was raised and almost in armes, the Earle of
+Arundell running to the Bed-chamber with his sword drawne as
+to rescue the King's person.'"
+</p><p>
+In this reign many accomplished writers assisted in the
+Christmas festivities. Professor Henry Morley<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a> mentions that
+in December, 1623, the name of Philip Massinger, poet and
+dramatist, first appeared in the office book of the Master of the
+Revells, when his "Bondman" was acted, and the play was
+first printed in 1624.
+</p><p>
+King James I. died at Theobald's, Herts, on the 27th March,
+1625, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
+</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">King James I. and Bishop Andrewes on Christmas Days.</span></div>
+<p>
+The remarkable fact that Bishop Andrewes preached seventeen
+sermons on the Nativity before James I. gives an unusual
+interest to the Christmas Day services of this reign. Nichols
+makes the following references to them:&mdash;
+</p><p>
+1605. "On Christmas Day the King attended Divine Service
+at Whitehall, where Dr Lancelot Andrews, then recently
+promoted to the Bishoprick of Chichester, preached before his
+Majesty, on the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews, ii. 16."
+</p><p>
+1606. "On Christmas Day, the King attended Divine Service
+at Whitehall, where Bishop Andrews, now decidedly the King's
+favourite Preacher, discoursed on Esaias ix. 6."
+</p><p>
+1607. "On Thursday, being Christmas Day, the King attended
+Divine Service at Whitehall, and there heard Bishop Andrews
+preach on 1 Tim. iii. 16."
+</p><p>
+1609. "Monday, December 25, being Christmas Day, the
+King attended Divine Service at Whitehall, and there heard
+the Bishop of Ely, Dr. Andrews, on Galat. iv. 4, 5." In a note
+Nichols says: "This sermon was much admired by the King.
+This was probably the reason that it was printed in 1610,
+together with that the Bishop preached on the same occasion
+in that year, under the following title: 'Two Sermons preached
+before the King's Majestie at Whitehall; of the Birth of Christ;
+the one on Christmas Day, anno 1609, the other on Christmas
+Day last, anno 1610. By the Bishop of Elie, his Majestie's
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">194</a></span>Almoner. Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, Printer to
+the King's most excellent Majestie, anno 1610.'"
+</p><p>
+1610. "On Tuesday, the 25th December, Christmas Day, the
+King attended Divine Service at Whitehall, where Bishop
+Andrews preached on Luke ii. 9, 10."
+</p><p>
+1611. "On Christmas Day the King attended Divine Service
+at Whitehall, and Bishop Andrews preached on John. i. 14."
+</p><p>
+1612. "On Friday, 25th December, Christmas Day was kept
+as usual at Whitehall; where the King attended Divine Service,
+and Bishop Andrews (as usual) preached."
+</p><p>
+1613. "Saturday, 25th December, being Christmas Day, was
+kept with the usual solemnities; the King attended Divine
+service at Whitehall, and Bishop Andrews preached."
+</p><p>
+1614. "His Majesty returned to keep Christmas Day, as was
+customary, at Whitehall. Bishop Andrews addressed him from
+the pulpit as usual."
+</p><p>
+1615. "'On Christmas Day, the King, being sorely troubled
+with the gout, was not able to go to Divine service; but heard
+a sermon in private, and took the Sacrament.' The Preacher
+was, as usual, Bishop Andrews."
+</p><p>
+1616. "On Christmas Day, Thomas, Earl of Arundel, who
+was educated from his youth in the Popish Religion, and had
+lately travelled all over Italy detesting the abuses of the Papists,
+embraced the Protestant religion, and received the Sacrament
+in the King's Chapel at Whitehall, where Bishop Andrews
+preached, as was customary, a sermon suited to the Festival of
+the Nativity."
+</p><p>
+1618. "On the 25th [December], Bishop Andrews resumed
+his post as preacher on Christmas Day, before the King at
+Whitehall. His text was from Luke ii. 12, 13."
+</p><p>
+1619. "Christmas was kept by the King at Whitehall, as had
+ever been his practice; and Bishop Andrews preached then
+before him, on Saturday, the 25th."
+</p><p>
+1620. "During the month of December, before the King left
+the country, he knighted at Newmarket, Sir Francis Michell,
+afterward degraded in June 1621; and at Theobalds, Sir Gilbert
+Cornwall. On the 23rd, his Majestie 'came to Westminster,
+but went not to Chappel, being prevented by the gout.' On
+Monday, the 25th, however, being Christmas Day, Bishop
+Andrews preached before him at Whitehall, on Matt. ii. 1, 2;
+and during Christmas, Sir Clement Cotterell and Sir Henry
+Carvell were there knighted."
+</p><p>
+1622. "On the 25th [December] Bishop Andrews resumed
+his Christmas station in the pulpit at Whitehall, and thence
+preached to the King and his Court on the same text
+as he had adopted on the same occasion two years before,
+Matt. ii. 1, 2."
+</p><p>
+1623. "The King kept inviolate his old custom of being at
+Whitehall on Christmas Day, and hearing there a sermon from
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">195</a></span>Bishop Andrews, who this year preached on Ephes. i. 10."
+</p><p>
+1624. "On Saturday, the 25th of December, Bishop Andrews
+preached before his Majesty at Whitehall, on Psalm ii. 7, it
+being at least the seventeenth, as it was the last, Christmas Day
+on which King James heard that favourite preacher."
+</p><p>
+The unique series of "Seventeen Sermons on the Nativity,
+preached before King James I. at Whitehall, by the Right
+Honourable and Reverend Father in God, Lancelot Andrewes,
+sometime Lord Bishop of Winchester," were preserved to
+posterity by an order of Charles I., who, after Bishop Andrewes's
+death, commanded Bishops Laud and Buckeridge to collect
+and publish his sermons. This series of sermons on the
+Nativity have recently been reprinted in "The Ancient and
+Modern Library of Theological Literature," and the editor, after
+referring to the ability and integrity of Bishop Andrewes, says:
+"An interest apart from that which must be created by his
+genius, learning, and character, belongs to him as the exponent
+of the mind and practice of the English Church in the years
+that intervened between the Reformation and the Revolution."
+</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Popular Amusements of Christmastide</span></div>
+
+<p>
+at this period are thus enumerated by Robert Burton in his
+"Anatomy of Melancholy," published in 1621:&mdash;
+</p><p>
+"The ordinary recreations which we have in winter are
+cards, tables and dice, shovelboard, chess-play, the philosopher's
+game, small trunks, billiards, music, masks, singing, dancing,
+ule games, catches, purposes, questions; merry tales of errant
+knights, kings, queens, lovers, lords, ladies, giants, dwarfs,
+thieves, fairies, goblins, friars, witches, and the rest."
+</p><p>
+The following curious cut is from the title-page of the amusing
+story of the great "Giant Gargantua" of this period:&mdash;
+</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_195.jpg" width="300" height="248" alt="THE GIANT GARGANTUA"
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p>
+The legends of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table,
+Bevis of Southampton, Guy of Warwick, Adam Bell, and
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">196</a></span>Clymme of Clough, were favourites among the lovers of
+romance; but the people of this age, being very superstitious,
+were very fond of stories about ghosts and goblins, believing
+them to be founded on fact, and also attributing feats performed
+by conjurors and jugglers to supernatural agency. The King
+himself was equally superstitious, for Strutt in describing the
+tricks of jugglers says: "Our learned monarch, James I., was
+perfectly convinced that these, and other inferior feats exhibited
+by the tregetours, could only be performed by the agency of
+the devil, 'who,' says he, 'will learne them many juglarie
+tricks, at cardes and dice, to deceive men's senses thereby, and
+such innumerable false practiques, which are proved by over-many
+in this age.'"<a name="FNanchor_68_68" id="FNanchor_68_68"></a><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a>
+</p><p>
+Looking back to the ancient superstitions about ghosts and
+fairies, Dryden, the poet, has some lines which may fitly close
+this chapter:&mdash;
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"I speak of ancient times, for now the swain</span>
+<span class="i0">Returning late may pass the woods in vain,</span>
+<span class="i0">And never hope to see the mighty train;</span>
+<span class="i0">In vain the dairy now with mint is dressed,</span>
+<span class="i0">The dairy-maid expects no fairy guest,</span>
+<span class="i0">To skim the bowls and after pay the feast.</span>
+<span class="i0">She sighs and shakes her empty shoes in vain,</span>
+<span class="i0">No silver penny to reward her pain:</span>
+<span class="i0">For priests, with prayers and other godly gear,</span>
+<span class="i0">Have made the merry goblins disappear."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_196.jpg" width="200" height="237" alt="A MEDALLION."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> "Curiosities of Literature."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> "Memoirs of Ben Jonson."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> "Progresses of King James the First."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> Cassell's "History of England."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> This portion is inserted to introduce <i>the Prince's Triumph</i>, as they are termed.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> Cassell's "History of England."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> Nichols's "Progresses."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> "Camden's Annals."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> "Progresses."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> "Library of English Literature."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_68_68" id="Footnote_68_68"></a><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> "D&aelig;monologie," by King James I.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">197</a></span></p>
+<h4><i>CHAPTER IX.</i></h4>
+
+<h3>CHRISTMAS UNDER CHARLES I. AND THE
+COMMONWEALTH.</h3>
+
+<h5>(1625-1660.)</h5>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">King Charles the First</span></div>
+
+<p>was the second son of James I. and of Anne, daughter of
+Frederick III., King of Denmark, and he came to the throne
+on the death of his father in March 1625. As Prince Charles
+he had taken part in the Court entertainments of Christmastide,
+and had particularly distinguished himself in Ben Jonson's
+masque, "The Vision of Delight." These magnificent Christmas
+masques were continued after Charles's accession to the
+throne until the troubles of his reign stopped them. Gifford<a name="FNanchor_69_69" id="FNanchor_69_69"></a><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a>
+mentions that Jonson's "Masque of Owls" was presented at
+Kenilworth Castle, "By the Ghost of Captain Cox mounted on
+his Hobby-horse, in 1626":&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="center_small">"<i>Enter</i> Captain Cox, <i>on his Hobby-horse.</i></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Room! room! for my horse will wince,</span>
+<span class="i0">If he come within so many yards of a prince;</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">198</a></span>
+<span class="i0">And though he have not on his wings,</span>
+<span class="i0">He will do strange things,</span>
+<span class="i0">He is the Pegasus that uses</span>
+<span class="i0">To wait on Warwick Muses;</span>
+<span class="i0">And on gaudy-days he paces</span>
+<span class="i0">Before the Coventry Graces;</span>
+<span class="i0">For to tell you true, and in rhyme,</span>
+<span class="i0">He was foal'd in Queen Elizabeth's time,</span>
+<span class="i0">When the great Earl of Lester</span>
+<span class="i0">In this castle did feast her."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_198.jpg" width="600" height="465" alt="THE HOBBY-HORSE."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the hobby-horse.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>Jonson's "The Fortunate Isles, and Their Union," a masque
+designed for the Court, was presented on Twelfth Night, 1626;
+and "Love's Triumph through Callipolis" (a masque invented
+by Ben Jonson and Inigo Jones) was presented at Court
+in 1630.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Lord of Misrule</span></div>
+
+<p>also made merry at Christmas at this period; but it sometimes
+happened that when he went forth with his band of merry men,
+they got into trouble. An instance of this, which occurred in
+1627, is recorded in one of Meade's letters to Sir Martin Stuteville.
+The letter is worth reprinting as an illustration of the
+manners of the age, and as relating to what was probably the
+last Lord of Misrule elected by the barristers. Meade writes:&mdash;"On
+Saturday the Templars chose one Mr. Palmer their Lord of
+Misrule, who, on Twelfth-eve, late in the night, sent out to
+gather up his rents at five shillings a house in Ram-alley and
+Fleet Street. At every door they came to they winded the
+Temple-horn, and if at the second blast or summons they
+within opened not the door, then the Lord of Misrule cried
+out, 'Give fire, gunner!' His gunner was a robustious Vulcan,
+and the gun or petard itself was a huge overgrown smith's
+hammer. This being complained of to my Lord Mayor, he
+said he would be with them about eleven o'clock on Sunday
+night last; willing that all that ward should attend him with
+their halberds, and that himself, besides those that came out of
+his house, should bring the watches along with him. His lordship,
+thus attended, advanced as high as Ram-alley in martial
+equipage: when forth came the Lord of Misrule, attended by
+his gallants, out of the Temple-gate, with their swords all armed
+<i>in cuerpo</i>. A halberdier bade the Lord of Misrule come to my
+Lord Mayor. He answered, No! let the Lord Mayor come
+to me! At length they agreed to meet halfway: and, as the
+interview of rival princes is never without danger of some ill
+accident, so it happened in this: for first, Mr. Palmer being
+quarrelled with for not pulling off his hat to my Lord Mayor,
+and giving cross answers, the halberds began to fly about his
+ears, and he and his company to brandish their swords. At
+last being beaten to the ground, and the Lord of Misrule sore
+wounded, they were fain to yield to the longer and more
+numerous weapon. My Lord Mayor taking Mr. Palmer by the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">199</a></span>
+shoulder, led him to the Compter, and thrust him in at the
+prison-gate with a kind of indignation; and so, notwithstanding
+his hurts, he was forced to lie among the common prisoners for
+two nights. On Tuesday the King's attorney became a suitor
+to my Lord Mayor for their liberty: which his lordship granted,
+upon condition that they should repay the gathered rents, and
+do reparations upon broken doors. Thus the game ended.
+Mr. Attorney-General, being of the same house, fetched them
+in his own coach, and carried them to the court, where the
+King himself reconciled my Lord Mayor and them together
+with joining all hands; the gentlemen of the Temple being this
+Shrovetide to present a Mask to their majesties, over and besides
+the King's own great Mask, to be performed at the Banquetting-house
+by an hundred actors."</p>
+
+<p>We get other glances at</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Festivities in the 17th Century</span></div>
+
+<p>through contemporary writers of the period. Nicholas Breton,<a name="FNanchor_70_70" id="FNanchor_70_70"></a><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a>
+writing in merry mood, says: "It is now Christmas, and not a
+cup of drink must pass without a carol; the beasts, fowl, and
+fish come to a general execution, and the corn is ground to
+dust for the bakehouse and the pastry: cards and dice purge
+many a purse, and the youth show their agility in shoeing of
+the wild mare: now, good cheer, and welcome, and God be
+with you, and I thank you:&mdash;and against the New Year provide
+for the presents:&mdash;The Lord of Misrule is no mean man for his
+time, and the guests of the high table must lack no wine: the
+lusty bloods must look about them like men, and piping and
+dancing puts away much melancholy: stolen venison is sweet,
+and a fat coney is worth money: pit-falls are now set for
+small birds, and a woodcock hangs himself in a gin: a good
+fire heats all the house, and a full alms-basket makes the
+beggar's prayers:&mdash;the maskers and the mummers make the
+merry sport, but if they lose their money their drum goes dead:
+swearers and swaggerers are sent away to the ale-house, and
+unruly wenches go in danger of judgment; musicians now make
+their instruments speak out, and a good song is worth the
+hearing. In sum it is a holy time, a duty in Christians for the
+remembrance of Christ and custom among friends for the maintenance
+of good fellowship. In brief I thus conclude it: I hold
+it a memory of the Heaven's love and the world's peace, the
+mirth of the honest, and the meeting of the friendly. Farewell."</p>
+
+<p>In 1633, William Prynne, a Puritan lawyer, published his "Histriomastix,"
+against plays, masques, balls, the decking of houses
+with evergreens at Christmas, &amp;c., for which he was committed
+to the Tower, prosecuted in the Star Chamber, and sentenced
+to pay a fine to the King of &pound;5,000, to be expelled from the
+University of Oxford, from the Society of Lincoln's Inn, and
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">200</a></span>from his profession of the law; to stand twice in the pillory,
+each time losing an ear; to have his book burnt before his face
+by the hangman; and to suffer perpetual imprisonment: a most
+barbarous sentence, which Green<a name="FNanchor_71_71" id="FNanchor_71_71"></a><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a> says, "showed the hard cruelty
+of the Primate."</p>
+
+<p>Milton's masque of "Comus" was produced the following year
+(1634) for performance at Ludlow Castle, in Shropshire, which
+was the seat of government for the Principality of Wales, the
+Earl of Bridgewater being then the Lord President, and having
+a jurisdiction and military command that comprised the English
+counties of Gloucester, Worcester, Hereford and Shropshire.
+Ludlow Castle was to the Lord President of Wales of that
+period what Dublin Castle is to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
+in the present day; and, as hospitality was one of the duties of
+the Lord President's office, the Earl and Countess of Bridgewater
+gave a grand entertainment to the country people, in
+which the masque of "Comus" was an important feature. The
+music was composed by the eminent musician Henry Lawes,
+and the masque was adapted for performance by the family
+of the earl and countess, who then had ten children&mdash;eight
+daughters and two sons.</p>
+
+<p>It is quite refreshing to think of the author of "Paradise
+Lost," with his friend Lawes, the musician, among the country
+dancers, listening to the song of the attendant spirit:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Back, shepherds, back; enough your play</span>
+<span class="i0">Till next sun-shine holiday:</span>
+<span class="i0">Here be, without duck or nod,</span>
+<span class="i0">Other trippings to be trod</span>
+<span class="i0">Of lighter toes, and such court guise</span>
+<span class="i0">As Mercury did first devise</span>
+<span class="i0">With the mincing Dryades,</span>
+<span class="i0">On the lawns, and on the leas."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"But Milton was a courtier when he wrote the Masque at
+Ludlow Castle," says Charles Lamb, "and still more of a
+courtier when he composed the 'Arcades'" (a masque, or
+entertainment presented to the Countess Dowager of Derby, at
+Harefield, by some noble persons of her family). "When the
+national struggle was to begin, he becomingly cast these varieties
+behind him."</p>
+
+<p>From "Arch&aelig;ologia" (vol. xviii. p. 335), we learn that
+"Richard Evelyn, Esq., High Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex in
+1634, held a splendid Christmas at his mansion at Wotton,
+having a regular Lord of Misrule for the occasion: and it
+appears it was then the custom for the neighbours to send
+presents of eatables to provide for the great consumption
+consequent upon such entertainments. The following is a list
+of those sent on this occasion: two sides of venison, two half
+brawns, three pigs, ninety capons, five geese, six turkeys, four
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">201</a></span>rabbits, eight partridges, two pullets, five sugar loaves, half a
+pound of nutmeg, one basket of apples, two baskets of pears."</p>
+
+<p>Hone<a name="FNanchor_72_72" id="FNanchor_72_72"></a><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a> states that "in the ninth year of King Charles I. the
+four Inns of Court provided a Christmas mask, which cost
+&pound;2,400, and the King invited a hundred and twenty gentlemen
+of the four Inns to a mask at Whitehall on Shrove Tuesday
+following." And Sandys says that on the 13th December, 1637,
+a warrant under Privy Seal was issued to George Kirke, for
+&pound;150 to provide masking apparel for the King; and on the 1st
+of the same month Edmund Taverner had a warrant for &pound;1,400
+towards the charge of a mask to be presented at Whitehall the
+next Twelfth Night. A similar sum for a similar purpose was
+granted to Michael Oldisworth on the 3rd of January, 1639.</p>
+
+<p>In connection with the entertainments at the Inns of Court,
+Sandys mentions that by an order, 17th November, 4th Charles
+I., all playing at dice, cards, or otherwise was forbidden at
+Gray's Inn, except during the 20 days in Christmas.</p>
+
+<p>As indicating the prolongation of the Christmas revels at this
+period, it is recorded that in February, 1633, there was a
+celebrated masque, called "The Triumph of Peace," presented
+jointly by the two Temples, Lincoln's Inn and Gray's Inn, which
+cost the Societies about &pound;20,000. Evelyn, in his "Memoirs,"
+relates, that on the 15th December, 1641, he was elected one of
+the Comptrollers of the Middle Temple revellers, "as the custom
+of ye young students and gentlemen was, the Christmas being
+kept this yeare with greate solemnity"; but he got excused.</p>
+
+<p>An order still existed directing the nobility and gentry who
+had mansions in the country "to repair to them to keep
+hospitality meet to their degrees;" for a note in Collier's
+History states that Sir J. Astley, on the 20th of March, 1637,
+in consequence of ill-health, obtained a license to reside in
+London, or where he pleased, at Christmas, or any other times;
+which proves such license to have been requisite.</p>
+
+<p>At this period noblemen and gentlemen lived like petty
+princes, and in the arrangement of their households copied
+their sovereign, having officers of the same import, and even
+heralds wearing their coat of arms at Christmas, and other
+solemn feasts, crying largesse thrice at the proper times. They
+feasted in their halls where many of the Christmas sports were
+performed. When coals were introduced the hearth was commonly
+in the middle, whence, according to Aubrey, is the saying,
+"Round about our coal-fire." Christmas was considered as the
+commemoration of a holy festival, to be observed with cheerfulness
+as well as devotion. The comforts and personal gratification
+of their dependants were provided for by the landlords,
+their merriment encouraged, and their sports joined. The
+working man looked forward to Christmas as the time which
+repaid his former toils; and gratitude for worldly comforts then
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">202</a></span>received caused him to reflect on the eternal blessings bestowed
+on mankind by the event then commemorated.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig51.jpg" width="600" height="612" alt="SERVANTS' CHRISTMAS FEAST."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+servants' christmas feast.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>Of all our English poets, Robert Herrick, a writer of the
+seventeenth century, has left us the most complete contemporary
+picture of the Christmas season. He was born in
+Cheapside, London, and received his early education, it is
+supposed, at Westminster School, whence he removed to Cambridge,
+and after taking his M.A. degree in 1620, left Cambridge.
+He afterwards spent some years in London in familiar intercourse
+with the wits and writers of the age, enjoying those "lyric
+feasts" which are celebrated in his "Ode to Ben Jonson":&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="center_small">"Ah Ben!</div>
+<div class="center_small">Say how or when</div>
+<div class="center_small">Shall we, thy guests</div>
+<div class="center_small">Meet at those lyric feasts</div>
+<div class="center_small">Made at the Sun,</div>
+<div class="center_small">The Dog, the Triple Tun;</div>
+<div class="center_small">Where we such clusters had</div>
+<div class="center_small">As made us nobly wild, not mad?</div>
+<div class="center_small">And yet each verse of thine</div>
+<div class="center_small">Outdid the meat, outdid the frolic wine.</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">203</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In 1629 he accepted the living of Dean Prior, in Devonshire,
+where he lived as a bachelor Vicar, being ejected by the Long
+Parliament, returning on the Restoration under Charles the
+Second, and dying at length at the age of eighty-four. He was
+buried in the Church at Dean Prior, where a memorial tablet
+has latterly been erected to his memory. And it is fitting that
+he should die and be buried in the quiet Devonshire hamlet
+from which he drew so much of his happiest inspiration, and
+which will always be associated now with the endless charm
+of the "Hesperides."</p>
+
+<p>In "A New Year's Gift, sent to Sir Simeon Steward," included
+in his "Hesperides," Herrick refers to the Christmas sports of
+the time, and says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"No new device or late-found trick</span>
+<span class="i0">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</span>
+<span class="i0">We send you; but here a jolly</span>
+<span class="i0">Verse crowned with ivy and with holly;</span>
+<span class="i0">That tells of winter's tales and mirth,</span>
+<span class="i0">That milk-maids make about the hearth,</span>
+<span class="i0">Of Christmas sports, the Wassail bowl,</span>
+<span class="i0">That's tossed up after Fox-i'-th'-hole;</span>
+<span class="i0">Of Blind-man's-buff, and of the care</span>
+<span class="i0">That young men have to shoe the Mare;</span>
+<span class="i0">Of Twelfth-tide cake, of peas and beans,</span>
+<span class="i0">Wherewith ye make those merry scenes,</span>
+<span class="i0">When as ye choose your king and queen,</span>
+<span class="i0">And cry out, 'Hey for our town green.'</span>
+<span class="i0">Of ash-heaps in the which ye use</span>
+<span class="i0">Husbands and wives by streaks to choose:</span>
+<span class="i0">Of crackling laurel, which fore-sounds</span>
+<span class="i0">A plenteous harvest to your grounds;</span>
+<span class="i0">Of these, and such like things, for shift,</span>
+<span class="i0">We send instead of New-year's gift.</span>
+<span class="i0">Read then, and when your faces shine</span>
+<span class="i0">With bucksome meat and cap'ring wine,</span>
+<span class="i0">Remember us in cups full crowned,</span>
+<span class="i0">And let our city's health go round,</span>
+<span class="i0">Quite through the young maids and the men,</span>
+<span class="i0">To the ninth number, if not ten,</span>
+<span class="i0">Until the fir&egrave;d chestnuts leap</span>
+<span class="i0">For joy to see the fruits ye reap,</span>
+<span class="i0">From the plump chalice and the cup</span>
+<span class="i0">That tempts till it be toss&egrave;d up.</span>
+<span class="i0">Then as ye sit about your embers,</span>
+<span class="i0">Call not to mind those fled Decembers;</span>
+<span class="i0">But think on these, that are t' appear,</span>
+<span class="i0">As daughters to the instant year;</span>
+<span class="i0">Sit crowned with rose-buds and carouse,</span>
+<span class="i0">Till <i>Liber Pater</i> twirls the house</span>
+<span class="i0">About your ears, and lay upon</span>
+<span class="i0">The year, your cares, that's fled and gone.</span>
+<span class="i0">And let the russet swains the plough</span>
+<span class="i0">And harrow hang up resting now;</span>
+<span class="i0">And to the bagpipe all address</span>
+<span class="i0">Till sleep takes place of weariness.</span>
+<span class="i0">And thus, throughout, with Christmas plays,</span>
+<span class="i0">Frolic the full twelve holy-days."</span>
+<br />
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">204</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Sir Isaac Newton's Birth, on Christmas Day,</span></div>
+
+<p>at Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire, was the most important Christmas
+event of the memorable year which saw the outbreak of the
+Civil War (1642). In the year of the Restoration he entered
+Cambridge, where the teaching of Isaac Barrow quickened his
+genius for mathematics, and from the time he left College his
+life became a series of wonderful physical discoveries. As early
+as 1666, he discovered the law of gravitation, but it was not
+till the eve of the Revolution that his "Principia" revealed to
+the world his new theory of the universe.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Customs of Christmastide in the Seventeenth
+Century.</span></div>
+
+<p>"A Christmas Carol," by George Wither, a well-known
+poet of this period, contains many allusions to the customs of
+Christmastide:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">So, now is come our joyful'st feast;</span>
+<span class="i1">Let every man be jolly;</span>
+<span class="i0">Each room with ivy leaves is drest,</span>
+<span class="i1">And every post with holly.</span>
+<span class="i0">Though some churls at our mirth repine,</span>
+<span class="i0">Round your foreheads garlands twine;</span>
+<span class="i0">Drown sorrow in a cup of wine,</span>
+<span class="i1">And let us all be merry.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Now all our neighbours' chimneys smoke,</span>
+<span class="i1">And Christmas blocks are burning;</span>
+<span class="i0">Their ovens they with baked meats choke,</span>
+<span class="i1">And all their spits are turning.</span>
+<span class="i0">Without the door let sorrow lie;</span>
+<span class="i0">And if for cold it hap to die,</span>
+<span class="i0">We'll bury 't in a Christmas pie,</span>
+<span class="i1">And ever more be merry.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Now every lad is wondrous trim,</span>
+<span class="i1">And no man minds his labour;</span>
+<span class="i0">Our lasses have provided them</span>
+<span class="i1">A bag-pipe and a tabour;</span>
+<span class="i0">Young men and maids, and girls and boys,</span>
+<span class="i0">Give life to one another's joys;</span>
+<span class="i0">And you anon shall by their noise</span>
+<span class="i1">Perceive that they are merry.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Rank misers now do sparing shun;</span>
+<span class="i1">Their hall of music soundeth;</span>
+<span class="i0">And dogs thence with whole shoulders run,</span>
+<span class="i1">So all things there aboundeth.</span>
+<span class="i0">The country folks themselves advance</span>
+<span class="i0">With crowdy-muttons<a name="FNanchor_73_73" id="FNanchor_73_73"></a><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a> out of France;</span>
+<span class="i0">And Jack shall pipe, and Jill shall dance,</span>
+<span class="i1">And all the town be merry.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Ned Squash hath fetched his bands from pawn,</span>
+<span class="i1">And all his best apparel;</span>
+<span class="i0">Brisk Nell hath bought a ruff of lawn</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">205</a></span>
+<span class="i1">With droppings of the barrel;</span>
+<span class="i0">And those that hardly all the year</span>
+<span class="i0">Had bread to eat, or rags to wear,</span>
+<span class="i0">Will have both clothes and dainty fare,</span>
+<span class="i1">And all the day be merry.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Now poor men to the justices</span>
+<span class="i1">With capons make their errants;</span>
+<span class="i0">And if they hap to fail of these;</span>
+<span class="i1">They plague them with their warrants;</span>
+<span class="i0">But now they feed them with good cheer.</span>
+<span class="i0">And what they want they take in beer;</span>
+<span class="i0">For Christmas comes but once a year,</span>
+<span class="i1">And then they shall be merry.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Good farmers in the country nurse</span>
+<span class="i1">The poor that else were undone;</span>
+<span class="i0">Some landlords spend their money worse,</span>
+<span class="i1">On lust and pride at London.</span>
+<span class="i0">There the roys'ters they do play,</span>
+<span class="i0">Drab and dice their lands away,</span>
+<span class="i0">Which may be ours another day;</span>
+<span class="i1">And therefore let's be merry.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The client now his suit forbears,</span>
+<span class="i1">The prisoner's heart is eased:</span>
+<span class="i0">The debtor drinks away his cares,</span>
+<span class="i1">And for the time is pleased.</span>
+<span class="i0">Though other purses be more fat,</span>
+<span class="i0">Why should we pine or grieve at that?</span>
+<span class="i0">Hang sorrow! care will kill a cat,</span>
+<span class="i1">And therefore let's be merry.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Hark! how the wags abroad do call</span>
+<span class="i1">Each other forth to rambling:</span>
+<span class="i0">Anon you'll see them in the hall</span>
+<span class="i1">For nuts and apples scrambling.</span>
+<span class="i0">Hark! how the roofs with laughter sound!</span>
+<span class="i0">Anon they'll think the house goes round,</span>
+<span class="i0">For they the cellar's depth have found,</span>
+<span class="i1">And there they will be merry.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The wenches with their wassail bowls</span>
+<span class="i1">About the streets are singing;</span>
+<span class="i0">The boys are come to catch the owls,</span>
+<span class="i1">The wild mare in is bringing.</span>
+<span class="i0">Our kitchen-boy hath broke his box,<a name="FNanchor_74_74" id="FNanchor_74_74"></a><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a></span>
+<span class="i0">And to the dealing of the ox</span>
+<span class="i0">Our honest neighbours come by flocks,</span>
+<span class="i1">And here they will be merry.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Now kings and queens poor sheep cotes have,</span>
+<span class="i1">And mate with everybody;</span>
+<span class="i0">The honest now may play the knave,</span>
+<span class="i1">And wise men play the noddy.</span>
+<span class="i0">Some youths will now a mumming go,</span>
+<span class="i0">Some others play at Rowland-ho</span>
+<span class="i0">And twenty other gambols mo,</span>
+<span class="i1">Because they will be merry.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Then wherefore in these merry days</span>
+<span class="i1">Should we, I pray, be duller?</span>
+<span class="i0">No, let us sing some roundelays,</span>
+<span class="i1">To make our mirth the fuller.</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">206</a></span>
+<span class="i0">And, whilst thus inspired we sing,</span>
+<span class="i0">Let all the streets with echoes ring,</span>
+<span class="i0">Woods and hills, and everything,</span>
+<span class="i1">Bear witness we are merry.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>The preceding poem was evidently written by Wither before
+the Civil War troubles of the reign of Charles the First had
+interfered to damp the national hilarity, or check the rejoicings
+at the festive season of Christmas.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Defeat of the Royalists,</span></div>
+
+<p>the overthrow of the monarchy, and the changes resulting therefrom
+at Christmastide are alluded to in "The Complaint of
+Christmas, written after Twelftide, and printed before Candlemas,
+1646," by old John Taylor, the Water Poet, who says:
+"All the liberty and harmless sports, the merry gambols, dances
+and friscols, with which the toiling ploughman and labourer
+once a year were wont to be recreated, and their spirits and
+hopes revived for a whole twelvemonth, are now extinct and
+put out of use, in such a fashion as if they never had been.
+Thus are the merry lords of bad rule at Westminster; nay,
+more, their madness hath extended itself to the very vegetables;
+senseless trees, herbs, and weeds, are in a profane estimation
+amongst them&mdash;holly, ivy, mistletoe, rosemary, bays, are
+accounted ungodly branches of superstition for your entertainment.
+And to roast a sirloin of beef, to touch a collar of brawn,
+to take a pie, to put a plum in the pottage pot, to burn a great
+candle, or to lay one block the more in the fire for your sake,
+Master Christmas, is enough to make a man to be suspected and
+taken for a Christian, for which he shall be apprehended for
+committing high Parliament Treason and mighty malignancy
+against the general Council of the Directorian private Presbyterian
+Conventicle."</p>
+
+<p>With the success of the Parliamentarians, certain changes
+came in the ruling manners of the age; but</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Attempt to Abolish Christmas Day</span></div>
+
+<p>was, of course, a signal failure. The event commemorated
+made it impossible for the commemoration to cease. Men
+may differ as to the mode of celebration, but the Christ must
+and will be celebrated.</p>
+
+<p>"In 1642," says Sandys, "the first ordinances were issued
+to suppress the performance of plays, and hesitation was
+expressed as to the manner of keeping Christmas. Some shops
+in London were even opened on Christmas Day, 1643, part of
+the people being fearful of a Popish observance of the day.
+The Puritans gradually prevailed, and in 1647 some parish
+officers were committed for permitting ministers to preach upon
+Christmas Day, and for adorning the church. On the 3rd of
+June in the same year, it was ordained by the Lords and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">207</a></span>
+Commons in Parliament that the feast of the Nativity of Christ,
+with other holidays, should be no longer observed, and that all
+scholars, apprentices, and other servants, with the leave and
+approbation of their masters, should have such relaxation from
+labour on the second Tuesday in every month as they used to
+have from such festivals and holy days; and in Canterbury, on
+the 22nd of December following, the crier went round by
+direction of the Mayor, and proclaimed that Christmas Day and
+all other superstitious festivals should be put down, and a market
+kept upon that day."</p>
+
+<p>In describing "The First Christmas under the Puritan
+Directory," the <i>Saturday Review</i> (December 27, 1884) says:&mdash;"It
+must have been taken as a piece of good luck by the
+Parliamentary and Puritanical masters of England, or, as they
+would have said, as 'a providence,' that the Christmas Day of
+1645 fell upon a week-day. It was the first Christmas Day after
+the legislative abolition of the Anglican Prayer-book and the
+establishment of 'the Directory' in its stead; and, if it had
+fallen upon a Sunday, the Churches must have been opened.
+A 'Sabbath' could not be ignored, even though it chanced to be
+the 25th of December. There can be small doubt that, if the
+Presbyterian and Independent preachers who held all the
+English parishes subject to the Parliament had been obliged to
+go into the pulpits on the 25th of December 1645, they would
+again have irritated the masses of the people by ferociously
+'improving the occasion.' The Parliament had not the courage
+to repeat the brutal experiment of the previous year. It was
+easy to abolish the feast by an ordinance; but it was risky to
+insist by an ordinance that the English people and English
+families should keep the dearest and most sacred of their
+festivals as a fast. The rulers knew that such an ordinance
+would not be obeyed. They resolved simply to ignore the
+day, or treat it as any ordinary Thursday. Doubtless many of
+the members kept up some sort of celebration of the old family
+festival in their own private houses. But the legislators marched
+solemnly to the Lower House, and the 'divines' marched as
+solemnly to the Assembly in the Jerusalem Chamber, affecting
+to take no notice of the unusual aspect of the shops and streets,
+which everywhere bore witness to the fact that there was a deep
+and fundamental estrangement between 'the State' and 'the
+people,' and that the people were actually keeping the festival
+which the 'Synod' had declared to be profane and superstitious,
+and which the Parliament to please the Scots, the Nonconformists,
+and the Sectaries, had abolished by law. 'Notwithstanding
+the Ordinance,' wrote a Member of the House of
+Commons, the Erastian Whitelock, in his 'Memorials,' 'yet
+generally this day, in London, the shops were shut and the day
+observed.' The Christmas number of the <i>Mercurius Academicus</i>
+(December 25 to 31, 1645), states that General Browne, who
+was a Presbyterian zealot, 'proclaimed' the abolition of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">208</a></span>
+Christmas Day at Abingdon, and 'sent out his warrants for men to
+work on that day especially.' ... The Parliamentary newspaper,
+<i>The Weekly Account</i>, (LIII. week, 1645), has the bald
+record: 'Thursday, Decemb. 25. The Commons sate in a
+Grand Committee concerning the privileges of members of their
+House.' The news in the Tuesday paper, <i>The Kingdome's
+Weekly Intelligencer</i> (No. 152), is equally thin: 'Thursday,
+Decemb. 25, vulgarly known by the name of Christmas Day,
+both Houses sate. The House of Commons more especially
+debated some things in reference to the privileges of that House,
+and made some orders therein.' ... The Presbyterian and
+Independent divines spent Christmas Day in the 'Synod' of
+Westminster. December the 25th, 1645, was entered in their
+minutes as 'Session 561.' ... The City newspaper of that
+period, <i>Mercurius Civicus, or London's Intelligencer</i>, in what we
+may call its Christmas number (No. 135, December 18 to
+December 24, 1645), printed an article explaining to the
+citizens of London the absurdity, if not the impiety, of keeping
+Christmas Day. Every good citizen was expected to open his
+shop as usual on the coming Thursday, and compel his apprentices
+to keep behind the counter. The City newspaper stated,
+that it was more probable that the Saviour was born in September
+than in December, and quotes 'a late reverend minister's
+opinion, that God did conceale the time when Christ was borne,
+upon the same reason that He tooke away the body of Moses,
+that they might not put an holinesse upon that day.' If the
+apprentices want a holiday, 'let them keep the fift of November,
+and other dayes of that nature, or the late great mercy of God
+in the taking of Hereford, which deserves an especiall day of
+thanksgiving.' The mass of the English folk meanwhile protested
+by all such ways as were open to them against the
+outlandish new religion which was being invented for them.
+The <i>Mercuricus Civicus</i> complained that, 'Many people in these
+times are too much addicted to the superstitious observance of
+this day, December 25th, and other saints days, as they are
+called.' It was asked in a 'Hue and Cry after Christmas,'
+published anonymously at the end of the year 1645, 'Where
+may Christmas be found?' The answer is, 'In the corner of a
+translator's shop, where the cobbler was wont so merrily to
+chant his carols.' <i>The Moderate Intelligencer</i>, which devoted
+itself to 'impartially communicating martiall affaires,' in its
+forty-third number (December 25, 1645, to January 1, 1646),
+expressed itself as scandalized at the zeal with which the
+English people, in spite of Parliament and the Assembly, had
+kept their Christmas. Social phenomena lay beyond the usual
+ken of the military chroniclers; but 'we shall only observe,'
+they wrote, 'the loathnesse of the People to part with it, which
+certainly argues a greater adoration than should have been.
+Hardly forty shops were open within the lines upon that day.
+The State hath done well to null it out of this respect, as Moses<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">209</a></span>
+did the Brazen Serpent.' The Scriptural knowledge of the
+Puritan military newsmen was curiously at fault; they evidently
+confounded Moses with Hezekiah, unless they substituted the
+lawgiver for the king, because they thought it unwise to represent
+the King as the foe of idolatry. The traditional scorn of
+the Pharisee for the common people which know not the law
+comes out in the ironical passage with which the 'martiall'
+organ concludes its reference to the distressing social symptom;
+'Sure if there were an ordinance for recreation and labour upon
+the Lord's Day, or Sabbath (like the prelatical Book of Sports),
+these would want no observers. Unwillingness to obey, in a
+multitude, argues generally the goodnesse of a law, readinesse
+the contrary, especially in those laws which have anything of
+religion in them.' Hence the puritanical tyrants thought the
+observation of Christmas Day should be visited in future years
+with more severe penalties. A few days after Christmas a
+pamphlet was issued under the title of 'The Arraignment, Conviction,
+and Imprisonment of Christmas.' A letter from a
+'Malignant scholar' in Oxford, where Christmas had been
+observed as usual, to 'a Malignant lady in London,' had contained
+the promise or threat, according to the pamphleteer,
+that the King would shortly appear in London, and restore to
+his poor people their old social and religious liberties. 'We
+shall soon be in London, and have all things as they were wont.'
+There was small chance, six months after Naseby, of the fulfilment
+of the prediction. The puritanical pamphleteer, however,
+owns that it would be welcome to 'every 'prentice boy,' because
+the return of the King would have meant the return of a free
+Christmas, which he sorely missed. 'All popish, prelatical,
+Jesuitical, ignorant, Judaical, and superstitious persons,' said he,
+'ask after the old, old, old, very old grey-bearded gentleman
+called Christmas, who was wont to be a very familiar ghest (<i>sic</i>).
+Whoever finds him again shall be rewarded with a benediction
+from the Pope, a hundred oaths from the Cavaliers, forty kisses
+from the wanton wenches, and be made pursuivant to the next
+Archbishop.' 'The poor,' he added, 'are sorry for it. They
+go to every door a-begging, as they were wont to do, 'Good
+Mistress, somewhat against this good time.' Instead of going
+to the alehouse to be drunke, they are fain to work all the holy
+dayes.' Again, 'The schollars come into the hall, where their
+hungry stomacks had thought to have found good brawne and
+Christmas pie, roast-beef and plum-porridge. But no such
+matter. Away, ye profane! These are superstitious meats;
+your stomacks must be fed with sound doctrine.'"</p>
+
+<p>In the <i>National Magazine</i> (1857), Dr. Doran, on "The Ups
+and Downs of Christmas," remarks upon the stout resistance
+given by the citizens of London to the order of the Puritan
+Parliament, that shops should be opened and churches closed
+on Christmas Day. "We may have a sermon on any other
+day," said the London apprentices, who did not always go to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">210</a></span>
+hear it, "why should we be deprived on this day?" "It is no
+longer lawful for the day to be kept," was the reply. "Nay,"
+exclaimed the sharp-witted fellows, "you keep it yourselves by
+thus distinguishing it by desecration." "They declared," says
+Dr. Doran, "they would go to church; numerous preachers
+promised to be ready for them with prayer and lecture; and
+the porters of Cornhill swore they would dress up their conduit
+with holly, if it were only to prove that in that orthodox and
+heavily-enduring body there was some respect yet left for
+Christianity and hard drinking&mdash;for the raising of the holly was
+ever accompanied by the lifting of tankards.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor was the gallant Christmas spirit less lively in the country
+than in the capital. At Oxford there was a world of skull-breaking;
+and at Ipswich the festival was celebrated by some
+loss of life. Canterbury especially distinguished itself by its
+violent opposition to the municipal order to be mirthless. There
+was a combat there, which was most rudely maintained, and in
+which the mayor got pummelled until he was as senseless as a
+pocket of hops. The mob mauled him terribly, broke all his
+windows, as well as his bones, and, as we are told, 'burnt the
+stoupes at the coming in of his door.' So serious was the riot,
+so complete the popular victory, and so jubilant the exultation,
+that thousands of the never-conquered men of Kent and Kentish
+men met in Canterbury, and passed a solemn resolution that if
+they could not have their Christmas Day, they were determined
+to have the King on his throne again."</p>
+
+<p>Of the Canterbury riot an account is given in a rare tract,
+published in 1647 (preserved in the British Museum), and
+entitled&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The Declaration of many thousands of the city of Canterbury,
+or county of Kent. Concerning the late tumult in the
+city of Canterbury, provokt by the Mayor's violent proceedings
+against those who desired to continue the celebration of
+the Feast of Christ's Nativity, 1,500 years and upwards maintained
+in the Church. Together with their Resolutions for the
+restitution of His Majestie to his Crown and dignity, whereby
+Religion may be restored to its ancient splendour, and the
+known Laws of this Kingdom maintained. As also their desires
+to all His Majesties loyall subjects within his Dominions, for
+their concurrence and assistance in this so good and pious a
+work."</p>
+
+<p>The resolutions of the Canterbury citizens were not couched
+in the choicest terms, for the tract states that the two Houses
+of Parliament "have sate above seven years to hatch Cocatrices
+and Vipers, they have filled the kingdom with Serpents, bloodthirsty
+Souldiers, extorting Committees, Sequestrators, Excisemen;
+all the Rogues and scumme of the kingdom have they
+set on work to torment and vex the people, to rob them, and to
+eat the bread out of their mouthes; they have raised a causelesse
+and unnaturall Warre against their own Soveraigne Lord and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">211</a></span>
+King, a most pious Christian Prince, contrary to their allegiance
+and duty, and have shed innocent blood in this Land. Religion
+is onely talkt of, nothing done; they have put down what is
+good," &amp;c., &amp;c. And further on the tract says:&mdash;"The cause of
+this so sudden a posture of defence which we have put our
+selves into was the violent proceedings of the Mayor of this
+city of Canterbury and his uncivill carriage in persuance of
+some petty order of the House of Commons for hindering the
+celebration of Christ's Nativity so long continued in the Church
+of God. That which we so much desired that day was but a
+Sermon, which any other day of the weeke was tollerable by
+the orders and practise of the two Houses and all their
+adherents, but that day (because it was Christ's birth day) we
+must have none; that which is good all the yeer long, yet is
+this day superstitious. The Mayor causing some of us to be
+beaten contrary to his oath and office, who ought to preserve
+the peace, and to that purpose chiefly is the sword of justice
+put into his hands, and wrongfully imprisoned divers of us,
+because we did assemble ourselves to hear the Word of God,
+which he was pleased to interpret a Ryot; yet we were
+unarmed, behaved ourselves civilly, intended no such tumult
+as afterwards we were forc'd unto; but at last, seeing the
+manifest wrong done to our children, servants, and neighbours,
+by beating, wounding, and imprisoning them, and to release
+them that were imprisoned, and did call unto our assistance our
+brethren of the county of Kent, who very readily came in to
+us, as have associated themselves to us in this our just and
+lawfull defence, and do concurre with us in this our Remonstrance
+concerning the King Majestie, and the settlement of
+the peace in this Kingdome." And the tract afterwards expresses
+the desire that "all his Majesties loyall subjects within
+his Dominions" will "readily and cheerfully concurre and
+assist in this so good and pious a work."</p>
+
+<p>Among the single sheets in the British Museum is an order of
+Parliament, dated the 24th of December, 1652, directing,</p>
+
+<p>"That no observation shall be had of the five and twentieth
+day of December, commonly called Christmas Day; nor any
+solemnity used or exercised in churches upon that day in
+respect thereof."</p>
+
+<p>Referring to the celebration of Christmas Day in 1657,
+Evelyn says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I went to London with my wife to celebrate Christmas Day,
+Mr. Gunning preaching in Exeter Chapel, on Micah vii. 2.
+Sermon ended; as he was giving us the Holy Sacrament the
+chapel was surrounded with soldiers, and all the communicants
+and assembly surprised and kept prisoners by them, some in
+the house, others carried away. It fell to my share to be
+confined to a room in the house, where yet I was permitted to
+dine with the master of it, the Countess of Dorset, Lady
+Hatton, and some others of quality who invited me. In the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">212</a></span>
+afternoon came Colonel Whalley, Goffe, and others from
+Whitehall to examine us one by one; some they committed to
+the Marshal, some to prison. When I came before them they
+took my name and abode, examined me why, contrary to the
+ordinance made that none should any longer observe the
+superstitious time of the Nativity (as esteemed by them), I
+durst offend, and particularly be at Common Prayers, which
+they told me was but the mass in English, and particularly pray
+for Charles Stuart, for which we had no Scripture. I told
+them we did not pray for Charles Stuart, but for all Christian
+kings, princes, and governors. They replied, in so doing we
+prayed for the King of Spain too, who was their enemy and a
+Papist; with other frivolous and ensnaring questions and much
+threatening, and, finding no colour to detain me, they dismissed
+me with much pity of my ignorance. These were men of high
+flight and above ordinances, and spake spiteful things of our
+Lord's Nativity. As we went up to receive the sacrament the
+miscreants held their muskets against us, as if they would have
+shot us at the altar, but yet suffering us to finish the office of
+communion, as perhaps not having instructions what to do in
+case they found us in that action; so I got home late the next
+day, blessed be God!"</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the adverse acts of the Puritans, however,
+and the suppression of Christmas observances in high places,
+the old customs and festivities were still observed in different
+parts of the country, though with less ostentation than formerly;
+and various publications appeared which plainly showed that
+the popular sentiments were in favour of the festivities. The
+motto of No. 37 of <i>Mercurius Democritus</i>, from December 22,
+1652, begins:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Old Christmas now is come to town</span>
+<span class="i1">Though few do him regard,</span>
+<span class="i0">He laughs to see them going down</span>
+<span class="i1">That have put down his Lord."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>In "The Vindication of Father Christmas," 1653, a mock
+complaint in the character of Father Christmas, he laments the
+treatment he had received for the last twelve years, and that he
+was even then but coolly received. "But welcome, or not
+welcome, I am come," he says, and then states that his "best
+and freest welcome was with some kinde of country farmers
+in Devonshire," thus describing his entertainment among
+them:&mdash;"After dinner we arose from the boord, and sate by
+the fire, where the harth was imbrodered all over with roasted
+apples, piping hot, expecting a bole of ale for a cooler, which
+immediately was transformed into warm lamb wool. After
+which we discoursed merily, without either prophaneness or
+obscenity; some went to cards; others sung carols and pleasant
+songs (suitable to the times), and then the poor laboring Hinds,
+and maid-servants, with the plow-boys, went nimbly to dancing;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">213</a></span>
+the poor toyling wretches being glad of my company, because
+they had little or no sport at all till I came amongst them; and
+therefore they skipped and leaped for joy, singing a carol to the
+tune of hey,</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Let's dance and sing, and make good chear,</span>
+<span class="i1">For Christmas comes but once a year:</span>
+<span class="i0">Draw hogsheads dry, let flagons fly,</span>
+<span class="i1">For now the bells shall ring;</span>
+<span class="i0">Whilst we endeavour to make good</span>
+<span class="i1">The title 'gainst a King.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Thus at active games, and gambols of hot cockles, shooing
+the wild mare, and the like harmless sports, some part of the
+tedious night was spent."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_213.jpg" width="300" height="122" alt="A DAGGER."
+title="" /></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The National Troubles</span></div>
+
+<p>were not brought to an end by the execution of Charles I. on
+the 30th of January, 1649. In addition to the rioting caused
+by the attempt to abolish the festival of Christmas by law, the
+Lord Protector (Oliver Cromwell) had to struggle against discontented
+republicans and also against fresh outbreaks of
+the Royalists; and, although able to carry on the Protectorate
+to the end of his own life, Cromwell was unable to secure a
+strong successor. He died on September 3, 1658, having
+on his deathbed nominated his son Richard to succeed him.
+Richard Cromwell was accepted in England and by the
+European Powers, and carried himself discreetly in his new
+position. A Parliament was assembled on January 17, 1659,
+which recognised the new Protector, but the republican
+minority, headed by Vane and Haselrig, united with the
+officers of the army, headed by Lambert, Fleetwood, and
+Desborough, to force him to dissolve Parliament (April 22,
+1659). The Protector's supporters urged him to meet force
+by force, but he replied, "I will not have a drop of blood
+spilt for the preservation of my greatness, which is a burden
+to me." He signed a formal abdication (May, 1659), in return
+for which the restored Rump undertook the discharge of his
+debts. After the Restoration Richard Cromwell fled to the
+Continent, where he remained for many years, returning to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">214</a></span>
+England in 1680. A portion of his property was afterwards
+restored to him. He died at Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, in 1712.</p>
+
+<p>On Richard Cromwell declining to uphold the Protectorate
+by force of arms, the only hope of establishing a settled form
+of government and of saving the country from a military
+despotism seemed to be in the restoration of the monarchy;
+therefore, chiefly through the instrumentality of General Monk,
+Charles, the son of Charles I. and Henrietta Maria, was invited
+to return to England. He at once responded, and entered
+London in triumph as Charles II., on May 29, 1660, having
+previously signed the declaration of Breda. By this declaration
+the King granted a free and general pardon to all "who
+within forty days after the publishing hereof shall lay hold upon
+this our grace and favour, and shall by any public act declare
+their doing so," except such as the Parliament of both houses
+should except.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_214.jpg" width="200" height="154" alt="ORNAMENT."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_69_69" id="Footnote_69_69"></a><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> "Works of Ben Jonson."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_70_70" id="Footnote_70_70"></a><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> "Fantasticks," 1626.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_71_71" id="Footnote_71_71"></a><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> "History of the English People."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_72_72" id="Footnote_72_72"></a><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> "Year Book."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_73_73" id="Footnote_73_73"></a><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> Fiddlers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_74_74" id="Footnote_74_74"></a><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> An allusion to the Christmas money-box, made of earthenware which required
+to be broken to obtain possession of the money it held.</p></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">215</a></span></p>
+
+
+<h2><i>CHAPTER X.</i></h2>
+
+<h3>CHRISTMAS FROM THE RESTORATION TO
+THE DEATH OF GEORGE II.</h3>
+
+<h5>(1660-1760.)</h5>
+
+<div class="figleft" ><img src=
+"images/fig_215.jpg" width="150" height="230" alt="COAT OF ARMS WITH CROWN."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Restoration of the
+Monarchy</span></div>
+
+<p>under Charles II., sometimes styled
+the "Merry Monarch," was an
+occasion of great rejoicing, and the
+spirit in which the so-long-fugitive
+Prince, who once eluded his pursuers
+by hiding in an oak, was now
+welcomed as "Charles our King"
+by "the roaring, ranting" portion
+of the populace is set forth in the
+following ballad, written for the
+first Christmas after the Restoration,
+printed in London, the same year,
+and now copied from a collection
+of illustrated broadsides preserved
+in the Library of the British
+Museum:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><div class="smcap">merry boys of christmas,</div></div>
+
+<div class="center_small"><div class="smcap"><small>or</small></div></div>
+
+<div class="center_small"><span class="smcap"><small>The Milk-maid's New Year's Gift.</small></span></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">When Lads and Lasses take delight,</span>
+<span class="i1">together for to be;</span>
+<span class="i0">They pass away the Winter night,</span>
+<span class="i1">and live most merrily.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i1">To the tune of, <i>Hey boys up go we</i>.</span>
+<span class="i1">&nbsp;</span>
+<span class="i0">Come, come my roaring ranting boys</span>
+<span class="i1">lets never be cast down,</span>
+<span class="i0">We'l never mind the female toys,</span>
+<span class="i1">but Loyal be to th' Crown:</span>
+<span class="i0">We'l never break our hearts with care,</span>
+<span class="i1">nor be cast down with fear,</span>
+<span class="i0">Our bellys then let us prepare</span>
+<span class="i1">to drink some Christmas Beer.</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">216</a></span>
+<span class="i1">to drink some Christmas Beer.</span>
+<span class="i0">Then here's a health to Charles our King,</span>
+<span class="i1">throughout the world admir'd,</span>
+<span class="i0">Let us his great applauses sing,</span>
+<span class="i1">that we so much desir'd,</span>
+<span class="i0">And wisht amongst us for to reign,</span>
+<span class="i1">when Oliver rul'd here,</span>
+<span class="i0">But since he's home return'd again,</span>
+<span class="i1">come fill some Christmas Beer.</span>
+<span class="i0">These holidays we'l briskly drink,</span>
+<span class="i1">all mirth we will devise,</span>
+<span class="i0">No Treason we will speak or think,</span>
+<span class="i1">then bring us brave minc'd pies</span>
+<span class="i0">Roast Beef and brave Plum porridge,</span>
+<span class="i1">our Loyal hearts to chear,</span>
+<span class="i0">Then prithee make no more ado,</span>
+<span class="i1">but bring us Christmas Beer.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig52.jpg" width="600" height="707" alt="THE HACKIN."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the hackin.</span></span></div>
+
+<p><small>[In these Times all the Spits were sparkling the <i>Hackin</i> must be boiled by Daybreak or else two
+young Men took the Maiden by the Arms and run her round the Market Place till she was ashamed
+of her laziness.&mdash;<i>Round about our Coal Fire or Christmas Entertainments</i> published in 1740.]</small></p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">217</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Many of the popular songs of this period complain of the
+decline of the Christmas celebrations during the time of the
+Commonwealth, and some of them contrast the present with
+former celebrations. In a ballad called "The Old and Young
+Courtier," printed in 1670, comparing the times of Queen
+Elizabeth with those of her successors, the fifth and twelfth
+verses contain the following parallel respecting Christmas&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="center_small"><div class="smcap">V</div></div>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"With a good old fashion, when Christmasse was come,</span>
+<span class="i0">To call in all his old neighbours with bagpipe and drum,</span>
+<span class="i0">With good chear enough to furnish every old room,</span>
+<span class="i0">And old liquor, able to make a cat speak, and man dumb</span>
+<span class="i4">Like an old Courtier of the Queen's,</span>
+<span class="i4">And the Queen's old Courtier"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+<div class="center_small"><div class="smcap">XII</div></div>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"With a new fashion, when Christmas is drawing on,</span>
+<span class="i0">On a new journey to London straight we all must begone,</span>
+<span class="i0">And leave none to keep house, but our new porter John,</span>
+<span class="i0">Who relieves the poor with a thump on the back with a stone,</span>
+<span class="i4">Like a young courtier of the King's,</span>
+<span class="i4">And the King's young courtier"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(<i>Percy's Reliques</i>)</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Another called "Time's Alteration, or, the Old Man's
+Rehearsal, what brave dayes he knew a great while agone,
+when his old cap was new," says&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A man might then behold,</span>
+<span class="i1">At Christmas, in each hall,</span>
+<span class="i0">Good fires to curb the cold</span>
+<span class="i1">And meat for great and small;</span>
+<span class="i0">The neighbours were friendly bidden,</span>
+<span class="i1">And all had welcome true,</span>
+<span class="i0">The poor from the gates were not chidden,</span>
+<span class="i1">When this old cap was new</span>
+<span class="i1">&nbsp;</span>
+<span class="i0">Black jacks to every man</span>
+<span class="i1">Were filled with wine and beer,</span>
+<span class="i0">No pewter pot nor can</span>
+<span class="i1">In those days did appear</span>
+<span class="i0">Good cheer in a nobleman's house</span>
+<span class="i1">Was counted a seemly shew,</span>
+<span class="i0">We wanted no brawn nor souse,</span>
+<span class="i1_5">When this old cap was new."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(<i>Evans's Ballads</i>)</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Referring to the Restoration of the monarchy, and contrasting
+it with the Protectorate period, <i>Poor Robin's Almanack</i>, 1685,
+says&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Now thanks to God for Charles' return,</span>
+<span class="i0">Whose absence made old Christmas mourn,</span>
+<span class="i0">For then we scarcely did it know,</span>
+<span class="i0">Whether it Christmas were or no</span>
+<span class="i0">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</span>
+<span class="i0">To feast the poor was counted sin,</span>
+<span class="i0">When treason that great praise did win</span>
+<span class="i0">May we ne'er see the like again,</span>
+<span class="i0">The roguish Rump should o'er us reign."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">218</a></span>After the Restoration an effort was made to revive the
+Christmas entertainments of the Court at Whitehall, but they
+do not appear to have recovered their former splendour. The
+habits of Charles the Second were of too sensual a nature to
+induce him to interest himself in such pursuits; besides which
+the manners of the country had been changed during the sway
+of the Puritans. Pepys states that Charles II. visited Lincoln's
+Inn to see the Christmas revels of 1661, "there being, according
+to an old custom, a Prince and all his nobles, and other matters
+of sport and charge." And the diary of the Rev. John Ward,
+vicar of Stratford-upon-Avon, extending from 1648 to 1679,
+states: "The Duke of Norfolk expended &pound;20,000 in keeping
+Christmas. Charles II. gave over keeping that festival on this
+account; his munificence gave great offence at Court." Sandys
+mentions that a pastoral called <i>Calisto</i>, written by Crowne, was
+acted by the daughters of the Duke of York and the young
+nobility. About the same time the Lady Anne, afterwards
+Queen, acted the part of Semandra in Lee's "Mithridates."
+Betterton and his wife instructed the performers, in remembrance
+of which, when Anne came to the throne, she gave the
+latter a pension of &pound;100 a year.</p>
+
+<p>The Inns of Court also had their Christmas feasts; but the
+conduct of them was evidently not so much coveted as in
+former times, for there is an entry in the records of Gray's
+Inn on November 3, 1682, "That Mr. Richard Gipps, on his
+promise to perform the office of Master of the Revels, this and
+the next Term, be called to the Bar of Grace," <i>i.e.</i>, without
+payment of the usual fees: thus holding out a reward for his
+services, instead of allowing him, as in former times, to spend
+a large portion of his private fortune unrequited, except by the
+honour of the temporary office.</p>
+
+<p>Among the principal of the royal amusements in the time
+of Charles the Second were horse-racing and theatrical performances.
+The King kept an establishment at Newmarket,
+where, according to Strutt, "he entered horses and ran them
+in his name." And the author of some doggerel verses, referring
+to Burford Downs, says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Next for the glory of the place,</span>
+<span class="i0">Here has been rode many a race,&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">King Charles the Second I saw here;</span>
+<span class="i0">But I've forgotten in what year."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas at Sea in 1675.</span></div>
+
+<p>The Rev. Henry Teonge, chaplain of an English ship of war,
+gives in his diary a description of the manner in which the
+Christmas was spent on board, in 1675:&mdash;"Dec. 25, 1675.&mdash;Crismas
+day wee keepe thus. At 4 in the morning our trumpeters
+all doe flatt their trumpetts, and begin at our Captain's
+cabin, and thence to all the officers' and gentlemen's cabins;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">219</a></span>
+playing a levite at each cabine door, and bidding good morrow,
+wishing a merry Crismas. After they goe to their station, viz.,
+on the poope, and sound 3 levitts in honour of the morning.
+At 10 wee goe to prayers and sermon; text, Zacc. ix. 9. Our
+Captaine had all his officers and gentlemen to dinner with him,
+where wee had excellent good fayre: a ribb of beife, plumb-puddings,
+minct pyes, &amp;c. and plenty of good wines of severall
+sorts; dranke healths to the King, to our wives and friends,
+and ended the day with much civill myrth."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig53.jpg" width="400" height="258" alt="SEAFARING PILGRIMS."
+title="" /></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas-Keeping in the Country,</span></div>
+
+<p>at this period, is referred to by different writers.</p>
+
+<p>Among the Garrick Plays in the British Museum is "<i>The Christmas
+Ordinary, a Private Show</i>; wherein is expressed the jovial
+Freedom of that Festival: as it was acted at a Gentleman's
+House among other Revels. By W. R., Master of Arts, 4 to.
+London, 1682."</p>
+
+<p>The Memoirs of the hospitable Sir John Reresby (Camden
+Society) contain references to the Christmas festivities at
+Thrybergh. In 1682, there assembled on Christmas Eve
+nineteen of the poorer tenants from Denby and Hooton; on
+Christmas Day twenty-six of the poorer tenants from Thrybergh,
+Brinsford, and Mexborough; on St. Stephen's Day farmers and
+better sort of tenants to the number of fifty-four; on St. John's-day
+forty five of the chief tenants; on the 30th of December
+eighteen gentlemen of the neighbourhood with their wives; on
+the 1st of January sixteen gentlemen; on the 4th twelve of the
+neighbouring clergymen; and on the 6th seven gentlemen and
+tradesmen. Among the guests who lodged at the house were
+"Mr. Rigden, merchant of York, and his wife, a handsome
+woman," and "Mr. Belton, an ingenious clergyman, but too
+much a good fellow." How the "ingenious clergyman"
+became "too much of a good fellow" may be easily guessed
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">220</a></span>from Sir John's further observation that "<i>the expense of liquor</i>,
+<i>both of wine &amp; others, was considerable</i>, as of other provisions,
+and my friends appeared well satisfied." In 1684, writes Sir
+John, "I returned to Thrybergh, by God's mercy, in safety, to
+keep Christmas amongst my neighbours and tenants. I had
+more company this Christmas than heretofore. The four first
+days of the new year all my tenants of Thrybergh, Brinsford,
+Denby, Mexborough, Hooton Roberts, and Rotterham dined
+with me; the rest of the time some four-score of gentlemen and
+yeomen with their wives were invited, besides some that came
+from York; so that all the beds in the house and most in the
+town were taken up. There were seldom less than four-score,
+counting all sorts of people, that dined in the house every day,
+and some days many more. On New Year's-day chiefly there
+dined above three hundred, so that whole sheep were roasted
+and served up to feed them. For music I had four violins,
+besides bagpipes, drums, and trumpets."</p>
+
+<p>At Houghton Chapel, Nottinghamshire, says an old writer,
+"the good Sir William Hollis kept his house in great splendour
+and hospitality. He began Christmas at All Hallowtide, and
+continued it till Candlemas, during which time any man was
+permitted to stay three days without being asked who he was,
+or from whence he came." This generous knight had many
+guests who rejoiced in the couplet:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"If I ask'not my guest whence and whither his way,</span>
+<span class="i0">'Tis because I would have him here with me to stay."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>It is no part of our purpose to enter into details of the
+events which led up to the Revolution. Suffice it to say, that
+during the reign of Charles II. began the great struggle between
+the King and the people, but Charles steadily refused to alter
+the succession by excluding his brother James. He died on the
+6th of February, 1685, and</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">James II. came to the Throne</span></div>
+
+<p>in the midst of an unsettled state of affairs. James made a
+bold, but unsuccessful, attempt to restore the power of Romanism
+in England, and, ultimately, consulted his own safety by
+fleeing to France, landing at Ambleteuse, in Brittany, on
+Christmas Day, 1688,</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas of the Revolution.</span></div>
+
+<p>The flight of James put an end to the struggle between Crown
+and people, and the offering of the Crown, with constitutional
+limitations, to William, Prince of Orange, and his wife Mary,
+daughter of King James II. and granddaughter of King Charles
+I. of England, speedily followed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">221</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">William and Mary</span></div>
+
+<p>accepted the invitation of the English people, and began their
+reign on February 13, 1689. They both took an interest in the
+sports and pastimes of the people. Strutt says William
+patronised horse-racing, "and established an academy for
+riding; and his queen not only continued the bounty of her
+predecessors, but added several plates to the former donations."
+The death of Queen Mary, from small-pox, on the 28th of
+December, 1694, cast a gloom over the Christmas festivities,
+and left King William almost heart-broken at her loss. As to</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Festivities</span></div>
+
+<p>Brand says that in "Batt upon Batt," a Poem by a Person of
+Quality (1694), speaking of Batt's carving knives and other
+implements, the author asks:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Without their help, who can good Christmas keep?</span>
+<span class="i0">Our teeth would chatter and our eyes would weep;</span>
+<span class="i0">Hunger and dullness would invade our feasts,</span>
+<span class="i0">Did not Batt find us arms against such guests.</span>
+<span class="i0">He is the cunning engineer, whose skill</span>
+<span class="i0">Makes fools to carve the goose, and shape the quill:</span>
+<span class="i0">Fancy and wit unto our meals supplies:</span>
+<span class="i0">Carols, and not minc'd-meat, make Christmas pies.</span>
+<span class="i0">'Tis mirth, not dishes, sets a table off;</span>
+<span class="i0">Brutes and Phanaticks eat, and never laugh.</span>
+<span class="i0">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</span>
+<span class="i0">When <i>brawn, with powdred wig</i>, comes swaggering in,</span>
+<span class="i0">And mighty serjeant ushers in the Chine,</span>
+<span class="i0">What ought a wise man first to think upon?</span>
+<span class="i0">Have I my Tools? if not, I am undone:</span>
+<span class="i0">For 'tis a law concerns both saint and sinner,</span>
+<span class="i0">He that hath no knife must have no dinner.</span>
+<span class="i0">So he falls on; pig, goose, and capon, feel</span>
+<span class="i0">The goodness of his stomach and Batt's steel.</span>
+<span class="i0">In such fierce frays, alas! there no remorse is;</span>
+<span class="i0">All flesh is grass, which makes men feed like horses:</span>
+<span class="i0">But when the battle's done, <i>off goes the hat</i>,</span>
+<span class="i0">And each man sheaths, with God-a-mercy Batt.'"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Batt upon Batt" also gives the following account of the
+Christmas Gambols in 1694:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"O mortal man! is eating all you do</span>
+<span class="i0">At Christ-Tide? or the making Sing-songs? No:</span>
+<span class="i0">Our Batt can <i>dance</i>, play at <i>high Jinks with Dice</i>,</span>
+<span class="i0">At any primitive, orthodoxal Vice.</span>
+<span class="i0"><i>Shooing the wild Mare, tumbling the young Wenches,</i></span>
+<span class="i0"><i>Drinking all Night</i>, and sleeping on the Benches.</span>
+<span class="i0">Shew me a man can <i>shuffle fair and cut</i>,</span>
+<span class="i0">Yet always <i>have three Trays in hand at Putt</i>:</span>
+<span class="i0">Shew me a man can <i>turn up Noddy</i> still,</span>
+<span class="i0">And <i>deal himself three Fives too</i> when he will:</span>
+<span class="i0">Conclude with <i>one and thirty, and a Pair</i>,</span>
+<span class="i0">Never fail <i>Ten in stock</i>, and yet play fair,</span>
+<span class="i0">If Batt be not that Wight, I lose my aim."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">222</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Another enumeration of the festive sports of this season
+occurs (says Brand) in a poem entitled Christmas&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i6">"Young Men and Maidens, now</span>
+<span class="i0">At <i>Feed the Dove</i> (with laurel leaf in mouth)</span>
+<span class="i0">Or <i>Blindman's Buff</i>, or <i>Hunt the Slipper</i> play,</span>
+<span class="i0">Replete with glee. Some, haply, <i>Cards</i> adopt;</span>
+<span class="i0">Of it to <i>Forfeits</i> they the Sport confine,</span>
+<span class="i0">The happy Folk, adjacent to the fire,</span>
+<span class="i0">Their Stations take; excepting one alone.</span>
+<span class="i0">(Sometimes the social Mistress of the house)</span>
+<span class="i0">Who sits within the centre of the room,</span>
+<span class="i0">To cry the pawns; much is the laughter, now,</span>
+<span class="i0">Of such as can't the Christmas Catch repeat,</span>
+<span class="i0">And who, perchance, are sentenc'd to salute</span>
+<span class="i0">The jetty beauties of the chimney black,</span>
+<span class="i0">Or Lady's shoe: others, more lucky far,</span>
+<span class="i0">By hap or favour, meet a sweeter doom,</span>
+<span class="i0">And on each fair-one's lovely lips imprint</span>
+<span class="i0">The ardent kiss."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><i>Poor Robin's Almanack</i> (1695) thus rejoices at the return of
+the festival:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Now thrice welcome, Christmas,</span>
+<span class="i1">Which brings us good cheer,</span>
+<span class="i0">Minc'd-pies and plumb-porridge,</span>
+<span class="i1">Good ale and strong beer;</span>
+<span class="i0">With pig, goose, and capon,</span>
+<span class="i1">The best that may be,</span>
+<span class="i0">So well doth the weather</span>
+<span class="i1">And our stomachs agree.</span>
+<br />
+<span class="i0">Observe how the chimneys</span>
+<span class="i1">Do smoak all about,</span>
+<span class="i0">The cooks are providing</span>
+<span class="i1">For dinner, no doubt;</span>
+<span class="i0">But those on whose tables</span>
+<span class="i1">No victuals appear,</span>
+<span class="i0">O may they keep Lent</span>
+<span class="i1">All the rest of the year!</span>
+<br />
+<span class="i0">With holly and ivy</span>
+<span class="i1">So green and so gay;</span>
+<span class="i0">We deck up our houses</span>
+<span class="i1">As fresh as the day,</span>
+<span class="i0">With bays and rosemary,</span>
+<span class="i1">And laurel compleat,</span>
+<span class="i0">And every one now</span>
+<span class="i1">Is a king in conceit.</span>
+<span class="i1">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</span>
+<span class="i0">But as for curmudgeons,</span>
+<span class="i1">Who will not be free,</span>
+<span class="i0">I wish they may die</span>
+<span class="i1">On the three-legged tree."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>At Christmastide, 1696, an Act of Attainder was passed against
+Sir John Fenwick, one of the most ardent of the Jacobite<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">223</a></span>
+conspirators who took part in the plot to assassinate the King.
+He was executed on Tower Hill, January 28, 1697. This was
+the last instance in English history in which a person was
+attainted by Act of Parliament, and Hallam's opinion of this Act
+of Attainder is that "it did not, like some acts of attainder,
+inflict a punishment beyond the offence, but supplied the
+deficiency of legal evidence."</p>
+
+<p>Peter the Great, of Russia, kept the Christmas of 1697 in
+England, residing at Sayes Court, a house of the celebrated
+John Evelyn, close to Deptford Dockyard.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"  style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_222.jpg" width="200" height="126" alt="PENCIL SHARPENING."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas, 1701.</span></div>
+
+<div class="center">[From <i>Poor Robin's Almanack</i>.]</div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Now enter Christmas like a man,</span>
+<span class="i0">Armed with spit and dripping-pan,</span>
+<span class="i0">Attended with pasty, plum-pie,</span>
+<span class="i0">Puddings, plum-porridge, furmity;</span>
+<span class="i0">With beef, pork, mutton of each sort</span>
+<span class="i0">More than my pen can make report;</span>
+<span class="i0">Pig, swan, goose, rabbits, partridge, teal,</span>
+<span class="i0">With legs and loins and breasts of veal:</span>
+<span class="i0">But above all the minced pies</span>
+<span class="i0">Must mention'd be in any wise,</span>
+<span class="i0">Or else my Muse were much to blame,</span>
+<span class="i0">Since they from Christmas take their name.</span>
+<span class="i0">With these, or any one of these,</span>
+<span class="i0">A man may dine well if he please;</span>
+<span class="i0">Yet this must well be understood,&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Though one of these be singly good,</span>
+<span class="i0">Yet more the merrier is the best</span>
+<span class="i0">As well of dishes as of guest.</span>
+<span class="i1">But the times are grown so bad</span>
+<span class="i0">Scarce one dish for the poor is had;</span>
+<span class="i0">Good housekeeping is laid aside,</span>
+<span class="i0">And all is spent to maintain pride;</span>
+<span class="i0">Good works are counted popish, and</span>
+<span class="i0">Small charity is in the land.</span>
+<span class="i0">A man may sooner (truth I tell ye)</span>
+<span class="i0">Break his own neck than fill his belly.</span>
+<span class="i0">Good God amend what is amiss</span>
+<span class="i0">And send a remedy to this,</span>
+<span class="i0">That Christmas day again may rise</span>
+<span class="i0">And we enjoy our Christmas pies.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">224</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Christmas customs of this period are thus referred to by
+the "Bellman, on Christmas Eve":&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"This night (you may my Almanack believe)</span>
+<span class="i0">Is the return of famous Christmas Eve:</span>
+<span class="i0">Ye virgins then your cleanly rooms prepare,</span>
+<span class="i0">And let the windows bays and laurels wear;</span>
+<span class="i0">Your <i>Rosemary</i> preserve to dress your <i>Beef</i>,</span>
+<span class="i0">Not forget me, which I advise in chief."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_224.jpg" width="300" height="101" alt="SNAKELIKE ORNAMENT."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas, at Haddon Hall,</span></div>
+
+<p>was magnificently kept in the early part of the eighteenth
+century. The amount of good cheer that was required for the
+table may be readily imagined from the magnitude of the
+culinary furniture in the kitchen&mdash;two vast fireplaces, with irons
+for sustaining a surprising number of spits, and several enormous
+chopping-blocks&mdash;which survived to the nineteenth century.
+John, the ninth Earl and first Duke of Rutland (created Marquis
+of Granby and Duke of Rutland in 1703), revived in the ancient
+spirit the hospitality of Christmastide. He kept sevenscore
+servants, and his twelve days' feasts at Christmas recalled the
+bountiful celebrations of the "King of the Peak," Sir George
+Vernon&mdash;the last male heir of the Vernon family in Derbyshire
+who inherited the manor of Haddon, and who died in the
+seventh year of Queen Elizabeth's reign. "The King of the
+Peak" was the father of the charming Dorothy Vernon, the
+fair heiress, whose romantic elopement is thus depicted in
+"Picturesque Europe":&mdash;"In the fullness of time Dorothy loved,
+but her father did not approve. She determined to elope; and
+now we must fill, in fancy, the Long Gallery with the splendour
+of a revel and the stately joy of a great ball in the time of
+Elizabeth. In the midst of the noise and excitement the fair
+young daughter of the house steals unobserved away. She
+issues from <i>her</i> door, and her light feet fly with tremulous
+speed along the darkling Terrace, flecked with light from the
+blazing ball-room, till they reach a postern in the wall, which
+opens upon the void of the night outside dancing Haddon. At
+that postern some one is waiting eagerly for her; waiting with
+swift horses. That some one is young Sir John Manners, second
+son of the House of Rutland, and her own true love. The
+anxious lovers mount, and ride rapidly and silently away; and
+so Dorothy Vernon transfers Haddon to the owners of Belvoir;
+and the boar's head of Vernon becomes mingled, at Haddon,
+with the peacock of Manners. We fancy with sympathetic
+pleasure that night-ride and the hurried marriage; and&mdash;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">225</a></span>
+forgetting that the thing happened 'ages long agone'&mdash;we
+wish, with full hearts, all happiness to the dear and charming
+Dorothy!"</p>
+
+<p>From the boar's head of Vernon and the peacock of Manners,
+thought passes quite naturally to the boar's head and peacock,
+which were principal items of Christmas fare in the olden time.</p>
+
+<p>In her "Collected Writings," Janetta, Duchess of Rutland,
+gives an interesting account of a revival of some of the ancient
+glories of Haddon:</p>
+
+<p>"In the winter of 1872 the late Duke entertained the Prince
+and Princess of Wales in the banqueting hall at luncheon,
+when the boar's head and peacock in pride were carried in,
+and formed part of the fare, as in olden days: while once more
+musicians filled the minstrels' gallery, great logs blazed in the
+huge fireplace, and scarlet hangings were spread over the walls."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig54.jpg" width="300" height="226" alt="AN ANCIENT FIREPLACE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+an ancient fireplace.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>On the 20th of February, 1702, King William III. fell from
+his horse, breaking his collar-bone and sustaining other serious
+injuries, which terminated fatally on Sunday, the 8th of March.
+He was succeeded by Queen Anne, who was the second daughter
+of King James II., and the last of the Stuart sovereigns.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Queen Anne kept a Royal Christmas</span></div>
+
+<p>at Windsor, in 1703, and entertained the new King of Spain,
+who arrived at Spithead on the 26th of December. "The Queen
+dispatched the Dukes of Somerset and Marlborough to conduct
+him to Windsor, and Prince George met him on the way at
+Petworth, the seat of the Duke of Somerset, and conducted him
+to Windsor on the 29th. The King was entertained in great
+state for three days at Windsor, during which time he was
+politic enough to ingratiate himself with the Duchess of
+Marlborough. When the Duchess presented the basin and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">226</a></span>
+napkin after supper to the Queen for her to wash her hands,
+the King gallantly took the napkin and held it himself, and on
+returning it to the Queen's great favourite, he presented her
+with a superb diamond ring. After three days the King
+returned to Portsmouth, and on the 4th of January, 1704, he
+embarked on board the fleet commanded by Sir George Rooke,
+for Portugal, accompanied by a body of land forces under the
+Duke of Schomberg. The voyage was, however, a most stormy
+one, and when the fleet had nearly reached Cape Finisterre, it
+was compelled to put back to Spithead, where it remained till
+the middle of February. His next attempt was more successful,
+and he landed in Lisbon amid much popular demonstration,
+though the court itself was sunk in sorrow by the death of the
+Infanta, whom he went to marry."<a name="FNanchor_75_75" id="FNanchor_75_75"></a><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a></p>
+
+<p>At the Christmas festivities the following year (1704) there
+were great rejoicings over the return home of the Duke of
+Marlborough from the continental wars. "He arrived in
+England in the middle of December, carrying with him Marshal
+Tallard and the rest of the distinguished officers, with the
+standards and other trophies of his victories. He was received
+with acclaim by all classes, except a few Ultra Tories, who
+threatened to impeach him for his rash march to the Danube.
+As Parliament had assembled, Marlborough took his seat in the
+House of Peers the day after his arrival, where he was complimented
+on his magnificent success by the Lord Keeper.
+This was followed by a deputation with a vote of thanks from
+the Commons, and by similar honours from the City. But
+perhaps the most palpable triumph of Marlborough was the
+transferring of the military trophies which he had taken from
+the Tower, where they were first deposited, to Westminster
+Hall. This was done by each soldier carrying a standard or
+other trophy, amid the thunders of artillery and the hurrahs of
+the people; such a spectacle never having been witnessed since
+the days of the Spanish Armada. The Royal Manor of Woodstock
+was granted him, and Blenheim Mansion erected at the
+cost of the nation."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas-keeping in the Country.</span></div>
+
+<p>The country squire of three hundred a year, an independent
+gentleman in the reign of Queen Anne, is described as having
+"never played at cards but at Christmas, when the family pack
+was produced from the mantle-piece." "His chief drink the
+year round was generally ale, except at this season, the 5th of
+November, or some gala days, when he would make a bowl of
+strong brandy punch, garnished with a toast and nutmeg. In
+the corner of his hall, by the fireside, stood a large wooden two-armed
+chair, with a cushion, and within the chimney corner
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">227</a></span>were a couple of seats. Here, at Christmas, he entertained his
+tenants, assembled round a glowing fire, made of the roots of
+trees, and other great logs, and told and heard the traditionary
+tales of the village, respecting ghosts and witches, till fear made
+them afraid to move. In the meantime the jorum of ale was in
+continual circulation."<a name="FNanchor_76_76" id="FNanchor_76_76"></a><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a></p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"This is Yuletide! Bring the holly boughs,</span>
+<span class="i1">Deck the old mansion with its berries red;</span>
+<span class="i0">Bring in the mistletoe, that lover's vows</span>
+<span class="i1">Be sweetly sealed the while it hangs o'erhead.</span>
+<span class="i0">Pile on the logs, fresh gathered from the wood,</span>
+<span class="i1">And let the firelight dance upon the walls,</span>
+<span class="i0">The while we tell the stories of the good,</span>
+<span class="i1">The brave, the noble, that the past recalls."<a name="FNanchor_77_77" id="FNanchor_77_77"></a><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Many interesting tales respecting the manners and customs of
+the eighteenth century are given by Steele and Addison in their
+well-known series of papers entitled the <i>Spectator</i>. Charity and
+hospitality are conspicuous traits of the typical country gentleman
+of the period, Sir Roger de Coverley. "Sir Roger," says
+the <i>Spectator</i>, "after the laudable custom of his ancestors,
+always keeps open house at Christmas. I learned from him,
+that he had killed eight fat hogs for this season; that he had
+dealt about his chines very liberally amongst his neighbours;
+and that in particular he had sent a string of hog's puddings
+with a pack of cards to every poor family in the parish. 'I
+have often thought,' says Sir Roger, 'it happens well that
+Christmas should fall out in the middle of winter. It is the
+most dead uncomfortable time of the year, when the poor
+people would suffer very much from their poverty and cold, if
+they had not good cheer, warm fires, and Christmas gambols to
+support them. I love to rejoice their poor hearts at this season,
+and to see the whole village merry in my great hall. I allow a
+double quantity of malt to my small beer, and set it running for
+twelve days to every one that calls for it. I have always a piece
+of cold beef and a mince-pie upon the table, and am wonderfully
+pleased to see my tenants pass away a whole evening in
+playing their innocent tricks, and smutting one another. Our
+friend Will Wimble is as merry as any of them, and shows a
+thousand roguish tricks upon these occasions."</p>
+
+<p>Puppet-shows and other scenic exhibitions with moving
+figures were among the Christmas amusements in the reign of
+Queen Anne. Strutt quotes a description of such an exhibition
+"by the manager of a show exhibited at the great house in the
+Strand, over against the Globe Tavern, near Hungerford Market;
+the best places at one shilling and the others at sixpence each:
+'To be seen, the greatest Piece of Curiosity that ever arrived in
+England, being made by a famous engineer from the camp
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">228</a></span>before Lisle, who, with great labour and industry, has collected
+into a moving picture the following figures: first, it doth represent
+the confederate camp, and the army lying intrenched
+before the town; secondly, the convoys and the mules with
+Prince Eugene's baggage; thirdly, the English forces commanded
+by the Duke of Marlborough; likewise, several vessels
+laden with provisions for the army, which are so artificially
+done as to seem to drive the water before them. The city and
+the citadel are very fine, with all its outworks, ravelins, horn-works,
+counter-scarps, half-moons, and palisades; the French
+horse marching out at one gate, and the confederate army
+marching in at the other; the prince's travelling coach with two
+generals in it, one saluting the company as it passes by; then a
+trumpeter sounds a call as he rides, at the noise whereof a
+sleeping sentinel starts, and lifts up his head, but, not being
+espied, lies down to sleep again; beside abundance more
+admirable curiosities too tedious to be inserted here.' He then
+modestly adds, 'In short, the whole piece is so contrived by art
+that it seems to be life and nature.'"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig55.jpg" width="600" height="519" alt="A DRUID PRIESTESS BEARING MISTLETOE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+a druid priestess bearing mistletoe.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>Tumbling and feats of agility were also fashionable during the
+Christmas festival at this period, for in one of the <i>Tatlers</i> (No.
+115, dated January 3, 1709) the following passage occurs: "I
+went on Friday last to the Opera, and was surprised to find a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">229</a></span>
+thin house at so noble an entertainment, 'till I heard that the
+tumbler was not to make his appearance that
+night." The sword-dance&mdash;dancing "among the
+points of swords and spears with most wonderful
+agility, and even with the most elegant and graceful
+motions"&mdash;rope-dancing, feats of balancing, leaping
+and vaulting, tricks by horses and other animals,
+and bull-baiting and bear-baiting were also among
+the public amusements. And <i>Hot Cockles</i> was one
+of the favourite indoor amusements of Christmastide.
+Strutt, in his "Sports and Pastimes," says,
+<i>Hot Cockles</i> is from the French <i>hautes-coquilles</i>,
+"a play in which one kneels, and covering his
+eyes, lays his head in another's lap and guesses
+who struck him." John Gay, a poet of the time,
+thus pleasantly writes of the game:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"As at Hot Cockles once I laid me down,</span>
+<span class="i0">And felt the weighty hand of many a clown,</span>
+<span class="i0">Buxoma gave a gentle tap, and I</span>
+<span class="i0">Quick rose, and read soft mischief in her eye."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 150px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_229.jpg" width="150" height="372" alt="A MONKEY AND A DOG."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p>On the death of Queen Anne
+(August 11, 1714) Prince George
+Louis of Hanover was proclaimed
+King of England as</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">George the First.</span></div>
+
+<p>There was little change in the
+Christmas festivities in this reign,
+for, as Mr. Thackeray says in his
+lively sketch of George I.: "He
+was a moderate ruler of England.
+His aim was to leave it to itself
+as much as possible, and to live
+out of it as much as he could.
+His heart was in Hanover." The
+most important addition to the
+plays of the period was</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Pantomime.</span></div>
+
+
+<p>In his "English Plays," Professor
+Henry Morley thus records
+the introduction of the modern
+English pantomime, which has
+since been the great show of
+Christmastide:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig56.jpg" width="200" height="466" alt="A NEST OF FOOLS."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+a nest of fools.</span></span></div>
+
+
+<p>"The theatre in Lincoln's Inn
+Fields, which Christopher Rich
+had been restoring, his son, John
+Rich, was allowed to open on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">230</a></span>
+the 18th of December, 1714. John Rich was a clever mimic,
+and after a year or two he found it to his advantage to compete
+with the actors in a fashion of his own. He was the inventor
+of the modern English form of pantomime, with a serious part
+that he took from Ovid's Metamorphosis or any fabulous history,
+and a comic addition of the courtship of harlequin and columbine,
+with surprising tricks and transformations. He introduced
+the old Italian characters of pantomime under changed conditions,
+and beginning with 'Harlequin Sorcerer' in 1717,
+continued to produce these entertainments until a year before
+his death in 1761. They have since been retained as Christmas
+shows upon the English stage."</p>
+
+<p>In a note to "The Dunciad," Pope complains of "the extravagancies
+introduced on the stage, and frequented by persons
+of the first quality in England to the twentieth and thirtieth
+time," and states that "<i>all</i> the extravagances" in the following
+lines of the poem actually appeared on the stage:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"See now, what Dulness and her sons admire!</span>
+<span class="i0">See what the charms, that smite the simple heart</span>
+<span class="i0">Not touch'd by nature, and not reach'd by art.</span>
+<span class="i0">His never-blushing head he turn'd aside,</span>
+<span class="i0">(Not half so pleased when Goodman prophesied)</span>
+<span class="i0">And look'd, and saw a sable Sorcerer rise,</span>
+<span class="i0">Swift to whose hand a winged volume flies:</span>
+<span class="i0">All sudden, gorgons hiss, and dragons glare,</span>
+<span class="i0">And ten-horn'd fiends and giants rush to war.</span>
+<span class="i0">Hell rises, Heaven descends, and dance on earth:</span>
+<span class="i0">Gods, imps, and monsters, music, rage, and mirth,</span>
+<span class="i0">A fire, a jig, a battle, and a ball,</span>
+<span class="i0">Till one wide conflagration swallows all.</span>
+<span class="i1">Thence a new world, to nature's laws unknown,</span>
+<span class="i0">Breaks out refulgent, with a heaven its own:</span>
+<span class="i0">Another Cynthia her new journey runs,</span>
+<span class="i0">And other planets circle other suns.</span>
+<span class="i0">The forests dance, the rivers upward rise,</span>
+<span class="i0">Whales sport in woods, and dolphins in the skies;</span>
+<span class="i0">And last, to give the whole creation grace,</span>
+<span class="i0">Lo! one vast egg produces human race."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>David Garrick, the eminent actor, wrote in a similar strain,
+finding it hard to hold his own against the patrons of the
+pantomime:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"They in the drama find no joys,</span>
+<span class="i0">But doat on mimicry and toys.</span>
+<span class="i0">Thus, when a dance is in my bill,</span>
+<span class="i0">Nobility my boxes fill;</span>
+<span class="i0">Or send three days before the time,</span>
+<span class="i0">To crowd a new-made pantomime."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">"Old Merry Plentiful Christmas,"</span></div>
+
+<p>at this period, is sketched by a writer in <i>Poor Robin's Almanack</i>,
+for 1723, thus:&mdash;"Now comes on old merry plentiful Christmas.
+The Husbandman lays his great Log behind the fire, and with a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">231</a></span>
+few of his neighbours, over a good fire, taps his Christmas beer,
+cuts his Christmas cheese, and sets forward for a merry Christmas.
+The Landlord (for we hope there are yet some generous
+ones left) invites his Tenants and Labourers, and with a good
+Sirloin of Roast Beef, and a few pitchers of nappy ale or beer,
+he wisheth them all a merry Christmas. The beggar begs his
+bread, sells some of it for money to buy drink, and without fear
+of being arrested, or call'd upon for parish duties, has as merry
+a Christmas as any of them all."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig57.jpg" width="400" height="602" alt="THE MASK DANCE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the mask dance.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>So the people made merry at Christmas throughout the reign
+of George I., who died on June 10, 1727, and was succeeded by
+his son,</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">George the Second.</span></div>
+
+<p>In this reign the customs of Christmas were kept up with
+unabated heartiness, and liberality to the poor was not forgotten.
+The customary distributions of creature comforts on
+Christmas Eve were continued, and, in some instances, provision
+for the maintenance of them was made in the wills of
+worthy parishioners. An instance of this kind is recorded in
+Devonshire. "It appears, from a statement of charities in an
+old book, that John Martyn, by will, 28th of November, 1729,
+gave to the churchwardens and overseers of the poor of the
+parish of St. Mary Major, Exeter, twenty pounds, to be put out
+at interest, and the profits thereof to be laid out every Christmas
+Eve in twenty pieces of beef, to be distributed to twenty poor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">232</a></span>
+people of the parish, such as had no relief on that day, for
+ever."<a name="FNanchor_78_78" id="FNanchor_78_78"></a><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a></p>
+
+<p>That</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Housekeeping in London,</span></div>
+
+<p>at this period, was excellent, both as to quantity and quality, is
+evident, from a contribution made to <i>Read's Weekly Journal</i>, of
+Saturday, January 9, 1731, by Mr. Thomas North, who thus
+describes the Christmas entertainment and good cheer he met
+with in London at the house of a friend: "It was the house
+of an eminent and worthy merchant, and tho', sir, I have been
+accustomed in my own country to what may very well be called
+good housekeeping, yet I assure you I should have taken this
+dinner to have been provided for a whole parish, rather than
+for about a dozen gentlemen: 'Tis impossible for me to give
+you half our bill of fare, so you must be content to know that
+we had turkies, geese, capons, puddings of a dozen sorts more
+than I had ever seen in my life, besides brawn, roast beef, and
+many things of which I know not the names, minc'd pyes in
+abundance, and a thing they call plumb pottage, which may be
+good for ought I know, though it seems to me to have 50
+different tastes. Our wines were of the best, as were all the
+rest of our liquors; in short, the God of plenty seemed to reign
+here, and to make everything perfect, our company was polite
+and every way agreeable; nothing but mirth and loyal healths
+went round. If a stranger were to have made an estimate of
+London from this place, he would imagine it not only the most
+rich but the most happy city in the world."</p>
+
+<p>Another interesting item of this period is the following&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Curious Christmas Advertisement,</span></div>
+
+<p>which has been cut from some publication and (by the late
+Mr. Joseph Haslewood) inserted between pages 358 and 359 of
+the British Museum large paper copy of Brand's "Antiquities,"
+and dated December, 1739:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"This day is published, Price 6d.</p>
+
+<p>"THE TRIAL OF OLD FATHER CHRISTMAS for
+encouraging his Majesty's subjects in Idleness, Drunkenness,
+Gaming, Rioting, and all manner of Extravagance and
+Debauchery, at the Assizes held in the city of Profusion before
+the Lord Chief Justice Churchman, Mr. Justice Feast, Mr.
+Justice Gambol, and several other his Majesty's Justices of Oyer
+and Terminer, and Gaol-Delivery.</p>
+
+<p>"To which is added a Diary found in the Pocket of Old
+Father Christmas, with Directions to all Lovers of him how to
+welcome their neighbours; likewise the Judge's sentence and
+Opinion how Christmas ought to be kept; and further Witty
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">233</a></span>Tales and Merry Stories designed for Christmas Evenings
+Diversion, when round about our Coal Fire.</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">By Josiah King,</span></div>
+
+<p>Printer for T. Cooper, at the Globe in Pater-noster Row; and
+sold by the Pamphlet-shops of London and Westminster."</p>
+
+<p>Now we come to a quaintly interesting account of</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Entertainment in the Olden Time.</span></div>
+
+<p>The manner of observing the Christmas festival in the time
+of George the Second is described in an amusing little book
+entitled "Round about our Coal Fire, or Christmas Entertainments,"
+published in 1740, and "illustrated with many diverting
+cuts." We quote the following extracts:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i3"><span class="smcap">PROLOGUE</span></span><br />
+<span class="i5"><span class="smcap">I.</span></span>
+<span class="ii">"O you merry, merry souls,</span>
+<span class="i1">Christmas is a coming,</span>
+<span class="i0">We shall have flowing Bowls,</span>
+<span class="i1">Dancing, piping, drumming.</span><br />
+<span class="i5"><span class="smcap">II.</span></span>
+<span class="ii">"Delicate minced Pies,</span>
+<span class="i1">To feast every Virgin,</span>
+<span class="i0">Capon and Goose likewise,</span>
+<span class="i1">Brawn and a dish of Sturgeon.</span><br />
+<span class="i5"><span class="smcap">III.</span></span>
+<span class="ii">"Then for your Christmas Box,</span>
+<span class="i1">Sweet Plumb-cakes and money,</span>
+<span class="i0">Delicate Holland Smocks,</span>
+<span class="i1">Kisses sweet as Honey.</span><br />
+<span class="i5"><span class="smcap">IV.</span></span>
+<span class="ii">"Hey for the Christmas Ball,</span>
+<span class="i1">Where we shall be jolly,</span>
+<span class="i0">Jigging short and tall,</span>
+<span class="i1">Kate, Dick, Ralph, and Molly.</span><br />
+<span class="i5"><span class="smcap">V.</span></span>
+<span class="ii">"Then to the Hop we'll go,</span>
+<span class="i1">Where we'll jig and caper,</span>
+<span class="i0">Maidens all-a-row,</span>
+<span class="i1">Will shall pay the Scraper.</span><br />
+<span class="i5"><span class="smcap">VI.</span></span>
+<span class="i0">"Hodge shall dance with Prue,</span>
+<span class="i1">Keeping Time with Kisses</span>
+<span class="i0">We'll have a jovial Crew,</span>
+<span class="i1">Of sweet smirking Misses.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">234</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig58.jpg" width="600" height="862" alt="THE CHRISTMAS MUMMERS."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the christmas mummers.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>"First acknowledging the sacredness of the Holy Time of
+<i>Christmas</i>, I proceed to set forth the Rejoicings which are
+generally made at that great Festival.</p>
+
+<p>"You must understand, good People, that the manner of
+celebrating this great Course of Holydays is vastly different now
+to what it was in former days: There was once upon a time
+Hospitality in the land; an <i>English</i> gentleman at the opening
+of the great Day, had all his Tenants and Neighbours enter'd his
+Hall by Day-break, the strong Beer was broach'd, and the
+Black Jacks went plentifully about with Toast, Sugar, Nutmeg,
+and good Cheshire Cheese; the Rooms were embower'd with
+Holly, Ivy, Cypress, Bays, Laurel, and Missleto, and a bouncing
+<i>Christmas</i> Log in the Chimney glowing like the cheeks of a
+country Milk-maid; then was the pewter as bright as <i>Clarinda</i>,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">235</a></span>
+and every bit of Brass as polished as the most refined Gentleman;
+the Servants were then running here and there, with
+merry Hearts and jolly Countenances; every one was busy
+welcoming of Guests, and look'd as smug as new-lick'd Puppies;
+the Lasses as blithe and buxom as the maids in good Queen
+<i>Bess's</i> Days, when they eat Sir-Loins of Roast Beef for Breakfast;
+<i>Peg</i> would scuttle about to make a Toast for <i>John</i>, while <i>Tom</i>
+run <i>harum scarum</i> to draw a Jug of Ale for <i>Margery</i>: Gaffer
+<i>Spriggins</i> was bid thrice welcome by the 'Squire, and Gooddy
+<i>Goose</i> did not fail of a smacking Buss from his Worship while
+his Son and Heir did the Honours of the House: in a word,
+the Spirit of Generosity ran thro' the whole House.</p>
+
+<p>"In these Times all the Spits were sparkling, the <i>Hackin</i>
+must be boiled by Day-break, or else two young Men took the
+Maiden by the Arms, and run her round the Market-place, till
+she was ashamed of her Laziness. And what was worse than
+this, she must not play with the Young Fellows that Day, but
+stand Neuter, like a Girl doing penance in a Winding-sheet at
+a Church-door.</p>
+
+<p>"But now let us enquire a little farther, to arrive at the Sense
+of the Thing; this great Festival was in former Times kept
+with so much Freedom and Openness of Heart, that every one
+in the Country where a Gentleman resided, possessed at least a
+Day of Pleasure in the <i>Christmas</i> Holydays; the Tables were
+all spread from the first to the last, the Sir-Loyns of Beef, the
+Minc'd-Pies, the Plumb-Porridge, the Capons, Turkeys, Geese,
+and Plumb-Puddings, were all brought upon the board; and
+all those who had sharp stomachs and sharp Knives eat heartily
+and were welcome, which gave rise to the Proverb&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><i>Merry in the Hall, when Beards wag all".</i></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"There were then Turnspits employed, who by the time
+Dinner was over, would look as black and as greasy as a Welch
+Porridge-pot, but the Jacks have since turned them all out of
+Doors. The Geese which used to be fatted for the honest
+Neighbours, have been of late sent to <i>London</i>, and the Quills
+made into Pens to convey away the Landlord's Estate; the
+Sheep are drove away to raise Money to answer the Loss of a
+Game at Dice or Cards, and their Skins made into Parchment
+for Deeds and Indentures; nay even the poor innocent Bee,
+who used to pay its Tribute to the Lord once a Year at least in
+good Metheglin, for the Entertainment of the Guests, and its
+Wax converted into beneficial Plaisters for sick Neighbours, is
+now used for the sealing of Deeds to his Disadvantage.</p>
+
+<p>"But give me the Man <i>who has a good Heart</i>, and has Spirit
+enough to keep up the Old way of Hospitality, feeds his People
+till they are as plump as Partridges, and as fat as Porpoises
+that every Servant may appear as jolly as the late Bishop of
+<i>Winchester's</i> Porter at <i>Chelsea</i>.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">236</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The News-Papers however inform us, that the Spirit of
+Hospitality has not quite forsaken us; for three or four of
+them tell us, that several of the Gentry are gone down to their
+respective Seats in the Country, in order to keep their <i>Christmas</i>
+in the Old Way, and entertain their Tenants and Trades-folks
+as their Ancestors used to do and I wish them a merry <i>Christmas</i>
+accordingly. I must also take notice to the stingy Tribe,
+that if they don't at least make their Tenants or Tradesmen
+drink when they come to see them in the Christmas Holydays,
+they have Liberty of retaliating which is a Law of very ancient
+Date.</p>
+
+<p>"A merry Gentleman of my Acquaintance desires I will
+insert, that the old Folks in Days of yore kept open House at
+<i>Christmas</i> out of Interest; for then, says he, they receive the
+greatest Part of their Rent in Kind; such as Wheat, Barley or
+Malt, Oxen, Calves, Sheep, Swine, Turkeys, Capon, Geese, and
+such like; and they not having Room enough to preserve their
+Grain, or Fodder enough to preserve their Cattle or Poultry,
+nor Markets to sell off the Overplus, they were obliged to use
+them in their own Houses; and by treating the People of the
+Country, gained Credit amongst them, and riveted the Minds
+and Goodwill of their Neighbours so firmly in them, that no
+one durst venture to oppose them. The 'Squire's Will was
+done whatever came on it; for if he happened to ask a Neighbour
+what it was a Clock, they returned with a low Scrape, it is
+what your Worship pleases.</p>
+
+<p>"The Dancing and Singing of the Benchers in the great Inns
+of Court in <i>Christmas</i>, is in some sort founded upon Interest;
+for they hold, as I am informed, some Priviledge by Dancing
+about the Fire in the middle of their Hall, and singing the Song
+of <i>Round about our Coal Fire</i>, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>"This time of year being cold and frosty generally speaking,
+or when Jack-Frost commonly takes us by the Nose, the Diversions
+are within Doors, either in Exercise or by the Fire-side.</p>
+
+<p>"Country-Dancing is one of the chief Exercises....</p>
+
+<p>"Then comes Mumming or Masquerading, when the 'Squire's
+Wardrobe is ransacked for Dresses of all Kinds, and the coal-hole
+searched around, or corks burnt to black the Faces of the
+Fair, or make Deputy-Mustaches, and every one in the Family
+except the 'Squire himself must be transformed from what they
+were....</p>
+
+<p>"Or else there is a Match at <i>Blind-Man's-Buff</i>, and then it
+is lawful to set anything in the way for Folks to tumble
+over....</p>
+
+<p>"As for <i>Puss in the Corner</i>, that is a very harmless Sport, and
+one may romp at it as much as one will....</p>
+
+<p>"The next game to this is <i>Questions and Commands</i>, when the
+Commander may oblige his Subject to answer any lawful Question,
+and make the same obey him instantly, under the penalty
+of being smutted, or paying such Forfeit as may be laid on the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">237</a></span>
+Aggressor; but the Forfeits being generally fixed at some
+certain Price, as a Shilling, Half a Crown, &amp;c., so every one
+knowing what to do if they should be too stubborn to submit,
+make themselves easy at discretion.</p>
+
+<p>"As for the Game of <i>Hoop and Hide</i>, the Parties have the
+Liberty of hiding where they will, in any part of the House;
+and if they happen to be caught, the Dispute ends in Kissing,
+&amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>"Most of the other Diversions are Cards and Dice, but they
+are seldom set on foot, unless a Lawyer is at hand, to breed
+some dispute for him to decide, or at least have some
+Party in.</p>
+
+<p>"And now I come to another Entertainment frequently used,
+which is of the Story-telling Order, <i>viz.</i> of Hobgoblins, Witches,
+Conjurers, Ghosts, Fairies, and such like common Disturbers."</p>
+
+<p>At this period</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">David Garrick's Christmas Acting</span></div>
+
+<p>won him great applause. At Christmas, 1741, he brought out
+at Goodman's Fields a Christmas Farce, written by himself,
+entitled "The Lying Valet," wherein the great actor took the part
+of "Sharp." It was thought the most diverting farce ever performed.
+"There was a general roar from beginning to end.
+So great was his versatility that people were not able to determine
+whether he was best in tragedy or comedy." On his
+benefit, when his real name was placed on the bills for the first
+time, there was an immense gathering, and the applause was
+quite extraordinary.</p>
+
+<p>The Christmas festivities of 1745 were marred by the</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Disturbances of the Jacobites,</span></div>
+
+<p>under the romantic "Prince Charlie," whose attempted invasion
+of England speedily collapsed.</p>
+
+<p>Pointer, in his <i>Oxoniensis Academia</i> (1749) refers to</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">An Old Christmas Custom</span></div>
+
+<p>of this period. He states that at Merton College, Oxford, the
+Fellows meet together in the Hall, on Christmas Eve, to sing a
+Psalm and drink a grace-cup to one another (called <i>Poculum
+Charitatis</i>), wishing one another health and happiness.</p>
+
+<p>The Christmas of 1752 was</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The First Christmas under the "New Style,"</span></div>
+
+<p>and many refused to observe the festival eleven days earlier than
+usual, but insisted on keeping "Old Christmas Day." Why
+should they be robbed of eleven days by a new Act of Parliament?
+It was of no use to tell them that it had been discovered
+that the fractional few minutes which are tailed on to the days<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">238</a></span>
+and hours which make up the year had, by neglect through
+many centuries, brought us into a wrong condition, and that
+to set us right it would be necessary to give credit for eleven
+days which nobody was conscious of having enjoyed. The
+law, however, had said that it should be so. Accordingly, the
+day after the 2nd of September, 1752, was called the 14th, to
+the great indignation of thousands, who reckoned that they had
+thus been cut off from nearly a fortnight of life which honestly
+belonged to them. These persons sturdily refused to acknowledge
+the Christmas Eve and Day of the new calendar. They
+averred that the true festival was that which now began on the
+5th of January <i>next year</i>. They would go to church, they said,
+on no other day; nor eat mince-pies nor drink punch but in
+reference to this one day. The clergy had a hard time of it
+with these recusants. It will be well, therefore, to quote one
+singular example to show how this recusancy was encountered.
+It is from a collection of pamphlet-sermons preserved by
+George III., none of which, however, have anything curious
+or particularly meritorious about them save this one, which was
+preached on Friday, January 5, 1753, "Old Christmas Day."
+Mr. Francis Blackburne, "one of the candid disquisitors,"
+opened his church on that day, which was crowded by a congregation
+anxious to see the day celebrated as that of the
+anniversary of the Nativity. The service for Christmas Day,
+however, was not used. "I will answer your expectations so
+far," said the preacher in his sermon, "as to give you a <i>sermon
+on the day</i>; and the rather because I perceive you are disappointed
+of <i>something else</i> that you expected." The purport
+of the discourse is to show that the change of style was desirable,
+and that it having been effected by Act of Parliament,
+with the sanction of the King, there was nothing for it but
+acquiescence. "For," says the preacher, "had I, to oblige you,
+disobeyed this Act of Parliament, it is very probable I might
+have lost my benefice, which, you know, is all the subsistence I
+have in the world; and I should have been rightly served; for
+who am I that I should fly in the face of his Majesty and the
+Parliament? These things are left to be ordered by the higher
+powers; and in any such case as that, I hope not to think
+myself wiser than the King, the whole nobility, and principal
+gentry of Great Britain"!!</p>
+
+<p>The peasants of Buckinghamshire, however, pitched upon a
+very pretty method to settle the question of Christmas, left so
+meekly by Mr. Blackburne to the King, nobility, and most of
+the gentry. They bethought themselves of a blackthorn near
+one of their villages; and this thorn was for the nonce declared
+to be the growth of a slip from the Christmas-flowering thorn
+at Glastonbury. If the Buckinghamshire thorn, so argued the
+peasants, will only blossom in the night of the 24th of December,
+we will go to church next day, and allow that the Christmas by
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">239</a></span>Act of Parliament is the true Christmas; but no blossom no
+feast, and there shall be no revel till the eve of old Christmas
+Day. They watched the thorn and drank to its budding; but
+as it produced no promise of a flower by the morning, they
+turned to go homewards as best they might, perfectly satisfied
+with the success of the experiment. Some were interrupted in
+their way by their respective "vicars," who took them by the
+arm and would fain have persuaded them to go to church.
+They argued the question by field, stile, and church-gate; but
+not a Bucks peasant would consent to enter a pew till the parson
+had promised to preach a sermon to, and smoke a pipe with,
+them on the only Christmas Day they chose to acknowledge.</p>
+
+<p>Now, however, this old prejudice has been conquered, and
+the "new style" has maintained its ground. It has even done
+more, for its authors have so arranged the years and leap years
+that a confusion in the time of Christmas or any other festival
+is not likely to occur again.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 100px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_239.jpg" width="100" height="83" alt="A COAT OF ARMS."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_75_75" id="Footnote_75_75"></a><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> Cassell's "History of England."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_76_76" id="Footnote_76_76"></a><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> Grose.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_77_77" id="Footnote_77_77"></a><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> Herbert H. Adams.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_78_78" id="Footnote_78_78"></a><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> "Old English Customs and Charities," 1842.</p></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">240</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h4><i>CHAPTER XI.</i></h4>
+
+<h3>MODERN CHRISTMASES AT HOME.</h3>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig59.jpg" width="600" height="594" alt="THE WAITS."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the waits.</span></span></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">King George the Third</span></div>
+
+<p>came to the throne on the death of his grandfather, George II.
+(October 25, 1760), and the first Christmas of his reign "was
+a high festival at Court, when his Majesty, preceded by heralds,
+pursuivants, &amp;c., went with their usual state to the Chapel
+Royal, and heard a sermon preached by his Grace the Archbishop
+of York; and it being a collar day, the Knights of the
+Garter, Thistle and Bath, appeared in the collars of their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">241</a></span>
+respective orders. After the sermon was over, his Majesty,
+Prince Edward and Princess Augusta went into the Chapel
+Royal, and received the sacrament from the hands of the
+Bishop of Durham; and the King offered the byzant, or wedge
+of gold, in a purse, for the benefit of the poor, and the royal
+family all made offerings. His Majesty afterwards dined with
+his royal mother at Leicester House, and in the evening returned
+to St. James's."<a name="FNanchor_79_79" id="FNanchor_79_79"></a><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a></p>
+
+<p>At this period</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Favourite Christmas Diversion</span></div>
+
+<p>was card-playing. The King himself spent a great deal of his
+time in playing at cards with the ladies and gentlemen of his
+court. In doing so, however, he was but following the example
+of George II., of whom the biographer already quoted (Mr.
+Huish) says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"After the death of Queen Caroline, the King was very
+fond of a game at cards with the Countess of Pembroke,
+Albemarle, and other distinguished ladies. His attachment to
+cards was transferred to his attachment for the ladies, and it
+was said that what he gained by the one he lost by the other."
+Cards were very much resorted to at the family parties and
+other social gatherings held during the twelve days of Christmas.
+Hone makes various allusions to card-playing at Christmastide,
+and Washington Irving, in his "Life of Oliver Goldsmith,"
+pictures the poet "keeping the card-table in an uproar."
+Mrs. Bunbury invited Goldsmith down to Barton to pass the
+Christmas holidays. Irving regrets "that we have no record of
+this Christmas visit to Barton; that the poet had no Boswell to
+follow at his heels, and take notes of all his sayings and doings.
+We can only picture him in our minds, casting off all care;
+enacting the Lord of Misrule; presiding at the Christmas
+revels; providing all kinds of merriment; keeping the card-table
+in an uproar, and finally opening the ball on the first day
+of the year in his spring-velvet suit, with the Jessamy Bride for
+a partner."</p>
+
+<p>From the reprint additions made in the British Museum large
+paper copy of Brand's "Antiquities," by the late Mr. Joseph Haslewood,
+and dated January, 1779, we quote the following verses
+descriptive of the concluding portion of the Christmas festivities
+at this period:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4"><span class="smcap">TWELFTH DAY.</span></span><br />
+<span class="i0">Now the jovial girls and boys,</span>
+<span class="i1">Struggling for the cake and plumbs,</span>
+<span class="i0">Testify their eager joys,</span>
+<span class="i1">And lick their fingers and their thumbs.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Statesmen like, they struggle still,</span>
+<span class="i1">Scarcely hands kept out of dishes,</span>
+<span class="i0">And yet, when they have had their fill,</span>
+<span class="i1">Still anxious for the loaves and fishes.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">242</a></span>
+<span class="i0">Kings and Queens, in petty state,</span>
+<span class="i1">Now their sovereign will declare,</span>
+<span class="i0">But other sovereigns' plans they hate,</span>
+<span class="i1">Full fond of peace&mdash;detesting war.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">One moral from this tale appears,</span>
+<span class="i1">Worth notice when a world's at stake;</span>
+<span class="i0">That all our hopes and all our fears,</span>
+<span class="i1">Are but a <i>struggling for the</i> Cake.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Other particulars of the</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Popular Christmas Festivities</span></div>
+
+<p>in the latter part of the eighteenth century are gleaned from
+contemporary writers:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"At Ripon, on Christmas Eve, the grocers, send each of their
+customers a pound or half of currants and raisins to make a
+Christmas pudding. The chandlers also send large mould
+candles, and the coopers logs of wood, generally called <i>Yule
+clogs</i>, which are always used on Christmas Eve; but should it
+be so large as not to be all burnt that night, which is frequently
+the case, the remains are kept till old Christmas Eve."<a name="FNanchor_80_80" id="FNanchor_80_80"></a><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a></p>
+
+
+<p>In Sinclair's Account of Scotland, parish of Kirkden, county
+of Angus (1792), Christmas is said to be held as a great
+festival in the neighbourhood. "The servant is free from his
+master, and goes about visiting his friends and acquaintance.
+The poorest must have beef or mutton on the table, and what
+they call a dinner with their friends. Many amuse themselves
+with various diversions, particularly with shooting for prizes,
+called here <i>wad-shooting</i>; and many do but little business all the
+Christmas week; the evening of almost every day being spent
+in amusement." And in the account of Keith, in Banffshire,
+the inhabitants are said to "have no pastimes or holidays, except
+dancing on Christmas and New Year's Day."</p>
+
+<p>Boyhood's Christmas Breaking-up is thus described in a
+poem entitled "Christmas" (Bristol, 1795):&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"A school there was, within a well-known town,</span>
+<span class="i0">(Bridgwater call'd), in which the boys were wont,</span>
+<span class="i0">At <i>breaking-up</i> for Christmas' lov'd recess,</span>
+<span class="i0">To meet the master, on the happy morn,</span>
+<span class="i0">At early hour; the custom, too, prevail'd,</span>
+<span class="i0">That he who first the seminary reach'd</span>
+<span class="i0">Should, instantly, perambulate the streets</span>
+<span class="i0">With sounding horn, to rouse his fellows up;</span>
+<span class="i0">And, as a compensation for his care,</span>
+<span class="i0">His flourish'd copies, and his chapter-task,</span>
+<span class="i0">Before the rest, he from the master had.</span>
+<span class="i0">For many days, ere breaking-up commenced,</span>
+<span class="i0">Much was the clamour, 'mongst the beardless crowd,</span>
+<span class="i0">Who first would dare his well-warm'd bed forego,</span>
+<span class="i0">And, round the town, with horn of ox equipp'd,</span>
+<span class="i0">His schoolmates call. Great emulation glow'd</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">243</a></span>
+<span class="i0">In all their breasts; but, when the morning came,</span>
+<span class="i0">Straightway was heard, resounding through the streets,</span>
+<span class="i0">The pleasing blast (more welcome far, to them,</span>
+<span class="i0">Than is, to sportsmen, the delightful cry</span>
+<span class="i0">Of hounds on chase), which soon together brought</span>
+<span class="i0">A tribe of boys, who, thund'ring at the doors</span>
+<span class="i0">Of those, their fellows, sunk in Somnus' arms,</span>
+<span class="i0">Great hubbub made, and much the town alarm'd.</span>
+<span class="i0">At length the gladsome, congregated throng,</span>
+<span class="i0">Toward the school their willing progress bent,</span>
+<span class="i0">With loud huzzas, and, crowded round the desk,</span>
+<span class="i0">Where sat the master busy at his books,</span>
+<span class="i0">In reg'lar order, each receiv'd his own,</span>
+<span class="i0">The youngsters then, enfranchised from the school,</span>
+<span class="i0">Their fav'rite sports pursued."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>A writer in the <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i> for February, 1795, gives
+the following account of a Christmas Eve custom at the house
+of Sir &mdash;&mdash; Holt, Bart., of Aston, near Birmingham:</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as supper is over, a table is set in the hall. On it
+is placed a brown loaf, with twenty silver threepences stuck on
+the top of it, a tankard of ale, with pipes and tobacco; and
+the two oldest servants have chairs behind it, to sit as judges if
+they please. The steward brings the servants, both men and
+women, by one at a time, covered with a winnow-sheet, and
+lays their right hand on the loaf, exposing no other part of the
+body. The oldest of the two judges guesses at the person, by
+naming a name, then the younger judge, and lastly the oldest
+again. If they hit upon the right name, the steward leads the
+person back again; but, if they do not, he takes off the
+winnow-sheet, and the person receives a threepence, makes a
+low obeisance to the judges, but speaks not a word. When the
+second servant was brought, the younger judge guessed first
+and third; and this they did alternately, till all the money was
+given away. Whatever servant had not slept in the house the
+preceding night forfeited his right to the money. No account
+is given of the origin of this strange custom, but it has been
+practised ever since the family lived there. When the money
+is gone, the servants have full liberty to drink, dance, sing, and
+go to bed when they please."</p>
+
+<p>Brand quotes the foregoing paragraph and asks: "Can this
+be what Aubrey calls the sport of 'Cob-loaf stealing'?"</p>
+
+<div class="center_small"><span class="smcap">THE DELIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS.</span></div>
+
+<div class="center_small"><span class="smcap">A New Song by R. P.</span></div>
+
+<div class="center_small">(Tune&mdash;"Since Love is my Plan.")</div>
+
+<div class="center_small"><i>In the Poor Soldier.</i></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">When Christmas approaches each bosom is gay,</span>
+<span class="i0">That festival banishes sorrow away,</span>
+<span class="i0">While Richard he kisses both Susan and Dolly,</span>
+<span class="i0">When tricking the house up with ivy and holly;</span>
+<span class="i0">For never as yet it was counted a crime,</span>
+<span class="i0">To be merry and cherry at that happy time.</span>
+<span class="i13">For never as yet, &amp;c.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">244</a></span>
+<span class="i0">Then comes turkey and chine, with the famous roast beef,</span>
+<span class="i0">Of English provisions still reckon'd the chief;</span>
+<span class="i0">Roger whispers the cook-maid his wishes to crown,</span>
+<span class="i0">O Dolly! pray give me a bit of the brown;</span>
+<span class="i0">For never as yet it was counted a crime,</span>
+<span class="i0">To be merry and cherry at that happy time.</span>
+<span class="i13">For never as yet, &amp;c.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The luscious plum-pudding does smoking appear,</span>
+<span class="i0">And the charming mince pye is not far in the rear,</span>
+<span class="i0">Then each licks his chops to behold such a sight,</span>
+<span class="i0">But to taste it affords him superior delight;</span>
+<span class="i0">For never as yet it was counted a crime,</span>
+<span class="i0">To be merry and cherry at that happy time.</span>
+<span class="i13">For never as yet, &amp;c.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Now the humming October goes merrily round,</span>
+<span class="i0">And each with good humour is happily crown'd,</span>
+<span class="i0">The song and the dance, and the mirth-giving jest,</span>
+<span class="i0">Alike without harm by each one is expressed;</span>
+<span class="i0">For never as yet it was counted a crime,</span>
+<span class="i0">To be merry and cherry at that happy time.</span>
+<span class="i13">For never as yet, &amp;c.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Twelfth Day next approaches, to give you delight,</span>
+<span class="i0">And the sugar'd rich cake is display'd to the sight,</span>
+<span class="i0">Then sloven and slut and the king and the queen,</span>
+<span class="i0">Alike must be present to add to the scene;</span>
+<span class="i0">For never as yet it was counted a crime,</span>
+<span class="i0">To be merry and cherry at that happy time.</span>
+<span class="i13">For never as yet, &amp;c.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">May each be found thus as the year circles round,</span>
+<span class="i0">With mirth and good humour each Christmas be crown'd,</span>
+<span class="i0">And may all who have plenty of riches in store</span>
+<span class="i0">With their bountiful blessings make happy the poor;</span>
+<span class="i0">For never as yet it was counted a crime,</span>
+<span class="i0">To be merry and cherry at that happy time.</span>
+<span class="i13">For never as yet, &amp;c.<a name="FNanchor_81_81" id="FNanchor_81_81"></a><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Charles Lamb on Christmas.</span></div>
+
+<p>In his essay on "Recollections of Christ's Hospital," Charles
+Lamb thus refers to the Christmas festivities of his schoolboy
+days:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Let me have leave to remember the festivities at Christmas,
+when the richest of us would club our stock to have a gaudy
+day, sitting round the fire, replenished to the height with logs,
+and the pennyless, and he that could contribute nothing, partook
+in all the mirth, and in some of the substantialities of the
+feasting; the carol sung by night at that time of the year,
+which, when a young boy, I have so often lain awake to hear
+from seven (the hour of going to bed) till ten when it was sung
+by the older boys and monitors, and have listened to it, in their
+rude chaunting, till I have been transported in fancy to the fields
+of Bethlehem, and the song which was sung at that season, by
+angels' voices to the shepherds."</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">245</a></span></p>
+<p>In a sonnet sent to Coleridge, in 1797, Lamb says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"It were unwisely done, should we refuse</span>
+<span class="i0">To cheer our path, as featly as we may&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Our lonely path to cheer, as travellers use,</span>
+<span class="i0">With merry song, quaint tale, or roundelay.</span>
+<span class="i0">And we will sometimes talk past troubles o'er,</span>
+<span class="i0">Of mercies shown, and all our sickness heal'd,</span>
+<span class="i0">And in His judgments God remembering love:</span>
+<span class="i0">And we will learn to praise God evermore,</span>
+<span class="i0">For those 'glad tidings of great joy,' reveal'd</span>
+<span class="i0">By that sooth messenger, sent from above."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig60.jpg" width="600" height="754" alt="THE CHRISTMAS PLUM-PUDDING."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the christmas plum-pudding.</span><br /><small>
+(<i>From an old print.</i>)</small></span></div>
+
+<p>Writing to Southey, in 1798, Lamb tells the poet that Christmas
+is a "glorious theme"; and addressing his "dear old friend
+and absentee," Mr. Manning, at Canton, on December 25, 1815,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">246</a></span>
+Lamb says:&mdash;"This is Christmas Day, 1815, with us; what it
+may be with you I don't know, the 12th of June next year perhaps;
+and if it should be the consecrated season with you,
+I don't see how you can keep it. You have no turkeys; you
+would not desecrate the festival by offering up a withered
+Chinese bantam, instead of the savoury grand Norfolcian holocaust,
+that smokes all around my nostrils at this moment from a
+thousand firesides. Then what puddings have you? Where
+will you get holly to stick in your churches, or churches to stick
+your dried tea-leaves (that must be the substitute) in? Come
+out of Babylon, O my friend."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig61.jpg" width="400" height="307" alt="ITALIAN MINSTRELS IN LONDON, AT CHRISTMAS, 1825."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+italian minstrels in london, at christmas, 1825.</span><br />
+<small>(<i>From a sketch of that period.</i>)</small></span></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Ranged in a row, with guitars slung</span>
+<span class="i0">Before them thus, they played and sung:</span>
+<span class="i0">Their instruments and choral voice</span>
+<span class="i0">Bid each glad guest still more rejoice;</span>
+<span class="i0">And each guest wish'd again to hear</span>
+<span class="i0">Their wild guitars and voices clear."<a name="FNanchor_82_82" id="FNanchor_82_82"></a><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Games</span></div>
+
+<p>at the beginning of the nineteenth century include the old
+Christmas game of <i>Forfeits</i>, for every breach of the rules of
+which the players have to deposit some little article as a forfeit,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">247</a></span>to be redeemed by some sportive penalty, imposed by the "Crier
+of the Forfeits" (usually a bonnie lassie). The "crying of the
+forfeits" and paying of the penalties creates much merriment,
+particularly when a bashful youth is sentenced to "kiss through
+the fire-tongs" some beautiful romp of a girl, who delights
+playing him tricks while the room rings with laughter.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the old pastimes, however, have fallen into disuse, as,
+for instance, the once popular game of <i>Hot Cockles</i>, <i>Hunt the
+Slipper</i>, and "the vulgar game of <i>Post and Pair</i>"; but <i>Cards</i>
+are still popular, and Snapdragon continues such Christmas
+merriment as is set forth in the following verses:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"  style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig62.jpg" width="300" height="374" alt="SNAP DRAGON."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<div class="center_small"><span class="smcap">SNAP DRAGON.</span></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Here he comes with flaming bowl,</span>
+<span class="i0">Don't he mean to take his toll,</span>
+<span class="i9">Snip! Snap! Dragon!</span>
+<span class="i0">Take care you don't take too much,</span>
+<span class="i0">Be not greedy in your clutch,</span>
+<span class="i9">Snip! Snap! Dragon!</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">With his blue and lapping tongue</span>
+<span class="i0">Many of you will be stung,</span>
+<span class="i9">Snip! Snap! Dragon!</span>
+<span class="i0">For he snaps at all that comes</span>
+<span class="i0">Snatching at his feast of plums,</span>
+<span class="i9">Snip! Snap! Dragon!</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">248</a></span>
+
+<span class="i0">But old Christmas makes him come,</span>
+<span class="i0">Though he looks so fee! fa! fum!</span>
+<span class="i9">Snip! Snap! Dragon!</span>
+<span class="i0">Don't 'ee fear him, be but bold&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Out he goes, his flames are cold,</span>
+<span class="i9">Snip! Snap! Dragon!"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Don't 'ee fear him, be but bold," accords with the advice of
+a writer in "Pantalogia," in 1813, who says that when the brandy
+in the bowl is set on fire, and raisins thrown into it, those who
+are unused to the sport are afraid to take out, but the raisins
+may be safely snatched by a quick motion and put blazing into
+the mouth, which being closed, the fire is at once extinguished.
+The game requires both courage and rapidity of action, and a
+good deal of merriment is caused by the unsuccessful efforts of
+competitors for the raisins in the flaming bowl.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Blindman's Buff,</span></div>
+
+<p>A favourite game of Christmastide, is thus described by Thomas
+Miller, in his "Sports and Pastimes of Merry England":&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The very youngest of our brothers and sisters can join in
+this old English game: and it is selfish to select only such
+sports as they cannot become sharers of. Its ancient name is
+'hoodman-blind'; and when hoods were worn by both men
+and women&mdash;centuries before hats and caps were so common
+as they are now&mdash;the hood was reversed, placed hind-before,
+and was, no doubt, a much surer way of blinding the player than
+that now adopted&mdash;for we have seen Charley try to catch his
+pretty cousin Caroline, by chasing her behind chairs and into
+all sorts of corners, to our strong conviction that he was not
+half so well blinded as he ought to have been. Some said he
+could see through the black silk handkerchief; others that it
+ought to have been tied clean over his nose, for that when he
+looked down he could see her feet, wherever she moved; and
+Charley had often been heard to say that she had the prettiest
+foot and ankle he had ever seen. But there he goes, head over
+heels across a chair, tearing off Caroline's gown skirt in his fall,
+as he clutches it in the hope of saving himself. Now, that is
+what I call retributive justice; for she threw down the chair for
+him to stumble over, and, if he has grazed his knees, she suffers
+under a torn dress, and must retire until one of the maids darn
+up the rent. But now the mirth and glee grow 'fast and furious,'
+for hoodman blind has imprisoned three or four of the youngest
+boys in a corner, and can place his hand on whichever he likes.
+Into what a small compass they have forced themselves! But
+the one behind has the wall at his back, and, taking advantage
+of so good a purchase, he sends his three laughing companions
+sprawling on the floor, and is himself caught through their
+having fallen, as his shoulder is the first that is grasped by
+Blindman-buff&mdash;so that he must now submit to be hooded."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">249</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig63.jpg" width="600" height="589" alt="BLINDMAN'S BUFF."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+blindman's buff.</span><br />
+<small>(<i>In the last century</i>.)</small></span></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Dance.</span></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Again the ball-room is wide open thrown,</span>
+<span class="i1">The oak beams festooned with the garlands gay;</span>
+<span class="i0">The red dais where the fiddlers sit alone,</span>
+<span class="i1">Where, flushed with pride, the good old tunes they play.</span>
+<span class="i0">Strike, fiddlers, strike! we're ready for the set;</span>
+<span class="i1">The young folks' feet are eager for the dance;</span>
+<span class="i0">We'll trip Sir Roger and the minuet,</span>
+<span class="i1">And revel in the latest games from France."<a name="FNanchor_83_83" id="FNanchor_83_83"></a><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Man should be called a dancing animal," said <i>Old Florentine</i>;
+and Burton, in his "Anatomy of Melancholy," says, "Young
+lasses are never better pleased than when, upon a holiday, after
+<i>even-song</i>, they may meet their sweethearts and dance." And
+dancing is just as popular at Christmas in the present day,
+as it was in that medi&aelig;val age when (according to William
+of Malmesbury) the priest Rathbertus, being disturbed at his
+Christmas mass by young men and women dancing outside
+the church, prayed God and St. Magnus that they might
+continue to dance for a whole year without cessation&mdash;a
+prayer which the old chronicler gravely assures us was
+answered.</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">250</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig64.jpg" width="600" height="424" alt="THE CHRISTMAS DANCE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the christmas dance.</span></span></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Eve in the Olden Time.</span></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i1">And well our Christian sires of old</span>
+<span class="i0">Loved when the year its course had roll'd,</span>
+<span class="i0">And brought blithe Christmas back again,</span>
+<span class="i0">With all his hospitable train.</span>
+<span class="i0">Domestic and religious rite</span>
+<span class="i0">Gave honour to the holy night:</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">On Christmas Eve the bells were rung;</span>
+<span class="i0">On Christmas Eve the mass was sung:</span>
+<span class="i0">That only night in all the year,</span>
+<span class="i0">Saw the stoled priest the chalice rear.</span>
+<span class="i0">The damsel donn'd her kirtle sheen;</span>
+<span class="i0">The hall was dress'd with holly green;</span>
+<span class="i0">Forth to the wood did merry-men go,</span>
+<span class="i0">To gather in the mistletoe.</span>
+<span class="i0">Then open'd wide the Baron's hall</span>
+<span class="i0">To vassal, tenant, serf, and all;</span>
+<span class="i0">Power laid his rod of rule aside,</span>
+<span class="i0">And Ceremony doffed his pride.</span>
+<span class="i0">The heir, with roses in his shoes,</span>
+<span class="i0">That night might village partner choose.</span>
+<span class="i0">The lord, underogating, share</span>
+<span class="i0">The vulgar game of "post and pair."</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">All hail'd, with uncontroll'd delight,</span>
+<span class="i0">And general voice, the happy night</span>
+<span class="i0">That to the cottage, as the crown,</span>
+<span class="i0">Brought tidings of salvation down!</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i1">The fire, with well-dried logs supplied,</span>
+<span class="i0">Went roaring up the chimney wide;</span>
+<span class="i0">The huge hall-table's oaken face,</span>
+<span class="i0">Scrubb'd till it shone, the day to grace</span>
+<span class="i0">Bore then upon its massive board</span>
+<span class="i0">No mark to part the squire and lord.</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">251</a></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Then was brought in the lusty brawn</span>
+<span class="i0">By old blue-coated serving man;</span>
+<span class="i0">Then the grim boar's-head frowned on high,</span>
+<span class="i0">Crested with bays and rosemary.</span>
+<span class="i0">Well can the green-garbed ranger tell</span>
+<span class="i0">How, when, and where the monster fell;</span>
+<span class="i0">What dogs before his death he tore,</span>
+<span class="i0">And all the baiting of the boar.</span>
+<span class="i0">The wassail round in good brown bowls,</span>
+<span class="i0">Garnish'd with ribbons, blithely trowls.</span>
+<span class="i0">There the huge sirloin reek'd; hard by</span>
+<span class="i0">Plum-porridge stood, and Christmas-pye;</span>
+<span class="i0">Nor fail'd old Scotland to produce,</span>
+<span class="i0">At such high tide, her savoury goose.</span>
+<span class="i0">Then came the merry masquers in,</span>
+<span class="i0">And carols roar'd with blithesome din</span>
+<span class="i0">If unmelodious was the song,</span>
+<span class="i0">It was a hearty note, and strong.</span>
+<span class="i0">Who lists may in their mumming see</span>
+<span class="i0">Traces of ancient mystery;</span>
+<span class="i0">White shirts supplied the masquerade,</span>
+<span class="i0">And smutted cheeks the visors made;</span>
+<span class="i0">But oh! what masquers, richly dight,</span>
+<span class="i0">Can boast of bosoms half so light!</span>
+<span class="i0">England was merry England when</span>
+<span class="i0">Old Christmas brought his sports again.</span>
+<span class="i0">'Twas Christmas broached the mightiest ale,</span>
+<span class="i0">'Twas Christmas told the merriest tale;</span>
+<span class="i0">A Christmas gambol oft could cheer</span>
+<span class="i0">The poor man's heart through half the year.</span>
+<span class="i7_5"><span class="smcap">Sir Walter Scott,</span> 1808.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Lyson's "Magna Britannia" (1813) states the following as an</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Old English Custom.</span></div>
+
+<p>"At Cumnor the parishioners, who paid vicarial tithes, claimed
+a custom of being entertained at the vicarage on the afternoon
+of Christmas Day, with four bushels of malt brewed into ale and
+beer, two bushels of wheat made into bread, and half a hundred
+weight of cheese. The remainder was given to the poor the
+next morning after divine service."</p>
+
+<p>Mason ("Statistical Account of Ireland," 1814) records the
+following</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Irish Christmas Customs:&mdash;</span></div>
+
+<p>"At Culdaff, previous to Christmas, it is customary with the
+labouring classes to raffle for mutton, when a sufficient number
+can subscribe to defray the cost of a sheep. During the
+Christmas holidays they amuse themselves with a game of
+kamman, which consists in impelling a wooden ball with
+a crooked stick to a given point, while an adversary endeavours
+to drive it in a contrary direction."</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Yorkshire.</span></div>
+
+<p>A writer in "Time's Telescope" (1822) states that in Yorkshire
+at eight o'clock on Christmas Eve the bells greet "Old<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">252</a></span>
+Father Christmas" with a merry peal, the children parade the
+streets with drums, trumpets, bells, or perhaps, in their absence,
+with the poker and shovel, taken from their humble cottage
+fire; the yule candle is lighted, and&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i3">"High on the cheerful fire</span>
+<span class="i0">Is blazing seen th' enormous Christmas brand."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p>Supper is served, of which one dish, from the lordly mansion
+to the humblest shed, is invariably furmety; yule cake, one of
+which is always made for each individual in the family, and
+other more substantial viands are also added.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Some Social Festivities</span></div>
+
+<p>of Christmastide are sketched by a contributor to the <i>New
+Monthly Magazine</i>, December 1, 1825, who says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"On the north side of the church at M. are a great many
+holly-trees. It is from these that our dining and bed-rooms are
+furnished with boughs. Families take it by turns to entertain
+their friends. They meet early; the beef and pudding are
+noble; the mince-pies&mdash;peculiar; the nuts half play-things and
+half-eatables; the oranges as cold and acid as they ought to be,
+furnishing us with a superfluity which we can afford to laugh
+at; the cakes indestructible; the wassail bowls generous, old
+English, huge, demanding ladles, threatening overflow as they
+come in, solid with roasted apples when set down. Towards
+bed-time you hear of elder-wine, and not seldom of punch. At
+the manorhouse it is pretty much the same as elsewhere. Girls,
+although they be ladies, are kissed under the mistletoe. If any
+family among us happen to have hit upon an exquisite brewing,
+they send some of it round about, the squire's house included;
+and he does the same by the rest. Riddles, hot-cockles, forfeits,
+music, dances sudden and not to be suppressed, prevail among
+great and small; and from two o'clock in the day to midnight,
+M. looks like a deserted place out of doors, but is full of life and
+merriment within. Playing at knights and ladies last year, a
+jade of a charming creature must needs send me out for a piece
+of ice to put in her wine. It was evening and a hard frost. I
+shall never forget the cold, cutting, dreary, dead look of every
+thing out of doors, with a wind through the wiry trees, and the
+snow on the ground, contrasted with the sudden return to
+warmth, light, and joviality.</p>
+
+<p>"I remember we had a discussion that time as to what was
+the great point and crowning glory of Christmas. Many were
+for mince-pie; some for the beef and plum-pudding; more for
+the wassail-bowl; a maiden lady timidly said the mistletoe;
+but we agreed at last, that although all these were prodigious,
+and some of them exclusively belonging to the season, the <i>fire</i>
+was the great indispensable. Upon which we all turned our
+faces towards it, and began warming our already scorched
+hands. A great blazing fire, too big, is the visible heart and
+</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">253</a></span>soul of Christmas. You may do without beef and plum-pudding;
+even the absence of mince-pie may be tolerated; there must be
+a bowl, poetically speaking, but it need not be absolutely wassail.
+The bowl may give place to the bottle. But a huge, heaped-up,
+<i>over</i> heaped-up, all-attracting fire, with a semicircle of faces
+about it, is not to be denied us. It is the <i>lar</i> and genius of
+the meeting; the proof positive of the season; the representative
+of all our warm emotions and bright thoughts; the glorious
+eye of the room; the inciter to mirth, yet the retainer of order;
+the amalgamater of the age and sex; the universal relish.
+Tastes may differ even on a mince-pie; but who gainsays a
+fire? The absence of other luxuries still leaves you in possession
+of that; but</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">'Who can hold a fire in his hand</span>
+<span class="i0">With thinking on the frostiest twelfth-cake?'</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Let me have a dinner of some sort, no matter what, and
+then give me my fire, and my friends, the humblest glass of
+wine, and a few penn'orths of chestnuts, and I will still make
+out my Christmas. What! Have we not Burgundy in our
+blood? Have we not joke, laughter, repartee, bright eyes,
+comedies of other people, and comedies of our own; songs,
+memories, hopes? [An organ strikes up in the street at this
+word, as if to answer me in the affirmative. Right thou old
+spirit of harmony, wandering about in that ark of thine, and
+touching the public ear with sweetness and an abstraction!
+Let the multitude bustle on, but not unarrested by thee and
+by others, and not unreminded of the happiness of renewing
+a wise childhood.] As to our old friends the chestnuts, if
+anybody wants an excuse to his dignity for roasting them, let
+him take the authority of Milton. 'Who now,' says he lamenting
+the loss of his friend Deodati,&mdash;'who now will help to soothe
+my cares for me, and make the long night seem short with his
+conversation; while the roasting pear hisses tenderly on the
+fire, and the nuts burst away with a noise,&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">'And out of doors a washing storm o'erwhelms</span>
+<span class="i0">Nature pitch-dark, and rides the thundering elms?'"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_253.jpg" width="400" height="239" alt="CHILDREN PLAYING."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">254</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in the Highlands.</span></div>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 150px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_254.jpg" width="150" height="230" alt="A DEER."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p>From Grant's "Popular Superstitions
+of the Highlands" Hone gathered the
+following account:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as the brightening glow of
+the eastern sky warns the anxious house-maid
+of the approach of Christmas Day,
+she rises full of anxiety at the prospect
+of her morning labours. The meal,
+which was steeped in the <i>sowans-bowie</i>
+a fortnight ago, to make the <i>Prechdachdan
+sour</i>, or <i>sour scones</i>, is the first object of
+her attention. The gridiron is put on
+the fire, and the sour scones are soon
+followed by hard cakes, soft cakes,
+buttered cakes, brandered bannocks, and
+pannich perm. The baking being once over, the sowans
+pot succeeds the gridiron, full of new sowans, which are
+to be given to the family, agreeably to custom, this day
+in their beds. The sowans are boiled into the consistence
+of molasses, when the <i>Lagan-le-vrich</i>, or yeast bread, to
+distinguish it from boiled sowans, is ready. It is then
+poured into as many bickers as there are individuals to partake
+of it, and presently served to the whole, old and young. It
+would suit well the pen of a Burns, or the pencil of a
+Hogarth, to paint the scene which follows. The ambrosial
+food is despatched in aspiring draughts by the family, who
+soon give evident proofs of the enlivening effects of the <i>Lagan-le-vrich</i>.
+As soon as each despatches his bicker, he jumps out
+of bed&mdash;the elder branches to examine the ominous signs of the
+day,<a name="FNanchor_84_84" id="FNanchor_84_84"></a><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a> and the younger to enter on its amusements. Flocking to
+the swing, a favourite amusement on this occasion, the youngest
+of the family get the first '<i>shoulder</i>,' and the next oldest in
+regular succession. In order to add the more to the spirit of the
+exercise, it is a common practice with the person in the <i>swing</i>,
+and the person appointed to swing him, to enter into a very
+warm and humorous altercation. As the swinged person
+approaches the swinger, he exclaims, <i>Ei mi tu chal</i>, 'I'll eat
+your kail.' To this the swinger replies, with a violent shove,
+<i>Cha ni u mu chal</i>, 'You shan't eat my kail.' These threats and
+repulses are sometimes carried to such a height, as to break
+down or capsize the threatener, which generally puts an end
+to the quarrel.</p>
+
+<p>"As the day advances, those minor amusements are terminated
+at the report of the gun, or the rattle of the ball clubs&mdash;the gun
+inviting the marksman to the '<i>Kiavamuchd</i>,' or prize-shooting,
+and the latter to '<i>Luchd-vouil</i>,' or the ball combatants&mdash;both</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">255</a></span>
+the principal sports of the day. Tired at length of the active
+amusements of the field, they exchange them for the substantial
+entertainments of the table. Groaning under the '<i>sonsy haggis</i>,'<a name="FNanchor_85_85" id="FNanchor_85_85"></a><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a>
+and many other savoury dainties, unseen for twelve months
+before, the relish communicated to the company, by the
+appearance of the festive board, is more easily conceived
+than described. The dinner once despatched, the flowing
+bowl succeeds, and the sparkling glass flies to and fro like a
+weaver's shuttle. As it continues its rounds, the spirits of the
+company become more jovial and happy. Animated by its
+cheering influence, even old decrepitude no longer feels his
+habitual pains&mdash;the fire of youth is in his eye, as he details
+to the company the exploits which distinguished him in the
+days of '<i>auld langsyne</i>;' while the young, with hearts inflamed
+with '<i>love and glory</i>,' long to mingle in the more lively scenes
+of mirth, to display their prowess and agility. Leaving the
+patriarchs to finish those professions of friendship for each
+other, in which they are so devoutly engaged, the younger
+part of the company will shape their course to the ball-room,
+or the card-table, as their individual inclinations suggest; and
+the remainder of the evening is spent with the greatest pleasure
+of which human nature is susceptible."</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Sword Dancing at Christmas.</span></div>
+
+<p>Hone's "Table Book" (vol. i.), 1827, contains a letter
+descriptive of the pitmen of Northumberland, which says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The ancient custom of sword-dancing at Christmas is kept
+up in Northumberland exclusively by these people. They may
+be constantly seen at that festive season with their fiddler, bands
+of swordsmen, Tommy and Bessy, most grotesquely dressed,
+performing their annual routine of warlike evolutions."</p>
+
+<p>And the present writer heard of similar festivities at Christmastide
+in the Madeley district of Shropshire, accompanied by
+grotesque imitations of the ancient hobby-horse.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_255.jpg" width="300" height="260" alt="HOBBY-HORSE."
+title="" /></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">256</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="center"><div class="smcap">Cumberland.</div></div>
+
+<p>"A. W. R.," writing to Hone's "Year Book," December 8,
+1827, says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Nowhere does the Christmas season produce more heart-inspiring
+mirth than among the inhabitants of Cumberland.</p>
+
+<p>"With Christmas Eve commences a regular series of 'festivities
+and merry makings.' Night after night, if you want the
+farmer or his family, you must look for them anywhere but at
+home; and in the different houses that you pass at one, two,
+or three in the morning, should you happen to be out so late,
+you will find candles and fires still unextinguished. At Christmas,
+every farmer gives two 'feasts,' one called 't' ould foaks
+neet,' which is for those who are married, and the other 't'
+young foaks neet,' for those who are single. Suppose you and
+I, sir, take the liberty of attending one of these feasts unasked
+(which by the bye is considered no liberty at all in Cumberland)
+and see what is going on. Upon entering the room we behold
+several card parties, some at 'whist,' others at 'loo' (there
+called 'lant'), or any other game that may suit their fancy.
+You will be surprised on looking over the company to find that
+there is no distinction of persons. Masters and servants, rich
+and poor, humble and lofty, all mingle together without restraint&mdash;all
+cares are forgotten&mdash;and each one seems to glory in his
+own enjoyment and in that of his fellow-creatures. It is pleasant
+to find ourselves in such society, especially as it is rarely in one's
+life that such opportunities offer. Cast your eyes towards the
+sideboard, and there see that large bowl of punch, which the
+good wife is inviting her guests to partake of, with apples,
+oranges, biscuits, and other agreeable eatables in plenty. The
+hospitable master welcomes us with a smiling countenance and
+requests us to take seats and join one of the tables.</p>
+
+<p>"In due time some one enters to tell the company that supper
+is waiting in the next room. Thither we adjourn, and find the
+raised and mince pies, all sorts of tarts, and all cold&mdash;except
+the welcomes and entreaties&mdash;with cream, ale, &amp;c., in abundance;
+in the midst of all a large goose pie, which seems to
+say 'Come and cut again.'</p>
+
+<p>"After supper the party return to the card room, sit there
+for two or three hours longer, and afterwards make the best of
+their way home, to take a good long nap, and prepare for the
+same scene the next night. At these 'feasts' intoxication is
+entirely out of the question&mdash;it never happens.</p>
+
+<p>"Such are the innocent amusements of these people."</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"With gentle deeds and kindly thoughts,</span>
+<span class="i0">And loving words withal,</span>
+<span class="i0">Welcome the merry Christmas in</span>
+<span class="i0">And hear a brother's call."<a name="FNanchor_86_86" id="FNanchor_86_86"></a><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">257</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Provision for the Poor on Christmas Day.</span></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig65a.jpg" width="600" height="627" alt="THE GIVING AWAY OF CHRISTMAS DOLES."
+title="" />
+<br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the giving away of christmas doles.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>By the will of John Popple, dated the 12th of March, 1830,
+&pound;4 yearly is to be paid unto the vicar, churchwardens, and
+overseers of the poor of the parish of Burnham, Buckinghamshire,
+to provide for the poor people who should be residing in
+the poorhouse, a dinner, with a proper quantity of good ale and
+likewise with tobacco and snuff on Christmas Day.<a name="FNanchor_87_87" id="FNanchor_87_87"></a><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a></p>
+
+<p>This kindly provision of Mr. Popple for the poor shows that
+he wished to keep up the good old Christmas customs which
+are so much admired by the "old man" in Southey's "The
+Old Mansion" (a poem of this period). In recalling the good
+doings at the mansion "in my lady's time" the "old man"
+says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i12">"A woful day</span>
+<span class="ii">'Twas for the poor when to her grave she went!</span>
+<span class="i0">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">258</a></span>
+<span class="i12">Were they sick?</span>
+<span class="i0">She had rare cordial waters, and for herbs</span>
+<span class="i0">She could have taught the doctors. Then at winter,</span>
+<span class="i0">When weekly she distributed the bread</span>
+<span class="i0">In the poor old porch, to see her and to hear</span>
+<span class="i0">The blessings on her! And I warrant them</span>
+<span class="i0">They were a blessing to her when her wealth</span>
+<span class="i0">Had been no comfort else. At Christmas, sir!</span>
+<span class="i0">It would have warmed your heart if you had seen</span>
+<span class="i0">Her Christmas kitchen; how the blazing fire</span>
+<span class="i0">Made her fine pewter shine, and holly boughs</span>
+<span class="i0">So cheerful red; and as for mistletoe,</span>
+<span class="i0">The finest bough that grew in the country round</span>
+<span class="i0">Was mark'd for madam.  Then her old ale went</span>
+<span class="i0">So bountiful about! a Christmas cask,&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">And 'twas a noble one!&mdash;God help me, sir!</span>
+<span class="i0">But I shall never see such days again."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_258.jpg" width="300" height="275" alt="A CHRISTMAS CASK."
+title="" /></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Royal Christmases</span></div>
+
+<p>In the reigns of George IV. and William IV., though not kept
+with the grandeur of earlier reigns, were observed with much
+rejoicing and festivity, and the Royal Bounties to the poor of
+the metropolis and the country districts surrounding Windsor
+and the other Royal Palaces were dispensed with the customary
+generosity. In his "Sketch Book," Washington Irving, who was
+born in the reign of George III. (1783), and lived on through
+the reigns of George IV., and William IV., and the first two
+decades of the reign of Queen Victoria, gives delightful
+descriptions of the</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Festivities of the Nobility and Gentry</span></div>
+
+<p>of the period, recalling the times when 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. He had travelled a good deal on both sides of the
+Atlantic and he gives a picturesque account of an old English<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">259</a></span>
+stage coach journey "on the day preceding Christmas." The
+coach was crowded with passengers. "It was also loaded 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 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."</p>
+
+<p>Then follows Irving's graphic sketch of the English stage
+coachman, and the incidents of the journey, during which it
+seemed "as if everybody was in good looks and good spirits.</p>
+
+<p>"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 house-wives 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."</p>
+
+<div class="center">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</div>
+
+<p>"In the evening we reached a village where I had determined
+to pass the night. As we drove into the great gateway of the
+inn, I saw on one side the light of a rousing kitchen fire beaming
+through a window. I entered, and admired, for the
+hundredth time, that picture of convenience, neatness, and
+broad, honest enjoyment, the kitchen of an English inn. It
+was of spacious dimensions, hung round with copper and tin
+vessels highly polished, and decorated here and there with a
+Christmas green.... The scene completely realised poor
+Robin's [1684] humble idea of the comforts of mid-winter:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">'Now trees their leafy hats do bare</span>
+<span class="i0">To reverence winter's silver hair;</span>
+<span class="i0">A handsome hostess, merry host,</span>
+<span class="i0">A pot of ale now and a toast,</span>
+<span class="i0">Tobacco and a good coal fire,</span>
+<span class="i0">Are things this season doth require.'"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Mr. Irving afterwards depicts, in his own graphic style, the
+Christmas festivities observed at an old-fashioned English hall,
+and tells how the generous squire pointed with pleasure to the
+indications of good cheer reeking from the chimneys of the
+comfortable farmhouses, and low thatched cottages. "I love,"
+said he, "to see this day well kept by rich and poor; it is a
+great thing to have one day in the year, at least, when you are
+sure of being welcome wherever you go, and of having, as it
+were, the world all thrown open to you; and I am almost
+disposed to join with poor Robin, in his malediction on every
+churlish enemy to this honest festival:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">260</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"'Those who at Christmas do repine,</span>
+<span class="i1">And would fain hence despatch him,</span>
+<span class="i0">May they with old Duke Humphry dine,</span>
+<span class="i1">Or else may Squire Ketch catch 'em.'</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"The squire went on to lament the deplorable decay of the
+games and amusements which were once prevalent at this
+season among the lower orders, and countenanced by the
+higher; when the old halls of castles and manor-houses were
+thrown open at daylight; when the tables were covered with
+brawn, and beef, and humming ale; when the harp and the
+carol resounded all day long, and when rich and poor were
+alike welcome to enter and make merry. 'Our old games and
+local customs,' said he, 'had a great effect in making the
+peasant fond of his home, and the promotion of them by the
+gentry made him fond of his lord. They made the times
+merrier, and kinder and better; and I can truly say with one of
+our old poets:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">&nbsp;"'I like them well&mdash;the curious preciseness</span>
+<span class="i1">And all-pretended gravity of those</span>
+<span class="i1">That seek to banish hence these harmless sports,</span>
+<span class="i1">Have thrust away much ancient honesty.'"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_260.jpg" width="300" height="91" alt="ORNAMENT."
+title="" /></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmases of Queen Victoria</span></div>
+
+<p>have been kept with much bountifulness, but after the gracious
+manner of a Christian Queen who cares more for the welfare of
+her beloved subjects than for ostentatious display. Her
+Majesty's Royal bounties to the poor of the metropolis and its
+environs, and also to others in the country districts surrounding
+the several Royal Palaces are well known, the ancient Christmas
+and New Year's gifts being dispensed with great generosity.
+The number of aged and afflicted persons usually relieved by
+the Lord High Almoner in sums of 5s. and 13s. exceeds an
+aggregate of 1,200. Then there is the distribution of the beef&mdash;a
+most interesting feature of the Royal Bounty&mdash;which takes
+place in the Riding School at Windsor Castle, under the
+superintendence of the several Court officials. The meat,
+divided into portions of from three pounds to seven pounds,
+and decorated with sprigs of holly, is arranged upon a table
+placed in the middle of the Riding School, and covered with
+white cloths from the Lord Steward's department of the palace.
+During the distribution the bells of St. John's Church ring a
+merry peal. There are usually many hundreds of recipients<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">261</a></span>
+and the weight of the beef allotted amounts to many thousands
+of pounds. Coals and clothing and other creature comforts are
+liberally dispensed, according to the needs of the poor. In
+times of war and seasons of distress hospitable entertainments,
+Christmas-trees, &amp;c., are also provided for the wives and
+children of soldiers and sailors on active service; and in many
+other ways the Royal Bounty is extended to the poor and
+needy at Christmastide.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas at Windsor Castle, in 1841,</span></div>
+
+<p>is thus referred to in the "Life of the Prince Consort" (by
+Theodore Martin):&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"When Christmas came round with its pleasant festivities and
+its shining Christmas-trees, it had within it a new source of
+delight for the Royal parents. 'To think,' says the Queen's
+'Journal,' 'that we have two children now, and one who enjoys
+the sight already, is like a dream!' And in writing to his
+father the Prince expresses the same feeling. 'This,' he says,
+'is the dear Christmas Eve, on which I have so often listened
+with impatience for your step, which was to usher us into the
+present-room. To-day I have two children of my own to give
+presents to, who, they know not why, are full of happy wonder
+at the German Christmas-tree and its radiant candles.'</p>
+
+<p>"The coming year was danced into in good old English
+fashion. In the middle of the dance, as the clock finished
+striking twelve, a flourish of trumpets was blown, in accordance
+with a German custom. This, the Queen's 'Journal' records,
+'had a fine solemn effect, and quite affected dear Albert, who
+turned pale, and had tears in his eyes, and pressed my hand
+very warmly. It touched me too, for I felt that he must think
+of his dear native country, which he has left for me.'"</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas at Osborne.</span></div>
+
+<p>Writing from Cowes, on Christmas Eve, in reference to the
+Christmas festivities at Osborne in the last decade of the
+nineteenth century, a correspondent says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"After transacting business the Queen drove out this afternoon,
+returning to Osborne just as the setting sun illumines with
+its rosy rays the Paladin Towers of her Majesty's marine
+residence. The Queen desires to live, as far as the cares of
+State permit, the life of a private lady. Her Majesty loves the
+seclusion of this lordly estate, and here at Christmas time she
+enjoys the society of her children and grandchildren, who meet
+together as less exalted families do at this merry season to
+reciprocate the same homely delights as those which are
+experienced throughout the land.</p>
+
+<p>"This afternoon a pleasant little festivity has been celebrated
+at Osborne House, where her Majesty, with an ever-kindly
+interest in her servants and dependants, has for many years
+inaugurated Christmas in a similar way, the children of her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">262</a></span>
+tenantry and the old and infirm enjoying by the Royal bounty
+the first taste of Christmas fare. The Osborne estate now
+comprises 5,000 acres, and it includes the Prince Consort's
+model farm. The children of the labourers&mdash;who are housed
+in excellent cottages&mdash;attend the Whippingham National
+Schools, a pretty block of buildings, distant one mile from
+Osborne. About half the number of scholars live upon the
+Queen's estate, and, in accordance with annual custom, the
+mistresses of the schools, the Misses Thomas, accompanied by
+the staff of teachers, have conducted a little band of boys and
+girls&mdash;fifty-four in all&mdash;to the house, there to take tea and to
+receive the customary Christmas gifts. Until very recently the
+Queen herself presided at the distribution; but the Princess
+Beatrice has lately relieved her mother of the fatigue involved;
+for the ceremony is no mere formality, it is made the occasion
+of many a kindly word the remembrance of which far outlasts
+the gifts. All sorts of rumours are current on the estate for
+weeks before this Christmas Eve gathering as to the nature of
+the presents to be bestowed, for no one is supposed to know
+beforehand what they will be; but there was a pretty shrewd
+guess to-day that the boys would be given gloves, and the girls
+cloaks. In some cases the former had had scarves or cloth for
+suits, and the latter dresses or shawls. Whatever the Christmas
+presents may be, here they are, arranged upon tables in two
+long lines, in the servants' hall. To this holly-decorated apartment
+the expectant youngsters are brought, and their delighted
+gaze falls upon a huge Christmas-tree laden with beautiful toys.
+Everybody knows that the tree will be there, and moreover that
+its summit will be crowned with a splendid doll. Now, the
+ultimate ownership of this doll is a matter of much concern; it
+needs deliberation, as it is awarded to the best child, and the
+judges are the children themselves. The trophy is handed to
+the keeping of Miss Thomas, and on the next 1st of May the
+children select by their votes the most popular girl in the school
+to be elected May Queen. To her the gift goes, and no fairer
+way could be devised. The Princess Beatrice always makes a
+point of knowing to whom the prize has been awarded. Her
+Royal Highness is so constantly a visitor to the cottagers and to
+the school that she has many an inquiry to make of the little
+ones as they come forward to receive their gifts.</p>
+
+<p>"The girls are called up first by the mistress, and Mr. Andrew
+Blake, the steward, introduces each child to the Princess
+Beatrice, to whom Mr. Blake hands the presents that her
+Royal Highness may bestow them upon the recipients with a
+word of good will, which makes the day memorable. Then the
+boys are summoned to participate in the distribution of good
+things, which, it should be explained, consist not only of
+seasonable and sensible clothing, but toys from the tree,
+presented by the Queen's grandchildren, who, with their
+parents, grace the ceremony with their presence and make the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">263</a></span>
+occasion one of family interest. The Ladies-in-Waiting also
+attend. Each boy and girl gets in addition a nicely-bound
+story-book and a large slice of plum pudding neatly packed in
+paper, and if any little one is sick at home its portion is
+carefully reserved. But the hospitality of the Queen is not
+limited to the children. On alternate years the old men and
+women resident on the estate are given, under the same
+pleasant auspices, presents of blankets or clothing. To-day it
+was the turn of the men, and they received tweed for suits.
+The aged people have their pudding as well. For the farm
+labourers and boys, who are not bidden to this entertainment,
+there is a distribution of tickets, each representing a goodly
+joint of beef for the Christmas dinner. The festivity this afternoon
+was brought to a close by the children singing the
+National Anthem in the courtyard.</p>
+
+<p>"The Queen is accustomed to spend Christmas Day very
+quietly, attending service at the Chapel at Osborne in the
+morning, and in the evening the Royal family meeting at dinner.
+There are Christmas trees for the children, and for the servants
+too, but the houshold reserves its principal festivity for the New
+Year&mdash;a day which is specially set aside for their entertainment."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Festivities at Sandringham</span></div>
+
+<p>are observed with generous hospitality by their Royal Highnesses
+the Prince and Princess of Wales, who take special
+interest in the enjoyment of their tenants, and also remember
+the poor. A time-honoured custom on Christmas Eve is the
+distribution of prime joints of meat to the labourers employed
+on the Royal estate, and to the poor of the five parishes of
+Sandringham, West Newton, Babingley, Dersingham, and Wolferton.
+From twelve to fifteen hundred pounds of meat are
+usually distributed, and such other gifts are made as the inclemency
+of the season and the necessities of the poor require.
+In Sandringham "Past and Present," 1888, Mrs. Herbert Jones
+says:&mdash;"Sandringham, which is the centre of a generous hospitality,
+has not only been in every way raised, benefited, and
+enriched since it passed into the royal hands, which may be
+said to have created it afresh, but rests under the happy glow
+shed over it by the preference of a princess</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0_5">"'Whose peerless feature join&egrave;d with her birth,</span>
+<span class="i1">Approve her fit for none but for a king.'</span>
+<span class="i12">Shakespeare's <i>Henry VI</i>."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Generosity of the late Duke of
+Edinburgh.</span></div>
+
+<p>In a letter to the press a lieutenant of Marines makes the
+following reference to a Christmas entertainment given by
+H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, in 1886: "Last night a large<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">264</a></span>
+party, consisting of many officers of the Fleet, including all the
+'old ships' of the Duke, and three or four midshipmen from
+every ship in the Fleet, were invited to a Christmas-tree at
+S. Antonio Palace. In the course of the evening two lotteries
+were drawn, all the numbers being prizes, each guest consequently
+getting two. I have had an opportunity of seeing
+many of these, and they are all most beautiful and useful objects,
+ranging in value from five shillings to perhaps three or four
+pounds. I should think that at least half the prizes I have seen
+were worth over one pound."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Other Seasonable Hospitality and Benevolence.</span></div>
+
+<p>The good example set by royalty is followed throughout the
+land. Friendly hospitalities are general at Christmastide, and
+in London and other large centres of population many thousands
+of poor people are provided with free breakfasts, dinners,
+teas, and suppers on Christmas Day, public halls and school-rooms
+being utilised for purposes of entertainment; children
+in hospitals are plentifully supplied with toys, and Christmas
+parties are also given to the poor at the private residences of
+benevolent people. As an illustrative instance of generous
+Christmas hospitality by a landowner we cite the following:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Dinner To Five Thousand Poor.</span></div>
+
+<p>On Christmas Eve, 1887, Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart.,
+the largest landowner in the Principality of Wales, gave his
+annual Christmas gifts to the aged and deserving poor throughout
+the extensive mining districts of Ruabon, Rhosllanerchrugog,
+Cern, and Rhosymedre, Denbighshire, where much distress
+prevailed in consequence of the depression in trade. Several
+fine oxen were slain in Wynnstay Park, and the beef was distributed
+in pieces ranging from 4lb. to 7lb., according to the
+number of members in each family. A Christmas dinner was
+thus provided for upwards of 5,000 persons. In addition to
+this, Lady Williams Wynn provided thousands of yards of
+flannel and cloth for clothing, together with a large number of
+blankets, the aged men and women also receiving a shilling
+with the gift. The hon. baronet had also erected an elaborate
+spacious hospital to the memory of his uncle, the late Sir
+Watkin Williams Wynn, M.P., and presented it to the parish.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Distributions of Christmas Fare To the Poor</span></div>
+
+<p>are liberally made from various centres in different parts of
+London, and thus many thousands of those who have fallen
+below the poverty line share in the festivities of Christmastide.</p>
+
+<p>This illustration of Christian caterers dispensing creature
+comforts to the poor children may be taken as representative
+of many such Christmas scenes in the metropolis. For over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">265</a></span>
+forty years the St. Giles' Christian Mission, now under the
+superintendence of Mr. W. M. Wheatley, has been exercising
+a beneficial influence among the needy poor, and, it is stated,
+that at least 104,000 people have through this Mission been
+enabled to make a fresh start in life. Many other Church
+Missions are doing similar work. In addition to treats to poor
+children and aged people at Christmastide, there are also great
+distributions of Christmas fare:&mdash;Joints of roasting meat, plum-puddings,
+cakes, groceries, warm clothing, toys, &amp;c., &amp;c.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig66.jpg" width="600" height="426" alt="POOR CHILDREN'S TREAT IN MODERN TIMES."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+poor children's treat in modern times.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>At a recent distribution of a Christmas charity at Millbrook,
+Southampton, the Rev. A. C. Blunt stated that one of the
+recipients had nearly reached her 102nd year. She was born
+in Hampshire, and down to a very recent period had been able
+to do needlework.</p>
+
+<p>In many cities and towns Christmas gifts are distributed on
+St. Thomas's Day, and as an example we cite the Brighton
+distribution in 1886, on which occasion the Brighton Police
+Court was filled by a congregation of some of the "oldest
+inhabitants." And there was a distribution from the magistrates
+poor-box of a Christmas gift of half a sovereign to 150 of the
+aged poor whose claims to the bounty had been inquired into
+by the police. Formerly 100 used to be cheered in this way,
+but the contributions to the box this year enabled a wider circle
+to share in the dole. There was a wonderful collection of old
+people, for the average age was over 83 years. The oldest was
+a venerable widow, who confessed to being 96 years old, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">266</a></span>
+next was another lady of 94 years, and then came two old
+fellows who had each attained 93 years. Many of the recipients
+were too infirm to appear, but the oldest of them all,
+the lady of 96 came into court despite the sharpness of the
+wind and the frozen roads.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas at Belvoir Castle,</span></div>
+
+<p>kept with generous liberality by the Duke of Rutland, in 1883,
+may be cited as an example of Christmas customs continued by
+the head of a noble house:</p>
+
+<p>"The usual Christmas gifts were given to the poor of Knipton,
+Woolsthorpe, and Redmile&mdash;nearly two hundred in number&mdash;consisting
+of calico, flannel dresses, stockings, and handkerchiefs,
+each person at the same time receiving a loaf of bread
+and a pint of ale. Twenty-one bales of goods, containing
+counterpanes, blankets, and sheets, were also sent to the clergy
+of as many different villages for distribution amongst the poor.
+The servants at the Castle and workmen of the establishment
+had their Christmas dinner, tea, and supper, the servants' hall
+having been beautifully decorated. At one end of the room
+was a coronet, with the letter 'R'; and at the opposite end
+three coronets, with the 'peacock in pride,' being the crest of
+the Rutland family. The following mottoes, in large letters,
+were conspicuous, 'Long live the Duke of Rutland,' 'Long
+live Lord and Lady John Manners and family,' and 'A Merry
+Christmas to you all.' These were enclosed in a neat border.
+From the top of the room were suspended long festoons of
+linked ribbons of red, white, blue, and orange. All present
+thoroughly enjoyed themselves, as it was the wish of his Grace
+they should do."</p>
+
+<p>Similar hospitalities are dispensed by other noblemen and
+gentlemen in different parts of the country at Christmas.</p>
+
+<p>The lordly hospitality of Lincolnshire is depicted in</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">"The Baron's Yule Feast:</span></div>
+
+<p>A Christmas Rhyme; by Thomas Cooper, the Chartist" (1846);
+which is inscribed to the Countess of Blessington, and in the
+advertisement the author offers "but one apology for the production
+of a metrical essay, composed chiefly of imperfect and
+immature pieces: The ambition to contribute towards the fund
+of Christmas entertainment." The scene of the Baron's Yule
+Feast is depicted in Torksey's Hall, Torksey being one of the
+first towns in Lincolnshire in the Saxon period. After some
+introductory verses the writer says:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"It is the season when our sires</span>
+<span class="i0">Kept jocund holiday;</span>
+<span class="i0">And, now, around our charier fires,</span>
+<span class="i0">Old Yule shall have a lay:&mdash;</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">267</a></span>
+<span class="i0">A prison-bard is once more free;</span>
+<span class="i0">And, ere he yields his voice to thee,</span>
+<span class="i0">His song a merry-song shall be!</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Sir Wilfrid de Thorold freely holds</span>
+<span class="i0">What his stout sires held before&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Broad lands for plough and fruitful folds,&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Though by gold he sets no store;</span>
+<span class="i0">And he saith, from fen and woodland wolds</span>
+<span class="i0">From marish, heath, and moor,&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">To feast in his hall</span>
+<span class="i0">Both free and thrall,</span>
+<span class="i0">Shall come as they came of yore.</span>
+<span class="i0">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</span>
+<span class="i0">Now merrily ring the lady-bells</span>
+<span class="i0">Of the nunnery by the Fosse:&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Say the hinds their silver music swells</span>
+<span class="i0">'Like the blessed angels' syllables,</span>
+<span class="i0">At His birth who bore the cross.'</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">And solemnly swells Saint Leonard's chime</span>
+<span class="i0">And the great bell loud and deep:&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Say the gossips, 'Let's talk of the holy time</span>
+<span class="i0">When the shepherds watched their sheep;</span>
+<span class="i0">And the Babe was born for all souls' crime</span>
+<span class="i0">In the weakness of flesh to weep.'&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">But, anon, shrills the pipe of the merry mime</span>
+<span class="i0">And their simple hearts upleap.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">'God save your souls, good Christian folk!</span>
+<span class="i0">God save your souls from sin!&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Blythe Yule is come&mdash;let us blythely joke!'&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Cry the mummers ere they begin.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Then, plough-boy Jack, in kirtle gay,&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Though shod with clouted shoon,&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Stands forth the wilful maid to play</span>
+<span class="i0">Who ever saith to her lover, 'Nay'&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">When he sues for a lover's boon.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">While Hob the smith with sturdy arm</span>
+<span class="i0">Circleth the feigned maid;</span>
+<span class="i0">And, spite of Jack's assumed alarm,</span>
+<span class="i0">Busseth his lips, like a lover warm,</span>
+<span class="i0">And will not 'Nay' be said</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Then loffe the gossips, as if wit</span>
+<span class="i0">Were mingled with the joke:</span>
+<span class="i0">Gentles,&mdash;they were with folly smit,&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Natheless, their memories acquit</span>
+<span class="i0">Of crime&mdash;these simple folk!</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">No harmful thoughts their revels blight,&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Devoid of bitter hate and spite,</span>
+<span class="i0">They hold their merriment;&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">And, till the chimes tell noon at night,</span>
+<span class="i0">Their joy shall be unspent!</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Come haste ye to bold Thorold's hall,</span>
+<span class="i0">And crowd his kitchen wide;</span>
+<span class="i0">For there, he saith, both free and thrall</span>
+<span class="i0">Shall sport this good Yule-tide."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">268</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In subsequent verses the writer depicts the bringing in of the
+yule log to the Baron's Hall,</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i5">"Where its brave old heart</span>
+<span class="i5">A glow shall impart</span>
+<span class="i0">To the heart of each guest at the festival.</span>
+<span class="i0">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</span>
+<span class="i0">They pile the Yule-log on the hearth,&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i1">Soak toasted crabs in ale;</span>
+<span class="i0">And while they sip, their homely mirth</span>
+<span class="i0">Is joyous as if all the earth</span>
+<span class="i1">For man were void of bale!</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">And why should fears for future years,</span>
+<span class="i0">Mix jolly ale with thoughts of tears</span>
+<span class="i1">When in the horn 'tis poured?</span>
+<span class="i0">And why should ghost of sorrow fright</span>
+<span class="i0">The bold heart of an English knight</span>
+<span class="i1">When beef is on the board?</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">De Thorold's guests are wiser than</span>
+<span class="i1">The men of mopish lore;</span>
+<span class="i0">For round they push the smiling can</span>
+<span class="i1">And slice the plattered store.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">And round they thrust the ponderous cheese,</span>
+<span class="i1">And the loaves of wheat and rye;</span>
+<span class="i0">None stinteth him for lack of ease&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">For each a stintless welcome sees</span>
+<span class="i1">In the Baron's blythesome eye.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The Baron joineth the joyous feast&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i1">But not in pomp or pride;</span>
+<span class="i0">He smileth on the humblest guest</span>
+<span class="i0">So gladsomely&mdash;all feel that rest</span>
+<span class="i1">Of heart which doth abide</span>
+<span class="i0">Where deeds of generousness attest</span>
+<span class="i0">The welcome of the tongue professed</span>
+<span class="i1">Is not within belied."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>In subsequent verses a stranger minstrel appears on the festive
+scene, and tells his tale of love in song, acquitting himself</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"So rare and gentle, that the hall</span>
+<span class="i0">Rings with applause which one and all</span>
+<span class="i0">Render who share the festival."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_268.jpg" width="150" height="108" alt="A FLY."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p>Some of the poets of this period have dealt playfully with the
+festivities of Christmastide, as, for example, Laman Blanchard
+(1845) in the following effusion:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">269</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">CHRISTMAS CHIT-CHAT.</span></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap"><small>In a Large Family Circle.</small></span></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"The day of all days we have seen</span>
+<span class="i0">Is Christmas," said Sue to Eugene;</span>
+<span class="i0">"More welcome in village and city</span>
+<span class="i0">Than Mayday," said Andrew to Kitty.</span>
+<span class="i0">"Why 'Mistletoe's' twenty times sweeter</span>
+<span class="i0">Than 'May,'" said Matilda to Peter;</span>
+<span class="i0">"And so you will find it, if I'm a</span>
+<span class="i0">True prophet," said James to Jemima.</span>
+<span class="i0">"I'll stay up to supper, no bed,"</span>
+<span class="i0">Then lisped little Laura to Ned.</span>
+<span class="i0">"The girls all good-natured and dressy,</span>
+<span class="i0">And bright-cheeked," said Arthur to Jessie;</span>
+<span class="i0">"Yes, hoping ere next year to marry,</span>
+<span class="i0">The madcaps!" said Charlotte to Harry.</span>
+<span class="i0">"So steaming, so savoury, so juicy,</span>
+<span class="i0">The feast," said fat Charley to Lucy.</span>
+<span class="i0">"Quadrilles and Charades might come on</span>
+<span class="i0">Before dinner," said Martha to John.</span>
+<span class="i0">"You'll find the roast beef when you're dizzy,</span>
+<span class="i0">A settler," said Walter to Lizzy.</span>
+<span class="i0">"Oh, horrid! one wing of a wren,</span>
+<span class="i0">With a pea," said Belinda to Ben.</span>
+<span class="i0">"Sublime!" said&mdash;displaying his leg&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">George Frederick Augustus to Peg.</span>
+<span class="i0">"At Christmas refinement is all fuss</span>
+<span class="i0">And nonsense," said Fan to Adolphus.</span>
+<span class="i0">"Would romps&mdash;or a tale of a fairy&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Best suit you," said Robert to Mary.</span>
+<span class="i0">"At stories that work ghost and witch hard,</span>
+<span class="i0">I tremble," said Rosa to Richard.</span>
+<span class="i0">"A ghostly hair-standing dilemma</span>
+<span class="i0">Needs 'bishop,'" said Alfred to Emma;</span>
+<span class="i0">"What fun when with fear a stout crony</span>
+<span class="i0">Turns pale," said Maria to Tony;</span>
+<span class="i0">"And Hector, unable to rally,</span>
+<span class="i0">Runs screaming," said Jacob to Sally.</span>
+<span class="i0">"While you and I dance in the dark</span>
+<span class="i0">The polka," said Ruth unto Mark:</span>
+<span class="i0">"Each catching, according to fancy,</span>
+<span class="i0">His neighbour," said wild Tom to Nancy;</span>
+<span class="i0">"Till candles, to show what we can do,</span>
+<span class="i0">Are brought in," said Ann to Orlando;</span>
+<span class="i0">"And then we all laugh what is truly a</span>
+<span class="i0">Heart's laugh," said William to Julia.</span>
+<span class="i0">"Then sofas and chairs are put even,</span>
+<span class="i0">And carpets," said Helen to Stephen;</span>
+<span class="i0">"And so we all sit down again,</span>
+<span class="i0">Supping twice," said sly Joseph to Jane.</span>
+<span class="i0">"Now bring me my clogs and my spaniel,</span>
+<span class="i0">And light me," said Dinah to Daniel.</span>
+<span class="i0">"My dearest, you've emptied that chalice</span>
+<span class="i0">Six times," said fond Edmund to Alice.</span>
+<span class="i0">"We are going home tealess and coffeeless</span>
+<span class="i0">Shabby!" said Soph to Theophilus;</span>
+<span class="i0">"To meet again under the holly,</span>
+<span class="i0"><i>Et cetera</i>," said Paul to fair Polly.</span>
+<span class="i0">"Dear Uncle," has ordered his chariot;</span>
+<span class="i0">All's over," said Matthew to Harriet.</span>
+<span class="i0">"And pray now be all going to bedward,"</span>
+<span class="i0">Said kind Aunt Rebecca to Edward!</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">270</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Eve, 1849,</span></div>
+
+<p>is the time of Robert Browning's beautiful poem of "Christmas
+Eve and Easter Day," in which the poet sings the song of man's
+immortality, proclaiming, as Easter Day breaks and Christ rises,
+that</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Mercy every way is infinite."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_270a.jpg" width="300" height="240" alt="A CHURCH."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p>And, in his beautiful poem of "In Memoriam," Lord Tennyson
+associates some of his finest verses with the ringing of</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Bells.</span></div>
+
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,</span>
+<span class="i1">The flying cloud, the frosty light:</span>
+<span class="i1">The year is dying in the night;</span>
+<span class="i0">Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.</span><br />
+<span class="i0">Ring out the old, ring in the new,</span>
+<span class="i1">Ring, happy bells, across the snow:</span>
+<span class="i1">The year is going, let him go;</span>
+<span class="i0">Ring out the false, ring in the true.</span>
+<br /><br />
+<span class="i0">Ring out old shapes of foul disease;</span>
+<span class="i1">Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;</span>
+<span class="i1">Ring out the thousand wars of old,</span>
+<span class="i0">Ring in the thousand years of peace.</span>
+<br />
+<span class="i0">Ring in the valiant man and free,</span>
+<span class="i1">The larger heart, the kindlier hand;</span>
+<span class="i1">Ring out the darkness of the land,</span>
+<span class="i0">Ring in the Christ that is to be."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_270b.jpg" width="200" height="159" alt="A KNIGHT."
+title="" /></div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">271</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_271a.jpg" width="400" height="627" alt="THE CHRISTMAS BELLS."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+the christmas bells.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>As the poet Longfellow stood on the lofty tower of Bruges
+Cathedral the belfry chimes set him musing, and of those
+chimes he says:</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Then most musical and solemn, bringing back the olden times,</span>
+<span class="i0">With their strange, unearthly changes, rang the melancholy chimes,</span>
+<span class="i0">Like the psalms from some old cloister, when the nuns sing in the choir;</span>
+<span class="i0">And the great bell tolled among them, like the chanting of a friar.</span>
+<span class="i0">Visions of the days departed, shadowy phantoms filled my brain:</span>
+<span class="i0">They who live in history only seemed to walk the earth again."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas and New Year Cards</span></div>
+
+<p>were first circulated in England in 1846. That year not more
+than a thousand copies were printed, and that was considered a
+large sale. The numbers distributed annually soon increased to
+tens and hundreds of thousands, and now there are millions of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">272</a></span>
+them. Mr. J. C. Horsley, a member of the Royal Academy,
+designed this first card which was sent out in 1846. It represents
+a family party of three generations&mdash;grandfather and
+grandmother, father and mother, and little children&mdash;and all
+are supposed to be joining in the sentiment, "A Merry Christmas
+and a Happy New Year to you." The card was issued
+from the office of one of the periodicals of the time, <i>Felix
+Summerley's Home Treasury</i>. It was first lithographed, and
+then it was coloured by hand.</p>
+
+<p>Christmas and New Year Cards became very popular in the
+decade 1870-1880. But then, however, simple cards alone did
+not suffice. Like many other things, they felt the influence of
+the latter-day <i>renaissance</i> of art, and by a sort of evolutionary
+process developed cards monochrome and coloured, "Christmas
+Bell" cards, palettes, scrolls, circular and oval panels, stars, fans,
+crescents, and other shaped novelties; embossed cards, the
+iridescent series, the rustic and frosted cards, the folding series,
+the jewel cards, the crayons, and private cards on which the
+sender's name and sentiments are printed in gold, silver, or
+colours; hand-painted cards with landscapes, seascapes, and
+floral decorations; paintings on porcelain; satin cards, fringed
+silk, plush, Broch&eacute;, and other artistically made-up novelties;
+"art-gem" panels; elaborate booklets, and other elegant
+souvenirs of the festive season. Many of the Christmas booklets
+are beautifully illustrated editions of popular poems and
+carols.</p>
+
+<p>"Quartette" cards, "Snap" cards, and other cards of games
+for the diversion of social gatherings are also extensively used
+at Christmastide.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_272.jpg" width="300" height="276" alt="A SAILING SHIP."
+title="" /></div>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Rustic Christmas Masque.</span></div>
+
+<p>In compliance with a wish expressed by the Lady Londesborough,
+a Masque, entitled, "Recollections of Old Christmas,"
+was performed at Grimston at Christmas, 1850, the following
+prologue being contributed by Barry Cornwall:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">273</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"When winter nights grow long,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">And winds without blow cold,</span>
+<span class="i0">We sit in a ring round the warm wood-fire,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">And listen to stories old!</span>
+<span class="i0">And we try to look grave (as maids should be),</span>
+<span class="i0">When the men bring in boughs of the laurel tree.</span>
+<span class="i2">O the laurel, the evergreen tree!</span>
+<span class="i2">The poets have laurels&mdash;and why not we?</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">How pleasant when night falls down,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">And hides the wintry sun,</span>
+<span class="i0">To see them come in to the blazing fire,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">And know that their work is done;</span>
+<span class="i0">Whilst many bring in, with a laugh or rhyme,</span>
+<span class="i0">Green branches of holly for Christmas time!</span>
+<span class="i2">O the holly, the bright green holly!</span>
+<span class="i2">It tells (like a tongue) that the times are jolly!</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Sometimes&mdash;(in <i>our</i> grave house</span>
+<span class="i1">Observe this happeneth not;)</span>
+<span class="i0">But at times, the evergreen laurel boughs,</span>
+<span class="i1">And the holly are all forgot!</span>
+<span class="i0">And then! what then? Why the men laugh low,</span>
+<span class="i0">And hang up a branch of&mdash;the misletoe!</span>
+<span class="i2">Oh, brave is the laurel! and brave is the holly!</span>
+<span class="i2">But the misletoe banisheth melancholy!</span>
+<span class="i0">Ah, nobody knows, nor ever <i>shall</i> know,</span>
+<span class="i0">What is done under the misletoe!"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>A printed copy of the Masque, which bears date, "Tuesday,
+XXIV December, MDCCCL.," is preserved in the British
+Museum.</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">"CHARACTERS</span></div>
+<div class="center_small">(Which speak)</div>
+
+<table width="80%" border="0" summary="CHARACTERS">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">"Old Father Christmas</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Hon. Mr. Thelluson</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Young Grimston</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Hon. Mr. Denison</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Baron of Beef</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Hon. Miss Thelluson</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Plum-Pudding</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Hon. Miss Denison</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Mince-Pie</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Hon. Miss Selina Denison</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Wassail-Bowl</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Hon. Miss Isabella Denison</p><br /></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">"CHARACTERS</span></div>
+<div class="center_small">(Which do not speak, or say as little as possible&mdash;all that they are requested to do)</div>
+
+<table width="80%" border="0" summary="CHARACTERS">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Ursa Minor</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Hon. Miss Ursula Denison</p></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Baby Cake</p></td>
+<td class="cell_left50s"><p class="two_a">Hon. Henry Charles Denison."</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_273.jpg" width="400" height="175" alt="FLOWERS."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">274</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Under the Holly Bough.</span></span>
+<br />
+<span class="i0">Ye who have scorn'd each other</span>
+<span class="i0">Or injured friend or brother,</span>
+<span class="i1">In this fast fading year;</span>
+<span class="i0">Ye who, by word or deed,</span>
+<span class="i0">Have made a kind heart bleed,</span>
+<span class="i1">Come gather here.</span>
+<span class="i0">Let sinn'd against and sinning,</span>
+<span class="i0">Forget their strife's beginning;</span>
+<span class="i0">Be links no longer broken,</span>
+<span class="i0">Be sweet forgiveness spoken,</span>
+<span class="i1">Under the holly bough.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Ye who have lov'd each other,</span>
+<span class="i0">Sister and friend and brother,</span>
+<span class="i1">In this fast fading year:</span>
+<span class="i0">Mother, and sire, and child,</span>
+<span class="i0">Young man and maiden mild,</span>
+<span class="i1">Come gather here;</span>
+<span class="i0">As memory shall ponder</span>
+<span class="i1">Each past unbroken vow.</span>
+<span class="i0">Old loves and younger wooing,</span>
+<span class="i0">Are sweet in the renewing,</span>
+<span class="i1">Under the holly bough.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Ye who have nourished sadness,</span>
+<span class="i0">Estranged from hope and gladness,</span>
+<span class="i1">In this fast fading year.</span>
+<span class="i0">Ye with o'er-burdened mind</span>
+<span class="i0">Made aliens from your kind,</span>
+<span class="i1">Come gather here.</span>
+<span class="i0">Let not the useless sorrow</span>
+<span class="i0">Pursue you night and morrow,</span>
+<span class="i1">If e'er you hoped&mdash;hope now&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Take heart: uncloud your faces,</span>
+<span class="i0">And join in our embraces</span>
+<span class="i1">Under the holly bough.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="quotsig"><small><i>Charles Mackay, LL.D.</i></small></p>
+
+<p>The author of this beautiful poem (Dr. Charles Mackay) was
+born at Perth in 1814, and died on Christmas Eve, 1889, at his
+residence, Longridge Road, Earl's Court, Brompton.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Ghost Stories.</span></div>
+
+<p>Everybody knows that Christmas is the time for ghost stories,
+and that Charles Dickens and other writers have supplied us
+with tales of the true blood-curdling type. Thomas Hood's
+"Haunted House," S. T. Coleridge's "Ancient Mariner," and
+some other weird works of poetry have also been found serviceable
+in producing that strange chill of the blood, that creeping
+kind of feeling all over you, which is one of the enjoyments of
+Christmastide. Coleridge (says the late Mr. George Dawson)<a name="FNanchor_88_88" id="FNanchor_88_88"></a><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a>
+"holds the first place amongst English poets in this objective
+teaching of the vague, the mystic, the dreamy, and the imaginative.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">275</a></span> I defy any man of imagination or sensibility to have 'The
+Ancient Mariner' read to him, by the flickering firelight on
+Christmas night, by a master mind possessed by the mystic
+spirit of the poem, and not find himself taken away from the
+good regions of 'ability to account for,' and taken into some far-off
+dreamland, and made even to start at his own footfall, and
+almost to shudder at his own shadow. You shall sit round the
+fire at Christmas time, good men and true every one of you;
+you shall come there armed with your patent philosophy; that
+creak you have heard, it is only the door&mdash;the list is not carefully
+put round the door, and it is the wintry wind that whistles
+through the crevices. Ghosts and spectres belong to the olden
+times; science has waved its wand and laid them all. We have
+no superstition about us; we walk enlightened nineteenth-century
+men; it is quite beneath us to be superstitious. By and
+bye, one begins to tell tales of ghosts and spirits; and another
+begins, and it goes all round; and there comes over you a
+curious feeling&mdash;a very unphilosophical feeling, in fact, because
+the pulsations of air from the tongue of the storyteller ought not
+to bring over you that peculiar feeling. You have only heard
+words, tales&mdash;confessedly by the storyteller himself only tales,
+such as may figure in the next monthly magazine for pure
+entertainment and amusement. But why do you feel so, then?
+If you say that these things are mere hallucinations, vague air-beating
+or tale-telling, why, good philosopher, do you feel so
+curious, so all-overish, as it were? Again, you are a man
+without the least terror in you, as brave and bold a man as
+ever stepped: living man cannot frighten you, and verily the
+dead rise not with you. But you are brought, towards midnight,
+to the stile over which is gained a view of the village churchyard,
+where sleep the dead in quietness. Your manhood begins
+just to ooze away a little; you are caught occasionally whistling
+to keep your courage up; you do not expect to see a ghost, but
+you are ready to see one, or to make one." At such a moment,
+think of the scene depicted by Coleridge:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0_5">"'Twas night, calm night, the moon was high;</span>
+<span class="i1">The dead men stood together.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i1">All stood together on the deck,</span>
+<span class="i2">For a charnel-dungeon fitter:</span>
+<span class="i1">All fixed on me their stony eyes,</span>
+<span class="i2">That in the moon did glitter.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i1">The pang, the curse, with which they died,</span>
+<span class="i2">Had never passed away:</span>
+<span class="i1">I could not draw my eyes from theirs,</span>
+<span class="i2">Nor turn them up to pray."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p>With this weird tale in his mind in the mystic stillness of midnight
+would an imaginative man be likely to deny the reality of
+the spirit world? The chances are that he would be spellbound;
+or, if he had breath enough, would cry out&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Angels and ministers of grace, defend us!"</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">276</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>"In the year 1421, the widow of Ralph Cranbourne, of
+Dipmore End, in the parish of Sandhurst, Berks, was one
+midnight alarmed by a noise in her bedchamber, and, looking
+up, she saw at her bedfoot the appearance of a skeleton (which
+she verily believed was her husband) nodding and talking to her
+upon its fingers, or finger bones, after the manner of a dumb
+person. Whereupon she was so terrified, that after striving to
+scream aloud, which she could not, for her tongue clave to her
+mouth, she fell backward as in a swoon; yet not so insensible
+withal but she could see that at this the figure became greatly
+agitated and distressed, and would have clasped her, but upon
+her appearance of loathing it desisted, only moving its jaw
+upward and downward, as if it would cry for help but could
+not for want of its parts of speech. At length, she growing
+more and more faint, and likely to die of fear, the spectre
+suddenly, as if at a thought, began to swing round its hand,
+which was loose at the wrist, with a brisk motion, and the
+finger bones being long and hard, and striking sharply against
+each other, made a loud noise like to the springing of a watchman's
+rattle. At which alarm, the neighbours running in, stoutly
+armed, as against thieves or murderers, the spectre suddenly
+departed."<a name="FNanchor_89_89" id="FNanchor_89_89"></a><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a></p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"His shoes they were coffins, his dim eye reveal'd</span>
+<span class="i1">The gleam of a grave-lamp with vapours oppress'd;</span>
+<span class="i0">And a dark crimson necklace of blood-drops congeal'd</span>
+<span class="i1">Reflected each bone that jagg'd out of his breast."<a name="FNanchor_90_90" id="FNanchor_90_90"></a><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_276.jpg" width="200" height="200" alt="OGRE SWALLOWING A HUMAN."
+title="" /></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><div class="smcap">Welcome to Christmas.</div></div>
+
+<div class="center"><small>By <span class="smcap">Mary Howitt.</span></small></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">He comes&mdash;the brave old Christmas!</span>
+<span class="i1">His sturdy steps I hear;</span>
+<span class="i0">We will give him a hearty welcome,</span>
+<span class="i1">For he comes but once a year!</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">277</a></span>
+<span class="i0">And of all our old acquaintance</span>
+<span class="i1">'Tis he we like the best;</span>
+<span class="i0">There's a jolly old way about him&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i1">There's a warm heart in his breast.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">He is not too proud to enter</span>
+<span class="i1">Your house though it be mean;</span>
+<span class="i0">Yet is company fit for a courtier,</span>
+<span class="i1">And is welcomed by the Queen!</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">He can tell you a hundred stories</span>
+<span class="i1">Of the Old World's whims and ways,</span>
+<span class="i0">And how they merrily wish'd him joy</span>
+<span class="i1">In our fathers' courting days.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">He laughs with the heartiest laughter</span>
+<span class="i1">That does one good to hear;</span>
+<span class="i0">'Tis a pity so brave an old fellow</span>
+<span class="i1">Should come but once a year!</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">But once, then, let us be ready,</span>
+<span class="i1">With all that he can desire&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">With plenty of holly and ivy,</span>
+<span class="i1">And a huge log for the fire;</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">With plenty of noble actions,</span>
+<span class="i1">And plenty of warm good-will;</span>
+<span class="i0">With our hearts as full of kindness</span>
+<span class="i1">As the board we mean to fill.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">With plenty of store in the larder,</span>
+<span class="i1">And plenty of wine in the bin;</span>
+<span class="i0">And plenty of mirth for the kitchen;</span>
+<span class="i1">Then open and let him in!</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Oh, he is a fine old fellow&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i1">His heart's in the truest place;</span>
+<span class="i0">You may know that at once by the children,</span>
+<span class="i1">Who glory to see his face.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">For he never forgets the children,</span>
+<span class="i1">They all are dear to him;</span>
+<span class="i0">You'll see that with wonderful presents</span>
+<span class="i1">His pockets are cramm'd to the brim.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Nor will he forget the servants,</span>
+<span class="i1">Whether you've many or one;</span>
+<span class="i0">Nor the poor old man at the corner;</span>
+<span class="i1">Nor the widow who lives alone.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">He is rich as a Jew, is Old Christmas,</span>
+<span class="i1">I wish he would make me his heir;</span>
+<span class="i0">But he has plenty to do with his money,</span>
+<span class="i1">And he is not given to spare.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Not he&mdash;bless the good old fellow!</span>
+<span class="i1">He hates to hoard his pelf;</span>
+<span class="i0">He wishes to make all people</span>
+<span class="i1">As gay as he is himself.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">278</a></span>
+<span class="i0">So he goes to the parish unions&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i1">North, south, and west and east&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">And there he gives the paupers,</span>
+<span class="i1">At his own expense a feast.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">He gives the old men tobacco,</span>
+<span class="i1">And the women a cup of tea;</span>
+<span class="i0">And he takes the pauper children,</span>
+<span class="i1">And dances them on his knee.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">I wish you could see those paupers</span>
+<span class="i1">Sit down to his noble cheer,</span>
+<span class="i0">You would wish, like them, and no wonder,</span>
+<span class="i1">That he stay'd the livelong year.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Yes, he is the best old fellow</span>
+<span class="i1">That ever on earth you met;</span>
+<span class="i0">And he gave us a boon when first he came</span>
+<span class="i1">Which we can never forget.</span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">So we will give him a welcome</span>
+<span class="i1">Shall gladden his old heart's core!</span>
+<span class="i0">And let us in good and gracious deeds</span>
+<span class="i1">Resemble him more and more!</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+<p class="two_a"><i>December 21, 1850.</i></p>
+
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Wassailing the Apple-trees.</span></div>
+
+<p>Writing on this subject, in the <i>Antiquary</i>, March, 1895, Mr.
+Harry Hems, of Exeter, introduces the reduced copy of an
+illustration which appears on the following page, and which
+he states was published in the <i>Illustrated London News</i>, January
+11, 1851.</p>
+
+<p>The picture (says Mr. Hems) "presents, as will be seen, a
+frosty, moonlight night, with a brilliantly-lit old farmhouse in
+the background. In the fore are leafless fruit-trees, and three
+men firing guns at them, whilst the jovial farmer and another
+man drink success to the year's crop from glasses evidently filled
+from a jug of cider, which the latter also holds a-high. A crowd
+of peasants&mdash;men, women and children&mdash;are gathered around,
+and the following description is appended:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"'Amongst the scenes of jocund hospitality in this holiday
+season, that are handed down to us, is one which not only
+presents an enlivening picture, but offers proof of the superstition
+that still prevails in the Western counties. On Twelfth-even,
+in Devonshire, it is customary for the farmer to leave his
+warm fireside, accompanied by a band of rustics, with guns,
+blunderbusses, &amp;c., presenting an appearance which at other
+times would be somewhat alarming. Thus armed, the band
+proceeds to an adjoining orchard, where is selected one of the
+most fruitful and aged of the apple-trees, grouping round which
+they stand and offer up their invocations in the following quaint
+doggerel rhyme:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i1_5">"'Here's to thee,</span>
+<span class="i2">Old apple-tree!</span>
+<span class="i0">Whence thou mayst bud,</span>
+<span class="i0">And whence thou mayst blow,</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">279</a></span>
+<span class="i0">And whence thou mayst blow,</span>
+<span class="i0">And whence thou mayst bear</span>
+<span class="i2">Apples enow:</span>
+<span class="i2">Hats full,</span>
+<span class="i2">Caps full,</span>
+<span class="i0">Bushels, bushels, sacks full,</span>
+<span class="i0">And my pockets full too!</span>
+<span class="i2">Huzza! huzza!'</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig68.jpg" width="600" height="507" alt="WASSAILING THE APPLE-TREES IN DEVONSHIRE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+wassailing the apple-trees in devonshire.</span></span></div>
+
+<p>The cider-jug is then passed round, and, with many a hearty
+shout, the party fire off their guns, charged with powder only,
+amidst the branches, sometimes frightening the owl from its
+midnight haunt. With confident hopes they return to the
+farmhouse, and are refused admittance, in spite of all weather,
+till some lucky wight guesses aright the peculiar roast the
+maidens are preparing for their comfort. This done, all enter,
+and soon right merrily the jovial glass goes round, that man who
+gained admittance receiving the honour of King for the evening,
+and till a late hour he reigns, amidst laughter, fun, and jollity.
+The origin of this custom is not known, but it is supposed to be
+one of great antiquity.</p>
+
+<p>"'The illustration is from a sketch by Mr. Colebrooke,
+Stockdale.'"</p>
+
+<p>We may add that, in the seventeenth century, a similar
+custom seems to have been observed in some places on Christmas
+Eve, for in Herrick's <i>Hesperides</i> the wassailing of fruit trees
+is among the Christmas Eve ceremonies:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">280</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Wassail the trees, that they may beare</span>
+<span class="i0">You many a plum, and many a peare;</span>
+<span class="i0">For more or less fruits they will bring,</span>
+<span class="i0">As you do give them wassailing."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Morning in Exeter Cathedral.</span></div>
+
+<p>Writing from Exeter, in 1852, a correspondent says "the
+custom of welcoming this season of holy joy with 'psalms and
+hymns and spiritual songs' lingers in the cathedral city of
+Exeter; where, during Christmas Eve, the parish choirs
+perambulate the streets singing anthems, with instrumental
+accompaniments. The singing is protracted through the night,
+when the celebration often assumes a more secular character
+than is strictly in accordance with the festival. A more sacred
+commemoration is, however, at hand.</p>
+
+<p>"At a quarter-past seven o'clock on Christmas morning the
+assemblage of persons in the nave of Exeter Cathedral is usually
+very numerous: there are the remnants of the previous vigil,
+with unwashed faces and sleepy eyes; but a large number are
+early risers, who have left their beds for better purposes than a
+revel. There is a great muster of the choir, and the fine Old
+Hundredth Psalm is sung from the gallery to a full organ, whose
+billows of sound roll through the vaulted edifice. The scene is
+strikingly picturesque: all is dim and shadowy; the red light
+from the flaring candles falling upon upturned faces, and here
+and there falling upon a piece of grave sculpture, whilst the
+grey light of day begins to stream through the antique windows,
+adding to the solemnity of the scene. As the last verse of the
+psalm peals forth, the crowd begins to move, and the spacious
+cathedral is soon left to the more devout few who remain to
+attend the morning service in the Lady-chapel."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">A Welsh Christmas.</span></div>
+
+<p>From the "Christmas Chronicles of Llanfairpwllycrochon," by
+R. P. Hampton Roberts, in <i>Notes and Queries</i>, December 21, 1878,
+we quote the following:</p>
+
+<p>"Now Thomas Thomas, and Mary Jones, and all their neighbours,
+had great veneration for Christmas, and enjoyed much
+pleasure in looking forward to the annual recurrence of the
+feast. Not that they looked upon it as a feast in any ecclesiastical
+sense, for Llanfairpwllycrochon was decidedly Calvinistically
+Methodist, and rejected all such things as mere popish
+superstition.</p>
+
+<p>"The Christmas goose was a great institution at Llanfairpwllycrochon.
+The annual goose club had no existence there,
+it is true, but the annual goose had nevertheless. Thomas
+Thomas, after his memorable visit to London, came home
+imbued with one English idea which startled the villagers more
+than anything had done since the famous bonfire on the outlying<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">281</a></span>
+hill when the heir came of age, and it was a long time before
+they recovered from their surprise. It was nothing less than a
+proposition to substitute beef for the Christmas dinner instead
+of a goose. Here was a sad falling off from the ways of
+Llanfairpwllycrochon! And Thomas Thomas was a man who
+persisted in an idea once it entered his mind&mdash;an event of rare
+occurrence, it is true, and consequently all the more stubborn
+whenever it did occur. Thomas Thomas had, however, sufficient
+respect for the opinion of his neighbours to make him compromise
+matters by providing for himself alone a small beefsteak as an
+adjunct to the time-honoured goose.</p>
+
+<p>"Another Christmas institution at Llanfairpwllycrochon was
+the universal pudding, mixed as is wont by every member of the
+family. Then there was the bun-loaf, or <i>barabrith</i>, one of the
+grand institutions of Llanfairpwllycrochon. Many were the
+pains taken over this huge loaf&mdash;made large enough to last a
+week or fortnight, according to the appetites of the juvenile
+partakers&mdash;and the combined "Christmas-boxes" of the grocer
+and baker went to make up the appetising whole, with much
+more in addition.</p>
+
+<p>"Christmas Eve was a day of exceeding joy at Llanfairpwllycrochon.
+The manufacture of paper ornaments and 'kissing
+bushes,' radiant with oranges, apples, paper roses, and such like
+fanciful additions as might suit the taste or means of the house-holder,
+occupied most of the day. And then they had to be put
+up, and the house in its Christmas decorations looked more
+resplendent than the imagination of the most advanced villager&mdash;at
+present at school, and of the mature age of five and a half
+years, the rising hope of the schoolmaster, and a Lord Chancellor
+in embryo in fine&mdash;could have pictured. As a reward for the
+day's toil came the night's sweet task of making <i>cyflath</i>, <i>i.e.</i>,
+toffee. Thomas Thomas, and those who spoke the Saxon
+tongue among the villagers, called it 'taffy.' Once had
+Thomas Thomas been corrected in his pronunciation, but the
+hardy Saxon who ventured on the bold proceeding was silenced
+when he heard that he was not to think he was going to persuade
+a reasonable man into mutilating the English tongue. 'Taffy
+it iss, and taffy I says,' and there was an end of the matter.
+Without taffy the inhabitants of Llanfairpwllycrochon, it was
+firmly believed by the vicar, would not have known the difference
+between Christmas and another time, and it is not therefore
+matter for surprise that they should so tenaciously cling to its
+annual making. At midnight, when the syrupy stuff was sufficiently
+boiled, it would be poured into a pan and put into the
+open air to cool. Here was an opportunity for the beaux of the
+village which could not be missed. They would steal, if possible,
+the whole, pan and all, and entail a second making on the
+unfortunate victims of their practical joke.</p>
+
+<p>"Sometimes the Christmas Eve proceedings would be varied
+by holding a large evening party, continued all night, the principal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">282</a></span>
+amusement of which would be the boiling of toffee, one arm
+taking, when another was tired, the large wooden spoon, and
+turning the boiling mass of sugar and treacle, this process being
+continued for many hours, until nothing would be left to partake
+of but a black, burnt sort of crisp, sugary cinder. Sometimes
+the long boiling would only result in a soft mass, disagreeable to
+the taste and awkward to the hand, the combined efforts of each
+member of the party failing to secure consistency or strength in
+the mixed ingredients.</p>
+
+<p>"And then there were the carols at midnight, and many more
+were the Christmas customs at Llanfairpwllycrochon."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">EFFECTS OF THE SEASON.</span></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"These Christmas decorations are <i>so</i> jolly!"</span>
+<span class="i1_5">She cried, zeal shining in her orbs of blue.</span>
+<span class="i0">"<i>Don't</i> you like laurel gleaming under holly?"</span>
+<span class="i1_5">He answered, "<i>I</i> love mistletoe over <i>yew</i>!"&mdash;<i>Punch.</i></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig69.jpg" width="600" height="569" alt='"MODERN CHRISTMAS PERFORMERS: YORKSHIRE SWORD-ACTORS."'
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+"st. george" in combat with "st. peter."</span></span></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Yorkshire Sword-actors.</span></div>
+
+<p>Under this title, Mr. T. M. Fallow, M.A., F.S.A., writing in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">283</a></span>
+the <i>Antiquary</i>, May, 1895, gives an account of rustic performances
+which were witnessed at Christmastide in the neighbourhood
+of Leeds about fifteen years earlier, and he illustrates
+the subject with a series of pictures from photographs taken at
+the time, which are here reproduced. The play depicted is
+that of the "Seven Champions of Christendom," and in the
+picture on the preceding page "St. George" is shown engaged
+in combat with "St. Peter," while "St. Andrew" and "St.
+Denys" are each kneeling on one knee, a sign of their having
+been vanquished.</p>
+
+<p>"It may be well to point out," says Mr. Fallow, "that in the
+West Riding, or at any rate in the neighbourhood of Leeds, the
+sword-actors were quite distinct from the 'mummers.' They
+generally numbered nine or ten lads, who, disguised by false
+beards as men, were dressed in costume as appropriate to the
+occasion as their knowledge and finances would permit, and who
+acted, with more or less skill, a short play, which, as a rule, was
+either the 'Peace Egg' or the 'Seven Champions of Christendom.'
+The following illustration shows two of the 'champions,' as
+photographed at the time stated:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig70.jpg" width="600" height="531" alt='MODERN CHRISTMAS CHARACTERS: "ST PETER," "ST. DENYS"'
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+"st. peter."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+&nbsp; "st. denys."</span></span></div>
+
+<p>"There was a little indefiniteness," says Mr. Fallow, "as to
+the characters represented in the play, but usually they were the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">284</a></span>
+King of Egypt, his daughter, a fool or jester, St. George, St.
+Andrew, St. Patrick, St. David, St. Denys, St. James, and a St.
+Thewhs, who represented a Northern nation&mdash;Russia, or sometimes
+Denmark&mdash;and whose exact identity seems obscure. The
+seven champions occasionally included St. Peter of Rome, as in
+the group whose photograph is given. St. George engaged in
+mortal combat with each champion in succession, fighting for
+the hand of the King of Egypt's daughter. When at length
+each of the six was slain, St. George, having vanquished them
+all, won the fair lady, amid the applause of the bystanders.
+Then, at the conclusion, after a general clashing and crossing of
+swords, the fool or jester stepped forward, and wound up the
+performance with an appeal for pecuniary recognition."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Other Christmas Performances.</span></div>
+
+<p>In a Christmas article, published in 1869, Dr. Rimbault
+mentions the performance of "St. George and the Dragon" in
+the extreme western and northern parts of the country. The
+following five characters are given: Father Christmas, Turkish
+Knight, King of Egypt, St. George, Doctor. Other writers
+mention similar plays, with variations of characters, as seen in
+the rural parts of Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, and Staffordshire,
+and the present writer has himself seen such plays at
+Madeley, in Shropshire.</p>
+
+<p>S. Arnott, of Turnham Green, writing in <i>Notes and Queries</i>,
+December 21, 1878, says: "When I was living at Hollington,
+near Hastings, in the year 1869, the village boys were in the
+habit of visiting the houses of the gentry at Christmas time to
+perform a play, which had been handed down by tradition."
+The description of the play which then followed shows that it
+was another variation of the well-known Christmas play, and
+included the "Turkish Knight," the "Bold Slasher," and other
+familiar characters.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">A Scotch First Footing.</span></div>
+
+<p>Writing on "Mid-winter Customs in the North," Mr. Edward
+Garrett says "it is not easy to write of 'Christmas customs in the
+North,' because many of them, even though connected with the
+Christmas festival, do not take place till January 6th, that being
+Christmas Day, Old Style, while most of them are associated
+with the New Year, either Old or New Style, one of the most
+striking celebrations coming off on January 11th, regarded as
+'New Year's Eve.'</p>
+
+<p>"Christmas itself has never been a national Scottish festival
+since the Reformation. On its purely festive side, it has become
+somewhat of a 'fashion' of late years, but its ancient customs
+have only lingered on in those districts where Episcopacy has<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">285</a></span>
+taken deep root. Such a district is 'Buchan'&mdash;a track of
+country in the north-east of Aberdeenshire&mdash;a place which
+cannot be better described than in the words of one of its own
+gifted sons, Dr. Walter Smith:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"'A treeless land, where beeves are good,</span>
+<span class="i1">And men have quaint, old-fashioned ways,</span>
+<span class="i0">And every burn has ballad lore,</span>
+<span class="i1">And every hamlet has its song,</span>
+<span class="i0">And on its surf-beat, rocky shore</span>
+<span class="i1">The eerie legend lingers long.</span>
+<span class="i0">Old customs live there, unaware</span>
+<span class="i1">That they are garments cast away,</span>
+<span class="i0">And what of light is lingering there</span>
+<span class="i1">Is lingering light of yesterday.'"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter"  style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig71.jpg" width="600" height="585" alt="A SCOTCH FIRST FOOTING."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+a scotch first footing.</span></span></div>
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Yuletide Customs in Shetland.</span></div>
+
+<p>The inherent Scandinavianism of the Shetlander, which leads
+him to repudiate the appellation of Scotchman, and to cherish
+in secret the old customs and superstitions of his ancestors,
+asserts itself yearly in the high jinks with which he continues to
+honour the old holy days of Yule. Until within the last two or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">286</a></span>
+three years, he pertinaciously adhered to the old style in his
+observance of these festivities. On Christmas Eve, New Year's
+Eve, and Uphelya&mdash;the twenty-fourth day after Yule, and that
+on which the holy or holidays are supposed to be "up"&mdash;the
+youths of Lerwick, attired in fantastic dresses, go "guising"
+about the town in bands, visiting their friends and acquaintances
+and reproducing in miniature the carnival of more southern
+climes. On one or other of these occasions a torchlight procession
+forms part of the revelry. Formerly blazing tar barrels were
+dragged about the town, and afterwards, with the first break of
+morning, dashed over the Knab into the sea. But this ancient
+and dangerous custom has very properly been discontinued.
+The dresses of the guisers are often of the most expensive and
+fanciful description. Highlanders, Spanish cavaliers, negro
+minstrels, soldiers in the peaked caps, kerseymere breeches, and
+scarlet coats turned up with buff, of the reign of George II.,
+Robin Hoods, and Maid Marians were found in the motley
+throng. Some, with a boldness worthy of Aristophanes himself,
+caricature the dress, the walk, or some other eccentricity of
+leading personages in the town; others&mdash;for the spirit of "the
+Happy Land" has reached these hyperborean regions&mdash;make
+pleasant game of well-known political characters. Each band
+of guisers has its fiddler, who walks before it, playing "Scalloway
+Lasses," or "The Foula Reel," or "The Nippin' Grund,"
+or some other archaic tune. Thus conducted, and blowing a
+horn to give notice of their approach, the maskers enter the
+doors of all houses which they find open, dance a measure with
+the inmates, partake of and offer refreshment, and then depart
+to repeat the same courtesies elsewhere. At daylight the horn
+of the Most Worthy Grand Guiser, a mysterious personage, whose
+personality and functions are enveloped in the deepest concealment,
+is heard summoning all the bands to end their revels, and
+when, in the cold grey dawn of the winter morning, the worthy
+citizens of Lerwick awake to pursue their wonted avocations, not
+a trace remains of the saturnalia of the night before.&mdash;Sheriff
+Rampini, in <i>Good Words</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Now, passing from the islands to the sea itself, it is pleasant
+to note that in recent years Christian hearts have carried</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Cheer to the North Sea Fishermen.</span></div>
+
+<p>Through the "Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen" twelve thousand
+brave and hardy fishermen have been cheered at Christmastide,
+for to their fleets the Mission's vessels now take medical and
+surgical aid, books and magazines, woollen garments and
+tobacco, which, as adjuncts to higher religious aid, are turning
+the once wild and desperate ocean roughs into clean-living
+sailors and good husbands and fathers&mdash;therefore are these days
+on the North Sea better far than those that are gone. Thousands
+of these brave men turn at Christmas to the M.D.S.F. flag as to
+the one bright link which binds them to friendly hearts ashore,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">287</a></span>
+assuring them that in England's Christmas festivities they and
+their like have a real part, and are no longer forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>Some facts recorded by the Rev. John Sinclair<a name="FNanchor_91_91" id="FNanchor_91_91"></a><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a> illustrate the
+dangers of the wild winter sea, and also set forth some</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Experiences in the Orkney Isles.</span></div>
+
+<p>They were related to Mr. Sinclair by Mr. Traill, chief of the
+clan, with whom he stayed on the occasion of his visit to the
+island of Pappa Westra. The first of the two incidents was as
+follows:&mdash;"One Christmas Day," says Mr. Traill, "during a
+heavy gale, I wrapped my cloak about me, and started off with
+my telescope to walk upon the cliffs. Coming to the other side
+of the island, on which the surf was beating violently, I observed
+a vessel a few miles off fire a signal of distress. I hastened to
+the nearest point, and with the help of my glass perceived that
+she was Dutch built, and that, having lost her rudder, she was
+quite unmanageable. She fired several guns at short intervals,
+and my people came in large numbers to give assistance. But
+the surf was so fearful that nothing could be done. No boat
+could have lived a moment in such a sea. We were all utterly
+helpless. As the vessel drifted towards us, I could see the
+whole tragedy as distinctly as if it had been acted on the stage.
+Immediately below me were a number of my fellow-creatures,
+now alive and in health, and in a few moments they would all
+be mangled corpses. I could make out the expression of their
+features, and see in what manner each was preparing for inevitable
+death. But whether they climbed up into the shrouds, or
+held by ropes on deck while the sea was washing over the
+bulwarks, their fate was the same. The first wave lifted the
+vessel so high that I almost thought it would have placed her
+upon the land. She fell back, keel upwards. The next wave
+struck her with such terrific force against the cliffs that she was
+shivered at once into a thousand pieces; hardly two planks held
+together. It seemed as if she had been made of glass. Not a
+soul escaped. One or two bodies, with a few planks and casks,
+were all that ever reached the shore." Well might Mr. Traill
+add, "I was haunted for months by the remembrance of that
+heartrending sight."</p>
+
+<p>The other story related by Mr. Traill shows that a Christmas
+party may be detained indefinitely in one of these remote
+islands, should the weather prove unfavourable. At Christmastide,
+a former Laird of Westra "collected a numerous party
+from all the neighbouring islands to celebrate the christening of
+his eldest son." His hospitalities cost him dear. A storm
+arose; his guests could not get away; instead of enjoying their
+society for a few days, he was obliged to entertain them at
+a ruinous expense for many weeks. His larder, his cellar, and
+his barns, were by degrees exhausted. His farm stock had all
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">288</a></span>
+been slaughtered, except the old bull, which he was reserving
+as a last resource, when at length the wind abated, and a calm
+delivered him from this ruinous situation.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it appears that in these remote islands of Scotland
+Christmas is not forgotten. But a writer in a well-known
+Scotch journal says the surest sign of the general joy is
+"Christmas in the Workhouse":&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Christmas was gay in the old squire's hall,</span>
+<span class="i1">Gay at the village inn,</span>
+<span class="i0">Cheery and loud by the farmer's fire,</span>
+<span class="i1">Happy the manse within;</span>
+<span class="i0">But the surest signs of the general joy,</span>
+<span class="i1">And that all the world was happy&mdash;very,</span>
+<span class="i0">Were the sounds that proved at the workhouse door</span>
+<span class="i1">That even 'the paupers' were merry."</span>
+<br />
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">A Remarkable Christmas Gathering.</span></div>
+
+<p>The Greenwich Hospital for Sick Seamen of all Nations
+presented on Christmas Day, 1880, a remarkable gathering of
+national representatives. There were 179 sailors, representing
+31 nationalities, belonging to ships of 19 distinct nations. They
+were summed up thus:&mdash;England, 77; Wales, 3; Scotland, 9;
+Ireland, 11; Norway, 10; Sweden, 9; Finland, 6; United
+States, 5; Denmark, 5; British India, 4; France, 3; Germany,
+3; Nova Scotia, 3; Russia, 2; Austria, 2; Italy, 2; Cape de
+Verd Islands, 2; Chili, 2; Jamaica, 2; Barbadoes, 2; St.
+Thomas, 2; Spain, 1; Portugal, 1; Canada, 1; New Brunswick,
+1; Transvaal, 1; Gold Coast, 1; Brazil, 1; St. Kitts, 1;
+Mauritius, 1; Society Islands, 1. The mercantile marines
+represented were no bad index to the proportion of the carrying
+trade of the world each nation undertakes:&mdash;England, 96 vessels;
+Ireland, 3; Scotland, 16; Wales, 4; Norway, 7; Sweden, 5;
+United States, 6; Denmark, 2; France, 2; Germany, 3; Nova
+Scotia, 7; Russia, 2; Netherlands, 4; Channel Islands, 2; New
+Brunswick, 2; Italy, 1; Zanzibar, 1; Spain, 1.</p>
+
+<p>The early morning brought warm Christmas wishes to the
+patients. Each found by his bedside a packet addressed to him
+by name. Some good lady had taken the enormous pains to
+work a pretty, and, at the same time, stout and serviceable
+wallet, with the inscription, "My letters," embroidered thereupon,
+and to accompany this little gift, in every case, with
+a short and seasonable letter of Christmas wishes, using other
+languages than English, to suit the convenience of every
+recipient. The initials under which these offerings came were
+"N. C. H." Other gifts, Christmas cards and Christmas reading,
+in the shape of magazines and illustrated papers were gladly
+welcomed.</p>
+
+<p>The decorations of the corridors and rooms had given
+occupation to the sick sailors for several days, and sentiments
+of loyalty to the Queen and the Royal Family were abundantly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">289</a></span>
+displayed, together with portraits of members of the Royal
+Family which had been drawn from fancy.</p>
+
+<p>The officers and nurses had dedicated to them some specimens
+of real sailor poetry, combining the names of the staff. With
+grim humour, the "operation room" bore above it "Nil
+desperandum"; and the decorated walls of the hospital told
+the onlookers that "small vessels should keep in shore," that
+"windmills are not turned by a pair of bellows," that "good
+things are not found in heaps," that "hasty people fish in
+empty ponds," that "plenty, like want, ruins many," &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>The dinner at one o'clock was a great success. All who
+could get out of bed made it a point of honour to be present.
+But for adverse winds keeping ships from entering the
+Thames, the guests would have been more numerous. But,
+as it was, the patients under the roof numbered 179. There
+were, of course, difficulties of language; but no "Jack" ever
+ploughed the sea who does not understand a Christmas dinner;
+and, besides, the hospital in its nurses and staff possesses the
+means of conversing in seventeen different languages.</p>
+
+<p>The scene was a thoroughly Christmas one; and many other
+festive scenes, almost as interesting, were seen in all parts of
+England. Whether recorded or unrecorded, who does not
+rejoice in such efforts to promote "goodwill amongst men,"
+and long for the time&mdash;
+</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"When peace shall over all the earth</span>
+<span class="i1">Its ancient splendours fling,</span>
+<span class="i0">And the whole world send back the song,</span>
+<span class="i1">Which now the angels sing."</span>
+<span class="i1">Which now the angels sing."</span>
+<br />
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Crackers.</span></div>
+
+<p>One of the popular institutions inseparable from the festivities
+of Christmastide has long been the "cracker." The satisfaction
+which young people especially experience in pulling the opposite
+ends of a gelatine and paper cylinder is of the keenest, accompanied
+as the operation is by a mixed anticipation&mdash;half fearful
+as to the explosion that is to follow, and wholly delightful with
+regard to the bonbon or motto which will thus be brought to
+light. Much amusement is afforded to the lads and lassies by
+the fortune-telling verses which some of the crackers contain.
+But the cracker of our early days was something far different
+from what it is now. The sharp "crack" with which the
+article exploded, and from which it took its name, was then its
+principal, and, in some cases, its only feature; and the exclamation,
+"I know I shall scream," which John Leech, in one of his
+sketches, puts into the mouth of two pretty girls engaged in
+cracker-pulling, indicated about the all of delight which that
+occupation afforded. Since then, however, the cracker has
+undergone a gradual development. Becoming by degrees a
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">290</a></span>
+receptacle for bon-bons, rhymed mottoes, little paper caps and
+aprons, and similar toys, it has passed on to another and higher
+stage, and is even made a vehicle for high art illustrations.
+Considerable artistic talent has been introduced in the adornment
+of these novelties. For instance, the "Silhouette" crackers
+are illustrated with black figures, comprising portraits of well-known
+characters in the political, military, and social world,
+exquisitely executed, while appropriate designs have been
+adapted to other varieties, respectively designated "Cameos,"
+"Bric-a-brac," "Musical Toys," &amp;c.; and it is quite evident
+that the education of the young in matters of good taste is not
+overlooked in the provision of opportunities for merriment.
+</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">SANTA CLAUS AND THE STOCKING.</span></div>
+
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i1">Hang up the baby's stocking! Be</span>
+<span class="i1_5">sure you don't forget! The dear</span>
+<span class="i2">little dimpled darling,&nbsp;&nbsp;she never</span>
+<span class="i2_5">saw&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;yet!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But&nbsp;&nbsp;I've</span>
+<span class="i2_5">told her all about it, and she opened</span>
+<span class="i2_5">her&nbsp;&nbsp;big&nbsp;&nbsp;blue&nbsp;&nbsp;eyes;&nbsp;&nbsp;and I'm sure</span>
+<span class="i2">she&nbsp;&nbsp;understood&nbsp;&nbsp;it&mdash;she looked so</span>
+<span class="i1_5">funny and wise.&nbsp;<sup>*</sup>&nbsp;<sub>*</sub>&nbsp;<sup>*</sup>&nbsp;Dear,&nbsp;&nbsp;what</span>
+<span class="i1">a tiny stocking!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It&nbsp;&nbsp;doesn't&nbsp;&nbsp;take</span>
+<span class="i0_5">much to hold such little pink toes</span>
+<span class="i0">as baby's away from the frost and</span>
+<span class="i0">cold.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;for&nbsp;&nbsp;the baby's</span>
+<span class="i0">Christmas, it will never do at all.</span>
+<span class="i0">Why! Santa wouldn't be looking</span>
+<span class="i0_5">for&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;anything&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;half&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; so</span>
+<span class="i1">small.&nbsp;<sup>*</sup>&nbsp;<sub>*</sub>&nbsp;<sup>*</sup>&nbsp;I know what</span>
+<span class="i1_5">will do for the baby. I've</span>
+<span class="i2">thought of the very best</span>
+<span class="i2_5">plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I'll&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;borrow&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a</span>
+<span class="i3">stocking of Grandma's,</span>
+<span class="i3_5">the longest&nbsp;&nbsp;that ever</span>
+<span class="i4">I can.&nbsp;&nbsp;And you'll</span>
+<span class="i4">hang&nbsp;&nbsp;it&nbsp;&nbsp;by&nbsp;&nbsp;mine,</span>
+<span class="i4">dear mother, right</span>
+<span class="i3_5">here in the corner,</span>
+<span class="i3">so!&nbsp;&nbsp;And&nbsp;&nbsp;leave&nbsp;&nbsp;a</span>
+<span class="i2_5">letter to Santa, and</span>
+<span class="i2">fasten&nbsp;&nbsp;it&nbsp;&nbsp;on to the</span>
+<span class="i1_5">toe.&nbsp;<sup>*</sup>&nbsp;<sub>*</sub>&nbsp;<sup>*</sup>&nbsp;Write&mdash;this</span>
+<span class="i1">is the baby's stocking,</span>
+<span class="i0_5">that hangs in the corner</span>
+<span class="i1">here. You never have</span>
+<span class="i1_5">seen her, Santa, for</span>
+<span class="i2">she only came this</span>
+<span class="i2_5">year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;she's</span>
+<span class="i3">just the blessed'st</span>
+<span class="i3_5">baby. And now</span>
+<span class="i4">before you go,</span>
+<span class="i4_5">just cram her</span>
+<span class="i5">stocking with</span>
+<span class="i5_5">goodies, from</span>
+<span class="i6">the top clean</span>
+<span class="i6_5">down to</span>
+<span class="i7_5">the</span>
+<span class="i7_5">toe!</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">291</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><small><a href="images/stocking.jpg">Original page of SANTA CLAUS AND THE STOCKING.</a></small></p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Fatally Burnt in Christmas Costumes.</span></div>
+
+<p>The Christmastide of 1885-6 was marred by two fatal
+accidents which again illustrate the danger of dressing for
+entertainments in highly-inflammable materials. In the first
+case a London lady, on Boxing Night, was entertaining some
+friends, and appeared herself in the costume of <i>Winter</i>. She
+was dressed in a white robe of thin fabric, and stood under
+a canopy from which fell pieces of cotton wool to represent
+snowflakes, and in their descent one of them caught light at the
+candelabra, and fell at deceased's feet. In trying to put it out
+with her foot her dress caught fire, and she was immediately
+enveloped in flames. So inflammable was the material that,
+although prompt assistance was rendered, she was so severely
+burnt as to become unconscious. A medical man was sent for,
+and everything possible was done for her; but she sank
+gradually, and died from exhaustion. The second of these
+tragical incidents plunged a Paris family in deep sorrow. The
+parents, who lived in a beautiful detached house in the Rue de
+la Bienfaisance, had arranged that their children and some
+youthful cousins were to play before a party of friends on New
+Year's Night on the stage of a little theatre which had just been
+added to their house. The play was to represent the decrepit
+old year going out and the new one coming in. The eldest
+daughter, a charming girl of fourteen, was to be the good genius
+of 1886, and to be dressed in a loose transparent robe. On the
+appointed evening, after the company had assembled, she
+donned her stage costume and ran into her mother's bedroom
+to see how it became her. While looking at herself in a mirror
+on the toilette table her loose sleeve came in contact with the
+flame of a candle and blazed up. She screamed for help and
+tried to roll herself in the bed clothes; but the bed, being
+covered with a lace coverlet and curtained with muslin was also
+set on fire, and soon the whole room was ablaze. By the time
+help arrived the girl's clothes were all burning into the flesh;
+but such was her vitality that, in spite of the dreadful state in
+which every inch of her body was, she survived the accident
+many hours.</p>
+
+<p>Similar disasters occurred at Christmas festivities in 1889, at
+Detroit, and in 1891, at Wortley, Leeds. In the former several
+little children were fatally burnt, and in the latter fifteen
+children were set on fire, eleven of them fatally.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_291.jpg" width="200" height="85" alt="FUNNY FACES"
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">292</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Literature</span></div>
+
+<p>is too large a subject to enter upon at length, for a bulky
+volume would scarcely suffice to describe the numerous
+Christmas annuals, illustrated Christmas numbers, newspaper
+supplements and variety papers which have become popular
+at Christmastide since the first appearance of Dickens's
+"Christmas Stories." The development of the Christmas trade
+in this light literature has been marvellous, and it is increasing
+year by year. And the same may be said of the charming gift-books
+which are published annually just before Christmas.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Letter Missions.</span></div>
+
+<p>Through the various letter missions that have been established
+thousands of Christmas letters and illustrated missives, bright
+with anecdote, are despatched annually to the inmates of
+convalescent homes and hospitals, and are heartily welcomed
+by the recipients, for every one likes to be remembered on
+Christmas Day.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Post-Office Officials and Postmen</span></div>
+
+<p>have, however, been very heavily weighted with these new
+Christmas customs. They have inflicted upon postmen and
+letter-sorters an amount of extra labour that is almost incredible.
+The postal-parcel work is also very heavy at the festive season.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Railways at Christmas.</span></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Home for the holidays, here we go;</span>
+<span class="i0">Bless me, the train is exceedingly slow!</span>
+<span class="i0">Pray, Mr. Engineer, get up your steam,</span>
+<span class="i0">And let us be off, with a puff and a scream!</span>
+<span class="i0">We have two long hours to travel, you say;</span>
+<span class="i0">Come, Mr. Engineer, gallop away!"<a name="FNanchor_92_92" id="FNanchor_92_92"></a><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>This familiar verse recalls the eagerness of the schoolboy to
+be home for the Christmas holidays. And adults are no less
+eager to join their friends at the festive season; many travel
+long journeys in order to do so. Hence the great pressure of
+work on railway employ&eacute;s, and the congested state of the
+traffic at Christmastide. Two or three days before Christmas
+Day the newspapers publish what are called "railway arrangements,"
+detailing the privileges granted by this and that
+company, and presenting the holiday traveller with a sort of
+appetising programme; and any one who will spend an hour
+at any of the great termini of the metropolis at this period can
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">293</a></span>see the remarkable extent to which the public avail themselves
+of the facilities offered. The growth of railway travelling at
+Christmastide has, indeed, been marvellous in recent years, and
+it becomes greater every year. The crowded state of the railway
+stations, and the trains that roll out of them heavily laden
+with men, women, and children, wedged together by parcels
+bursting with good cheer, show most unmistakably that we
+have not forgotten the traditions of Christmas as a time of
+happy gatherings in the family circles of Old England.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_79_79" id="Footnote_79_79"></a><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> Huish's "Life of George the Third."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_80_80" id="Footnote_80_80"></a><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>, 1790.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_81_81" id="Footnote_81_81"></a><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> Copied from an undated leaflet inserted in the British Museum copy of
+Brand's "Antiquities," by the late Mr Joseph Hazlewood.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_82_82" id="Footnote_82_82"></a><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> Hone's "Every-day Book," 1826.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_83_83" id="Footnote_83_83"></a><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a> Herbert H. Adams.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_84_84" id="Footnote_84_84"></a><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a> "A black Christmas makes a fat kirk-yard." A windy Christmas and a calm
+Candlemas are signs of a good year.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_85_85" id="Footnote_85_85"></a><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> The "savoury haggis" (from <i>hag</i> to chop) is a dish commonly made in a
+sheep's maw, of its lungs, heart, and liver, mixed with suet, onions, salt, and
+pepper; or of oatmeal mixed with the latter, without any animal food.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_86_86" id="Footnote_86_86"></a><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> F. Lawrence.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_87_87" id="Footnote_87_87"></a><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> "Old English Customs and Charities," 1842.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_88_88" id="Footnote_88_88"></a><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> "Biographical Lectures."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_89_89" id="Footnote_89_89"></a><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> "History of Berks," vol. xxv.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_90_90" id="Footnote_90_90"></a><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> "Grim, King of the Ghosts."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_91_91" id="Footnote_91_91"></a><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> "Old Times and Distant Places," 1875.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_92_92" id="Footnote_92_92"></a><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> Eliza Cook.</p></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_293.jpg" width="300" height="212" alt="CABIN WITH THATCHED ROOF"
+title="" /></div>
+<p>But, as there is also much Christmas-keeping in other parts
+of the world, we pass now to&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">294</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<h4><i>CHAPTER XII.</i></h4>
+
+<h3>MODERN CHRISTMASES ABROAD.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas-Keeping in the Arctic Regions, 1850-1.</span></div>
+
+<p>"The bluejackets are generally better hands than the red-coats
+at improvising a jollification&mdash;Jack, at any rate, does not
+take his pleasures sadly. The gallant bands that have from
+time to time gone forth to a bloodless campaign in the icy
+north, have always managed to keep their Christmas right
+joyously. Certainly they could not complain of uncongenial
+skies or unseasonable temperatures; while, so far as snow and
+ice are necessary to thorough enjoyment, the supply in the
+Arctic regions is on a scale sufficient to satisfy the most ardent
+admirer of an old-fashioned Christmas. The frozen-in Investigators
+under McClure kept their first Arctic Christmas soberly,
+cheerfully, and in good fellowship, round tables groaning with
+good cheer, in the shape of Sandwich Island beef, musk veal
+from the Prince of Wales's Strait, mince-meat from England,
+splendid preserves from the Green Isle, and dainty dishes from
+Scotland. Every one talked of home, and speculated respecting
+the doings of dear ones there; and healths were drunk, not
+omitting those of their fellow-labourers sauntering somewhere
+in the regions about, but how near or how far away none could
+tell. When the festival came round again, the <i>Investigator</i> and
+<i>Enterprise</i> were alone in their glory, and they were separated by
+miles of frozen sea; but they had solved the great problem.<a name="FNanchor_93_93" id="FNanchor_93_93"></a><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a>
+On board the <i>Investigator</i>, frost-bound in the Bay of Mercy,
+things went as merry as the proverbial marriage-bell. After
+divine service, everybody took a constitutional on the ice until
+dinner-time; then the officers sat down to a meal of which the
+<i>pi&egrave;ce de r&eacute;sistance</i> was a haunch of Banks' Island reindeer,
+weighing twenty pounds, with fat two inches thick, and a most
+delicious flavour; while the crew were regaling upon venison
+and other good things, double allowance of grog included; and
+dinner discussed, dancing, singing, and skylarking filled up the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">295</a></span>holiday hours till bedtime; the fun being kept up with unflagging
+humour, and with such propriety withal as to make their
+leader wish the anxious folks at home could have witnessed the
+scene created amidst so many gloomy influences, by the crew
+of a ship after two years' sojourn in those ice-bound regions
+upon their own resources. Another Christmas found the brave
+fellows still confined in their snowy prison; but their table
+boasted plum-pudding rich enough for Arctic appetites, Banks'
+Land venison, Mercy Bay hare-soup, ptarmigan pasties, and
+musk-ox beef&mdash;hung-beef, surely, seeing it had been dangling
+in the rigging above two years. The poets among the men
+wrote songs making light of the hardships they had endured;
+the painters exhibited pictures of past perils; comic actors
+were not wanting; and the whole company, casting all anxiety
+to the winds, enjoyed themselves to the utmost."<a name="FNanchor_94_94" id="FNanchor_94_94"></a><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a></p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1870, before the breaking out of the Franco-German
+war, Germany sent out two ships, the <i>Germania</i> and
+the <i>Hansa</i>, with the hope of reaching the North Pole. As is
+usually the case in Arctic expeditions, little could be done
+during the first season, and the ships were obliged to take up
+their winter-quarters off the east coast of Greenland. They
+had already been separated, so that the crew of one vessel, had
+no idea of the condition of the other. An officer upon the
+<i>Germania</i> gives the following interesting account of their
+Christmas festivities in the Arctic regions:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"To the men who have already lived many weary months
+among the icebergs, Christmas signifies, in addition to its other
+associations, that the half of their long night&mdash;with its fearful
+storms, its enforced cessation of all energy, its discomfort and
+sadness&mdash;has passed, and that the sun will soon again shed its
+life and warmth-giving beams on the long-deserted North.
+From this time the grim twilight, during which noon has been
+hardly distinguishable from the other hours, grows daily lighter,
+until at length all hearts are gladdened, and a cheerful activity
+is once again called forth by the first glimpse of the sun.
+Christmas, the midnight of the Arctic explorer, thus marks a
+period in his life which he has good cause to consider a joyful
+one.</p>
+
+<p>"For days before the festival, an unusual activity was observable
+all over the ship; and as soon as the severe storm which
+raged from December 16th to the 21st had abated, parties
+were organised, under our botanist, Dr. Pansch, to certain points
+of Sabine Island, near to which we were anchored, where, in a
+strangely sheltered nook, several varieties of a native Greenland
+evergreen plant, <i>Andromeda tetragona</i>, were to be found. A
+great quantity of this plant was conveyed on board, to be converted
+into a Christmas-tree. Under the orders of Dr. Pansch,
+the Andromeda was wound round small pieces of wood, several
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">296</a></span>of which were attached, like fir-twigs, to a large bough; and
+when these boughs were fastened to a pole, they formed a very
+respectable fir-tree.</p>
+
+<p>"After dinner on Christmas Day, the cabin was cleared for
+the completion of the preparations; and on our recall at six
+o'clock, we found that all had assumed an unwontedly festive
+appearance. The walls were decorated with the signal-flags
+and our national eagle; and the large cabin table, somewhat
+enlarged to make room to seat seventeen men, was covered
+with a clean white cloth, which had been reserved for the
+occasion. On the table stood the 'fir' tree, shining in the
+splendour of many little wax-lights, and ornaments with all
+sorts of little treasures, some of which, such as the gilded
+walnuts, had already seen a Christmas in Germany; below the
+tree was a small present for each of us, provided long beforehand,
+in readiness for the day, by loving friends and relatives
+at home. There was a packet too for each of the crew, containing
+some little joking gift, prepared by the mirth-loving Dr.
+Pansch, and a useful present also; while the officers were each
+and all remembered.</p>
+
+<p>"When the lights burned down, and the resinous Andromeda
+was beginning to take fire, the tree was put aside, and a feast
+began, at which full justice was done to the costly Sicilian wine
+with which a friend had generously supplied us before we left
+home. We had a dish of roast seal! Some cakes were made
+by the cook, and the steward produced his best stores. For
+the evening, the division between the fore and aft cabins was
+removed, and there was free intercourse between officers and
+men; many a toast was drunk to the memory of friends at
+home, and at midnight a polar ball was improvised by a dance
+on the ice. The boatswain, the best musician of the party,
+seated himself with his hand-organ between the antlers of a
+reindeer which lay near the ship, and the men danced two and
+two on their novel flooring of hard ice!</p>
+
+<p>"Such was our experience of a Christmas in the north polar
+circle; but the uncertainties of Arctic voyaging are great, and
+the two ships of our expedition made trial of the widely different
+fates which await the travellers in those frozen regions: and
+while we on the <i>Germania</i> were singularly fortunate in escaping
+accidents and in keeping our crew, in spite of some hardships,
+in sound health and good spirits, the <i>Hansa</i> was crushed by the
+ice, and her crew, after facing unheard-of dangers, and passing
+two hundred days on a block of ice, were barely rescued to
+return home."</p>
+
+<p>Yet even to the crew of the ill-fated <i>Hansa</i> Christmas brought
+some festivities. The tremendous gale which had raged for
+many days ceased just before the day, and the heavy fall of
+snow with which it terminated, and which had almost buried
+the black huts that the shipwrecked men had constructed for
+themselves upon the drifting icebergs from the <i>d&eacute;bris</i> of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">297</a></span>
+wreck, had produced a considerable rise in the temperature,
+and there was every indication that a season of calm might now
+be anticipated.</p>
+
+<p>The log-book of the <i>Hansa</i> thus describes the celebration of
+the festival:&mdash;"The tree was erected in the afternoon, while
+the greater part of the crew took a walk; and the lonely hut
+shone with wonderful brightness amid the snow. Christmas
+upon a Greenland iceberg! The tree was artistically put
+together of firwood and mat-weed, and Dr. Laube had saved a
+twist of wax-taper for the illumination. Chains of coloured
+paper and newly-baked cakes were not wanting, and the men
+had made a knapsack and a revolver case as a present for the
+captain. We opened the leaden chests of presents from
+Professor Hochstetter and the Geological Society, and were
+much amused by their contents. Each man had a glass of
+port wine; and we then turned over the old newspapers which
+we found in the chests, and drew lots for the presents, which
+consisted of small musical instruments such as fifes, jew's-harps,
+trumpets, &amp;c., with draughts and other games, puppets,
+crackers, &amp;c. In the evening we feasted on chocolate and
+gingerbread."</p>
+
+<p>"We observed the day very quietly," writes Dr. Laube in his
+diary. "If this Christmas be the last we are to see, it was at
+least a cheerful one; but should a happy return home be
+decreed for us, the next will, we trust, be far brighter. May
+God so grant!"</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in the Crimea.</span></div>
+
+<p>The Christmas of 1854 was a dismal one for the soldiers in
+the Crimea, witnessing and enduring what Lord John Russell
+spoke of as "the horrible and heartrending scenes of that
+Crimean winter."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks to General Muddle," says a journal of the period,
+"the Crimean Christmas of 1854 was anything but what it ought
+to and might have been; and the knowledge that plenty of good
+things had been provided by thoughtful hearts at home, but
+which were anywhere but where they were wanted, did not
+add to the merriment of our poor overworked, underfed army;
+and although some desperate efforts were made to be jolly on
+dreary outpost and in uncomfortable trenches, they only resulted
+in miserable failure. The following Christmas was doubly
+enjoyable by comparison. The stubborn fortress (Sebastopol)
+had fallen at last to its more stubborn assailants; habit had
+deprived frost and snow of their terrors, and every hut ran over
+with hams, preserves, vegetables, and mysterious tins, till it
+resembled a grocer's store. The valleys of Miscomia, too, were
+rich in mistletoe, to be had for the trouble of gathering; but
+few cared to undergo that trouble for the sake of what only
+reminded them of unattainable sweets, and made them sigh for
+the girls they had left behind them."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">298</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In 1855, Messrs. Macmillan &amp; Co. published a poem by
+H. R. F., entitled "Christmas Dawn, 1854," in which the writer
+pictures the festivities marred by war:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i10">"A happy Christmas!</span>
+<span class="i0">Happy! to whom? Perchance to infancy,</span>
+<span class="i0">And innocent childhood, while the germ of sin,</span>
+<span class="i0">Yet undeveloped, leaves a virgin soil</span>
+<span class="i0">For joy, and Death and Sorrow are but names.</span>
+<span class="i0">But who, that bears a mind matured to thought,</span>
+<span class="i0">A heart to feel, shall look abroad this day</span>
+<span class="i0">And speak of happiness? The church is deckt</span>
+<span class="i0">With festive garlands, and the sunbeams glance</span>
+<span class="i0">From glossy evergreens; the mistletoe</span>
+<span class="i0">Pearl-studded, and the holly's lustrous bough</span>
+<span class="i0">Gleaming with coral fruitage; but we muse</span>
+<span class="i0">Of laurel blent with cypress. Gaze we down</span>
+<span class="i0">Yon crowded aisle? the mourner's dusky weeds</span>
+<span class="i0">Sadden the eye; and they who wear them not</span>
+<span class="i0">Have mourning in their hearts, or lavish tears</span>
+<span class="i0">Of sympathy on griefs too deeply lodged</span>
+<span class="i0">For man's weak ministry.</span>
+<span class="i12_5">A happy Christmas!</span>
+<span class="i0">Ah me! how many hearths are desolate!</span>
+<span class="i0">How many a vacant seat awaits in vain</span>
+<span class="i0">The loved one who returns not! Shall we drain</span>
+<span class="i0">The cheerful cup&mdash;a health to absent friends?</span>
+<span class="i0">Whom do we pledge? the living or the dead?"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Thus did the poet, "sick at heart," explore "the realm of
+sorrow"; and then again he mused:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"In humbler mood to hail the auspicious day,</span>
+<span class="i0">Shine forth rejoicing in thy strength, O sun,</span>
+<span class="i0">Shine through the dubious mists and tearful show'rs</span>
+<span class="i0">That darken Hope's clear azure! Christ is born,</span>
+<span class="i0">The life of those who wake, and those who sleep&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">The Day-spring from on high hath looked on us;</span>
+<span class="i0">And we, who linger militant on earth,</span>
+<span class="i0">Are one in Him, with those, the loved and lost,</span>
+<span class="i0">Whose early graves keep the red field they won</span>
+<span class="i0">Upon a stranger shore. Ah! not in vain</span>
+<span class="i0">Went up from many a wild Crimean ridge</span>
+<span class="i0">The soldier's pray'r, responsive to the vows</span>
+<span class="i0">Breathed far away in many an English home.</span>
+<span class="i0">Not vain the awakened charities, that gush</span>
+<span class="i0">Through countless channels&mdash;Christian brotherhoods</span>
+<span class="i0">Of mercy; and that glorious sister-band</span>
+<span class="i0">Who sow by Death's chill waters!&mdash;Not in vain,</span>
+<span class="i0">My country! ever loved, but dearest now</span>
+<span class="i0">In this thine hour of sorrow, hast thou learnt</span>
+<span class="i0">To bow to Him who chastens. We must weep&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">We may rejoice in weeping"</span>
+<br />
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Abyssinia.</span></div>
+
+<p>Wherever Englishmen are on the 25th of December, there is
+Christmas. Whether it be in the icy regions of the Arctic zone,
+or in the sweltering heat of tropical sunshine, the coming round
+of the great feast brings with it to every Englishman a hearty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">299</a></span>
+desire to celebrate it duly. And if this cannot be done in
+exactly home-fashion, the festival is kept as happily as circumstances
+will allow. In this spirit did our soldiers keep Christmas
+in Abyssinia, in 1867, with the thermometer at seventy-five in
+the shade, and even here the edibles included at least one
+traditional dish&mdash;a joint of roast beef. There was also an
+abundance of spur-fowls, guinea-fowls, venison, mutton, &amp;c.,
+and the place in which the festive board was spread was
+decorated with branches of fir and such other substitutes for
+holly and mistletoe as could be found.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas-keeping in India</span></div>
+
+<p>at different periods shows the same determination of our British
+soldiers to honour the Christmas festival.</p>
+
+<p>In 1857, the saviours of our Indian Empire very nearly lost
+their Christmas. The army was encamped at Intha, within
+sight of Nepaul, waiting for the rain to clear off and the tents to
+dry, ere it moved on to drive the Sepoys into the Raptee. The
+skies cleared on Christmas morning, and Lord Clyde was for
+marching at once, but relented in time to save the men's
+puddings from being spoiled&mdash;not only relented, but himself
+gave a Christmas banquet, at which the favoured guests sat
+down to well-served tables laden with barons of beef, turkeys,
+mutton, game, fish, fowls, plum-puddings, mince-pies, &amp;c.
+To allay the thirst such substantial fare created, appeared
+beakers of pale ale from Burton and Glasgow; porter from
+London and Dublin; champagne, moselle, sherry, and old port,
+'rather bothered by travelling twenty miles a day on a camel
+back.' Following the chief's example, each regiment had a
+glorious spread, and throughout the wide expanse of tents
+sounds of rejoicing were heard, for the soldiers kept Christmas
+right merrily.</p>
+
+<p>Similarly,</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The British Soldiers and Sailors in South Africa</span></div>
+
+<p>did their best to observe the Christmas festival in good old
+English style, even during the sieges of Ladysmith, Kimberley,
+and Mafeking, when provisions were to be had only at famine
+prices. The ingenious Tommy Atkins, in distant lands, has
+often found sylvan substitutes for mistletoe and holly, and native
+viands to take the place of plum-puddings and mince-pies, but
+it is not so easy to find substitutes for the social circles in old
+England, and when the time comes round for the Christmas
+dance Tommy's thoughts "Return again to the girl I've left
+behind me."</p>
+
+<p>Moreover, it sometimes falls to the lot of soldiers and war
+correspondents to spend their Christmas in most outlandish
+places. Mr. Archibald Forbes has left on record (in the <i>English
+Illustrated Magazine</i>, 1885) an interesting account of his own<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">300</a></span></p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmastide in the Khyber Pass.</span></div>
+
+<p>In his graphic style the intrepid war correspondent describes
+the "ride long and hard" which Kinloch and he had through
+the Khyber to Jelalabad plain to fulfil "the tryst they had made
+to spend Christmas Day with the cheery comrades of Sir Sam
+Browne's headquarter staff." They had an adventurous journey
+together from the Dakka camp to Jumrood, where Forbes left
+Kinloch with Maude's division.</p>
+
+<p>Further on, Mr. Forbes says: "I am not prepared to be
+definite, after five years, as to the number of plum-puddings
+forming that little hillock on the top of my d&acirc;k-gharry between
+Jhelum and Peshawur, on the apex of which sat the faithful
+John amidst a whirl of dust. At Peshawur the heap of Christmas
+gifts were loaded into the panniers of a camel, and the ship
+of the desert started on its measured solemn tramp up through
+the defiles of the Khyber." Then Mr. Forbes tells us how he
+joined Kinloch again at General Maude's headquarters at Jumrood.
+Kinloch "had not forgotten his tryst, but meanwhile
+there were military duties to be done." After the discharge of
+these "military duties," which included a night march to surprise
+a barbarous clan called Zukkur-Kehls, Forbes and Kinloch
+joined General Tytler's column on its return march to Dakka,
+because at Dakka they would be nearer to their friends of Sir
+Sam Browne's headquarters. "Tytler determined to make his
+exit from the Zukkur-Kahl Valley by a previously unexplored
+pass, toward which the force moved for its night's bivouac.
+About the entrance to the glen there was a fine forest of ilex and
+holly, large, sturdy, spreading trees, whence dangled long sprays
+of mistletoe; the mistletoe bough was here indeed, and Christmas
+was close, but where the fair ones whom, under other
+circumstances, the amorous youth of our column would have
+so enthusiastically led under that spray which accords so sweet
+a license? The young ones prattled of those impossible joys;
+but the seniors, less frivolous, were concerned by the increasing
+narrowness of the gorge, and by the dropping fire that hung on
+our skirts as we entered it. However, there was but one
+casualty&mdash;a poor fellow of the 17th Regiment had his thigh
+smashed by a bullet&mdash;and we spent the night under the ilex
+trees without further molestation.... It was Christmas Eve
+when we sat chatting with young Beatson in his lonely post by
+the Chardai streamlet; but a few hours of morning riding would
+carry us to Jellalabad whither Sir Sam Browne's camp had been
+advanced, and we were easy on the score of being true to tryst.
+As in the cold grey dawn we resumed our journey, leaving the
+young officer who had been our host to concern himself with
+the watchfulness of his picquets and the vigilance of his patrols,
+there was a sound of unintentional mockery in the conventional
+wish of a 'Merry Christmas' to the gallant lad, and there was a
+wistfulness in his answering smile.... The road to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">301</a></span>
+encampment, the white canvas of whose tents showed through the intervening
+hills, was traversed at a hand gallop; and presently
+Kinloch and myself found ourselves in the street of the headquarter
+camp, shaking hands with friends and comrades, and trying
+to reply to a medley of disjointed questions. The bugles were
+sounding for the Christmas Day Church Parade as we finished a
+hurried breakfast. Out there on the plain the British troops of
+the division were standing in hollow square, the officers grouped
+in the centre.... The headquarter street we found swept and
+garnished, the flagstaff bedecked with holly, and a regimental
+band playing 'Home, Sweet Home.' Dear old Sir Sam Browne
+did not believe in luxury when on campaign, but now for the
+first time I saw him at least comfortable.... The mess anteroom
+was the camp street outside the dining tent; and at the
+fashionable late hour of eight we 'went in' to dinner, to the
+strains of the <i>Roast Beef of Old England</i>. It was a right jovial
+feast, and the most cordial good-fellowship prevailed. He
+would have been a cynical epicurean who would have criticised
+the appointments; the banquet itself was above all cavil.
+Rummaging among some old papers the other day, I found the
+<i>menu</i>, which deserves to be quoted: 'Soup&mdash;Julienne. Fish&mdash;Whitebait
+(from the Cabul River). Entr&eacute;es&mdash;Cotelettes aux
+Champignons, Poulets &agrave; la Mayonaise. Joints&mdash;Ham and fowls,
+roast beef, roast saddle of mutton, boiled brisket of beef, boiled
+leg of mutton and caper sauce. Curry&mdash;chicken. Sweets&mdash;Lemon
+jelly, blancmange, apricot tart, plum-pudding. Grilled
+sardines, cheese fritters, cheese, dessert.' Truth compels the
+avowal that there was no table-linen, nor was the board
+resplendent with plate or gay with flowers. Table crockery
+was deficient, or to be more accurate, there was none. All the
+dishes were of metal, and the soup was eaten, or rather drunk,
+out of mugs and iron teacups. But it tasted none the worse on
+this account, and let it be recorded that there <i>were</i> champagne
+glasses, while between every two guests a portly magnum reared
+its golden head. Except 'The Queen,' of course, there were
+but two toasts after the feast&mdash;one was 'Absent Friends,' drunk
+in a wistful silence, and the other, the caterer's health, greeted
+with vociferous enthusiasm. A few fields off the wood had
+been collecting all day for the Christmas camp-fire of the 10th
+Hussars, and by ten o'clock the blaze of it was mounting high
+into the murky gloom. A right merry and social gathering it
+was round the bright glow of this Yule log in a far-off land.
+The flames danced on the wide circle of bearded faces, on the
+tangled fleeces of the postheens, on the gold braid of the forage
+caps, on the sombre hoods of beshliks.... The songs ranged
+from gay to grave; the former mood in the ascendency. But
+occasionally there was sung a ditty, the associations with which
+brought it about that there came something strangely like a tear
+into the voice of the singer, and that a yearning wistfulness fell
+upon the faces of the listeners. The bronzed troopers in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">302</a></span>
+background shaded with their hands the fire-flash from their
+eyes; and as the familiar homely strain ceased that recalled
+home and love and trailed at the heart strings till the breast felt
+to heave and the tears to rise, there would be a little pause of
+eloquent silence which told how thoughts had gone astraying
+half across the globe to the loved ones in dear old England, and
+were loath to come back again to the rum and the camp fire in
+Jellalabad plain. Ah, how many stood or sat around that camp
+fire that were never to see old England more? The snow had
+not melted on the Sufed Koh when half a squadron of the
+troopers were drowned in the treacherous Cabul river. No
+brighter soul or sweeter singer round that fire than Monty Slade;
+but the life went out of Monty Slade with his face to the foe
+and his wet sword grasped in a soldier-grip; and he lies under
+the palm trees by the wells of El Teb."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Canada.</span></div>
+
+<p>In Canada the severe and long-continued frosts convert a
+good deal of land and water into fields of ice, and skating is a
+very popular amusement of Christmastide. Sleighing is also
+very fashionable, and the large tracts of country covered with
+snow afford ample scope for the pastime. The jingle of the
+sleigh bells is heard in all the principal thoroughfares which at
+the season of the great winter festival present quite an animated
+appearance. The ears of the sleigh drivers are usually covered
+either by the cap or with a comforter, which in very cold
+weather is also wrapped over the mouth and nose.</p>
+
+<p>"Christmas Day," says an English Colonist, "is spent quietly
+in our own houses. New Year's Day is the day of general
+rejoicing, when every one either visits or receives their friends:
+and so, thinking of the merry times we have had in Old
+England, and comparing them with the quietness of to-day, we
+feel more like strangers in a strange land than ever before.</p>
+
+<p>"As a special treat, we are to have a real English Christmas
+dinner to-day, and our housekeeper has made a wonderful
+plum-pudding. The turkey is already steaming upon the table,
+and we soon fall to work upon him. He is well cooked, but
+there seems to be something wrong with his legs, which are so
+tough and sinewy that we come to the conclusion that he must
+have been training for a walking match. The rest of the dinner
+passes off very well, with the exception of the plum-pudding,
+which has to be brought to the table in a basin, as it firmly
+refuses to bind.</p>
+
+<p>"After dinner we retire to the sitting-room, and sit round the
+stove talking, while those of us addicted to the fragrant weed
+have a quiet smoke. Thus passes Christmas afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>"Tea-time soon comes round, and after we have refreshed
+ourselves, we resolve to end the day by paying a visit to a
+neighbour who possesses an American organ, and Christmas
+evening closes in to the music of those sweet old carols which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">303</a></span>
+that evening are heard over the whole world wherever an
+English colony is to be found."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Australia.</span></div>
+
+<p>Christmas festivities in Australia are carried on in what we
+should call "summer weather." There is no lack of good cheer
+and good living, but cold and snow are at this season unknown,
+and skating and snowballing, as a consequence, are sports unheard
+of at Christmastide by the youth in the Antipodes. Large
+parties and excursions are often arranged for spending a short
+time in the parks and fields, and Christmas picnics partake
+much of the character of English "gipsy-parties." The inhabitants
+being chiefly English, many of the ceremonies
+customary in English homes are observed, and the changes
+that are made are enforced for the most part by the difference
+in climate, and by the altered circumstances under which the
+various festivities are arranged.</p>
+
+<p>In "A Summer Christmas," Douglas B. W. Sladen thus
+describes the Australian festivities:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"The Christmas dinner was at two,</span>
+<span class="i0">And all that wealth or pains could do</span>
+<span class="i0">Was done to make it a success;</span>
+<span class="i0">And marks of female tastefulness,</span>
+<span class="i0">And traces of a lady's care,</span>
+<span class="i0">Were noticeable everywhere.</span>
+<span class="i0">The port was old, the champagne dry,</span>
+<span class="i0">And every kind of luxury</span>
+<span class="i0">Which Melbourne could supply was there.</span>
+<span class="i0">They had the staple Christmas fare,</span>
+<span class="i0">Roast beef and turkey (this was wild),</span>
+<span class="i0">Mince-pies, plum-pudding, rich and mild,</span>
+<span class="i0">One for the ladies, one designed</span>
+<span class="i0">For Mr. Forte's severer mind,</span>
+<span class="i0">Were on the board, yet in a way</span>
+<span class="i0">It did not seem like Christmas day</span>
+<span class="i0">With no gigantic beech yule-logs</span>
+<span class="i0">Blazing between the brass fire-dogs,</span>
+<span class="i0">And with 100&deg; in the shade</span>
+<span class="i0">On the thermometer displayed.</span>
+<span class="i0">Nor were there Christmas offerings</span>
+<span class="i0">Of tasteful inexpensive things,</span>
+<span class="i0">Like those which one in England sends</span>
+<span class="i0">At Christmas to his kin and friends,</span>
+<span class="i0">Though the Professor with him took</span>
+<span class="i0">A present of a recent book</span>
+<span class="i0">For Lil and Madge and Mrs. Forte,</span>
+<span class="i0">And though a card of some new sort</span>
+<span class="i0">Had been arranged by Lil to face</span>
+<span class="i0">At breakfast everybody's place.</span>
+<span class="i0">When dinner ended nearly all</span>
+<span class="i0">Stole off to lounges in the hall.</span>
+<span class="i0">...</span>
+<span class="i0">All save the two old folks and Lil,</span>
+<span class="i0">Who made their hearts expand and thrill</span>
+<span class="i0">By playing snatches, slow and clear,</span>
+<span class="i0">Of carols they'd been used to hear</span>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">304</a></span>
+<span class="i0">Of carols they'd been used to hear</span>
+<span class="i0">Some half a century ago</span>
+<span class="i0">At High Wick Manor, when the two</span>
+<span class="i0">Were bashful maidens: they talked on,</span>
+<span class="i0">Of England and what they had done</span>
+<span class="i0">On byegone Christmas nights at home,</span>
+<span class="i0">Of friends beyond the Northern foam,</span>
+<span class="i0">And friends beyond that other sea,</span>
+<span class="i0">Yet further&mdash;whither ceaselessly</span>
+<span class="i0">Travellers follow the old track,</span>
+<span class="i0">But whence no messenger comes back."</span>
+<br />
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in New Zealand.</span></div>
+
+<p>In 1887, we received a letter from Mr. W. M. Stanton, of
+Nelson, New Zealand, giving the following interesting account
+of the colonists' observance of Christmas:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"And now, as to Christmas, I wish I could express all I feel
+on this peculiarly English season of 'peace and goodwill.' I
+remember the picturesque snow (seen here only on the distant
+blue mountain tops), the icy stalactites pendant from the leafless
+branches, the twitter of the robin redbreast, the holly, and the
+mistletoe, decorated homes, redolent with the effects of the
+festive cooking, and the warm blazing firelight, the meeting of
+families and of friends, the waits, the grand old peals from the
+belfries; but, alas, here these childhood associations are dispelled,
+half broken, and we acclimatised denizens adapt our
+festivities to other modes&mdash;not that we forget the Christmas
+season, but enjoy it differently, as I will briefly tell you, as you
+ask, 'how we spend Christmas in New Zealand.' First, our
+ladies decorate the churches for the Christmas services, not
+with the evergreens of old exclusively; they do indeed affect
+the holly, ivy, and (New Zealand) mistletoe, but they make
+up with umbrageous and rich ferns, lachipoden, lauristinas,
+Portugal laurels, and our own beautiful evergreen, Ngaio, and
+with all the midsummer flowers at command; then the clerk,
+the storeman, the merchant, and the mechanic indulge in
+'trips,' or day excursions, in small steamboats, to the neighbouring
+bays surrounding small townships, and villages on the
+coast. Others again, take the train for a day's outing and play
+quoits, rounders, lawn tennis, and the like; the sportsman,
+perhaps, preferring his gun and his dog; families, again, are
+picnic-mad, for your colonist can rival the Cockney any day for
+making his holiday in the country. It may be to 'the rocks'
+he goes to watch his youngsters paddling in the rolling tide, or
+to the toil of clambering up the 'dim mountain,' which seems
+to suit their hardy lungs better than the shade of the 'fern
+glen,' and a journey of eighteen miles to the Maori Pa is as
+nothing. The Union Company's fine coasting steamships run
+passengers at half fares at this season, and the result is an
+interchange of visits between the dwellers in Nelson, Wellington,
+Marlboro', and Wanjani, amongst whom there is much rivalry
+and more friendship. Then there is the Christmas regatta, the
+performance of the 'Messiah' by the musical societies, and the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">305</a></span>
+inevitable evening dances, and thus the New Zealand Christmas
+is spent.</p>
+
+<p>"I am reminded, by my young clerk, that the mail is about
+closing, and that this letter must also close, if it is to go to-day,
+and thus I must omit the mention of the new year's festivities,
+which properly belong to our numerous Scottish fellow settlers
+who in their own country ignore Christmas as a popish
+superstition; they are, however, now becoming anglicised
+('Englified' they call it) in their habits, and similarly the
+Midland county men of England enter into their Caledonian
+custom, from the harmless orgies of 'Hagmenae' to the frantic
+capers of 'Gillie Cullum,' to the skirl of the panting piper."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas at the Sandwich Islands.</span></div>
+
+<p>In "A Voyage in the <i>Sunbeam</i>," Lady Brassey gives an
+interesting account of the keeping of Christmas, 1876, on the
+Sandwich Islands. We quote the following extracts:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty minutes' hard riding brought us to the door of the
+'Volcano House,' from which issued the comforting light of a
+large wood fire, reaching half way up the chimney.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything at this inn is most comfortable, though the style
+is rough and ready. The interior is just now decorated for
+Christmas, with wreaths, and evergreens, and ferns, and
+branches of white plumes, not unlike <i>reva-reva</i>, made from the
+path of the silver grass.</p>
+
+<p>"The grandeur of the view in the direction of the volcano
+increased as the evening wore on. The fiery cloud above the
+present crater grew in size and depth of colour; the extinct
+crater glowed red in thirty or forty different places; and
+clouds of white vapour issued from every crack and crevice in
+the ground, adding to the sulphurous smell with which the
+atmosphere was laden. Our room faced the volcano: there
+were no blinds, and I drew back the curtains and lay watching
+the splendid scene until I fell asleep.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Sunday, December 24th (Christmas Eve)</i>&mdash;I was up at four
+o'clock to gaze once more on the wondrous spectacle that lay
+before me. The molten lava still glowed in many places, the
+red cloud over the fiery lake was bright as ever, and steam was
+slowly ascending in every direction over hill and valley, till, as
+the sun rose, it became difficult to distinguish clearly the
+sulphurous vapours from the morning mists. We walked down
+to the Sulphur Banks, about a quarter of a mile from the
+'Volcano House,' and burnt our gloves and boots in our
+endeavours to procure crystals, the beauty of which generally
+disappeared after a very short exposure to the air. We succeeded,
+however, in finding a few good specimens, and, by
+wrapping them at once in paper and cotton-wool and putting
+them into a bottle, hope to bring them home uninjured.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Monday, December 25th (Christmas Day)</i>&mdash;Turning in last
+night was the work of a very few minutes, and this morning I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">306</a></span>
+awoke perfectly refreshed and ready to appreciate anew the
+wonders of the prospect that met my eyes. The pillar of fire
+was still distinctly visible, when I looked out from my window,
+though it was not so bright as when I had last seen it, but even
+as I looked it began to fade and gradually disappeared. At the
+same moment a river of glowing lava issued from the side of the
+bank we had climbed with so much difficulty yesterday, and
+slowly but surely overflowed the ground we had walked over.
+You may imagine the feelings with which we gazed upon this
+startling phenomenon, which had it occurred a few hours
+earlier, might have caused the destruction of the whole party.</p>
+
+<div class="center">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</div>
+
+<p>"It would, I think, be difficult to imagine a more interesting
+and exciting mode of spending Christmas Eve than yesterday
+has taught us, or a stranger situation in which to exchange our
+Christmas greetings than beneath the grass roof of an inn on
+the edge of a volcano in the remote Sandwich Islands.</p>
+
+<div class="center">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</div>
+
+
+<p>"The ride down to Hilo was as dull and monotonous as our
+upward journey had been. At last we reached the pier, where
+we found the usual little crowd waiting to see us off. The girls
+who had followed us when we first landed came forward shyly
+when they thought they were unobserved, and again encircled
+me with <i>leis</i> of gay and fragrant flowers. The custom of
+decorating themselves with wreaths on every possible occasion
+is in my eyes a charming one, and I like the inhabitants of
+Polynesia for their love of flowers.</p>
+
+<p>"The whole town was <i>en f&ecirc;te</i> to-day. Natives were riding
+about in pairs, in the cleanest of bright cotton dresses and the
+freshest of <i>leis</i> and garlands. Our own men from the yacht
+contributed not a little to the gaiety of the scene. They were
+all on shore, and the greater part of them were galloping about
+on horseback, tumbling off, scrambling on again, laughing,
+flirting, joking, and enjoying themselves generally after a
+fashion peculiar to English sailors. As far as we know the only
+evil result of all this merriment was that the doctor received a
+good many applications for diachylon plaster in the course of
+the evening, to repair various 'abrasions of the cuticle,' as he
+expressed it.</p>
+
+<p>"I think at least half the population of Hilo had been on
+board the yacht in the course of the day, as a Christmas treat.
+At last we took a boat and went off too, accompanied by Mr.
+Lyman. The appearance of the 'Sunbeam' from the shore
+was very gay, and as we approached it became more festive
+still. All her masts were tipped with sugar-canes in bloom.
+Her stern was adorned with flowers, and in the arms of the
+figurehead was a large bouquet. She was surrounded with
+boats, the occupants of which cheered us heartily as we rode
+alongside. The whole deck was festooned with tropical plants<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">307</a></span>
+and flowers, and the decorations of the cabins were even more
+beautiful and elaborate. I believe all hands had been hard at
+work ever since we left to produce this wonderful effect, and
+every garden in Hilo had furnished a contribution to please and
+surprise us on our return.</p>
+
+<p>"The choir from Hilo came out in boats in the evening, sang
+all sorts of songs, sacred and secular, and cheered everybody
+till they were hoarse. After this, having had a cold dinner, in
+order to save trouble, and having duly drunk the health of our
+friends at home, we all adjourned to the saloon, to assist in the
+distribution of some Christmas presents&mdash;a ceremony which
+afforded great delight to the children, and which was equally
+pleasing to the elder people and to the crew, if one may judge
+from their behaviour on the occasion.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we sat on deck, gazing at the cloud of fire over
+Kilauea, and wondering if the appearance of the crater could
+ever be grander than it was last night, when we were standing
+on its brim.</p>
+
+<p>"So ended Christmas Day, 1876, at Hilo, in Hawaii. God
+grant that there may be many more as pleasant for us in the
+future!"</p>
+
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas on Board the "Sunbeam," 1879.</span></div>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i5">"The wind is chill,</span>
+<span class="i0">But let it whistle as it will</span>
+<span class="i0">We'll keep our Christmas merry still."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>In "Sunshine and Storm in the East, or Cruises to Cyprus
+and Constantinople," Lady Brassey gives an interesting account
+of the celebration of Christmas on board the <i>Sunbeam</i>, between
+Malta and Marseilles, December 25, 1879:&mdash;"We had service
+early and then spent a long busy morning in arranging all the
+presents for the children, servants, and crew, and in decorating
+the cabin. We could not manage any holly, but we had
+carefully preserved one bough of mistletoe from Artaki Bay,
+and had brought on board at Malta baskets full of flowers, so
+that all the pictures, lamps, and even walls, were wreathed with
+festoons of bougainvill&aelig;a, ivy, and other creeping plants; while
+in every available corner were placed, vases, bowls, and soup-plates,
+containing flowers. If not exactly 'gay with holly-berries,'
+so dear to English hearts from their association with
+yule-tide at home, the general appearance of the cabins was
+highly satisfactory. In the meantime they had been busy in
+the kitchen and pantry departments, preparing all sorts of good
+things for dinner, and pretty things for dessert, in order that
+the crew and servants might enjoy a more sumptuous repast
+than usual. A Christmas tree, a snow man, or an ice cave, for
+the distribution of presents, was not within the limit of our
+resources; but we decorated our tables and sideboards with
+bright shawls and scarves, and wreathed and divided the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">308</a></span>
+surface of each with garlands of flowers, placing in every
+division a pretty Christmas card, bearing the name of the
+recipient of the present, which was hidden away among the
+flowers beneath.... For the men there was plenty of tobacco,
+besides books and useful things; for the children toys; and for
+ourselves, slippers and little remembrances of various kinds,
+some sent from home to meet us, others recent purchases.
+The distribution over, one or two speeches were made, and
+mutual congratulations and good wishes were exchanged.
+Then the crew and servants retired to enjoy the, to them, all-important
+event of the day&mdash;dinner and dessert. After our
+own late dinner, we thought of those near and dear to us at
+home, and drank to the health of 'absent friends.'"</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">A Missionary's Christmas in China.</span></div>
+
+<p>In a letter from Tsing Cheu Fu Chefoo, December 24, 1887,
+the Rev. A. G. Jones, Baptist missionary, says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Dawson asks how Englishmen spend Christmas in
+China. Well, it depends. Some spend it at the ports dog-racing
+and eating pudding&mdash;having a night of it. The missionaries
+generally take no notice of it. In our mission we hold
+one of the semi-annual dedication-of-children services on
+Christmas. We think it a very appropriate day for the recognition
+of the sacredness of the gift of trust of children.
+The idea is a Chinese one, originating with one of our
+Christians, and we adopted it as the day for the custom. Tomorrow
+will be Christmas Day, and I have come out twenty
+miles this evening to hold a service of that kind with the
+semi-annual communion as it happens. It will be a cold,
+cheerless room in a clay-built cabin down in the corner of a
+bare valley in a trap and basalt district with sparse vegetation
+and a bare aspect. A cold spot with a handful of Christians,
+bearing their testimony alone out on the margin of our field of
+work. I hope to see 40 or 50 patients up to sundown, and
+then have worship with them at night. That will be my
+Christmas. This evening&mdash;in the city&mdash;all the children and
+our wives are having a Christmas tree in the theological
+lecture-room, and on Tuesday next I guess we'll have our
+dinner. John Bull, Paddy, Sandy, and Taffy all seem to agree
+in <i>that</i> feature. My Sunday will only be a sample of others.
+So it goes&mdash;working away. Now I must say goodbye. Many
+thanks and many good wishes."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">A Visit to Christmas Island.</span></div>
+
+<p>Letters were received in December, 1887, from H.M.S. <i>Egeria</i>,
+Commander Pelham Aldrich, containing particulars of a visit she
+had recently made to Christmas Island, which she was ordered
+to explore for scientific purposes. Christmas Island is situated
+in the Indian Ocean, in latitude 11&deg; south, longitude 105&deg; 30'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">309</a></span>
+east; it is 1,100 feet above the sea, is twelve miles long and
+eight miles broad. The officers and men told off for exploring
+purposes found that the whole place was composed of coral
+and rock; notwithstanding this, however, it is covered almost
+completely with trees and shrubs, the trees, which are of large
+dimensions, seeming to grow literally out of the rock itself,
+earth surfaces being conspicuous by their absence. It is
+uninhabited by human beings, nor could any traces of animals
+be discovered, but seabirds swarm over every part of the island,
+and about four hundred wood pigeons were shot by the explorers
+while they remained there. No fruits or vegetable matter fit
+for consumption could, however, be found, nor the existence of
+any supply of fresh water, and the belief is that the vegetation
+of the island is dependent for nourishment on the dews and the
+heavy rains that fall.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in America.</span></div>
+
+<p>Writing just before the Christmas festival of 1855, Mr. Howard
+Paul says the general manner of celebrating Christmas Day is
+much the same wherever professors of the Christian faith are
+found; and the United States, as the great Transatlantic offshoot
+of Saxon principles, would be the first to conserve the traditional
+ceremonies handed down from time immemorial by our canonical
+progenitors of the East. But every nation has its idiocratic
+notions, minute and otherwise, and it is not strange that the
+Americans, as a creative people, have peculiar and varied ways
+of their own in keeping this, the most remarkable day in the
+calendar. Now and then they add a supplemental form to the
+accepted code&mdash;characteristic of the mutable and progressive
+spirit of the people&mdash;though there still exists the Church service,
+the conventional carol, the evergreen decorations, the plum-puddings,
+the pantomime, and a score of other "demonstrations"
+that never can legitimately be forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>Society generally seems to apportion the day thus: Church in
+the morning, dinner in the afternoon, and amusements in the
+evening. The Christmas dinners concentrate the scattered
+members of families, who meet together to break bread in
+social harmony, and exchange those home sentiments that
+cement the happiness of kindred. To-day the prodigal once
+more returns to the paternal roof; the spendthrift forsakes his
+boon companions; the convivialist deserts the wine-cup. The
+beautiful genius of domestic love has triumphed, and who can
+foresee the blessed results?</p>
+
+<p>Parties, balls, and f&ecirc;tes, with their endless routine of gaieties,
+are looked forward to, as pleasures are, the wide world over;
+and all classes, from highest to lowest, have their modes of
+enjoyment marked out. Preparation follows preparation in
+festal succession. Sorrow hides her Gorgon head, care may
+betake itself to any dreary recesses, for Christmas must be a
+gala!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">310</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There is generally snow on the ground at this time; if Nature
+is amiable, there is sure to be; and a Christmas sleigh-ride is
+one of those American delights that defy rivalry. There is no
+withstanding the merry chime of the bells and a fleet passage
+over the snow-skirted roads. Town and country look as if they
+had arisen in the morning in robes of unsullied white. Every
+housetop is spangled with the bright element; soft flakes are
+coquetting in the atmosphere, and a pure mantle has been
+spread on all sides, that fairly invites one to disport upon its
+gleaming surface.</p>
+
+<p>We abide quietly within our pleasant home on either the eve
+or night of Christmas. How the sleighs glide by in rapid glee,
+the music of the bells and the songs of the excursionists falling
+on our ears in very wildness. We strive in vain to content
+ourselves. We glance at the cheerful fire, and hearken to the
+genial voices around us. We philosophise, and struggle against
+the tokens of merriment without; but the restraint is torture.
+We, too, must join the revellers, and have a sleigh-ride. Girls,
+get on your fur; wrap yourselves up warmly in the old bear-skin;
+hunt up the old guitar; the sleigh is at the door, the moon
+is beaming. The bells tinkle and away we go!</p>
+
+<p>An old English legend was transplanted many years ago on
+the shores of America, that took root and flourished with
+wonderful luxuriance, considering it was not indigenous to the
+country. Probably it was taken over to New York by one of
+the primitive Knickerbockers, or it might have clung to some
+of the drowsy burgomasters who had forsaken the pictorial tiles
+of dear old Amsterdam about the time of Peter de Laar, or
+Il Bombaccia, as the Italians call him, got into disgrace in
+Rome. However this may be, certain it is that Santa Claus,
+or St. Nicholas, the kind Patron-saint of the Juveniles, makes
+his annual appearance on Christmas Eve, for the purpose of
+dispensing gifts to all good children. This festive elf is
+supposed to be a queer little creature that descends the
+chimney, viewlessly, in the deep hours of night, laden with
+gifts and presents, which he bestows with no sparing hand,
+reserving to himself a supernatural discrimination that he seems
+to exercise with every satisfaction. Before going to bed the
+children hang their newest stockings near the chimney, or pin
+them to the curtains of the bed. Midnight finds a world of
+hosiery waiting for favours; and the only wonder is that a
+single Santa Claus can get around among them all. The story
+goes that he never misses one, provided it belongs to a deserving
+youngster, and morning is sure to bring no reproach that the
+Christmas Wizard has not nobly performed his wondrous
+duties. We need scarcely enlighten the reader as to who the
+real Santa Claus is. Every indulgent parent contributes to the
+pleasing deception, though the juveniles are strong in their faith
+of their generous holiday patron. The following favourite lines
+graphically describe a visit of St. Nicholas, and, being in great<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">311</a></span>
+vogue with the young people of America, are fondly reproduced
+from year to year:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem2">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,</span>
+<span class="i0">Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;</span>
+<span class="i0">The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,</span>
+<span class="i0">In the hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there.</span>
+<span class="i0">The children were nestled all snug in their beds,</span>
+<span class="i0">While visions of sugar plums danced through their heads;</span>
+<span class="i0">And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,</span>
+<span class="i0">Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,</span>
+<span class="i0">When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,</span>
+<span class="i0">I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.</span>
+<span class="i0">The way to the window, I flew like a flash,</span>
+<span class="i0">Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash;</span>
+<span class="i0">The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow</span>
+<span class="i0">Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.</span>
+<span class="i0">When what to my wondering eyes should appear</span>
+<span class="i0">But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer;</span>
+<span class="i0">With a little old driver, so lively and quick,</span>
+<span class="i0">I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.</span>
+<span class="i0">More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,</span>
+<span class="i0">And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">Now Dasher! now Dancer! Now Prancer! now Vixen!</span>
+<span class="i0">On Comet! on Cupid! on Donder and Blixen!</span>
+<span class="i0">To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!</span>
+<span class="i0">Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!'</span>
+<span class="i0">As the leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,</span>
+<span class="i0">When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;</span>
+<span class="i0">So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,</span>
+<span class="i0">With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.</span>
+<span class="i0">And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof,</span>
+<span class="i0">The prancing and pawing of each little hoof;</span>
+<span class="i0">As I drew in my head and was turning around,</span>
+<span class="i0">Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.</span>
+<span class="i0">He was dressed all in furs from his head to his foot</span>
+<span class="i0">And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.</span>
+<span class="i0">A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,</span>
+<span class="i0">And he looked like a pedlar just opening his pack.</span>
+<span class="i0">His eyes, how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!</span>
+<span class="i0">His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;</span>
+<span class="i0">His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,</span>
+<span class="i0">And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.</span>
+<span class="i0">The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,</span>
+<span class="i0">And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.</span>
+<span class="i0">He had a broad face and a little round belly</span>
+<span class="i0">That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.</span>
+<span class="i0">He was chubby and plump&mdash;a right jolly old elf;</span>
+<span class="i0">And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.</span>
+<span class="i0">A wink of his eye and a twist of his head</span>
+<span class="i0">Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.</span>
+<span class="i0">He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,</span>
+<span class="i0">And filled all the stockings&mdash;then turned with a jerk,</span>
+<span class="i0">And laying his finger aside of his nose,</span>
+<span class="i0">And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;</span>
+<span class="i0">He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,</span>
+<span class="i0">And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.</span>
+<span class="i0">But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,</span>
+<span class="i0">'Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!'"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>A curious feature of an American Christmas is the egg-nogg
+and free lunch, distributed at all the hotels and caf&eacute;s. A week<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">312</a></span>
+at least before the 25th fanciful signs are suspended over the
+fountains of the bars (the hotel-keepers are quite classic in their
+ideas) announcing superb lunch and egg-noggs on Christmas
+Day. This invitation is sure to meet with a large response from
+the amateur epicures about town, who, ever on the <i>qui vive</i> for
+a banquet gratis, flock to the festive standard, since it has never
+been found a difficult matter to give things away, from the time
+old Heliogabalus gastronomed in Ph&oelig;nicia up to the present
+hour. A splendid hall in one of the principal hotels, at this
+moment, occurs to us. A table, the length of the apartment, is
+spread and furnished with twenty made dishes peculiar to the
+Christmas <i>cuisine</i>. There are <i>chorodens</i> and <i>fricassees</i>, <i>rago&ucirc;ts</i>
+and <i>calipee</i>, of rapturous delicacy. Each dish is labelled, and
+attended by a black servant, who serves its contents on very
+small white gilt-edged plates. At the head of the table a vast
+bowl, ornamented with indescribable Chinese figures, contains
+the egg-nogg&mdash;a palatable compound of milk, eggs, brandy, and
+spices, nankeenish in colour, with froth enough on its surface
+to generate any number of Venuses, if the old Peloponnesian
+anecdote is worth remembering at all. Over the egg-nogg mine
+host usually officiates, all smiles and benignity, pouring the rich
+draught with miraculous dexterity into cut-glass goblets, and
+passing it to the surrounding guests with profuse hand. On
+this occasion the long range of fancy drinks are forgotten.
+Sherry-cobblers, mint-juleps, gin-slings, and punches, are set
+aside in order that the sway of the Christmas draught may be
+supreme. Free lunches are extremely common in the United
+States, what are called "eleven o'clock snacks" especially; but
+the accompaniment of egg-nogg belongs unequivocally to the
+death of the year.</p>
+
+<p>The presentation of "boxes" and souvenirs is the same in
+America as in England, the token of remembrance having an
+inseparable alliance with the same period. Everybody expects
+to give and receive. A month before the event the fancy stores
+are crowded all day long with old and young in search of suitable
+<i>souvenirs</i>, and every object is purchased, from costliest
+gems to the tawdriest <i>babiole</i> that may get into the market.
+If the weather should be fine, the principal streets are thronged
+with ladies shopping in sleighs; and hither and thither sleds
+shoot by, laden with parcels of painted toys, instruments of
+mock music and septuagenarian dread, from a penny trumpet
+to a sheepskin drum.</p>
+
+<p>Christmas seems to be a popular period among the young
+folk for being mated, and a surprising number approach the
+altar this morning. Whether it is that orange-flowers and
+bridal gifts are admirably adapted to the time, or that a longer
+lease of happiness is ensured from the joyous character of the
+occasion, we are not sufficiently learned in hymeneal lore to
+announce. The Christmas week, however, is a merry one for
+the honeymoon, as little is thought of but mirth and gaiety until<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">313</a></span>
+the dawning New Year soberly suggests that we should put
+aside our masquerade manners.</p>
+
+<p>In drawing-room amusements society has a wealth of
+pleasing indoor pastimes. We remember the sententious
+Question <i>r&eacute;unions</i>, the hilarious Surprise parties, Fairy-bowl,
+and Hunt-the-slipper. We can never forget the vagabond
+Calathumpians, who employ in their bands everything inharmonious,
+from a fire-shovel to a stewpan, causing more din
+than the demons down under the sea ever dreamed of.</p>
+
+<p>What, then, between the sleigh-rides, the bell-melodies, old
+Santa Claus and his fictions, the egg-nogg and lunches, the
+weddings and the willingness to be entertained, the Americans
+find no difficulty in enjoying Christmas Day. Old forms and
+new notions come in for a share of observances; and the young
+country, in a glow of good humour, with one voice exclaims,
+"Le bon temps vienara!"</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">President Harrison as "Santa Claus."</span></div>
+
+<p>Writing from New York on December 22, 1891, a correspondent
+says: "President Harrison was seen by your
+correspondent at the White House yesterday, and was asked
+what he thought about Christmas and its religious and social
+influences. The President expressed himself willing to offer
+his opinions, and said: 'Christmas is the most sacred religious
+festival of the year, and should be an occasion of general
+rejoicing throughout the land, from the humblest citizen to
+the highest official, who, for the time being, should forget or put
+behind him his cares and annoyances, and participate in the spirit
+of seasonable festivity. We intend to make it a happy day at the
+White House&mdash;all the members of my family, representing four
+generations, will gather around the big table in the State dining-room
+to have an old-fashioned Christmas dinner. Besides Mrs.
+Harrison, there will be her father, Dr. Scott, Mr. and Mrs.
+M'Kee and their children, Mrs. Dimmick and Lieutenant and
+Mrs. Parker. I am an ardent believer in the duty we owe to
+ourselves as Christians to make merry for children at Christmas
+time, and we shall have an old-fashioned Christmas tree for the
+grandchildren upstairs; and I shall be their Santa Claus myself.
+If my influence goes for aught in this busy world let me hope
+that my example may be followed in every family in the land.'</p>
+
+<p>"Christmas is made as much of in this country as it is in
+England, if not more. The plum-pudding is not universal, but
+the Christmas tree is in almost every home. Even in the tenement
+districts of the East side, inhabited by the labouring and
+poorer classes, these vernal emblems of the anniversary are
+quite as much in demand as in other quarters, and if they
+and the gifts hung upon them are less elaborate than their
+West side congeners, the household enthusiasm which welcomes
+them is quite as marked. As in London, the streets
+are flooded with Christmas numbers of the periodicals, which,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">314</a></span>
+it may be remarked, are this year more elaborate in design and
+execution than ever. The use of Christmas cards has also
+obtained surprising proportions. A marked feature of this
+year's Christmas is the variety and elegance of offerings after
+the Paris fashion, which are of a purely ornamental and but
+slight utilitarian character. There are bonbonni&egrave;res in a variety
+of forms, some of them very magnificent and expensive; while
+the Christmas cards range in prices from a cent to ten dollars
+each. These bonbonni&egrave;res, decked with expensive ribbon or
+hand-painted with designs of the season, attain prices as high
+as forty dollars each, and are in great favour among the
+wealthy classes. Flowers are also much used, and, just now,
+are exceedingly costly.</p>
+
+<p>"While the usual religious ceremonies of the day are generally
+observed here, the mass of the community are inclined to treat
+the occasion as a festive rather than a solemn occasion, and
+upon festivity the whole population at the present time seems
+bent."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">"Merry Christmas" with the Negroes.</span></div>
+
+<p>A journalist who has been amongst the negroes in the Southern
+States of America thus describes their Christmas festivities:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Christmas in the South of the United States is a time-honoured
+holiday season, as ancient as the settlement of the
+Cavalier colonies themselves. We may imagine it to have been
+imported from 'merrie England' by the large-hearted Papist,
+Lord Baltimore, into Maryland, and by that chivalric group of
+Virginian colonists, of whom the central historical figure is the
+famous Captain John Smith, of Pocahontas memory. Perhaps
+Christmas was even the more heartily celebrated among these
+true Papist and Church of England settlers from the disgust
+which they felt at the stern contempt in which the Natal Day
+was held by 'stiff-necked Puritans' of New England. At
+least, while in New England the pilgrims were wont to work
+with exceptional might on Christmas Day, to show their
+detestation of it, traditions are still extant of the jovial
+Southern merrymaking of the festival. Christmas, with many
+of the Old England customs imported to the new soil, derived
+new spirit and enjoyment from customs which had their origin
+in the Colonies themselves. Above all was it the gala season&mdash;the
+period to be looked forward to and revelled in&mdash;of the
+negroes. Slavery, with all its horrors and wickedness, had at
+least some genial features; and the latitude which the masters
+gave to the slaves at Christmas time, the freedom with which
+the blacks were wont to concentrate a year's enjoyment into
+the Christmas week, was one of these. In Washington, where
+until the war slavery existed in a mild and more civilised form,
+the negro celebrations of Christmas were the peculiar and amusing
+feature of the season. And many of these customs, which grew
+up amid slavery, have survived that institution. The Washington<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">315</a></span>
+negroes, free, have pretty much the same zest for their
+time-honoured amusements which they had when under the
+dominion of the oligarchy. Christmas is still their great gala
+and occasion for merry-making, and the sable creatures
+thoroughly understand the art of having a good time, being
+superior, at least in this respect, to many a <i>blas&eacute;</i> Prince and
+Court noble distracted with <i>ennui</i>. Those who have seen
+the 'Minstrels' may derive some idea, though but a slight
+one, of the negro pastimes and peculiarities. They are, above
+all, a social, enthusiastic, whole-souled race; they have their
+own ideas of rank and social caste, and they have a humour
+which is homely, but thoroughly genial, and quite the monopoly
+of their race. They insist on the whole of Christmas week for
+a holiday. 'Missus' must manage how she can. To insist on
+chaining them down in the kitchen during that halcyon time
+would stir up blank rebellion. Dancing and music are their
+favourite Christmas recreations; they manage both with a will.
+In the city suburbs there are many modest little frame-houses
+inhabited by the blacks; now and then a homely inn kept by
+a dusky landlord. Here in Christmas time you will witness
+many jolly and infectiously pleasant scenes. There is a 'sound
+of revelry by night.' You are free to enter, and observe near
+by the countless gyrations of the negro cotillon, the intricate
+and deftly executed jig, the rude melody of banjos and 'cornstalk
+fiddles.' They are always proud to have 'de white folks '
+for spectators and applauders, and will give you the best seat,
+and will outdo themselves in their anxiety to show off at their
+best before you. You will be astonished to observe the scrupulous
+neatness of the men, the gaudy and ostentatious habiliments
+of 'de ladies.' The negroes have an intense ambition to imitate
+the upper classes of white society. They will study the apparel
+of a well-dressed gentleman, and squander their money on
+'swallow-tail' coats, high dickeys, white neckties, and the most
+elaborate arts of their dusky barbers. The women are even
+more imitative of their mistresses. Ribbons, laces, and silks
+adorn them, on festive occasions, of the most painfully vivid
+colours, and fashioned in all the extravagance of negro taste.
+Not less anxious are they to imitate the manners of aristocracy.
+The excessive chivalry and overwhelming politeness of the men
+towards the women is amazing. They make gallant speeches
+in which they insert as many of the longest and most learned
+words as they can master, picked up at random, and not always
+peculiarly adapted to the use made of them. Their excitement
+in the dance, and at the sound of music, grows as intense as
+does their furor in a Methodist revival meeting. They have,
+too, dances and music peculiar to themselves&mdash;jigs and country
+dances which seem to have no method, yet which are perfectly
+adapted to and rhythmic with the inspiring abrupt thud of the
+banjo and the bones. As they dance, they shout and sing, slap
+their hands and knees, and lose themselves in the enthusiasm<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">316</a></span>
+of the moment. The negroes look forward to Christmas not
+less as the season for present-giving than that of frolicking and
+jollity. Early in the morning they hasten upstairs, and catch
+'massa' and 'missus' and 'de chillun' with a respectful but
+eager 'Merry Christmas,' and are sure to get in return a new
+coat or pair of boots, a gingham dress, or ear-rings more showy
+than expensive. They have saved up, too, a pittance from their
+wages, to expend in a souvenir for 'Dinah' or 'Pompey,' the
+never-to-be-forgotten belle or sweetheart."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in France.</span></div>
+
+<p>The following account of Christmas in France, in 1823, is
+given by an English writer of the period:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The habits and customs of Parisians vary much from those
+of our own metropolis at all times, but at no time more than at
+this festive season. An Englishman in Paris, who had been for
+some time without referring to his almanac, would not know
+Christmas Day from another day by the appearance of the
+capital. It is indeed set down as a <i>jour de f&ecirc;te</i> in the calendar,
+but all the ordinary business life is transacted; the streets are
+as usual, crowded with waggons and coaches; the shops, with
+few exceptions, are open, although on other <i>f&ecirc;te</i> days the order
+for closing them is rigorously enforced, and if not attended to,
+a fine levied; and at the churches nothing extraordinary is
+going forward. All this is surprising in a Catholic country,
+which professes to pay much attention to the outward rites of
+religion.</p>
+
+<p>"On <i>Christmas Eve</i>, indeed, there is some bustle for a midnight
+mass, to which immense numbers flock, as the priests, on
+this occasion, get up a showy spectacle which rivals the theatres.
+The altars are dressed with flowers, and the churches decorated
+profusely; but there is little in all this to please men who have
+been accustomed to the John Bull mode of spending the evening.
+The good English habit of meeting together to forgive offences
+and injuries, and to cement reconciliations, is here unknown.
+The French listen to the Church music, and to the singing of
+their choirs, which is generally excellent, but they know nothing
+of the origin of the day and of the duties which it imposes.
+The English residents in Paris, however, do not forget our
+mode of celebrating this day. Acts of charity from the rich
+to the needy, religious attendance at church, and a full observance
+of hospitable rites, are there witnessed. Paris furnishes
+all the requisites for a good pudding, and the turkeys are
+excellent, though the beef is not to be displayed as a prize
+production.</p>
+
+<p>"On <i>Christmas Day</i> all the English cooks in Paris are in full
+business. The queen of cooks, however, is Harriet Dunn, of
+the Boulevard. As Sir Astley Cooper among the cutters
+of limbs, and d'Egville among the cutters of capers, so is
+Harriet Dunn among the professors of one of the most<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">317</a></span>
+necessary, and in its results most gratifying professions in
+existence; her services are secured beforehand by special
+retainers; and happy is the peer who can point to his
+pudding, and declare that it is of the true Dunn composition.
+Her fame has even extended to the provinces. For some time
+previous to Christmas Day, she forwards puddings in cases to
+all parts of the country, ready cooked and fit for the table, after
+the necessary warming. All this is, of course, for the English.
+No prejudice can be stronger than that of the French against
+plum-pudding&mdash;a Frenchman will dress like an Englishman,
+swear like an Englishman, and get drunk like an Englishman;
+but if you would offend him for ever compel him to eat plum-pudding.
+A few of the leading restaurateurs, wishing to appear
+extraordinary, have <i>plomb-pooding</i> upon their cartes, but in no
+instance is it ever ordered by a Frenchman. Everybody has
+heard the story of St. Louis&mdash;Henri Qautre, or whoever else
+it might be&mdash;who, wishing to regale the English ambassador on
+Christmas Day with a plum-pudding, procured an excellent
+recipe for making one, which he gave to his cook, with strict
+injunctions that it should be prepared with due attention to all
+particulars. The weight of the ingredients, the size of the
+copper, the quantity of water, the duration of time, everything
+was attended to except one trifle&mdash;the king forgot the
+cloth, and the pudding was served up, like so much
+soup in immense tureens, to the surprise of the ambassador,
+who was, however, too well bred to express his astonishment.
+Louis XVIII., either to show his contempt of the
+prejudices of his countrymen, or to keep up a custom
+which suits his palate, has always an enormous pudding on
+Christmas Day, the remains of which, when it leaves the table,
+he requires to be eaten by the servants, <i>bon gr&eacute;, mauvais gr&eacute;</i>;
+but in this instance even the commands of sovereignty are
+disregarded, except by the numerous English in his service,
+consisting of several valets, grooms, coachmen, &amp;c., besides a
+great number of ladies' maids in the service of the duchesses
+of Angouleme and Berri, who very frequently partake of the
+dainties of the king's table."</p>
+
+<p>In his "Year Book, 1832," Hone says that at Rouen, after the
+<i>Te Deum</i>, in the nocturnal office or vigil of Christmas, the
+ecclesiastics celebrated the "office of the shepherds" in
+the following manner:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The image of the Virgin Mary was placed in a stable prepared
+behind the altar. A boy from above, before the choir,
+in the likeness of an angel, announced the nativity to certain
+canons or vicars, who entered as shepherds through the great
+door of the choir, clothed in tunicks and amesses. Many boys
+in the vaults of the church, like angels, then began the '<i>gloria
+in excelsis</i>.' The shepherds, hearing this, advanced to the
+stable, singing '<i>peace, goodwill</i>,' &amp;c. As soon as they entered
+it, two priests in dalmaticks, as if women (quasi obstetrices)<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">318</a></span>
+who were stationed at the stable, said, 'Whom seek ye?'
+The shepherds answered, according to the angelic annunciation,
+'Our Saviour Christ.' The women then opening the
+curtain exhibited the boy, saying, 'The little one is here as
+the Prophet Isaiah said.' They then showed the mother,
+saying, 'Behold the Virgin,' &amp;c. Upon these exhibitions they
+bowed and worshipped the boy, and saluted his mother. The
+office ended by their returning to the choir, and singing,
+Alleluia, &amp;c."<a name="FNanchor_95_95" id="FNanchor_95_95"></a><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Day in Besieged Paris.</span><br /><br /></div>
+
+<p class="quotsig"><span class="smcap">Christmas, Paris,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br />
+<i>Sunday, Dec. 25, 1870, 98th day of the Siege.</i>
+</p>
+
+<p>"Never has a sadder Christmas dawned on any city. Cold,
+hunger, agony, grief, and despair sit enthroned at every habitation
+in Paris. It is the coldest day of the season and the fuel
+is very short; and the government has had to take hold of the
+fuel question, and the magnificent shade-trees that have for
+ages adorned the avenues of this city are all likely to go in the
+vain struggle to save France. So says the Official Journal of
+this morning. The sufferings of the past week exceed by far
+anything we have seen. There is scarcely any meat but horse-meat,
+and the government is now rationing. It carries out its
+work with impartiality. The omnibus-horse, the cab-horse,
+the work-horse, and the fancy-horse, all go alike in the mournful
+procession to the butchery shops&mdash;the magnificent blooded
+steed of the Rothschilds by the side of the old plug of the
+cabman. Fresh beef, mutton, pork are now out of the
+question. A little poultry yet remains at fabulous prices.
+In walking through the Rue St. Lazare I saw a middling-sized
+goose and chicken for sale in a shop-window, and I
+had the curiosity to step in and inquire the price (rash man
+that I was). The price of the goose was $25, and the
+chicken $7."<a name="FNanchor_96_96" id="FNanchor_96_96"></a><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a><br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Paris in 1886.</span></div>
+
+<p>The Paris correspondent of the <i>Daily Telegraph</i> writes:&mdash;"Although
+New Year's Day is the great French festival, the
+fashion of celebrating Christmas something after the English
+custom is gaining ground in Paris every year. Thus a good
+deal of mistletoe now makes its appearance on the boulevards
+and in the shop windows, and it is evident that the famous
+Druidical plant, which is shipped in such large quantities every
+year to England from Normandy and Brittany, is fast becoming
+popular among Parisians. Another custom, that of decorating
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">319</a></span>Christmas trees in the English and German style, has become
+quite an annual solemnity here since the influx of Alsatians and
+Lorrainers, while it is considered <i>chic</i>, in many quarters, to eat
+approximate plum-pudding on the 25th of December. Unfortunately,
+the Parisian 'blom budding,' unless prepared by British
+hands, is generally a concoction of culinary atrocities, tasting,
+let us say, like saveloy soup and ginger-bread porridge. In a
+few instances the 'Angleesh blom budding' has been served at
+French tables in a soup tureen; and guests have been known to
+direct fearful and furtive glances towards it, just as an Englishman
+might regard with mingled feelings of surprise and suspicion
+a fricassee of frogs. But independently of foreign innovations,
+Parisians have their own way of celebrating No&euml;l. To-night
+(Christmas Eve) for instance, there will be midnight masses in
+the principal churches, when appropriate canticles and Adam's
+popular 'No&euml;l' will be sung. In many private houses the
+<i>boudin</i> will also be eaten after the midnight mass, the rich
+baptising it in champagne, and the <i>petit bourgeois</i>, who has not
+a wine cellar, in a cheap concoction of bottled stuff with a
+Bordeaux label but a strong Paris flavour. The feast of No&euml;l is,
+however, more archaically, and at the same time more earnestly,
+celebrated in provincial France. In the south the head of the
+family kindles the yule-log, or <i>b&ucirc;che-de-No&euml;l</i>, which is supposed
+to continue burning until the arrival of spring. Paterfamilias
+also lights the <i>calen</i>, or Christmas lamp, which represents the
+Star of Bethlehem, and then all repair to the midnight mass in
+those picturesque groups which painters have delighted to
+commit to canvas. The inevitable <i>baraques</i>, or booths, which
+are allowed to remain on the great boulevards from Christmas
+Eve until the Feast of the Kings, on January 6, have made their
+appearance. They extend from the Place de la Madeleine to
+the Place de la R&eacute;publique, and are also visible on some of the
+other boulevards of the metropolis. Their glittering contents
+are the same as usual, and, despite their want of novelty, crowds
+of people lounged along the boulevards this afternoon and
+inspected them with as much curiosity as if they formed part of
+a Russian fair which had been temporarily transported from
+Nijni Novgorod to Paris. What was more attractive, however,
+was the show of holly, mistletoe, fir-trees, camellias, tea-roses,
+and tulips in the famous flower-market outside the Madeleine.
+A large tent has been erected, which protects the sellers of
+winter flowers from the rain, and this gives the market a gayer
+and more brilliant appearance than usual. What strikes one
+more than anything else, however, is the number of French
+people whom one sees purchasing holly bushes and mistletoe,
+which they carry home in huge bundles, after the good old
+English fashion. Notwithstanding the dampness and gloom of
+the weather, which hovers between frost and rain, the general
+aspect of Paris to-day is one of cheerful and picturesque
+animation, and the laughing crowds with whom one jostles<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">320</a></span>
+in the streets are thoroughly imbued with the festive character
+of the season.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Normandy.</span></div>
+
+<p>In describing the old-custom-loving people of Lower Normandy,
+a writer on "Calvados," in 1884-5, thus refers to the
+season of Christmas and Twelfth-tide: "Now Christmas arrives,
+and young and old go up to greet the little child Jesus, lying on
+his bed of straw at the Virgin Mother's feet and smiling to all
+the world. Overhead the old cracked bell clangs exultant,
+answering to other bells faint and far on the midnight air; a
+hundred candles are burning and every church window shines
+through the darkness like the gates of that holy New Jerusalem
+'whose light was as a stone most precious&mdash;a jasper-stone clear
+as crystal.' With Twelfth-tide this fair vision suffers a metamorphosis,
+blazoning out into the paganish saturnalia of bonfires,
+which in Calvados is transferred from St. John's Eve <i>le jour des
+Rois</i>. Red flames leap skyward, fed by dry pine fagots, and
+our erstwhile devout peasants, throwing moderation to the winds,
+join hands, dance, and leap for good luck through blinding
+smoke and embers, shouting their rude doggerel:</p>
+
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"'Adieu les Rois</span>
+<span class="i0">Jusqu'a douze mois,</span>
+<span class="i0">Douze mois passes</span>
+<span class="i0">Les <i>bougel&eacute;es</i>.'"<br /></span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Provence.</span></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig72.jpg" width="600" height="467" alt="PROVEN&Ccedil;AL PLAYS AT CHRISTMASTIDE."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+proven&ccedil;al plays at christmastide.</span></span></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">321</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Heinrich Heine delighted in the infantile childishness of a
+Proven&ccedil;al Christmas. He never saw anything prettier in his
+life, he said, than a No&euml;l procession on the coast of the
+Mediterranean. A beautiful young woman and an equally
+lovely child sat on a donkey, which an old fisherman in a
+flowing brown gown was supposed to be leading into Egypt.
+Young girls robed in white muslin were supposed to be angels, and
+hovered near the child and its mother to supply to him sweetmeats
+and other refreshments. At a respectful distance there was a procession
+of nuns and village children, and then a band of vocalists
+and instrumentalists. Flowers and streaming banners were
+unsparingly used. Bright sunshine played upon them, and the
+deep blue sea formed a background. The seafaring people who
+looked on, not knowing whether to venerate or laugh, did both.
+Falling upon their knees they went through a short devotional
+exercise, and then rose to join the procession and give themselves
+up to unrestricted mirth. In the chateaux of the South
+of France <i>cr&egrave;ches</i> are still exhibited, and <i>cr&egrave;che</i> suppers given to
+the poorer neighbours, and to some of the rich, who are placed
+at a table "above the salt." There are also "Bethlehem Stable"
+puppet-shows, at which the Holy Family, their visitors, and
+four-footed associates are brought forward as <i>dramatis person&aelig;</i>.
+St. Joseph, the wise men, and the shepherds are made to speak
+in <i>patois</i>. But the Virgin says what she has to say in classical
+French. In the refinement of her diction, her elevation above
+those with her is expressed. At Marseilles an annual fair of
+statuettes is held, the profits of which are spent in setting up
+Bethlehem <i>cr&egrave;ches</i> in the churches and other places. Each
+statuette represents a contemporaneous celebrity, and is contained
+in the hollow part of the wax bust of some saint.
+Gambetta, Thiers, Cavour, Queen Victoria, Gr&eacute;vy, the Pope,
+Paul Bert, Rouvier (who is a Marseillais), the late Czar and other
+celebrities have appeared among the <i>figurines</i> hidden within the
+saintly busts.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Corsica.</span></div>
+
+<p>"A Winter in Corsica," by "Two Ladies," published in 1868,
+contains an interesting account of the celebration of Christmas
+in that picturesque island of the Mediterranean which is known
+as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte&mdash;"One day shortly
+before Christmas our hostess, or landlady, was very busy with
+an old body in the kitchen, who had come to make sundry
+cakes in preparation for that festive season. We were all called
+down to see what was going on, and our attention was
+particularly directed to the great oven which was heated on
+purpose to bake them. One kind of cake was made of chesnut
+flour, another of eggs and <i>broche</i> (a kind of curds made from
+goats' milk), but the principal sort was composed chiefly of
+almonds, extremely good and not unlike macaroons, but thicker
+and more substantial. For several days previously, everybody<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">322</a></span>
+in the house had been busy blanching and pounding almonds;
+not only the two servants, but Rose and Clara, the young work-women
+who were so often staying in the house, and who,
+indeed, at one time seemed to form part of the establishment.
+The old cook herself, a stout and dumpy person, was worth
+looking at, as she stood surrounded by these young women, who
+did very little but watch her operations; and the whole formed
+quite an animated picture of a foreign <i>m&eacute;nage</i>, which one rarely
+has the opportunity of seeing.</p>
+
+<div class="center">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</div>
+
+<p>"Towards Christmas, considerable preparations began to be
+made in the shops for the coming season, but chiefly, perhaps,
+for New Year's Day, which is kept throughout France as a
+grand <i>f&ecirc;te</i> day. Sweetmeats in great variety filled the windows,
+and especially what were called <i>pralines</i>&mdash;an almond comfit
+covered with rough sugar, and of a peculiar flavour. They are
+very good, and cost three francs per pound.</p>
+
+<div class="center">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</div>
+
+<p>"It seemed strange writing to friends at home wishing them
+'a happy Christmas,' when we seemed scarcely to have done
+with summer.</p>
+
+<p>"There was certainly a good deal of novelty in our mode of
+passing Christmas-time in Ajaccio.</p>
+
+<p>"We had expressed the wish to be present at midnight mass,
+in the cathedral, on Christmas Eve, and our kind hostess readily
+promised to take us, and also said we should have a <i>petit souper</i>
+with her on our return. She told us afterwards that she had
+spoken to the organist, and obtained permission for us to go
+into the organ-loft, where we should have a good view over the
+church, and not be inconvenienced by the crowd. Accordingly,
+a little before eleven o'clock, we all went downstairs, and,
+accompanied by madame, as well as by a gentleman and his
+daughter, friends of hers, proceeded to the cathedral.</p>
+
+<p>"As there is no gas in Ajaccio, the church of course is
+lighted only with candles, and very dim and gloomy it looked,
+especially at first, and during a dull monotonous kind of chanting,
+which we were told were the offices to the Virgin.</p>
+
+<p>"By and by, as midnight drew near, and the mass was about
+to commence, a great number of candles were lighted on the
+high altar and in the side chapels, and the scene became more
+brilliant and animated. We looked down upon a perfect sea of
+heads, the women all wearing the national handkerchiefs, many
+of these of bright colours, and making them conspicuous among
+the men, of whom there were also a very large number.</p>
+
+<p>"At length the organ struck up, the higher priests entered,
+wearing their richest robes, followed by numerous attendants.
+Each bowed and knelt as he passed the altar, and took his
+allotted place, and then the service began. At one point,
+supposed to be the moment of our Saviour's birth, there was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">323</a></span>
+quite an uproar. The people clapped their hands, and stamped,
+and shouted, trumpets sounded, and the organ pealed forth its
+loudest tones.</p>
+
+<p>"Then there was a very sweet hymn-tune played, and some
+beautiful voices sang Adeste Fideles, which was by far the most
+pleasing part of the service to our minds. Next came the reading
+of the Gospel, with much formality of kissing and bowing,
+and incensing; the book was moved from side to side and from
+place to place; then one priest on his knees held it up above his
+head, while another, sitting, read a short passage, and a third
+came forward to the front of the enclosed space near the altar,
+flinging the censer round and about. Then the little bell
+tinkled, and all that mass of heads bowed down lower, the Host
+was raised, the communion taken by the priests, and at one
+o'clock all was over.</p>
+
+<p>"We gladly regained the fresh air, which, though rather cold,
+was much needed after the close atmosphere of the crowded
+cathedral. The moon was very bright, and we hastened home
+with appetites sharpened by our walk, for what proved to be a
+handsome dinner, rather than a <i>petit souper</i>.</p>
+
+<div class="center">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</div>
+
+
+<p>"For ourselves, we did not forget the old home custom of
+Christmas decorations, and took some pains to dress our <i>salon</i>
+with evergreens, which we brought down from the hills the
+previous day. Although we had neither holly nor mistletoe, we
+found good substitutes for them in the elegant-leaved lentiscus,
+the tree heath and sweetly perfumed myrtle; while round the
+mirror and a picture of the Virgin on the opposite wall we
+twined garlands of the graceful sarsaparilla. The whole looked
+extremely pretty, and gave quite a festive appearance to the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>"On Christmas Day we joined some English friends for a
+walk, about eleven o'clock. It was a charming morning, bright
+and hot, as we strolled along the shore to the orange-garden of
+Barbacaja, where we gathered oranges fresh from the trees.</p>
+
+<p>"On returning home to dinner no plum-pudding or mince-pies
+awaited us certainly, but we had tolerably good beef, for a
+wonder, and lamb, <i>merles</i>, and new potatoes.</p>
+
+<div class="center">-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-</div>
+
+
+<p>"Christmas Day in Corsica is observed by the people as a
+religious festival, but not as a social one; and there are no
+family gatherings as in England and Germany. This arises, no
+doubt, from that non-existence of true domestic life which must
+strike all English taking up a temporary residence in France.</p>
+
+<p>"There was a succession of <i>f&ecirc;te</i> days throughout Christmas
+week, when the shops were shut and the people dressed in holiday
+attire. But the great day to which every one seems to look
+forward is the first of the year, <i>le Jour de l'An</i>. Presents are
+then made by everybody to everybody, and visits of congratulation,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">324</a></span>
+or merely of ceremony, received and expected. The gifts
+are sometimes costly and handsome, but generally they are
+trifling, merely valuable as works of remembrance, consisting
+chiefly of bonbons, boxes of crystallised fruits, and other confectionery."<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Chios.</span></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig73.jpg" width="600" height="710" alt="NATIVITY PICTURE (From Byzantine Ivory in the British Museum)"
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+From an Ivory, Byzantine.
+British Museum</span></span></div>
+
+<p>The preceding illustration of Eastern art belongs to the same
+period as many of the Christmas customs which have survived
+in Chios, and it carries our thoughts back to the time when
+Byzantium was the capital of the Greek Empire in the east.
+From an interesting account by an English writer in the
+<i>Cornhill Magazine</i>, for December, 1886, who spent a Christmas
+amongst the Greeks of this once prosperous isle of Chios,
+it appears that, two days before Christmas, he took up his
+quarters at "the village of St. George, a good day's journey
+from the town, on the slopes of a backbone of mountains, which
+divides Chios from north to south." On the morning following
+the arrival at St. George, "echoes of home" were heard which
+caused the writer to exclaim: "Surely they don't have
+Christmas waits here." Outside the house stood a crowd of
+children singing songs and carrying baskets. From the window,
+the mistress of the house was seen standing amongst the
+children "talking hard, and putting handfuls of something into
+each basket out of a bag." "On descending," says the writer,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">325</a></span>
+"I inquired the cause of this early invasion, and learnt that it is
+customary on the day before Christmas for children to go round
+to the houses of the village early, before the celebration of the
+liturgy, and collect what is called 'the luck of Christ'&mdash;that is
+to say, walnuts, almonds, figs, raisins, and the like. Every
+housewife is careful to have a large stock of these things ready
+overnight, and if children come after her stock is exhausted she
+says, 'Christ has taken them and passed by.' The urchins, who
+are not always willing to accept this excuse, revile her with
+uncomplimentary remarks, and wish her cloven feet, and other
+disagreeable things."</p>
+
+<p>The writer visited the chief inhabitants of St. George, and
+was regaled with "spoonfuls of jam, cups of coffee, and glasses
+of mastic liquer"; and, in a farmyard, "saw oxen with scarlet
+horns," it being the custom, on the day before Christmas, for
+"every man to kill his pig, and if he has cattle to anoint their
+horns with blood, thereby securing their health for the coming
+year.</p>
+
+<p>"It is very interesting to see the birthplace of our own
+Christmas customs here in Greece, for it is an undoubted fact
+that all we see now in Greek islands has survived since Byzantine
+days. Turkish rule has in no way interfered with religious
+observances, and during four or five centuries of isolation from
+the civilised world the conservative spirit of the East has
+preserved intact for us customs as they were in the early days
+of Christianity; inasmuch as the Eastern Church was the first
+Christian Church, it was the parent of all Christian customs.
+Many of these customs were mere adaptations of the pagan to
+the Christian ceremonial&mdash;a necessary measure, doubtless, at a
+time when a new religion was forced on a deeply superstitious
+population. The saints of the Christian took the place of the
+gods of the "Iliad." Old customs attending religious observances
+have been peculiarly tenacious in these islands, and here it is
+that we must look for the pedigree of our own quaint Christian
+habits. We have seen the children of St. George collecting
+their Christmas-boxes, we have spoken of pig-killing, and we
+will now introduce ourselves to Chiote Christmas-trees, the
+<i>rhamn&aelig;</i>, as they are called here, which take the form of an
+offering of fruits of the earth and flowers by tenants to their
+landlords.</p>
+
+<p>"The form of these offerings is varied: one tenant we saw
+chose to make his in the shape of a tripod; others merely
+adorn poles, but all of them effect this decoration in a similar
+fashion, more gaudily than artistically. The pole is over a yard
+in height, and around it are bound wreaths of myrtle, olive, and
+orange leaves; to these are fixed any flowers that may be
+found, geraniums, anemones, and the like, and, by way of
+further decoration, oranges, lemons, and strips of gold and
+coloured paper are added.</p>
+
+<p>"On Christmas morning the tenants of the numerous gardens<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">326</a></span>
+of Chios proceed to the houses of their landlords, riding on
+mules and carrying a <i>rhamna</i> in front of them and a pair of
+fowls behind. As many as three hundred of these may be seen
+entering the capital of Chios on this day, and I was told the
+sight is very imposing. At St. George we had not so many of
+them, but sufficient for our purpose. On reaching his landlord's
+house the peasant sets up the trophy in the outer room, to be
+admired by all who come; the fowls he hands over to the
+housewife; and then he takes the large family jars or <i>amphor&aelig;</i>,
+as they still call them, to the well, and draws the drinking water
+for his landlord's Christmas necessities.</p>
+
+<p>"In the afternoon each landlord gives 'a table' to his tenants,
+a good substantial meal, at which many healths are drunk,
+compliments exchanged, and songs sung, and before returning
+home each man receives a present of money in return for his
+offerings. A Greek never gives a present without expecting an
+equivalent in return."</p>
+
+<p>Another Christmas custom in Chios which reminded the
+writer of the English custom of carol-singing is thus described:
+"There are five parishes in the village of St. George, each
+supplied with a church, priests, acolytes, and candle-lighters,
+who answer to our vergers, and who are responsible for the
+lighting of the many lamps and candles which adorn an Eastern
+church. These good people assemble together on Christmas
+Day, after the liturgy is over, and form what is called 'a musical
+company'; one man is secured to play the lyre, another the
+harp, another the cymbals, and another leads the singing&mdash;if
+the monotonous chanting in which they indulge can be
+dignified by the title of singing. The candle-lighter, armed
+with a brass tray, is the recognised leader of this musical
+company, and all day long he conducts them from one house to
+another in the parish to play, sing, and collect alms. These
+musicians of St. George have far more consideration for the
+feelings of their fellow-creatures than English carol-singers, for
+the candle-lighter is always sent on ahead to inquire of the
+household they propose to visit if there is mourning in the
+house, or any other valid reason why the musicians should not
+play, in which case the candle-lighter merely presents his tray,
+receives his offering, and passes on. Never, if they can help it,
+will a family refuse admission to the musicians. They have not
+many amusements, poor things, and their Christmas entertainment
+pleases them vastly.</p>
+
+<p>"The carols of these islands are exceedingly old-world and
+quaint. When permission is given the troupe advance towards
+the door, singing a sort of greeting as follows: 'Come now and
+open your gates to our party; we have one or two sweet words
+to sing to you.' The door is then opened by the master of the
+house; he greets them and begs them to come in, whilst the
+other members of the family place chairs at one end of the
+room, on which the musicians seat themselves. The first carol<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">327</a></span>
+is a genuine Christmas one, a sort of religious recognition of the
+occasion, according to our notions fraught with a frivolity
+almost bordering on blasphemy; but then it must be remembered
+that these peasants have formed their own simple ideas of
+the life of Christ, the Virgin, and the saints, to which they have
+given utterance in their songs. A priest of St. George kindly
+supplied me with the words of some of their carols, and this is
+a translation of one of the prefatory songs with which the
+musical company commence:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"'Christmas, Christmas! Christ is born;</span>
+<span class="i0">Saints rejoice and devils mourn.</span>
+<span class="i0">Christmas, Christmas! Christ was fed</span>
+<span class="i0">On sweet honey, milk, and bread,</span>
+<span class="i0">Just as now our rulers eat</span>
+<span class="i0">Bread and milk, and honey sweet.'</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>After this the company sing a series of songs addressed to
+the various members of the family, to the father, to the mother,
+to the daughters, to the sons; if there chances to be a betrothed
+couple there, they are sure to be greeted with a special song;
+the little children, too, are exhorted in song to be good and
+diligent at school. Of these songs there are an infinite number,
+and many of them give us curious glimpses into the life, not of
+to-day, but of ages which have long since passed away.</p>
+
+<p>"The following song is addressed to the master of the house,
+and has doubtless been sung for centuries of Christmases since
+the old Byzantine days when such things as are mentioned
+in the song really existed in the houses. This is a word-for-word
+translation:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"'We have come to our venerable master;</span>
+<span class="i0">To his lofty house with marble halls.</span>
+<span class="i0">His walls are decorated with mosaic;</span>
+<span class="i0">With the lathe his doors are turned.</span>
+<span class="i0">Angels and archangels are around his windows,</span>
+<span class="i0">And in the midst of his house is spread a golden carpet</span>
+<span class="i0">And from the ceiling the golden chandelier sheds light.</span>
+<span class="i0">It lights the guests as they come and go.</span>
+<span class="i0">It lights our venerable master.'</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>On the conclusion of their carols the musicians pause for rest,
+the cymbal-player throws his cymbal on the floor, and the
+candle-lighter does the same thing with his tray, and into these
+the master of the house deposits his gifts to his parish church,
+and if they are a newly-married couple they tie up presents of
+food for the musicians in a handkerchief&mdash;figs, almonds, &amp;c.,
+which the cymbal-player fastens round his neck or ties to his
+girdle.</p>
+
+<p>"Before the musicians take their departure the housewife
+hurries off to her cupboard and produces a tray with the
+inevitable jam thereon. Coffee and mastic are served, and the
+compliments of the season are exchanged. Whilst the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">328</a></span>
+candle-lighter is absent looking for another house at which to sing, the
+musicians sing their farewell, 'We wish health to your family,
+and health to yourself. We go to join the <i>pallicari</i>.'</p>
+
+<p>"In villages where the singing of carols has fallen into disuse
+the inhabitants are content with the priestly blessing only. To
+distribute this the priest of each parish starts off on Christmas
+morning with the candle-lighter and his tray, and an acolyte to
+wave the censer; he blesses the shops, he sprinkles holy water
+over the commodities, and then he does the same by the
+houses; the smell of incense perfumes the air, and the candle-lighter
+rattles his tray ostentatiously to show what a lot of
+coppers he has got."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in a Greek Church.</span></div>
+
+<p>"Swan's Journal of a Voyage up the Mediterranean, 1826,"
+gives the following account of Christmas in a Greek Church:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Thursday, January 6th, this being Christmas Day with the
+Greek Catholics, their 'churches are adorned in the gayest
+manner. I entered one, in which a sort of raree-show had been
+set up, illumed with a multitude of candles: the subject of it
+was the birth of Christ, who was represented in the background
+by a little waxen figure wrapped up in embroidery, and reclining
+upon an embroidered cushion, which rested upon another of
+pink satin. This was supposed to be the manger where he was
+born. Behind the image two paper bulls' heads looked unutterable
+things. On the right was the Virgin Mary, and on the left
+one of the eastern Magi. Paper clouds, in which the paper
+heads of numberless cherubs appeared, enveloped the whole;
+while from a pasteboard cottage stalked a wooden monk, with
+dogs, and sheep, and camels, goats, lions, and lambs; here
+walked a maiden upon a stratum of sods and dried earth, and
+there a shepherd flourishing aloft his pastoral staff. The
+construction of these august figures was chiefly Dutch: they
+were intermixed with china images and miserable daubs on
+paper. In the centre a real fountain, in miniature, squirted
+forth water to the ineffable delight of crowds of prostrate
+worshippers."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Rome.</span></div>
+
+<p>Hone<a name="FNanchor_97_97" id="FNanchor_97_97"></a><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a> states that after Christmas Day, during the remainder
+of December, there is a Presepio, or representation of the
+manger, in which our Saviour was laid, to be seen in many of
+the churches at Rome. That of the Ara C&oelig;li is the best worth
+seeing, which church occupies the site of the temple of Jupiter,
+and is adorned with some of its beautiful pillars. On entering,
+we found daylight completely excluded from the church; and
+until we advanced, we did not perceive the artificial light, which</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">329</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig74.jpg" width="600" height="803" alt="CALABRIAN SHEPHERDS PLAYING IN ROME AT CHRISTMAS."
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+calabrian shepherds playing in rome at christmas.</span><br />
+<small>(<i>From Hone's "Every-day Book</i>," 1826)</small></span></div>
+
+<p>was so managed as to stream in fluctuating rays, from intervening
+silvery clouds, and shed a radiance over the lovely babe and
+bending mother, who, in the most graceful attitude, lightly holds
+up the drapery which half conceals her sleeping infant from the
+bystanders. He lies in richly embroidered swaddling clothes,
+and his person, as well as that of his virgin mother, is ornamented
+with diamonds and other precious stones; for which
+purpose, we are informed, the princesses and ladies of high
+rank lend their jewels. Groups of cattle grazing, peasantry<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">330</a></span>
+engaged in different occupations, and other objects, enliven
+the picturesque scenery; every living creature in the group,
+with eyes directed towards the Presepio, falls prostrate in
+adoration. In the front of this theatrical representation a little
+girl, about six or eight years old, stood on a bench, preaching
+extempore, as it appeared, to the persons who filled the church,
+with all the gesticulation of a little actress, probably in commemoration
+of those words of the psalmist, quoted by our
+blessed Lord&mdash;"Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings
+Thou hast perfected praise." In this manner the Scriptures are
+<i>acted</i>; not "read, marked, and inwardly digested." The whole
+scene had, however, a striking effect, well calculated to work
+upon the minds of a people whose religion consists so largely in
+outward show. [From "A Narrative of Three Years in Italy."]</p>
+
+<p>As at the beginning, so in the latter part of the nineteenth
+century, the church celebrations of Christmas continue to be
+great Christmas attractions in the Eternal City.</p>
+
+<p>From the description of one who was present at the
+Christmas celebration of 1883, we quote the following
+extracts:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"On Christmas morning, at ten o'clock, when all the world
+was not only awake, but up and doing, mass was being said and
+sung in the principal churches, but the great string of visitors to
+the Imperial City bent their steps towards St. Peter's to witness
+the celebration of this the greatest feast in the greatest Christian
+Church.</p>
+
+<p>"As the heavy leather curtain which hangs before the door
+fell behind one, this sacred building seemed indeed the world's
+cathedral; for here were various crowds from various nations,
+and men and women followers of all forms of faiths, and men
+and women of no faith at all. The great church was full of
+light and colour&mdash;of light that came in broad yellow beams
+through the great dome and the high eastern windows, making
+the candles on the side altars and the hundred ever-burning
+lamps around the St. Peter's shrine look dim and yellow in the
+fulness of its radiance; and of colour combined of friezes of
+burnished gold, and brilliant frescoes, and rich altar pieces, and
+bronze statues, and slabs of oriental alabaster, and blocks of red
+porphyry and lapis lazuli, and guilded vaulted ceiling, and walls
+of inlaid marbles.</p>
+
+<p>"In the large choir chapel, containing the tomb of Clement
+IX., three successive High Masses were celebrated, the full
+choir of St. Peter's attending. In the handsomely carved old
+oak stalls sat bishops in purple and rich lace, canons in white,
+and minor canons in grey fur capes, priests and deacons, and a
+hundred acolytes wearing silver-buckled shoes and surplices.
+This chapel, with its life-size marble figures resting on the
+cornices, has two organs, and here the choicest music is
+frequently heard.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course the choir chapel was much too small to hold the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">331</a></span>
+great crowd, which, therefore, overflowed into the aisles and
+nave of the vast church, where the music could be heard likewise.
+This crowd broke up into groups, each worthy of a
+study, and all combining to afford an effect at once strange and
+picturesque. There are groups of Americans, English, French,
+Germans, and Italians promenading round the church, talking
+in their respective native tongues, gesticulating, and now and
+then pausing to admire a picture or examine a statue.
+Acquaintances meet and greet; friends introduce mutual
+friends; compliments are exchanged, and appointments made.
+Meanwhile masses are being said at all the side altars, which
+are surrounded by knots of people who fall on their knees at
+the sound of a little bell, and say their prayers quite undisturbed
+by the general murmur going on around them.</p>
+
+<p>"Presently there is a stir in the crowd surrounding the choir
+chapel; the organ is at its loudest, and then comes a long
+procession of vergers in purple and scarlet facings, and cross
+and torch bearers, and censer bearers, and acolytes and deacons
+and priests and canons and bishops, and a red-robed cardinal
+in vestments of cloth of gold wrought and figured with many a
+sacred sign, and, moreover, adorned with precious stones; and
+High Mass at St. Peter's, on Christmas Day, is at an end.</p>
+
+<p>"During the day most of the shops and all the Government
+offices were open. Soldiers were drilled all day long in the
+Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, and were formally marched to their
+various barracks, headed by bands discoursing martial music;
+whilst the postmen delivered their freight of letters as on
+ordinary days of the week. In the afternoon most of those who
+were at St. Peter's in the morning assembled to hear Grand
+Vespers at the handsome and famous church of San Maria
+Maggiore, one of the oldest in Christendom, the Mosaics on the
+chancel arch dating from the fifth century. The church was
+illuminated with hundreds of candles and hung with scarlet
+drapery, the effect being very fine; the music such as can alone
+be heard in Rome. On the high altar was exhibited in a
+massive case of gold and crystal two staves said to have been
+taken from the manger in which Christ was laid, this being
+carried round the church at the conclusion of Vespers. Almost
+every English visitor in Rome was present."</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas at Monte Carlo.</span></div>
+
+<p>"Every one has heard of the tiny principality of Monaco, with
+its six square miles of territory facing the Mediterranean, and
+lying below the wonderful Corniche-road, which has been for
+ages the great highway south of the Alps, connecting the South
+of France with Northern Italy. Of course many visitors come
+here to gamble, but an increasing number are attracted by the
+beauty of the scenery and the charm of the climate; and here
+some hundreds of Englishmen and Englishwomen spent their
+Christmas Day and ate the conventional plum-pudding.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">332</a></span>
+Christmas had been ushered in by a salvo of artillery and a
+High Mass at the cathedral at eleven on Christmas Eve, and
+holly and mistletoe (which seemed strangely out of place
+amongst the yellow roses and hedges of geraniums) were in
+many hands. As illustrating the mildness of the climate and
+the natural beauty of the district, the following flowers were in
+full bloom in the open air on Christmas Day: roses of every
+variety, geraniums, primulas, heliotropes, carnations, anemones,
+narcissus, sweetwilliams, stocks, cactus, and pinks; and to
+these may be added lemon trees and orange trees laden with
+their golden fruit. As evening wore on a strong gale burst
+upon the shore, and Christmas Day closed amongst waving
+foliage and clanging doors and clouds of dust, and the fierce
+thud of angry surf upon the sea-shore below.</p>
+
+<table width="90%" summary="signature">
+<tr>
+<td class="cell_85">"January 2, 1890.</td>
+<td class="cell_15">J. S. B."</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Eve Festivities in Germany.</span></div>
+
+<p>In "The German Christmas Eve," 1846, Madame Apolline
+Flohr recalls her "childish recollections" of the Christmas
+festivities in the "happy family" of which she was a member.
+They met amid the glare of a hundred lights, and according to
+an old-established custom, they soon joined in chaunting the
+simple hymn which begins:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Now let us thank our God;</span>
+<span class="i1">Uplift our hands and hearts:</span>
+<span class="i0">Eternal be His praise,</span>
+<span class="i1">Who all good things imparts!"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>After the singing (says the writer), I ventured for the first time,
+to approach the pile of Christmas gifts intended for my sisters,
+my brothers, and myself.</p>
+
+<p>The Christmas tree, always the common property of the
+children of the house, bore gilded fruits of every species; and
+as we gazed with childish delight on these sparkling treasures
+our dear parents wiped away the tears they had plentifully
+shed, while our young voices were ringing out the sweet hymn,
+led by our friend, Herr Von Clappart, with such deep and
+solemn emotion.</p>
+
+<p>Now, as the dear mother led each child to his or her own
+little table&mdash;for the gifts for each were laid out separately, and
+thus apportioned beforehand&mdash;all was joy and merriment.</p>
+
+<p>A large table stood in the midst, surrounded by smaller ones,
+literally laden with pretty and ingenious toys, the gifts of
+friends and kindred. We liked the toys very much indeed.
+We were, however, too happy to endure quiet pleasure very
+long, and all prepared to assemble around the Christmas tree.
+After a delightful dance around the tree, and around our dear
+parents, our presents were again examined; for the variety of
+offerings made on these occasions would much exceed the
+belief of a stranger to our customs. Every article for children's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">333</a></span>
+clothing was here to be found, both for ornament and use; nor
+were books forgotten. It was then I received my first Bible
+and Prayer-book; and at the moment the precious gift was
+placed in my hand, I resolved to accompany my parents to
+church the following morning at five o'clock. (This early
+attendance at public worship on Christmas morning is a
+custom observed in Central Germany, and is called Christ-Kirche.)</p>
+
+<p>The ceremony of withdrawing, in order to attire ourselves in
+some of our new dresses, having been performed, we re-entered
+the apartment, upon which the great folding-doors being
+thrown open, a second Christmas tree appeared, laden with
+hundreds of lights. This effect was produced by the tree being
+placed opposite some large looking-glasses, which reflected the
+lights and redoubled their brilliancy.</p>
+
+<p>Here hung the gifts prepared by the hands of the children
+for their beloved parents.</p>
+
+<p>My eldest sister, Charlotte, had knitted for her mother a
+beautiful evening cap, and a long purse for her father.</p>
+
+<p>Emily presented each one of the family with a pair of
+mittens; and the little Adolphine made similar offerings of
+open-worked stockings, her first attempt.</p>
+
+<p>Our parents were also surprised and delighted to receive some
+drawings, exceedingly well executed, by my brothers, accompanied
+by a letter of thanks from those dear boys, for the kind
+permission to take lessons which had been granted to them
+during the last half-year.</p>
+
+<p>The great bell had called us together at five o'clock in the
+afternoon, to receive our Christmas gifts; and though at eleven
+our eyes and hearts were still wide awake, yet were we
+obliged to retire, and leave all these objects of delight behind
+us. All remembered that, at least, the elder branches of the
+family must rise betimes the next morning to attend the Christ-Kirche,
+and to hear a sermon on the birth of the Saviour of
+Mankind.</p>
+
+<p>The great excitement of the previous evening, and the vision
+of delight that still hovered around my fancy, prevented my
+sleeping soundly; so that when the others were attempting to
+steal away the next morning to go to church, I was fully roused,
+and implored so earnestly to be taken with the rest of the
+family, that at length my prayer was granted; but on condition
+that I should keep perfectly still during the service.</p>
+
+<p>Arrived at the church we found it brilliantly illuminated, and
+decorated with the boughs of the holly and other evergreens.</p>
+
+<p>It is quite certain that a child of five years old could not
+understand the importance, beauty, and extreme fitness of the
+sublime service she so often witnessed in after life; yet I can
+recollect a peculiarly sweet, sacred, and mysterious feeling
+taking possession of me, as my infant mind received the one
+simple impression that this was the birthday of the Saviour I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">334</a></span>
+had been taught to love and pray to, since my infant lips could
+lisp a word.</p>
+
+<p>Since early impressions are likely to be permanent, it is
+considered most important in my fatherland to surround,
+Christmas with all joyous and holy associations. A day of
+days, indeed, it is with us&mdash;a day never to be forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>So far is this feeling carried, that it is no uncommon pastime,
+even at the beginning of the new year, to project plans and
+presents, happy surprises, and unlooked-for offerings, to be
+presented at the far-off time of Christmas festivity.</p>
+
+
+<p>Another writer, at the latter end of the nineteenth century,
+gives the following account of the Christmas festivities at the
+German Court, from which it appears that the long-cherished
+Christmas customs are well preserved in the highest circle in
+Germany:&mdash;</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas at the German Court.</span></div>
+
+<p>In accordance with an old custom the Royal Family of
+Prussia celebrate Christmas in a private manner at the Emperor
+William's palace, where the "blue dining-hall" on the first
+floor is arranged as the Christmas room. Two long rows of
+tables are placed in this hall, and two smaller tables stand in
+the corners on either side of the pillared door leading to the
+ballroom. On these tables stand twelve of the finest and tallest
+fir-trees, reaching nearly to the ceiling, and covered with
+innumerable white wax candles placed in wire-holders, but
+without any other decoration.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon of the 24th great packages are brought into
+this room containing the presents for the members of the
+Imperial household, and in the presence of the Emperor his
+Chamberlain distributes them on the tables under the trees.
+The monarch always takes an active part in this work, and,
+walking about briskly from one table to the other, helps to
+place the objects in the most advantageous positions, and
+fastens on them slips of white paper on which he himself has
+written the names of the recipients. The Empress is also
+present, occupied with arranging the presents for the ladies of
+her own household. The two separate tables still remain
+empty, until the Emperor and the Empress have left the room,
+as they are destined to hold the presents for their Majesties.</p>
+
+<p>At four o'clock the entire Royal Family assemble in the large
+dining-hall of the Palace for their Christmas dinner. Besides
+all the Princes and Princesses without exception, the members
+of the Imperial household, the chiefs of the Emperor's military
+and civil Cabinets, and a number of adjutants are also present.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after the termination of the dinner the double doors
+leading to the blue hall are thrown wide open at a sign from
+the Emperor, and the brilliant sight of the twelve great fir-trees
+bearing thousands of lighted tapers is disclosed to view. This<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">335</a></span>
+is the great moment of the German Christmas Eve celebration.
+The Imperial couples then form in procession, and all proceed
+to the Christmas room. The Emperor and the Empress then
+personally lead the members of their households to the presents
+which are grouped in long rows on the tables, and which comprise
+hundreds of articles, both valuable and useful, objects of
+art, pictures, statuary, &amp;c. Meanwhile, the two separate tables
+still remain hidden under white draperies. In other rooms all
+the officials and servants of the palace, down to the youngest
+stable-boy, are presented with their Christmas-boxes. At about
+nine o'clock the Imperial Family and their guests again return
+to the dining-room, where a plain supper is then served.
+According to old tradition, the menu always includes the
+following dishes: "Carp cooked in beer" (a Polish custom),
+and "Mohnpielen," an East Prussian dish, composed of poppy-seed,
+white bread, almonds and raisins, stewed in milk. After
+the supper all return once more to the Christmas room, where
+the second part of the celebration&mdash;the exchange of presents
+among the Royal Family&mdash;then comes off.</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor's table stands on the right side of the ballroom
+door, and every object placed on it bears a paper with an
+inscription intimating by whom the present is given. The
+presents for the Empress on the other table are arranged in
+the same manner. Among the objects never missing at the
+Emperor's Christmas are some large Nuremberg ginger cakes,
+with the inscription "Weihnachten" and the year. About
+half-an-hour later tea is taken, and this terminates the Christmas
+Eve of the first family of the German Empire.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas throughout Germany,</span></div>
+
+<p>it may be added, is similarly observed in the year 1900.
+From the Imperial palace to the poor man's cottage there is
+not a family in Germany that has not its Christmas tree
+and "Weihnachts Bescheerung"&mdash;Christmas distribution of
+presents. For the very poor districts of Berlin provision is
+made by the municipal authorities or charitable societies to give
+the children this form of amusement, which they look forward
+to throughout the year.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">The Christmas Festivities in Austria</span></div>
+
+<p>are similar to those in Germany, the prominent feature being
+the beautifully-adorned and splendidly-lighted Christmas-tree.
+At one of these celebrations, a few years ago, the numerous
+presents received by the young Princess Elizabeth included a
+speaking doll, fitted with a phonograph cylinder, which created
+no small astonishment. Among other things, the doll was
+able to recite a poem composed by the Archduchess Marie
+Valerie in honour of Christmas Eve.</p>
+
+<p>The poor and destitute of Vienna are not forgotten, for, in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">336</a></span>
+addition to the Christmas-tree which is set up at the palace for
+them, a large number of charitable associations in the various
+districts of Vienna have also Christmas-trees laden with presents
+for the poor.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Eve in St. Mark's, Venice.</span></div>
+
+<p>You go into the Duomo late on Christmas Eve, and find the
+time-stained alabasters and dark aisles lit up with five hundreds
+of wax candles over seven feet high. The massive silver lamps
+suspended across the choir have the inner lamps all ablaze, as
+is also the graceful Byzantine chandelier in the centre of the
+nave that glitters like a cluster of stars from dozens of tiny glass
+cups with wick and oil within. In the solemn and mysterious
+gloom you pass figures of men and women kneeling in devotion
+before the many shrines. Some are accompanied by well-behaved
+and discreet dogs, who sit patiently waiting till their
+owners' prayer shall be over; whilst others less well trained,
+run about from group to group to smell out their friends or
+growl at foes. You slowly work your way through the throng
+to the high altar. That unique reredos, brought from Constantinople
+in early times&mdash;the magnificent "Pala d'Ora," an
+enamelled work wrought on plates of gold and silver, and
+studded with precious stones&mdash;is unveiled, and the front of the
+altar has a rich frontispiece of the thirteenth century, which is
+of silver washed with gold, and embossed figures. Numbers of
+ponderous candles throw a glimmer over the treasures with
+which St. Mark's is so richly endowed, that are profusely displayed
+on the altar. Bishops, canons and priests in full dress
+are standing and kneeling, and the handsome and much-beloved
+Patriarch of Venice officiates, in dress of gorgeous scarlet and
+cream-coloured old lace, and heavy-brocaded cope, that is
+afterwards exchanged for one of ermine, and flashing rings and
+jewelled cross. There is no music, but a deep quiet pervades
+the dim golden domes overhead and the faintly-lighted transepts.
+Stray rays of light catch the smooth surface of the
+mosaics, which throw off sparkles of brightness and cast deeper
+shadows beyond the uncertain radiance. After the midnight
+mass is celebrated you pass out with the stream of people into
+the cold, frosty night, with only the bright stars to guide you
+through the silent alleys to your rooms, where you wish each
+other "A Merry Christmas!" and retire to sleep, and to dream
+of the old home in England.&mdash;<i>Queen</i>.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig75.jpg" width="600" height="801" alt="WORSHIPPING THE CHILD JESUS (From a Picture in the Museum at Naples)"
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+sassoferrato
+(giovanni battista salvi) 1605&#727;85<br /><small>museum naples</small></span></span></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Naples.</span></div>
+
+<p>An English writer who spent a Christmas in Naples a few
+years ago, says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>In the south Christmas is bright and gay, and in truth noisy.
+The <i>festa natalizie</i>, as it is called in Naples, is celebrated by
+fairs and bonfires and fireworks. In the Toledo, that famous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">337</a></span>
+street known to all the world, booths are erected beside the
+shops, flaming in colour, and filled with all sorts of tempting
+wares. Throughout Christmas Eve an immense crowd of men,
+women, and children throng this street, nearly a mile in length.
+The vendors shriek at the top of their voice, praising themselves
+and their goods, and then, with merry peals of laughter,
+exhibit with Neapolitan drollery all the arts of their trade.
+The crowd catch the contagious spirit of fun, and toss witticisms
+to and fro, until the welkin rings with shouts and
+laughter. A revolution in Paris could not create greater excitement,
+or greater noise, than the Christmas fair at Naples, the
+largest, and certainly the merriest, in the world. As night<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">338</a></span>
+draws on the mirth grows uproarious; improvisations abound.
+Pulcinello attracts laughing crowds. The bagpipes strike with
+their ear-piercing sounds, and arise shrill above universal
+din. Fireworks are let off at every street corner, flaming
+torches carried in procession parade the streets; rockets rise in
+the air, coloured lamps are hung over doorways, and in the
+midst of the blaze of light the church bells announce the midnight
+Mass, and the crowd leave the fair and the streets, and on
+bended knee are worshipping.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;" ><img src=
+"images/fig76.jpg" width="600" height="1227" alt="ANGELS AND MEN WORSHIPPING THE CHILD JESUS (From a Picture in Seville Cathedral)"
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+Luis de Vargas 1502-1568 Seville Cathedral</span></span></div>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Spain.</span></div>
+
+<p>Spain in winter must be divided into Spain the frigid and
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">339</a></span>Spain the semi-tropic; for while snow lies a foot deep at
+Christmas in the north, in the south the sun is shining brightly,
+and flowers of spring are peeping out, and a nosegay of heliotrope
+and open-air geraniums is the Christmas-holly and
+mistletoe of Andalusia. There is no chill in the air, there is no
+frost on the window-pane.</p>
+
+<p>When Christmas Eve comes the two days' holiday commences.
+At twelve the labourers leave their work, repair
+home, and dress in their best. Then the shops are all ablaze
+with lights, ribbons and streamers, with tempting fare of sweets
+and sausages, with red and yellow serge to make warm petticoats;
+with cymbals, drums, and <i>zambombas</i>. The chief
+sweetmeats, peculiar to Christmas, and bought alike by rich
+and poor, are the various kinds of preserved fruits, incrusted
+with sugar, and the famous <i>turrni</i>. This last, which is of four
+kinds, and may be called in English phraseology, "almond rock,"
+is brought to your door, and buy it you must. A coarse kind is
+sold to the poor at a cheap rate. Other comestibles, peculiar
+to Christmas, are almond soup, truffled turkey, roasted chestnuts,
+and nuts of every sort.</p>
+
+<p>Before the <i>Noche-buena</i>, or Christmas Eve, however, one or
+two good deeds have been done by the civil and military
+authorities. On the twenty-third or twenty-fourth the custom
+is for the military governor to visit all the soldier prisoners, in
+company with their respective defensores, or advocates; and,
+<i>de officio</i>, there and then, he liberates all who are in gaol for
+light offences. This plan is also pursued in the civil prisons;
+and thus a beautiful custom is kept up in classic, romantic, Old-world
+Spain, and a ray of hope enters into and illuminates even
+the bitter darkness of a Spanish prisoners' den.</p>
+
+<p>It is Christmas Eve. The poor man has his relations round
+him, over his humble <i>puchero</i> (stew): the rich man likewise.
+<i>Friends</i> have not come, "for it is not the custom." In Spain
+only blood relations eat and drink in the house as invited guests.
+Families meet as in England. Two per cent. of the soldiers
+get a fortnight's leave of absence and a free pass; and there is
+joy in peasant homes over peasant charcoal pans. The dusky
+shades of evening are stealing over olive grove and withering
+vineyard, and every house lights up its tiny oil lamp, and every
+image of the Virgin is illuminated with a taper. In Eija, near
+Cordova, an image or portrait of the Virgin and the Babe
+new-born, hangs in well-nigh every room in every house. And
+why? Because the beautiful belief is rooted in those simple
+minds, that, on Christmas Eve, ere the clock strikes twelve, the
+Virgin, bringing blessings in her train, visits every house where
+she can find an image or portrait of <i>her Son</i>. And many a
+girl kneels down in robes of white before her humble portrait
+of the Babe and prays; and hears a rustle in the room, and
+thinks, "the Virgin comes: she brings me my Christmas Eve
+blessing;" and turns, and lo! it is <i>her mother</i>, and the Virgin's
+blessing is the mother's kiss!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">340</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In Northern Andalusia you have the <i>zambomba</i>, a flower-pot
+perforated by a hollow reed, which, wetted and rubbed with the
+finger, gives out a hollow, scraping, monotonous sound. In
+Southern Andalusia the <i>panderita</i>, or tambourine, is the chief
+instrument. It is wreathed with gaudy ribbons, and decked with
+bells, and beaten, shaken, and tossed in the air with graceful
+abandon to the strains of the Christmas hymn:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"This night is the good night,</span>
+<span class="i0">And therefore is no night of rest!"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Or, perhaps, the Church chant is sung, called "The child of
+God was born."</p>
+
+<p>Then also men click the castanet in wine-shop and cottage;
+and in such old-world towns as Eija, where no railway has
+penetrated, a breast-plate of eccentrically strung bones&mdash;slung
+round the neck and played with sticks&mdash;is still seen and
+heard.</p>
+
+<p>The turkeys have been slaughtered and are smoking on the
+fire. The night is drawing on and now the meal is over.
+Twelve o'clock strikes, and in one moment every bell from every
+belfrey clangs out its summons. Poltroon were he who had
+gone to bed before twelve on <i>Noche-buena</i>. From every
+house the inmates hurry to the gaily-lit church and throng its
+aisles, a dark-robed crowd of worshippers. The organ peals
+out, the priests and choir chant at this midnight hour the
+Christmas hymn, and at last (in some out-of-the-way towns) the
+priests, in gaudiest robes, bring out from under the altar and
+expose aloft to the crowds, in swaddling-clothes of gold and
+white, the Babe new-born, and all fall down and cross themselves
+in mute adoration. This service is universal, and is called the
+"Misa del Gallo," or Cock-crow Mass, and even in Madrid it
+is customary to attend it. There are three masses also on
+Christmas Day, and the Church rule, strictly observed, is that if
+a man fail to attend this Midnight Mass he must, to save his
+religious character, attend all three on Christmas Day. In
+antique towns, like Eija, there are two days' early mass
+(called "Misa di Luz") anterior to the "Misa del Gallo,"
+at 4 a.m., and in the raw morning the churches are thronged
+with rich and poor. In that strange, old-world town, also,
+the chief dame goes to the Midnight Mass, all her men-servants
+in procession before her, each playing a different
+instrument.</p>
+
+<p>Christmas Eve is over. It is 1.30 a.m. on Christmas morning,
+and the crowds, orderly, devout, cheerful, are wending their way
+home. Then all is hushed; all have sought repose; there are
+no drunken riots; the dark streets are lit by the tiny oil lamps;
+the watchman's monotonous cry alone is heard, "Ave Maria
+purissima; las dos; y sereno."</p>
+
+<p>The three masses at the churches on Christmas Day are all
+chanted to joyous music. Then the poor come in to pay their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">341</a></span>
+rent of turkeys, pigs, olives, or what not, to their landlord, and
+he gives them a Christmas-box: such as a piece of salt fish,
+or money, or what may be. Then, when you enter your house,
+you will find on your table, with the heading, "A Happy
+Christmas," a book of little leaflets, printed with verses. These
+are the petitions of the postman, scavenger, telegraph man,
+newsboy, &amp;c., asking you for a Christmas-box. Poor fellows!
+they get little enough, and a couple of francs is well bestowed
+on them once a year. After mid-day breakfast or luncheon is
+over, rich and poor walk out and take the air, and a gaudy,
+pompous crowd they form as a rule. As regards presents at
+Christmas, the rule is, in primitive Spain, to send a present to
+the <i>Cura</i> (parish priest) and the doctor. Many Spaniards pay a
+fixed annual sum to their medical man, and he attends all the
+family, including servants. His salary is sent to him at Christmas,
+with the addition of a turkey, or a cake, or some fine sweetmeats.</p>
+
+<p>On Christmas Eve the provincial hospitals present one of
+their most striking aspects to the visitor. It is a feast-day, and
+instead of the usual stew, the soup called <i>caldo</i>&mdash;and very weak
+stuff it is&mdash;or the stir-about and fried bread, the sick have
+their good sound meats, cooked in savoury and most approved
+fashion, their tumbler of wine, their extra cigar. Visitors,
+kindly Spanish ladies, come in, their hands laden with sweets
+and tobacco, &amp;c., and the sight of the black silk dresses trailing
+over the lowly hospital couches is most human and pathetic.
+At last <i>night</i>&mdash;the veritable Christmas Eve comes. The chapels
+in these hospitals are generally on the ground floor, and
+frequently sunk some feet below it, but open to the hospital;
+so that the poor inmates who can leave their beds can hobble
+to the railing and look down into the chapel&mdash;one mass of
+dazzling lights, glitter, colour, and music: and thus, without
+the fatigue of descending the stairs, can join in the service. At
+half-past eleven at night the chapel is gaily lit up; carriage
+after carriage, mule-cart after mule-cart rattles up to the
+hospital door, discharging crowds of ladies and gentlemen
+in evening dress; thus the common people, chiefly the
+young, with their tambourines and zambombas, pour into
+the chapel from <i>Campo</i>, and alley, and street, and soon the
+chapel is filled; while above, sitting, hobbling, lying all
+round the rails, and gazing down upon the motley and noisy
+throng below, are the inmates of the hospital. The priest
+begins the Midnight Mass, and the organs take up the service,
+the whole of which, for one hour, is chanted. Meanwhile, the
+tambourines and other musical instruments are busy, and join
+in the strains of the organ; and the din, glitter, and excitement
+are most exhilarating. And thus the occupants of the
+Spanish provincial hospitals join in the festivities of Christmastide,
+as seen by one who has dwelt "<i>Among the Spanish
+People</i>."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">342</a></span></p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas Customs in Norway.</span></div>
+
+<p>A writer who knows the manners and habits of the people of
+Norway, and their customs at Christmastide, says:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>At Christiania, and other Norwegian towns, there is, or used
+to be, a delicate Christmas custom of offering to a lady a brooch
+or a pair of earings in a truss of hay. The house-door of the
+person to be complimented is pushed open, and there is thrown
+into the house a truss of hay or straw, a sheaf of corn, or a bag
+of chaff. In some part of this "bottle of hay" envelope, there
+is a "needle" as a present to be hunted for. A friend of mine
+once received from her betrothed, according to the Christmas
+custom, an exceedingly large brown paper parcel, which, on
+being opened, revealed a second parcel with a loving motto on
+the cover. And so on, parcel within parcel, motto within
+motto, till the kernel of this paper husk&mdash;which was at length
+discovered to be a delicate piece of minute jewellery&mdash;was
+arrived at.</p>
+
+<p>One of the prettiest of Christmas customs is the Norwegian
+practice of giving, on Christmas Day, a dinner to the birds. On
+Christmas morning every gable, gateway, or barn-door, is
+decorated with a sheaf of corn fixed on the top of a tall pole,
+wherefrom it is intended that the birds should make their
+Christmas dinner. Even the peasants contrive to have a
+handful set by for this purpose, and what the birds do not eat
+on Christmas Day, remains for them to finish at their leisure
+during the winter.</p>
+
+<p>On New Year's Day in Norway, friends and acquaintances
+exchange calls and good wishes. In the corner of each
+reception-room is placed a little table, furnished all through the
+day with wine and cakes for the refreshment of the visitors;
+who talk, and compliment, and flirt, and sip wine, and nibble
+cake from house to house, with great perseverance.</p>
+
+<p>Between Christmas and Twelfth Day mummers are in season.
+They are called "Julebukker," or Christmas goblins. They
+invariably appear after dark, and in masks and fancy dresses.
+A host may therefore have to entertain in the course of the
+season, a Punch, Mephistopheles, Charlemagne, Number, Nip,
+Gustavus, Oberon, and whole companies of other fanciful and
+historic characters; but, as their antics are performed in
+silence, they are not particularly cheerful company.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas in Russia.</span></div>
+
+<p>With Christmas Eve begins the festive season known in
+Russia as <i>Svyatki</i> or <i>Svyatuie Vechera</i> (Holy Evenings), which
+lasts till the Epiphany. The numerous sportive ceremonies
+which are associated with it resemble, in many respects, those
+with which we are familiar, but they are rendered specially
+interesting and valuable by the relics of the past which they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">343</a></span>
+have been the means of preserving&mdash;the fragments of ritual
+song which refer to the ancient paganism of the land, the time-honoured
+customs which originally belonged to the feasts with
+which the heathen Slavs greeted each year the return of the
+sun. On Christmas Eve commences the singing of the songs
+called <i>Kolyadki</i>, a word, generally supposed to be akin to
+<i>Kalend&aelig;</i>, though reference is made in some of them to a
+mysterious being, apparently a solar goddess, named Kolyada.
+"Kolyada, Kolyada! Kolyada has come. We wandered about,
+we sought holy Kolyada in all the courtyards," commences one
+of these old songs, for many a year, no doubt, solemnly sung by
+the young people who used in olden times to escort from
+homestead to homestead a sledge in which sat a girl dressed in
+white, who represented the benignant goddess. Nowadays
+these songs have in many places fallen into disuse, or are kept
+up only by the children who go from house to house, to
+congratulate the inhabitants on the arrival of Christmas, and to
+wish them a prosperous New Year. In every home, says one
+of these archaic poems, are three inner chambers. In one is
+the bright moon, in another the red sun, in a third many stars.
+The bright moon&mdash;that is the master of the house; the red sun&mdash;that
+is the housewife; the many stars&mdash;they are the little
+children.</p>
+
+<p>The Russian Church sternly sets its face against the old customs
+with which the Christmas season was associated, denouncing the
+"fiendish songs," and "devilish games," the "graceless talk,"
+the "nocturnal gambols," and the various kinds of divination
+in which the faithful persisted in indulging. But, although
+repressed, they were not to be destroyed, and at various seasons
+of the year, but especially those of the summer and winter
+solstice, the "orthodox," in spite of their pastors, made merry
+with old heathenish sports, and, after listening to Christian
+psalms in church, went home and sang songs framed by their
+ancestors in honour of heathen divinities. Thus century after
+century went by, and the fortunes of Russia underwent great
+changes. But still in the villages were the old customs kept up,
+and when Christmas Day came round it was greeted by survivals
+of the ceremonies with which the ancient Slavs hailed the
+returning sun god, who caused the days to lengthen, and filled
+the minds of men with hopes of a new year rich in fruits and
+grain. One of the customs to which the Church most strongly
+objected was that of mumming. As in other lands, so in Russia
+it was customary for mummers to go about at Christmastide,
+visiting various homes in which the festivities of the season
+were being kept up, and there dancing, and performing all kinds
+of antics. Prominent parts were always played by human
+representatives of a goat and a bear. Some of the party would
+be disguised as "Lazaruses," that is, as the blind beggars who
+bear that name, and whose plaintive strains have resounded all
+over Russia from the earliest times to the present day. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">344</a></span>
+rest disguised themselves as they best could, a certain number
+of them being generally supposed to play the part of thieves
+desirous to break in and steal. When, after a time, they were
+admitted into the room where the Christmas guests were
+assembled, the goat and the bear would dance a merry round
+together, the Lazaruses would sing their "dumps so dull and
+heavy," and the rest of the performers would exert themselves
+to produce exhilaration. Even among the upper classes it was
+long the custom at this time of year for the young people to dress
+up and visit their neighbours in disguise. Thus in Count Tolstoy's
+"Peace and War," a novel which aims at giving a true account
+of the Russia of the early part of the present century, there is a
+charming description of a visit of this kind paid by the younger
+members of one family to another. On a bright frosty night
+the sledges are suddenly ordered, and the young people dress
+up, and away they drive across the crackling snow to a country
+house six miles off, all the actors creating a great sensation, but
+especially the fair maiden Sonya, who proves irresistible when
+clad in her cousin's hussar uniform and adorned with an elegant
+moustache. Such mummers as these would lay aside their
+disguises with a light conscience, but the peasant was apt to
+feel a depressing qualm when the sports were over; and it is
+said that, even at the present day, there are rustics who do not
+venture to go to church, after having taken part in a mumming,
+until they have washed off their guilt by immersing themselves
+in the benumbing waters of an ice-hole.</p>
+
+<p>Next to the mumming, what the Church most objected to
+was the divination always practised at Christmas festivals.
+With one of its forms a number of songs have been associated,
+termed <i>podblyudnuiya</i>, as connected with a <i>blyudo</i>, a dish or
+bowl. Into some vessel of this kind the young people drop
+tokens. A cloth is then thrown over it, and the various objects are
+drawn out, one after another, to the sound of songs, from the
+tenor of which the owners deduce omens relative to their future
+happiness. As bread and salt are also thrown into the bowl,
+the ceremony may be supposed to have originally partaken of
+the nature of a sacrifice. After these songs are over ought to
+come the game known as the "burial of the gold." The last
+ring remaining in the prophetic bowl is taken out by one of the
+girls, who keeps it concealed in her hand. The others sit in a
+circle, resting their hands on their knees. She walks slowly
+round, while the first four lines are sung in chorus of the song
+beginning, "See here, gold I bury, I bury." Then she slips the
+ring into one of their hands, from which it is rapidly passed on
+to another, the song being continued the while. When it
+comes to an end the "gold burier" must try to guess in whose
+hand the ring is concealed. This game is a poetical form of
+our "hunt the slipper." Like many other Slavonic customs it
+is by some arch&aelig;ologists traced home to Greece. By certain
+mythologists the "gold" is supposed to be an emblem of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">345</a></span>
+sun, long hidden by envious wintry clouds, but at this time of
+year beginning to prolong the hours of daylight. To the sun
+really refer, in all probability, the bonfires with which Christmastide,
+as well as the New Year and Midsummer is greeted in
+Russia. In the Ukraine the sweepings from a cottage are
+carefully preserved from Christmas Day to New Year's Day,
+and are then burnt in a garden at sunrise. Among some of the
+Slavs, such as the Servians, Croatians, and Dalmatians, a
+<i>badnyak</i>, or piece of wood answering to the northern Yule-log,
+is solemnly burnt on Christmas Eve. But the significance
+originally attached to these practices has long been forgotten.
+Thus the grave attempts of olden times to search the secrets of
+futurity have degenerated into the sportive guesses of young
+people, who half believe that they may learn from omens at
+Christmas time what manner of marriages are in store for them.
+Divinings of this kind are known to all lands, and bear a strong
+family likeness; but it is, of course, only in a cold country that
+a spinster can find an opportunity of sitting beside a hole cut in
+the surface of a frozen river, listening to prophetic sounds
+proceeding from beneath the ice, and possibly seeing the image
+of the husband who she is to marry within the year trembling
+in the freezing water. Throughout the whole period of the
+<i>Svyatki</i>, the idea of marriage probably keeps possession of the
+minds of many Russian maidens, and on the eve of the Epiphany,
+the feast with which those Christmas holidays come to an end,
+it is still said to be the custom for the village girls to go out
+into the open air and to beseech the "stars, stars, dear little
+stars," to be so benignant as to</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"Send forth through the christened world</span>
+<span class="i0">Arrangers of weddings."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="quotsig"><span class="smcap">W. R. S. Ralston,</span> in <i>Notes and Queries</i>, Dec. 21, 1878.</p>
+
+<p class="one">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Christmas-keeping in Africa.</span></div>
+
+<p>"A certain young man about town" (says <i>Chambers's Journal</i>,
+December 25, 1869), "once forsook the sweet shady side of Pall
+Mall for the sake of smoking his cigar in savage Africa; but
+when Christmas came, he was seized with a desire to spend it
+in Christian company, and this is how he did spend it: 'We
+English once possessed the Senegal; and there, every Christmas
+Eve, the Feast of Lanterns used to be held. The native women
+picked up the words and airs of the carols; the custom had
+descended to the Gambia, and even to the Casemanche, where
+it is still preserved. A few minutes after I had ridden up,
+sounds of music were heard, and a crowd of blacks came to the
+door, carrying the model of a ship made of paper, and illuminated
+within; and hollowed pumpkins also lighted up for the
+occasion. Then they sang some of our dear old Christmas<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">346</a></span>
+carols, and among others, one which I had heard years ago on
+Christmas Eve at Oxford:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Nowel, Nowel, the angels did say,</span>
+<span class="i0">To certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">In fields as they lay keeping their sheep,</span>
+<span class="i0">One cold winter's night, which was so deep.</span>
+<span class="i4">Nowel, Nowel, Nowel, Nowel,</span>
+<span class="i4">Born is the King of Israel.</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>You can imagine with what feelings I listened to those simple
+words, sung by negresses who knew not a phrase of English
+besides. You can imagine what recollections they called up, as
+I sat under an African sky, the palm-trees rustling above my
+head, and the crocodiles moaning in the river beyond. I
+thought of the snow lying thick upon the ground; of the keen,
+clear, frosty air. I thought of the ruddy fire which would be
+blazing in a room I knew; and of those young faces which
+would be beaming still more brightly by its side; I thought of&mdash;oh,
+of a hundred things, which I can laugh at now, because I
+am in England, but which, in Africa, made me more wretched
+than I can well express.'</p>
+
+<p>"Next day, sadness and sentiment gave way, for a while at
+least, to more prosaical feelings. When Mr. Reade sat down
+to his Christmas dinner, he must have wished, with Macbeth,
+'May good digestion wait on appetite,' as he contemplated the
+fare awaiting discussion, and to which a boar's head grinned a
+welcome. Snails from France, oysters torn from trees, gazelle
+cutlets, stewed iguana, smoked elephant, fried locusts, manati-breasts,
+hippopotamus steaks, boiled alligator, roasted crocodile
+eggs, monkeys on toast, land crabs and Africa soles, carp, and
+mullet&mdash;detestable in themselves, but triumphant proof of the
+skill of the cook&mdash;furnished forth the festival-table, in company
+with potatoes, plantains, pine-apples, oranges, papaws, bananas,
+and various fruits rejoicing in extraordinary shapes, long native
+names, and very nasty flavours; and last, but not least, palm-cabbage
+stewed in white sauce, 'the ambrosia of the gods,' and
+a bottle of good Bordeaux at every's man's elbow. When evening
+came, Mr. Reade and a special friend sought the river: 'The
+rosy wine had rouged our yellow cheeks, and we lay back on
+the cushions, and watched the setting sun with languid, half-closed
+eyes. Four men, who might have served as models to
+Appelles, bent slowly to their stroke, and murmured forth a
+sweet and plaintive song. Their oars, obedient to their voice,
+rippled the still water, and dropped from their blades pearls,
+which the sun made rubies with its rays. Two beautiful girls,
+who sat before us in the bow, raised their rounded arms and
+tinkled their bracelets in the air. Then, gliding into the water,
+they brought us flowers from beneath the dark bushes, and
+kissed the hands which took them, with wet and laughing lips.
+Like a dark curtain, the warm night fell upon us; strange cries
+roused from the forest; beasts of the waters plunged around us,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">347</a></span>
+and my honest friend's hand pressed mine. And Christmas Day
+was over. We might seek long for a stranger contrast to an
+Englishman's Christmas at home, although&mdash;to adapt some
+seasonable lines&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="i12">Where'er</span>
+<span class="i0">An English heart exists to do and dare,</span>
+<span class="i0">Where, amid Afric's sands, the lion roars,</span>
+<span class="i0">Where endless winter chains the silent shores,</span>
+<span class="i0">Where smiles the sea round coral islets bright,</span>
+<span class="i0">Where Brahma's temple's sleep in glowing light&mdash;</span>
+<span class="i0">In every spot where England's sons may roam,</span>
+<span class="i0">Dear Christmas-tide still speaks to them of Home!</span>
+<br />
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_214.jpg" width="200" height="154" alt="ORNAMENT"
+title="" /></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_93_93" id="Footnote_93_93"></a><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> The discovery of the North-West Passage for navigation from the Atlantic
+Ocean to the Pacific, by the northern coasts of the American continent; first
+successfully traversed by Sir R. McClure in 1850-1.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_94_94" id="Footnote_94_94"></a><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> <i>Chambers's Journal</i>, December 25, 1869.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_95_95" id="Footnote_95_95"></a><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> Fosbroke's "British Monachism."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_96_96" id="Footnote_96_96"></a><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> "Reminiscences of the Siege and Commune of Paris," by Ex-Minister E. B.
+Washburne.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_97_97" id="Footnote_97_97"></a><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> "Year Book."</p></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">348</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+Presentation at the Temple by P. W. Moody<br />Modern
+Stained Glass in Bishopgate Church</span></span><img src=
+"images/fig77.jpg" width="600" height="420" alt="SIMEON RECEIVED THE CHILD JESUS INTO HIS ARMS (From Modern Stained Glass in Bishopsgate Church, London)."
+title="" /></div>
+
+<p class="one"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">349</a></span><span class="smcap">
+simeon received the child jesus into his arms, and blessed god</span></p>
+
+<p class="quotsig"><small><i>Luke</i> 11 25-32</small></p>
+
+
+<h4><i>CHAPTER XIII</i></h4>
+
+<h3>CONCLUDING CAROL SERVICE OF THE
+NINETEENTH CENTURY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Now, returning from the celebrations of Christmas in distant
+parts of the world, we conclude our historic account of the
+great Christian festival by recording the pleasure with which we
+attended the</p>
+
+
+<div class="center"><span class="smcap">Concluding Carol Service of the Nineteenth Century</span></div>
+
+<p>at a fine old English cathedral&mdash;the recently restored and
+beautiful cathedral at Lichfield, whose triple spires are seen and
+well known by travellers on the Trent valley portion of the
+London and North Western main line of railway which links
+London with the North.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><img src=
+"images/fig78.jpg" width="600" height="457" alt="LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL"
+title="" /><br /><span class="caption"><span class="smcap">
+lichfield cathedral.</span><br /><small>(<i>By permission of Mr. A. C. Lomax's Successors Lichfield</i>)</small></span></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">350</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Christmas carols have been sung at Lichfield from long before
+the time of "the mighty Offa," King of the Mercians, in whose
+days and by whose influence Lichfield became for a time an
+archiepiscopal see, being elevated to that dignity by Pope
+Adrian, in 785. And, in the seventeenth century, the Deanery
+of Lichfield was conferred upon the Rev. Griffin Higgs, the
+writer of the events connected with the exhibition of "The
+Christmas Prince" at St. John's College, Oxford, in 1607, whose
+authentic account of these interesting historical events will be
+found in an earlier chapter of this work.</p>
+
+<p>The Christmas carols at Lichfield Cathedral, sung by the full
+choir at the special evening service on St. Stephen's Day
+(December 26th), have, for many years, attracted large and
+appreciative congregations, and the last of these celebrations in
+the nineteenth century (on December 26, 1900) was well
+sustained by the singers and attended by many hundreds of
+citizens and visitors. Eight Christmas Carols and an anthem
+were sung, the concluding Carol being "The First Nowell";
+and the organist (Mr. J. B. Lott, Mus. Bac., Oxon) played the
+Pastoral Symphony from Sullivan's "Light of the World,"
+Mendelssohn's March ("Cornelius"), the Pastoral Symphony
+from Handel's "Messiah," and other exquisite voluntaries.
+From the anthem, E. H. Sears's beautiful verses beginning</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"It came upon the midnight clear,</span>
+<span class="i0">That glorious song of old,"</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>set to Stainer's music and well sung, we quote the concluding
+predictive stanza:</p>
+
+<div class="poem3">
+<div class="stanza">
+<span class="ii">"For lo, the days are hast'ning on,</span>
+<span class="i1">By prophet-bards foretold,</span>
+<span class="i0">When with the ever-circling years</span>
+<span class="i1">Comes round the age of gold;</span>
+<span class="i0">When peace shall over all the earth</span>
+<span class="i1">Its ancient splendours fling,</span>
+<span class="i0">And the whole world give back the song</span>
+<span class="i1">Which now the angels sing."</span>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;"><img src=
+"images/fig_363.jpg" width="200" height="131" alt="ORNAMENT"
+title="" /></div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">351</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>INDEX</h2>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>A</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+<li>
+Abbot of Misrule, <a href="#Page_95">95</a> (<i>see</i> also Lord of Misrule)</li>
+<li>
+Abbot of Westminster, <a href="#Page_80">80</a></li>
+<li>
+Abdication of Richard Cromwell, <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
+<li>
+Abingdon, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_208">208</a></li>
+<li>
+Aboard the <i>Sunbeam</i>, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></li>
+<li>
+Abolition of Christmas celebration attempted, <a href="#Page_206">206</a></li>
+<li>
+Abraham, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+<li>
+Abyssinia, <a href="#Page_298">298</a></li>
+<li>
+"Adam Bell," <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Adam's <i>No&euml;l</i>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a></li>
+<li>
+Adams, Herbert H., <a href="#Page_227">227</a>, <a href="#Page_249">249</a></li>
+<li>
+Addison, <a href="#Page_227">227</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Adeste Fideles</i>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Adieu les Rois</i>, <a href="#Page_320">320</a></li>
+<li>
+Adrian, Pope, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Advent of Christ, the, <a href="#Page_5">005</a>5;
+<ul><li>
+season of the, <a href="#Page_12">11</a>;</li><li>
+date of the, <a href="#Page_14">14</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Advertisement, curious, <a href="#Page_232">232</a></li>
+<li>
+"Aerra Geola" (December), <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Africa, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+Africa, South, <a href="#Page_299">299</a></li>
+<li>
+Agincourt, <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+<li>
+Agrippina, wife of Claudius, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+<li>
+Aidan, Columbian Monk, <a href="#Page_27">27</a></li>
+<li>
+Ajaccio, <a href="#Page_322">322</a></li>
+<li>
+Alban, St., <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
+<li>
+Albert, Prince Consort, <a href="#Page_261">261</a></li>
+<li>
+Albemarle, Lady, <a href="#Page_241">241</a></li>
+<li>
+Aldrich, Commander Pelham, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li>
+<li>
+Ale, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_231">231</a>, <a href="#Page_251">251</a>, <a href="#Page_258">258</a>, <a href="#Page_259">259</a></li>
+<li>
+Alexander, King of the Scots, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+Alexander Severus, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+<li>
+Alexandria, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+<li>
+Alfred the Great, King, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+<li>
+All Hallowtide, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a></li>
+<li>
+Almaine accoutrements, <a href="#Page_120">120</a></li>
+<li>
+"Almes" at Christmas, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>-8</li>
+<li>
+Almoner, Lord High, <a href="#Page_260">260</a></li>
+<li>
+Alsatians, <a href="#Page_319">319</a></li>
+<li>
+Alwyn, Walter, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+<li>
+Amadas, Rob, <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
+<li>
+Ambassadors, foreign, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Ambleteuse, Brittany, <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
+<li>
+Ambrose, St., <a href="#Page_21">21</a></li>
+<li>
+America, <a href="#Page_309">309</a>-316</li>
+<li>
+Amours of Henry VIII., <a href="#Page_106">106</a></li>
+<li>
+Amusements, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>-9</li>
+<li>
+Ancaster Heath, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Andalusia, <a href="#Page_339">339</a></li>
+<li>
+Andrew, St., <a href="#Page_283">283</a></li>
+<li>
+Andrewes, Bishop, <a href="#Page_193">193</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Andromeda tetragona</i>, <a href="#Page_295">295</a></li>
+<li>
+Angel, the, appears unto Joseph, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>unto the shepherds, <a href="#Page_7">7</a></li>
+</ul>
+</li>
+<li>
+Angels' Song, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_11">11</a></li>
+<li>
+Anger, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+"Angleesh blom-bodding," <a href="#Page_319">319</a></li>
+<li>
+Angles, King of the, <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
+<li>
+Anglo-Norman language, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></li>
+<li>
+Anglo-Saxon Kings, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+<li>
+Anglo-Saxons, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Angouleme, Duchess, <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li>
+<li>
+Angus, Scotland, <a href="#Page_242">242</a></li>
+<li>
+Anjou wine, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></li>
+<li>
+Annan, Dumfriesshire, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+<li>
+Anne, daughter of Frederick  III., King of Denmark, <a href="#Page_197">197</a></li>
+<li>
+Anne, Queen, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
+<li>
+Anne, wife of Richard III., <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Annunciation, the, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a></li>
+<li>
+Anointing cattle, <a href="#Page_325">325</a></li>
+<li>
+Anselm, Archbishop, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+<li>
+Antioch, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>the church at, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>;</li>
+<li>Prince of, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+</ul>
+</li>
+<li>
+Antiochus Epiphanes, <a href="#Page_17">17</a></li>
+<li>
+Antipodes, <a href="#Page_303">303</a></li>
+<li>
+Ara C&oelig;li, Church of, <a href="#Page_328">328</a></li>
+<li>
+"Arch&aelig;ologia," <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
+<li>
+Archbishops' Quarrel, <a href="#Page_48">48</a></li>
+<li>
+Archduchess Marie Valerie, <a href="#Page_335">335</a></li>
+<li>
+Arctic regions, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>-6</li>
+<li>
+Aristophanes, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Armenian Church, the, <a href="#Page_12">11</a></li>
+<li>
+Armour under robes, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+Arnot, S., <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+"Arraignment of Christmas," the, <a href="#Page_209">209</a></li>
+<li>
+Artaki Bay, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></li>
+<li>
+Arthur, King, and his Knights, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Arthur, Prince of Wales, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+<li>
+Arundel, Earl of, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></li>
+<li>
+Astley, Sir John, <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
+<li>
+Aston, near Birmingham, <a href="#Page_243">243</a></li>
+<li>
+Athelney, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+<li>
+Attainder, <a href="#Page_222">222</a></li>
+<li>
+Attire, magnificent, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+<li>
+Attorney-General, <a href="#Page_199">199</a></li>
+<li>
+Aubrey, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_243">243</a></li>
+<li>
+Audley, Lord, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+<li>
+Augusta, Princess, <a href="#Page_241">241</a></li>
+<li>
+Augustine, St., <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Australia, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">352</a></span></li>
+<li>
+Austria, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_335">335</a></li>
+<li>
+Austria, Archduke of, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>;
+<ul><li>
+Duke of, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+</ul>
+</li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>B</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+<li>
+"Babe Cake," <a href="#Page_273">273</a></li>
+<li>
+Babingley, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Babylon, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Bacchanalia</i>, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li>
+<li>
+Bacchus, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li>
+<li>
+Bacon, Lord, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Baden, Marquis of, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Bagpipes, <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
+<li>
+Baker, Chronicler, <a href="#Page_105">105</a></li>
+<li>
+Balancing, feats of, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+Balliol, Edward, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+<li>
+Balls, <a href="#Page_249">249</a>, <a href="#Page_250">250</a>, <a href="#Page_309">309</a></li>
+<li>
+Baltimore, Lord, <a href="#Page_314">314</a></li>
+<li>
+Banks Island reindeer, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Banquetings, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>-9, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_232">232</a></li>
+<li>
+Banqueting-night ceremonies, <a href="#Page_135">135</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Barabrith</i>, <a href="#Page_281">281</a></li>
+<li>
+Barbadoes, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Barclay Alexander, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></li>
+<li>
+Barne, Sir George, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
+<li>
+"Baron of Beef," <a href="#Page_273">273</a></li>
+<li>
+"Baron's Yule Feast," <a href="#Page_266">266</a></li>
+<li>
+Barons, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+<li>
+Barriers, at, <a href="#Page_189">189</a></li>
+<li>
+Barristers singing and dancing, <a href="#Page_137">137</a></li>
+<li>
+Barrow, Isaac, <a href="#Page_204">204</a></li>
+<li>
+Barry, Sir Charles, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+<li>
+Barthe, Master George, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+"Batt upon Batt," <a href="#Page_221">221</a></li>
+<li>
+Bay of Mercy, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Beamonde, Lord of, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li>
+<li>
+Bear-baiting, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+Beatrice, Princess, <a href="#Page_262">262</a></li>
+<li>
+Beaufitz, John, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Beaumont, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Beauties, Court, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+<li>
+Becket, St. Thomas, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+<li>
+Bedchambers, fifteenth century, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Bede, the Venerable, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+<li>
+Bedford, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+Bellman, the, <a href="#Page_224">224</a></li>
+<li>
+Bells, Christmas, <a href="#Page_270">270</a>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a></li>
+<li>
+Belshazzar, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+<li>
+Belton, Mr., <a href="#Page_219">219</a></li>
+<li>
+Belvoir Castle, <a href="#Page_224">224</a>, <a href="#Page_266">266</a></li>
+<li>
+Benevolence, <a href="#Page_260">260</a>-6</li>
+<li>
+Bengel, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+Berkeley, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>;
+<ul><li>
+Lord Henry, <a href="#Page_146">146</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Berkshire, <a href="#Page_276">276</a></li>
+<li>
+Berlin, <a href="#Page_335">335</a></li>
+<li>
+Bermondsey, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+<li>
+Berners, Lord, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Berri, Duchess, <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li>
+<li>
+Bertha, Queen, <a href="#Page_27">27</a></li>
+<li>
+Berwick, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+Besieged Paris, <a href="#Page_318">318</a></li>
+<li>
+Bethlehem, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_14">14</a></li>
+<li>
+Betterton, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Bevis of Southampton, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Billiards, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Bills of fare, fifteenth century, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+<li>
+Bird, <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
+<li>
+Birds' dinner, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+Birth of Christ, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>date of, <a href="#Page_14">14</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Blackborough Priory, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+<li>
+Blackburn, Mr. Francis, <a href="#Page_238">238</a></li>
+<li>
+Black Prince, <a href="#Page_149">149</a></li>
+<li>
+Blake, Mr. Andrew, <a href="#Page_262">262</a></li>
+<li>
+Blanchard, Laman, <a href="#Page_268">268</a></li>
+<li>
+Blenheim Mansion, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
+<li>
+Blessington, Countess of, <a href="#Page_266">266</a></li>
+<li>
+Blindman's Buff, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>, <a href="#Page_248">248</a>, <a href="#Page_249">249</a></li>
+<li>
+Blue Jackets, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Boar, wild, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a></li>
+<li>
+Boar's Head ceremony, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>-11, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_167">167</a></li>
+<li>
+Bocking, John, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+<li>
+Bohemia, Queen of, <a href="#Page_193">193</a></li>
+<li>
+"Bold Slasher," <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Boleyn, Anne, <a href="#Page_106">106</a></li>
+<li>
+Bolingbroke, Henry of, <a href="#Page_80">80</a></li>
+<li>
+Bonbonnieres, <a href="#Page_314">314</a></li>
+<li>
+Bonfires, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>, <a href="#Page_336">336</a></li>
+<li>
+Bonner, Bishop, <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
+<li>
+Boswell, <a href="#Page_241">241</a></li>
+<li>
+Bosworth Field, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Bountifulness, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_260">260</a></li>
+<li>
+Bounty Royal, <a href="#Page_260">260</a></li>
+<li>
+Bourchier, Archbishop, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+<li>
+Bourchier, John, <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+<li>
+Bouvines, battle of, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+<li>
+Bowyer, Richard, <a href="#Page_141">141</a></li>
+<li>
+Boy Bishop, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
+<li>
+Boyhood's Christmas breaking-up, <a href="#Page_242">242</a></li>
+<li>
+Boy-king taken to Tower, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+Brabant, States of, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Brahmins, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Brand, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>, <a href="#Page_232">232</a>, <a href="#Page_243">243</a>, <a href="#Page_244">244</a></li>
+<li>
+Brandon, Charles, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Brandon, Sir William, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Brant, Sebastian, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></li>
+<li>
+Brassey, Lady, <a href="#Page_305">305</a></li>
+<li>
+Brave, blood of the, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+Brawn, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_232">232</a></li>
+<li>
+Brazil, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Breda, <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li>
+<li>
+Breton, Nicholas, <a href="#Page_199">199</a></li>
+<li>
+Bridgewater, <a href="#Page_242">242</a></li>
+<li>
+Bridgewater, Earl of, <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
+<li>
+Brill, Vale of Aylesbury, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+<li>
+Brilliant episodes, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+<li>
+Brinsford, <a href="#Page_219">219</a></li>
+<li>
+Bristol, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_242">242</a></li>
+<li>
+British India, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+British Museum, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>, <a href="#Page_232">232</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_244">244</a>, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li>
+<li>
+Brito, Richard, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+<li>
+Britons, Ancient, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Brittany, <a href="#Page_318">318</a></li>
+<li>
+Brompton, <a href="#Page_274">274</a></li>
+<li>
+Brooke, George, <a href="#Page_192">192</a></li>
+<li>
+Brothers, Royal, at the Tower, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+Browne, General, <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
+<li>
+Brown, Sir Sam., <a href="#Page_300">300</a></li>
+<li>
+Browning, Robert, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_270">270</a></li>
+<li>
+Bruges, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a></li>
+<li>
+Buchan, <a href="#Page_285">285</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Buche-de-No&euml;l</i>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a></li>
+<li>
+Buckeridge, Bishop, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Buckhurst, Lord, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Buckingham, Duke of, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Buckingham, Lord, <a href="#Page_191">191</a></li>
+<li>
+Buckinghamshire peasants, <a href="#Page_238">238</a></li>
+<li>
+Bull, Dr., <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
+<li>
+Bull-baiting, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+Bunbury, Mrs., <a href="#Page_241">241</a>
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">353</a></span>
+</li>
+<li>
+Bun-loaf, <a href="#Page_281">281</a></li>
+<li>
+Burford Downs, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Burgundy, Duke of, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Burgundy, House of, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Burlesque Court, <a href="#Page_126">126</a></li>
+<li>
+Burney, <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
+<li>
+Burnham, Buckinghamshire, <a href="#Page_257">257</a></li>
+<li>
+Burton, Robert, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Bury, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+<li>
+Bushell, Sir Edward, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Buttry, William, <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
+<li>
+Bydnyak, or Yule-log, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+Byzantium, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>C</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Cabul River, <a href="#Page_302">302</a></li>
+<li>
+Cade, John, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+<li>
+Caer Caradoc, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+<li>
+C&aelig;sars, the, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+<li>
+C&aelig;sarea, the Church at, <a href="#Page_11">11</a></li>
+<li>
+Cakes, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_265">265</a>, <a href="#Page_321">321</a></li>
+<li>
+Calais, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
+<li>
+Calathumpians, the Vagabond, <a href="#Page_313">313</a></li>
+<li>
+Caledonian custom, <a href="#Page_305">305</a></li>
+<li>
+"Caliburne," the "gude sword," <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+<li>
+Caludon, near Coventry, <a href="#Page_146">146</a></li>
+<li>
+Calvados, <a href="#Page_320">320</a></li>
+<li>
+Cambridge, <a href="#Page_204">204</a></li>
+<li>
+Camden Society, <a href="#Page_219">219</a></li>
+<li>
+Camp fire, <a href="#Page_301">301</a></li>
+<li>
+Campion, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Camulodunum, Bishop of, <a href="#Page_25">25</a></li>
+<li>
+Canada, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_302">302</a></li>
+<li>
+Candle illuminations <a href="#Page_168">168</a>, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li>
+<li>
+Candlemas, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_178">178</a></li>
+<li>
+Canning, W., <a href="#Page_143">143</a></li>
+<li>
+Canons of Christchurch, <a href="#Page_177">177</a></li>
+<li>
+Canterbury, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>monks of, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Canterbury Cathedral, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+<li>
+Canterbury, Archbishop of, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Canute, King, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
+<li>
+Cape de Verd Islands, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Cape Finisterre, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
+<li>
+Caradoc (called Caractacus), <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+<li>
+Card-playing, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_237">237</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_247">247</a>, <a href="#Page_256">256</a>, <a href="#Page_313">313</a></li>
+<li>
+Carew, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Carleton, Sir Dudley, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_191">191</a></li>
+<li>
+Carlisle, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+Carminow, John, <a href="#Page_113">113</a></li>
+<li>
+Carnival, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Carols, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>, <a href="#Page_327">327</a></li>
+<li>
+Carol service, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Carol-singer Luther, <a href="#Page_106">106</a></li>
+<li>
+Carol-singing, <a href="#Page_326">326</a></li>
+<li>
+Caroline, Queen, <a href="#Page_241">241</a></li>
+<li>
+Car, or Ker, Robert, <a href="#Page_155">155</a></li>
+<li>
+Carvell, Sir Henry, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></li>
+<li>
+Cary, Sir Robert, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Casemanche, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+Cassel, Dr., Germany, <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
+<li>
+Castanet, <a href="#Page_340">340</a></li>
+<li>
+Castellated mansion, <a href="#Page_148">148</a></li>
+<li>
+Castles, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+<li>
+Catacombs of Rome, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li>
+<li>
+Catches, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Catesby, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Cawarden, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a></li>
+<li>
+Cecil, Sir William, <a href="#Page_143">143</a></li>
+<li>
+Celebrations in times of persecution, <a href="#Page_18">18</a></li>
+<li>
+Central Germany, <a href="#Page_333">333</a></li>
+<li>
+Ceremonies for Christmas Day, <a href="#Page_167">167</a></li>
+<li>
+Ceremonies for Grand Christmas, <a href="#Page_132">132</a></li>
+<li>
+Cern, <a href="#Page_264">264</a></li>
+<li>
+Chaldeans, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Challon, <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
+<li>
+Challoner, Thomas, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Chamberlain to the King, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Chamberlain to the Queen, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Chamberlaine, John, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_191">191</a></li>
+<li>
+Chambers of Pleasance, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Chamber of Presence, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Champions of Diana, <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
+<li>
+Channel Islands, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Chapel Royal, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a></li>
+<li>
+Chardai, <a href="#Page_300">300</a></li>
+<li>
+Charibert, King, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Charlemagne, Emperor, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+Charles Augustus, Emperor, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+<li>
+Charles I., <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>, <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
+<li>
+Charles II., <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li>
+<li>
+Charles, Prince, hiding in an oak, <a href="#Page_215">215</a></li>
+<li>
+Charles V. of Spain, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+Charter, The Great, signed, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></li>
+<li>
+Chaucer, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+<li>
+Cheetle, <a href="#Page_142">142</a></li>
+<li>
+Cherwell, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
+<li>
+Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li>
+<li>
+Chess, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Chester, Earl of, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+Cheu Fu Chefoo, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li>
+<li>
+Chevalier, Rev. W. A. C, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+<li>
+Chichester, Bishop of, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a></li>
+<li>
+Childermas Day, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a></li>
+<li>
+Children of the Chapel Royal, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_141">141</a></li>
+<li>
+Children's Treat, <a href="#Page_264">264</a>, <a href="#Page_265">265</a></li>
+<li>
+Chili, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+China, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li>
+<li>
+Chios, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>-8</li>
+<li>
+Chippenham, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+<li>
+Chit-chat, <a href="#Page_268">268</a>, <a href="#Page_269">269</a></li>
+<li>
+Chivalric usages, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+Christiania, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Christ-Kirche</i>, <a href="#Page_333">333</a></li>
+<li>
+Christmas&mdash;the  origin and associations of, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>the word "Christmas," its orthography and meaning, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>;</li>
+<li>words in Welsh, Scotch, French, Italian, and Spanish representing Christmas, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>;</li>
+<li>an acrostic spelling Christmas, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>;</li>
+<li>the earlier celebrations of, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>;</li>
+<li>fixing the date of, <a href="#Page_12">11</a>;</li>
+<li>Christmas the <i>Festorum omnium metropolis</i>, <a href="#Page_12">11</a>;</li>
+<li>its connection with ancient festivals, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>;</li>
+<li>Christmas-boxes and presents, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>, <a href="#Page_258">258</a>, <a href="#Page_260">260</a>-6, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>, <a href="#Page_312">312</a>, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>, <a href="#Page_334">334</a>-5, <a href="#Page_341">341</a>;</li>
+<li>candles, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>, <a href="#Page_331">331</a>;</li>
+<li>cards, <a href="#Page_271">271</a>;</li>
+<li>ceremonies, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_167">167</a>;</li>
+<li>customs depicted in a carol, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>;</li>
+<li>Eve, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>, <a href="#Page_250">250</a>-1, <a href="#Page_286">286</a>, <a href="#Page_332">332</a>-5;</li>
+<li>"Grand," <a href="#Page_125">125</a>;</li>
+<li>Island, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>;</li>
+<li>Lord, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>;</li>
+<li>Prince, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>;</li>
+<li>at sea, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_307">307</a>;</li>
+<li>Tree, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>, <a href="#Page_263">263</a>, <a href="#Page_264">264</a>, <a href="#Page_296">296</a>, <a href="#Page_313">313</a>, <a href="#Page_325">325</a>, <a href="#Page_332">332</a></li>
+<li>(see also other items in the index arranged alphabetically).</li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Chrysostom, St., <a href="#Page_12">11</a></li>
+<li>
+Church Parade, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">354</a></span>
+</li>
+<li>
+Church reforms of Cardinal Wolsey, <a href="#Page_106">106</a></li>
+<li>
+Church shows, <a href="#Page_316">316</a></li>
+<li>
+Cicilie, Ladie, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Cider, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Cinque Ports, Barons of, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+City and country feasts compared, <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+Civil war, <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
+<li>
+Clappart, Herr Von, <a href="#Page_332">332</a></li>
+<li>
+Clarence, Duke of, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+<li>
+Classical and Christian elements, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li>
+<li>
+Claudius, fourth Roman Emperor, <a href="#Page_23">23</a></li>
+<li>
+Clement of Alexandria, <a href="#Page_12">11</a></li>
+<li>
+Clement IX., tomb of, <a href="#Page_330">330</a></li>
+<li>
+Clerical players, <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
+<li>
+Cleves, Anne of, <a href="#Page_108">108</a></li>
+<li>
+Clifford, Lord, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+<li>
+Closheys (ninepins), <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Clothing, <a href="#Page_265">265</a></li>
+<li>
+Cloth of gold, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Clyde, Lord, <a href="#Page_299">299</a></li>
+<li>
+Clymme of Clough, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Cnut, King, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
+<li>
+Cobham, Lord, <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+<li>
+"Cob-loaf stealing," <a href="#Page_243">243</a></li>
+<li>
+Cockpit, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Collar-day at Court, <a href="#Page_240">240</a></li>
+<li>
+Colebrooke, Mr., <a href="#Page_279">279</a></li>
+<li>
+Coleridge, S. T., <a href="#Page_274">274</a></li>
+<li>
+Colleges' festivities, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a></li>
+<li>
+Collier, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
+<li>
+Colonist, English, <a href="#Page_302">302</a></li>
+<li>
+Columbine, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></li>
+<li>
+Columbus, Christopher, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+<li>
+Combats, inspiriting, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+<li>
+Comedies and Tragedies, Latin, <a href="#Page_110">110</a></li>
+<li>
+Comedies, <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+Comically cruel incident, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+<li>
+Commonwealth, <a href="#Page_197">197</a></li>
+<li>
+Communicants apprehended, <a href="#Page_211">211</a></li>
+<li>
+"Complaint of Christmas," <a href="#Page_206">206</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Concilium Africanum</i>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
+<li>
+Conger, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+<li>
+Conjurors, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+Consort, Prince, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>-2</li>
+<li>
+Conspiracy against the King, <a href="#Page_80">80</a></li>
+<li>
+Constable Marshal, <a href="#Page_125">125</a></li>
+<li>
+Constantine the Great, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Church of St. Constantine, <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
+</ul>
+</li>
+<li>
+Constantinople, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_307">307</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Emperor of, <a href="#Page_80">80</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Cooper, Sir Astley, <a href="#Page_316">316</a></li>
+<li>
+Cooper, T., <a href="#Page_233">233</a></li>
+<li>
+Cooper, Thomas, <a href="#Page_266">266</a></li>
+<li>
+Corbeuil, Archbishop, <a href="#Page_48">48</a></li>
+<li>
+Cordova, <a href="#Page_339">339</a></li>
+<li>
+Cornelius, a Roman Centurion, <a href="#Page_23">23</a></li>
+<li>
+Cornhill, London, <a href="#Page_210">210</a></li>
+<li>
+Corniche Road, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li>
+<li>
+Cornisse, Mr., <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
+<li>
+Cornwall, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
+<li>
+Cornwall, the Duchy of, <a href="#Page_188">188</a></li>
+<li>
+Cornwall, Barry, <a href="#Page_272">272</a></li>
+<li>
+Cornwall, Sir Gilbert, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></li>
+<li>
+Cornwallis, Sir Charles, <a href="#Page_188">188</a></li>
+<li>
+Coronation of Edward III., <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Corpus Christi</i>, festival of, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Corsica, <a href="#Page_321">321</a></li>
+<li>
+Costly garments, <a href="#Page_116">116</a></li>
+<li>
+Costumes ablaze, <a href="#Page_291">291</a></li>
+<li>
+Cottage Christmas-keeping, fourteenth century, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+<li>
+Cotterell, Sir Clement, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></li>
+<li>
+Cotton, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Cotton MSS., <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
+<li>
+Council of Arles, <a href="#Page_25">25</a></li>
+<li>
+Council of Auxerre, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
+<li>
+Councils, Great, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+<li>
+Country festivities, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>, <a href="#Page_227">227</a></li>
+<li>
+Courrieres, Lord of, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+Court entertainments, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>. (See other items under Sovereigns' names.)</li>
+<li>
+Court Fool, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a></li>
+<li>
+Court Leet and Baron, <a href="#Page_187">187</a></li>
+<li>
+Court Masques, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>-2</li>
+<li>
+Coventry, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li>
+<li>
+Cox, Captain, <a href="#Page_197">197</a></li>
+<li>
+Crackers, <a href="#Page_289">289</a></li>
+<li>
+Cranbourne, Ralph, <a href="#Page_276">276</a></li>
+<li>
+Cranes' flesh, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Cranmer, Archbishop, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
+<li>
+Crecy, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></li>
+<li>
+Creighton, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+<li>
+Crimean Christmas, <a href="#Page_297">297</a></li>
+<li>
+Croatians, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+Cromwell, Oliver, <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
+<li>
+Cromwell, Richard, <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
+<li>
+Cromwell, Thomas, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a></li>
+<li>
+Crowne, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Croyland Chronicler</i>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Crusades, The, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+<li>
+Cuba, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Cuisine</i>, <a href="#Page_312">312</a></li>
+<li>
+Cumberland, <a href="#Page_256">256</a></li>
+<li>
+Cumberland, Earl of, <a href="#Page_143">143</a></li>
+<li>
+Cumnor Custom, <a href="#Page_251">251</a></li>
+<li>
+Cupids, <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Cyflath</i>, <a href="#Page_281">281</a></li>
+<li>
+Cymbals, <a href="#Page_339">339</a></li>
+<li>
+Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
+<li>
+Cyprus, <a href="#Page_307">307</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>King of, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Cyril, St., of Jerusalem, <a href="#Page_12">11</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>D</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Dacre, Lord, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+<li>
+Dakka, <a href="#Page_300">300</a></li>
+<li>
+Dalmatians, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+"Damon and Pythias," <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
+<li>
+Dancers, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>dancing, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_224">224</a>, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>, <a href="#Page_249">249</a>, <a href="#Page_250">250</a>, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_296">296</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Dane, a firework artificer, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Danes, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+<li>
+Danube, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
+<li>
+Darey, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+David, City of, <a href="#Page_7">7</a></li>
+<li>
+David, King of Scotland, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+<li>
+David, St., <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Dawson, Mr. George, <a href="#Page_274">274</a></li>
+<li>
+Day, John, Aldersgate, <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
+<li>
+Days of "Good Queen Bess," <a href="#Page_148">148</a></li>
+<li>
+De Beauchamp, William, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+De Broc, The family of, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+<li>
+December, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
+<li>
+Decking, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>, <a href="#Page_318">318</a></li>
+<li>
+Decline of Christmas, <a href="#Page_217">217</a></li>
+<li>
+De Comines, Philip, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Decorations, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>. (<i>See also</i> "decking.")</li>
+<li>
+D'Egville, <a href="#Page_316">316</a></li>
+<li>
+"Delights of Christmas," <a href="#Page_243">243</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">355</a></span></li>
+<li>
+Dellegrout, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+De Molis, Sir Nicholas, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+Demonology, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_196">196</a></li>
+<li>
+De Montfort, Simon, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+<li>
+Denby, <a href="#Page_219">219</a></li>
+<li>
+Denison, Hon. Mr. and the Misses, <a href="#Page_273">273</a></li>
+<li>
+Denis, St., <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_283">283</a></li>
+<li>
+Denmark, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+De Patteshall, Hugh, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+Dependents feasting, <a href="#Page_202">202</a></li>
+<li>
+Deposition of Edward II., <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>De Pr&aelig;fecto Ludorum</i>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a></li>
+<li>
+Deptford Dockyard, <a href="#Page_223">223</a></li>
+<li>
+Derby, Countess Dowager of, <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
+<li>
+Dersingham, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Desborough, <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
+<li>
+De Tracy, William, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+<li>
+Detroit, <a href="#Page_291">291</a></li>
+<li>
+Devon, Earl of, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+<li>
+Devonshire, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>, <a href="#Page_278">278</a></li>
+<li>
+De Worde, W., <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+<li>
+Diana, <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
+<li>
+Diana Hunting, a masque, <a href="#Page_120">120</a></li>
+<li>
+Dice, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+Dickens, Charles, <a href="#Page_274">274</a>, <a href="#Page_292">292</a></li>
+<li>
+Dieppe, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
+<li>
+Dimmick, Mrs., <a href="#Page_313">313</a></li>
+<li>
+Dinah, <a href="#Page_316">316</a></li>
+<li>
+Dingwell, Lord, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+Dinners to 5,000 poor, <a href="#Page_264">264</a></li>
+<li>
+Diocletian's atrocities, <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
+<li>
+Dionysius Exiguus, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+Dipmore End, <a href="#Page_276">276</a></li>
+<li>
+Disguisings, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
+<li>
+D'Israeli, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></li>
+<li>
+"Dissipation and Negligence," <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+Dissolution of Monasteries, <a href="#Page_108">108</a></li>
+<li>
+Distributions to the poor, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>, <a href="#Page_260">260</a>, <a href="#Page_264">264</a></li>
+<li>
+Diversions, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>-7, <a href="#Page_251">251</a></li>
+<li>
+Diverting ditties, <a href="#Page_233">233</a>-7</li>
+<li>
+Divinings, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+"Doctor," <a href="#Page_284">284</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>medical, <a href="#Page_341">341</a></li>
+</ul>
+</li>
+<li>
+"Domesday Book," <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
+<li>
+Donne, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Doran, Dr., <a href="#Page_209">209</a>, <a href="#Page_210">210</a></li>
+<li>
+Dorset, Countess of, <a href="#Page_211">211</a></li>
+<li>
+Dorset, Marquis of, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Dover, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+<li>
+Dragon's heads, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+<li>
+Dramatic displays, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>-7, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>-2, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Dramatist, England's greatest, <a href="#Page_142">142</a></li>
+<li>
+Drinkhail, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+<li>
+Drinks, <a href="#Page_55">55</a> (see "Ale," "Mead," &amp;c.)</li>
+<li>
+Druidical plant, <a href="#Page_228">228</a>, <a href="#Page_318">318</a></li>
+<li>
+Druidism, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <a href="#Page_228">228</a></li>
+<li>
+Drums, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_339">339</a></li>
+<li>
+Dryden, <a href="#Page_196">196</a></li>
+<li>
+Dublin, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+<li>
+Dudley, Lord Robert, <a href="#Page_126">126</a></li>
+<li>
+Dugdale, Sir William, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a></li>
+<li>
+Dunn, Harriett, <a href="#Page_316">316</a></li>
+<li>
+Dunois, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+<li>
+Dunstan's Churchyard, St., <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
+<li>
+Durham, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
+<li>
+Durham, Bishop of, <a href="#Page_241">241</a></li>
+<li>
+Dutchmen display fireworks, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Dwarfs, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>E</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Ealdred, Archbishop, <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
+<li>
+Earl Marshal, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+<li>
+Early celebrations in Britain, <a href="#Page_23">23</a></li>
+<li>
+Eastern Churches, the, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_12">11</a>, <a href="#Page_325">325</a></li>
+<li>
+Edgar, King, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+<li>
+Edinburgh, the late Duke of, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Edmondes, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_192">192</a></li>
+<li>
+Edmund, Archbishop, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
+<li>
+Edmundsbury, St., <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+<li>
+Edmund, son of Ethelred, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
+<li>
+Edric, the Saxon, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
+<li>
+Edric, Earl of Northumberland, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
+<li>
+Edward the Confessor, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+<li>
+Edward, Prince, <a href="#Page_241">241</a></li>
+<li>
+Edward, St., <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+<li>
+Edward I., <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
+<li>
+Edward II., <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+Edward III., <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+<li>
+Edward IV., <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+<li>
+Edward V., <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+Edward VI., <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
+<li>
+Edward the Black Prince, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+<li>
+Edwards, Richard, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
+<li>
+Edwin's Chiefs, King, <a href="#Page_30">30</a></li>
+<li>
+Effect of Season, <a href="#Page_282">282</a></li>
+<li>
+"Egeria," H.M.S., <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li>
+<li>
+Egg-nogg, <a href="#Page_311">311</a></li>
+<li>
+Egg Saturday, <a href="#Page_183">183</a></li>
+<li>
+Egmont, Count of, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+Eija, <a href="#Page_339">339</a>, <a href="#Page_340">340</a></li>
+<li>
+Eisenach, <a href="#Page_106">106</a></li>
+<li>
+Eisleben, <a href="#Page_106">106</a></li>
+<li>
+Eleanor of Aquitane, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+<li>
+Eleanor of Castile, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+Eleanor of Provence, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
+<li>
+Eleutherius, Bishop of Rome, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+<li>
+Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Edward IV. <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Elizabeth, Princess (afterwards Queen), <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a></li>
+<li>
+Elizabeth, Princess of Austria, <a href="#Page_335">335</a></li>
+<li>
+Elizabeth, Queen, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>, <a href="#Page_150">150</a></li>
+<li>
+Elizabeth of York, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Ellis, <a href="#Page_105">105</a></li>
+<li>
+El Teb, <a href="#Page_302">302</a></li>
+<li>
+Eltham, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></li>
+<li>
+Ely, Bishop of, <a href="#Page_193">193</a></li>
+<li>
+Ely, Monks of, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
+<li>
+Emma, the Lady, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+<li>
+England, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+English Court, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+<li>
+English exiles, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Entertainments, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_233">233</a>, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Epiphany, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>, <a href="#Page_192">192</a>, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+Episcopal cautions, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
+<li>
+Ernalton of Spayne, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+<li>
+Errant, Knights, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Essex, Earl of, <a href="#Page_143">143</a></li>
+<li>
+Ethelbert, King of Kent, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Ethelred, King, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+<li>
+Ethelwine, Bishop, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
+<li>
+Eusebius, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+Evelyn, John, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>, <a href="#Page_223">223</a></li>
+<li>
+Evelyn, Richard, <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
+<li>
+Ewald, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+Excursionists, <a href="#Page_310">310</a></li>
+<li>
+Exeter, <a href="#Page_232">232</a></li>
+<li>
+Exeter Cathedral, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">356</a></span>
+</li>
+<li>
+Exeter Chapel, <a href="#Page_211">211</a></li>
+<li>
+Exeter, Duchess of, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Excesses, Anglo-Saxon, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Norman, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Expenditure for Christmas-keeping, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>-1</li>
+<li>
+Experiences, Christmas, <a href="#Page_287">287</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>F</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Fabian, <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+<li>
+"Fabliau of Sir Cleges," <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+<li>
+Fair, Christmas, <a href="#Page_337">337</a></li>
+<li>
+Fairies, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+Fairy-bowl, <a href="#Page_313">313</a></li>
+<li>
+Fallow, Mr. T. M., F.S.A., <a href="#Page_282">282</a>-3</li>
+<li>
+Fare, enormous, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+<li>
+Farnaby, <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
+<li>
+Farrar, Dean, <a href="#Page_7">7</a></li>
+<li>
+Fatally Burnt in Christmas Costumes, <a href="#Page_291">291</a></li>
+<li>
+"Father Christmas," <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Favourites of James I., <a href="#Page_155">155</a></li>
+<li>
+Feast in the hall, <a href="#Page_148">148</a></li>
+<li>
+Feats of arms, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_188">188</a></li>
+<li>
+Fenwick, Sir John, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_222">222</a></li>
+<li>
+Ferrers, George, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a></li>
+<li>
+"Ferrex and Porrex," <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Festa Natalazie</i>, <a href="#Page_336">336</a></li>
+<li>
+Festival in Scotland, the, <a href="#Page_191">191</a></li>
+<li>
+Festivities in the seventeenth century, <a href="#Page_199">199</a></li>
+<li>
+F&ecirc;tes, <a href="#Page_309">309</a></li>
+<li>
+Finland, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Fire, the all-attracting, at Christmas, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>, <a href="#Page_253">253</a>, <a href="#Page_259">259</a></li>
+<li>
+Fire at King's Palace, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+<li>
+Fire in middle of halls, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
+<li>
+First English Tragedy, <a href="#Page_125">125</a></li>
+<li>
+First Footing in Scotland, <a href="#Page_285">285</a></li>
+<li>
+"First Nowell," the, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Fitzstephen, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
+<li>
+Fitz Urse, Reginald, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+<li>
+Fitzwilliam, Lord Admiral, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
+<li>
+Fitzwilliam, Sir William, <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
+<li>
+Five Articles of James I., <a href="#Page_191">191</a></li>
+<li>
+"Five Bells of Magdalen Church," <a href="#Page_182">182</a></li>
+<li>
+Fleet, the, <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+Fleetwood, <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
+<li>
+Flemings, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+<li>
+Fletcher, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Flodden Field, <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
+<li>
+Flohr, Madame Appoline, <a href="#Page_332">332</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Florentine, Old,</i> <a href="#Page_249">249</a></li>
+<li>
+Flowers, <a href="#Page_306">306</a>, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></li>
+<li>
+Foiz, Erle of, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+<li>
+"Fool's Dance," the, <a href="#Page_116">116</a></li>
+<li>
+Fool, or Jester, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Forbes, Mr. Archibald, <a href="#Page_299">299</a></li>
+<li>
+Forest of Dean, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
+<li>
+Foresters, Lady, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+<li>
+Foresters and huntsmen in play, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
+<li>
+Forfeits, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>-7</li>
+<li>
+Forte, Mr., <a href="#Page_303">303</a></li>
+<li>
+Fosse, the, <a href="#Page_267">267</a></li>
+<li>
+Foster, Birket, illustrations by, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>, <a href="#Page_240">240</a>, <a href="#Page_250">250</a>, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a></li>
+<li>
+"Foula Reel," the, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+France, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>-321</li>
+<li>
+Francis II., Emperor, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+<li>
+Franco-German War, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+<li>
+"Franklin's Tale," the, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
+<li>
+Fraser, Sir Simon, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+<li>
+Free-lunches at hotels, <a href="#Page_311">311</a></li>
+<li>
+Freeman, William, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
+<li>
+French Embassy, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Fretevel, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+<li>
+Friars, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a></li>
+<li>
+Friday Street Tavern, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Friscobald, Leonard, <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
+<li>
+Froissart, Sir John, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+<li>
+Frost, hard, of 1564, <a href="#Page_138">138</a></li>
+<li>
+Frozen regions, <a href="#Page_296">296</a></li>
+<li>
+Fuller, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+<li>
+Fur-clad revellers, <a href="#Page_310">310</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>G</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Gairdner, Mr. James, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+<li>
+Gaities, <a href="#Page_309">309</a></li>
+<li>
+Gala, <a href="#Page_309">309</a></li>
+<li>
+Galerius, <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
+<li>
+Gambia, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+Gambols, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>, <a href="#Page_228">228</a>, <a href="#Page_247">247</a>, <a href="#Page_251">251</a></li>
+<li>
+Games, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>, <a href="#Page_246">246</a></li>
+<li>
+Garden of pleasure, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Garrard, Rev. G., <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
+<li>
+Garret, Mr. Edward, <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Garrick, David, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_230">230</a>, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+Gascoigne, <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
+<li>
+Gascon wine, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></li>
+<li>
+Gaul, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Gaunt, John of, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+<li>
+Gay, John, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+Geikie, Dr., <a href="#Page_12">11</a></li>
+<li>
+Generosity, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Gentlemen of the Chapel Royal, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>, <a href="#Page_141">141</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Gentleman's Magazine</i>, <a href="#Page_243">243</a></li>
+<li>
+Gentry, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>. (<i>Also see</i> items under names of "Gentry.")</li>
+<li>
+Geoffrey of Monmouth, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
+<li>
+Geological Society, <a href="#Page_297">297</a></li>
+<li>
+George I., <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+George II., <a href="#Page_231">231</a></li>
+<li>
+George II., costumes, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+George III., <a href="#Page_240">240</a></li>
+<li>
+George IV., <a href="#Page_258">258</a></li>
+<li>
+George's Chapel, St., Windsor, <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
+<li>
+George, King of Bohemia, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+<li>
+George, Prince, <a href="#Page_225">225</a></li>
+<li>
+George, St., village of, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li>
+<li>
+George, St., and the Dragon, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Germans, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_332">332</a>, <a href="#Page_333">333</a>, <a href="#Page_334">334</a></li>
+<li>
+Germany, Emperor and Empress of, <a href="#Page_334">334</a></li>
+<li>
+"Germania," <a href="#Page_295">295</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Gesta Grayorum</i>, <a href="#Page_142">142</a></li>
+<li>
+Ghost Stories, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_237">237</a>, <a href="#Page_274">274</a>, <a href="#Page_276">276</a></li>
+<li>
+Giants, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Gifford, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_197">197</a></li>
+<li>
+Gifts, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a></li>
+<li>
+Giles, <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
+<li>
+Giles's Christian Mission, St., <a href="#Page_265">265</a></li>
+<li>
+Giles Fields, St., London, <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+<li>
+"Gillie Cullum," <a href="#Page_305">305</a></li>
+<li>
+Gipps, Mr. Richard, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Giraldus Cambrensis, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+<li>
+Gleemen, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a> (<i>Also see</i> "Minstrels.")</li>
+<li>
+"<i>Gloria in Excelsis</i>," <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li>
+<li>
+Gloucester, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
+<li>
+Gloucester, Duke of, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+Gloucestershire, Sheriff of, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+<li>
+Goblins of the "Iliad," <a href="#Page_325">325</a></li>
+<li>
+Goddesses and huntresses, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">357</a></span></li>
+<li>
+Godwin, House of, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+<li>
+Goffe, <a href="#Page_212">212</a></li>
+<li>
+Gold Coast, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Golden play at Court, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Goldsmith, Oliver, <a href="#Page_241">241</a></li>
+<li>
+"Good old fashion," <a href="#Page_146">146</a></li>
+<li>
+Googe, Barnaby, <a href="#Page_121">121</a></li>
+<li>
+Goose-pie, <a href="#Page_256">256</a></li>
+<li>
+"Gorboduc," <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
+<li>
+Gorgeous apparelling, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Gosford Street, Coventry, <a href="#Page_148">148</a></li>
+<li>
+Gospatric, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+<li>
+Gourdon, Sir Robert, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+"Governance Lord," <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+"Gracious time," a, <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
+<li>
+Graduals, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
+<li>
+Grand entertainments, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>-2</li>
+<li>
+"Grand Christmas" ceremonies, <a href="#Page_132">132</a></li>
+<li>
+Grand Guiser, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Grant, <a href="#Page_254">254</a></li>
+<li>
+Granthuse, Lord of, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+<li>
+Grape gathering, <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
+<li>
+Grattan, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+<li>
+Gray's Inn, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Gray's Inn List of Performers, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>-5</li>
+<li>
+Great houses, <a href="#Page_111">111</a></li>
+<li>
+Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
+<li>
+Gregory the Great&mdash;His <i>Antiphonary</i>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>his story about English slaves, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>;</li>
+<li>sends Augustine to England, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+</ul>
+</li>
+<li>
+Greek Church show, <a href="#Page_328">328</a></li>
+<li>
+Greek Empire, <a href="#Page_324">324</a></li>
+<li>
+Green, J. R., <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
+<li>
+Greenland, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_296">296</a></li>
+<li>
+Greenwich, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+Greenwich Hospital Gathering, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Grey de Ruthyn, Lord, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+<li>
+Grey, Lady Jane, and her husband, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
+<li>
+Grey, Lord Richard, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+Griffiths, William, <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
+<li>
+"Grimston, Young," <a href="#Page_273">273</a></li>
+<li>
+Groceries, <a href="#Page_265">265</a></li>
+<li>
+Grose, <a href="#Page_227">227</a></li>
+<li>
+Guildford, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+<li>
+Guising, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Gunhild, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
+<li>
+Gunning, Mr., <a href="#Page_211">211</a></li>
+<li>
+Gustavus, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+Guy of Warwick, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Gybson, Richard, <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>H</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+"Hackin, the," <a href="#Page_216">216</a>, <a href="#Page_235">235</a></li>
+<li>
+Haddon Hall, <a href="#Page_224">224</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Hagmenae</i>, <a href="#Page_305">305</a></li>
+<li>
+"Halig monath" (Holy month), <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+<li>
+Hallam, <a href="#Page_223">223</a></li>
+<li>
+Hall, chronicler, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></li>
+<li>
+Hall, a gentleman's, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
+<li>
+Halstead, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Hamilton, Marquesse of, <a href="#Page_192">192</a></li>
+<li>
+"Hamlet," <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_142">142</a></li>
+<li>
+Hampton Court, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Handel, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Hanover, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+"Hansa," the, <a href="#Page_295">295</a></li>
+<li>
+"Happy Land," the, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Harefield, <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
+<li>
+Harefleur, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Hare soup, <a href="#Page_295">295</a></li>
+<li>
+Harleian, MS., <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+<li>
+Harlequin, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></li>
+<li>
+"Harlequin Sorcerer," <a href="#Page_230">230</a></li>
+<li>
+Harold I., son of Canute, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
+<li>
+Harold II., son of Godwin, <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
+<li>
+Harpers, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+<li>
+Harrison, President, and Mrs., <a href="#Page_313">313</a></li>
+<li>
+Harthacnut, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
+<li>
+Haselrig, <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
+<li>
+Haslewood, Mr. Joseph, <a href="#Page_232">232</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_244">244</a></li>
+<li>
+Hastings, battle of, <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
+<li>
+Hastings, Lord, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Hatfield House, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a></li>
+<li>
+Hat of Estate, royal, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+<li>
+Hatton, Lady, <a href="#Page_211">211</a></li>
+<li>
+Hawaii, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></li>
+<li>
+Hawking, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Hay, Lord, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+Heathenish practices, <a href="#Page_26">26</a></li>
+<li>
+Hebrew and Hellenic elements, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li>
+<li>
+Heine, Henrich, <a href="#Page_321">321</a></li>
+<li>
+Helena of York, <a href="#Page_21">21</a></li>
+<li>
+Heliogabalus, <a href="#Page_312">312</a></li>
+<li>
+Helmes, Mr. Henry, <a href="#Page_143">143</a></li>
+<li>
+Hemans, Mrs., <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+<li>
+Hems, Mr. Harry, <a href="#Page_278">278</a></li>
+<li>
+Hengest, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Henley-on-Thames, <a href="#Page_157">157</a></li>
+<li>
+Henrietta Maria, <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li>
+<li>
+Henry, Cardinal of Winchester, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+<li>
+Henry I., <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+<li>
+Henry II., <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+<li>
+Henry III., <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+Henry IV., <a href="#Page_79">79</a></li>
+<li>
+Henry V., <a href="#Page_80">80</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>widow of, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Henry VI., <a href="#Page_83">83</a>, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+<li>
+Henry of Richmond, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Henry VII., marries Elizabeth of York, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+<li>
+Henry VIII., <a href="#Page_98">98</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>becomes head of Church, <a href="#Page_107">107</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Henry V. of Germany, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+<li>
+Henry, Prince, Son of James I., <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_188">188</a></li>
+<li>
+"Henry, Prince of Purpoole," <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
+<li>
+Herald Angels, the (a poem), <a href="#Page_3">3</a></li>
+<li>
+Heralds and pursuivants, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+<li>
+Herbert, Sir Philip, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Hereford, Duke of, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+<li>
+Herod, King, <a href="#Page_7">7</a></li>
+<li>
+Herons, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+<li>
+Herrick, Robert, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>, <a href="#Page_279">279</a></li>
+<li>
+"Hesperides," the, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>, <a href="#Page_279">279</a></li>
+<li>
+Heton, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+Heynalte, Syr John, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li>
+<li>
+Heywood, a player, <a href="#Page_108">108</a></li>
+<li>
+Higgs, Griffin, writer of the "Christmas Prince," <a href="#Page_157">157</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+High Festival at Court, <a href="#Page_240">240</a></li>
+<li>
+Highgate, <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
+<li>
+Highlands, <a href="#Page_254">254</a></li>
+<li>
+Hilary's Day, St., <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+<li>
+Hilo, <a href="#Page_306">306</a></li>
+<li>
+Hinds' and maids' festivities, <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
+<li>
+Hippodrome, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+<li>
+Hobbyhorse, the, <a href="#Page_197">197</a></li>
+<li>
+Hobgoblins, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+Hochstetter, Professor, <a href="#Page_297">297</a></li>
+<li>
+Hogges, village of, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">358</a></span></li>
+<li>
+Hogges, village of, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+<li>
+Holbein, Hans, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a></li>
+<li>
+Holinshed, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
+<li>
+Holland, Governor of, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+<li>
+Holland, Lord, <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
+<li>
+Hollington, near Hastings, <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Hollis, Sir William, <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
+<li>
+Holst, Duke of, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Holt, Sir, <a href="#Page_243">243</a></li>
+<li>
+Holly, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>, <a href="#Page_282">282</a></li>
+<li>
+"Holly Bough, under the," <a href="#Page_274">274</a></li>
+<li>
+Holy evenings, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+Holy Land, <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
+<li>
+Homage in the fifteenth century, <a href="#Page_90">90</a></li>
+<li>
+Hone, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li>
+<li>
+Honey and wine, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Hood, Thomas, <a href="#Page_274">274</a></li>
+<li>
+Hoop and hide, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+Hooton Roberts, <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
+<li>
+Horses gaily caparisoned, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+<li>
+Hospitality, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_256">256</a>, <a href="#Page_260">260</a>-6, <a href="#Page_278">278</a></li>
+<li>
+Hostilities suspended for Christmas-day, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+<li>
+Hot cockles, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>, <a href="#Page_247">247</a>, <a href="#Page_252">252</a></li>
+<li>
+Houghton Chapel, <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
+<li>
+Household Book of Henry VII., <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+<li>
+Household Book of Henry VIII., <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
+<li>
+Housekeeping, Christmas, <a href="#Page_232">232</a></li>
+<li>
+House of Commons, <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
+<li>
+House of Peers, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
+<li>
+Howard family, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Howard, Frances, Countess of Essex, <a href="#Page_155">155</a></li>
+<li>
+Howitt, Mary, <a href="#Page_276">276</a></li>
+<li>
+"Hue and Cry after Christmas," <a href="#Page_208">208</a></li>
+<li>
+Huet, Sir John, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Huish, <a href="#Page_241">241</a></li>
+<li>
+Humber, the, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
+<li>
+Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+<li>
+Hungary, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>King of, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Hunting, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+<li>
+Huntingdon, Earl of, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Countess of, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Hunt the Slipper, <a href="#Page_247">247</a>, <a href="#Page_313">313</a></li>
+<li>
+Hussars, 10th, <a href="#Page_301">301</a></li>
+<li>
+Hussey, Sir Richard, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Hypocras, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>I</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Iceberg, Christmas upon an, <a href="#Page_297">297</a></li>
+<li>
+Ice-bound regions, <a href="#Page_295">295</a></li>
+<li>
+Ice sports, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>-5</li>
+<li>
+Ideler, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+Illuminations at Hampton Court, <a href="#Page_120">120</a></li>
+<li>
+Immanuel, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>5, <a href="#Page_6">6</a></li>
+<li>
+India, <a href="#Page_299">299</a></li>
+<li>
+Indian Ocean, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li>
+<li>
+Ingenuities and devices, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
+<li>
+Inner Temple, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a></li>
+<li>
+Innocents' Day, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_169">169</a></li>
+<li>
+Inns of Court, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Interludes, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+Interruptions of festivities, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_206">206</a></li>
+<li>
+"Investigator," the, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Iona, the monks of, <a href="#Page_27">27</a></li>
+<li>
+Ipomydon, Romance of, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
+<li>
+Ipswich, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_210">210</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Ira Seu Tumulus Fortune</i>, <a href="#Page_183">183</a></li>
+<li>
+Ireland, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Irish customs, <a href="#Page_251">251</a></li>
+<li>
+Irish Princes and Chieftains, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Irving, Washington, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_258">258</a></li>
+<li>
+Isabel, Queen of France, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+<li>
+Isabella, daughter of Edward III., <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+<li>
+Isaiah, the Prophet, <a href="#Page_5">5</a></li>
+<li>
+Italy, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Italian characters, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></li>
+<li>
+Italian Masque, <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>J</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+"Jack Straw," a masque, <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+Jacobites, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+Jade, a charming, <a href="#Page_252">252</a></li>
+<li>
+Jamaica, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+James I., <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href="#Page_196">196</a></li>
+<li>
+James II., <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a></li>
+<li>
+James III. of Scotland, <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
+<li>
+James IV. of Scotland, <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
+<li>
+James's, St., <a href="#Page_241">241</a></li>
+<li>
+"Jane the Fool," <a href="#Page_108">108</a></li>
+<li>
+Jellalabad Plain, <a href="#Page_302">302</a></li>
+<li>
+Jermyn, Sir Isaac, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Sir Robert, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Jerome, St., <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_21">21</a></li>
+<li>
+Jerusalem, the church at, <a href="#Page_11">11</a></li>
+<li>
+Jerusalem Chamber, <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
+<li>
+"Jesus, the Nazarene," <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+<li>
+Jhelum, <a href="#Page_300">300</a></li>
+<li>
+Jinks, high, <a href="#Page_285">285</a></li>
+<li>
+Joan of Arc, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+<li>
+Joan of Kent, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a></li>
+<li>
+Jocund holiday, <a href="#Page_266">266</a></li>
+<li>
+John's College, St., Oxford, <a href="#Page_111">111</a></li>
+<li>
+John III., Duke of Cleves, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
+<li>
+John's Day, St., <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_320">320</a></li>
+<li>
+John, King, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+<li>
+John of Gaunt, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+<li>
+John of Salisbury, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+<li>
+John the Baptist, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+Joints of meats, <a href="#Page_265">265</a></li>
+<li>
+Jones, Rev. A. G., <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li>
+<li>
+Jones, Mr. Charles C., <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
+<li>
+Jones, Mrs. Herbert, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Jones, Inigo, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></li>
+<li>
+Jones, Mary, <a href="#Page_280">280</a></li>
+<li>
+Jonson, Ben, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_141">141</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>, <a href="#Page_197">197</a></li>
+<li>
+Jordan, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li>
+<li>
+Joseph, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_6">6</a></li>
+<li>
+Jousts, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a></li>
+<li>
+Judas Maccab&aelig;us, <a href="#Page_17">17</a></li>
+<li>
+Jud&aelig;an origin  of Christmas, supposed, <a href="#Page_17">17</a></li>
+<li>
+Jugglers, <a href="#Page_31">31</a></li>
+<li>
+Jule (<i>see</i> Yule)</li>
+<li>
+"Julebukker," <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+Julius Agricola, <a href="#Page_25">25</a></li>
+<li>
+Julius I., Bishop of Rome, <a href="#Page_12">11</a></li>
+<li>
+Jupiter, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Justin Martyr, <a href="#Page_7">7</a></li>
+<li>
+Justiciars' extravagance, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>K</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Katherine of Arragon, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+<li>
+Katherine, wife of Henry V., <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+<li>
+Kalends of January, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
+<li>
+Karumpie, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Ken, Bishop, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">359</a></span></li>
+<li>
+Ken, Bishop, <a href="#Page_11">11</a></li>
+<li>
+Kenilworth  Castle, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_197">197</a></li>
+<li>
+Kent, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+Kent, earldom of, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+<li>
+Kent, Countess of, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Fair Maid of, <a href="#Page_149">149</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+"Kepe Open Court," <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+<li>
+"Kepe open thy door," <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
+<li>
+Kilaue, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></li>
+<li>
+Kimberley, <a href="#Page_299">299</a></li>
+<li>
+King and Council, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
+<li>
+King at Lord Buckingham's, <a href="#Page_192">192</a></li>
+<li>
+King, Josiah, <a href="#Page_233">233</a></li>
+<li>
+King of Christmas, <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+"King of the Cockneys," <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+"King of the Peak," <a href="#Page_224">224</a></li>
+<li>
+King of Egypt and his daughter, <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+King's deer, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+<li>
+King's Lynn, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+<li>
+King's players, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+King's singing men, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+<li>
+King's train-bearer, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+<li>
+"Kingdome's Weekly Intelligencer," <a href="#Page_208">208</a></li>
+<li>
+Kinloch, <a href="#Page_300">300</a></li>
+<li>
+Kirke, George, <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
+<li>
+Kissing Bush, <a href="#Page_250">250</a>, <a href="#Page_281">281</a></li>
+<li>
+Kitts, St., <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Knevet, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Knights and Ladies, playing at, <a href="#Page_252">252</a></li>
+<li>
+Knights of the Round Table, <a href="#Page_30">30</a></li>
+<li>
+Knights in armour, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+<li>
+Knight Templars, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+<li>
+Knipton, <a href="#Page_266">266</a></li>
+<li>
+Kyrie Eliesons, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>L</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+<i>La Blanche Nef,</i> <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+<li>
+Ladies-in-waiting, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Lady-bells ring, <a href="#Page_267">267</a></li>
+<li>
+Lady-Mass, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+"Lady Public Weal," <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+Ladysmith, <a href="#Page_299">299</a></li>
+<li>
+Lalain, Count of, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+Lamb, Charles, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>, <a href="#Page_244">244</a>-6</li>
+<li>
+Lambeth, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a></li>
+<li>
+"Lamentation," <a href="#Page_145">145</a></li>
+<li>
+Lancastrians, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+<li>
+Lanfranc, Archbishop, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+<li>
+Lanterns, Feast of, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+"Largess," a, <a href="#Page_129">129</a></li>
+<li>
+Latimer, Hugh, <a href="#Page_113">113</a></li>
+<li>
+Latin and Greek verse, <a href="#Page_111">111</a></li>
+<li>
+Laube, Dr., <a href="#Page_297">297</a></li>
+<li>
+Laud, Dr. (Archbishop), <a href="#Page_191">191</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Launcelot, Sir, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
+<li>
+Laurel, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>, <a href="#Page_282">282</a></li>
+<li>
+Laurel blent with cypress, 298</li>
+<li>
+Lavaine, Sir, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
+<li>
+Lavish entertainments, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+<li>
+Law, Christmas, ancient, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+<li>
+Lawes, Henry, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></li>
+<li>
+Leaping, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+Leech, John, <a href="#Page_289">289</a></li>
+<li>
+Lee's "Mithridates," <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Leeds, <a href="#Page_283">283</a>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a></li>
+<li>
+Legend of St. Nicholas, <a href="#Page_310">310</a></li>
+<li>
+Leicester, Earl of, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Leigh, Gerard, <a href="#Page_127">127</a></li>
+<li>
+Leland, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+<li>
+Lenox, Duke of, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+Leo, Pope, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+<li>
+Leon, King of Armenia, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+<li>
+Leon von Rozmital, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+<li>
+Leonard's chime, St., <a href="#Page_267">267</a></li>
+<li>
+Lerwick, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Letter Missions, <a href="#Page_292">292</a></li>
+<li>
+Leyden, <a href="#Page_157">157</a></li>
+<li>
+Library, St. John's College, <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
+<li>
+Lichfield Cathedral, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Deanery of, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Lincoln, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+Lincoln, Earl of, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+Lincoln's Inn, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a></li>
+<li>
+Lincolnshire, <a href="#Page_266">266</a></li>
+<li>
+Linlithgow, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+Lion and antelope as performers, <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
+<li>
+Lions' heads, <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+Lisbon, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
+<li>
+Lists of combat, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Literature, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>, <a href="#Page_313">313</a></li>
+<li>
+Llanfairpyllycrochon, <a href="#Page_280">280</a></li>
+<li>
+Llewellyn, Prince of Wales, <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
+<li>
+Log-fires, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a></li>
+<li>
+Lollards, <a href="#Page_80">80</a></li>
+<li>
+London, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a></li>
+<li>
+London, Bishop of, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_79">79</a></li>
+<li>
+Longchamps, William, Bishop of Ely, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+<li>
+Longe, John, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></li>
+<li>
+Longfellow, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a></li>
+<li>
+Lord Chamberlain, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Lord Chamberlain's players, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></li>
+<li>
+Lord Mayor of London, <a href="#Page_116">116</a></li>
+<li>
+Lord Mayor and Lord of Misrule at loggerheads, <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li>
+<li>
+Lord of Misrule, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Lord President of Wales, <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
+<li>
+Lord Treasurer, <a href="#Page_192">192</a></li>
+<li>
+Lorrainers, <a href="#Page_319">319</a></li>
+<li>
+Loseley, Surrey, <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
+<li>
+Lott, Mr. J. B., <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Louis of France, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
+<li>
+Lambert, <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
+<li>
+Louis, St., <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li>
+<li>
+"Love's Triumph," <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li>
+<li>
+Lucius Verus, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+<li>
+"Luck of Christ," the, <a href="#Page_325">325</a></li>
+<li>
+Ludlow, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>, <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
+<li>
+Luke, St., <a href="#Page_6">6</a>, <a href="#Page_7">7</a></li>
+<li>
+Luther, Martin, <a href="#Page_106">106</a></li>
+<li>
+"Lying Valet," <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+Lyly's Plays, <a href="#Page_141">141</a></li>
+<li>
+Lyson's "Magna Britannia," <a href="#Page_251">251</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>M</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Macaulay, Lord, <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
+<li>
+Machinists, ingenious, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></li>
+<li>
+Mackay, Dr. Charles, <a href="#Page_274">274</a></li>
+<li>
+Madden, Sir Frederick, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+<li>
+Madeley, Shropshire, <a href="#Page_255">255</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Mafeking, <a href="#Page_299">299</a></li>
+<li>
+Magdalen College, Oxford, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a></li>
+<li>
+Magdalene College, Cambridge, <a href="#Page_145">145</a></li>
+<li>
+Magi, the, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Magna Charta</i>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+<li>
+Magnificence, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+<li>
+Magnus, St., <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+<li>
+Maid of Kent, Fair, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a></li>
+<li>
+Maid Marians, <a href="#Page_286">286</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">360</a></span></li>
+<li>
+Maid Marians, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Mainard, John, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
+<li>
+Mallard, John, <a href="#Page_114">114</a></li>
+<li>
+Malory, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
+<li>
+Malta, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></li>
+<li>
+Manger, superb substitutes for, <a href="#Page_328">328</a></li>
+<li>
+Manners, Lord and Lady John, <a href="#Page_266">266</a></li>
+<li>
+Manners, Sir John, <a href="#Page_224">224</a></li>
+<li>
+Manor, ancient, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a></li>
+<li>
+Mansfeld, <a href="#Page_106">106</a></li>
+<li>
+Mansions, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Manuel, Emperor, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+<li>
+Maori Pa, <a href="#Page_304">304</a></li>
+<li>
+March, Earl of, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+<li>
+Marcus Aurelius Antonius, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+<li>
+Margaret, daughter of Henry III., <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+Margaret of Anjou, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+<li>
+Margaret, daughter of Henry VII., <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
+<li>
+Mark's, St., Venice, <a href="#Page_336">336</a></li>
+<li>
+Marlboro', <a href="#Page_304">304</a></li>
+<li>
+Marlborough, Duchess of, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Duke of, <a href="#Page_225">225</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+"Marmion," <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+<li>
+Marriage  festivities, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>-2</li>
+<li>
+Marseilles, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></li>
+<li>
+Marteaux (a game with balls), <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Martial music, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+<li>
+Martigny, George, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Martin, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Martin's, St., Canterbury, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+<li>
+Martyn, John, <a href="#Page_231">231</a></li>
+<li>
+Martyrs, British, <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
+<li>
+Mary, the mother of Jesus, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_6">6</a></li>
+<li>
+Mary, St., <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+<li>
+Mary, Princess (afterwards Queen), <a href="#Page_105">105</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>her accession, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>;</li>
+<li>Queen, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Maryland, <a href="#Page_314">314</a></li>
+<li>
+Mary, Queen, wife of William III., <a href="#Page_221">221</a></li>
+<li>
+Mason, <a href="#Page_251">251</a></li>
+<li>
+Masquerade, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_236">236</a></li>
+<li>
+Masques, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>, <a href="#Page_192">192</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>rustic masque, <a href="#Page_272">272</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Massacres of Christians, <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
+<li>
+Massinger, Philip, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a></li>
+<li>
+"Master Christmas," <a href="#Page_206">206</a></li>
+<li>
+Master of the Children, the, <a href="#Page_136">136</a></li>
+<li>
+Master of the Revels, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>
+(<i>see also</i> Lord of Misrule)</li>
+<li>
+Matilda, Empress, daughter of Henry I., <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a></li>
+<li>
+Matilda, Queen of Henry I., <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+<li>
+Matins, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Matthew, St., <a href="#Page_6">6</a></li>
+<li>
+Maud, General, <a href="#Page_300">300</a></li>
+<li>
+Maupigyrum, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Mauritius, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Mayor and Aldermen of London, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+<li>
+Mayor of Canterbury mobbed, <a href="#Page_210">210</a></li>
+<li>
+McClure, Sir R., <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Mead, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Meade, Mr., <a href="#Page_192">192</a>, <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li>
+<li>
+Mediterranean, <a href="#Page_307">307</a>, <a href="#Page_321">321</a>, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li>
+<li>
+Medley of Nymphs, savages, &amp;c., <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
+<li>
+Melbourne, <a href="#Page_303">303</a></li>
+<li>
+"Meliades," <a href="#Page_189">189</a></li>
+<li>
+Melrose, <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
+<li>
+Memphis, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+<li>
+Mendelssohn, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Men of Kent, <a href="#Page_210">210</a></li>
+<li>
+Mephistopheles, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+Mercia, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+<li>
+"Merciless Parliament," <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+<li>
+"<i>Mercurius Academicus</i>," <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
+<li>
+"<i>Mercurius Civicus</i>," <a href="#Page_208">208</a></li>
+<li>
+Mermaid Inn, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+"Merry Boys of Christmas," <a href="#Page_215">215</a></li>
+<li>
+Merry Disports, Lord of, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>
+(<i>see also</i> Master of the Revels)</li>
+<li>
+"Merry in the hall," <a href="#Page_235">235</a></li>
+<li>
+Merry tales, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Merton College, Oxford, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+"Messiah," <a href="#Page_304">304</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Metrical Romance, <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+<li>
+Mexborough, <a href="#Page_219">219</a></li>
+<li>
+Michell, Sir Francis, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></li>
+<li>
+Middle Temple, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <a href="#Page_192">192</a></li>
+<li>
+Middleton Tower, Norfolk, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+<li>
+Midnight Mass, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a></li>
+<li>
+Midwinter Customs in the north, <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Mildmay, Sir Henry, <a href="#Page_192">192</a></li>
+<li>
+Milford Haven, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Millbrook, Southampton, <a href="#Page_265">265</a></li>
+<li>
+Miller, Thomas, <a href="#Page_248">248</a></li>
+<li>
+Mills, <a href="#Page_148">148</a></li>
+<li>
+Milner, Dr., <a href="#Page_31">31</a></li>
+<li>
+Milton, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>, <a href="#Page_253">253</a></li>
+<li>
+Mimics, <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+<li>
+"Mince-pie," <a href="#Page_273">273</a></li>
+<li>
+Minerva, the Goddess, <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
+<li>
+Minstrels, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_315">315</a></li>
+<li>
+Miracles at Becket's Sepulchre, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+<li>
+Miracle Plays, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
+<li>
+"<i>Misa del Gallo</i>," <a href="#Page_340">340</a></li>
+<li>
+"<i>Misa di Lux</i>," <a href="#Page_340">340</a></li>
+<li>
+Miscomia, <a href="#Page_297">297</a></li>
+<li>
+Misrule (<i>see</i> "Lord of Misrule")</li>
+<li>
+Missionary's Christmas, <a href="#Page_308">308</a></li>
+<li>
+Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Mistletoe, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <a href="#Page_228">228</a>, <a href="#Page_250">250</a>, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>, <a href="#Page_307">307</a>, <a href="#Page_318">318</a>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a></li>
+<li>
+M'Kee, Mr. and Mrs., <a href="#Page_313">313</a></li>
+<li>
+Modern Christmases at home, <a href="#Page_240">240</a></li>
+<li>
+Modern Christmases abroad, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+"Modern Intelligencer," The, <a href="#Page_208">208</a></li>
+<li>
+Mohnpielen, <a href="#Page_335">335</a></li>
+<li>
+Monk, General, <a href="#Page_214">214</a></li>
+<li>
+Monks, merry, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+<li>
+Monson, Sir William, <a href="#Page_192">192</a></li>
+<li>
+Monstrelet, <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+<li>
+Monte Carlo, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li>
+<li>
+Montegele, Lord, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Montgomery, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+Morat, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Moray, Earl of, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+<li>
+More, Mr., of Loseley, <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
+<li>
+Morley, Lady, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+<li>
+Morley, Professor Henry, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+Morrice Dance, <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
+<li>
+Mortimer, Anne, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+<li>
+Morville, Hugh de, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+<li>
+Mosaics, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li>
+<li>
+Mother of the maids, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Motley throng, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Mowbrays, <a href="#Page_148">148</a></li>
+<li>
+Moyle, Thomas, <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+Muddle, General, <a href="#Page_297">297</a></li>
+<li>
+Mumming, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_121">121</a>, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>, <a href="#Page_267">267</a></li>
+<li>
+Murray, Sir Andrew, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">361</a></span></li>
+<li>
+Murray, Sir Andrew, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+<li>
+Muschamp, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Music, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Musicians, <a href="#Page_129">129</a></li>
+<li>
+Musk veal, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Mysteries, <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>N</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+"<i>Naogeorgus</i>," <a href="#Page_121">121</a></li>
+<li>
+Naples, <a href="#Page_336">336</a></li>
+<li>
+Napoleon Bonaparte, <a href="#Page_321">321</a></li>
+<li>
+Naseby, <a href="#Page_209">209</a></li>
+<li>
+Nativity, place of the, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Church and Convent of the, 7;</li>
+<li>feast of the, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>;</li>
+<li>massacres at the, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>;</li>
+<li>sermons on the, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>-5</li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Navarre, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
+<li>
+Navidad discovered, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+<li>
+Negroes' merry Christmas, <a href="#Page_314">314</a></li>
+<li>
+Negro minstrels, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Neighbours and Tenants, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
+<li>
+Nelson, New Zealand, <a href="#Page_304">304</a></li>
+<li>
+Nero, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
+<li>
+Netherlands, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Neville's Cross, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+<li>
+Neville, Sir Richard, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+<li>
+Nevil, Lord, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Newark-on-Trent, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
+<li>
+New Brunswick, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Newcastle-upon-Tyne, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+New England Puritans, <a href="#Page_314">314</a></li>
+<li>
+New Forest, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+<li>
+Newmarket, <a href="#Page_194">194</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+New style, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+Newton, Sir Isaac, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a></li>
+<li>
+New Year's Day, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>, <a href="#Page_169">169</a>, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>, <a href="#Page_199">199</a>, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>, <a href="#Page_260">260</a>, <a href="#Page_263">263</a>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>, <a href="#Page_286">286</a>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+New Zealand, <a href="#Page_304">304</a></li>
+<li>
+Nicholas's Day, St., <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+Nichols, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>, <a href="#Page_192">192</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>-5</li>
+<li>
+Nicomedia, <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
+<li>
+Nigellus, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+<li>
+Novgorod, <a href="#Page_319">319</a></li>
+<li>
+Nip, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+"Nippin Grund," the, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Noblemen, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a> (see others named)</li>
+<li>
+<i>Noche-buena</i>, <a href="#Page_340">340</a></li>
+<li>
+Nocturnal Office, <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li>
+<li>
+No&euml;l or Nowell, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>, <a href="#Page_321">321</a>, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Nonconformists, <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
+<li>
+Norfolk, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+"Norman Baron," the, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>-4</li>
+<li>
+Norman celebrations, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+<li>
+Norman Conquest helped, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
+<li>
+Norman-French customs, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+<li>
+Normandy, dukedom of, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+<li>
+Normandy, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_318">318</a>, <a href="#Page_320">320</a></li>
+<li>
+Northampton, Marquis of, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Northamptonshire, <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+North, Mr. Thomas, <a href="#Page_232">232</a></li>
+<li>
+Northern nations, <a href="#Page_15">15</a></li>
+<li>
+North Pole, <a href="#Page_295">295</a></li>
+<li>
+North Sea fishermen, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+North West Passage, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Northumberland, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_255">255</a></li>
+<li>
+Northumberland, Earl of, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>earldom of, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>;</li>
+<li>Duke of, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Northumberland Household Book, <a href="#Page_103">103</a></li>
+<li>
+Northumbrians, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+<li>
+Norton, Thomas, <a href="#Page_125">125</a></li>
+<li>
+Norway, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+Nottingham, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_189">189</a></li>
+<li>
+Nova Scotia, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Nuns, <a href="#Page_267">267</a>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a>, <a href="#Page_321">321</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>O</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Oberon, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+Odo, Bishop, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+<li>
+Offa, "the mighty," <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Officers of "Grand Christmas," list of, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>of Christmas Prince, <a href="#Page_165">165</a>-6-7;</li>
+<li>officers, Royal, of Arms, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Oglethorpe, Bishop, <a href="#Page_123">123</a></li>
+<li>
+Olaf, King, <a href="#Page_26">26</a></li>
+<li>
+"Old Christmas," <a href="#Page_145">145</a>, <a href="#Page_230">230</a>, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>, <a href="#Page_276">276</a></li>
+<li>
+"Old and Young Courtiers," <a href="#Page_217">217</a></li>
+<li>
+Oldisworth, Michael, <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
+<li>
+"Open Court" of Cardinal Wolsey, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></li>
+<li>
+"Open House," <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
+<li>
+Opera, the, <a href="#Page_228">228</a></li>
+<li>
+Order of the Garter instituted, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></li>
+<li>
+Ordinances of the Puritans, <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
+<li>
+Orkney Isles, <a href="#Page_287">287</a></li>
+<li>
+Orleans, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+<li>
+Orpheus, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Osborne House, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>-3</li>
+<li>
+Othbert, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+<li>
+Ovation to Henry V., <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+<li>
+Overbury, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_155">155</a></li>
+<li>
+Ovid, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></li>
+<li>
+Oxford, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_210">210</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>P</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Paganism, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Pageantry, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
+<li>
+Paget, Lord, <a href="#Page_120">120</a></li>
+<li>
+Palatine, marriage of, <a href="#Page_151">151</a></li>
+<li>
+"Palemon and Arcite," <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
+<li>
+Palestine, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+<li>
+"Pallas, Knights of," <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
+<li>
+Palmer, Mr., Lord of Misrule, <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li>
+<li>
+Pansch, Dr., <a href="#Page_295">295</a></li>
+<li>
+Panting Piper, <a href="#Page_305">305</a></li>
+<li>
+Pantomime, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></li>
+<li>
+Papal Legate, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+Pappa Westra, <a href="#Page_287">287</a></li>
+<li>
+Paris, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>, <a href="#Page_318">318</a></li>
+<li>
+Paris, Matthew, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
+<li>
+Paris Tournament, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+<li>
+Parker, Lieutenant and Mrs., <a href="#Page_313">313</a></li>
+<li>
+"Parlement," <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
+<li>
+Parliamentarians, <a href="#Page_206">206</a></li>
+<li>
+Parliament, new Houses of, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+<li>
+Parliament, the first English, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+<li>
+Parson makes merry with parishioners, <a href="#Page_113">113</a></li>
+<li>
+Parties, <a href="#Page_309">309</a></li>
+<li>
+"Paston Letters," <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+<li>
+Pastoral, "Calisto," <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Patriarch of Venice, <a href="#Page_336">336</a></li>
+<li>
+Patrick, St., <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Paulinus</i>, Missionary, <a href="#Page_30">30</a></li>
+<li>
+Paul, Mr. Howard, <a href="#Page_309">309</a></li>
+<li>
+Paul's Cathedral, St., <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
+<li>
+Paul's Church, St., <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+Paul's Cross, St., <a href="#Page_92">92</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">362</a></span></li>
+<li>
+Paul's Cross, St., <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+Paul St., Earl of, <a href="#Page_79">79</a></li>
+<li>
+Paul's School, St., <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
+<li>
+Paupers, merry, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Pavy, Salathiel, <a href="#Page_142">142</a></li>
+<li>
+Peacocks, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
+<li>
+Pegasus, <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li>
+<li>
+Pembroke, the Regent, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
+<li>
+Pembroke, Countess of, <a href="#Page_241">241</a></li>
+<li>
+"Penelope's Wooer," <a href="#Page_187">187</a></li>
+<li>
+Penshurst, Kent, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>-9</li>
+<li>
+Pepys, Samuel, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Perche, Countess of, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+<li>
+Peres, William, <a href="#Page_103">103</a></li>
+<li>
+Performers, various, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
+<li>
+"Periander," a tragedy, <a href="#Page_185">185</a></li>
+<li>
+Periodicals, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>, <a href="#Page_313">313</a></li>
+<li>
+Period of Christmas, <a href="#Page_12">11</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>, <a href="#Page_227">227</a></li>
+<li>
+Perrers, Alice, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+<li>
+Perth, <a href="#Page_274">274</a></li>
+<li>
+Perry, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Peshawur, <a href="#Page_300">300</a></li>
+<li>
+Petavius, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+Peter of Blois, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+<li>
+Peter, St., <a href="#Page_283">283</a></li>
+<li>
+Peter the Great, of Russia, <a href="#Page_223">223</a></li>
+<li>
+Peter's, St., Rome, <a href="#Page_330">330</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>P&eacute;tit Souper</i>, <a href="#Page_322">322</a></li>
+<li>
+Petworth, <a href="#Page_225">225</a></li>
+<li>
+Philip of Spain, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+Philip and Mary, <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+Philippa, Queen, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></li>
+<li>
+"Philomathes," <a href="#Page_176">176</a></li>
+<li>
+"Philomela," a tragedy, <a href="#Page_169">169</a></li>
+<li>
+Philosopher's game, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Ph&oelig;nicia, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Picnics, <a href="#Page_304">304</a></li>
+<li>
+Picts and Scots, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a></li>
+<li>
+"Picturesque Europe," <a href="#Page_224">224</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Pi&egrave;ce de r&eacute;sistance</i>, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Piers Gaveston, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+Pigment, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Pilgrims, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+<li>
+Pires Barnard, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+Pipers, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Place de la Madeline</i>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Place de la R&eacute;publique</i>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a></li>
+<li>
+Plague, the, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Plantagenets, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+Plato's Dialogue, <a href="#Page_17">17</a></li>
+<li>
+Plays, Christmas, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>-7, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>-7, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>-1</li>
+<li>
+Playing Cards, <a href="#Page_90">90</a></li>
+<li>
+Plum-pudding, <a href="#Page_245">245</a>, <a href="#Page_263">263</a>, <a href="#Page_265">265</a>, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a></li>
+<li>
+Pocahontas, <a href="#Page_314">314</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Poculum charitatis</i>, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+Poetic pictures of Christmas, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>-4, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>-5, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>-2, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>,  <a href="#Page_250">250</a>, <a href="#Page_258">258</a>, <a href="#Page_274">274</a>, <a href="#Page_276">276</a>-8, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, 298, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Poictiers, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+<li>
+Pointer, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+Poleaxes for Pensioners, <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
+<li>
+Pole, Cardinal, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+"Pompey," <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+<li>
+Pontefract, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+"Poor Robin's Almanack," <a href="#Page_217">217</a>, <a href="#Page_222">222</a>, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></li>
+<li>
+Pope, poet, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></li>
+<li>
+"Popish Customs," so called, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
+<li>
+Popple, John, <a href="#Page_257">257</a></li>
+<li>
+Popular festivities, <a href="#Page_242">242</a></li>
+<li>
+Portugal, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Post and Pair, <a href="#Page_247">247</a>, <a href="#Page_250">250</a></li>
+<li>
+Post-office and postmen, <a href="#Page_292">292</a></li>
+<li>
+Poverty at Court, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+<li>
+Prayer Books of Edward VI., <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
+<li>
+Presbytery, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
+<li>
+Presents, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>, <a href="#Page_312">312</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>, <a href="#Page_326">326</a>, <a href="#Page_335">335</a></li>
+<li>
+Presentation in the Temple, <a href="#Page_348">348</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Presepio</i> (manger), <a href="#Page_328">328</a></li>
+<li>
+Preston, Sir Richard, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+Priestess, Druid, <a href="#Page_228">228</a></li>
+<li>
+Priests bearing relics, <a href="#Page_90">90</a></li>
+<li>
+Priestly practices, <a href="#Page_121">121</a>, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>, <a href="#Page_328">328</a></li>
+<li>
+Primate's cruelty, <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
+<li>
+Primitive celebrations, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li>
+<li>
+"Prince Charlie," <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+Prince of Wales, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Prince of Wales's Strait, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Princes of Germany, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
+<li>
+Princes play in masques, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_197">197</a></li>
+<li>
+Privy Council, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
+<li>
+Prolongation of Revels, <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
+<li>
+Promethus, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Protectorate, the, <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
+<li>
+Protestantism of Queen Elizabeth, <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
+<li>
+Proven&ccedil;al Plays, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>-1</li>
+<li>
+Provence, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>, <a href="#Page_321">321</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Eleanor of, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>-4</li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Provision for the poor, <a href="#Page_257">257</a>-8, <a href="#Page_260">260</a>-6</li>
+<li>
+Prowess, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+Prussian Royal Family, <a href="#Page_334">334</a></li>
+<li>
+Prynne, William, <a href="#Page_199">199</a></li>
+<li>
+Psyche, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li>
+<li>
+Ptarmigan pasties, <a href="#Page_295">295</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Punch</i>, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+Puppet shows, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>, <a href="#Page_321">321</a>, <a href="#Page_328">328</a></li>
+<li>
+Purification, the, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+<li>
+Puritan Directory, <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
+<li>
+Puritanism, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
+<li>
+Purposes, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Puss-in-the-Corner, <a href="#Page_236">236</a></li>
+<li>
+Pynson, printer, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Q</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Quadrangle, Royal, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+"Quartette" cards, <a href="#Page_272">272</a></li>
+<li>
+Queen's College, Oxford, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
+<li>
+Queen's Gentlewomen, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Questions and Commands, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_236">236</a></li>
+<li>
+Quintin, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>R</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Races, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Railways, the, <a href="#Page_292">292</a></li>
+<li>
+Raleigh, Sir Walter, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Rampini, Sheriff, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Ratcliffe, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Rathbertus, a priest, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+<li>
+Reade, Mr., <a href="#Page_346">346</a></li>
+<li>
+"Read's Weekly Journal," <a href="#Page_232">232</a></li>
+<li>
+"Recollections of old Christmas," <a href="#Page_272">272</a></li>
+<li>
+Recreations, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_315">315</a></li>
+<li>
+Redcoats, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Redmile, <a href="#Page_266">266</a></li>
+<li>
+R&oelig;dwald, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+<li>
+Reformation, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
+<li>
+Regatta, the Christmas, <a href="#Page_304">304</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">363</a></span></li>
+<li>
+"<i>Regis Orator et Calamo</i>," <a href="#Page_114">114</a></li>
+<li>
+Regulations for a grand Christmas, <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+Reindeer-sleigh of St. Nick, <a href="#Page_311">311</a></li>
+<li>
+Rejoicings on French battle ground, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></li>
+<li>
+Relics, sacred, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li>
+<li>
+Religious matters, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
+<li>
+Rennes cloth, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Reresby, Sir John, <a href="#Page_219">219</a></li>
+<li>
+Restoration, the, <a href="#Page_215">215</a></li>
+<li>
+Reunions, <a href="#Page_313">313</a></li>
+<li>
+Revels resembling <i>Saturnalia</i>, <a href="#Page_18">18</a></li>
+<li>
+Revels, called a Maskelyn, <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
+<li>
+Revels, Master of the, <a href="#Page_112">112</a> (<i>see also</i> "Lord of Misrule")</li>
+<li>
+Revels, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_180">180</a>, <a href="#Page_181">181</a>, <a href="#Page_192">192</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_315">315</a></li>
+<li>
+Revolution, <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Rex Fabarum</i>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a></li>
+<li>
+Rhedon, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+Rheims Cathedral, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+<li>
+Rhosllanerchrugog, <a href="#Page_264">264</a></li>
+<li>
+Rhosymedre, Denbighshire, <a href="#Page_264">264</a></li>
+<li>
+Rhys, brother of Gruffydd, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+<li>
+Richard I. ("<i>C&oelig;ur de Lion</i>"), <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+<li>
+Richard II., <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+<li>
+Richard, Duke of Gloucester, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+Richard III., <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Richard, Duke of York, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+<li>
+Richard the Good, of Normandy, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+<li>
+Rich, Christopher, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+Rich, John, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+Richmond, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+Richmond, Duke of, <a href="#Page_105">105</a></li>
+<li>
+"Richemond Manor," open house at, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></li>
+<li>
+Riding School, Windsor, <a href="#Page_260">260</a></li>
+<li>
+Riddles, <a href="#Page_252">252</a></li>
+<li>
+Rigden, Mr., <a href="#Page_219">219</a></li>
+<li>
+Ripon, <a href="#Page_242">242</a></li>
+<li>
+Rivers, Lady, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Earl, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Rivet, Andrew, <a href="#Page_157">157</a></li>
+<li>
+"Roast Beef of Old England," <a href="#Page_301">301</a></li>
+<li>
+Robert of Comines, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
+<li>
+Robes, costly, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+<li>
+Robin Hood, <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+<li>
+Robin Hood and his foresters depicted, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Rochester, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+Rochester, Bishop of, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Roe, Sergeant, <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+Roger de Coverley, Sir, <a href="#Page_227">227</a></li>
+<li>
+Roger Mortimer, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+Roland, Captain of Charlemagne, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+<li>
+Roman Church, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
+<li>
+Roman Catholic reaction, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+Roman Empire, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+<li>
+Roman invasion of Britain, <a href="#Page_23">23</a></li>
+<li>
+Romantic days, <a href="#Page_31">31</a></li>
+<li>
+Rome, early Church at, <a href="#Page_11">11</a></li>
+<li>
+Rome, <a href="#Page_328">328</a></li>
+<li>
+Romish priestly practices, <a href="#Page_121">121</a></li>
+<li>
+Rooke, Sir George, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
+<li>
+Rope-dancing, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+Roses united in marriage, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+<li>
+Rotterham, <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
+<li>
+Rouen, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li>
+<li>
+"Round about our Coal Fire," <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_233">233</a></li>
+<li>
+Round Table, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+<li>
+Royalists, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>, <a href="#Page_215">215</a></li>
+<li>
+Royal Bounties, <a href="#Page_258">258</a>, <a href="#Page_260">260</a></li>
+<li>
+Royal festivities, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_141">141</a>, <a href="#Page_261">261</a>
+(<i>see also</i> other festivities recorded under the names of different Sovereigns)</li>
+<li>
+Rowbotham, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Rowe, <a href="#Page_142">142</a></li>
+<li>
+Rowse, Sir John, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Royston, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Roxburgh Collection (British Museum), <a href="#Page_145">145</a></li>
+<li>
+Ruabon, <a href="#Page_264">264</a></li>
+<li>
+Rufus's revelries, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+<li>
+Rump, the, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a></li>
+<li>
+Running, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
+<li>
+Runnymede, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+<li>
+Russell, Lord John, <a href="#Page_297">297</a></li>
+<li>
+Russia, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+Rutland, Duke of, <a href="#Page_224">224</a>, <a href="#Page_266">266</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Janetta, Duchess of, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>;</li>
+<li>Lord, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>S</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Sabine Island, <a href="#Page_295">295</a></li>
+<li>
+Sackville, Thomas, <a href="#Page_125">125</a></li>
+<li>
+Sailors' gathering, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Salisbury, Earl of, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
+<li>
+Salom Moss, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Sanctuary at Westminster, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+Sandal Castle, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+<li>
+Sandhurst, Berkshire, <a href="#Page_276">276</a></li>
+<li>
+Sandringham, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Sandwich Island, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Sandwich Islands, <a href="#Page_305">305</a></li>
+<li>
+Sandys, William, F.S.A., <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_206">206</a></li>
+<li>
+San Maria Maggiore Church, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li>
+<li>
+Saracens, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+<li>
+Santa Claus, <a href="#Page_290">290</a>, <a href="#Page_310">310</a></li>
+<li>
+"Saturday Review," <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Saturnalia</i>, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>, <a href="#Page_320">320</a></li>
+<li>
+Saxon chiefs, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
+<li>
+Saxon sports, <a href="#Page_44">44</a></li>
+<li>
+Scales, Lord and Lady, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+<li>
+Scaliger, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+"Scalloway Lasses," <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Scandinavianism, <a href="#Page_285">285</a></li>
+<li>
+Scenic magnificence, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Schomberg, Duke of, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
+<li>
+Scottish annals, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>, <a href="#Page_254">254</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>-8</li>
+<li>
+Scotch first-footing, <a href="#Page_285">285</a></li>
+<li>
+Scott, Dr., <a href="#Page_313">313</a></li>
+<li>
+Scott, Sir Walter, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>, <a href="#Page_250">250</a></li>
+<li>
+Scripture history plays, <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
+<li>
+Sea celebrations, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_307">307</a></li>
+<li>
+Sears, E. H., <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Sectaries, <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
+<li>
+Segraves, <a href="#Page_148">148</a></li>
+<li>
+Selden, <a href="#Page_152">152</a></li>
+<li>
+Seleucus Nicator, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+Senegal, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+Senlac, battle of, <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
+<li>
+"Seven Champions of Christendom," <a href="#Page_283">283</a></li>
+<li>
+"Seven Dayes of the Weeke," the, 174</li>
+<li>
+Sermons, Christmas, <a href="#Page_193">193</a></li>
+<li>
+Servants' feasts, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>-3, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Servians, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+Settlers, English, <a href="#Page_314">314</a></li>
+<li>
+Seville Cathedral, <a href="#Page_338">338</a></li>
+<li>
+Seymour, Jane, <a href="#Page_108">108</a></li>
+<li>
+Shaftesbury, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">364</a></span></li>
+<li>
+Shaftesbury, <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
+<li>
+Shakespeare, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_141">141</a>, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Shaw, Dr., <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+Shene, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+<li>
+Shepherds, 7, <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li>
+<li>
+Sherwood Forest, <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+<li>
+Shetland, <a href="#Page_285">285</a></li>
+<li>
+"Shewes," triumphant, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+Shipwreck on Christmas-day, <a href="#Page_287">287</a></li>
+<li>
+Shopping in sleighs, <a href="#Page_312">312</a></li>
+<li>
+Shovelboard, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Shrewsbury, Earl of, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Shrine of St. Peter, <a href="#Page_330">330</a></li>
+<li>
+Shropshire, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>, <a href="#Page_255">255</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Shrove Tuesday, <a href="#Page_183">183</a></li>
+<li>
+Sicily, King of, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+<li>
+Sidney, Sir Philip, <a href="#Page_148">148</a></li>
+<li>
+Sieur de Nigry, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+Silurians, King of, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+<li>
+Simeon, <a href="#Page_348">348</a></li>
+<li>
+Sinclair, Rev. John, <a href="#Page_287">287</a></li>
+<li>
+Singing, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_326">326</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Sirloin of roast beef, <a href="#Page_231">231</a></li>
+<li>
+Siward, Sir Richard, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+Skating, <a href="#Page_45">45</a> (see "Ice Sports")</li>
+<li>
+Skeleton at bed foot, <a href="#Page_276">276</a></li>
+<li>
+Skinner's Wells, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+<li>
+Skylarking, <a href="#Page_294">294</a></li>
+<li>
+Slade, Monty, <a href="#Page_302">302</a></li>
+<li>
+Sladen Douglas, B. W., <a href="#Page_303">303</a></li>
+<li>
+Slavs, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+Sleighing, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>, <a href="#Page_310">310</a></li>
+<li>
+Smith, Captain John, <a href="#Page_314">314</a></li>
+<li>
+Smith, Dr. Walter, <a href="#Page_285">285</a></li>
+<li>
+Smith, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Smithfield, London, <a href="#Page_79">79</a></li>
+<li>
+Smyth, John, court fool, <a href="#Page_116">116</a></li>
+<li>
+Smyth, Matthew, <a href="#Page_143">143</a></li>
+<li>
+"Snap" cards, <a href="#Page_272">272</a></li>
+<li>
+Snapdragon, <a href="#Page_247">247</a></li>
+<li>
+Social festivities, <a href="#Page_252">252</a></li>
+<li>
+Society Islands, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Somerset, Duke of, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a></li>
+<li>
+Somerset, Earl of, <a href="#Page_155">155</a></li>
+<li>
+Somerset, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+Somersetshire, <a href="#Page_31">31</a></li>
+<li>
+Somers, Will, king's jester, <a href="#Page_113">113</a></li>
+<li>
+"Sonsy haggis" <a href="#Page_255">255</a></li>
+<li>
+"<i>Sonya</i>," <a href="#Page_344">344</a></li>
+<li>
+Southampton, Earl of, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+Southern merrymaking, <a href="#Page_314">314</a></li>
+<li>
+Southey, <a href="#Page_257">257</a></li>
+<li>
+Souvenirs, <a href="#Page_312">312</a></li>
+<li>
+Spain,  <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_338">338</a></li>
+<li>
+Spanish cavaliers, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Spectacular entertainments, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+<li>
+"Spectator," the, <a href="#Page_227">227</a></li>
+<li>
+Speech from the throne, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+<li>
+Spenser, <a href="#Page_149">149</a></li>
+<li>
+Spithead, <a href="#Page_225">225</a></li>
+<li>
+Sports, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_169">169</a>, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>, <a href="#Page_247">247</a>, <a href="#Page_252">252</a></li>
+<li>
+Stacy, Louis, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Staffordshire, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Stained glass, modern, <a href="#Page_348">348</a></li>
+<li>
+Stainer, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Stanley, Dean, <a href="#Page_17">17</a></li>
+<li>
+Stanton, Mr. W. M., <a href="#Page_304">304</a></li>
+<li>
+Stapleton, Lady, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+<li>
+Star of Bethlehem, <a href="#Page_319">319</a></li>
+<li>
+Star Chamber, <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
+<li>
+State meetings, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>State worship, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>-7</li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Steele, <a href="#Page_227">227</a></li>
+<li>
+Stephen, King, <a href="#Page_51">51</a></li>
+<li>
+Stephen's Day, St., <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Steward's Department, Lord, <a href="#Page_260">260</a></li>
+<li>
+Steward, Sir John, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+<li>
+"Still Christmas" of Henry VIII., <a href="#Page_104">104</a></li>
+<li>
+Stoke Abbat, <a href="#Page_157">157</a></li>
+<li>
+Stony Stratford, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+Stories of Christmastide, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_237">237</a>, <a href="#Page_274">274</a>, <a href="#Page_275">275</a>, <a href="#Page_276">276</a>, <a href="#Page_287">287</a></li>
+<li>
+Stowe, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a></li>
+<li>
+Strafford papers, <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
+<li>
+Strange, Lady, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Stratford-upon-Avon, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Strutt, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Strype, <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+Sturgeon, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+<li>
+Stuteville, Sir Martin, <a href="#Page_192">192</a>, <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li>
+<li>
+Subtleties, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
+<li>
+Sufed Koh, <a href="#Page_302">302</a></li>
+<li>
+Suffolk, <a href="#Page_146">146</a></li>
+<li>
+Suffolk, Earl of, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_189">189</a></li>
+<li>
+Sullivan, <a href="#Page_350">350</a></li>
+<li>
+Sumptuous feasts of Normans, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+<li>
+Superstitions, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_285">285</a></li>
+<li>
+Sussex, Earl of, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Sussex, Sheriff of, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+<li>
+Swans, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+<li>
+Sweden, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Sweetmeats, <a href="#Page_322">322</a></li>
+<li>
+Swegen, King, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+<li>
+Swein, King of Denmark, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
+<li>
+Swithin, St., Winchester, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+<li>
+Sword-dance, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>, <a href="#Page_255">255</a></li>
+<li>
+Sword actors, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>-4</li>
+<li>
+Sword of King Arthur, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+<li>
+Swynford Catherine, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+<li>
+"Synod of Westminster," <a href="#Page_208">208</a></li>
+<li>
+Synod of Whitby, <a href="#Page_27">27</a></li>
+<li>
+Syria, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>T</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Tacitus, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
+<li>
+Taillefer, Norman minstrel, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+<li>
+Talbot, Sir John, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+<li>
+Tallard, Marshal, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
+<li>
+Tales, weird, <a href="#Page_274">274</a>-5</li>
+<li>
+Tallis, <a href="#Page_140">140</a></li>
+<li>
+Tambourine, <a href="#Page_340">340</a></li>
+<li>
+Tancred, King, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+<li>
+"Tatler," the, <a href="#Page_228">228</a></li>
+<li>
+Taverner, Edmund, <a href="#Page_201">201</a></li>
+<li>
+Taylor, John, <a href="#Page_206">206</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Te Deum</i>, <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li>
+<li>
+Telesphorus, St., Bishop of Rome, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+Tempest, great, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+<li>
+Templars' sports, <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li>
+<li>
+Temple-horn winded, <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li>
+<li>
+Temple of Minerva, <a href="#Page_184">184</a></li>
+<li>
+Temples, the, <a href="#Page_111">111</a></li>
+<li>
+Tenants' and labourers' feast, <a href="#Page_231">231</a></li>
+<li>
+Tennyson, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_270">270</a></li>
+<li>
+Teonge, Rev. Henry, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Tetzel, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+<li>
+Teuton forefathers, our, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">365</a></span></li>
+<li>
+Teuton forefathers, our, <a href="#Page_26">26</a></li>
+<li>
+Teuton kinsmen, <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
+<li>
+Tewkesbury, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+<li>
+Thackeray, Mr., <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+Thames, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a></li>
+<li>
+Thanet, Isle of, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Theatrical exhibitions, <a href="#Page_141">141</a>, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>, <a href="#Page_230">230</a></li>
+<li>
+Thelluson, Hon. Mr. and Miss, <a href="#Page_273">273</a></li>
+<li>
+Theobald, Archbishop, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+<li>
+Theobalds, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></li>
+<li>
+Theodosius the younger, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
+<li>
+Thewlis, St., <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Thomas, St., <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+<li>
+Thomas, St. (a place), <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Thomas's Day, St., <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_164">164</a>, <a href="#Page_265">265</a></li>
+<li>
+Thomas, Thomas, <a href="#Page_280">280</a></li>
+<li>
+Thomas, the Misses, <a href="#Page_262">262</a></li>
+<li>
+Thor, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+<li>
+Thorold, Sir Wilfrid de, <a href="#Page_267">267</a></li>
+<li>
+Thunder (<i>see</i> Thor), <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+<li>
+Thurstan, Archbishop, <a href="#Page_48">48</a></li>
+<li>
+Thrybergh, <a href="#Page_219">219</a></li>
+<li>
+Tilting, <a href="#Page_155">155</a> (<i>see also</i> Tournament)</li>
+<li>
+"Time's Alteration," <a href="#Page_217">217</a></li>
+<li>
+"Time's Complaint," <a href="#Page_170">170</a></li>
+<li>
+"Time's Telescope," <a href="#Page_251">251</a></li>
+<li>
+Tobacco, <a href="#Page_259">259</a>, <a href="#Page_278">278</a></li>
+<li>
+Toffee, <a href="#Page_281">281</a></li>
+<li>
+Tommy Atkins, <a href="#Page_299">299</a></li>
+<li>
+Torchlight procession, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+Torksey Hall, <a href="#Page_266">266</a></li>
+<li>
+Tostig, Earl, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+<li>
+Tournaments, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></li>
+<li>
+Tower of London, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href="#Page_223">223</a>, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
+<li>
+Towton, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+<li>
+Toys, <a href="#Page_265">265</a></li>
+<li>
+Tragedy of "Gowry," the, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Traill, Mr., <a href="#Page_287">287</a></li>
+<li>
+Transatlantic Saxons, <a href="#Page_309">309</a></li>
+<li>
+Transvaal, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Travelling, ancient, <a href="#Page_31">31</a></li>
+<li>
+"Treason! treason!" cried James I., <a href="#Page_193">193</a></li>
+<li>
+Tricks by animals, <a href="#Page_229">229</a></li>
+<li>
+Trinity College, Cambridge, <a href="#Page_110">110</a></li>
+<li>
+Trinity Term, <a href="#Page_131">131</a></li>
+<li>
+Triphook, Robert, <a href="#Page_155">155</a></li>
+<li>
+Tripoli, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Triumphs of the tournament, <a href="#Page_101">101</a></li>
+<li>
+Trumpeters, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+<li>
+Trumpets, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_261">261</a></li>
+<li>
+Trunks, small, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+"Truth," in pageantry, <a href="#Page_122">122</a></li>
+<li>
+Tucker, Thomas, the elected Prince, <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
+<li>
+Tudela, Benjamin of, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+<li>
+Tudor, Edmund, Jasper, Owen, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+<li>
+Tumbling, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_228">228</a></li>
+<li>
+Turkeys, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>, <a href="#Page_340">340</a></li>
+<li>
+"Turkish Knight," <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+"Turkish Magistrates," <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+Turnham Green, <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Tusser, Thomas, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a></li>
+<li>
+Twelfthtide, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>, <a href="#Page_342">342</a></li>
+<li>
+Twelve days of Christmas, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_227">227</a></li>
+<li>
+Tyrrel, Sir Walter, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+<li>
+Tytler, General, <a href="#Page_300">300</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>U</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Udall, Nicholas, <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+Ukraine, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+Ule (<i>see</i> Yule)</li>
+<li>
+Uniformity, Act of, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
+<li>
+United States, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_309">309</a>-316</li>
+<li>
+<i>Uphelya</i>, <a href="#Page_286">286</a></li>
+<li>
+"Ups and Downs of Christmas," the, <a href="#Page_209">209</a></li>
+<li>
+"<i>Ursa Minor</i>," <a href="#Page_273">273</a></li>
+<li>
+Usher, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+Ushers, Gentlemen, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></li>
+<li>
+Uvedale, Lord of Wickham Manor, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>V</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Valorous deeds, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+<li>
+Vane, <a href="#Page_213">213</a></li>
+<li>
+Variety of players, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
+<li>
+Vaughan, Master, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Vawce, Sergeant, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></li>
+<li>
+"Venetian Senators," <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+Venice, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>, <a href="#Page_336">336</a></li>
+<li>
+Vere, Earl of Oxford, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+<li>
+Vere, Lady Susan, <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Vernon, Dorothy, <a href="#Page_224">224</a></li>
+<li>
+Versailles, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+<li>
+Vespers, <a href="#Page_331">331</a></li>
+<li>
+Viands, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Victoria, Queen, <a href="#Page_258">258</a>, <a href="#Page_260">260</a>-3</li>
+<li>
+Victoria's grandchildren, Queen, <a href="#Page_262">262</a></li>
+<li>
+Vienna, <a href="#Page_336">336</a></li>
+<li>
+Vigil of Christmas, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li>
+<li>
+Vigilate, a, <a href="#Page_178">178</a></li>
+<li>
+"Vindication of Father Christmas," the, <a href="#Page_212">212</a></li>
+<li>
+Vineyard of pleasure, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+<li>
+Vintage, the, <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
+<li>
+Violins, <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
+<li>
+Virgil's <i>Eclogues</i>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a></li>
+<li>
+Virginian Colonists, <a href="#Page_314">314</a></li>
+<li>
+Virgin Mary, image of the, <a href="#Page_317">317</a></li>
+<li>
+Visors depicted in verse, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></li>
+<li>
+Vivian, Sir Francis, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Mr. Vivian, <a href="#Page_156">156</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Volcano, <a href="#Page_305">305</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>W</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Waits, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_240">240</a></li>
+<li>
+Wakefield, battle of, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+<li>
+Wales, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_188">188</a>, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Wales, Prince and Princess of, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Wallingford, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+Wanjani, <a href="#Page_304">304</a></li>
+<li>
+Ward, Rev. John, <a href="#Page_218">218</a></li>
+<li>
+Warning shots, <a href="#Page_127">127</a></li>
+<li>
+Warren, Earl of, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+Warrior-King (Edward III.), <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+<li>
+Warriors rewarded, <a href="#Page_42">42</a></li>
+<li>
+Wars of Barons, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+<li>
+Wars of Roses, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+<li>
+Wars of Roses ended, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+<li>
+War suspended for Christmas, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+<li>
+Warton, author, <a href="#Page_110">110</a></li>
+<li>
+Warwick, Earl of, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_139">139</a>, <a href="#Page_192">192</a></li>
+<li>
+Warwick muses, <a href="#Page_198">198</a></li>
+<li>
+Warwickshire, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a></li>
+<li>
+Wash, the, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
+<li>
+Wassail, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>, <a href="#Page_181">181</a></li>
+<li>
+"Wassail Bowl," <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">366</a></span></li>
+<li>
+Wassailing the apple-trees, <a href="#Page_278">278</a>-9</li>
+<li>
+Washburn, Ex-Minister E. B., <a href="#Page_318">318</a></li>
+<li>
+Washington negroes, <a href="#Page_314">314</a></li>
+<li>
+Wattewille, Monsieur Robert, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+<li>
+"Weekly Account," the, <a href="#Page_208">208</a></li>
+<li>
+"<i>Weihnacten</i>," <a href="#Page_335">335</a></li>
+<li>
+"<i>Weihnactt's Bescheerung</i>," <a href="#Page_335">335</a></li>
+<li>
+"Welcome to Christmas," <a href="#Page_276">276</a></li>
+<li>
+Welcome to all comers, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_256">256</a></li>
+<li>
+Wellington, <a href="#Page_304">304</a></li>
+<li>
+Welsh border, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
+<li>
+Welsh Christmas, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>-2</li>
+<li>
+Western Church, the, <a href="#Page_12">11</a></li>
+<li>
+West Kington, <a href="#Page_113">113</a></li>
+<li>
+Westminster, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_123">123</a></li>
+<li>
+Westminster Abbey, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a></li>
+<li>
+Westminster Hall, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
+<li>
+Weston, Dr., <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+West Riding of Yorkshire, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>-4</li>
+<li>
+West Newton, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Whalley, Colonel, <a href="#Page_212">212</a></li>
+<li>
+Wheatley, Mr. W. M., <a href="#Page_265">265</a></li>
+<li>
+Whippingham, <a href="#Page_262">262</a></li>
+<li>
+White, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+Whitehall, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Whitelock, <a href="#Page_207">207</a></li>
+<li>
+"White Rose of York," <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+<li>
+Whittier, J. G., <a href="#Page_37">37</a></li>
+<li>
+Wild Boar, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a></li>
+<li>
+William, Prince of Orange, <a href="#Page_220">220</a></li>
+<li>
+William and Mary, <a href="#Page_221">221</a></li>
+<li>
+William IV., <a href="#Page_258">258</a></li>
+<li>
+William the Almoner, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+<li>
+William the Conqueror, <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
+<li>
+William, King of Prussia, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+<li>
+William Rufus, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+<li>
+William, son of Henry I., <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+<li>
+William of Malmesbury, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+<li>
+William of Ypres, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+<li>
+Williams, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+<li>
+Willoughby, Lord, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+<li>
+Winchester, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>monks of, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Winchester, Bishop of, <a href="#Page_195">195</a></li>
+<li>
+Winchester Palace, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+<li>
+Winchester School, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+<li>
+Windsor, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>, <a href="#Page_261">261</a></li>
+<li>
+Wine and honey, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+<li>
+Winer, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></li>
+<li>
+Winters, hard, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>-5</li>
+<li>
+Winter solstice, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_295">295</a></li>
+<li>
+Winwood, Mr., <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Wise Men (Magi), <a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+<li>
+Wise Men (the King's), <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
+<li>
+Witches, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_237">237</a></li>
+<li>
+"Wit-combats," <a href="#Page_153">153</a></li>
+<li>
+Witenagemot, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+<li>
+Wither, George, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a></li>
+<li>
+Wizard of Christmas, <a href="#Page_310">310</a></li>
+<li>
+Woden, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+<li>
+Wolf, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
+<li>
+Wolferton, <a href="#Page_263">263</a></li>
+<li>
+Wolley, Sir Francis, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></li>
+<li>
+Wolsey, Cardinal, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a></li>
+<li>
+Women masks, <a href="#Page_119">119</a></li>
+<li>
+Wood, Mr., <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_157">157</a></li>
+<li>
+Woodstock, <a href="#Page_226">226</a></li>
+<li>
+Woodville, Elizabeth, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+<li>
+Woodville family, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+Woolsthorpe, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>, <a href="#Page_266">266</a></li>
+<li>
+Worcester, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>;
+<ul>
+<li>Earl of, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_189">189</a></li>
+</ul></li>
+<li>
+Workhouse, Christmas at, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Worksop, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+<li>
+Worship in State, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>-7</li>
+<li>
+Wortley, near Leeds, <a href="#Page_291">291</a></li>
+<li>
+Wotton, <a href="#Page_200">200</a></li>
+<li>
+Wrestling, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
+<li>
+Wright, Thomas, F.S.A., <a href="#Page_90">90</a></li>
+<li>
+Wyatt, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_118">118</a></li>
+<li>
+Wykeham, William of, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+<li>
+Wynh, Lady Williams, <a href="#Page_264">264</a></li>
+<li>
+Wynn, Sir W. W., Bart., <a href="#Page_264">264</a></li>
+<li>
+Wynnstay Park, <a href="#Page_264">264</a></li>
+<li>
+<i>Wyrcester, William</i>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>X</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Xtemas, <a href="#Page_9">9</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Y</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+Yeoman, <a href="#Page_124">124</a></li>
+<li>
+Yew, <a href="#Page_282">282</a></li>
+<li>
+York, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+<li>
+York, Archbishop of, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_240">240</a></li>
+<li>
+York, Bishop of, <a href="#Page_25">25</a></li>
+<li>
+York, Duchess of, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+<li>
+York, Duke of, the young, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+<li>
+York, wars of, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+<li>
+Yorkshire, <a href="#Page_251">251</a>, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>-4</li>
+<li>
+Yule, Jule, or Ule, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_285">285</a></li>
+<li>
+Yule-log, <a href="#Page_1">1</a>, <a href="#Page_268">268</a>, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>, <a href="#Page_345">345</a></li>
+<li>
+"Yuletide," <a href="#Page_177">177</a>, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>, <a href="#Page_267">267</a>, <a href="#Page_285">285</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li>Z</li>
+<li>&nbsp;</li>
+
+<li>
+<i>Zambombas</i>, <a href="#Page_339">339</a></li>
+<li>
+Zanzibar, <a href="#Page_288">288</a></li>
+<li>
+Zukkur Kehls, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">367</a></span></li>
+</ul>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
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@@ -0,0 +1,20468 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Christmas: Its Origin and Associations, by
+William Francis Dawson
+
+
+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: Christmas: Its Origin and Associations
+       Together with Its Historical Events and Festive Celebrations During Nineteen Centuries
+
+
+Author: William Francis Dawson
+
+
+
+Release Date: July 10, 2007  [eBook #22042]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS: ITS ORIGIN AND
+ASSOCIATIONS***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Robert Cicconetti, Turgut Dincer, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 22042-h.htm or 22042-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/2/0/4/22042/22042-h/22042-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/2/0/4/22042/22042-h.zip)
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      In this text a character with macron is represented as [=x].
+      Superscripted characters are enclosed by curly brackets and
+      preceed by a caret character (example: ^{th}).
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: BRINGING IN THE YULE LOG. _Frontispiece._]
+
+
+
+
+                            CHRISTMAS:
+
+                  _ITS ORIGIN AND ASSOCIATIONS,_
+
+
+                          TOGETHER WITH
+
+                ITS HISTORICAL EVENTS AND FESTIVE
+                   CELEBRATIONS DURING NINETEEN
+                            CENTURIES:
+
+
+                    DEPICTING, BY PEN AND PENCIL,
+
+        MEMORABLE CELEBRATIONS, STATELY MEETINGS OF EARLY KINGS,
+           REMARKABLE EVENTS, ROMANTIC EPISODES, BRAVE DEEDS,
+              PICTURESQUE CUSTOMS, TIME-HONOURED SPORTS,
+          ROYAL CHRISTMASES, CORONATIONS AND ROYAL MARRIAGES,
+           CHIVALRIC FEATS, COURT BANQUETINGS AND REVELLINGS,
+            CHRISTMAS AT THE COLLEGES AND THE INNS OF COURT,
+               POPULAR FESTIVITIES, AND CHRISTMAS-KEEPING
+                    IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD,
+                    DERIVED FROM THE MOST AUTHENTIC
+                         SOURCES, AND ARRANGED
+                            CHRONOLOGICALLY.
+
+
+
+                                   BY
+
+                              W. F. DAWSON.
+
+                 At home, at sea, in many distant lands,
+                This Kingly Feast without a rival stands!
+
+
+
+                                  LONDON
+                 ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.
+                                   1902.
+
+        REPUBLISHED BY GALE RESEARCH COMPANY, BOOK TOWER, DETROIT, 1968
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+In the third quarter of the nineteenth century, it fell to my lot to
+write an article on Christmas, its customs and festivities. And,
+although I sought in vain for a chronological account of the festival,
+I discovered many interesting details of its observances dispersed in
+the works of various authors; and, while I found that some of its
+greater celebrations marked important epochs in our national history,
+I saw, also, that the successive celebrations of Christmas during
+nineteen centuries were important links in the chain of historical
+Christian evidences. I became enamoured of the subject, for, in
+addition to historical interest, there is the charm of its legendary
+lore, its picturesque customs, and popular games. It seemed to me that
+the origin and hallowed associations of Christmas, its ancient customs
+and festivities, and the important part it has played in history
+combine to make it a most fascinating subject. I resolved, therefore,
+to collect materials for a larger work on _Christmas_.
+
+Henceforth, I became a snapper-up of everything relating to
+Christmastide, utilised every opportunity of searching libraries,
+bookstalls, and catalogues of books in different parts of the country,
+and, subsequently, as a Reader of the British Museum Library, had
+access to that vast storehouse of literary and historical treasures.
+
+Soon after commencing the work, I realised that I had entered a very
+spacious field of research, and that, having to deal with the
+accumulated materials of nineteen centuries, a large amount of labour
+would be involved, and some years must elapse before, even if
+circumstances proved favourable, I could hope to see the end of my
+task. Still, I went on with the work, for I felt that a complete
+account of Christmas, ancient and modern, at home and abroad, would
+prove generally acceptable, for while the historical events and
+legendary lore would interest students and antiquaries, the holiday
+sports and popular celebrations would be no less attractive to general
+readers.
+
+The love of story-telling seems to be ingrained in human nature.
+Travellers tell of vari-coloured races sitting round their watch fires
+reciting deeds of the past; and letters from colonists show how, even
+amidst forest-clearing, they have beguiled their evening hours by
+telling or reading stories as they sat in the glow of their camp
+fires. And in old England there is the same love of tales and stories.
+One of the chief delights of Christmastide is to sit in the united
+family circle and hear, tell, or read about the quaint habits and
+picturesque customs of Christmas in the olden time; and one of the
+purposes of _CHRISTMAS_ is to furnish the retailer of Christmas wares
+with suitable things for re-filling his pack.
+
+From the vast store of materials collected it is not possible to do
+more than make a selection. How far I have succeeded in setting forth
+the subject in a way suited to the diversity of tastes among readers I
+must leave to their judgment and indulgence; but I have this
+satisfaction, that the gems of literature it contains are very rich
+indeed; and I acknowledge my great indebtedness to numerous writers of
+different periods whose references to Christmas and its time-honoured
+customs are quoted.
+
+I have to acknowledge the courtesy of Mr. Henry Jewitt, Mr. E.
+Wiseman, Messrs. Harper, and Messrs. Cassell & Co., in allowing their
+illustrations to appear in this work.
+
+My aim is neither critical nor apologetic, but historical and
+pictorial: it is not to say what might or ought to have been, but to
+set forth from extant records what has actually taken place: to give
+an account of the origin and hallowed associations of Christmas, and
+to depict, by pen and pencil, the important historical events and
+interesting festivities of Christmastide during nineteen centuries.
+With materials collected from different parts of the world, and from
+writings both ancient and modern, I have endeavoured to give in the
+present work a chronological account of the celebrations and
+observances of Christmas from the birth of Christ to the end of the
+nineteenth century; but, in a few instances, the subject-matter has
+been allowed to take precedence of the chronological arrangement. Here
+will be found accounts of primitive celebrations of the Nativity,
+ecclesiastical decisions fixing the date of Christmas, the connection
+of Christmas with the festivals of the ancients, Christmas in times of
+persecution, early celebrations in Britain, stately Christmas meetings
+of the Saxon, Danish, and Norman kings of England; Christmas during
+the wars of the Roses, Royal Christmases under the Tudors, the Stuarts
+and the Kings and Queens of Modern England; Christmas at the Colleges
+and the Inns of Court; Entertainments of the nobility and gentry, and
+popular festivities; accounts of Christmas celebrations in different
+parts of Europe, in America and Canada, in the sultry lands of Africa
+and the ice-bound Arctic coasts, in India and China, at the Antipodes,
+in Australia and New Zealand, and in the Islands of the Pacific; in
+short, throughout the civilised world.
+
+In looking at the celebrations of Christmas, at different periods and
+in different places, I have observed that, whatever views men hold
+respecting Christ, they all agree that His Advent is to be hailed with
+joy, and the nearer the forms of festivity have approximated to the
+teaching of Him who is celebrated the more real has been the joy of
+those who have taken part in the celebrations.
+
+The descriptions of the festivities and customs of different periods
+are given, as far as possible, on the authority of contemporary
+authors, or writers who have special knowledge of those periods, and
+the most reliable authorities have been consulted for facts and dates,
+great care being taken to make the work as accurate and trustworthy as
+possible. I sincerely wish that all who read it may find as much
+pleasure in its perusal as I have had in its compilation.
+
+WILLIAM FRANCIS DAWSON.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Contents]
+
+CHAPTER I.                                                       PAGE
+THE ORIGIN AND ASSOCIATIONS OF CHRISTMAS                            5
+
+CHAPTER II.
+The Earlier Celebrations of the Festival                           10
+
+CHAPTER III.
+Early Christmas Celebrations in Britain                            23
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+Christmas, From the Norman Conquest To Magna Charta                40
+(A.D. 1066-1215.)
+
+CHAPTER V.
+Christmas, From Magna Charta To the End of the Wars of
+  the Roses (A.D. 1215-1485.)                                      62
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+Christmas Under Henry VII. and Henry VIII.                         94
+(A.D. 1485-1547.)
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+Christmas Under Edward VI., Mary, and Elizabeth                   115
+(A.D. 1547-1603.)
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+Christmas Under James I.                                          151
+(A.D. 1603-1625.)
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+Christmas Under Charles the First and the Commonwealth            197
+(A.D. 1625-1660.)
+
+CHAPTER X.
+Christmas, From the Restoration To the Death Of George II.
+(A.D. 1660-1760.)                                                 215
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+Modern Christmases at Home                                        240
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+Modern Christmases Abroad                                         294
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+Concluding Carol Service of the Nineteenth Century                349
+
+INDEX                                                             351
+
+[Illustration]
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+                                                                PAGE
+
+Bringing in the Yule Log                               _Frontispiece_
+
+The Herald Angels                                                  2
+
+Virgin and Child                                                   5
+
+Joseph Taking Mary to be Taxed, and the Nativity Events            6
+
+The Nativity (_Central portion of Picture in National Gallery_)    8
+
+Virgin and Child (_Relievo_)                                       9
+
+Group from the Angels' Serenade                                   10
+
+Adoration of the Magi (_From Pulpit of Pisa_)                     11
+
+"The Inns are Full"                                               14
+
+Grape Gathering and the Vintage (_Mosaic in the Church of
+St. Constantine, Rome, A.D. 320_)                                 16
+
+German Ninth Century Picture of the Nativity                      16
+
+Ancient Roman Illustrations                                       17
+
+Ancient Roman Illustrations                                       18
+
+Ancient Agape                                                     19
+
+Ancient Roman Illustrations                                       21
+
+Early Celebrations in Britain                                     23
+
+Queen Bertha                                                      27
+
+An Ancient Fireplace                                              30
+
+Traveling in the Olden Time, with a "Christmas Fool"
+  on the Front Seat"                                              31
+
+The Wild Boar Hunt: Killing the Boar                              32
+
+Adoration of the Magi (_Picture of Stained Glass, Winchester
+  Cathedral_)                                                     34
+
+A King at Dinner                                                  40
+
+Blind Minstrel at a Feast                                         42
+
+Minstrels' Christmas Serenade at an Old Baronial Hall             44
+
+Westminster Hall                                                  46
+
+Strange Old Stories Illustrated (_From Harl. MS._)                50
+
+A Cook of the Period (_Early Norman_)                             55
+
+Monk Undergoing Discipline                                        56
+
+Wassailing at Christmastide                                       57
+
+Panoply of a Crusader                                             58
+
+Royal Party Dining in State                                       63
+
+Ladies Looking from the Hustings upon the Tournament              73
+
+The Lord of Misrule                                               74
+
+Curious Cuts of Priestly Players in the Olden Time                76
+
+A Court Fool                                                      77
+
+Virgin and Child (_Florentine, 1480. South Kensington Museum_)    83
+
+Henry VI.'s Cradle                                                84
+
+Lady Musician of the Fifteenth Century                            91
+
+Rustic Christmas Minstrel with Pipe and Tabor                     92
+
+Martin Luther and the Christmas Tree                             106
+
+The Little Orleans Madonna of Raphael                            107
+
+Magdalen College, Oxford                                         110
+
+Bringing in the Boar's Head with Minstrelsy                      111
+
+Virgin and Child, Chirbury, Shropshire                           118
+
+Riding a-Mumming at Christmastide                                121
+
+A Dumb Show in the Time of Elizabeth                             123
+
+The Fool of the Old Play (_From a Print by Breughel_)            137
+
+The Acting of one of Shakespeare's Plays in the Time of
+  Queen Elizabeth                                                141
+
+Neighbours with Pipe and Tabor                                   147
+
+Christmas in the Hall                                            149
+
+The Hobby-Horse                                                  197
+
+Servants' Christmas Feast                                        202
+
+"The Hackin"                                                     216
+
+Seafaring Pilgrims                                               219
+
+An Ancient Fireplace                                             225
+
+A Druid Priestess Bearing Mistletoe                              228
+
+A Nest of Fools                                                  229
+
+"The Mask Dance"                                                 231
+
+The Christmas Mummers                                            234
+
+The Waits                                                        240
+
+The Christmas Plum-Pudding                                       245
+
+Italian Minstrels in London, at Christmas, 1825                  246
+
+Snap Dragon                                                      247
+
+Blindman's Buff                                                  249
+
+The Christmas Dance                                              250
+
+The Giving Away of Christmas Doles                               257
+
+Poor Children's Treat in Modern Times                            265
+
+The Christmas Bells                                              271
+
+Wassailing the Apple-Trees in Devonshire                         279
+
+Modern Christmas Performers: Yorkshire Sword-Actors              282
+
+Modern Christmas Characters: "St Peter," "St. Denys"             283
+
+A Scotch First Footing                                           285
+
+Provencal Plays at Christmastide                                 320
+
+Nativity Picture (_From Byzantine Ivory in the British Museum_)  324
+
+Calabrian Shepherds Playing in Rome at Christmas                 329
+
+Worshipping the Child Jesus (_From a Picture in the Museum
+  at Naples_)                                                    337
+
+Angels and Men Worshipping the Child Jesus (_From a
+  Picture in Seville Cathedral_)                                 338
+
+Simeon Received the Child Jesus into his Arms (_From Modern
+  Stained Glass in Bishopsgate Church, London_)                  348
+
+Lichfield Cathedral                                              349
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration:
+
+While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
+  All seated on the ground;
+The angel of the Lord came down,
+  And glory shone around.
+
+_Carol._]
+
+
+
+
+THE HERALD ANGELS.
+
+Lo! God hath ope'd the glist'ring gates of heaven,
+  And thence are streaming beams of glorious light:
+All earth is bath'd in the effulgence giv'n
+  To dissipate the darkness of the night.
+The eastern shepherds, 'biding in the fields,
+  O'erlook the flocks till now their constant care,
+And light divine to mortal sense reveals
+  A seraph bright descending in the air.
+
+Hark! strains seraphic fall upon the ear,
+  From shining ones around th' eternal gates:
+Glad that man's load of guilt may disappear,
+  Infinite strength on finite weakness waits.
+
+Why are the trembling shepherds sore afraid?
+  Why shrink they at the grand, the heavenly sight?
+"Fear not" (the angel says), nor be dismay'd,
+  And o'er them sheds a ray of God-sent light.
+O matchless mercy! All-embracing love!
+  The angel speaks and, gladly, men record:--
+"I bring you joyful tidings from above:
+  This day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord!"
+
+Hark! "Peace on earth, and God's good-will to men!"
+  The angels sing, and heaven resounds with praise--
+That fallen man may live with God again,
+  Through Christ, who deigns the sons of men to raise.
+
+W. F. D
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER I._
+
+THE ORIGIN AND ASSOCIATIONS OF CHRISTMAS.
+
+
+THE FIRST CHRISTMAS: THE ADVENT OF CHRIST.
+
+  Behold, a virgin shall conceive,
+  And bear a Son,
+  And shall call His name Immanuel.
+
+  (_Isaiah_ vii. 14.)
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When His mother Mary
+had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found
+with child of the Holy Ghost. And Joseph her husband, being a
+righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was
+minded to put her away privily. But when he thought on these things,
+behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying,
+Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife:
+for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall
+bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call His name Jesus; for it is He
+that shall save His people from their sins. Now all this is come to
+pass, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through
+the prophet, saying,
+
+  Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son,
+  And they shall call His name Immanuel;
+
+which is, being interpreted, God with us. And Joseph arose from his
+sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto
+him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth a Son; and
+he called His name Jesus.
+
+(_Matthew_ i. 18-25.)
+
+[Illustration: "There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the
+world should be taxed. And Joseph went to be taxed with Mary his
+espoused wife, being great with child." (_Luke_ ii. 1-5.)]
+
+And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field,
+and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord
+stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and
+they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid;
+for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to
+all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David
+a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you; Ye
+shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.
+And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
+praising God, and saying,
+
+  Glory to God in the highest,
+  And on earth peace among men in whom He is well pleased.
+
+And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven,
+the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,
+and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made
+known unto us. And they came with haste, and found both Mary and
+Joseph, and the Babe lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they
+made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this
+child. And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken
+unto them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering
+them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising
+God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was
+spoken unto them.
+
+(_Luke_ ii. 8-20.)
+
+
+THE PLACE OF THE NATIVITY.
+
+The evangelist Matthew tells us that "Jesus was born in Bethlehem of
+Judaea in the days of Herod the king;" and Justin Martyr, who was born
+at Shechem and lived less than a century after the time of Christ,
+places the scene of the Nativity in a cave. Over this cave has risen
+the Church and Convent of the Nativity, and there is a stone slab with
+a star cut in it to mark the spot where the Saviour was born. Dean
+Farrar, who has been at the place, says: "It is impossible to stand in
+the little Chapel of the Nativity, and to look without emotion on the
+silver star let into the white marble, encircled by its sixteen
+everburning lamps, and surrounded by the inscription, '_Hic de Virgine
+Maria Jesus Christus natus est_.'"
+
+To visit such a scene is to have the thoughts carried back to the
+greatest event in the world's history, for it has been truly said that
+the birth of Christ was the world's second birthday.
+
+  Now, death is life! and grief is turn'd to joy!
+    Since glory shone on that auspicious morn,
+  When God incarnate came, not to destroy,
+    But man to save and manhood's state adorn!
+
+  W. F. D.
+
+[Illustration: The Nativity by Sandro Botticelli
+Centre Portion of Picture in National Gallery]
+
+THE WORD "CHRISTMAS": ITS ORTHOGRAPHY AND MEANING.
+
+"Christmas" (pronounced Kris'mas) signifies "Christ's Mass," meaning
+the festival of the Nativity of Christ, and the word has been
+variously spelt at different periods. The following are obsolete forms
+of it found in old English writings: Crystmasse, Cristmes, Cristmas,
+Crestenmes, Crestenmas, Cristemes, Cristynmes, Crismas, Kyrsomas,
+Xtemas, Cristesmesse, Cristemasse, Crystenmas, Crystynmas, Chrystmas,
+Chrystemes, Chrystemasse, Chrystymesse, Cristenmas, Christenmas,
+Christmass, Christmes. Christmas has also been called _Noel_ or
+_Nowel_. As to the derivation of the word _Noel_, some say it is a
+contraction of the French _nouvelles_ (tidings), _les bonnes
+nouvelles_, that is "The good news of the Gospel"; others take it as
+an abbreviation of the Gascon or Provencal _nadaue_, _nadal_, which
+means the same as the Latin _natalis_, that is, _dies natalis_, "the
+birthday." In "The Franklin's Tale," Chaucer alludes to "Nowel" as a
+festive cry at Christmastide: "And 'Nowel' crieth every lusty man."
+Some say _Noel_ is a corruption of _Yule_, _Jule_, or _Ule_, meaning
+"The festival of the sun." The name _Yule_ is still applied to the
+festival in Scotland, and some other places. Christmas is represented
+in Welsh by _Nadolig_, which signifies "the natal, or birth"; in
+French by _Noel_; and in Italian by _Il Natale_, which, together with
+its cognate term in Spanish, is simply a contraction of _dies
+natalis_, "the birthday."
+
+  CHRISTMAS: blest Feast of the Nativity!
+  H eaven made thy lowly shrine
+  R esplendent with the gift of the eternal Deity
+  I n whom we live and move, whose large benignity
+  S pared not His Son divine:
+  T hat well-beloved Son by God was given,
+  M ankind to save with His redeeming blood;
+  A nd Jesus freely left the bliss of Heaven,
+  S uffering death, to achieve our lasting good.--W. F. D.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER II_.
+
+THE EARLIER CELEBRATIONS OF THE FESTIVAL.
+
+
+THE EARLIER CELEBRATIONS.
+
+[Illustration: GROUP FROM THE ANGELS' SERENADE THEODORE MINTROP]
+
+The Angels' Song has been called the first Christmas Carol, and the
+shepherds who heard this heavenly song of peace and goodwill, and went
+"with haste" to the birthplace at Bethlehem, where they "found Mary,
+and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger," certainly took part in
+the first celebration of the Nativity. And the Wise Men, who came
+afterwards with presents from the East, being led to Bethlehem by the
+appearance of the miraculous star, may also be regarded as taking part
+in the first celebration of the Nativity, for the name Epiphany (now
+used to commemorate the manifestation of the Saviour) did not come
+into use till long afterwards, and when it was first adopted among the
+Oriental Churches it was designed to commemorate both the birth and
+baptism of Jesus, which two events the Eastern Churches believed to
+have occurred on January 6th. Whether the shepherds commemorated the
+Feast of the Nativity annually does not appear from the records of the
+Evangelists; but it is by no means improbable that to the end of their
+lives they would annually celebrate the most wonderful event which
+they had witnessed.
+
+[Illustration: ADORATION OF THE MAGI (Relievo.)
+From Pulpit of Pisa Nicola: Pisano]
+
+Within thirty years after the death of our Lord, there were churches
+in Jerusalem, Caesarea, Rome, and the Syrian Antioch. In reference to
+the latter, Bishop Ken beautifully says:--
+
+  "Fair Antioch the rich, the great,
+  Of learning the imperial seat,
+      You readily inclined,
+      To light which on you shined;
+  It soon shot up to a meridian flame,
+  You first baptized it with a Christian name."
+
+Clement, one of the Apostolic Fathers and third Bishop of Rome, who
+flourished in the first century, says: "Brethren, keep diligently
+feast-days, and truly in the first place the day of Christ's birth."
+And according to another of the early Bishops of Rome, it was ordained
+early in the second century, "that in the holy night of the Nativity
+of our Lord and Saviour, they do celebrate public church services and
+in them solemnly sing the Angels' Hymn, because also the same night He
+was declared unto the shepherds by an angel, as the truth itself doth
+witness."
+
+But, before proceeding further with the historical narrative, it will
+be well now to make more particular reference to the fixing of the
+date of the festival.
+
+
+FIXING THE DATE OF CHRISTMAS.
+
+Whether the 25th of December, which is now observed as Christmas Day,
+correctly fixes the period of the year when Christ was born is still
+doubtful, although it is a question upon which there has been much
+controversy. From Clement of Alexandria it appears, that when the
+first efforts were made to fix the season of the Advent, there were
+advocates for the 20th of May, and for the 20th or 21st of April. It
+is also found that some communities of Christians celebrated the
+festival on the 1st or 6th of January; others on the 29th of March,
+the time of the Jewish Passover: while others observed it on the 29th
+of September, or Feast of Tabernacles. The Oriental Christians
+generally were of opinion that both the birth and baptism of Christ
+took place on the 6th of January. Julius I., Bishop of Rome (A.D.
+337-352), contended that the 25th of December was the date of Christ's
+birth, a view to which the majority of the Eastern Church ultimately
+came round, while the Church of the West adopted from their brethren
+in the East the view that the baptism was on the 6th of January. It
+is, at any rate, certain that after St. Chrysostom Christmas was
+observed on the 25th of December in East and West alike, except in the
+Armenian Church, which still remains faithful to January 6th. St.
+Chrysostom, who died in the beginning of the fifth century, informs
+us, in one of his Epistles, that Julius, on the solicitation of St.
+Cyril of Jerusalem, caused strict inquiries to be made on the subject,
+and thereafter, following what seemed to be the best authenticated
+tradition, settled authoritatively the 25th of December as the
+anniversary of Christ's birth, the _Festorum omnium metropolis_, as it
+is styled by Chrysostom. It may be observed, however, that some have
+represented this fixing of the day to have been accomplished by St.
+Telesphorus, who was Bishop of Rome A.D. 127-139, but the authority
+for the assertion is very doubtful. There is good ground for
+maintaining that Easter and its accessory celebrations mark with
+tolerable accuracy the anniversaries of the Passion and Resurrection
+of our Lord, because we know that the events themselves took place at
+the period of the Jewish Passover; but no such precision of date can
+be adduced as regards Christmas. Dr. Geikie[1] says: "The _season_ at
+which Christ was born is inferred from the fact that He was six months
+younger than John, respecting the date of whose birth we have the help
+of knowing the time of the annunciation during his father's
+ministrations in Jerusalem. Still, the whole subject is very
+uncertain. Ewald appears to fix the date of the birth as five years
+earlier than our era. Petavius and Usher fix it as on the 25th of
+December, five years before our era; Bengel, on the 25th of December,
+four years before our era; Anger and Winer, four years before our era,
+in the spring; Scaliger, three years before our era, in October; St.
+Jerome, three years before our era, on December 25th; Eusebius, two
+years before our era, on January 6th; and Ideler, seven years before
+our era, in December." Milton, following the immemorial tradition of
+the Church, says that--
+
+  "It was the winter wild."
+
+But there are still many who think that the 25th of December does not
+correspond with the actual date of the birth of Christ, and regard the
+incident of the flocks and shepherds in the open field, recorded by
+St. Luke, as indicative of spring rather than winter. This incident,
+it is thought, could not have taken place in the inclement month of
+December, and it has been conjectured, with some probability, that the
+25th of December was chosen in order to substitute the purified joy of
+a Christian festival for the license of the _Bacchanalia_ and
+_Saturnalia_ which were kept at that season. It is most probable that
+the Advent took place between December, 749, of Rome, and February,
+750.
+
+Dionysius Exiguus, surnamed the Little, a Romish monk of the sixth
+century, a Scythian by birth, and who died A.D. 556, fixed the birth
+of Christ in the year of Rome 753, but the best authorities are now
+agreed that 753 was not the year in which the Saviour of mankind was
+born. The Nativity is now placed, not as might have been expected, in
+A.D. 1, but in B.C. 5 or 4. The mode of reckoning by the "year of our
+Lord" was first introduced by Dionysius, in his "Cyclus Paschalis," a
+treatise on the computation of Easter, in the first half of the sixth
+century. Up to that time the received computation of events through
+the western portion of Christendom had been from the supposed
+foundation of Rome (B.C. 754), and events were marked accordingly as
+happening in this or that year, _Anno Urbis Conditae_, or by the
+initial letters A.U.C. In the East some historians continued to reckon
+from the era of Seleucidae, which dated from the accession of Seleucus
+Nicator to the monarchy of Syria, in B.C. 312. The new computation was
+received by Christendom in the sixth century, and adopted without
+adequate inquiry, till the sixteenth century. A more careful
+examination of the data presented by the Gospel history, and, in
+particular, by the fact that "Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea"
+before the death of Herod, showed that Dionysius had made a mistake of
+four years, or perhaps more, in his calculations. The death of Herod
+took place in the year of Rome A.U.C. 750, just before the Passover.
+This year coincided with what in our common chronology would be B.C.
+4--so that we have to recognise the fact that our own reckoning is
+erroneous, and to fix B.C. 5 or 4 as the date of the Nativity.
+
+[Illustration: "THE INNS ARE FULL."]
+
+Now, out of the consideration of the time at which the Christmas
+festival is fixed, naturally arises another question, viz.:--
+
+
+THE CONNECTION OF CHRISTMAS WITH ANCIENT FESTIVALS.
+
+Sir Isaac Newton[2] says the Feast of the Nativity, and most of the
+other ecclesiastical anniversaries, were originally fixed at cardinal
+points of the year, without any reference to the dates of the
+incidents which they commemorated, dates which, by lapse of time, it
+was impossible to ascertain. Thus the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary
+was placed on the 25th of March, or about the time of the vernal
+equinox; the Feast of St. Michael on the 29th of September, or near
+the autumnal equinox; and the Birth of Christ at the time of the
+winter solstice. Christmas was thus fixed at the time of the year when
+the most celebrated festivals of the ancients were held in honour of
+the return of the sun which at the winter solstice begins gradually to
+regain power and to ascend apparently in the horizon. Previously to
+this (says William Sandys, F.S.A.),[3] the year was drawing to a
+close, and the world was typically considered to be in the same state.
+The promised restoration of light and commencement of a new era were
+therefore hailed with rejoicings and thanksgivings. The Saxon and
+other northern nations kept a festival at this time of the year in
+honour of Thor, in which they mingled feasting, drinking, and dancing
+with sacrifices and religious rites. It was called Yule, or Jule, a
+term of which the derivation has caused dispute amongst antiquaries;
+some considering it to mean a festival, and others stating that Iol,
+or Iul (spelt in various ways), is a primitive word, conveying the
+idea of Revolution or Wheel, and applicable therefore to the return of
+the sun. The _Bacchanalia_ and _Saturnalia_ of the Romans had
+apparently the same object as the Yuletide, or feast of the Northern
+nations, and were probably adopted from some more ancient nations, as
+the Greeks, Mexicans, Persians, Chinese, &c., had all something
+similar. In the course of them, as is well known, masters and slaves
+were supposed to be on an equality; indeed, the former waited on the
+latter.[4] Presents were mutually given and received, as Christmas
+presents in these days. Towards the end of the feast, when the sun was
+on its return, and the world was considered to be renovated, a king or
+ruler was chosen, with considerable power granted to him during his
+ephemeral reign, whence may have sprung some of the Twelfth-Night
+revels, mingled with those in honour of the Manifestation and
+Adoration of the Magi. And, in all probability, some other Christmas
+customs are adopted from the festivals of the ancients, as decking
+with evergreens and mistletoe (relics of Druidism) and the wassail
+bowl. It is not surprising, therefore, that Bacchanalian illustrations
+have been found among the decorations in the early Christian Churches.
+The illustration on the following page is from a mosaic in the Church
+of St. Constantine, Rome, A.D. 320.
+
+[Illustration: GRAPE GATHERING AND THE VINTAGE.
+MOSAIC IN THE CHURCH OF ST. CONSTANTINE, ROME, A.D. 320.]
+
+[Illustration: FROM AN IVORY (PART OF BOOK COVER)
+GERMAN NINTH CENTURY BRITISH MUSEUM]
+
+Dr. Cassel, of Germany, an erudite Jewish convert who is little known
+in this country, has endeavoured to show that the festival of
+Christmas has a Judaean origin. He considers that its customs are
+significantly in accordance with those of the Jewish festival of the
+Dedication of the Temple. This feast was held in the winter time, on
+the 25th of Cisleu (December 20th), having been founded by Judas
+Maccabaeus in honour of the cleansing of the Temple in B.C. 164, six
+years and a half after its profanation by Antiochus Epiphanes. In
+connection with Dr. Cassel's theory it may be remarked that the German
+word _Weihnachten_ (from _weihen_, "to consecrate, inaugurate," and
+_nacht_, "night") leads directly to the meaning, "Night of the
+Dedication."
+
+[Illustration: ANCIENT ROMAN ILLUSTRATIONS.]
+
+In proceeding with our historical survey, then, we must recollect that
+in the festivities of Christmastide there is a mingling of the Divine
+with the human elements of society--the establishment and development
+of a Christian festival on pagan soil and in the midst of
+superstitious surroundings. Unless this be borne in mind it is
+impossible to understand some customs connected with the celebration
+of Christmas. For while the festival commemorates the Nativity of
+Christ, it also illustrates the ancient practices of the various
+peoples who have taken part in the commemoration, and not
+inappropriately so, as the event commemorated is also linked to the
+past. "Christmas" (says Dean Stanley) "brings before us the relations
+of the Christian religion to the religions which went before; for the
+birth at Bethlehem was itself a link with the past. The coming of
+Jesus Christ was not unheralded or unforeseen. Even in the heathen
+world there had been anticipations of an event of a character not
+unlike this. In Plato's Dialogue bright ideals had been drawn of the
+just man; in Virgil's Eclogues there had been a vision of a new and
+peaceful order of things. But it was in the Jewish nation that these
+anticipations were most distinct. That wonderful people in all its
+history had looked, not backward, but forward. The appearance of Jesus
+Christ was not merely the accomplishment of certain predictions; it
+was the fulfilment of this wide and deep expectation of a whole
+people, and that people the most remarkable in the ancient world."
+Thus Dean Stanley links Christianity with the older religions of the
+world, as other writers have connected the festival of Christmas with
+the festivals of paganism and Judaism. The first Christians were
+exposed to the dissolute habits and idolatrous practices of
+heathenism, as well as the superstitious ceremonials of Judaism, and
+it is in these influences that we must seek the true origin of many of
+the usages and institutions of Christianity. The old hall of Roman
+justice and exchange--an edifice expressive of the popular life of
+Greece and Rome--was not deemed too secular to be used as the first
+Christian place of worship: pagan statues were preserved as objects of
+adoration, being changed but in name; names describing the functions
+of Church officers were copied from the civil vocabulary of the time;
+the ceremonies of Christian worship were accommodated as far as
+possible to those of the heathen, that new converts might not be much
+startled at the change, and at the Christmas festival Christians
+indulged in revels closely resembling those of the _Saturnalia_.
+
+[Illustration: ANCIENT ROMAN ILLUSTRATIONS.]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION.
+
+It is known that the Feast of the Nativity was observed as early as
+the first century, and that it was kept by the primitive Christians
+even in dark days of persecution. "They wandered in deserts, and in
+mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth" (Heb. xi. 38). Yet they
+were faithful to Christ, and the Catacombs of Rome contain evidence
+that they celebrated the Nativity.
+
+The opening up of these Catacombs has brought to light many most
+interesting relics of primitive Christianity. In these Christian
+cemeteries and places of worship there are signs not only of the deep
+emotion and hope with which they buried their dead, but also of their
+simple forms of worship and the festive joy with which they
+commemorated the Nativity of Christ. On the rock-hewn tombs these
+primitive Christians wrote the thoughts that were most consoling to
+themselves, or painted on the walls the figures which gave them the
+most pleasure. The subjects of these paintings are for the most part
+taken from the Bible, and the one which illustrates the earliest and
+most universal of these pictures, and exhibits their Christmas joy, is
+"The Adoration of the Magi." Another of these emblems of joyous
+festivity which is frequently seen, is a vine, with its branches and
+purple clusters spreading in every direction, reminding us that in
+Eastern countries the vintage is the great holiday of the year. In the
+Jewish Church there was no festival so joyous as the Feast of
+Tabernacles, when they gathered the fruit of the vineyard, and in some
+of the earlier celebrations of the Nativity these festivities were
+closely copied. And as all down the ages pagan elements have mingled
+in the festivities of Christmas, so in the Catacombs they are not
+absent. There is Orpheus playing on his harp to the beasts; Bacchus as
+the god of the vintage; Psyche, the butterfly of the soul; the Jordan
+as the god of the rivers. The classical and the Christian, the Hebrew
+and the Hellenic elements had not yet parted; and the unearthing of
+these pictures after the lapse of centuries affords another
+interesting clue to the origin of some of the customs of
+Christmastide. It is astonishing how many of the Catacomb decorations
+are taken from heathen sources and copied from heathen paintings; yet
+we need not wonder when we reflect that the vine was used by the early
+Christians as an emblem of gladness, and it was scarcely possible for
+them to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity--a festival of glad
+tidings--without some sort of _Bacchanalia_. Thus it appears that even
+beneath the palaces and temples of pagan Rome the birth of Christ was
+celebrated, this early undermining of paganism by Christianity being,
+as it were, the germ of the final victory, and the secret praise,
+which came like muffled music from the Catacombs in honour of the
+Nativity, the prelude to the triumph-song in which they shall unite
+who receive from Christ the unwithering crown.
+
+[Illustration: ANCIENT AGAPE.
+
+(_From Withrow's_ "_Catacombs of Rome_," which states that the
+inscriptions, according to Dr. Maitland, should be expanded thus IRENE
+DA CALDA[M AQVAM]--"Peace, give hot water," and AGAPE MISCE MI [VINVM
+CVM AQVA]--"Love, mix me wine with water," the allusion being to the
+ancient custom of tempering wine with water, hot or cold)]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+But they who would wear the crown must first bear the cross, and these
+early Christians had to pass through dreadful days of persecution.
+Some of them were made food for the torches of the atrocious Nero,
+others were thrown into the Imperial fish-ponds to fatten lampreys for
+the Bacchanalian banquets, and many were mangled to death by savage
+beasts, or still more savage men, to make sport for thousands of
+pitiless sightseers, while not a single thumb was turned to make the
+sign of mercy. But perhaps the most gigantic and horrible of all
+Christmas atrocities were those perpetrated by the tyrant Diocletian,
+who became Emperor A.D. 284. The early years of his reign were
+characterised by some sort of religious toleration, but when his
+persecutions began many endured martyrdom, and the storm of his fury
+burst on the Christians in the year 303. A multitude of Christians of
+all ages had assembled to commemorate the Nativity in the temple at
+Nicomedia, in Bithynia, when the tyrant Emperor had the town
+surrounded by soldiers and set on fire, and about twenty thousand
+persons perished. The persecutions were carried on throughout the
+Roman Empire, and the death-roll included some British martyrs,
+Britain being at that time a Roman province. St. Alban, who was put to
+death at Verulam in Diocletian's reign, is said to have been the first
+Christian martyr in Britain. On the retirement of Diocletian, satiated
+with slaughter and wearied with wickedness, Galerius continued the
+persecutions for a while. But the time of deliverance was at hand, for
+the martyrs had made more converts in their deaths than in their
+lives. It was vainly hoped that Christianity would be destroyed, but
+in the succeeding reign of Constantine it became the religion of the
+empire. Not one of the martyrs had died in vain or passed through
+death unrecorded.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ "There is a record traced on high,
+  That shall endure eternally;
+  The angel standing by God's throne
+  Treasures there each word and groan;
+  And not the martyr's speech alone,
+  But every word is there depicted,
+    With every circumstance of pain
+  The crimson stream, the gash inflicted--
+    And not a drop is shed in vain."
+
+
+CELEBRATIONS UNDER CONSTANTINE THE GREAT.
+
+With the accession of Constantine (born at York, February 27, 274, son
+of the sub-Emperor Constantius by a British mother, the "fair Helena
+of York," and who, on the death of his father at York in 306, was in
+Britain proclaimed Emperor of the Roman Empire) brighter days came to
+the Christians, for his first act was one of favour to them. He had
+been present at the promulgation of Diocletian's edict of the last and
+fiercest of the persecutions against the Christians, in 303, at
+Nicomedia, soon after which the imperial palace was struck by
+lightning, and the conjunction of the events seems to have deeply
+impressed him. No sooner had he ascended the throne than his good
+feeling towards the Christians took the active form of an edict of
+toleration, and subsequently he accepted Christianity, and his example
+was followed by the greater part of his family. And now the
+Christians, who had formerly hidden away in the darkness of the
+Catacombs and encouraged one another with "Alleluias," which served as
+a sort of invitatory or mutual call to each other to praise the Lord,
+might come forth into the Imperial sunshine and hold their services in
+basilicas or public halls, the roofs of which (Jerome tells us)
+"re-echoed with their cries of Alleluia," while Ambrose says the sound
+of their psalms as they sang in celebration of the Nativity "was like
+the surging of the sea in great waves of sound." And the Catacombs
+contain confirmatory evidence of the joy with which relatives of the
+Emperor participated in Christian festivities. In the tomb of
+Constantia, the sister of the Emperor Constantine, the only
+decorations are children gathering the vintage, plucking the grapes,
+carrying baskets of grapes on their heads, dancing on the grapes to
+press out the wine. This primitive conception of the Founder of
+Christianity shows the faith of these early Christians to have been of
+a joyous and festive character, and the Graduals for Christmas Eve and
+Christmas morning, the beautiful Kyrie Eleisons (which in later times
+passed into carols), and the other festival music which has come down
+to us through that wonderful compilation of Christian song, _Gregory's
+Antiphonary_, show that Christmas stood out prominently in the
+celebrations of the now established Church, for the Emperor
+Constantine had transferred the seat of government to Constantinople,
+and Christianity was formally recognised as the established religion.
+
+
+EPISCOPAL REFERENCES TO CHRISTMAS AND CAUTIONS AGAINST EXCESSES.
+
+Cyprian, the intrepid Bishop of Carthage, whose stormy episcopate
+closed with the crown of martyrdom in the latter half of the third
+century, began his treatise on the Nativity thus: "The much wished-for
+and long expected Nativity of Christ is come, the famous solemnity is
+come"--expressions which indicate the desire with which the Church
+looked forward to the festival, and the fame which its celebrations
+had acquired in the popular mind. And in later times, after the
+fulness of festivity at Christmas had resulted in some excesses,
+Bishop Gregory Nazianzen (who died in 389), fearing the spiritual
+thanksgiving was in danger of being subordinated to the temporal
+rejoicing, cautioned all Christians "against feasting to excess,
+dancing, and crowning the doors (practices derived from the heathens);
+urging the celebration of the festival after an heavenly and not an
+earthly manner."
+
+In the Council, generally called _Concilium Africanum_, held A.D. 408,
+"stage-playes and spectacles are forbidden on the Lord's-day,
+Christmas-day, and other solemn Christian festivalls." Theodosius the
+younger, in his laws _de Spectaculis_, in 425, forbade shows or games
+on the Nativity, and some other feasts. And in the Council of Auxerre,
+in Burgundy, in 578, disguisings are again forbidden, and at another
+Council, in 614, it was found necessary to repeat the prohibitory
+canons in stronger terms, declaring it to be unlawful to make any
+indecent plays upon the Kalends of January, according to the profane
+practices of the pagans. But it is also recorded that the more devout
+Christians in these early times celebrated the festival without
+indulging in the forbidden excesses.
+
+    [1] Notes to "Life of Christ."
+
+    [2] "Commentary on the Prophecies of Daniel."
+
+    [3] Introduction to "Christmas Carols," 1833.
+
+    [4] The Emperor Nero himself is known to have presided at
+    the _Saturnalia_, having been made by lot the _Rex
+    bibendi_, or Master of the Revels. Indeed it was at one of
+    these festivals that he instigated the murder of the young
+    Prince Britannicus, the last male descendant of the family
+    of the Claudii, who had been expelled from his rights by
+    violence and crime; and the atrocious act was committed
+    amid the revels over which Nero was presiding as master.
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER III._
+
+EARLY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS IN BRITAIN.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+EARLY CELEBRATIONS IN BRITAIN.
+
+It is recorded that there were "saints in Caesar's household," and we
+have also the best authority for saying there were converts among
+Roman soldiers. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, "was a just man and one
+that feared God," and other Roman converts are referred to in
+Scripture as having been found among the officers of the Roman Empire.
+And although it is not known who first preached the Gospel in Britain,
+it seems almost certain that Christianity entered with the Roman
+invasion in A.D. 43. As in Palestine some of the earlier converts
+served Christ secretly "for fear of the Jews," so, in all probability,
+did they in Britain for fear of the Romans. We know that some
+confessed Christ and closed their earthly career with the crown of
+martyrdom. It is also certain that very early in the Christian era
+Christmas was celebrated in Britain, mingling in its festivities some
+of the winter-festival customs of the ancient Britons and the Roman
+invaders, for traces of those celebrations are still seen in some of
+the Christmas customs of modern times. Moreover, it is known that
+Christians were tolerated in Britain by some of the Roman governors
+before the days of Constantine. It was in the time of the fourth Roman
+Emperor, Claudius, that part of Britain was first really conquered.
+Claudius himself came over in the year 43, and his generals afterwards
+went on with the war, conquering one after another of the British
+chiefs, Caradoc, whom the Romans called Caractacus, holding out the
+longest and the most bravely. This intrepid King of the Silurians, who
+lived in South Wales and the neighbouring parts, withstood the Romans
+for several years, but was at last defeated at a great battle,
+supposed to have taken place in Shropshire, where there is a hill
+still called Caer Caradoc. Caradoc and his family were taken prisoners
+and led before the Emperor at Rome, when he made a remarkable speech
+which has been preserved for us by Tacitus. When he saw the splendid
+city of Rome, he wondered that an Emperor who lived in such splendour
+should have meddled with his humble home in Britain; and in his
+address before the Emperor Claudius, who received him seated on his
+throne with the Empress Agrippina by his side, Caradoc said: "My fate
+this day appears as sad for me as it is glorious for thee. I had
+horses, soldiers, arms, and treasures; is it surprising that I should
+regret the loss of them? If it is thy will to command the universe, is
+it a reason we should voluntarily accept slavery? Had I yielded
+sooner, thy fortune and my glory would have been less, and oblivion
+would soon have followed my execution. If thou sparest my life, I
+shall be an eternal monument of thy clemency." Although the Romans had
+very often killed their captives, to the honour of Claudius be it said
+that he treated Caradoc kindly, gave him his liberty, and, according
+to some historians, allowed him to reign in part of Britain as a
+prince subject to Rome. It is surprising that an emperor who had shown
+such clemency could afterwards become one of Rome's sanguinary
+tyrants; but Claudius was a man of weak intellect.
+
+There were several of the Roman Emperors and Governors who befriended
+the Christians, took part in their Christmas festivities, and
+professed faith in Christ. The Venerable Bede says: "In the reign of
+Marcus Aurelius Antonius, and his partner in the Empire, Lucius Verus,
+when Eleutherius was Bishop of Rome, Lucius, a British king, sent a
+letter to his prelate, desiring his directions to make him a
+Christian. The holy bishop immediately complied with this pious
+request; and thus the Britons, being brought over to Christianity,
+continued without warping or disturbance till the reign of the Emperor
+Diocletian." And Selden says: "Howsoever, by injury of time, the
+memory of this great and illustrious Prince King Lucy hath been
+embezzled and smuggled; this, upon the credit of the ancient writers,
+appears plainly, that the pitiful fopperies of the Pagans, and the
+worship of their idol devils, did begin to flag, and within a short
+time would have given place to the worship of the true God." As this
+"illustrious Prince King Lucy"--Lucius Verus--flourished in the latter
+part of the second century, and is credited with the erection of our
+first Christian Church on the site of St. Martin's, at Canterbury, it
+seems clear that even in those early days Christianity was making
+progress in Britain. From the time of Julius Agricola, who was Roman
+Commander from 78 to 84, Britain had been a Roman province, and
+although the Romans never conquered the whole of the island, yet
+during their occupation of what they called their province (the whole
+of Britain, excepting that portion north of the Firths of Forth and
+Clyde), they encouraged the Christmas festivities and did much to
+civilise the people whom they had conquered and whom they governed for
+more than three hundred years. They built towns in different parts of
+the country and constructed good roads from one town to another, for
+they were excellent builders and road-makers. Some of the Roman
+emperors visited Britain and others were chosen by the soldiers of
+Britain; and in the reigns of Constantine the Great and other tolerant
+emperors the Britains lived like Romans, adopted Roman manners and
+customs, and some of them learned to speak the Latin language.
+Christian churches were built and bishoprics founded; a hierarchy was
+established, and at the Council of Arles, in 314, three British
+bishops took part--those of York, London, and Camulodunum (which is
+now Colchester or Malden, authorities are divided, but Freeman says
+Colchester). The canons framed at Arles on this occasion became the
+law of the British Church, and in this more favourable period for
+Christians the Christmas festival was kept with great rejoicing. But
+this settled state of affairs was subsequently disturbed by the
+departure of the Romans and the several invasions of the Anglo-Saxons
+and the Danes which preceded the Norman Conquest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AGAIN IN TROUBLOUS TIMES: THE DEPARTURE OF THE ROMANS AND
+THE INVASION OF THE ANGLO-SAXONS.
+
+The outgoing of the Romans and the incoming of the Angles, the Saxons,
+and the Jutes disastrously affected the festival of Christmas, for the
+invaders were heathens, and Christianity was swept westward before
+them. They had lived in a part of the Continent which had not been
+reached by Christianity nor classic culture, and they worshipped the
+false gods of Woden and Thunder, and were addicted to various
+heathenish practices, some of which now mingled with the festivities
+of Christmastide. Still, as these Angles came to stay and have given
+their name to our country, it may be well to note that they came over
+to Britain from the one country which is known to have borne the name
+of Angeln or the Engle-land, and which is now called Sleswick, a
+district in the middle of that peninsula which parts the Baltic from
+the North Sea or German Ocean. The Romans having become weakened
+through their conflicts with Germany and other nations, at the
+beginning of the fifth century, the Emperor Honorius recalled the
+Roman legions from Britain, and this made it much easier for the
+Angles and Saxons (who had previously tried to get in) to come and
+remain in this country. Thus our Teuton forefathers came and conquered
+much the greater part of Britain, the Picts and Scots remaining in the
+north and the Welsh in the west of the island. It was their custom to
+kill or make slaves of all the people they could, and so completely
+did they conquer that part of Britain in which they settled that they
+kept their own language and manners and their own heathenish religion,
+and destroyed or desecrated Christian churches which had been set up.
+Hence Christian missionaries were required to convert our ancestral
+worshippers of Woden and Thunder, and a difficult business it was to
+Christianise such pagans, for they stuck to their false gods with the
+same tenacity that the northern nations did.
+
+In his poem of "King Olaf's Christmas" Longfellow refers to the
+worship of Thor and Odin alongside with the worship of Christ in the
+northern nations:--
+
+ "At Drontheim, Olaf the King
+  Heard the bells of Yule-tide ring,
+      As he sat in his banquet-hall.
+  Drinking the nut-brown ale,
+  With his bearded Berserks hale
+      And tall.
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  O'er his drinking horn, the sign
+  He made of the Cross divine
+      As he drank, and muttered his prayers;
+  But the Berserks evermore
+  Made the sign of the Hammer of Thor
+      Over theirs."
+
+In England, too, Christ and Thor were worshipped side by side for at
+least 150 years after the introduction of Christianity, for while some
+of the English accepted Christ as their true friend and Saviour, He
+was not accepted by all the people. Indeed, the struggle against Him
+is still going on, but we anticipate the time when He shall be
+victorious all along the line.
+
+The Christmas festival was duly observed by the missionaries who came
+to the South of England from Rome, headed by Augustine, and in the
+northern parts of the country the Christian festivities were revived
+by the Celtic missionaries from Iona, under Aidan, the famous
+Columbian monk. At least half of England was covered by the Columbian
+monks, whose great foundation upon the rocky island of Iona, in the
+Hebrides, was the source of Christianity to Scotland. The ritual of
+the Celtic differed from that of the Romish missionaries, and caused
+confusion, till at the Synod of Whitby (664) the Northumbrian Kingdom
+adopted the Roman usages, and England obtained ecclesiastical unity as
+a branch of the Church of Rome. Thus unity in the Church preceded by
+several centuries unity in the State.
+
+[Illustration: QUEEN BERTHA.]
+
+In connection with Augustine's mission to England, a memorable story
+(recorded in Green's "History of the English People") tells how, when
+but a young Roman deacon, Gregory had noted the white bodies, the fair
+faces, the golden hair of some youths who stood bound in the
+market-place of Rome. "From what country do these slaves come?" he
+asked the traders who brought them. "They are English, Angles!" the
+slave-dealers answered. The deacon's pity veiled itself in poetic
+humour. "Not Angles, but Angels," he said, "with faces so angel-like!
+From what country come they?" "They come," said the merchants, "from
+Deira." "De ira!" was the untranslatable reply; "aye, plucked from
+God's ire, and called to Christ's mercy! And what is the name of their
+king?" "AElla," they told him, and Gregory seized on the words as of
+good omen. "Alleluia shall be sung in AElla's land!" he cried, and
+passed on, musing how the angel-faces should be brought to sing it.
+Only three or four years had gone by when the deacon had become Bishop
+of Rome, and the marriage of Bertha, daughter of the Frankish king,
+Charibert of Paris, with AEthelberht, King of Kent, gave him the
+opening he sought; for Bertha, like her Frankish kinsfolk, was a
+Christian.
+
+And so, after negotiations with the rulers of Gaul, Gregory sent
+Augustine, at the head of a band of monks, to preach the gospel to the
+English people. The missionaries landed in 597, on the very spot where
+Hengest had landed more than a century before, in the Isle of Thanet;
+and the king received them sitting in the open air on the chalk-down
+above Minster, where the eye nowadays catches, miles away over the
+marshes, the dim tower of Canterbury. Rowbotham, in his "History of
+Music," says that wherever Gregory sent missionaries he also sent
+copies of the Gregorian song as he had arranged it in his
+"Antiphonary." And he bade them go singing among the people. And
+Augustine entered Kent bearing a silver cross and a banner with the
+image of Christ painted on it, while a long train of choristers walked
+behind him chanting the _Kyrie Eleison_. In this way they came to the
+court of AEthelberht, who assigned them Canterbury as an abode; and
+they entered Canterbury with similar pomp, and as they passed through
+the gates they sang this petition: "Lord, we beseech Thee to keep Thy
+wrath away from this city and from Thy holy Church, Alleluia!"
+
+As papal Rome preserved many relics of heathen Rome, so, in like
+manner, Pope Gregory, in sending Augustine over to convert the
+Anglo-Saxons, directed him to accommodate the ceremonies of the
+Christian worship as much as possible to those of the heathen, that
+the people might not be much startled at the change; and, in
+particular, he advised him to allow converts to kill and eat at the
+Christmas festival a great number of oxen to the glory of God, as they
+had formerly done to the honour of the devil. The clergy, therefore,
+endeavoured to connect the remnants of Pagan idolatry with
+Christianity, and also allowed some of the practices of our British
+ancestors to mingle in the festivities of Christmastide. The religion
+of the Druids, the priests of the ancient Britons, is supposed to have
+been somewhat similar to that of the Brahmins of India, the Magi of
+Persia, and the Chaldeans of Syria. They worshipped in groves,
+regarded the oak and mistletoe as objects of veneration, and offered
+sacrifices. Before Christianity came to Britain December was called
+"Aerra Geola," because the sun then "turns his glorious course." And
+under different names, such as Woden (another form of Odin), Thor,
+Thunder, Saturn, &c., the pagans held their festivals of rejoicing at
+the winter solstice; and so many of the ancient customs connected with
+these festivals were modified and made subservient to Christianity.
+
+Some of the English even tried to serve Christ and the older gods
+together, like the Roman Emperor, Alexander Severus, whose chapel
+contained Orpheus side by side with Abraham and Christ. "Roedwald of
+East Anglia resolved to serve Christ and the older gods together, and
+a pagan and a Christian altar fronted one another in the same royal
+temple."[5] Kent, however, seems to have been evangelised rapidly, for
+it is recorded that on Christmas Day, 597, no less than ten thousand
+persons were baptized.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Before his death Augustine was able to see almost the whole of Kent
+and Essex nominally Christian.
+
+Christmas was now celebrated as the principal festival of the year,
+for our Anglo-Saxon forefathers delighted in the festivities of the
+Halig-Monath (holy month), as they called the month of December, in
+allusion to Christmas Day. At the great festival of Christmas the
+meetings of the Witenagemot were held, as well as at Easter and
+Whitsuntide, wherever the Court happened to be. And at these times the
+Anglo-Saxon, and afterwards the Danish, Kings of England lived in
+state, wore their crowns, and were surrounded by all the great men of
+their kingdoms (together with strangers of rank) who were sumptuously
+entertained, and the most important affairs of state were brought
+under consideration. There was also an outflow of generous hospitality
+towards the poor, who had a hard time of it during the rest of the
+year, and who required the Christmas gifts to provide them with such
+creature comforts as would help them through the inclement season of
+the year.
+
+Readers of Saxon history will remember that chieftains in the festive
+hall are alluded to in the comparison made by one of King Edwin's
+chiefs, in discussing the welcome to be given to the Christian
+missionary Paulinus: "The present life of man, O King, seems to me, in
+comparison of that time which is unknown to us, like to the swift
+flight of a sparrow through the hall where you sit at your meal in
+winter, with your chiefs and attendants, warmed by a fire made in the
+middle of the hall, while storms of rain or snow prevail without."
+
+[Illustration: AN ANCIENT FIREPLACE.]
+
+The "hall" was the principal part of a gentleman's house in Saxon
+times--the place of entertainment and hospitality--and at
+Christmastide the doors were never shut against any who appeared to be
+worthy of welcome. And with such modes of travelling as were in vogue
+in those days one can readily understand that, not only at Christmas,
+but also at other seasons, the rule of hospitality to strangers was a
+necessity.
+
+To this period belong the princely pageants and the magnificent
+
+
+CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS OF KING ARTHUR
+
+and the Knights of his Round Table. We know that some people are
+inclined to discredit the accounts which have come down to us of this
+famous British King and Christian hero, but for our own part we are
+inclined to trust the old chroniclers, at all events so far as to
+believe that they give us true pictures
+
+[Illustration: TRAVELLING IN THE OLDEN TIME, WITH A "CHRISTMAS FOOL"
+ON THE FRONT SEAT.]
+
+of the manners and customs of the times of which they write; and in
+this prosaic age it may surely be permitted to us at Christmastide to
+linger over the doings of those romantic days,
+
+  "When every morning brought a noble chance,
+   And every chance brought out a noble knight."[6]
+
+Sir John Froissart tells us of the princely pageants which King Arthur
+held at Windsor in the sixth century, and of the sumptuous Christmas
+banquetings at his Round Table--the very Round Table (so we are to
+believe, on the authority of Dr. Milner)[7] which has been preserved
+in the old chapel, now termed the county hall, at Winchester. It
+consists of stout oak plank, perforated with many bullets, supposed to
+have been shot by Cromwell's soldiers. It is painted with a figure to
+represent King Arthur, and with the names of his twenty-four knights
+as they are stated in the romances of the old chroniclers. This famous
+Prince, who instituted the military order of the Knights of the Round
+Table, is also credited with the reintroduction of Christianity at
+York after the Saxon invaders had destroyed the first churches built
+there. He was unwearying in his warfare against enemies of the
+religion of Christ. His first great enterprise was the siege of a
+Saxon army at York, and, having afterwards won brilliant victories in
+Somersetshire and other parts of southern England, he again marched
+northward and penetrated Scotland to attack the Picts and Scots, who
+had long harassed the border. On returning from Scotland, Arthur
+rested his wearied army at York and kept Christmas with great
+bountifulness. Geoffrey of Monmouth says he was a prince of
+"unparalleled courage and generosity," and his Christmas at York was
+kept with the greatest joy and festivity. Then was the round table
+filled with jocund guests, and the minstrels, gleemen, harpers,
+pipe-players, jugglers, and dancers were as happy round about their
+log-fires as if they had shone in the blaze of a thousand gas-lights.
+
+[Illustration: THE WILD BOAR HUNT: KILLING THE BOAR.]
+
+King Arthur and his Knights also indulged in out-door amusements, as
+hunting, hawking, running, leaping, wrestling, jousts, and tourneys.
+"So," says Sir Thomas Malory,[8] "passed forth all the winter with all
+manner of hunting and hawking, and jousts and tourneys were many
+between many great lords. And ever, in all manner of places, Sir
+Lavaine got great worship, that he was nobly renowned among many of
+the knights of the Round Table. Thus it passed on until Christmas, and
+every day there were jousts made for a diamond, that whosoever joust
+best should have a diamond. But Sir Launcelot would not joust, but if
+it were a great joust cried; but Sir Lavaine jousted there all the
+Christmas passing well, and most was praised; for there were few that
+did so well as he; wherefore all manner of knights deemed that Sir
+Lavaine should be made a Knight of the Round Table, at the next high
+feast of Pentecost."
+
+
+THE ANGLO-SAXON EXCESSES
+
+are referred to by some of the old chroniclers, intemperance being a
+very prevalent vice at the Christmas festival. Ale and mead were their
+favourite drinks; wines were used as occasional luxuries. "When all
+were satisfied with dinner," says an old chronicler, "and their tables
+were removed, they continued drinking till the evening." And another
+tells how drinking and gaming went on through the greater part of the
+night. Chaucer's one solitary reference to Christmastide is an
+allegorical representation of the jovial feasting which was the
+characteristic feature of this great festival held in "the colde
+frosty season of December."
+
+ "Janus sits by the fire with double beard,
+  And drinketh of his bugle horn the wine:
+  Before him stands the brawn of tusked swine,
+  And 'Nowel' cryeth every lusty man."[9]
+
+The Saxons were strongly attached to field sports, and as the "brawn
+of the tusked swine" was the first Christmas dish, it was provided by
+the pleasant preliminary pastime of hunting the wild boar; and the
+incidents of the chase afforded interesting table talk when the boar's
+head was brought in ceremoniously to the Christmas festival.
+
+Prominent among the Anglo-Saxon amusements of Christmastide, Strutt
+mentions their propensity for gaming with dice, as derived from their
+ancestors, for Tacitus assures us that the ancient Germans would not
+only hazard all their wealth, but even stake their liberty, upon the
+turn of the dice: "and he who loses submits to servitude, though
+younger and stronger than his antagonist, and patiently permits
+himself to be bound and sold in the market; and this madness they
+dignify by the name of honour." Chess and backgammon were also
+favourite games with the Anglo-Saxons, and a large portion of the
+night was appropriated to the pursuit of these sedentary amusements,
+especially at the Christmas season of the year, when the early
+darkness stopped out-door games.
+
+ "When they had dined, as I can you say,
+  Lords and ladies went to play;
+  Some to tables, and some to chess,
+  With other games more and less."[10]
+
+Our Saxon forefathers were very superstitious. They had many
+pretenders to witchcraft. They believed in the powers of philtres and
+spells, and invocated spirits; and they relished a blood-curdling
+ghost story at Christmas quite as much as their twentieth-century
+descendants. They confided in prognostics, and believed in the
+influence of particular times and seasons; and at Christmastide they
+derived peculiar pleasure from their belief in the immunity of the
+season from malign influences--a belief which descended to Elizabethan
+days, and is referred to by Shakespeare, in "Hamlet":--
+
+ "Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes,
+  Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated,
+  The 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, nor witch hath power to charm,
+  So hallowed and so gracious is the time."
+
+[Illustration: ADORATION OF THE MAGI
+OLD GLASS WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL]
+
+We cannot pass over this period without mentioning a great Christmas
+in the history of our Teutonic kinsmen on the Continent, for the
+Saxons of England and those of Germany have the same Teutonic origin.
+We refer to
+
+
+THE CROWNING OF CHARLEMAGNE EMPEROR OF THE ROMANS ON CHRISTMAS DAY.
+
+The coronation took place at Rome, on Christmas Day, in the year 800.
+Freeman[11] says that when Charles was King of the Franks and Lombards
+and Patrician of the Romans, he was on very friendly terms with the
+mighty Offa, King of the Angles that dwelt in Mercia. Charles and Offa
+not only exchanged letters and gifts, but each gave the subjects of
+the other various rights in his dominions, and they made a league
+together, "for that they two were the mightiest of all the kings that
+dwelt in the Western lands." As conqueror of the old Saxons in
+Germany, Charles may be regarded as the first King of all Germany, and
+he was the first man of any Teutonic nation who was called Roman
+Emperor. He was crowned with the diadem of the Caesars, by Pope Leo, in
+the name of Charles Augustus, Emperor of the Romans. And it was held
+for a thousand years after, down to the year 1806, that the King of
+the Franks, or, as he was afterwards called, the King of Germany, had
+a right to be crowned by the Pope of Rome, and to be called Emperor of
+the Romans. In the year 1806, however, the Emperor Francis the Second,
+who was also King of Hungary and Archduke of Austria, resigned the
+Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Germany. Since that time no Emperor of
+the Romans has been chosen; but a new German Emperor has been created,
+and the event may be regarded as one of Christmastide, for the
+victorious soldiers who brought it about spent their Christmas in the
+French capital, and during the festival arranged for the
+re-establishment of the German Empire. So it happens, that while
+referring to the crowning of the first German Emperor of the Roman
+Empire, on Christmas Day, 800, we are able to record that more than a
+thousand years afterwards the unification of the German Empire and the
+creation of its first Emperor also occurred at Christmastide, under
+the influence of the German triumphs over the French in the war of
+1870. The imposing event was resolved upon by the German Princes on
+December 18, 1870, the preliminaries were completed during the
+Christmas festival, and on January 18, 1871, in the Galerie des Glaces
+of the chateau of Versailles, William, King of Prussia, was crowned
+and proclaimed first Emperor of the new German Empire.
+
+Now, going back again over a millennium, we come to
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN THE TIME OF ALFRED THE GREAT.
+
+During the reign of Alfred the Great a law was passed with relation to
+holidays, by virtue of which the twelve days after the Nativity of our
+Saviour were set apart for the celebration of the Christmas festival.
+Some writers are of opinion that, but for Alfred's strict observance
+of the "full twelve holy days," he would not have been defeated by the
+Danes in the year 878. It was just after Twelfth-night that the Danish
+host came suddenly--"bestole," as the old Chronicle says--to
+Chippenham. Then "they rode through the West Saxons' land, and there
+sat down, and mickle of the folk over sea they drove, and of others
+the most deal they rode over; all but the King Alfred; he with a
+little band hardly fared after the woods and on the moor-fastnesses."
+But whether or not Alfred's preparations for the battle just referred
+to were hindered by his enjoyment of the festivities of Christmastide
+with his subjects, it is quite certain that the King won the hearts of
+his people by the great interest he took in their welfare. This good
+king--whose intimacy with his people we delight to associate with the
+homely incident of the burning of a cottager's cakes--kept the
+Christmas festival quite as heartily as any of the early English
+kings, but not so boisterously as some of them. Of the many beautiful
+stories told about him, one might very well belong to Christmastide.
+It is said that, wishing to know what the Danes were about, and how
+strong they were, King Alfred one day set out from Athelney in the
+disguise of a Christmas minstrel, and went into the Danish camp, and
+stayed there several days, amusing the Danes with his playing, till he
+had seen all he wanted, and then went back without any one finding him
+out.
+
+Now, passing on to
+
+
+CHRISTMAS UNDER THE DANISH KINGS OF ENGLAND,
+
+we find that in 961 King Edgar celebrated the Christmas
+festival with great splendour at York; and in 1013 Ethelred
+kept his Christmas with the brave citizens of London who had
+defended the capital during a siege and stoutly resisted Swegen,
+the tyrant king of the Danes. Sir Walter Scott, in his beautiful
+poem of "Marmion," thus pictures the "savage Dane" keeping
+the great winter festival:--
+
+ "Even, heathen yet, the savage Dane
+  At Iol more deep the mead did drain;
+  High on the beach his galleys drew,
+  And feasted all his pirate crew;
+  Then in his low and pine-built hall,
+  Where shields and axes deck'd the wall,
+  They gorged upon the half-dress'd steer;
+  Caroused in seas of sable beer;
+  While round, in brutal jest, were thrown
+  The half-gnaw'd rib, and marrow bone:
+  Or listen'd all, in grim delight.
+  While Scalds yell'd out the joys of fight.
+  Then forth, in frenzy, would they hie,
+  While wildly-loose their red locks fly,
+  And dancing round the blazing pile,
+  They make such barbarous mirth the while,
+  As best might to the mind recall
+  The boisterous joys of Odin's hall."
+
+When the citizens of London saw that Swegen had succeeded all over
+England except their own city, they thought it was no use holding out
+any longer, and they too, submitted and gave hostages. And so Swegen
+was the first Dane who was king, or (as Florence calls him) "Tyrant
+over all England;" and Ethelred, sometimes called the "Unready," King
+of the West Saxons, who had struggled unsuccessfully against the
+Danes, fled with his wife and children to his brother-in-law's court
+in Normandy. On the death of Swegen, the Danes of his fleet chose his
+son Cnut to be King, but the English invited Ethelred to return from
+Normandy and renew the struggle with the Danes. He did so, and the
+Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says: "He held his kingdom with great toil and
+great difficulty the while that his life lasted." After his death and
+that of his son Edmund, Cnut was finally elected and crowned.
+Freeman,[12] in recording the event, says that: "At the Christmas of
+1016-1017, Cnut was a third time chosen king over all England, and one
+of the first things that he did was to send to Normandy for the
+widowed Lady Emma, though she was many years older than he was. She
+came over; she married the new king; and was again Lady of the
+English. She bore Cnut two children, Harthacnut and Gunhild. Her three
+children by Ethelred were left in Normandy. She seems not to have
+cared at all for them or for the memory of Ethelred; her whole love
+passed to her new husband and her new children. Thus it came about
+that the children of Ethelred were brought up in Normandy, and had the
+feelings of Normans rather than Englishmen, a thing which again
+greatly helped the Norman Conquest."
+
+Cnut's first acts of government in England were a series of murders;
+but he afterwards became a wise and temperate king. He even identified
+himself with the patriotism which had withstood the stranger. He
+joined heartily in the festivities of Christmastide, and atoned for
+his father's ravages by costly gifts to the religious houses. And his
+love for monks broke out in the song which he composed as he listened
+to their chant at Ely: "Merrily sang the monks in Ely when Cnut King
+rowed by" across the vast fen-waters that surrounded their Abbey.
+"Row, boatmen, near the land, and hear we these monks sing."[13]
+
+ "'All hail!' the monks at Christmas sang;
+  The merry monks who kept with cheer
+  The gladdest day of all the year."[14]
+
+It is said that Cnut, who is also called Canute, "marked one of his
+royal Christmases by a piece of sudden retributive justice: bored
+beyond all endurance by the Saxon Edric's iteration of the traitorous
+services he had rendered him, the King exclaimed to Edric, Earl of
+Northumberland: 'Then let him receive his deserts, that he may not
+betray us as he betrayed Ethelred and Edmund!' upon which the ready
+Norwegian disposed of all fear on that score by cutting down the
+boaster with his axe, and throwing his body into the Thames."[15]
+
+In the year 1035, King Cnut died at Shaftesbury, and was buried in
+Winchester Cathedral. His sons, Harold and Harthacnut, did not possess
+the capacity for good government, otherwise the reign of the Danes
+might have continued. As it was, their reigns, though short, were
+troublesome. Harold died at Oxford in 1040, and was buried at
+Westminster (being the first king who was buried there); Harthacnut
+died at Lambeth at a wedding-feast in 1042, and was buried beside his
+father in Winchester Cathedral. And thus ended the reigns of the
+Danish kings of England.
+
+Now we come to
+
+
+THE REIGN OF EDWARD THE CONFESSOR,
+
+who, we are told, was heartily chosen by all the people, for the two
+very good reasons, that he was an Englishman by birth, and the only
+man of either the English or the Danish royal families who was at
+hand. He was the son of Ethelred and Emma, and at the Christmas
+festival of his coronation there was great rejoicing. As his early
+training had been at the court of his uncle, Richard the Good, in
+Normandy, he had learnt to prefer Norman-French customs and life to
+those of the English. During his reign, therefore, he brought over
+many strangers and appointed them to high ecclesiastical and other
+offices, and Norman influence and refinement of manners gradually
+increased at the English court, and this, of course, led to the more
+stately celebration of the Christmas festival. The King himself, being
+of a pious and meditative disposition, naturally took more interest in
+the religious than the temporal rejoicings, and the administration of
+state affairs was left almost entirely to members of the house of
+Godwin during the principal part of his reign. Many disturbances
+occurred during Edward's reign in different parts of the country,
+especially on the Welsh border. At the Christmas meeting of the King
+and his Wise Men, at Gloucester, in 1053, it was ordered that Rhys,
+the brother of Gruffydd, the South Welsh king, be put to death for his
+great plunder and mischief. The same year, the great Earl Godwine,
+while dining with the king at Winchester at the Easter feast, suddenly
+fell in a fit, died four days after, and was buried in the old
+cathedral. A few years later (1065), the Northumbrians complained that
+Earl Tostig, Harold's brother, had caused Gospatric, one of the chief
+Thanes, to be treacherously murdered when he came to the King's court
+the Christmas before. King Edward kept his last Christmas (1065), and
+had the meeting of his Wise Men in London instead of Gloucester as
+usual. His great object was to finish his new church at Westminster,
+and to have it hallowed before he died. He lived just long enough to
+have this done. On Innocent's Day the new Minster was consecrated, but
+the King was too ill to be there, so the Lady Edith stood in his
+stead. And on January 5, 1066, King Edward, the son of Ethelred, died.
+On the morning of the day following his death, the body of the
+Confessor was laid in the tomb, in his new church; and on the same
+day--
+
+
+HAROLD WAS CROWNED KING
+
+in his stead. Thus three very important events--the consecration of
+Westminster Abbey, the death of Edward the Confessor, and the crowning
+of Harold--all occurred during the same Christmas festival.
+
+In the terrible year 1066 England had three kings. The reign of
+Harold, the son of Godwine, who succeeded Edward the Confessor,
+terminated at the battle of Senlac, or Hastings, and on the following
+
+
+CHRISTMAS DAY WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR WAS CROWNED KING
+
+by Archbishop Ealdred. He had not at that time conquered all the land,
+and it was a long while before he really possessed the whole of it.
+Still, he was the king, chosen, crowned, and anointed, and no one ever
+was able to drive him out of the land, and the crown of England has
+ever since been held by his descendants.
+
+    [5] Green's "History of the English People."
+
+    [6] Tennyson.
+
+    [7] "History of Winchester."
+
+    [8] "History of King Arthur and His Noble Knights."
+
+    [9] "The Franklin's Tale."
+
+    [10] "Romance of Ipomydon."
+
+    [11] "Old English History."
+
+    [12] "Short History of the Norman Conquest."
+
+    [13] "History of the English People."
+
+    [14] J. G. Whittier.
+
+    [15] "Chambers's Journal," Dec. 28, 1867.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+CHRISTMAS, FROM THE NORMAN CONQUEST
+TO MAGNA CHARTA.
+
+(1066 to 1215.)
+
+
+Now we come to the
+
+
+CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS UNDER THE NORMANS.
+
+[Illustration: A KING AT DINNER.]
+
+Lord Macaulay says "the polite luxury of the Normans presented a
+striking contrast to the coarse voracity and drunkenness of their
+Saxon and Danish neighbours." And certainly the above example of a
+royal dinner scene (from a manuscript of the fourteenth century) gives
+an idea of stately ceremony which is not found in any manuscripts
+previous to the coming over of the Normans. They "loved to display
+their magnificence, not in huge piles of food and hogsheads of strong
+drink, but in large and stately edifices, rich armour, gallant horses,
+choice falcons, well-ordered tournaments, banquets delicate rather
+than abundant, and wines remarkable rather for their exquisite flavour
+than for their intoxicating power." Quite so. But even the Normans
+were not all temperate. And, while it is quite true that the refined
+manners and chivalrous spirit of the Normans exercised a powerful
+influence on the Anglo-Saxons, it is equally true that the conquerors
+on mingling with the English people adopted many of the ancient
+customs to which they tenaciously clung, and these included the
+customs of Christmastide.
+
+The Norman kings and nobles displayed their taste for magnificence in
+the most remarkable manner at their coronations, tournaments, and
+their celebrations of Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide. The great
+councils of the Norman reigns which assembled at Christmas and the
+other great festivals, were in appearance a continuation of the
+Witenagemots, but the power of the barons became very formal in the
+presence of such despotic monarchs as William the Conqueror and his
+sons. At the Christmas festival all the prelates and nobles of the
+kingdom were, by their tenures, obliged to attend their sovereign to
+assist in the administration of justice and in deliberation on the
+great affairs of the kingdom. On these occasions the King wore his
+crown, and feasted his nobles in the great hall of his palace, and
+made them presents as marks of his royal favour, after which they
+proceeded to the consideration of State affairs. Wherever the Court
+happened to be, there was usually a large assemblage of gleemen, who
+were jugglers and pantomimists as well as minstrels, and were
+accustomed to associate themselves in companies, and amuse the
+spectators with feats of strength and agility, dancing, tumbling, and
+sleight-of-hand tricks, as well as musical performances. Among the
+minstrels who came into England with William the Conqueror was one
+named Taillefer, who was present at the battle of Hastings, and rode
+in front of the Norman army, inspiriting the soldiers by his songs. He
+sang of Roland, the heroic captain of Charlemagne, tossing his sword
+in the air and catching it again as he approached the English line. He
+was the first to strike a blow at the English, but after mortally
+wounding one or two of King Harold's warriors, he was himself struck
+down.
+
+At the Christmas feast minstrels played on various musical instruments
+during dinner, and sang or told tales afterwards, both in the hall and
+in the chamber to which the king and his nobles retired for amusement.
+Thus it is written of a court minstrel:--
+
+ "Before the King he set him down
+  And took his harp of merry soun,
+  And, as he full well can,
+  Many merry notes he began.
+  The king beheld, and sat full still,
+  To hear his harping he had good will.
+  When he left off his harping,
+  To him said that rich king,
+  Minstrel, we liketh well thy glee,
+  What thing that thou ask of me
+  Largely I will thee pay;
+  Therefore ask now and asay." (_Sir Orpheo._)
+
+[Illustration: BLIND MINSTREL AT A FEAST.]
+
+After the Conquest the first entertainments given by William the
+Conqueror were those to his victorious warriors:--
+
+ "Every warrior's manly neck
+  Chains of regal honour deck,
+  Wreathed in many a golden link:
+  From the golden cup they drink
+  Nectar that the bees produce,
+  Or the grape's extatic juice.
+  Flush'd with mirth and hope they burn."
+
+  _The Gododin._
+
+In 1067 the Conqueror kept a grand Christmas in London. He had spent
+eight months of that year rewarding his warriors and gratifying his
+subjects in Normandy, where he had held a round of feasts and made a
+grand display of the valuable booty which he had won by his sword. A
+part of his plunder he sent to the Pope along with the banner of
+Harold. Another portion, consisting of gold, golden vases, and richly
+embroidered stuffs, was distributed among the abbeys, monasteries, and
+churches of his native duchy, "neither monks nor priests remaining
+without a guerdon." After spending the greater part of the year in
+splendid entertainments in Normandy, apparently undisturbed by the
+reports which had reached him of discontent and insurrection among his
+new subjects in England, William at length embarked at Dieppe on the
+6th of December, 1067, and returned to London to celebrate the
+approaching festival of Christmas. With the object of quieting the
+discontent which prevailed, he invited a considerable number of the
+Saxon chiefs to take part in the Christmas festival, which was kept
+with unusual splendour; and he also caused a proclamation to be read
+in all the churches of the capital declaring it to be his will that
+"all the citizens of London should enjoy their national laws as in the
+days of King Edward." But his policy of friendship and conciliation
+was soon changed into one of cruelty and oppression.
+
+At the instigation of Swein, the King of Denmark, who appeared in the
+Humber with a fleet, the people in the north of England and in some
+other parts rose in revolt against the rule of the Conqueror in 1068.
+So skilfully had the revolt been planned that even William was taken
+by surprise. While he was hunting in the Forest of Dean he heard of
+the loss of York and the slaughter of his garrison of 3,000 Normans,
+and resolved to avenge the disaster. Proceeding to the Humber with his
+horsemen, by a heavy bribe he got the King of Denmark to withdraw his
+fleet; then, after some delay, spent in punishing revolters in the
+Welsh border, he attacked and took the city of York. The land in
+Durham and Northumberland was still quite unsubdued, and some of
+William's soldiers had fared badly in their attempts to take
+possession. At the Christmas feast of 1068 William made a grant of the
+earldom of Northumberland to Robert of Comines, who set out with a
+Norman army to take possession. But he fared no better than his
+predecessors had done. The men of the land determined to withstand
+him, but through the help of Bishop AEthelwine he entered Durham
+peaceably. But he let his men plunder, so the men of the city rose and
+slew him and his followers. And now, says Freeman,[16] William "did
+one of the most frightful deeds of his life. He caused all Northern
+England, beginning with Yorkshire, to be utterly laid waste, that its
+people might not be able to fight against him any more. The havoc was
+fearful; men were starved or sold themselves as slaves, and the land
+did not recover for many years. Then King William wore his crown and
+kept his Christmas at York" (1069).
+
+Now the Conqueror set barons in different parts of the country, and
+each of them kept his own miniature court and celebrated Christmas
+after the costly Norman style. In his beautiful poem of "The Norman
+Baron" Longfellow pictures one of these Christmas celebrations, and
+tells how--
+
+ "In the hall, the serf and vassal
+  Held, that night, their Christmas wassail;
+  Many a carol, old and saintly,
+      Sang the minstrels and the waits.
+
+  And so loud these Saxon gleemen
+  Sang to slaves the songs of freemen,
+  That the storm was heard but faintly
+      Knocking at the castle-gates.
+
+  Till at length the lays they chaunted
+  Reached the chamber terror-haunted,
+  Where the monk, with accents holy,
+      Whispered at the baron's ear.
+
+  Tears upon his eyelids glistened
+  As he paused awhile and listened,
+  And the dying baron slowly
+      Turned his weary head to hear.
+
+ 'Wassail for the kingly stranger
+  Born and cradled in a manger!
+  King, like David, priest, like Aaron,
+      Christ is born to set us free!'"
+
+[Illustration: MINSTRELS' CHRISTMAS SERENADE AT AN OLD BARONIAL HALL.]
+
+According to Strutt, the popular sports and pastimes prevalent at the
+close of the Saxon era were not subjected to any material change by
+the coming of the Normans. But William and his immediate successors
+restricted the privileges of the chase, and imposed great penalties on
+those who presumed to destroy the game in the royal forests without a
+proper license. The wild boar and the wolf still afforded sport at the
+Christmas season, and there was an abundance of smaller game. Leaping,
+running, wrestling, the casting of darts, and other pastimes which
+required bodily strength and agility were also practised, and when the
+frost set in various games were engaged in upon the ice. It is not
+known at what time skating made its first appearance in England, but
+we find some traces of such an exercise in the thirteenth century, at
+which period, according to Fitzstephen, it was customary in the
+winter, when the ice would bear them, for the young citizens of London
+to fasten the leg bones of animals under the soles of their feet by
+tying them round their ankles; and then, taking a pole shod with iron
+into their hands, they pushed themselves forward by striking it
+against the ice, and moved with celerity equal, says the author, to a
+bird flying through the air, or an arrow from a cross-bow; but some
+allowance, we presume, must be made for the poetical figure: he then
+adds, "At times, two of them thus furnished agree to start opposite
+one to another, at a great distance; they meet, elevate their poles,
+attack, and strike each other, when one or both of them fall, and not
+without some bodily hurt; and, even after their fall, are carried a
+great distance from each other, by the rapidity of the motion, and
+whatever part of the head comes upon the ice it is sure to be laid
+bare."
+
+The meetings of the King and his Wise Men for the consideration of
+state affairs were continued at the great festivals, and that held at
+Christmas in 1085 is memorable on account of the resolution then
+passed to make the Domesday survey, in reference to which Freeman
+says: "One of the greatest acts of William's reign, and that by which
+we come to know more about England in his time than from any other
+source, was done in the assembly held at Gloucester at the Christmas
+of 1085. Then the King had, as the Chronicle says, 'very deep speech
+with his Wise Men.' This 'deep speech' in English is in French
+_parlement_; and so we see how our assemblies came by their later
+name. And the end of the deep speech was that commissioners were sent
+through all England, save only the Bishopric of Durham and the earldom
+of Northumberland, to make a survey of the land. They were to set down
+by whom every piece of land, great and small, was held then, by whom
+it was held in King Edward's day, what it was worth now, and what it
+had been worth in King Edward's day. All this was written in a book
+kept at Winchester, which men called _Domesday Book_. It is a most
+wonderful record, and tells us more of the state of England just at
+that moment than we know of it for a long time before or after."
+
+The Domesday Book was completed in 1086, and the following year
+(1087) William the Conqueror died, and his son, William Rufus,
+succeeded him.
+
+[Illustration: WESTMINSTER HALL.]
+
+
+THE CORONATION OF WILLIAM THE RED
+
+took place at Westminster on September 26, 1087, Archbishop Lanfranc
+officiating. The King kept his first Christmas sumptuously at
+Westminster, and, Freeman says, "it seems to have been then that he
+gave back the earldom of Kent to his uncle, Bishop Odo." The character
+of the Royal Christmases degenerated during the reign of Rufus, whose
+licentiousness fouled the festivities. In the latter part of his reign
+Rufus reared the spacious hall at Westminster, where so many Royal
+Christmases were afterwards kept, and which Pope calls
+
+  "Rufus's roaring hall."
+
+It is a magnificent relic of the profuse hospitality of former times.
+Richard the Second heightened its walls and added its noble roof of
+British oak, which shows the excellence of the wood carving of that
+period. Although Sir Charles Barry has shortened the Hall of its
+former proportions to fit it as a vestibule to the New Houses of
+Parliament, it is still a noble and spacious building, and one cannot
+walk through it without in imagination recalling some of the Royal
+Christmases and other stately scenes which have been witnessed there.
+The last of these festal glories was the coronation of George the
+Fourth, which took place in 1821. This grand old hall at Westminster
+was the theatre of Rufus's feasting and revelry; but, vast as the
+edifice then was, it did not equal the ideas of the extravagant
+monarch. An old chronicler states that one of the King's courtiers,
+having observed that the building was too large for the purposes of
+its construction, Rufus replied, "This halle is not begge enough by
+one half, and is but a bedchamber in comparison of that I mind to
+make." Yet this hall was for centuries the largest of its kind in
+Europe, and in it the Christmas feasts were magnificently kept.
+
+After a reign of thirteen years the vicious life of William Rufus met
+with a tragical close. His dead body was found by peasants in a glade
+of the New Forest with the arrow either of a hunter or an assassin in
+his breast. Sir Walter Tyrrel, a Norman knight, who had been hunting
+with the king just before his death, fled to Normandy immediately
+afterwards, and was suspected of being a regicide. The body of Rufus
+was buried in Winchester Cathedral.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN THE REIGN OF HENRY I.
+
+Henry the First's Christmas festival at Windsor, in 1126, was a
+memorable one. In that year Henry's daughter Matilda became a widow by
+the death of her husband, Henry V. of Germany, and King Henry
+determined to appoint her his successor to the throne of England and
+the Dukedom of Normandy. On Christmas Day, 1126, a general assembly of
+the nobles and higher ecclesiastics of the kingdom was held at Windsor
+for the purpose of declaring the Empress Matilda (as she was still
+called) the legitimate successor of Henry I., and the clergy and
+Norman barons of both countries swore allegiance to her in the event
+of the king's death. This appointment of Matilda was made by Henry in
+consequence of the calamity which occurred just before Christmas, in
+1120, when he lost his much-loved son, Prince William--the only male
+legitimate issue of Henry--through the wreck of _La Blanche Nef_ (the
+White Ship). On board the vessel were Prince William, his half-brother
+Richard, and Henry's natural daughter the Countess of Perche, as well
+as about a hundred and forty young noblemen of the most distinguished
+families in England and Normandy, all of whom were lost in their
+passage home, only a few hours after the safe arrival of the king in
+England. Henry is said to have swooned at the intelligence, and was
+never afterwards seen to smile. He had returned home anticipating a
+joyous Christmas festival, a season of glad tidings, but he was
+closely followed by this sad news of the death of the heir apparent.
+The incident has called forth one of the most beautiful poems of Mrs.
+Hemans, from which we quote two verses:--
+
+ "The bark that held a prince went down,
+    The sweeping waves rolled on;
+  And what was England's glorious crown
+    To him that wept a son?
+  He lived--for life may long be borne,
+    Ere sorrow break its chain:
+  Why comes not death to those who mourn?
+    He never smiled again!
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  He sat where festal bowls went round,
+    He heard the minstrel sing;
+  He saw the tourney's victor crowned,
+    Amidst the kingly ring;
+  A murmur of the restless deep
+    Was blent with every strain,
+  A voice of winds that would not sleep,--
+    He never smiled again!"
+
+In 1127 Henry invited the king of the Scots to Windsor to join in the
+royal celebration of Christmas, but the festivities were marred by an
+unseemly quarrel between the two primates. Thurstan, Archbishop of
+York, encroaching upon the privileges of his brother of Canterbury
+(William de Corbeuil), insisted upon placing the crown upon the king's
+head ere he set out for church. This the partisans of Canterbury would
+not allow, settling the matter by turning Thurstan's chaplain and
+followers out of doors, and thereby causing such strife between the
+heads of the Church that they both set off to Rome to lay their
+grievances before the Pope. And, subsequently, appeals to Rome became
+frequent, until a satisfactory adjustment of the powers and privileges
+of the two archbishops was arrived at. The Archbishop of Canterbury
+was acknowledged Primate of all England and Metropolitan; but, while
+the privilege of crowning the sovereign was reserved for the
+Archbishop of Canterbury, that of crowning the Queen Consort was given
+to the Archbishop of York.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+STRANGE OLD STORIES OF CHRISTMASTIDE.
+
+The progress of literature under the Conqueror and his sons was very
+great, many devoting themselves almost entirely to literary pursuits.
+Lanfranc and Anselm, the Archbishops of Canterbury, had proved
+themselves worthy of their exalted station. Their precepts and
+examples had awakened the clergy and kindled an ardour for learning
+unknown in any preceding age. Nor did this enthusiasm perish with its
+authors: it was kept alive by the honours which were lavished on all
+who could boast of literary acquirements. During the reign of Henry I.
+Geoffrey of Monmouth published his History of the Britons, and William
+of Malmesbury assures us that every poet hastened to the court of
+Henry's Queen Matilda, at Westminster, to read his verses to the Queen
+and partake of her bounty. William of Malmesbury carefully collected
+the lighter ballads which embodied the popular traditions of the
+English kings, and he tells an amusing story which is connected with
+the festival of Christmas. In early times dancing developed into a
+sort of passion, men and women continually dancing and singing
+together, holding one another by the hands, and concluding the dances
+with kisses. These levities were at first encouraged by the Church,
+but afterwards, seeing the abuse of them, the priests were compelled
+to reprimand and restrain the people. And the story told by William of
+Malmesbury describes the singular punishment which came upon some
+young men and women for disturbing a priest who was performing mass on
+the eve of Christmas. "I, Othbert, a sinner," says the story, "have
+lived to tell the tale. It was the vigil of the Blessed Virgin, and in
+a town where was a church of St. Magnus. And the priest, Rathbertus,
+had just begun the mass, and I, with my comrades, fifteen young women
+and seventeen young men, were dancing outside the church. And we were
+singing so loud that our songs were distinctly heard inside the
+building, and interrupted the service of the mass. And the priest came
+out and told us to desist; and when we did not, he prayed God and St.
+Magnus that we might dance as our punishment for a year to come. A
+youth, whose sister was dancing with us, seized her by the arm to drag
+her away, but it came off in his hand, and she danced on. For a whole
+year we continued. No rain fell on us; cold, nor heat, nor hunger, nor
+thirst, nor fatigue affected us; neither our shoes nor our clothes
+wore out; but still we went on dancing. We trod the earth down to our
+knees, next to our middles, and at last were dancing in a pit. At the
+end of the year release came."
+
+Giraldus Cambrensis, amongst many ridiculous Christmas stories of
+miracles, visions, and apparitions, tells of one devil who acted a
+considerable time as a gentleman's butler with great prudence and
+probity; and of another who was a very diligent and learned clergyman,
+and a mighty favourite of his archbishop. This last clerical devil
+was, it seems, an excellent historian, and used to divert the
+Archbishop with telling him old stories, some of which referred to the
+incarnation of our Saviour, and were related at the Christmas season.
+"Before the incarnation of our Saviour," said the Archbishop's
+historian, "the devils had great power over mankind, but after that
+event their power was much diminished and they were obliged to fly.
+Some of them threw themselves into the sea; some concealed themselves
+in hollow trees, or in the clefts of rocks; and I myself plunged into
+a certain fountain. As soon as he had said this, finding that he had
+discovered his secret, his face was covered with blushes, he went out
+of the room, and was no more seen."
+
+The following cut (taken from MS. Harl., No. 4751, of the end of the
+twelfth century) represents an elephant, with its castle and armed
+men, engaged in battle. The bestiaries relate many strange things of
+the elephant. They say that, though so large and powerful, and so
+courageous against larger animals, it is afraid of a mouse; that its
+nature is so cold that it will never seek the company of the female
+until, wandering in the direction of Paradise, it meets with the plant
+called the mandrake, and eats of it, and that each female bears but
+one young one in her life.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Absurd as we consider such stories, they were believed by the Normans,
+who were no less credulous than the Anglo-Saxons. This is evident
+from the large number of miracles, revelations, visions, and
+enchantments which are related with great gravity by the old
+chroniclers.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE MISRULE OF KING STEPHEN.
+
+Stephen of Blois was crowned at Westminster Abbey during the Christmas
+festival (December 26, 1135). As a King of Misrule, he was fitly
+crowned at Christmastide, and it would have been a good thing for the
+nation if his reign had been of the ephemeral character which was
+customary to Lords of Misrule. The nineteen years of his reign were
+years of disorder unparalleled in any period of our history. On the
+landing of Henry the First's daughter, "the Empress Matilda," who
+claimed the English crown for her son Henry, a long struggle ensued,
+and the country was divided between the adherents of the two rivals,
+the West supporting Matilda, and London and the East Stephen. For a
+time the successes in war alternated between the two parties. A defeat
+at Lincoln left Stephen a prisoner in the hands of his enemies; but
+after his escape he laid siege to the city of Oxford, where Matilda
+had assembled her followers. "The Lady" of the English (as Matilda was
+then called) had retreated into the castle, which, though a place of
+great strength, proved to be insufficiently victualled. It was
+surrounded and cut off from all supplies without, and at Christmastide
+(1142), after a siege of three months, Matilda consulted her own
+safety by taking flight. On a cold December night, when the ground was
+covered with snow, she quitted the castle at midnight, attended by
+four knights, who as well as herself were clothed in white, in order
+that they might pass unobserved through the lines of their enemies.
+The adventurous "Lady" made good her escape, and crossing the river
+unnoticed on the ice, found her way to Abingdon. The long anarchy was
+ended by the Treaty of Wallingford (1153), Stephen being recognised as
+king during his life, and the succession devolving upon Matilda's son
+Henry. A year had hardly passed from the signing of the treaty, when
+Stephen's death gave Henry the crown, and his coronation took place at
+Christmastide, 1154, at Westminster.
+
+
+THE REIGN OF HENRY II.,
+
+it has been truly said, "initiated the rule of law," as distinct from
+despotism, whether personal or tempered by routine, of the Norman
+kings. And now the despotic barons began gradually to be shorn of
+their power, and the dungeons of their "Adulterine" castles to be
+stripped of their horrors, and it seemed more appropriate to celebrate
+the season of glad tidings. King Henry the Second kept his first
+Christmas at Bermondsey with great solemnity, marking the occasion by
+passing his royal word to expel all foreigners from the kingdom,
+whereupon William of Ypres and his Flemings decamped without waiting
+for further notice. In 1158 Henry, celebrating the Christmas festival
+at Worcester, took the crown from his head and placed it upon the
+altar, after which he never wore it. But he did not cease to keep
+Christmas. In 1171 he went to Ireland, where the chiefs of the land
+displayed a wonderful alacrity in taking the oath of allegiance, and
+were rewarded by being entertained in a style that astonished them.
+Finding no place in Dublin large enough to contain his own followers,
+much less his guests, Henry had a house built in Irish fashion of
+twigs and wattles in the village of Hogges, and there held high
+revelry during Christmastide, teaching his new subjects to eat cranes'
+flesh, and take their part in miracle plays, masques, mummeries, and
+tournaments. And a great number of oxen were roasted, so that all the
+people might take part in the rejoicings.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS AT CONSTANTINOPLE.
+
+In his description of Christian Constantinople, Benjamin of Tudela, a
+Spanish Jew, who travelled through the East in the twelfth century
+(1159 or 1160), describes a "place where the king diverts himself,
+called the hippodrome, near to the wall of the palace. There it is
+that every year, on the day of the birth of Jesus the Nazarene, the
+king gives a grand entertainment. There are represented by magic arts
+before the king and queen, figures of all kinds of men that exist in
+the world; thither also are taken lions, bears, tigers, and wild
+asses, which are made to fight together; as well as birds. There is no
+such sight to be seen in all the world." At Constantinople, on the
+marriage of the Emperor Manuel with Mary, daughter of the Prince of
+Antioch, on Christmas Day, 1161, there were great rejoicings, and
+similar spectacular entertainments to those described by Benjamin of
+Tudela.
+
+
+AN ARCHBISHOP MURDERED AT CHRISTMASTIDE.
+
+During the Christmas festival of 1170 (December 29th) occurred an
+event memorable in ecclesiastical history--the murder of Thomas
+Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1162 Becket (who had previously
+been Chancellor to Henry II.) was made Archbishop, in succession to
+Archbishop Theobald. The King soon found that he who had served him
+faithfully as Chancellor would oppose him doggedly as Archbishop.
+Henry determined to subject the Church as well as the State to the
+supremacy of the law; and Becket determined to resist the King to the
+end, thus manifesting his desire for martyrdom in the cause of the
+Church. Henry had greatly offended the Archbishop by causing his
+eldest son to be crowned by the Archbishop of York. For this violation
+of the rights of Canterbury Becket threatened to lay the country under
+an interdict, which he had the power from the Pope to pronounce. A
+sort of reconciliation was effected between the King and the
+Archbishop at Freteval on July 21, 1170, but a further dispute arose
+on Becket delaying his return to England, the King being anxious to
+get him out of France. The Archbishop was full of complaints against
+Henry for the injuries he had done to his see, and the King stood upon
+his dignity, regardless of the threatened interdiction. The Archbishop
+returned to England on the 1st of December, and was joyfully received
+by the people. His enemies, however, and especially the family of De
+Broc, did all they could to annoy him; and on Christmas Day he uttered
+a violent anathema against them. He preached from the text, "I come to
+die among you," evidently anticipating what might be the personal
+consequences of his action. He told his congregation that one of the
+archbishops had been a martyr, and they would probably soon see
+another; but before he departed home he would avenge some of the
+wrongs the Church had suffered during the previous seven years. Then
+he thundered forth his sentence of excommunication against Ranulph and
+Robert de Broc, and Nigellus, rector of Harrow. Meanwhile news had
+reached the King that Becket had excommunicated certain bishops who
+had taken part in his son's coronation. In a fit of exasperation the
+King uttered some hasty words of anger against the Archbishop. Acting
+upon these, four of Henry's knights--Hugh de Morville, Reginald
+FitzUrse, William de Tracy, and Richard Brito--crossed to England,
+taking with them Ranulf de Broc and a band of men, and murdered the
+Archbishop in Canterbury Cathedral. In the altercation which took
+place before the consummation of the terrible deed, the Primate was
+asked to absolve the bishops whom he had excommunicated, but he
+refused in a defiant and insulting manner. "Then die," exclaimed
+FitzUrse, striking at Becket's head with his weapon; but the devoted
+cross-bearer warded off the blow with his own arm, which was badly
+cut, so that the Archbishop was but slightly injured. One of the
+attacking party then called out, "Fly, or thou diest!" The Archbishop,
+however, clasped his hands, and, with the blood streaming down his
+face, fervently exclaimed, "To God, to St. Mary, to the holy patrons
+of this Church, and to St. Denis I commend my soul and the Church's
+cause." He was then struck down by a second blow, and the third
+completed the tragedy; whereupon one of the murderers, putting his
+foot on the dead prelate's neck, cried, "Thus dies a traitor!" In 1173
+the Archbishop was canonised, and his festival was appointed for the
+day of his martyrdom; and for three centuries after his death the
+shrine of St. Thomas at Canterbury was a favourite place of
+pilgrimage, so great was the impression that his martyrdom made on the
+minds of the English people. As early as the Easter of 1171 Becket's
+sepulchre was the scene of many miracles, if Matthew Paris, the
+historian, is to be believed. What must have been the credulity of the
+people in an age when an historian could gravely write, as Matthew
+Paris did in 1171? "In this year, about Easter, it pleased the Lord
+Jesus Christ to irradiate his glorious martyr Thomas Becket with many
+miracles, that it might appear to all the world he had obtained a
+victory suitable to his merits. None who approached his sepulchre in
+faith returned without a cure. For strength was restored to the lame,
+hearing to the deaf, sight to the blind, speech to the dumb, health to
+the lepers, and life to the dead. Nay, not only men and women, but
+even birds and beasts were raised from death to life."
+
+
+ROYAL CHRISTMASES AT WINDSOR.
+
+Windsor Castle appears to have been the favourite residence of Henry
+II. When, in 1175, he had united with him his son Henry in his crown
+and prerogatives, the two kings held an assembly at Windsor, attended
+by the judges, deputies of counties and districts, and all the great
+officers of state. Henry also kept his ensuing Christmas with the
+magnificence and display peculiar to the times, and all the ancient
+sports and usages; in which the nobles and gentry of the surrounding
+country assisted with much splendour at the hunt and tourney, and
+bestowed lavish gifts on the spectators and the people. After the
+kingdom was parcelled out into four jurisdictions, another assembly
+was held at the castle, in 1179, by the two kings; and, in 1184, Henry
+for the last time celebrated his Christmas in the same hall of state:
+his son, who had shared the throne with him, being then dead.
+
+For the festivals of this period the tables of princes, prelates, and
+great barons were plentifully supplied with many dishes of meat
+dressed in various ways. The Normans sent agents into different
+countries to collect the most rare dishes for their tables, by which
+means, says John of Salisbury, this island, which is naturally
+productive of plenty and variety of provisions, was overflowed with
+everything that could inflame a luxurious appetite. The same writer
+says he was present at an entertainment which lasted from three
+o'clock in the afternoon to midnight; at which delicacies were served
+up which had been brought from Constantinople, Babylon, Alexandria,
+Palestine, Tripoli, Syria, and Phoenicia. The sumptuous
+entertainments which the kings of England gave to their nobles and
+prelates at the festivals of Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide
+diffused a taste for profuse and expensive banqueting; for the wealthy
+barons, prelates, and gentry, in their own castles and mansions,
+imitated the splendour of the royal entertainments. Great men had some
+kinds of provisions at their tables which are not now to be found in
+Britain. When Henry II. entertained his own court, the great officers
+of his army, and all the kings and great men in Ireland, at the feast
+of Christmas, 1171, the Irish princes and chieftains were quite
+astonished at the profusion and variety of provisions which they
+beheld, and were with difficulty prevailed on by Henry to eat the
+flesh of cranes, a kind of food to which they had not been accustomed.
+Dellegrout, maupigyrum, karumpie, and other dishes were then used, the
+composition of which is now unknown, or doubtful. Persons of rank and
+wealth had variety of drinks, as well as meats; for, besides wines of
+various kinds, they had pigment, morat, mead, hypocras, claret, cider,
+perry, and ale. The claret of those times was wine clarified and mixed
+with spices, and hypocras was wine mixed with honey.
+
+[Illustration: A COOK OF THE PERIOD.]
+
+The profusion of viands and drinks, obtained at great expense from
+different parts of the world for the gratification of the animal
+appetites at such festivals as have been described, naturally led to
+
+
+EXCESSES IN EATING AND DRINKING,
+
+and from the statements and illustrations in old manuscripts it would
+appear that "the merry monks" were prominent in gastronomical circles.
+And extant records also state that the abbots of some of the
+monasteries found it necessary to make regulations restraining the
+monks, and to these regulations the monks objected. Consequently the
+monks of St. Swithin at Winchester made a formal complaint to Henry
+II. against their abbot for taking away three of the thirteen dishes
+they used to have at dinner. The monks of Canterbury were still more
+luxurious, for they had at least seventeen dishes every day besides a
+dessert; and these dishes were dressed with spices and sauces which
+excited the appetite as well as pleased the taste. And of course the
+festive season of Christmas was an occasion of special indulgence.
+Sometimes serious excesses were followed by severe discipline,
+administered after the manner shown in the ancient illustration which
+is reproduced here.
+
+[Illustration: MONK UNDERGOING DISCIPLINE.]
+
+But these excesses were by no means confined to the monks. The Norman
+barons and gentry adopted many of the manners of the English among
+whom they lived, and especially was this the case in regard to the
+drinking customs of Christmastide. Instead of commending the Normans
+of his time for their sobriety, as he might have done their ancestors,
+Peter of Blois, who was chaplain to Henry II., says: "When you behold
+our barons and knights going upon a military expedition you see their
+baggage horses loaded, not with iron but wine, not with lances but
+cheeses, not with swords but bottles, not with spears but spits. You
+would imagine they were going to prepare a great feast rather than to
+make war. There are even too many who boast of their excessive
+drunkenness and gluttony, and labour to acquire fame by swallowing
+great quantities of meat and drink." The earliest existing carol known
+to antiquaries is in the Anglo-Norman language, and contains
+references to the drinking customs of the period:--
+
+ "To English ale, and Gascon wine,
+  And French, doth Christmas much incline--
+          And Anjou's too;
+  He makes his neighbour freely drink,
+  So that in sleep his head doth sink
+          Often by day.
+  May joys flow from God above
+  To all those who Christmas love.
+
+  Lords, by Christmas and the host
+  Of this mansion hear my toast--
+         Drink it well--
+  Each must drain his cup of wine,
+
+  And I the first will toss off mine:
+          Thus I advise,
+  Here then I bid you all _Wassail_,
+  Cursed be he who will not say Drinkhail."[17]
+
+[Illustration: WASSAILING AT CHRISTMASTIDE.]
+
+Proceeding with our historical narrative we come now to
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE ROMANTIC REIGN OF RICHARD THE FIRST,
+
+surnamed Coeur de Lion, the second son of Henry II. and Eleanor of
+Aquitaine, who succeeded to the English throne on the death of his
+father in 1189. Richard is generally supposed to have derived his
+surname from a superiority of animal courage; but, if the metrical
+romance bearing his name, and written in the thirteenth century, be
+entitled to credit, he earned it nobly and literally, by plucking out
+the heart of a lion, to whose fury he had been exposed by the Duke of
+Austria for having slain his son with a blow of his fist. In the
+numerous descriptions afforded by the romance Richard is a most
+imposing personage. He is said to have carried with him to the
+Crusades, and to have afterwards presented to Tancred, King of Sicily,
+the wonder-working sword of King Arthur--
+
+ "The gude sword Caliburne
+   that Arthur luffed so well."
+
+He is also said to have carried a shaft, or lance, 14 feet in length,
+and
+
+              "An axe for the nones,
+  To break therewith the Sarasyns bones.
+  The head was wrought right wele,
+  Therein was twenty pounds of steel."
+
+But, without attempting to follow Richard through all the brilliant
+episodes of his romantic career, there can be no doubt that he was a
+king of great strength and courage, and that his valorous deeds won
+the admiration of poets and chroniclers, who have surrounded him with
+a splendid halo of romance. Contemporary writers tell us that while
+Richard kept magnificent Christmases abroad with the King of Sicily
+and other potentates, his justiciars (especially the extravagant
+William Longchamp, Bishop of Ely) were no less lavish in their
+expenditure for festive entertainments at home. And the old romance of
+"Richard Coeur de Lion" assures us that--
+
+ "Christmas is a time full honest;
+  Kyng Richard it honoured with gret feste.
+  All his clerks and barouns
+  Were set in their pavylouns,
+  And seryed with grete plente
+  Of mete and drink and each dainte."
+
+There is no doubt that the Crusades had a vast influence upon our
+literary tastes, as well as upon the national manners and the
+festivities of Christmastide. On their return from the Holy Land the
+pilgrims and Crusaders brought with them new subjects for theatrical
+representation, founded on the objects of their devotion and the
+incidents in their wars, and these found expression in the early
+mysteries and other plays of Christmastide--that of St. George and the
+Dragon, which survived to modern times, probably owing its origin to
+this period. It is to Richard Coeur de Lion that we are indebted for
+the rise of chivalry in England. It was he who developed tilts and
+tournaments, and under his auspices these diversions assumed a
+military air, the genius of poetry flourished, and the fair sex was
+exalted in admiration. How delightful was it then, beneath the
+inspiring gaze of the fair--
+
+ "Sternly to strike the quintin down;
+  Or fiercely storm some turf-formed town;
+  To rush with valour's doughty sway,
+  Against a Babylon of clay;
+  A Memphis shake with furious shock,
+  Or raze some flower-built Antioch!"[18]
+
+On the death of Richard, in 1199, his brother
+
+
+JOHN WAS CROWNED KING OF ENGLAND.
+
+The youngest and favourite son of Henry II., John, was humoured in
+childhood and grew to be an arrogant and petulant man, and was one of
+the worst of English kings. He possessed ability, but not discipline.
+He could neither govern himself nor his kingdom. He was tyrannical and
+passionate, and spent a good deal of time in the gratification of his
+animal appetites. He was fond of display and good living, and
+extravagant in his Christmas entertainments. When, in 1201, he kept
+Christmas at Guildford he taxed his purse and ingenuity in providing
+all his servitors with costly apparel, and he was greatly annoyed
+because the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a similar fit of sumptuary
+extravagance, sought to outdo his sovereign. John, however, cunningly
+concealed his displeasure at the time, but punished the prelate by a
+costly celebration of the next Easter festival at Canterbury at the
+Archbishop's expense. In consequence of John's frequent quarrels with
+his nobles the attendance at his Christmas feasts became smaller every
+year, until he could only muster a very meagre company around his
+festive board, and it was said that he had almost as many enemies as
+there were nobles in the kingdom.
+
+In 1205 John spent his Christmas at the ancient town of Brill, in the
+Vale of Aylesbury, and in 1213 he kept a Royal Christmas in the great
+hall at Westminster.
+
+
+MAGNA CHARTA DEMANDED AT A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL.
+
+The Christmas of 1214 is memorable in English history as the festival
+at which the barons demanded from King John that document which as the
+foundation of our English liberties is known to us by the name of
+_Magna Charta_, that is, the Great Charter. John's tyranny and
+lawlessness had become intolerable, and the people's hope hung on the
+fortunes of the French campaign in which he was then engaged. His
+defeat at the battle of Bouvines, fought on July 27, 1214, gave
+strength to his opponents; and after his return to England the barons
+secretly met at St. Edmundsbury and swore to demand from him, if
+needful by force of arms, the restoration of their liberties by
+charter under the king's seal. Having agreed to assemble at the Court
+for this purpose during the approaching festival of Christmas they
+separated. When Christmas Day arrived John was at Worcester, attended
+only by a few of his immediate retainers and some foreign mercenaries.
+None of his great vassals came, as was customary at Christmas, to
+offer their congratulations. His attendants tried in vain to assume an
+appearance of cheerfulness and festivity; but John, alarmed at the
+absence of the barons, hastily rode to London and there shut himself
+up in the house of the Knights Templars. On the Feast of the Epiphany
+the barons assembled in great force at London and presenting
+themselves in arms before the King formally demanded his confirmation
+of the laws of Edward the Confessor and Henry I. At first John assumed
+a bold and defiant air and met the barons with an absolute refusal
+and threats; but, finding the nobles were firm, he sank to the
+meanness of subterfuge, and pleaded the necessity of time for the
+consideration of demands so weighty. With some reluctance the barons
+granted the delay, and ultimately, in 1215, the tyrant bowed to the
+inevitable, called the barons to a conference at Runnymede, and there
+signed the Great Charter, whose most important clauses protect the
+personal liberty and property of every freeman in the kingdom by
+giving security from arbitrary imprisonment and unjust exactions.
+
+    [16] "Short History of the Norman Conquest."
+
+    [17] Wassail and Drinkhail are both derived from the
+    Anglo-Saxon. They were the common drinking pledges of the
+    age. Wassail is equivalent to the phrase, "Your health,"
+    of the present day. Drinkhail, which literally signifies
+    "drink health," was the usual acknowledgment of the other
+    pledge. The carol from which the verses are quoted was
+    evidently sung by the wandering minstrels who visited the
+    castles of the Norman nobility at the festive season of
+    Christmas.
+
+    [18] Grattan.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+CHRISTMAS, FROM MAGNA CHARTA TO THE END OF THE WARS OF THE ROSES.
+
+(1215-1485.)
+
+Soon after the disaster which overtook John's army at the Wash the
+King ended his wretched career by death. He died on October 18, 1216,
+in the castle of Newark on the Trent, and the old chroniclers describe
+him as dying in an extremity of agony and remorse.
+
+
+HENRY THE THIRD,
+
+sometimes called "Henry of Winchester," came to the throne in
+troublous times, before he was ten years of age. The tyranny of his
+father had alienated every class of his subjects, and the barons who
+had obtained Magna Charta from King John had called in Louis of
+France. But through the conciliatory measures of the Regent Pembroke
+towards the barons, and the strong support which the Roman Church gave
+the boy-king (whose father had meanly done homage to the Pope), the
+foreigners were expelled, and the opposition of the barons was
+suppressed for a time, though in later years they again struggled with
+the crown for supremacy of power. When Henry had grown to manhood and
+the responsibility of government rested upon his own shoulders, he
+still exulted in the protection of the Holy See, which found in him a
+subservient vassal. He fasted during Lent, but feasted right royally
+both at Christmas and Easter. In 1234 he kept a grand Christmas in the
+Great Hall at Westminster, and other royal Christmases were celebrated
+at Windsor Castle and at his palace at Winchester. He made large
+additions to Windsor Castle, and some of his mandates giving minute
+directions for the decoration of his palace at Winchester are still
+preserved. He enjoyed the old plays and ballets of Christmastide
+introduced from France at this period.
+
+[Illustration: ROYAL PARTY DINING IN STATE.]
+
+Henry the Third's most splendid Christmas was in the twentieth year of
+his reign, when he welcomed Eleanor, daughter of the Count of
+Provence, to whom he was married on January 14, 1236. The youthful
+princess left Provence amidst the rejoicings of the whole kingdom.
+She was accompanied by Henry's ambassadors and a grand cavalcade, in
+which were more than three hundred ladies on horseback. Her route lay
+through Navarre and France. On reaching England, at Dover, the
+princess and her train proceeded to Canterbury, where Henry awaited
+their coming. It was in that ancient city that the royal pair were
+married by the Archbishop Edmund and the prelates who accompanied
+Eleanor. From Canterbury the newly-wedded king and queen set out for
+London, attended by a splendid array of nobles, prelates, knights and
+ladies. On the 20th of January, Eleanor was crowned at Westminster
+with great splendour. Matthew Paris, the historian, gives an
+interesting description of the royal procession, and the loyal welcome
+of the citizens of London: "There had assembled together so great a
+number of the nobility of both sexes, so great a number of religious
+orders, so great a concourse of the populace, and so great a variety
+of players, that London could scarcely contain them in her capacious
+bosom. Therefore was the city adorned with silk hangings, and with
+banners, crowns, palls, tapers, and lamps, and with certain marvellous
+ingenuities and devices; all the streets being cleaned from dirt, mud,
+sticks and everything offensive. The citizens of London going to meet
+the king and queen, ornamented and trapped and wondrously sported
+their swift horses; and on the same day they went from the City to
+Westminster, that they might discharge the service of butler to the
+king in his coronation, which is acknowledged to belong to them of
+ancient right. They went in well-marshalled array, adorned in silken
+vestments, wrapped in gold-woven mantles, with fancifully-devised
+garments, sitting on valuable horses refulgent with new bits and
+saddles: and they bore three hundred and sixty gold and silver cups,
+the king's trumpeters going before and sounding their trumpets; so
+that so wonderful a novelty produced a laudable astonishment in the
+spectators." The literary monk of St. Albans also describes the
+splendour of the feast, and the order of the service of the different
+vassals of the crown, many of whom were called upon at the coronation
+to perform certain peculiar services. According to the ancient City
+records, "these served in order in that most elegant and unheard-of
+feast: the Bishop of Chichester, the Chancellor, with the cup of
+precious stones, which was one of the ancient regalia of the king,
+clothed in his pontificals, preceded the king, who was clad in royal
+attire, and wearing the crown. Hugh de Pateshall walked before with
+the patine, clothed in a dalmatica; and the Earls of Chester, Lincoln,
+and Warren, bearing the swords, preceded him. But the two renowned
+knights, Sir Richard Siward and Sir Nicholas de Molis, carried the two
+royal sceptres before the king; and the square purple cloth of silk,
+which was supported upon four silver lances, with four little bells of
+silver gilt, held over the king wherever he walked, was carried by the
+barons of the Cinque Ports; four being assigned to each lance, from
+the diversity of ports, that one port should not seem to be preferred
+before the other. The same in like manner bore a cloth of silk over
+the queen, walking behind the king, which said cloths they claimed to
+be theirs by right, and obtained them. And William de Beauchamp of
+Bedford, who had the office of almoner from times of old, found the
+striped cloth or _burel_, which was laid down under the king's feet as
+he went from the hall as far as the pulpit of the Church of
+Westminster; and that part of the cloth that was _within_ the Church
+always fell to the sexton in whatever church the king was crowned; and
+all that was _without_ the church was distributed among the poor, by
+the hands of William the almoner." The ancient records contain many
+other particulars respecting the ceremonies which graced the marriage
+feast of Henry and Eleanor of Provence, but enough has been quoted to
+show the magnificence of the celebration.
+
+Year by year, as the Christmas festival came round, it was royally
+celebrated wherever the Court happened to be, even though the king had
+to pledge his plate and jewels with the citizens of London to
+replenish his exchequer. But Henry's Royal Christmases did not allay
+the growing disaffection of his subjects on account of his showing too
+much favour to foreigners; and some of the barons who attended the
+Royal Christmas at Westminster in 1241, left in high dudgeon, because
+the place of honour at the banquet was occupied by the papal legate,
+then about to leave England, "to the sorrow of no man but the king."
+In 1252, Henry gave in marriage his beautiful daughter Margaret, to
+Alexander, King of the Scots, and held his Christmas at the same time.
+The city of York was the scene of the regal festivities. The marriage
+took place on Christmas Day, the bridegroom and many of his nobles
+receiving knighthood at the hands of the English king. Henry seems to
+have conciliated the English barons for a time, for most of them were
+present at the marriage festivities, and he counted a thousand knights
+in his train; while Alexander brought sixty splendidly-attired
+Scottish knights with him. That the banqueting was on no mean scale is
+evident from the fact that six hundred fat oxen were slaughtered for
+the occasion, the gift of the Archbishop of York, who also subscribed
+four thousand marks (L2,700) towards the expenses. The consumption of
+meats and drinks at such feasts was enormous. An extant order of
+Henry's, addressed to his keeper of wines, directs him to deliver two
+tuns of white and one of red wine, to make garhiofilac and claret 'as
+usual,' for the king at Christmas; and upon another occasion the
+Sheriffs of Gloucestershire and Sussex were called upon to supply part
+of the necessary provisions; the first named being directed to get
+twenty salmon, and make pies of them; while the latter was instructed
+to send ten peacocks, ten brawns with their heads, and other things.
+And all this provision was necessary, for while Henry feasted the
+rich, he did not forget the poor. When he kept his Christmas at
+Winchester in 1248, he ordered his treasurer to fill Westminster Hall
+with poor people, and feast them there for a week. Twenty years
+afterwards, he kept his Royal Christmas in London for fifteen days,
+opening a fair meantime at Westminster, and forbidding any shop to be
+opened in London as long as the festival lasted. This prohibition of
+business naturally displeased the citizens of London, but the king
+would not withdraw his prohibition until they agreed to make him a
+present of two thousand pounds, upon the receipt of which the
+prohibition was withdrawn.
+
+We cannot pass over this period without reference to the summoning of
+
+
+THE FIRST ENGLISH PARLIAMENT,
+
+which was a great event of Christmastide.
+
+The Barons' Wars interfered seriously with the Christmas festivities,
+but they solved the problem of how to ensure the government of the
+realm in accordance with the provisions of the Great Charter. The King
+(Henry III.) had sworn again and again to observe the Charter, but his
+oath was no sooner taken than it was unscrupulously broken. The
+barons, with the patriotic Simon de Montfort at their head, were
+determined to uphold the rights of the people, and insisted on the
+king's compliance with the provisions of the Charter; and this
+struggle with the Crown yielded one of the greatest events of
+Christmastide: the summoning of the first national Parliament. By
+summoning the representatives of the cities and boroughs to sit beside
+the knights of the shires, the barons and the bishops in the
+Parliament of the realm, Simon de Montfort created a new force in
+English politics. This first national assembly met at Westminster, in
+January, 1265, while the king was a prisoner of Earl Simon. The form
+of national representation thus inaugurated had an immense influence
+on the rising liberties of the people, and has endured to our own
+times. It is not surprising, therefore, that the adoption of this
+measure by the great Earl of Leicester invested his memory with a
+lustre which has not been dimmed by the lapse of centuries. The
+paltering of the king called forth the patriotism of the people. "So
+may a glory from defect arise." The sevenfold lustre of the rainbow is
+only seen when there is rain as well as sun.
+
+ "Only the prism's obstruction shows aright
+  The secret of a sunbeam, breaks its light
+  Into the jewelled bow from blankest white;
+    So may a glory from defect arise."[19]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
+
+The famous freebooter, Robin Hood, who, according to tradition,
+flourished in Sherwood Forest in the distracted reign of Henry the
+Third, is said to have died on Christmas Eve, in the year 1247. The
+career of this hero of many popular ballads is not part of our
+subject, though Hone[20] records his death as a Christmas event; and
+Stowe, writing in 1590, evidently believes in Robin Hood as an
+historical personage, for he says, "he suffered no woman to be
+oppressed ... poor men's goods he spared, abundantly relieving them
+with that which by theft he got from the abbeys, and the houses of
+rich old earles."
+
+From the doubtful doings of the romantic chief and his band of
+freebooters, we now pass on to the
+
+
+REIGN OF EDWARD THE FIRST.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Edward the First was in the truest sense a national king. He was
+English to the core, and he won the love of his people by his bravery,
+justice, and good government. He joined freely in the national sports
+and pastimes, and kept the Christmas festival with great splendour.
+There was much of the chivalric in his character, and he shared to the
+full his people's love of hard fighting. He was invested with the
+honour of knighthood and went to foreign courts to display his
+prowess. Matthew of Westminster states that while Edward was
+travelling in France, he heard that a lord of Burgundy was continually
+committing outrages on the persons and property of his neighbours. In
+the true spirit of chivalry Edward attacked the castle of the
+uncourteous baron. His prowess asserted the cause of justice, and he
+bestowed the domains which he had won upon a nobler lord. For the sake
+of acquiring military fame he exposed himself to great dangers in the
+Holy Land, and, during his journey homeward, saved his life by sheer
+fighting in a tournament at Challon. At his "Round Table of
+Kenilworth" a hundred lords and ladies "clad all in silk" renewed the
+faded glories of Arthur's Court, and kept Christmas with great
+magnificence. In 1277, Llewellyn, Prince of Wales, bidden from his
+mountain fastnesses "with a kiss of peace," sat a guest at the
+Christmas feast of Edward, but he was soon to fall the last defender
+of his weeping country's independence in unequal battle with the
+English King. In 1281-2, Edward kept his feast of Christmas at
+Worcester, and there was "such a frost and snow as no man living could
+remember the like." Rivers were frozen over, even including the Thames
+and Severn; fish in ponds, and birds in woods died for want of food;
+and on the breaking up of the ice five of the arches of old London
+bridge were carried away by the stream, and the like happened to many
+other bridges. In 1286 Edward kept his Christmas at Oxford, but the
+honour was accompanied by an unpleasant episode in the hanging of the
+Mayor by the King's command. In 1290, 1292, and 1303, Edward the
+First kept Royal Christmases in the great hall at Westminster. On
+his way to Scotland, in the year 1299, the King witnessed the
+Christmas ceremonial of the Boy Bishop. He permitted one of the
+boy bishops to say vespers before him in his chapel at Heton, near
+Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and made a present to the performers of forty
+shillings, no inconsiderable sum in those days. During his Scotch
+wars, in 1301, Edward, on the approach of winter, took up his quarters
+in Linlithgow, where he built a castle and kept his Christmas; and
+during his reign he celebrated the festival at other places not
+usually so honoured--namely, Bury, Ipswich, Bristol, Berwick,
+Carlisle, and Lincoln.
+
+
+EDWARD THE SECOND
+
+succeeded his father in 1307, being the fourth son of Edward I. and
+Eleanor of Castile. He took great delight in the Christmas revels and
+expended large sums of money in the entertainment of his court
+favourites. In 1311 he kept his Christmas at York, rejoicing in the
+presence of Piers Gaveston, whom he had recalled from banishment in
+utter disregard of advice given to him by his father (Edward I.) on
+his death-bed. Edward II. kept his Christmas in the great hall at
+Westminster in 1317, when, however, few nobles were present, "because
+of discord betwixt them and the King;" but in 1320 the Royal Christmas
+was kept at Westminster "with great honour and glorie." In 1324-5 the
+King's Christmas was sumptuously observed at Nottingham, but the
+following year found Edward a prisoner at Kenilworth, while his wife,
+who had successfully intrigued with Roger Mortimer, leader of the
+Barons, observed the Christmas festivities with her son at
+Wallingford, glad at the downfall of her husband. Edward was an
+irresolute and weak-minded king. He displayed singular incapacity for
+government, wasting almost all his time in frivolous amusements. The
+chief characteristics of his reign were defeat and disgrace abroad,
+and misrule ending in misery at home. Instead of following the example
+of his noble father, Edward I., who has been deservedly styled "the
+greatest of the Plantagenets," he proved himself the weakest of that
+line of kings, spending his time in such trifling diversions as "cross
+and pile," a game of chance with coins. He was so utterly devoid of
+self-respect that he even borrowed money of his barber to carry on
+this frivolous pastime, such items as the following being found in his
+wardrobe rolls:--"Item, paid to Henry, the king's barber, for money
+which he lent the king to play at cross and pile, five shillings.
+Item, paid to Pires Barnard, usher of the king's chamber, money which
+he lent the king, and which he lost at cross and pile; to Monsieur
+Robert Wattewille eightpence." At length the barons, tired of
+Edward's misgovernment, revolted, and made the king a prisoner. During
+the Christmas festival of 1326, Edward was imprisoned in Kenilworth
+Castle. While there he was informed that in a Parliament held at
+Westminster, during Christmas 1326-7, he was deposed, and his son
+Edward, then only fourteen years of age, elected in his stead. On the
+21st of September in the same year Edward II. ended his miserable
+career in Berkeley Castle, being, it is supposed, cruelly murdered by
+his keepers.
+
+
+EDWARD THE THIRD'S CORONATION
+
+festivities were a sumptuous enlargement of the Christmas celebration,
+which usually extended over Twelfth Night. It is said that the
+banqueting cost the equivalent of forty thousand pounds of our money;
+and before the young king there appeared quite a multitude of
+minstrels, mimics, and gleemen. Professor Henry Morley[21] gives a
+specimen of the metrical romances which were translated from the
+French for recitation at the royal and noble banquets of this period.
+They were "busy with action, and told with a lively freedom;" and, in
+the one quoted, "The Fabliau of Sir Cleges," we catch some interesting
+references to the celebration of Christmas:--
+
+ "Every year Sir Cleges would
+  At Christmas a great feast hold
+    In worship of that day,
+  As royal in alle thing
+  As he hadde been a king
+    For sooth as I you say.
+  Rich and poor in the country about
+  Should be there withouten doubt;
+    There would no man say nay.
+  Minstrels would not be behind,
+  For there they might most mirthes find
+    There would they be aye.
+
+ "Minstrels when the feast was done
+  Withouten giftes should not gon,
+    And that both rich and good:
+  Horse, robes and riche ring,
+  Gold, silver, and other thing,
+    To mend with their mood.
+  Ten yeare such feast be held,
+  In the worship of Mary mild
+    And for Him that died on the rood.
+  By that his good began to slake
+  For the great feasts that he did make.
+    The knight gentil of blood."
+
+
+"KEPE OPEN COURT" AT CHRISTMAS.
+
+Froissart, in Cap. XIIII. of his "Chronicles,"[22] gives the
+following account of the Christmas Celebration at which Edward the
+Third was crowned:--
+
+"After that the most part of the company of Heynaulte were departed,
+and syr John Heynaulte lorde of Beamonde taryed, the Quene gave leve
+to her people to departe, savynge a certayne noble knightis the whiche
+she kept styl about her and her s[=o]ne, to counsell them, and
+commaunded all them that departed, to be at London the next Christmas,
+for as than she was determyned to kepe open court, and all they
+promysed her so to do. And whan Christmas was come, she helde a great
+court. And thyther came dukes, erles, barons, knightis, and all the
+nobles of the realme, with prelates, and burgesses of good townes, and
+at this assemble it was advised that the realme coud nat long endure
+without a head and a chief lord. Than they put in wrytynge all the
+dedis of the kyng who was in prison, and all that he had done by evyll
+counsell, and all his usages, and evyll behavyngis, and how evyll he
+had governed his realme, the which was redde openly in playn audience,
+to thentent that the noble sagis of the realme might take therof good
+advyce, and to fall at acorde how the realme shuld be governed from
+thensforth; and whan all the cases and dedis that the kyng had done
+and c[=o]sented to, and all his behavyng and usages were red, and wel
+understand, the barons and knightis and al ye co[=u]sels of the
+realme, drew them aparte to co[=u]sell, and the most part of them
+accorded, and namely the great lordes and nobles, with the burgesses
+of ye good townes, accordyng as they had hard say, and knew themselfe
+the most parte of his dedis. Wherfore they c[=o]cluded that such a man
+was nat worthy to be a kyng. But they all accorded that Edward his
+eldeste son who was ther present, and was ryghtful heyre, shuld be
+crowned kyng in stede of his father, so that he would take good
+counsell, sage and true about hym, so that the realme from thensforth
+myght be better governed than it was before, and that the olde kyng
+his father shuld be well and honestly kept as long as he lyved
+accordyng to his astate; and thus as it was agreed by all the nobles,
+so it was accomplysshed, and than was crowned with a crowne royall at
+the palaice of Westminster, beside L[=o]don, the yong kyng Edward the
+III. who in his dayes after was right fortunate and happy in armes.
+This coronacion was in the yere of our Lorde MCCCXXVI, on Christymas
+day, and as than the yong kyng was about the age of XVI., and they
+held the fest tyl the c[=o]vercion of saynt Paule followyng: and in
+the mean tyme greatly was fested sir John of Heynaulte and all the
+princis and nobles of his co[=u]tre, and was gyven to hym, and to his
+company, many ryche jewels. And so he and his company in great feast
+and solas both with lordis and ladyes taried tyll the XII. day."
+
+
+EDWARD BALLIOL, OF SCOTLAND, DEFEATED AT CHRISTMAS.
+
+The Christmas of 1332 is memorable in Scottish annals as the time of
+the defeat of Edward Balliol, the "phantom king" of Scotland. His
+success was as unreal as a dream. He was solemnly crowned at Scone in
+the month of September, 1332, fondly imagining that he had permanently
+conquered the patriotic Scottish nobles who had opposed him. His
+reign, however, only lasted for a few months. The leaders of the
+national party suddenly assembled a force, and attacked him, while he
+was feasting at Annan, in Dumfriesshire, where he had gone to keep his
+Christmas. A body of horse under Sir Archibald, the young Earl of
+Moray, and Sir Simon Fraser, made a dash into the town to surprise
+Balliol, and he escaped only by springing upon a horse without any
+saddle, leaving behind him his brother Henry slain. Balliol escaped to
+England and was kindly received by Edward III., who afterwards made
+fresh expeditions into Scotland to support him. "Whenever the English
+king appeared the Scots retired to their mountain fastnesses, while
+Edward and his army overran the country with little opposition, burnt
+the houses, and laid waste the lands of those whom he styled rebels;
+but whenever he returned to England they came forth again, only the
+more embittered against the contemptible minion of the English king,
+the more determined against the tyranny of England. The regent, Sir
+Andrew Murray, pursued, with untiring activity, Balliol and his
+adherents. When Edward marched homeward to spend in London the
+Christmas of 1336, he left Scotland to all appearance prostrate, and
+flattered himself that it was completely subdued. Never was it further
+from such a condition. Only one spirit animated the Scottish
+nation--that of eternal resistance to the monarch who had inflicted on
+it such calamities, and set a slave on its throne."[23]
+
+
+COTTAGE CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+At this period the greatest of the Bishops of Winchester, William of
+Wykeham, was a schoolboy. He was born of humble parents, educated at
+Winchester school, and afterwards became secretary to Uvedale, Lord of
+Wickham Manor, through whom he was introduced to King Edward III. In
+his interesting "Story of the Boyhood of William of Wykeham," the Rev.
+W. A. C. Chevalier thus pictures William's Christmas holidays:--
+
+"Three days after William's arrival home was Christmas-eve. There were
+great preparations in the cottage for spending Christmas worthily, for
+if there was one thing more than another that John Longe believed in,
+it was the proper keeping of Christmas. It was a part of the worthy
+yeoman's faith. He was a humble and thorough believer in all the
+tenets of Christianity, he worshipped the Saviour and adored His
+Nativity, but his faith was a cheerful one, and he thought he best
+honoured his Master by enjoying the good gifts which He sent. Hence
+it was a part of his creed to be jovial at Christmas-tide. And so
+Dame Alice had been busy all that day, and a part of the day before,
+making Christmas pies, dressing Christmas meats, and otherwise making
+ready for the great festival. John Longe, too, had not been idle. He
+and his men had been working hard all day getting in huge Yule-logs
+for the great kitchen fire, whilst William and little Agnes had been
+employed in decorating the kitchen with evergreens and mistletoe,
+displaying in great profusion the red berries of the holly bushes.
+Everything was decked with evergreens, from the cups and platters on
+the shelves to the hams and bacon hanging from the ceiling."
+
+At length the preparations were completed; then came the telling of
+tales and cheerful gossip round the blazing fire on Christmas Eve, and
+the roasting of chestnuts on the embers. "Christmas Day passed at the
+little homestead with all the social and religious honours that the
+honest yeoman could think of. The little household attended the
+service of Mass in the morning, and then, with clear consciences and
+simple hearts, spent the rest of the day in domestic and convivial
+enjoyment."
+
+Returning to royalty, we next see illustrated Froissart's statement
+that "Edward the third was right fortunate and happy in armes."
+
+
+EDWARD THE THIRD'S VICTORIES AND FESTIVITIES.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+During the invasion of France, Edward III. raised the martial glory of
+England by his splendid victories at Crecy, Poictiers, and other
+places; and he kept Christmas right royally with his soldiers on
+French soil. After the battle of Crecy, at which the Prince of Wales
+gained the celebrated title of the Black Prince, Edward marched upon
+Calais, and laid siege to it; and at length he took the place. During
+Edward's absence, England was invaded by David II. of Scotland, who
+was defeated and taken prisoner by the army under Philippa, Edward's
+Queen. The brave Queen then joined King Edward on the French
+battle-ground, and they kept the Christmas of 1346 with much
+rejoicing.
+
+During the Christmas festivities of this period the most noble Order
+of the Garter was instituted by King Edward III. to excite emulation
+amongst the aristocratic warriors of the time, in imitation of orders
+of a similar kind, both religious and military, which had been
+instituted by different monarchs of Europe; and that those who were
+admitted to the order were enjoined to exalt the religion of Christ
+is evident from some lines which Chaucer addressed to the Lords and
+Knights--
+
+ "Do forth, do forth, continue your succour,
+  Hold up Christ's banner, let it not fall."
+
+And again--
+
+ "Ye Lordis eke, shining in noble fame,
+  To which appropered is the maintenance
+  Of Christ 'is cause; in honour of his name,
+  Shove on, and put his foes to utterance."
+
+In imitation of King Arthur, Edward III. set up at Windsor a Round
+Table, which was consecrated with feasts and tournaments, and baptized
+with the blood of the brave. On New Year's Day, 1344, he issued his
+royal letters of protection for the safe-coming and return of foreign
+knights to the solemn jousts which he appointed to be held at Windsor
+on St. Hilary's Day, in extension of the Christmas festivities. The
+festival was opened with a splendid supper; and the next day, and
+until Lent, all kinds of knightly feats of arms were performed. "The
+queen and her ladies," says an old historian, "that they might with
+more convenience behold this spectacle, were orderly seated upon a
+firm ballustrade, or scaffold, with rails before it, running all round
+the lists. And certainly their extraordinary beauties, set so
+advantageously forth with excessive riches of apparel, did prove a
+sight as full of pleasant encouragement to the combatants, as the
+fierce hacklings of men and horses, gallantly armed, were a delightful
+terror to the feminine beholders."
+
+[Illustration: LADIES LOOKING FROM THE HUSTINGS UPON THE TOURNAMENT.]
+
+In 1348 Edward III. kept a grand Christmas at Guildford. "Orders were
+given to manufacture for the Christmas sports eighty tunics of buckram
+of different colours, and a large number of masks--some with faces of
+women, some with beards, some like angel heads of silver. There were
+to be mantles embroidered with heads of dragons, tunics wrought with
+heads and wings of peacocks, and embroidered in many other fantastic
+ways. The celebration of Christmas lasted from All Hallow's Eve, the
+31st of October, till the day after the Purification, the 3rd of
+February. At the court a lord of misrule was appointed, who reigned
+during the whole of this period, and was called 'the master of merry
+disports.' He ruled over and organised all the games and sports, and
+during the period of his rule there was nothing but a succession of
+masques, disguisings, and dances of all kinds. All the nobles, even
+the Mayor of London, had an officer of this kind chosen in their
+households. Dancing was a very favourite amusement. It was practised
+by the nobility of both sexes. The damsels of London spent their
+evenings in dancing before their masters' doors, and the country
+lasses danced upon the village green."[24]
+
+[Illustration: THE LORD OF MISRULE.]
+
+A Royal Christmas was kept at Westminster, with great splendour, in
+1358, when King Edward had two crowned guests at his feast; but these
+were present from no choice of their own: they were the victims to the
+fortune of war at Poictiers and Neville's Cross. And in
+1362, King David of Scotland and the King of Cyprus met at King
+Edward's grand entertainments. The later years of his life were spent
+by this great warrior-king in partial retirement from public affairs,
+and under the influence of his mistress, Alice Perrers, while John of
+Gaunt took a leading part in the government of the state. In 1376
+Edward the Black Prince died, and the same year King Edward III. kept
+his last Christmas at Westminster, the festival being made memorable
+by all the nobles of the realm attending to swear fealty to the son of
+the Black Prince, who, by the King's desire, took precedence of his
+uncles at the banquet as befitted the heir apparent to the crown. The
+King died on the 21st of June, 1377, having reigned for just over half
+a century.
+
+The old chronicler, Stowe, refers to a
+
+
+TERRIBLE CHRISTMAS TEMPEST,
+
+which he says occurred in 1362: "The King held his Christmas at
+Windsore, and the XV. day following a sore and vehement south-west
+winde brake forth, so hideous that it overthrew high houses, towers,
+steeples, and trees, and so bowed them, that the residue which fell
+not, but remained standing, were the weaker."
+
+King Edward the Third's wardrobe accounts witness to the
+
+
+COSTLY CHRISTMAS ROBES
+
+that were worn at this period. And these accounts also show that Alice
+Perrers was associated with the King's daughter and granddaughter in
+the Christmas entertainments. There are items in 1376 stating that the
+King's daughter Isabella (styled Countess of Bedford), and her
+daughter (afterwards wife of Vere, Earl of Oxford), were provided with
+rich garments trimmed with ermine, in the fashion of the robes of the
+Garter, and with others of shaggy velvet, trimmed with the same fur,
+for the Christmas festival; while articles of apparel equally costly
+are registered as sent by the King to his chamber at Shene, to be
+given to Alice Perrers. And at a festival at Windsor the King caused
+twelve ladies (including his daughters and Alice Perrers) to be
+clothed in handsome hunting suits, with ornamented bows and arrows, to
+shoot at the King's deer; and a very attractive band of foresters they
+made. We have also seen that eighty costly tunics were provided for
+the Christmas sports and disguisings at Guildford.
+
+We now come to a
+
+
+COMICALLY CRUEL CHRISTMAS INCIDENT,
+
+recorded by Sir John Froissart, and which he says gave "great joye" to
+the hilarious "knightes and squyers" who kept the festival with "the
+Erle of Foiz":--
+
+"So it was on a Christmas day the Erle of Foiz helde a great feest,
+and a plentifull of knightes and squyers, as it is his usage; and it
+was a colde day, and the erle dyned in the hall, and with him great
+company of lordes; and after dyner he departed out of the hall, and
+went up into a galarye of xxiiii stayres of heyght, in which galarye
+ther was a great chymney, wherin they made fyre whan therle was ther;
+and at that tyme there was but a small fyre, for the erle loved no
+great fyre; howbeit, he hadde woode ynoughe there about, and in Bierne
+is wode ynoughe. The same daye it was a great frost and very colde:
+and when the erle was in the galarye, and saw the fyre so lytell, he
+sayde to the knightes and squiers about hym, Sirs, this is but a small
+fyre, and the day so colde: than Ernalton of Spayne went downe the
+stayres, and beneth in the courte he sawe a great meny of asses, laden
+with woode to serve the house: than he went and toke one of the
+grettest asses, with all the woode, and layde hym on his backe, and
+went up all the stayres into the galary, and dyde cast downe the asse
+with all the woode into the chymney, and the asses fete upward;
+wherof the erle of Foiz had great joye, and so hadde all they that
+were there, and had marveyle of his strength howe he alone came up all
+the stayres with the asse and the woode in his necke."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Passing on to
+
+
+THE REIGN OF RICHARD THE SECOND,
+
+the son of Edward the Black Prince and Joan of Kent, who came to the
+throne (in tutelage) on the death of his grandfather, Edward III.
+(1377), we find that costly banquetings, disguisings, pageants, and
+plays continued to be the diversions of Christmastide at court. From
+the rolls of the royal wardrobe, it appears that at the Christmas
+festival in 1391, the sages of the law were made subjects for
+disguisements, this entry being made: "Pro XXI _coifs_ de tela linea
+pro hominibus de lege contrafactis pro Ludo regis tempore natalis
+Domini anno XII." That is, for twenty-one linen coifs for
+counterfeiting men of the law in the King's play at Christmas. And
+Strutt[25] says that in the same year (1391) the parish clerks of
+London put forth a play at Skinners' Wells, near Smithfield, which
+continued three days: the king, queen, and many of the nobility, being
+present at the performance.
+
+[Illustration: [On one side is the legend, MONETA NOVA ADRIANI
+STVLTORV PAPE, the last E being in the field of the piece, on which is
+represented the Pope, with his double cross and tiara, with a fool in
+full costume approaching his bauble to the pontifical cross, and two
+persons behind, who form part of his escort. On the reverse is a
+"mother fool," with her bauble, attended by a grotesque person with a
+cardinal's hat, with the oft-recurring legend, STVLTORV INFINITVS EST
+NVMERVS.]]
+
+But the miracle plays and mysteries performed by the Churchmen
+differed greatly from the secular plays and interludes which at this
+period "were acted by strolling companies of minstrels, jugglers,
+tumblers, dancers, bourdours, or jesters, and other performers
+properly qualified for the different parts of the entertainment, which
+admitted of a variety of exhibitions. These pastimes are of higher
+antiquity than the ecclesiastical plays; and they were much relished
+not only by the vulgar part of the people, but also by the nobility.
+The courts of the kings of England, and the castles of the great earls
+and barons, were crowded with the performers of the secular plays,
+where they were well received and handsomely rewarded; vast sums of
+money were lavishly bestowed upon these secular itinerants, which
+induced the monks and other ecclesiastics to turn actors themselves,
+in order to obtain a share of the public bounty. But to give the
+better colouring to their undertaking, they took the subjects of their
+dialogues from the holy writ, and performed them in the churches. The
+secular showmen, however, retained their popularity notwithstanding
+the exertions of their clerical rivals, who diligently endeavoured to
+bring them into disgrace, by bitterly inveighing against the
+filthiness and immorality of their exhibitions. On the other hand, the
+itinerant players sometimes invaded the province of the churchmen, and
+performed their mysteries, or others similar to them, as we find from
+a petition presented to Richard II. by the scholars of St. Paul's
+School, wherein complaint is made against the secular actors, because
+they took upon themselves to act plays composed from the Scripture
+history, to the great prejudice of the clergy, who had been at much
+expense to prepare such performances for public exhibition at the
+festival of Christmas."
+
+[Illustration: A COURT FOOL.]
+
+In his Christmas feasts Richard the Second outdid his predecessors in
+prodigal hospitality. He delighted in the neighbourhood of Eltham,
+and spent much of his time in feasting with his favourites at the
+royal palace there. In 1386 (notwithstanding the still prevalent
+distress, which had continued from the time of the peasant revolt)
+Richard kept the Christmas festivities at Eltham with great
+extravagance, at the same time entertaining Leon, King of Armenia, in
+a manner utterly unjustified by the state of the royal exchequer,
+which had been replenished by illegal methods. And, on the completion
+of his enlargements and embellishments of Westminster Hall, Richard
+reopened it with "a most royal Christmas feast" of twenty-eight oxen
+and three hundred sheep, and game and fowls without number, feeding
+ten thousand guests for many days. Yet but a few years afterwards
+(such is the fickleness of fortune and the instability of human
+affairs) this same king, who had seen the "Merciless Parliament," who
+had robbed Hereford of his estates, who had been robed in cloth of
+gold and precious stones, and who had alienated his subjects by his
+own extravagance, was himself deposed and sentenced to lifelong
+banishment, his doom being pronounced in the very hall which he had
+reared to such magnificence for his own glory. Thus ingloriously
+Richard disappears from history, for nothing certain is known of the
+time, manner, or place of his death, though it is conjectured that he
+was speedily murdered. How history repeats itself! Richard's
+ignominious end recalls to mind the verse in which an English poet
+depicts the end of an Eastern king who was too fond of revelling:--
+
+ "That night they slew him on his father's throne,
+  The deed unnoticed and the hand unknown:
+  Crownless and sceptreless Belshazzar lay,
+  A robe of purple round a form of clay!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+GRAND CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT.
+
+An example of the tournaments which were favourite diversions of kings
+and nobles at this period is found in that held at Christmastide in
+London in 1389. Richard II., his three uncles, and the greater barons
+having heard of a famous tournament at Paris at the entry of Isabel,
+Queen of France, resolved to hold one of equal splendour at London, in
+which sixty English knights, conducted to the scene of action by sixty
+ladies, should challenge all foreign knights. They therefore sent
+heralds into all parts of England, Scotland, Germany, Italy, Flanders,
+Brabant, Hainault, and France to proclaim the time, place, and other
+circumstances of the proposed gathering, and to invite all valorous
+knights and squires to honour it with their presence. This, says the
+historian, excited a strong desire in the knights and squires of all
+these countries to attend to see the manners and equipages of the
+English, and others to tourney. The lists were prepared in Smithfield,
+and chambers erected around them for the accommodation of the king,
+queen, princes, lords, ladies, heralds, and other spectators. As the
+time approached many important personages of both sexes, attended by
+numerous retinues, arrived in London. On the first day of the
+tournament (Sunday) sixty-five horses, richly furnished for the
+jousts, issued one by one from the Tower, each conducted by a squire
+of honour, and proceeded in a slow pace through the streets of London
+to Smithfield, attended by a numerous band of trumpeters and other
+minstrels. Immediately after, sixty young ladies, elegantly attired
+and riding on palfreys, issued from the same place, and each lady
+leading a knight completely armed by a silver chain, they proceeded
+slowly to the field. When they arrived there the ladies were lifted
+from the palfreys and conducted to the chambers provided for them; the
+knights mounted their horses and began the jousts, in which they
+exhibited such feats of valour and dexterity as won the admiration of
+the spectators. When the approach of night put an end to the jousts
+the company repaired to the palace of the Bishop of London, in St.
+Paul's Street, where the king and queen then staying, the supper was
+prepared. The ladies, knights, and heralds who had been appointed
+judges awarded one of the prizes, a crown of gold, to the Earl of St.
+Paul as the best performer among the foreign knights, and the other, a
+rich girdle adorned with gold and precious stones, to the Earl of
+Huntingdon as the best performer of the English. After a sumptuous
+supper the ladies and knights spent the remainder of the night in
+dancing. The tournaments were continued in a similar manner on Monday,
+Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and on Saturday the Court,
+with all the company, removed to Windsor, where the jousts, feasting,
+and other diversions were renewed, and lasted several days longer.
+Subsequently the king presented the foreign ladies, lords, and knights
+with valuable gifts, and they returned to their own countries highly
+pleased with the entertainment which they had enjoyed in England.
+
+
+KING HENRY THE FOURTH
+
+was born at Bolingbroke, in Lincolnshire, being the eldest son of John
+of Gaunt and of his first wife, the heiress of the house of Lancaster,
+and a grandson of Edward III. On the death of John of Gaunt in 1399,
+Richard II. seized his lands, having in the previous year banished
+Henry of Bolingbroke. On Henry hearing what had occurred, knowing his
+own popularity and Richard's unpopularity, Henry returned from
+banishment, and succeeded in an attack on Richard, whom he made a
+prisoner. Then summoning a Parliament, at which Richard was formally
+deposed and himself made king, Henry came to the throne with the title
+of Henry IV. Soon, however, he found himself menaced by danger. Some
+of the lords who had been stripped of the honours and wealth heaped
+upon them by Richard entered into a conspiracy to assassinate Henry
+the usurper. During the Christmas holidays they met frequently at the
+lodgings of the Abbot of Westminster to plan the king's destruction.
+After much deliberation they agreed to hold a splendid tournament at
+Oxford on the 3rd of January, 1400. Henry was to be invited to
+preside, and while intent on the spectacle a number of picked men were
+to kill him and his sons. The king was keeping his Christmas at
+Windsor, whither the Earl of Huntingdon presented himself and gave him
+the invitation. Henry accepted it, but on the 2nd of January, the day
+previous to the tournament, the Earl of Rutland, who was privy to the
+plot, went secretly to Windsor and informed the king of the
+arrangements which had been made for his assassination. The same
+evening, after dusk, the king proceeded to London; and the next day
+when the conspirators assembled at Oxford they were surprised to find
+that neither the king nor their own accomplice, Rutland, had arrived.
+Suspecting treachery they resolved to proceed at once to Windsor and
+surprise Henry, but arrived only to find that he had escaped. They
+afterwards raised the standard of revolt, but their insurrection
+proved abortive, and the fate of the leaders was summary and
+sanguinary.
+
+The favourite palace of Henry the Fourth was at Eltham, where, in the
+second year of his reign, he kept a grand Christmas, and entertained
+the Emperor of Constantinople. At this festival the men of London made
+a "gret mummyng to him of XII. Aldermen and theire sones, for which
+they had gret thanke." Similar festivities were observed at several
+subsequent festivals; then the king's health gave way, and he passed
+the last Christmas of his life in seclusion at Eltham, suffering from
+fits of epilepsy, and lying frequently for hours in an unconscious
+state. After Candlemas he was so much better as to be able to return
+to his palace at Westminster, but he died there on the 20th of March
+the same year (1413). The final scene and the parting words of the
+king to his son, who became Henry V., have been beautifully depicted
+by Shakespeare.
+
+
+KING HENRY THE FIFTH.
+
+In connection with the Christmas festival in 1414 a conspiracy to
+murder the king is alleged against the Lollards, but the charge has
+never been satisfactorily proved. "If we are to believe the
+chroniclers of the times the Lollards resolved to anticipate their
+enemies, to take up arms and to repel force by force. Seeing clearly
+that war to the death was determined against them by the Church, and
+that the king had yielded at least a tacit consent to this iniquitous
+policy, they came to the conclusion to kill not only the bishops, but
+the king and all his kin. So atrocious a conspiracy is not readily to
+be credited against men who contended for a greater purity of gospel
+truth, nor against men of the practical and military knowledge of Lord
+Cobham. But over the whole of these transactions there hangs a veil of
+impenetrable mystery, and we can only say that the Lollards are
+charged with endeavouring to surprise the king and his brother at
+Eltham, as they were keeping their Christmas festivities there, and
+that this attempt failed through the Court receiving intimation of the
+design and suddenly removing to Westminster."[26] Lord Cobham was put
+to death by cruel torture in St. Giles's Fields, London, on Christmas
+Day, 1418.
+
+In the early part of his reign Henry invaded France and achieved a
+series of brilliant successes, including the famous victory at
+Agincourt. The hero of this great battle did not allow the holiday
+season to interfere with his military operations; but he did
+generously suspend proceedings against Rouen upon Christmas Day and
+supply his hungry foes with food for that day only, so that they might
+keep the feast of Christmas. After his military successes in France
+Henry married the Princess Katherine, the youngest daughter of Charles
+VI., King of France, and the king and queen spent their first
+Christmas of wedded life at Paris, the festival being celebrated by a
+series of magnificent entertainments. Henry's subsequent journey to
+England was "like the ovation of an ancient conqueror." He and his
+queen were received with great festivity at the different towns on
+their way, and on the 1st of February they left Calais, and landed at
+Dover, where, according to Monstrelet, "Katherine was received as if
+she had been an angel of God." All classes united to make the
+reception of the hero of Agincourt and his beautiful bride a most
+magnificent one. They proceeded first to Eltham, and thence, after due
+rest, to London, where Katherine was crowned with great rejoicing on
+the 24th of February, 1421. Henry's brilliant career was cut short by
+his death on the last day of August, 1422.
+
+ "Small time, but, in that small, most greatly liv'd
+    This star of England: fortune made his sword;
+  By which the world's best garden he achiev'd,
+    And of it left his son imperial lord."[27]
+
+Fabian's account of the stately feast at the coronation of
+Henry the Fifth's newly-wedded consort is an interesting
+picture of the
+
+
+COURT LIFE AND CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES OF THE PERIOD.
+
+Queen Katherine was conveyed to the great hall at Westminster and
+there set to dinner. Upon her right hand, at the end of the table, sat
+the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Henry, surnamed the rich Cardinal of
+Winchester; and upon her left hand the King of Scotland in his royal
+robes; near the end sat the Duchess of York and the Countess of
+Huntingdon. The Earl of March, holding a sceptre, knelt upon her right
+side, and the Earl-Marshal upon her left; his Countess sat at the
+Queen's left foot under the table, and the Countess of Kent at her
+right foot. Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, was overlooker, and stood
+before the Queen bareheaded; Sir Richard Nevill was carver, the Earl
+of Suffolk's brother cupbearer, Sir John Steward server, Lord Clifford
+panterer, Lord Willoughby butler, Lord Grey de Ruthyn naperer, the
+Lord Audley almoner, and the Earl of Worcester, Earl-Marshal, rode
+about the hall during dinner on a charger, with a number of constables
+to keep order.
+
+The bill of fare consisted of: _First course_--Brawn and mustard,
+dedells in burneaux, frument with balien, pike in erbage (pike stuffed
+with herbs), lamprey powdered, trout, codling, fried plaice and
+marling, crabs, leche lumbard flourished, and tarts. Then came a
+subtlety representing a pelican sitting on her nest with her young and
+an image of St. Katherine bearing a book and disputing with the
+doctors, bearing a reason (motto) in her right hand, saying, in the
+French apparently of Stratford-at-the-Bow, "Madame le Royne," and the
+pelican as an answer--
+
+ "Ce est la signe
+  Et lu Roy
+  Pur tenir ioy
+  Et a tout sa gent,
+  Elle mete sa entent."
+
+_Second course_--Jelly coloured with columbine flowers, white potage,
+or cream of almonds, bream of the sea, conger, soles, cheven, barbel
+with roach, fresh salmon, halibut, gurnets, broiled roach, fried
+smelt, crayfish or lobster, leche damask with the king's word or
+proverb flourished "_une sanz plus_." Lamprey fresh baked, flampeyn
+flourished with an escutcheon royal, therein three crowns of gold,
+planted with flowers de luce, and flowers of camomile wrought of
+confections. Then a subtlety representing a panther with an image of
+St. Katherine having a wheel in one hand and a roll with a reason in
+the other, saying--
+
+ "La royne ma file,
+  In ceste ile,
+  Par bon reson
+  Alues renoun."
+
+_Third course_--Dates in composite, cream mottled, carp, turbot,
+tench, perch, fresh sturgeon with whelks, porpoise roasted, memis
+fried, crayfish, prawns, eels roasted with lamprey, a leche called the
+white leche flourished with hawthorn leaves and red haws, and a march
+pane, garnished with figures of angels, having among them an image of
+St. Katherine holding this reason--
+
+ "Il est ecrit,
+  Pour voir et dit
+  Per mariage pur
+  C'est guerre ne dure."
+
+And lastly, a subtlety representing a tiger looking into a mirror, and
+a man sitting on horseback fully armed, holding in his arms a tiger's
+whelp, with this reason, "Par force sanz reson il ay pryse ceste
+beste," and with his one hand making a countenance of throwing mirrors
+at the great tiger, the which held this reason--
+
+ "Gile de mirror,
+  Ma fete distour."
+
+[Illustration: "Marble Panel Florentine 1420,
+S. Kensington museum."]
+
+
+KING HENRY THE SIXTH
+
+became king in 1422, before he was nine months old, and although the
+regency of the two kingdoms to which he was heir had been arranged by
+Henry V. before his death, the reign of the third king of the House of
+Lancaster saw the undoing of much that had been accomplished in the
+reigns of his father and grandfather. It was during the reign of
+Henry VI. that Joan of Arc came forward alleging her Divine commission
+to rescue France from the English invader. But it is not part of our
+subject to describe her heroic career. The troublous times which made
+the French heroine a name in history were unfavourable to Christmas
+festivities. The Royal Christmases of Henry the Sixth were less costly
+than those of his immediate predecessors. But as soon as he was old
+enough to do so he observed the festival, as did also his soldiers,
+even in time of war. Mills[28] mentions that, "during the memorable
+siege of Orleans [1428-9], at the request of the English the
+festivities of Christmas suspended the horrors of war, and the
+nativity of the Saviour was commemorated to the sound of martial
+music. Talbot, Suffolk, and other ornaments of English chivalry made
+presents of fruits to the accomplished Dunois, who vied with their
+courtesy by presenting to Suffolk some black plush he wished for as a
+lining for his dress in the then winter season. The high-spirited
+knights of one side challenged the prowest knights of the other, as
+their predecessors in chivalry had done. It is observable, however,
+that these jousts were not held in honour of the ladies, but the
+challenge always declared that if there were in the other host a
+knight so generous and loving of his country as to be willing to
+combat in her defence, he was invited to present himself."
+
+[Illustration: Henry IV.'s Cradle]
+
+In 1433 Henry kept his Christmas at Bury, and in 1436 at Kenilworth
+Castle. Nothing remarkable, however, is recorded respecting these
+festivities. But some interesting particulars have been preserved of a
+
+
+CHRISTMAS PLAY PERFORMED IN 1445
+
+at Middleton Tower, Norfolk, the family seat of Lord Scales, one of
+the early owners of Sandringham, which is now a residence of the
+Prince of Wales. Mrs. Herbert Jones[29] says:--
+
+"One winter, when he was about forty-six years old, in a quiet
+interval soon after Henry the Sixth's marriage to Margaret of Anjou,
+Lord Scales and his wife were living at Middleton. In a south-east
+direction lay the higher ground where rose the Blackborough Priory of
+nuns, founded by a previous Lady Scales; west of them, at three miles'
+distance, bristling with the architecture of the Middle Ages in all
+its bloom and beauty, before religious disunion had defaced it,
+prosperous in its self-government, stood the town of Lynn.
+
+"The mayor and council had organised a play to be acted on Christmas
+Day, 1445, before the Lord Scales at Middleton, representing scenes
+from the Nativity of our Lord. Large sums were paid by order of the
+mayor for the requisite dresses, ornaments, and scenery, some of which
+were supplied by the 'Nathan' of Lynn, and others prepared and bought
+expressly. 'John Clerk' performed the angel Gabriel, and a lady of the
+name of Gilbert the Virgin Mary. Their parts were to be sung. Four
+other performers were also paid for their services, and the whole
+party, headed by the mayor, set off with their paraphernalia in a
+cart, harnessed to four or more horses, for Middleton on Christmas
+morning. The breakfast of the carters was paid for at the inn by the
+town, but the magnates from Lynn and the actors were entertained at
+the castle.[30]
+
+"It was in the courtyard that this quaint representation took place;
+the musical dialogues, the songs and hymns, the profusion of
+ornaments, personal and otherwise, recorded as pressed on to the
+stage, the grotesque angel and virgin, must have furnished a lively
+hour under the castle walls on that long-ago Christmas Day."
+
+
+THE WARS OF THE ROSES.
+
+During the destructive wars of York and Lancaster the festivities of
+Christmas were frequently interrupted by hostilities, for some of the
+most bloody encounters (as, for example, the terrible battle of
+Wakefield) occurred at Christmastide. The wars of the contending
+factions continued throughout the reign of Henry VI., whose personal
+weakness left the House of Lancaster at the mercy of the Parliament,
+in which the voice of the Barons was paramount. That the country was
+in a state of shameful misgovernment was shown by the attitude of the
+commercial class and the insurrection under John Cade; yet Henry could
+find time for amusement. "Under pretence of change of air the court
+removed to Coventry that the king might enjoy the sports of the
+field."[31]
+
+The Christmases of Henry were not kept with the splendour which
+characterised those of his rival and successor, Edward IV. Henry's
+habits were religious, and his house expenses parsimonious--sometimes
+necessarily so, for he was short of money. From the introduction to
+the "Paston Letters" (edited by Mr. James Gairdner) it appears that
+the king was in such impecunious circumstances in 1451 that he had to
+borrow his expenses for Christmas: "The government was getting
+paralysed alike by debt and by indecision. 'As for tidings here,'
+writes John Bocking, 'I certify you all that is nought, or will be
+nought. The king borroweth his expenses.'" Henry anticipated what Ben
+Jonson discovered in a later age, that--
+
+ "Christmas is near;
+  And neither good cheer,
+  Mirth, fooling, nor wit,
+  Nor any least fit
+  Of gambol or sport
+  Will come at the Court,
+  If there be no money."
+
+And so rather than leave Christmas unobserved the poor king "borrowed
+his expenses." Subsequently Henry's health failed, and then later
+comes the record: "At Christmas [1454], to the great joy of the
+nation, the king began to recover from his painful illness. He woke
+up, as it were, from a long sleep. So decidedly had he regained his
+faculties that on St. John's Day (27th December) he commanded his
+almoner to ride to Canterbury with an offering, and his secretary to
+present another at the shrine of St. Edward."[32]
+
+The terrible battle of Wakefield at Christmastide, 1460, was one of
+the most important victories won by the Lancastrians during the Wars
+of the Roses. The king, Henry VI., had secretly encouraged Richard,
+Duke of York, that the nation would soon be ready to assent to the
+restoration of the legitimate branch of the royal family. Richard was
+the son of Anne Mortimer, who was descended from Philippa, the only
+daughter of the Duke of Clarence, second son of Edward III.; and
+consequently he stood in the order of succession before the king
+actually on the throne, who was descended from John of Gaunt, a
+younger son of Edward III. The Duke of York at length openly advanced
+his title as the true heir to the crown, and urged Parliament to
+confer it upon him. As, however, the Lancastrian branch of the royal
+family had enjoyed the crown for three generations it was resolved
+that Henry VI. should continue to reign during his life and that
+Richard should succeed him. This compromise greatly displeased the
+queen, Margaret, who was indignant at the injury it inflicted on her
+son. She therefore urged the nobles who had hitherto supported her
+husband to take up arms on behalf of his son. Accordingly the Earl of
+Northumberland, with Lords Dacre, Clifford, and Nevil, assembled an
+army at York, and were soon joined by the Duke of Somerset and the
+Earl of Devon. "Parliament being prorogued in December, the Duke of
+York and the Earl of Salisbury hastened from London with a large armed
+force towards York, but coming unexpectedly upon the troops of the
+Duke of Somerset at Worksop, their vanguard was destroyed. On the 21st
+of December, however, they reached Sandal Castle with six thousand
+men, and kept their Christmas there, notwithstanding that the enemy
+under the Duke of Somerset and the Earl of Northumberland were close
+by at Pontefract" (_William Wyrcester_). On the 30th of December the
+opposing forces met at Wakefield, and in the terrible battle which
+ensued Richard, Duke of York was slain, his son, Lord Rutland, was
+murdered by Lord Clifford while escaping from the battlefield, and the
+Earl of Salisbury and others were taken as prisoners to Pontefract,
+where they were beheaded.
+
+Edward, son of Richard Duke of York, was afterwards joined by his
+cousin, Richard, Earl of Warwick, the famous "kingmaker." They
+hastened northwards and met the Lancastrians at Towton, where a
+decisive battle was fought, and won by the Yorkists. Edward was then
+recognised by Parliament and proclaimed king as Edward IV., and Henry
+VI. was attainted of high treason.
+
+
+IN 1461 EDWARD THE FOURTH
+
+called his first Parliament at Westminster, and concluded the session
+by the unusual but popular measure of a speech from the throne to the
+Commons delivered by himself. It was during this session that the
+statute was passed prohibiting the great and rich from giving or
+wearing any liveries or signs of companionship, except while serving
+under the king; from receiving or maintaining plunderers, robbers,
+malefactors, or unlawful hunters; and from allowing dice and cards in
+their houses beyond the twelve days of Christmas (Parl. Rolls, 488).
+
+The Christmas festival was kept by Edward IV. with great magnificence,
+the king's natural inclinations leading him to adopt whatever was
+splendid and costly. "At the Christmas festivities he appeared in a
+variety of most costly dresses, of a form never seen before, which he
+thought displayed his person to considerable advantage" (_Croyland
+Chronicler_). Sir Frederick Madden's narrative of the visit of the
+Lord of Granthuse, Governor of Holland, to Edward, in 1472, paints in
+glowing colours the luxury of the English Court. On his arrival at
+Windsor he was received by Lord Hastings, who conducted him to the
+chambers of the King and Queen. These apartments were richly hung with
+cloth of gold arras. When he had spoken with the King, who presented
+him to the Queen's Grace, the Lord Chamberlain, Hastings, was ordered
+to conduct him to his chamber, where supper was ready for him. "After
+he had supped the King had him brought immediately to the Queen's own
+chamber, where she and her ladies were playing at the marteaux [a
+game played with small balls of different colours]; and some of her
+ladies were playing at closheys [ninepins] of ivory, and dancing, and
+some at divers other games: the which sight was full pleasant to them.
+Also the King danced with my Lady Elizabeth, his eldest daughter. In
+the morning when Matins was done, the King heard, in his own chapel,
+Our Lady-Mass, which was most melodiously chaunted, the Lord Granthuse
+being present. When the Mass was done, the King gave the said Lord
+Granthuse a cup of gold, garnished with pearl. In the midst of the cup
+was a great piece of unicorn's horn, to my estimation seven inches in
+compass; and on the cover of the cup a great sapphire." After
+breakfast the King came into the Quadrangle. "My Lord Prince, also,
+borne by his Chamberlain, called Master Vaughan, which bade the Lord
+of Granthuse welcome. Then the King had him and all his company into
+the little Park, where he made him have great sport; and there the
+King made him ride on his own horse, on a right fair hobby, the which
+the King gave him." The King's dinner was "ordained" in the Lodge,
+Windsor Park. After dinner they hunted again, and the King showed his
+guest his garden and vineyard of pleasure. Then "the Queen did ordain
+a great banquet in her own chamber, at which King Edward, her eldest
+daughter the Lady Elisabeth, the Duchess of Exeter, the Lady Rivers,
+and the Lord of Granthuse, all sat with her at one mess; and, at the
+same table, sat the Duke of Buckingham, my Lady, his wife, with divers
+other ladies, my Lord Hastings, Chamberlain to the King, my Lord
+Berners, Chamberlain to the Queen, the son of Lord Granthuse, and
+Master George Barthe, Secretary to the Duke of Burgundy, Louis Stacy,
+Usher to the Duke of Burgundy, George Martigny, and also certain
+nobles of the King's own court. There was a side table, at which sat a
+great view (_show_) of ladies, all on the one side. Also, in the outer
+chamber, sat the Queen's gentlewomen, all on one side. And on the
+other side of the table, over against them, as many of the Lord
+Granthuse's servants, as touching to the abundant welfare, like as it
+is according to such a banquet. And when they had supped my Lady
+Elizabeth, the King's eldest daughter, danced with the Duke of
+Buckingham and divers other ladies also. Then about nine of the clock,
+the King and the Queen, with her ladies and gentlewomen, brought the
+said Lord of Granthuse to three chambers of plesance, all hanged with
+white silk and linen cloth, and all the floors covered with carpets.
+There was ordained a bed for himself of as good down as could be
+gotten. The sheets of Rennes cloth and also fine fustians; the
+counterpane, cloth of gold, furred with ermines. The tester and ceiler
+also shining cloth of gold; the curtains of white sarcenet; as for his
+head-suit and pillows, they were of the Queen's own ordonnance. In the
+second chamber was likewise another state-bed, all white. Also, in the
+same chamber, was made a couch with feather beds, and hanged with a
+tent, knit like a net, and there was a cupboard. In the third chamber
+was ordained a bayne (_bath_) or two, which were covered with tents of
+white cloth. And, when the King and the Queen with all her ladies and
+gentlemen had showed him these chambers, they turned again to their
+own chambers, and left the said Lord Granthuse there, accompanied with
+the Lord Chamberlain (Hastings), who undressed him, and they both went
+together to the bath.--And when they had been in their baths as long
+as was their pleasure, they had green ginger, divers syrups, comfits,
+and ipocras, and then they went to bed. And in the morning he took his
+cup with the King and Queen, and returned to Westminster again."
+
+In 1465 Edward the Fourth and his Queen kept Christmas in the Abbey at
+Coventry, and for six days (says _William Wyrcester_) "the Duke of
+Clarence dissembled there."
+
+In 1478 the King celebrated the Christmas festival at Westminster with
+great pomp, wearing his crown, feasting his nobles, and making
+presents to his household; and in 1482-3 he kept a splendid Christmas
+at Eltham, more than two thousand people being fed at his expense
+every day. Edward almost entirely rebuilt Eltham Palace, of which the
+hall was the noblest part. In that hall he kept the Christmas
+festival, "with bountiful hospitality for high and low, and abundance
+of mirth and sport."
+
+One of the continental visitors who participated in the royal
+festivities of this period was Leo von Rozmital, brother of George,
+King of Bohemia. His retinue included Tetzel, who, in describing the
+Court of Edward the Fourth, after remarking upon Edward's own handsome
+person, says, "The king has the finest set of courtiers that a man may
+find in Christendom. He invited my Lord Leo and all his noble
+companions, and gave them a very costly feast, and also he gave to
+each of them the medal of his order, to every knight a golden one, and
+to every one who was not a knight a silver one; and he himself hung
+them upon their necks. Another day the king called us to court. In the
+morning the queen (Elizabeth Woodville) went from child-bed to church
+with a splendid procession of many priests, bearing relics, and many
+scholars, all singing, and carrying burning candles. Besides there was
+a great company of women and maidens from the country and from London,
+who were bidden to attend. There were also a great number of
+trumpeters, pipers, and other players, with forty-two of the king's
+singing men, who sang very sweetly. Also, there were four and twenty
+heralds and pursuivants, and sixty lords and knights. Then came the
+queen, led by two dukes, and with a canopy borne over her. Behind her
+followed her mother and above sixty ladies and maidens. Having heard
+the service sung, and kneeled down in the church, she returned with
+the same procession to her palace. Here all who had taken part in the
+procession were invited to a feast, and all sat down, the men and the
+women, the clergy and the laity, each in his rank, filling four large
+rooms. Also, the king invited my lord and all his noble attendants to
+the table where he usually dined with his courtiers. And one of the
+king's greatest lords must sit at the king's table upon the king's
+stool, in the place of the king; and my lord sat at the same table
+only two steps below him. Then all the honours which were due to the
+king had to be paid to the lord who sat in his place, and also to my
+lord; and it is incredible what ceremonies we observed there. While we
+were eating, the king was making presents to all the trumpeters,
+pipers, players, and heralds; to the last alone he gave four hundred
+nobles, and every one, when he received his pay, came to the tables
+and told aloud what the king had given him. When my lord had done
+eating, he was conducted into a costly ornamented room, where the
+queen was to dine, and there he was seated in a corner that he might
+see all the expensive provisions. The queen sat down on a golden stool
+alone at her table, and her mother and the queen's sister stood far
+below her. And when the queen spoke to her mother or to the king's
+sister, they kneeled down every time before her, and remained kneeling
+until the queen drank water. And all her ladies and maids, and those
+who waited upon her, even great lords, had to kneel while she was
+eating, which continued three hours(!). After dinner there was
+dancing, but the queen remained sitting upon her stool, and her mother
+kneeled before her. The king's sister danced with two dukes, and the
+beautiful dances and reverences performed before the queen--the like I
+have never seen, nor such beautiful maidens. Among them were eight
+duchesses, and above thirty countesses and others, all daughters of
+great people. After the dance the king's singing men came in and sang.
+When the king heard mass sung in his private chapel my lord was
+admitted: then the king had his relics shown to us, and many sacred
+things in London. Among them we saw a stone from the Mount of Olives,
+upon which there is the footprint of Jesus Christ, our Lady's girdle,
+and many other relics."
+
+
+CARDS AND OTHER CHRISTMAS DIVERSIONS IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+The amusements of the people in the fifteenth century are referred to
+by Thomas Wright, Esq., M.A., F.S.A., who says: "In England, in the
+third year of the reign of Edward IV. (1463), the importation of
+playing-cards, probably from Germany, was forbidden, among other
+things, by Act of Parliament; and as that Act is understood to have
+been called for by the English manufacturers, who suffered by the
+foreign trade, it can hardly be doubted that cards were then
+manufactured in England on a rather extensive scale. Cards had then,
+indeed, evidently become very popular in England; and only twenty
+years afterwards they are spoken of as the common Christmas game, for
+Margery Paston wrote as follows to her husband, John Paston, on the
+24th of December in 1483:--'Please it you to weet (_know_) that I sent
+your eldest son John to my Lady Morley, to have knowledge of what
+sports were used in her house in the Christmas next following after
+the decease of my lord her husband; and she said that there were none
+disguisings, nor harpings, nor luting, nor singing, nor none loud
+disports, but playing at the tables, and the chess, and _cards_--such
+disports she gave her folks leave to play, and none other.... I sent
+your younger son to the lady Stapleton, and she said according to my
+lady Morley's saying in that, and as she had seen used in places of
+worship (_gentlemen's houses_) there as she had been.' ... After the
+middle of the fifteenth century, cards came into very general use; and
+at the beginning of the following century, there was such a rage for
+card-playing, that an attempt was made early in the reign of Henry
+VIII. to restrict their use by law to the period of Christmas. When,
+however, people sat down to dinner at noon, and had no other
+occupation for the rest of the day, they needed amusement of some sort
+to pass the time; and a poet of the fifteenth century observes truly--
+
+ 'A man may dryfe forthe the day that long tyme dwellis
+  With harpyng and pipyng, and other mery spellis,
+          With gle, and wyth game.'"
+
+[Illustration: LADY MUSICIAN OF THE 15TH CENTURY.]
+
+Another book well known to bibliomaniacs ("Dives and Pauper," ed. W.
+de Worde; 1496) says: "For to represente in playnge at Crystmasse
+herodes and the thre kynges and other processes of the gospelles both
+then and at Ester and other tymes also it is lefull and
+c[=o]mendable."
+
+[Illustration: RUSTIC CHRISTMAS MINSTREL WITH PIPE AND TABOR.]
+
+
+EDWARD THE FIFTH
+
+succeeded his father, Edward IV., in the dangerous days of 1483. He
+was at Ludlow when his father died, being under the guardianship of
+his uncle, Earl Rivers, and attended by other members of the Woodville
+family. Almost immediately he set out for London, but when he reached
+Stony Stratford, on April 29th, he was met by his uncle Richard, Duke
+of Gloucester, who had arrested Lord Rivers and Lord Richard Grey. The
+young king (a boy of thirteen) renewed his journey under Gloucester's
+charge, and on reaching London was lodged in the Tower. His mother, on
+hearing of the arrest of Rivers and Grey, had taken sanctuary at
+Westminster. Lord Hastings, a supporter of the king, was arrested and
+executed because he would not sanction Gloucester's nefarious schemes
+for obtaining the throne. About the same time Rivers and Grey were
+beheaded at Pontefract, whither they had been taken by Gloucester's
+orders. Soon afterwards the Queen was compelled to deliver up the
+young Duke of York to Richard, who sent him to join his brother in the
+Tower. On June 22nd, at the request of Richard, Dr. Shaw, brother of
+the Lord Mayor of London, delivered a sermon at St. Paul's Cross, in
+which he insisted on the illegitimacy of Edward V. and his brother. On
+June 25th a deputation of nobles and citizens of London offered the
+crown to Richard. He accepted it, and began to reign as Richard III.
+And, according to a confession afterwards made by Sir James Tyrell,
+one of Richard's officers, the two young princes remained in the
+Tower, being put to death by their Uncle Richard's orders. Thus,
+atrociously, began the reign of the murderous usurper,
+
+
+RICHARD THE THIRD.
+
+The King kept his first Christmas at Kenilworth Castle, having
+previously visited the city of Coventry, at the festival of _Corpus
+Christi_, to see the plays. The accounts of Kenilworth Castle show
+that in 1484 John Beaufitz was paid L20 "for divers reparacions made
+in the Castell of Kyllingworth" by order of Richard III. At this time,
+says Philip de Comines, "he was reigning in greater splendour and
+authority than any king of England for the last hundred years." The
+following year Richard kept Christmas in the great hall at
+Westminster, celebrating the festival with great pomp and splendour,
+encouraging the recreations usual at the season, and so attentively
+observing the ancient customs that a warrant is entered for the
+payment of "200 marks for certain new year's gifts bought against the
+feast of Christmas." The festivities continued without interruption
+until the day of the Epiphany, when they terminated with an
+entertainment of extraordinary magnificence given by the monarch to
+his nobles in Westminster Hall--"the King himself wearing his crown,"
+are the words of the Croyland historian, "and holding a splendid feast
+in the great hall, similar to that of his coronation." "Little did
+Richard imagine that this would be the last feast at which he would
+preside--the last time he would display his crown in peace before his
+assembled peers."[33] An allusion to this Christmas festival, and to
+the King's wicked nature, is contained in a note to Bacon's "Life of
+King Henry VII.," which says: "Richard's wife was Anne, the younger
+daughter of Warwick the King-maker. She died 16th March, 1485. It was
+rumoured that her death was by poison, and that Richard wished to
+marry his niece Elizabeth of York, eldest daughter of Edward IV. It is
+said that in the festivities of the previous Christmas the Princess
+Elizabeth had been dressed in robes of the same fashion and colour as
+those of the Queen. Ratcliffe and Catesby, the King's confidants, are
+credited with having represented to Richard that this marriage of so
+near a kinswoman would be an object of horror to the people, and bring
+on him the condemnation of the clergy."
+
+At a Christmas festival at Rhedon, in Brittany, Henry of Richmond met
+English exiles to the number of 500, and swore to marry Elizabeth of
+York as soon as he should subdue the usurper; and thereupon the exiles
+unanimously agreed to support him as their sovereign. On the 1st of
+August, 1485, Henry set sail from Harfleur with an army of 3,000 men,
+and a few days afterwards landed at Milford Haven. He was received
+with manifest delight, and as he advanced through Wales his forces
+were increased to upwards of 6,000 men. Before the close of the month
+he had encountered the royal army and slain the King at Bosworth
+Field, and by this memorable victory had terminated the terrible Wars
+of the Roses and introduced into England a new dynasty.
+
+    [19] Browning.
+
+    [20] "Every-day Book," vol. ii. p. 1635.
+
+    [21] "Shorter Poems."
+
+    [22] Sir John Froissart's Chronicles of England, France,
+    Spain, Portugal, Scotland, Brittany, Flanders, and the
+    adjoining countries; translated from the original French,
+    at the command of King Henry the Eighth, by John
+    Bourchier, Lord Berners. London edition, 1812.
+
+    [23] Cassell's "History of England."
+
+    [24] Creighton's "Life of Edward the Black Prince."
+
+    [25] "Sports and Pastimes."
+
+    [26] Cassell's "History of England."
+
+    [27] Shakespeare.
+
+    [28] "History of Chivalry."
+
+    [29] "Sandringham Past and Present, 1888."
+
+    [30] King's Lynn Chamberlains' Accounts Rolls, 23rd of
+    Henry VI.
+
+    [31] "Chronicles of the White Rose of York."
+
+    [32] "Paston Letters."
+
+    [33] Halstead's "Life of Richard III."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+CHRISTMAS UNDER HENRY VII. AND HENRY VIII.
+
+(1485-1547.)
+
+
+HENRY THE SEVENTH
+
+Was the son of Edmund Tudor, Earl of Richmond, son of Owen Tudor, a
+Welsh gentleman who had married the widow of Henry V. His mother,
+Margaret, was a great-granddaughter of John of Gaunt by Catherine
+Swynford. In early life Henry was under the protection of Henry VI.;
+but after the battle of Tewkesbury he was taken by his uncle, Jasper
+Tudor, Earl of Pembroke, to Brittany for safety. Edward IV. made
+several unsuccessful attempts to get him into his power, and Richard
+III. also sent spies into Brittany to ascertain his doings. On
+Christmas Day, 1483, the English exiles, who gathered round Henry in
+Brittany, took an oath in the Cathedral of Rheims to support him in
+ousting Richard and succeeding him to the English throne. Henry, on
+his part, agreed to reconcile the contending parties by marrying
+Elizabeth of York, eldest daughter and co-heir of Edward IV., and this
+promise he faithfully kept. After his defeat of Richard the Third at
+Bosworth he assumed the royal title, advanced to London, and had
+himself crowned King of England; and at the following Christmas
+festival he married Elizabeth of York. The Archbishop who married them
+(Archbishop Bourchier) had crowned both Richard III. and Henry VII.,
+and Fuller quaintly describes this last official act of marrying King
+Henry to Elizabeth of York as the holding of "the posie on which the
+White Rose and the Red Rose were tied together." And Bacon says, "the
+so-long-expected and so-much-desired marriage between the King and the
+Lady Elizabeth was celebrated with greater triumph and demonstrations,
+especially on the people's part, of joy and gladness, than the days
+either of his entry or coronation."
+
+The Christmas festivities were attended to with increasing zest during
+the reign of Henry VII., for the King studied magnificence quite as
+much as his predecessors had done. His riding dress was "a doublet of
+green or white cloth of gold satin, with a long gown of purple velvet,
+furred with ermine, powdered, open at the sides, and purpled with
+ermine, with a rich sarpe (scarf) and garter." His horse was richly
+caparisoned, and bore a saddle of estate, covered with gold. His
+Majesty was attended by seven henchmen, clothed in doublets of crimson
+satin, with gowns of white cloth of gold. The Queen appeared with
+equal splendour, "wearing a round circle of gold, set with pearls and
+precious stones, arrayed in a kirtle of white damask cloth of gold,
+furred with miniver pure, garnished, having a train of the same, with
+damask cloth of gold, furred with ermine, with a great lace, and two
+buttons and tassels of white silk, and gold at the breast above." And
+the royal apartments were kept with great splendour. At his ninth
+Christmas festival (Dec. 31, 1494) the King established new rules for
+the government of the royal household (preserved among the Harleian
+MSS.), which he directed should be kept "in most straightest wise."
+The Royal Household Book of the period, in the Chapter-house at
+Westminster, contains numerous disbursements connected with Christmas
+diversions. In the seventh year of this reign is a payment to Wat Alyn
+(Walter Alwyn) in full payment for the disguising made at Christmas,
+L14 13s. 4d., and payments for similar purposes occur in the following
+years. Another book, also in the Chapter-house, called "The Kyng's
+boke of paymentis," contains entries of various sums given to players
+and others who assisted to amuse the King at Christmas, and among the
+rest, to the Lord of Misrule (or Abbot as he is sometimes called), for
+several years, "in rewarde for his besynes in Crestenmes holydays, L6
+13s. 4d." The plays at this festival seem to have been acted by the
+"gentlemen of the King's Chapell," as there are several liberal
+payments to certain of them for playing on Twelfth Night; for
+instance, an entry on January 7th, 23 Henry VII., of a reward to five
+of them of L6 13s. 4d., for acting before the King on the previous
+night; but there was a distinct set of players for other times.
+
+Leland, speaking of 1489, says: "This Cristmas I saw no disgysyngs,
+and but right few plays. But ther was an Abbot of Misrule, that made
+much sport and did right well his office." In the following year,
+however, "on neweres day at nyght, there was a goodly disgysyng," and
+"many and dyvers pleyes."
+
+That the Christmas festival did not pass unobserved by the men of this
+period who navigated the high seas we know from the name of a Cuban
+port which was
+
+
+A CHRISTMAS DISCOVERY BY CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.
+
+On Christmas Day, 1492, Christopher Columbus, the celebrated Genoese
+navigator, landed at a newly-discovered port in Cuba, which he named
+Navidad, because he landed there on Christmas Day.
+
+
+THE FIRE AT THE ROYAL RESIDENCE, SHENE,
+
+was the event of Christmas, 1497. It broke out in the palace,
+on the evening of December 21st, while the royal family were
+there, and for three hours raged fiercely, destroying, with the
+fairest portion of the building, the rich furniture, beds, tapestry,
+and other decorations of the principal chambers. Fortunately
+an alarm was given in time, and the royal and noble personages
+of the Court escaped to a place of safety. In consequence of
+this fire the King built the fine new palace of Richmond.
+
+
+ROYAL CHRISTMASES
+
+were kept by Henry VII. at Westminster Hall with great hospitality,
+the King wearing his crown, and feasting numerous guests, loading the
+banquet-table with peacocks, swans, herons, conger, sturgeon, brawn,
+and all the delicacies of the period. At his ninth Christmas festival
+the Mayor and Aldermen of London were feasted with great splendour at
+Westminster, the King showing them various sports on the night
+following in the great hall, which was richly hung with tapestry:
+"which sports being ended _in the morning_, the king, queen, and court
+sat down at a table of stone, to 120 dishes, placed by as many knights
+and esquires, while the Mayor was served with twenty-four dishes and
+abundance of wine. And finally the King and Queen being conveyed with
+great lights into the palace, the Mayor, with his company in barges,
+returned to London by break of the next day."
+
+From the ancient records of the Royal Household it appears that on the
+morning of New Year's Day, the King "sitting in his foot-sheet,"
+received according to prescribed ceremony a new year's gift from the
+Queen, duly rewarding the various officers and messengers, according
+to their rank. The Queen also "sat in her foot-sheet," and received
+gifts in the same manner, paying a less reward. And on this day, as
+well as on Christmas Day, the King wore his kirtle, his surcoat and
+his pane of arms; and he walked, having his hat of estate on his head,
+his sword borne before him, with the chamberlain, steward, treasurer,
+comptroller, preceding the sword and the ushers; before whom must walk
+all the other lords except those who wore robes, who must follow the
+King. The highest nobleman in rank, or the King's brother, if present,
+to lead the Queen; another of the King's brothers, or else the Prince,
+to walk with the King's train-bearer. On Twelfth Day the King was to
+go "crowned, in his royal robes, kirtle, and surcoat, his furred hood
+about his neck, and his ermines upon his arms, of gold set full of
+rich stones with balasses, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls."
+This ornament was considered so sacred, that "no temporal man" (none
+of the laity) but the King was to presume to touch it; an esquire of
+the body was to bring it in a fair handkerchief, and the King was to
+put it on with his own hands; he must also have his sceptre in his
+right hand, the ball with the cross in his left hand, and must offer
+at the altar gold, silver, and incense, which offering the Dean of the
+Chapel was to send to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and this was to
+entitle the Dean to the next vacant benefice. The King was to change
+his mantle when going to meat, and to take off his hood and lay it
+about his neck, "clasping it before with a rich _owche_." The King and
+the Queen on Twelfth Night were to take the _void_ (evening repast) in
+the hall; as for the wassail, the steward and treasurer were to go for
+it, bearing their staves; the chapel choir to stand on the side of the
+hall, and when the steward entered at the hall door he was to cry
+three times, "Wassail! Wassail! Wassail!" and the chapel to answer
+with a good song; and when all was done the King and Queen retired to
+their chamber.
+
+Among the special features of the banquets of this period were the
+devices for the table called subtleties, made of paste, jelly, or
+blanc-mange, placed in the middle of the board, with labels describing
+them; various shapes of animals were frequent; and on a saint's day,
+angels, prophets, and patriarchs were set upon the table in plenty.
+Certain dishes were also directed as proper for different degrees of
+persons; as "conies parboiled, or else rabbits, for they are better
+for a lord"; and "for a great lord take squirrels, for they are better
+than conies"; a whole chicken for a lord; and "seven mackerel in a
+dish, with a dragge of fine sugar," was also a dish for a lord. But
+the most famous dish was "the peacock enkakyll, which is foremost in
+the procession to the king's table." Here is the recipe for this royal
+dish: Take and flay off the skin with the feathers, tail, and the neck
+and head thereon; then take the skin, and all the feathers, and lay it
+on the table abroad, and strew thereon ground cinnamon; then take the
+peacock and roast him, and baste him with raw yolks of eggs; and when
+he is roasted, take him off, and let him cool awhile, and take him and
+sew him in his skin, and gild his comb, and so serve him with the last
+course.
+
+
+CARD-PLAYING WAS FORBIDDEN EXCEPT AT CHRISTMAS,
+
+by a statute passed in the reign of Henry VII. A Scotch writer,[34]
+referring to this prohibition, says: "A universal Christmas custom of
+the olden time was playing at cards; persons who never touched a card
+at any other season of the year felt bound to play a few games at
+Christmas. The practice had even the sanction of the law. A
+prohibitory statute of Henry VII.'s reign, forbade card-playing save
+during the Christmas holidays. Of course, this prohibition extended
+only to persons of humble rank; Henry's daughter, the Princess
+Margaret, played cards with her suitor, James IV. of Scotland; and
+James himself kept up the custom, receiving from his treasurer, at
+Melrose, on Christmas Night, 1496, thirty-five unicorns, eleven French
+crowns, a ducat, a _ridare_, and a _leu_, in all about equal to L42 of
+modern money, to use at the card-table." Now, as the Scottish king was
+not married to the English princess until 1503, it is quite clear that
+he had learned to play cards long before his courtship with Margaret;
+for in 1496, when he received so much card-money from his treasurer,
+the English princess was but seven years of age. James had evidently
+learned to play at cards with the Scottish barons who frequented his
+father's Court, and whose lawlessness led to the revolt which ended in
+the defeat and melancholy fate of James III. (1488), and gave the
+succession to his son, James IV., at the early age of fifteen years.
+The no less tragic end of James IV. at Flodden Field, in 1513, is
+strikingly depicted by Sir Walter Scott, who tells:--
+
+ "Of the stern strife, and carnage drear,
+    Of Flodden's fatal field,
+  Where shiver'd was fair Scotland's spear,
+    And broken was her shield."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE REIGN OF HENRY THE EIGHTH.
+
+On the death of Henry VII., who had given England peace and
+prosperity, and established firmly his own house on the English
+throne, in 1509, his son Henry became king as Henry VIII. He was a
+handsome and accomplished young man, and his accession was an occasion
+of great rejoicing. Henry kept his first
+
+
+ROYAL CHRISTMAS AT RICHMOND,
+
+with great magnificence. Proclaimed king on the 22nd of April at the
+age of eighteen, and married on the 3rd of June to Katherine of
+Arragon, widow of his deceased brother Arthur, Prince of Wales, the
+youthful Monarch and his Queen were afterwards crowned at Westminster
+Abbey by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and spent the first Christmas
+of their wedded life at Richmond. "And a very pleasant time it ought
+to have been to the Queen, for every species of entertainment was
+there got up by the handsome young king and his gallant company of
+courtiers, for her particular gratification. There was a grand
+tournament on the green, before the palace, which was rendered
+brilliant with pavilions, and the other gay structures always erected
+for these chivalrous ceremonies. The King and Queen took their places
+in the customary elevated position, surrounded by the nobles and
+beauties of the Court, to witness the feats of arms of the many
+gallant knights who had thronged to display their prowess before their
+sovereign; these, with their esquires, the heralds, pages, and other
+attendants, mounted and on foot, clad in their gay apparel, the
+knights wearing handsome suits of armour, and careering on gaily
+caparisoned horses, made a very inspiriting scene, in which the
+interest deepened when the usual combats between individuals or select
+companies commenced."[35]
+
+ "For every knight that loved chivalry,
+  And would his thanks have a passant name,
+  Hath prayed that he might be of that game,
+  And well was him that thereto chosen was."[36]
+
+The spectacle presented was one of great splendour; for "the
+commencement of the reign of Henry VIII., who was then styled by his
+loving subjects 'the rose without a thorn,' witnessed a remarkable
+revival of magnificence in personal decoration. So brilliant were the
+dresses of both sexes at the grand entertainment over which the King
+and Queen presided at Richmond, that it is difficult to convey an
+adequate idea of their splendour. But in the first half of the
+sixteenth century the principal Courts of Europe were distinguished by
+a similar love of display, which, though it fostered habits of luxury,
+afforded an extraordinary impulse towards art."[37] In England the
+love of finery became so general among the people that several
+statutes were passed during Henry's reign to restrain it. But while
+the King was quite willing that his subjects should observe due
+propriety in regard to their own dress and adornments, not exceeding
+the regulations laid down for their particular rank or station in
+life, he was lavish in his own expenditure, and it pleased the people
+to see Henry dressed in kingly fashion. He greatly increased his own
+popularity by taking part in the tournaments, in which "he did
+exceedingly well"; and he also assisted in the several curious and
+picturesque masques of Christmastide.
+
+On one occasion the King with some of the chief nobles of his Court
+appeared apparelled as Robin Hood and his foresters, in which disguise
+he entered unexpectedly into the Queen's chamber, "whereat," says
+Holinshed, "the Queen and her ladies were greatly amazed, as well for
+the strange sight as for the sudden appearance."
+
+The splendour of the Court festivities necessitated
+
+
+INCREASED EXPENDITURE FOR CHRISTMAS-KEEPING,
+
+notwithstanding that the King's domestic affairs were managed by "a
+good number of honourable, virtuous, wise, expert, and discreet
+persons of his Council." The preserved bills of fare show that the
+Court diet was liberal generally, but especially sumptuous at the
+grand entertainments of Christmas. And the Royal Household Accounts
+also show increased expenditure for the diversions, as well as for the
+banquetings, of the festival. For instance, the payments to the Lord
+of Misrule, which in Henry the Seventh's time never exceeded L6 13s.
+4d., were raised by Henry the Eighth in his first year to L8 6s. 8d.,
+and subsequently to L15 6s. 8d. In the first year is a payment to "Rob
+Amadas upon his bill for certain plate of gold stuf bought of him for
+the disguisings," L451 12s. 2d.; and another to "Willm. Buttry upon
+his bill for certen sylks bought of him for the disguisings," L133 7s.
+5d. In the sixth year are charges "To Leonard Friscobald for diverse
+velvets, and other sylks, for the disguising," L247 12s. 7d.; and "To
+Richard Gybson for certen apparell, &c., for the disguysing at the
+fest of Cristemes last," L137 14s. 1/2d. Considerable payments are
+made to the same Gybson in after years for the same purpose,
+particularly in the eleventh, for revels, called a Maskelyn. In the
+tenth year large rewards were given to the gentlemen and children of
+the King's Chapel; the former having L13 6s. 8d. "for their good
+attendance in Xtemas"; and "Mr. Cornisse for playing affore the King
+opon newyeres day at nyght with the children," L6 13s. 4d.
+
+Hall, in his Chronicle, Henry VIII. folio 15b, 16a, gives the
+following account of a
+
+
+ROYAL MASQUERADE AT GREENWICH,
+
+where the King was keeping his Christmas in 1512: "On the daie of the
+Epiphanie, at night, the King with XI others, wer disguised after the
+maner of Italie, called a maske, a thing not seen afore in England;
+thei were appareled in garments long and brode, wrought all with gold,
+with visers and cappes of gold; and after the banket doen, these
+maskers came in with six gentlemen disguised in silke, bearing staffe
+torches, and desired the ladies to daunce: some were content, and some
+that new the fashion of it refused, because it was a thing not
+commonly seen. And after thei daunced and communed together, as the
+fashion of the maske is, thei tooke their leave and departed, and so
+did the quene and all the ladies."
+
+In 1521 the King kept his Christmas at Greenwich "with great nobleness
+and open court," and again in 1525. In 1527, he received the French
+Embassy here, and also kept his Christmas "with revels, masks,
+disguisings, and banquets royal;" as he did again in 1533, in 1537,
+and in 1543; the last-mentioned year "he entertained twenty-one of the
+Scottish nobility whom he had taken prisoners at Salom Moss, and gave
+them their liberty without ransom."[38]
+
+On all these occasions Henry diverted his guests right royally,
+spending vast sums on the masques and disguisings; but none of the
+Christmas diversions proved greater attractions than
+
+
+THE KING'S TOURNAMENT DISPLAYS.
+
+To these splendid exercises Henry gave unremitting attention, and not
+to display proficiency in them was almost to lose his favour; yet some
+discretion was required to rival, but not to excel the King, whose
+ardent temper could not brook superiority in another. But, although
+victory was always reserved for royalty, it is but fair to allow that
+the King was no mean adept in those pursuits for which his bodily
+powers and frequent exercise had qualified him.
+
+Among the most distinguished Knights of Henry's Court Charles Brandon
+was pre-eminent, not only for his personal beauty and the elegance
+that attended every movement which the various evolutions of the game
+required, but for his courage, judgment, and skill, qualities which he
+displayed to great advantage at the royal festivities. This celebrated
+man was the son of Sir William Brandon, who, bearing the standard of
+Henry the Seventh, was slain by Richard the Third at Bosworth Field.
+Three sons of the Howard family were also distinguished at the royal
+tournaments. Lord Thomas Howard was one of the most promising
+warriors, and, unfortunately, one of the most dissolute men at the
+Court of Henry. Sir Edward and Sir Edmund Howard, the one famed for
+naval exploits, the other less remarkable, but not without celebrity
+for courage. Sir Thomas Knevet, Master of the Horse, and Lord Neville,
+brother to the Marquis of Dorset, were also prominent in the lists of
+combat. The trumpets blew to the field the fresh, young gallants and
+noblemen, gorgeously apparelled with curious devices of arts and of
+embroideries, "as well in their coats as in trappers for their horses;
+some in gold, some in silver, some in tinsel, and divers others in
+goldsmith's work goodly to behold." Such was the array in which the
+young knights came forth at Richmond, in the splendid tournament which
+immediately succeeded Henry's coronation, "assuming the name and
+devices of the knights or scholars of Pallas, clothed in garments of
+green velvet, carrying a crystal shield, on which was pourtrayed the
+goddess Minerva, and had the bases and barbs of their horses
+embroidered with roses and pomegranates of gold; those of Diana were
+decorated with the bramble-bush, displayed in a similar manner. The
+prize of valour was the crystal shield. Between the lists the
+spectators were amused with a pageant, representing a park enclosed
+with pales, containing fallow deer, and attended by foresters and
+huntsmen. The park being moved towards the place where the queen sat,
+the gates were opened, the deer were let out, pursued by greyhounds,
+killed and presented by Diana's champions to the Queen and the ladies.
+Thus were they included in the amusement, not only as observers, but
+as participators; nor were the populace without their share of
+enjoyments; streams of Rhenish wine and of claret, which flowed from
+the mouths of animals sculptured in stone and wood, were appropriated
+to their refreshment. Night closed on the joyous scene; but before its
+approach the King, perceiving that the ardour of the combatants had
+become intemperate and dangerous, wisely limited the number of
+strokes, and closed the tourney.
+
+"It was about this period that the tournament ceased to be merely a
+chivalric combat; and, united with the pageant, acquired more of the
+dramatic character. The pageant consisted of a temporary building,
+moved on biers, generally representing castles, rocks, mountains,
+palaces, gardens, or forests. The decoration of these ambulating
+scenes was attended with considerable expense, but was seldom
+conducted with taste or consistency. They generally contained figures,
+personating a curious medley of nymphs, savages, heathen gods, and
+Christian saints, giants and the nine worthies, who descended and
+danced among the spectators.
+
+"On the night of the Epiphany (1516) a pageant was introduced into the
+hall at Richmond, representing a hill studded with gold and precious
+stones, and having on its summit a tree of gold, from which hung roses
+and pomegranates. From the declivity of the hill descended a lady
+richly attired, who, with the gentlemen, or, as they were then called,
+children of honour, danced a morris before the King.
+
+"On another occasion, in the presence of the Court, an artificial
+forest was drawn in by a lion and an antelope, the hides of which were
+richly embroidered with golden ornaments; the animals were harnessed
+with chains of gold, and on each sat a fair damsel in gay apparel. In
+the midst of the forest, which was thus introduced, appeared a gilded
+tower, at the gates of which stood a youth, holding in his hands a
+garland of roses, as the prize of valour in a tournament which
+succeeded the pageant."[39]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES OF NOBLEMEN AND OTHERS.
+
+The royal magnificence was imitated by the nobility and gentry of the
+period, who kept the Christmas festival with much display and
+prodigality, maintaining such numerous retinues as to constitute a
+miniature court. The various household books that still exist show the
+state in which they lived. From that of the Northumberland family
+(1512), it appears that the "Almonar" was often "a maker of
+Interludys," and had "a servaunt to the intent for writynge the
+parts." The persons on the establishment of the Chapel performed plays
+from some sacred subject during Christmas; as "My lorde usith and
+accustomyth to gyf yerely, if his lordship kepe a chapell and be at
+home, them of his lordschipes chapell, if they doo play the Play of
+the Nativitie uppon Cristynmes day in the mornnynge in my lords
+chapell befor his lordship, xxs." Other players were also permitted
+and encouraged, and a Master of the Revells appointed to superintend.
+And "My lorde useth and accustomyth yerly to gyf hym which is ordynede
+to be Master of the Revells yerly in my lordis hous in Cristmas for
+the overseyinge and orderinge of his lordschips Playes, Interludes,
+and Dresinge that is plaid befor his lordship in his hous in the XII
+dayes of Christenmas, and they to have in rewarde for that caus yerly,
+xxs." Another entry shows that 13s. 4d. was the price paid to the
+chaplain, William Peres, in the 17th Henry VIII., "for makyng an
+Enterlued to be playd this next Christenmas."
+
+In this reign the working classes were allowed greater privileges at
+Christmas than at any other part of the year. The Act of 11 Henry VII.
+c. 2, against unlawful games, expressly forbids Artificers, Labourers,
+Servants, or Apprentices, to play at any such games, except at
+Christmas, and then only in their masters' houses by the permission of
+the latter; and a penalty of 6s. 8d. was incurred by any householder
+allowing such games, except during those holidays; which, according to
+Stow, extended from All-hallows evening to the day after Candlemas
+Day. The Act of 33 Henry VIII. c. 9, enacts more particularly, "That
+no manner of Artificer or Craftsman of any handicraft or occupation,
+Husbandman, Apprentice, Labourer, Servant at husbandry, Journeyman, or
+Servant of Artificer, Mariners, Fishermen, Watermen, or any
+Serving-man, shall from the said feast of the Nativity of _St. John
+Baptist_, play at the Tables, Tennis, Dice, Cards, Bowls, Clash,
+Coyting, Logating, or any other unlawful Game, out of _Christmas_,
+under the pain of xxs. to be forfeit for every time; and in
+_Christmas_ to play at any of the said Games in their Masters' houses,
+or in their Masters' presence."
+
+In his description of the "mummings and masquerades" of this period,
+Strutt[40] says that the "mummeries" practised by the lower classes
+of the people usually took place at the Christmas holidays; and such
+persons as could not procure masks rubbed their faces over with soot,
+or painted them; hence Sebastian Brant, in his "Ship of Fools"
+(translated by Alexander Barclay, and printed by Pynson, in 1508)
+alluding to this custom, says:
+
+ "The one hath a visor ugley set on his face,
+    Another hath on a vile counterfaite vesture,
+  Or painteth his visage with fume in such case,
+    That what he is, himself is scantily sure."
+
+Sandys,[41] in reference to this period, says: "The lower classes,
+still practising the ceremonies and superstitions of their
+forefathers, added to them some imitations of the revelries of their
+superiors, but, as may be supposed, of a grosser description; and many
+abuses were committed. It was, therefore, found necessary by an Act
+passed in the 3rd year of Henry VIII. to order that no person should
+appear abroad like mummers, covering their faces with vizors, and in
+disguised apparel, under pain of three months' imprisonment; and a
+penalty of 20s. was declared against such as kept vizors in their
+house for the purpose of mumming. It was not intended, however, to
+debar people from proper recreations during this season, but, on the
+contrary, we have reason to believe that many indulgencies were
+afforded them, and that landlords and masters assisted them with the
+means of enjoying the customary festivities; listening to their tales
+of legendary lore, round the yule block, when weary of more boisterous
+sports, and encouraging them by their presence."
+
+
+KING HENRY VIII.'S "STILL CHRISTMAS."
+
+In the 17th year of his reign, in consequence of the prevalence of the
+plague in London, the King kept his Christmas quietly in the old
+palace at Eltham, whence it was called the "still Christmas." This
+suppression of the mirth and jollity which were the usual concomitants
+of the festive season did not satisfy the haughty Cardinal Wolsey, who
+"laye at the Manor of Richemond, and there kept open householde, to
+lordes, ladies, and all other that would come, with plaies and
+disguisyng in most royall maner; whiche sore greved the people, and in
+especiall the Kynges servauntes, to se hym kepe an open Court and the
+Kyng a secret Court."[42]
+
+
+THE ROYAL CHRISTMASES
+
+subsequently kept, however, made amends for the cessation of
+festivities at the Kyng's "Still Christmas," especially the royal
+celebrations at Greenwich. In 1527 the "solemne Christmas" held there
+was "with revels, maskes, disguisings, and banquets; and on the
+thirtieth of December and the third of January were solemne Justs
+holden, when at night the King and fifteen other with him, came to
+Bridewell, and there putting on masking apparell, took his barge, and
+rowed to the Cardinall's (Woolsey) place, where were at supper many
+Lords and Ladyes, who danced with the maskers, and after the dancing
+was made a great Banquet."[43]
+
+During the girlhood of the Princess (afterwards Queen) Mary,
+entertainments were given for her amusement, especially at
+Christmastide; and she gave presents to the King's players, the
+children of the Chapel, and others. But, Sandys says, that "as she
+grew up, and her temper got soured, she probably lost all enjoyment of
+such scenes." Ellis, in his "Original Letters," gives a curious
+application from the Council for the household of the Lady Mary to the
+Cardinal Wolsey, to obtain his directions and leave to celebrate the
+ensuing Christmas. In this letter the reader is reminded of the long
+train of sports and merriment which made Christmas cheerful to our
+ancestors. The Cardinal, at the same time that he established a
+household for the young Duke of Richmond, had also "ordained a
+council, and stablished another household for the Lady Mary, then
+being _Princess of the Realm_."[44] The letter which seems to have
+been written in the same year in which the household was established,
+1525, is as follows:--
+
+"Please it youre Grace for the great repaire of straungers supposed
+unto the Pryncesse honorable householde this solempne fest of
+Cristmas, We humbly beseche the same to let us knowe youre gracious
+pleasure concernyng as well a ship of silver for the almes disshe
+requysite for her high estate, and spice plats, as also for trumpetts
+and a rebek to be sent, and whither we shall appoynte any Lord of
+Mysrule for the said honorable householde, provide for enterluds,
+disgysyngs, or pleyes in the said fest, or for banket on twelf nyght.
+And in likewise whither the Pryncesse shall sende any newe yeres gifts
+to the Kinge, the Quene, your Grace, and the Frensshe Quene, and of
+the value and devise of the same. Besechyng yowre Grace also to pardon
+oure busy and importunate suts to the same in suche behalf made. Thus
+oure right syngler goode lorde we pray the holy Trynyte have you in
+his holy preservacion. At Teoxbury, the xxvij day of November.
+
+                             Youre humble orators,
+                                   John Exon
+"To the most reverent Father       Jeilez Grevile
+in God the Lord Cardinall          Peter Burnell
+his good Grace."                   John Salter
+                                   G. Bromley
+                                   Thomas Audeley."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AND THE REFORMATION.
+
+The great Reformer, Martin Luther, took much interest in the
+festivities of Christmastide, including, of course, the
+Christmas-tree. One of his biographers[45] tells how young Luther,
+with other boys of Mansfeld, a village to the north-west of Eisleben,
+sang Christmas carols "in honour of the Babe of Bethlehem." And the
+same writer says, "Luther may be justly regarded as the central
+representative of the Reformation in its early period, for this among
+other reasons--that he, more powerfully than any other, impressed upon
+the new doctrine the character of glad tidings of great joy." On
+Christmas Day, 1521, Martin Luther "administered the communion in both
+kinds, and almost without discrimination of applicants," in the parish
+church of Eisenach, his "beloved town."
+
+[Illustration: MARTIN LUTHER AND THE CHRISTMAS TREE.]
+
+In England, the desire for some reform in the Church was recognised
+even by Cardinal Wolsey, who obtained from the Pope permission to
+suppress thirty monasteries, and use their revenues for educational
+purposes; and Wolsey's schemes of reform might have progressed further
+if Henry VIII. had not been fascinated by Anne Boleyn. But the King's
+amour with the "little lively brunette" precipitated a crisis in the
+relations between Church and State.
+
+[Illustration: THE LITTLE ORLEANS MADONNA OF RAPHAEL]
+
+Henry, who, by virtue of a papal dispensation, had married his
+brother's widow, Katherine, now needed papal consent to a divorce,
+that he might marry Anne Boleyn, and when he found that he could not
+obtain it, he resolved to be his own Pope, "sole protector and supreme
+head of the Church and clergy of England." And among the events of
+Christmastide may be mentioned the resolution of the King's minister,
+Thomas Cromwell, and his party, in 1533, to break the ecclesiastical
+connection with Rome, and establish an independent Church in England.
+The necessary Bills were framed and introduced to Parliament soon
+after the Christmas holidays by Cromwell, who for his successful
+services was made Chancellor of the Exchequer for life. Authority in
+all matters ecclesiastical, as well as civil, was vested solely in the
+Crown, and the "courts spiritual" became as thoroughly the King's
+courts as the temporal courts at Westminster. The enslavement of the
+clergy, the dissolution of the monasteries, and the gagging of the
+pulpits followed, the years of Cromwell's administration being an
+English reign of terror. But the ruthless manner in which he struck
+down his victims sickened the English people, and they exhibited their
+disapprobation in a manner which arrested the attention of the King.
+The time of Cromwell himself was coming, for the block was the goal to
+which Henry's favourite minister was surely hastening; and it is only
+anticipating events by very few years, to say that he was beheaded on
+Tower Hill, July 28, 1540.
+
+
+ANOTHER ROYAL CHRISTMAS.
+
+That following the execution of Anne Boleyn (1536), Henry spent in the
+company of his third Queen, Jane Seymour, at Richmond Palace, with a
+merry party, and subsequently crossed the frozen Thames to Greenwich.
+During the following summer the Queen went with her husband on a
+progress, and in the autumn retired to Hampton Court, where she gave
+birth to a son (who became Edward VI.), and died twelve days
+afterwards, on the 14th of October, 1537.
+
+During the married life of Queen Jane, the Princess Mary was often
+with the Court at Richmond, affecting affectionate attachment for the
+Queen, apparently to conciliate her father. The birth of a prince,
+followed by the death of the queen, it might have been thought would
+have a chastening effect upon Mary, as somewhat altering her
+prospects; but after acting as chief mourner to her friendly
+stepmother, she spent a pleasant Christmas at Richmond, where she
+remained till February. Her losses at cards during the Christmas
+festivities were very considerable, for she was fond of gambling. And
+she appears to have also amused herself a good deal with her
+attendant, "Jane the Fool," to whose maintenance she contributed while
+staying at Richmond. One curious entry in the Household Book of the
+Princess Mary is: "Item, for shaving Jane fooles hedde, iiiid."
+Another is: "Item, geven Heywood, playeng an enterlude with his
+children before my Ladye's grace xls."
+
+The great event of Christmas, 1539, was
+
+
+THE LANDING OF ANNE OF CLEVES,
+
+at Deal, on the 27th of December. King Henry had become alarmed at the
+combination between France and Spain, and his unprincipled Chancellor,
+Cromwell, desirous of regaining his lost influence with the King,
+recommended a Protestant marriage. He told Henry that Anne, daughter
+of John III., Duke of Cleves, was greatly extolled for her beauty and
+good sense, and that by marrying her he would acquire the friendship
+of the Princes of Germany, in counterpoise to the designs of France
+and Spain. Henry despatched Hans Holbein to take the lady's portrait,
+and, being delighted with the picture produced, soon concluded a
+treaty of marriage, and sent the Lord Admiral Fitzwilliam, Earl of
+Southampton, to receive the Princess at Calais, and conduct her to
+England. On her arrival Henry was greatly disappointed. He did not
+think the Princess as charming as her portrait; and, unfortunately for
+her, she was unable to woo him with winning words, for she could speak
+no language but German, and of that Henry did not understand a word.
+Though not ugly (as many contemporaries testify), she was plain in
+person and manners, and she and her maidens, of whom she brought a
+great train, are said to have been as homely and awkward a bevy as
+ever came to England in the cause of Royal matrimony. The Royal
+Bluebeard, who had consorted with such celebrated beauties as Anne
+Boleyn and Jane Seymour, recollecting what his queens had been, and
+what Holbein and Cromwell had told him should again be, entered the
+presence of Anne of Cleves with great anticipation, but was
+thunderstruck at the first sight of the reality. Lord John Russell,
+who was present, declared "that he had never seen his highness so
+marvellously astonished and abashed as on that occasion." The marriage
+was celebrated on the 6th of January, 1540, but Henry never became
+reconciled to his German queen; and he very soon vented his anger upon
+Cromwell for being the means of bringing him, not a wife, but "a great
+Flanders mare."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT THE COLLEGES.
+
+The fine old tower of Magdalen College, embowered in verdure (as
+though decorated for Christmas), is one of the most picturesque of the
+venerable academical institutions of Oxford. It stands on the east
+side of the Cherwell, and is the first object of interest to catch the
+eye of the traveller who enters the city from the London Road. This
+college was the scene of many Christmas festivities in the olden time,
+when it was the custom of the several colleges to elect a "Christmas
+Lord, or Lord of Misrule, styled in the registers _Rex Fabarum_ and
+_Rex Regni Fabarum_; which custom continued till the Reformation of
+Religion, and then that producing Puritanism, and Puritanism
+Presbytery, the profession of it looked upon such laudable and
+ingenious customs as Popish, diabolical and anti-Christian."[46]
+Queen's College, Oxford (whose members have from time immemorial been
+daily summoned to dine in hall by sound of trumpet, instead of by
+bell as elsewhere), is noted for its ancient Christmas ceremony of
+ushering in the boar's head with the singing of the famous carol--
+
+     "_Caput afri differo
+      Reddens laudes Domino._
+  The boar's head in hand bring I,
+  With garlands gay and rosemary,
+  I pray you all sing merrily
+      _Qui estis in convivio_."
+
+Tradition says that this old custom commemorates the deliverance of a
+student of the college, who, while walking in the country, studying
+Aristotle, was attacked by a wild boar from Shotover Forest, whereupon
+he crammed the philosopher down the throat of the savage, and thus
+escaped from its tusks.
+
+[Illustration: MAGDALEN COLLEGE, OXFORD.]
+
+Warton[47] mentions that, "in an original draught of the Statutes of
+Trinity College, at Cambridge, founded in 1546, one of the chapters is
+entitled _De Praefecto Ludorum qui Imperator dicitur_, under whose
+direction and authority Latin Comedies and Tragedies are to be
+exhibited in the hall at Christmas. With regard to the peculiar
+business and office of Imperator it is ordered that one of the Masters
+of Arts shall be placed over the juniors, every Christmas, for the
+regulation of their games and diversions at that season of festivity.
+At the same time, he is to govern the whole society in the hall and
+chapel, as a republic committed to his special charge by a set of laws
+which he is to frame in Latin and Greek verse. His sovereignty is to
+last during the twelve days of Christmas, and he is to exercise the
+same power on Candlemas." His fee amounted to forty shillings. Similar
+customs were observed at other colleges during Christmastide. In a
+subsequent chapter of this work will be found an account of a grand
+exhibition of the Christmas Prince, at St. John's College, Oxford, in
+the year 1607.
+
+[Illustration: BRINGING IN THE BOAR'S HEAD WITH MINSTRELSY.]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT THE INNS OF COURT AND GREAT HOUSES.
+
+In the time of Henry the Eighth the Christmases at the Inns of Court
+became celebrated, especially those at Lincoln's Inn, which had kept
+them as early as the reign of Henry VI. The Temples and Gray's Inn
+afterwards disputed the palm with it. Every Corporation appointed a
+Lord of Misrule or Master of Merry Disports, and, according to Stow,
+there was the like "in the house of every nobleman of honour or good
+worship, were he spiritual or temporal." And during the period of the
+sway of the Lord of Misrule, "there were fine and subtle disguisings,
+masks, and mummeries, with playing at cards for counters, nails, and
+points in every house, more for pastime than for gain." Town and
+country would seem to have vied with each other as to which should
+exhibit the greatest extravagance in the Christmas entertainments, but
+(as in the days of Massinger the poet), the town carried off the
+palm:--
+
+            "Men may talk of country Christmasses--
+  Their thirty-pound buttered eggs, their pies of carps' tongues,
+  Their pheasants drenched with ambergris, the carcases
+  Of three fat wethers bruised for gravy; to
+  Make sauce for a single peacock; yet their feasts
+  Were fasts, compared with the city's."
+
+The earliest particular account of the regulations for conducting one
+of these grand Christmases is in the 9th of Henry VIII.,[48] when,
+besides the King for Christmas Day, the Marshal and the Master of the
+Revels, it is ordered that the King of Cockneys, on Childermas Day,
+should sit and have due service, and "that Jack Straw, and all his
+adherents, should be thenceforth utterly banished, and no more to be
+used in this house, upon pain to forfeit for every time five pounds,
+to be levied on every fellow hapning to offend against this rule."
+"Jack Straw" was a kind of masque, which was very much disliked by the
+aristocratic and elder part of the community, hence the amount of the
+fine imposed. The Society of Gray's Inn, however, in 1527, got into a
+worse scrape than permitting Jack Straw and his adherents, for they
+acted a play (the first on record at the Inns of Court) during this
+Christmas, the effect whereof was, that Lord Governance was ruled by
+Dissipation and Negligence, by whose evil order Lady Public Weal was
+put from Governance. Cardinal Wolsey, conscience-smitten, thought this
+to be a reflection on himself, and deprived the author, Sergeant Roe,
+of his coif, and committed him to the Fleet, together with Thomas
+Moyle, one of the actors, until it was satisfactorily explained to
+him.
+
+It was found necessary from time to time to make regulations to limit
+the extent of these revels and plays, and to provide for the expenses,
+which were considerable, and they were therefore not performed every
+year. In 1531 the Lincoln's Inn Society agreed that if the two Temples
+kept Christmas, they would also do so, not liking to be outdone. And
+later an order was made in Gray's Inn that no Comedies, commonly
+called Interludes, should be acted in the refectory in the intervals
+of vacation, except at the celebration of Christmas; and that then the
+whole body of students should jointly contribute towards the dresses,
+scenes, and decorations.
+
+As an example of the Christmas hospitality of the period, we refer to
+the establishment of John Carminow, whose family was of high repute in
+the county of Cornwall in the time of Henry the Eighth. Hals says that
+"he kept open house for all comers and goers, drinkers, minstrells,
+dancers, and what not, during the Christmas time, and that his usual
+allowance of provision for those twelve days, was twelve fat bullocks,
+twenty Cornish bushels of wheat (_i.e._, fifty Winchesters),
+thirty-six sheep, with hogs, lambs, and fowls of all sort, and drink
+made of wheat and oat-malt proportionable; for at that time
+barley-malt was little known or used in those parts."
+
+That the beneficed clergy of this period also "made merry" with their
+parishioners is quite clear from the writings of "Master Hugh
+Latimer," who, in Henry's reign, held the benefice of West Kington, in
+Wiltshire. A citation for heresy being issued against Latimer, he
+wrote with his peculiar medley of humour and pathos: "I intend to make
+merry with my parishioners this Christmas, for all the sorrow, lest
+perchance I may never return to them again."
+
+One of the most celebrated personages of this period was
+
+
+WILL SOMERS, THE KING'S JESTER.
+
+This famous fool enlivened the Christmas festivities at the Court of
+Henry the Eighth, and many quaint stories are told of his drolleries
+and witticisms. Though a reputed fool, his sarcastic wit and sparkling
+talents at repartee won him great celebrity. Very little is known of
+his actual biography, but some interesting things are told about him
+in a scarce tract, entitled "A pleasant History of the Life and Death
+of Will Somers," &c. (which was first published in 1676, and a great
+part of which is said to have been taken from Andrew Borde's
+collection of "The Merry Jests and Witty Shifts of Scoggin"). "And now
+who but Will Sommers, the King's Fool? who had got such an interest in
+him by his quick and facetious jests, that he could have admittance to
+his Majesty's Chamber, and have his ear, when a great nobleman, nay, a
+privy counsellor, could not be suffered to speak with him: and
+farther, if the King were angry or displeased with anything, if no man
+else durst demand the cause of his discontent, then was Will Sommers
+provided with one pleasant conceit or another, to take off the edge of
+his displeasure. Being of an easy and tractable disposition he soon
+found the fashions of the court, and obtained a general love and
+notice of the nobility; for he was no carry-tale, nor flattering
+insinuator to breed discord and dissension, but an honest, plain,
+downright [man], that would speak home without halting, and tell the
+truth of purpose to shame the devil--so that his plainness, mixed with
+a kind of facetiousness, and tartness with pleasantry, made him
+acceptable into the company of all men." There cannot, perhaps, be a
+greater proof of the estimation in which Somers was held by King
+Henry, than the circumstance of his portrait having been twice
+introduced into the same piece with that of the King; once in the fine
+picture by Holbein of Henry VIII. and his family, and again, in an
+illuminated Psalter which was expressly written for the King, by John
+Mallard, his chaplain and secretary ("_Regis Orator et Calamo_"), and
+is now preserved in the British Museum. According to an ancient
+custom, there is prefixed to Psalm lii., "_dixit incipens_" in the
+Psalter, a miniature illumination of King David and a Fool, whose
+figures, in this instance, are portraits of Henry VIII. and his
+favourite Will Somers. The King is seated at a kind of altar table,
+and playing on the harp, whilst Somers who is standing near him, with
+his hands clasped over his breast, appears to listen with admiration.
+The King wears a round flat cap, furred, and a vest of imperial purple
+striped with gold, and fluted at bottom; his doublet is red, padded
+with white; his hose crimson; on his right leg is a blue garter.
+Somers is in a vest, with a hood thrown over the back; his stockings
+are blue; at his girdle is a black pouch.
+
+When Henry VIII. became old and inactive, his Christmases grew
+gradually duller, until he did little more than sit out a play or two,
+and gamble with his courtiers, his Christmas play-money requiring a
+special draught upon the treasury, usually for a hundred pounds. He
+died on January 28, 1547.
+
+    [34] "Book of Days," Edinburgh.
+
+    [35] Williams's "Domestic Memoirs of the Royal Family and
+    of the Court of England."
+
+    [36] Chaucer.
+
+    [37] "William's Domestic Memoirs."
+
+    [38] Nichols's "Progresses of Queen Elizabeth."
+
+    [39] "Recollections of Royalty," by Mr. Charles C. Jones,
+    1828.
+
+    [40] "Sports and Pastimes."
+
+    [41] Introduction to "Christmas Carols."
+
+    [42] Hall's "Chronicle."
+
+    [43] Baker's "Chronicle."
+
+    [44] Hall's "Chronicle."
+
+    [45] Peter Bayne, LL. D.
+
+    [46] Wood's "Athenae Oxonienses."
+
+    [47] "History of English Poetry."
+
+    [48] Dugdale, "Origines Juridiciales."
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER VII._
+
+CHRISTMAS UNDER EDWARD VI., MARY, AND ELIZABETH.
+
+(1547-1603.)
+
+
+CHRISTMAS UNDER KING EDWARD VI.--GEORGE FERRERS
+"MASTER OF THE KING'S PASTIMES."
+
+During the short reign of the youthful monarch Edward the Sixth
+(1547-1553), the splendour of the Royal Christmases somewhat abated,
+though they were still continued; and the King being much grieved at
+the condemnation of the Duke of Somerset, his uncle and Protector, it
+was thought expedient to divert his mind by additional pastimes at the
+Christmas festival, 1551-2. "It was devised," says Holinshed, "that
+the feast of Christ's nativitie, commonlie called Christmasse, then at
+hand, should be solemnlie kept at Greenwich, with open houshold, and
+franke resort to Court (which is called keeping of the hall), what
+time of old ordinarie course there is alwaise one appointed to make
+sport in the court, commonlie Lord of Misrule; whose office is not
+unknown to such as have been brought up in noblemen's houses, and
+among great housekeepers, who use liberall feasting in that season.
+There was therefore by order of the Councell, a wise gentleman, and
+learned, named George Ferrers, appointed to that office for this
+yeare; who, being of better credit and estimation than comonlie his
+predecessors had been before, received all his commissions and
+warrants by the name of the maister of the King's pastimes. Which
+gentleman so well supplied his office, both in show of sundry sights
+and devices of rare inventions, and in act of diverse interludes, and
+matters of pastime plaied by persons, as not onlie satisfied the
+common sort, but also were verie well liked and allowed by the
+Councell, and other of skill in the like pastimes; but best of all by
+the young King himselfe, as appeered by his princelie liberalitie in
+rewarding that service." The old chronicler quaintly adds, that
+"Christmas being thus passed with much mirth and pastime, it was
+thought now good to proceed to the execution of the judgment against
+the Duke of Somerset." The day of execution was the 22nd of January,
+1552, six weeks after the passing of the sentence.
+
+King Edward took part in some of the Christmas masques performed at
+his Court, with other youths of his age and stature, all the
+performers being suitably attired in costly garments. Will Somers also
+figured in some of these masques. The young King seems to have found
+more amusement in the pageants superintended by Master Ferrers than he
+had gained from some of the solemnities of the state in which he had
+been obliged to play a prominent part; but none of the diversions
+restored him to good health. Large sums of money were expended on
+these Christmas entertainments, and the King handsomely rewarded the
+Master of his pastimes.
+
+George Ferrers, who was a lawyer, a poet, and an historian, was
+certainly well qualified for his task, and well supplied with the
+means of making sport, as "Master of the King's Pastimes." He
+complained to Sir Thomas Cawarden that the dresses provided for his
+assistants were not sufficient, and immediately an order was given for
+better provision. He provided clowns, jugglers, tumblers, men to dance
+the fool's dance, besides being assisted by the "Court Fool" of the
+time--John Smyth. This man was newly supplied for the occasion, having
+a long fool's coat of yellow cloth of gold, fringed all over with
+white, red, and green velvet, containing 71/2 yards at L2 per yard,
+guarded with plain yellow cloth of gold, 4 yards at 33s. 4d. per yard;
+with a hood and a pair of buskins of the same figured gold containing
+21/2 yards at L5, and a girdle of yellow sarsenet containing one
+quarter 16d., the whole value of "the fool's dress" being L26 14s. 8d.
+Ferrers, as the "Lord of Misrule" wore a robe of rich stuff made of
+silk and golden thread containing 9 yards at 16s. a yard, guarded with
+embroidered cloth of gold, wrought in knots, 14 yards at 11s. 4d. a
+yard; having fur of red feathers, with a cape of camlet thrum. A coat
+of flat silver, fine with works, 5 yards at 50s., with an embroidered
+garb of leaves of gold and coloured silk, containing 15 yards at 20s.
+a yard. He wore a cap of maintenance, hose buskins, panticles of
+Bruges satin, a girdle of yellow sarsenet with various decorations,
+the cost of his dress being L52 8s. 8d., which, considering the
+relative value of money, must be considered a very costly dress.
+
+The office which George Ferrers so ably filled had been too often held
+by those who possessed neither the wit nor the genius it required;
+but, originally, persons of high rank and ability had been chosen to
+perform these somewhat difficult duties. Ferrers received L100 for the
+charges of his office; and afterwards the Lord Mayor, who probably had
+been at the Royal festival, entertained him in London. The cost of the
+Royal festivities exceeded L700.
+
+Stowe, in his "Annals," thus refers to the celebration: "The King kept
+his Christmasse with open houshold at Greenwich, George Ferrers,
+Gentleman of Lincolnes Inne, being Lord of the merry Disports all the
+12 dayes, who so pleasantly and wisely behaved himselfe, that the King
+had great delight in his pastimes. On Monday the fourth of January,
+the said Lord of Merry Disports came by water to London, and landed at
+the Tower-wharfe, entered the Tower, and then rode through the
+Tower-streete, where he was received by Sergeant Vawce, Lord of
+Misrule to John Mainard, one of the Sheriffes of London, and so
+conducted through the Citie with a great company of young Lords and
+gentlemen, to the house of Sir George Barne, Lord Maior; where he,
+with the chiefe of his company dined, and after had a great banquet;
+and, at his departure, the Lord Maior gave him a standing cup, with a
+cover of silver and gilt, of the value of ten pounds, for a reward;
+and also set a hogs-head of wine, and a barrell of beere, at his
+gate, for his traine that followed him; the residue of his gentlemen
+and servants dined at other Aldermen's houses, and with the sheriffes,
+and so departed to the Tower wharfe againe, and to the Court by water,
+to the great commendation of the Maior and Aldermen, and highly
+accepted of the King and Councell."
+
+
+RELIGIOUS MATTERS
+
+occupied public attention throughout the reign of Edward VI.
+The young king was willing to support the reforming projects of
+Archbishop Cranmer, and assented to the publication of the new Liturgy
+in the Prayer Book of 1549, and the Act of Uniformity. And with the
+sanction of the sovereign, Cranmer, in 1552, issued a revised Liturgy,
+known as the Second Prayer Book of King Edward VI., and the Forty-two
+Articles, which were markedly Protestant in tendency. On his health
+failing, the King, acting on the advice of the Duke of Northumberland,
+altered the settlement of the crown as arranged in the will of Henry
+VIII., and made a will excluding Mary and Elizabeth from the
+succession in favour of Lady Jane Grey, daughter-in-law of
+Northumberland, which was sanctioned by Archbishop Cranmer and the
+Privy Council. Although Cranmer had sanctioned this act with great
+reluctance, and on the assurance of the judges, it sufficed to secure
+his condemnation for high treason on Mary's accession. Edward sank
+rapidly and died on July 6, 1553.
+
+The Duke of Northumberland then
+
+
+PROCLAIMED LADY JANE GREY QUEEN,
+
+but the people refused to recognise the usurpation. After a brief
+reign of eleven days,
+
+
+THE CROWN WAS TRANSFERRED TO MARY,
+
+daughter of Henry VIII. and Catherine of Arragon, and Lady Jane Grey
+and her husband were sent to the Tower, and subsequently condemned to
+death. They were kept in captivity for some time, and were not
+executed until after Wyatt's rebellion in 1554.
+
+[Illustration: Virgin & Child, Chirbury.]
+
+Mary was a firm Roman Catholic, and she looked to her uncle, Charles
+V. of Spain, for assistance and support. In January, 1554, much to the
+disappointment of her subjects, she concluded a treaty of marriage
+with Philip of Spain, son of Charles V. Afterwards her reign was
+disturbed by insurrections, and also by the persecution of Protestants
+by Cardinal Pole, who came over to England to push forward the Roman
+Catholic reaction.
+
+
+THIS TROUBLED REIGN
+
+was not congenial to Christmas festivities, though they were still
+kept up in different parts of the country. During the Christmas
+festival (January 2, 1554) a splendid embassy, sent by the Emperor,
+Charles the Fifth, headed by the Counts Egmont and Lalain, the Lord of
+Courrieres, and the Sieur de Nigry, landed in Kent, to arrange the
+marriage between Queen Mary and Philip. The unpopularity of the
+proceeding was immediately manifested, for the men of Kent, taking
+Egmont for Philip, rose in fury and would have killed him if they
+could have got at him. Although an attempt was made to allay the fears
+of the English, within a few days three insurrections broke out in
+different parts of the kingdom, the most formidable being that under
+Sir Thomas Wyatt, who fixed his headquarters at Rochester. In city and
+court alike panic prevailed. The lawyers in Westminster Hall pleaded
+in suits of armour hidden under their robes, and Dr. Weston preached
+before the Queen in Whitehall Chapel, on Candlemas Day, in armour
+under his clerical vestments. Mary alone seemed calm and
+self-possessed. She mounted her horse, and, attended by her ladies and
+her Council, rode into the City, where, summoning Sir Thomas White,
+Lord Mayor, and the Aldermen, who all came clad in armour under their
+civic livery, she ascended a chair of State, and with her sceptre in
+her hand addressed them, declaring she would never marry except with
+the leave of her Parliament. Her courage gained the day. The rebellion
+was speedily quelled and the ringleaders put to death; and the
+following July the marriage took place. Mary's subsequent reign was a
+"reign of terror, a time of fire and blood, such as has no parallel in
+the history of England."[49]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS DIVERSIONS OF QUEEN MARY.
+
+During her "reign of terror" Queen Mary was diverted by Christmas
+plays and pageants, and she showed some interest in the amusements of
+the people. Strutt's "Sports and Pastimes," in an article on the
+"Antiquity of Tumbling," says: "It would seem that these artists were
+really famous mirth-makers; for one of them had the address to excite
+the merriment of that solemn bigot Queen Mary. 'After her Majesty,'
+observes Strype, 'had reviewed the royal pensioners in Greenwich Park,
+there came a tumbler, and played many pretty feats, the Queen and
+Cardinal Pole looking on; whereat she was observed to laugh
+heartily.'" Strutt also mentions that "when Mary visited her sister,
+the Princess Elizabeth, during her confinement at Hatfield House, the
+next morning, after mass, a grand exhibition of bear-baiting was made
+for their amusement, with which, it is said, 'their highnesses were
+right well content.'" The idle pageantry of the Boy-bishop, which had
+been formally abrogated by proclamation from the King, in the
+thirty-third year of Henry VIII., was revived by his daughter Mary.
+Strutt says that "in the second year of her reign an edict, dated
+November 13, 1554, was issued from the Bishop of London to all the
+clergy of his diocese, to have a Boy-bishop in procession. The year
+following, 'the child Bishop, of Paules Church, with his company,'
+were admitted into the Queen's privy chamber, where he sang before her
+on Saint Nicholas Day, and upon Holy Innocents Day. After the death of
+Mary this silly mummery was totally discontinued."
+
+The Christmas entertainments of Philip and Mary at Richmond are thus
+described by Folkstone Williams:[50] "The Queen strove to entertain
+her Royal husband with masques, notwithstanding that he had seen many
+fair and rich beyond the seas; and Nicholas Udall, the stern
+schoolmaster, was ordered to furnish the drama. An idea of these
+performances may be gathered from the properties of a masque of
+patrons of gallies like Venetian senators with galley-slaves for their
+torch-bearers, represented at Court in Christmas of the first and
+second years of Philip and Mary, with a Masque of six Venuses, or
+amorous ladies, with six Cupids, and as many torch-bearers. Among them
+were lions' heads, sixteen other headpieces, made in quaint fashion
+for the Turkish magistrates, as well as eight falchions for them, the
+sheaths covered with green velvet, and bullioned with copper. There
+were eight headpieces for women-masks, goddesses and huntresses. A
+masque of eight mariners, of cloth of gold and silver, and six pairs
+of chains for the galley slaves. Another mask of goddesses and
+huntresses, with Turks, was performed on the following Shrovetide; and
+one of six Hercules, or men of war, coming from the sea with six
+Mariners to their torch-bearers, was played a little later. Besides
+which, we find mention of a masque of covetous men with long noses--a
+masque of men like Argus--a masque of women Moors--a masque of
+Amazons--one of black and tawney tinsel, with baboons' faces--one of
+Polanders, and one of women with Diana hunting."
+
+Nichols ("Progresses," vol. i. p. 18) says that in 1557 the Princess
+Elizabeth was present at a Royal Christmas kept with great solemnity
+by Queen Mary and King Philip at Hampton Court. "On Christmas Eve, the
+great hall of the palace was illuminated with a thousand lamps
+curiously disposed. The Princess supped at the same table in the hall
+with the King and Queen, next the cloth of state; and after supper,
+was served with a perfumed napkin and plates of confects by the Lord
+Paget. But she retired to her ladies before the revels, maskings, and
+disguisings began. On St. Stephen's day she heard mattins in the
+Queen's closet adjoining to the chapel, where she was attired in a
+robe of white sattin, strung all over with large pearls. On the 29th
+day of December she sate with their majesties and the nobility at a
+grand spectacle of justing, when two hundred spears were broken. Half
+of the combatants were accoutred in the Almaine and half in the
+Spanish fashion. Thus our chronicler, who is fond of minute
+description. But these and other particularities, insignificant as
+they seem, which he has recorded so carefully, are a vindication of
+Queen Mary's character in the treatment of her sister; they prove that
+the Princess, during her residence at Hatfield, lived in splendour and
+affluence; that she was often admitted to the diversions of the Court;
+and that her present situation was by no means a state of oppression
+and imprisonment, as it has been represented by most of our
+historians."
+
+[Illustration: Saints and angels.]
+
+
+THE ROMISH PRIESTLY PRACTICES
+
+on "Christmass-daye," at this period, are referred to in the
+following translation from Naogeorgus, by Barnaby Googe:--
+
+ "Then comes the day wherein the Lorde did bring his birth to passe;
+  Whereas at midnight up they rise, and every man to Masse,
+  This time so holy counted is, that divers earnestly
+  Do think the waters all to wine are chaunged sodainly;
+  In that same houre that Christ Himselfe was borne, and came to light,
+  And unto water streight againe transformde and altred quight.
+  There are beside that mindfully the money still do watch,
+  That first to aultar commes, which then they privily do snatch.
+  The priestes, least other should it have, take oft the same away,
+  Whereby they thinke throughout the yeare to have good lucke in play,
+  And not to lose: then straight at game till day-light do they strive,
+  To make some present proofe how well their hallowde pence wil thrive.
+  Three Masses every priest doth singe upon that solemn day,
+  With offrings unto every one, that so the more may play.
+  This done, a woodden childe in clowtes is on the aultar set,
+  About the which both boyes and gyrles do daunce and trymly jet;
+  And Carrols sing in prayse of Christ, and, for to helpe them heare,
+  The organs aunswere every verse with sweete and solemne cheare.
+  The priestes do rore aloude; and round about the parentes stande
+  To see the sport, and with their voyce do helpe them and their hande."
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS MUMMERS
+
+played a prominent part in the festivities of this period, and the
+following illustration shows how they went a-mumming.
+
+[Illustration: RIDING A-MUMMING AT CHRISTMASTIDE.]
+
+Queen Mary died on November 17, 1558, and her half-sister,
+
+
+ELIZABETH, CAME TO THE THRONE
+
+in perilous times, for plots of assassination were rife, and England
+was engaged on the side of Spain in war with France. But the alliance
+with Spain soon came to an end, for Queen Elizabeth saw that the
+defence of Protestantism at home and peace with France abroad were
+necessary for her own security and the good of her subjects. She began
+her reign by regarding the welfare of her people, and she soon won and
+never lost their affection.
+
+With the accession of Queen Elizabeth there was a revival of the
+courtly pomp and pageantry which were marked characteristics of her
+father's reign. Just before the Christmas festival (1558) the new
+queen made a state entry into the metropolis, attended by a
+magnificent throng of nobles, ladies, and gentlemen, and a vast
+concourse of people from all the country round. At Highgate she was
+met by the bishops, who kneeled by the wayside and offered their
+allegiance. She received them graciously and gave them all her hand to
+kiss, except Bonner, whom she treated with marked coldness, on account
+of his atrocious cruelties: an intimation of her own intentions on the
+score of religion which gave satisfaction to the people. In the
+pageantry which was got up to grace her entry into London, a figure
+representing "Truth" dropped from one of the triumphal arches, and
+laid before the young Queen a copy of the Scriptures. Holinshed says
+she revived the book with becoming reverence, and, pressing it to her
+bosom, declared that of all the gifts and honours conferred upon her
+by the loyalty of the people this was the most acceptable. Yet
+Green,[51] in describing Elizabeth's reign, says: "Nothing is more
+revolting in the Queen, but nothing is more characteristic, than her
+shameless mendacity. It was an age of political lying, but in the
+profusion and recklessness of her lies Elizabeth stood without a peer
+in Christendom."
+
+Sir William Fitzwilliam, writing to Mr. More, of Loseley, Surrey, a
+few weeks after the accession of Elizabeth, as an important piece of
+Court news, says: "You shall understand that yesterday, being
+Christmas Day, the Queen's Majesty repaired to her great closet with
+her nobles and ladies, as hath been accustomed in such high feasts;
+and she, perceiving a bishop preparing himself to mass, all in the old
+form, tarried there until the gospel was done, and when all the people
+looked for her to have offered according to the old fashion, she with
+her nobles returned again from the closet and the mass, on to her
+privy chamber, which was strange unto divers. Blessed be God in all
+His gifts."
+
+During the Christmas festival (1558) preparations went on for the
+coronation of Elizabeth, which was to take place on the 15th of
+January. On the 12th of that month she proceeded to the Tower by
+water, attended by the lord mayor and citizens, and greeted with peals
+of ordnance, with music and gorgeous pageantry--a marked contrast to
+her previous entrance there as a suspected traitor in imminent peril
+of her life. Two days later the Queen rode in state from the Tower to
+Westminster, "most honourably accompanied, as well with gentlemen,
+barons, and other the nobility of this realm, as also with a notable
+train of godly and beautiful ladies, richly appointed," and all riding
+on horseback. The streets through which the procession passed were
+adorned with stately pageants, costly decorations, and various
+artistic devices, and were crowded with enthusiastic spectators, eager
+to welcome their new sovereign, and to applaud "the signs they noticed
+in her of a most prince-like courage, and great readiness of wit." On
+the following day (Sunday, the 15th of January) Elizabeth was crowned
+in Westminster Abbey, by Dr. Oglethorpe, Bishop of Carlisle, "Queen of
+England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith." The ceremonials
+of the coronation were regulated according to ancient custom, and the
+entertainment in Westminster Hall was on a scale of great
+magnificence.
+
+[Illustration: A DUMB SHOW IN THE TIME OF ELIZABETH.
+(_From Messrs Cassell & Co.'s "English Plays," by permission_)]
+
+Elizabeth was particularly fond of dramatic displays, and her first
+Royal Christmas was celebrated with plays and pageants of a most
+costly description. Complaints, however, being made of the expense of
+these entertainments, she determined to control them, and directed an
+estimate to be made in the second year of her reign for the masques
+and pastimes to be shown before her at Christmas and Shrovetide. Sir
+Thomas Cawarden was then, as he had for some time previous been,
+Master of the Revels. According to Collier, the estimate amounted to
+L227 11s. 2d., being nearly L200 less than the expenses in the former
+year. The control over the expenses, however, must soon have ceased,
+for in subsequent years the sums were greatly enlarged.
+
+Nichols[52] mentions that on Twelfth Day, 1559, in the afternoon, the
+Lord Mayor and Aldermen, and all the crafts of London, and the
+Bachelors of the Mayor's Company, went in procession to St. Paul's,
+after the old custom, and there did hear a sermon. The same day a
+stage was set up in the hall for a play; and after the play was over,
+there was a fine mask; and, afterwards, a great banquet which lasted
+till midnight.
+
+In this reign a more decorous and even refined style of entertainment
+had usurped the place of the boisterous feastings of former times, but
+there was no diminution in that ancient spirit of hospitality, the
+exercise of which had become a part of the national faith. This is
+evident from the poems of Thomas Tusser (born 1515--died 1580) and
+other writers, who show that the English noblemen and yeomen of that
+time made hospitality a prominent feature in the festivities of the
+Christmas season. In his "Christmas Husbandry Fare," Tusser says:--
+
+ "Good husband and housewife, now chiefly be glad
+  Things handsome to have, as they ought to be had,
+  They both do provide against Christmas do come,
+  To welcome their neighbour, good cheer to have some;
+  Good bread and good drink, a good fire in the hall,
+  Brawn pudding and souse, and good mustard withal.
+
+  Beef, mutton, and pork, shred pies of the best,
+  Pig, veal, goose, and capon, and turkey well dressed;
+  Cheese, apples, and nuts, jolly carols to hear,
+  As then in the country is counted good cheer.
+
+  What cost to good husband is any of this?
+  Good household provision only it is;
+  Of other the like I do leave out a many,
+  That costeth the husbandman never a penny."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+GRAND CHRISTMAS OF THE INNER TEMPLE, 1561-2.
+
+Professor Henry Morley[53] says the first English tragedy, "Gorboduc,"
+was written for the Christmas festivities of the Inner Temple in the
+year 1561 by two young members of that Inn--Thomas Norton, then
+twenty-nine years old, and Thomas Sackville, then aged twenty-five.
+And the play was performed at this "Grand Christmass" kept by the
+members of the Inner Temple. Before a "Grand Christmas" was kept the
+matter was discussed in a parliament of the Inn, held on the eve of
+St. Thomas's Day, December 21st. If it was resolved upon, the two
+youngest of those who served as butlers for the festival lighted two
+torches, with which they preceded the benchers to the upper end of the
+hall. The senior bencher there made a speech; officers were appointed
+for the occasion, "and then, in token of joy and good liking, the
+Bench and company pass beneath the hearth and sing a carol."[54] The
+revellings began on Christmas Eve, when three Masters of the Revels
+sat at the head of one of the tables. All took their places to the
+sound of music played before the hearth. Then the musicians withdrew
+to the buttery, and were themselves feasted. They returned when dinner
+was ended to sing a song at the highest table. Then all tables were
+cleared, and revels and dancing were begun, to be continued until
+supper and after supper. The senior Master of the Revels, after dinner
+and after supper, sang a carol or song, and commanded other gentlemen
+there present to join him. This form of high festivity was maintained
+during the twelve days of Christmas, closing on Twelfth Night. On
+Christmas Day (which in 1561 was a Thursday), at the first course of
+the dinner, the boar's head was brought in upon a platter, followed by
+minstrelsy. On St. Stephen's Day, December the 26th, the Constable
+Marshal entered the hall in gilt armour, with a nest of feathers of
+all colours on his helm, and a gilt pole-axe in his hand; with him
+sixteen trumpeters, four drums and fifes, and four men armed from the
+middle upward. Those all marched three times about the hearth, and the
+Constable Marshal, then kneeling to the Lord Chancellor, made a
+speech, desiring the honour of admission into his service, delivered
+his naked sword, and was solemnly seated. That was the usual
+ceremonial when a Grand Christmas was kept. At this particular
+Christmas, 1561, in the fourth year of Elizabeth, it was Lord Robert
+Dudley, afterwards Earl of Leicester, who was Constable Marshal, and
+with chivalrous gallantry, taking in fantastic style the name of
+Palaphilos, Knight of the Honourable Order of Pegasus, Pegasus being
+the armorial device of the Inner Temple, he contributed to the
+splendour of this part of the entertainment. After the seating of the
+Constable Marshal, on the same St. Stephen's Day, December the 26th,
+the Master of the Game entered in green velvet, and the Ranger of the
+Forest in green satin; these also went three times about the fire,
+blowing their hunting-horns. When they also had been ceremoniously
+seated, there entered a huntsman with a fox and a cat bound at the end
+of a staff. He was followed by nine or ten couple of hounds, who
+hunted the fox and the cat to the glowing horns, and killed them
+beneath the fire. After dinner, the Constable Marshal called a
+burlesque Court, and began the Revels, with the help of the Lord of
+Misrule. At seven o'clock in the morning of St. John's Day, December
+the 27th (which was a Saturday in 1561) the Lord of Misrule was afoot
+with power to summon men to breakfast with him when service had closed
+in the church. After breakfast, the authority of this Christmas
+official was in abeyance till the after-dinner Revels. So the
+ceremonies went on till the Banqueting Night, which followed New
+Year's Day. That was the night of hospitality. Invitations were sent
+out to every House of Court, that they and the Inns of Chancery might
+see a play and masque. The hall was furnished with scaffolds for the
+ladies who were then invited to behold the sports. After the play,
+there was a banquet for the ladies in the library; and in the hall
+there was also a banquet for the Lord Chancellor and invited ancients
+of other Houses. On Twelfth Day, the last of the Revels, there were
+brawn, mustard, and malmsey for breakfast after morning prayer, and
+the dinner as on St. John's Day.
+
+The following particulars of this "Grand Christmas" at the Inner
+Temple are from Nichols's "Progresses of Queen Elizabeth":--
+
+"In the fourth year of Queen Elizabeth's reign there was kept
+a magnificent Christmas here; at which the Lord Robert Dudley
+(afterwards Earl of Leicester) was the chief person (his title
+Palaphilos), being Constable and Marshall; whose officers were
+as followeth:
+
+  Mr. Onslow, Lord Chancellour.
+  Anthony Stapleton, Lord Treasurer.
+  Robert Kelway, Lord Privy Seal.
+  John Fuller, Chief Justice of the King's Bench.
+  William Pole, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.
+  Roger Manwood, Chief Baron of the Exchequer.
+  Mr. Bashe, Steward of the Household.
+  Mr. Copley, Marshall of the Household.
+  Mr. Paten, Chief Butler.
+  Christopher Hatton, Master of the Game. (He was afterwards Lord
+    Chancellor of England.)
+  Mr. Blaston }
+  Mr. Yorke   }
+  Mr. Pension } Masters of the Revells.
+  Mr. Jervise }
+  Mr. Parker, Lieutenant of the Tower.
+  Mr. Kendall, Carver.
+  Mr. Martin, Ranger of the Forests.
+  Mr. Stradling, Sewer.
+
+"And there were fourscore of the Guard; beside divers others not here
+named.
+
+"Touching the particulars of this Grand Feast, Gerard Leigh, in his
+'Accidence of Armory,' p. 119, &c., having spoken of the Pegasus borne
+for the armes of this Society, thus goes on: 'After I had travelled
+through the East parts of the unknown world, to understand of deedes
+of armes, and so arriving in the fair river of Thames, I landed within
+half a league from the City of London, which was (as I conjecture) in
+December last; and drawing neer the City, suddenly heard the shot of
+double canons, in so great a number, and so terrible, that it darkened
+the whole ayr; wherewith, although I was in my native country, yet
+stood I amazed, not knowing what it meant. Thus, as I abode in
+despair, either to return or to continue my former purpose, I chanced
+to see coming towards me an honest citizen, clothed in a long garment,
+keeping the highway, seeming to walk for his recreation, which
+prognosticated rather peace than perill; of whom I demanded the cause
+of this great shot; who friendly answered, "It is," quoth he, "a
+warning shot to the Constable Marshall of the Inner Temple, to prepare
+to dinner."
+
+"'"Why," said I, "what, is he of that estate that seeketh no other
+means to warn his officers than with so terrible shot in so peaceable
+a country?" "Marry," saith he, "he uttereth himself the better to be
+that officer whose name he beareth."
+
+"'I then demanded, "What province did he govern, that needed such an
+officer?" He answered me, "The province was not great in quantity, but
+antient in true nobility. A place," said he, "privileged by the most
+excellent Princess the High Governor of the whole Island, wherein are
+store of Gentlemen of the whole Realm, that repair thither to learn to
+rule and obey by Law, to yield their fleece to their Prince and
+Commonweal; as also to use all other exercises of body and mind
+whereunto nature most aptly serveth to adorn, by speaking,
+countenance, gesture, and use of apparel the person of a Gentleman;
+whereby amity is obtained, and continued, that Gentlemen of all
+countries, in their young years, nourished together in one place, with
+such comely order, and daily conference, are knit by continual
+acquaintance in such unity of minds and manners as lightly never after
+is severed, than which is nothing more profitable to the Commonweale."
+
+"'And after he had told me thus much of honour of the place, I
+commended in mine own conceit the policy of the Governour, which
+seemed to utter in itself the foundation of a good Commonweal; for
+that, the best of their people from tender years trained up in
+precepts of justice, it could not choose but yield forth a profitable
+People to a wise Commonweal; wherefore I determined with myself to
+make proof of what I heard by report.
+
+"'The next day I thought of my pastime to walk to this Temple, and
+entring in at the gates, I found the building nothing costly; but many
+comely Gentlemen of face and person, and thereto very courteous, saw I
+to pass to and fro, so as it seemed a Prince's port to be at hand; and
+passing forward, entred into a Church of antient building, wherein
+were many monuments of noble personages armed in knightly habit, with
+their cotes depainted in ancient shields, whereat I took pleasure to
+behold. Thus gazing as one bereft with the rare sight, there came unto
+me an Hereaught, by name Palaphilos, a King of Armes, who courteously
+saluted me, saying, "For that I was a stranger, and seeming by my
+demeanour a lover of honour, I was his guest of right," whose courtesy
+(as reason was) I obeyed; answering, "I was at his commandment."
+
+"'"Then," said he, "ye shall go to mine own lodging here within the
+Palace, where we will have such cheer as the time and country will
+yield us;" where, I assure you I was so entertained, and no where I
+met with better cheer or company, &c.
+
+"'--Thus talking, we entred the Prince his Hall, where anon we heard
+the noise of drum and fyfe. "What meaneth this drum?" said I. Quoth
+he, "This is to warn Gentlemen of the Houshold to repair to the
+dresser; wherefore come on with me, and ye shall stand where ye may
+best see the Hall served:" and so from thence brought me into a long
+gallery, that stretched itself along the Hall neer the Prince's table,
+where I saw the Prince set: a man of tall personage, a manly
+countenance, somewhat brown of visage, strongly featured, and thereto
+comely proportioned in all lineaments of body. At the nether end of
+the same table were placed the Embassadors of sundry Princes. Before
+him stood the carver, sewer, and cupbearer, with great number of
+gentlemen-wayters attending his person; the ushers making place to
+strangers, of sundry regions that came to behold the honour of this
+mighty Captain. After the placing of these honourable guests, the Lord
+Steward, Treasurer, and Keeper of Pallas Seal, with divers honourable
+personages of that Nobility, were placed at a side-table neer
+adjoining the Prince on the right hand: and at another table, on the
+left side, were placed the Treasurer of the Houshold, Secretary, the
+Prince his Serjeant at the Law, four Masters of the Revels, the King
+of Arms, the Dean of the Chappel, and divers Gentlemen Pensioners to
+furnish the same.
+
+"'At another table, on the other side, were set the Master of the
+Game, and his Chief Ranger, Masters of Houshold, Clerks of the Green
+Cloth and Check, with divers other strangers to furnish the same.
+
+"'On the other side against them began the table, the Lieutenant of
+the Tower, accompanied with divers Captains of foot-bands and shot.
+At the nether end of the Hall began the table, the High Butler, the
+Panter, Clerks of the Kitchen, Master Cook of the Privy Kitchen,
+furnished throughout with the souldiers and Guard of the Prince: all
+which, with number of inferior officers placed and served in the Hall,
+besides the great resort of strangers, I spare to write.
+
+"'The Prince so served with tender meats, sweet fruits, and dainty
+delicates confectioned with curious cookery, as it seemed wonder a
+world to observe the provision: and at every course the trumpetters
+blew the couragious blast of deadly war, with noise of drum and fyfe,
+with the sweet harmony of violins, sack-butts, recorders, and
+cornetts, with other instruments of musick, as it seemed Apollo's harp
+had tuned their stroke.
+
+"'Thus the Hall was served after the most ancient order of the Island;
+in commendation whereof I say, I have also seen the service of great
+Princes, in solemn seasons and times of triumph, yet the order hereof
+was not inferior to any.
+
+"'But to proceed, this Herehaught Palaphilos, even before the second
+course came in, standing at the high table, said in this manner: "The
+mighty Palaphilos, Prince of Sophie, High Constable Marshall of the
+Knights Templars, Patron of the Honourable Order of Pegasus:" and
+therewith cryeth, "A Largess." The Prince, praysing the Herehaught,
+bountifully rewarded him with a chain to the value of an hundred
+talents.
+
+"'I assure you I languish for want of cunning ripely to utter that I
+saw so orderly handled appertaining to service; wherefore I cease, and
+return to my purpose.
+
+"'The supper ended, and tables taken up, the High Constable rose, and
+a while stood under the place of honour, where his achievement was
+beautifully embroidered, and devised of sundry matters, with the
+Ambassadors of foreign nations, as he thought good, till Palaphilos,
+King of Armes, came in, his Herehaught Marshal, and Pursuivant before
+him; and after followed his messenger and Calligate Knight; who
+putting off his coronal, made his humble obeysance to the Prince, by
+whom he was commanded to draw neer, and understand his pleasure;
+saying to him; in few words, to this effect: "Palaphilos, seeing it
+hath pleased the high Pallas, to think me to demerit the office of
+this place; and thereto this night past vouchsafed to descend from
+heavens to increase my further honour, by creating me Knight of her
+Order of Pegasus; as also commanded me to join in the same Society
+such valiant Gentlemen throughout her province, whose living honour
+hath best deserved the same, the choice whereof most aptly belongeth
+to your skill, being the watchman of their doings, and register of
+their deserts; I will ye choose as well throughout our whole armyes,
+as elsewhere, of such special gentlemen, as the gods hath appointed,
+the number of twenty-four, and the names of them present us:
+commanding also those chosen persons to appear in our presence in
+knightly habit, that with conveniency we may proceed in our purpose."
+This done, Palaphilos obeying his Prince's commandement, with
+twenty-four valiant Knights, all apparelled in long white vestures,
+with each man a scarf of Pallas colours, and them presented, with
+their names, to the Prince; who allowed well his choise, and commanded
+him to do his office. Who, after his duty to the Prince, bowed towards
+these worthy personages, standing every man in his antienty, as he had
+borne armes in the field, and began to shew his Prince's pleasure;
+with the honour of the Order.'"
+
+"_Other Particulars touching these Grand Christmasses, extracted
+out of the Accompts of the House_.
+
+"First, it hath been the duty of the Steward, to provide five fat
+brawns, vessels, wood, and other necessaries belonging to the kitchen:
+as also all manner of spices, flesh, fowl, and other cates for the
+kitchen.
+
+"The office of the Chief Butler, to provide a rich cupboard of plate,
+silver and parcel gilt: seaven dozen of silver and gilt spoons: twelve
+fair salt-cellers, likewise silver and gilt: twenty candlesticks of
+the like.
+
+"Twelve fine large table cloths, of damask and diaper. Twenty dozen of
+napkins suitable at the least. Three dozen of fair large towels;
+whereof the Gentleman Sewers, and Butlers of the House, to have every
+of them one at mealtimes, during their attendance. Likewise to provide
+carving knives; twenty dozen of white cups and green potts: a carving
+table; torches; bread, beer, and ale. And the chief of the Butlers was
+to give attendance on the highest table in the Hall, with wine, ale
+and beer: and all the other Butlers to attend at the other tables in
+like sort.
+
+"The cupboard of plate is to remain in the Hall on Christmas Day, St.
+Stephen's Day and New Year's Day, from breakfast time ended untill
+after supper. Upon the banquetting night it was removed into the
+buttry; which in all respects was very laudably performed.
+
+"The office of the Constable Marshall to provide for his employment, a
+fair gilt compleat harneys, with a nest of fethers in the helm; a fair
+pole-axe to bear in his hand, to be chevalrously ordered on Christmas
+Day and other days, as afterwards is shewed; touching the ordering and
+settling of all which ceremonies, during the said Grand Christmas, a
+solemn consultation was held at their Parliament in this house; in the
+form following:
+
+"First, at the Parliament kept in their Parliament Chamber in this
+House, on the even at night of St. Thomas the Apostle, officers are to
+attend, according as they had been long before that time, at a former
+Parliament named and elected to undergo several offices for this time
+of solemnity, honour, and pleasance; of which officers these are the
+most eminent; namely, the Steward, Marshall, Constable Marshall,
+Butler and Master of the Game. These officers are made known and
+elected in Trinity Term next before; and to have knowledg thereof by
+letters, in the country, to the end they may prepare themselves
+against All-Hallow-tide; that, if such nominated officers happen to
+fail, others may then be chosen in their rooms. The other officers are
+appointed at other times nearer Christmas Day.
+
+"If the Steward, or any of the said officers named in Trinity Term,
+refuse or fail, he or they were fined every one, at the discretion of
+the Bench; and the officers aforenamed agreed upon. And at such a
+Parliament, if it be fully resolved to proceed with such a Grand
+Christmas, then the two youngest Butlers must light two torches, and
+go before the Bench to the upper end of the Hall; who being set down,
+the antientest Bencher delivereth a speech briefly, to the whole
+society of Gentlemen then present, touching their consent as afore:
+which ended, the eldest Butler is to publish all the officers' names,
+appointed in Parliament; and then in token of joy and good-liking, the
+Bench and Company pass beneath the harth, and sing a carol, and so to
+boyer.
+
+"_Christmas Eve._--The Marshall at dinner is to place at the highest
+table's end, and next to the Library, all on one side thereof, the
+most antient persons in the company present: the Dean of the Chappel
+next to him; then an antient or Bencher, beneath him. At the other end
+of the table, the Sewer, Cup-bearer, and Carver. At the upper end of
+the bench-table, the King's Serjeant and Chief Butler; and when the
+Steward hath served in, and set on the table the first mess, then he
+is also to sit down.
+
+"Also at the supper end of the other table, on the other side of the
+Hall, are to be placed the three Masters of the Revels; and at the
+lower end of the bench-table are to sit, the King's Attorney, the
+Ranger of the Forest, and the Master of the Game. And at the lower end
+of the table, on the other side of the Hall, the fourth Master of the
+Revels, the Common Serjeant, and Constable-Marshall. And at the upper
+end of the Utter Barrister's table, the Marshal sitteth, when he hath
+served in the first mess; the Clark of the Kitchen also, and the Clark
+of the Sowce-tub, when they have done their offices in the kitchen,
+sit down. And at the upper end of the Clark's table, the Lieutenant of
+the Tower, and the attendant to the Buttery are placed.
+
+"At these two tables last rehersed, the persons they may sit upon both
+sides of the table; but of the other three tables all are to sit upon
+one side. And then the Butlers or Christmas Servants, are first to
+cover the tables with fair linnen table-cloths; and furnish them with
+salt-cellers, napkins, and trenchers, and a silver spoon. And then the
+Butlers of the House must place at the salt-celler, at every the said
+first three highest tables, a stock of trenchers and bread; and at the
+other tables, bread onely without trenchers.
+
+"At the first course the minstrels must sound their instruments, and
+go before; and the Steward and Marshall are next to follow together;
+and after them the Gentleman Sewer; and then cometh the meat. Those
+three officers are to make altogether three solemn curtesies, at three
+several times, between the skreen and the upper table; beginning with
+the first at the end of the Bencher's table; the second at the midst;
+and the third at the other end; and then standing by the Sewer
+performeth his office.
+
+"When the first table is set and served, the Steward's table is next
+to be served. After him the Master's table of the Revells; then that
+of the Master of the Game. The High Constable-Marshall; then the
+Lieutenant of the Tower; then the Utter Barrister's table; and lastly
+the Clerk's table; all which time the musick must stand right above
+the harth side, with the noise of their musick; their faces direct
+towards the highest table; and that done, to return into the buttry,
+with their music sounding.
+
+"At the second course every table is to be served as at the first
+course, in every respect; which performed the Servitors and Musicians
+are to resort to the place assigned for them to dine at; which is the
+Valects or Yeoman's table, beneath the skreen. Dinner ended the
+musicians prepare to sing a song, at the highest table: which ceremony
+accomplished, then the officers are to address themselves every one in
+his office, to avoid the tables in fair and decent manner, they
+beginning at the Clerk's table; thence proceed to the next; and thence
+to all the others till the highest table be solemnly avoided.
+
+"Then, after a little repose, the persons at the highest table arise
+and prepare to revells: in which time, the Butlers, and other
+Servitors with them, are to dine in the Library.
+
+"At both the doors in the hall are porters, to view the comers in and
+out at meal times; to each of them is allowed a cast of bread, and a
+caudle nightly after supper.
+
+"At night before supper are revels and dancing, and so also after
+supper during the twelve daies of Christmas. The antientest Master of
+the Revels is, after dinner and supper, to sing a caroll or song; and
+command other gentlemen then there present to sing with him and the
+company; and so it is very decently performed.
+
+"A repast at dinner is 8d.
+
+"_Christmas Day._--Service in the Church ended, the Gentlemen
+presently repair into the hall to breakfast, with brawn, mustard and
+malmsey.
+
+"At dinner, the Butler appointed for the Grand Christmas, is to see
+the tables covered and furnished: and the Ordinary Butlers of the
+House are decently to set bread, napkins, and trenchers in good form,
+at every table; with spoones and knives.
+
+"At the first course is served in a fair and large bore's-head, upon a
+silver platter, with minstralsye. Two Gentlemen in gowns are to
+attend at supper, and to bear two fair torches of wax, next before the
+Musicians and Trumpetters, and to stand above the fire with the musick
+till the first course be served in through the Hall. Which performed,
+they, with the musick, are to return into the buttery. The like course
+is to be observed in all things, during the time of Christmas. The
+like at supper.
+
+"At service time, this evening, the two youngest Butlers are to bear
+two torches _Genealogia_.
+
+"A repast at dinner is 12d. which strangers of worth are admitted to
+take in the Hall; and such are to be placed at the discretion of the
+Marshall.
+
+"_St. Stephen's Day._--The Butler, appointed for Christmas, is to see
+the tables covered, and furnished with salt-sellers, napkins, bread,
+trenchers, and spoons. Young Gentlemen of the House are to attend and
+serve till the latter dinner, and then dine themselves.
+
+"This day the Sewer, Carver, and Cup-bearer are to serve as afore.
+After the first course served in, the Constable-Marshall cometh into
+the Hall, arrayed with a fair rich compleat harneys, white and bright,
+and gilt, with a nest of fethers of all colours upon his crest or
+helm, and a gilt pole-axe in his hand: to whom is associate the
+Lieutenant of the Tower, armed with a fair white armour, a nest of
+fethers in his helm, and a like pole-axe in his hand; and with them
+sixteen Trumpetters; four drums and fifes going in rank before them;
+and with them attendeth four men in white harneys, from the middle
+upwards, and halberds in their hands, bearing on their shoulders the
+Tower: which persons, with the drums, trumpets and musick, go three
+times about the fire. Then the Constable-Marshall, after two or three
+curtesies made, kneeleth down before the Lord Chancellor; behind him
+the Lieutenant; and they kneeling, the Constable-Marshall pronounceth
+an oration of a quarter of an hour's length, therby declaring the
+purpose of his coming; and that his purpose is to be admitted into his
+Lordship's service.
+
+"The Lord Chancellor saith, 'He will take further advice therein.'
+
+"Then the Constable-Marshall, standing up, in submissive manner
+delivereth his naked sword to the Steward; who giveth it to the Lord
+Chancellor: and thereupon the Lord Chancellor willeth the Marshall to
+place the Constable-Marshall in his seat: and so he doth, with the
+Lieutenant also in his seat or place. During this ceremony the Tower
+is placed beneath the fire.
+
+"Then cometh the Master of the Game, apparelled in green velvet, and
+the Ranger of the Forest also, in a green suit of satten; bearing in
+his hand a green bow and divers arrows, with either of them a hunting
+horn about their necks; blowing together three blasts of venery, they
+pace round about the fire three times. Then the Master of the Game
+maketh three curtesies; as aforesaid; and kneeleth down before the
+Lord Chancellor, declaring the cause of his coming; and desireth to be
+admitted into his service, &c. All this time the Ranger of the Forest
+standeth directly behind him. Then the Master of the Game standeth up.
+
+"This ceremony also performed, a Huntsman cometh into the Hall, with a
+fox and a purse-net; with a cat, both bound at the end of a staff; and
+with them nine or ten couple of hounds, with the blowing of hunting
+hornes. And the fox and cat are by the hounds set upon, and killed
+beneath the fire. This sport finished the Marshall placeth them in
+their several appointed places.
+
+"Then proceedeth the second course; which done, and served out, the
+Common Serjeant delivereth a plausible speech to the Lord Chancellour,
+and his company at the highest table, how necessary a thing it is to
+have officers at this present; the Constable-Marshall and Master of
+the Game, for the better honour and reputation of the Commonwealth;
+and wisheth them to be received, &c.
+
+"Then the King's Serjeant at Law declareth and inferreth the
+necessity; which heard the Lord Chancellor desireth respite of farther
+advice. Then the antientest of the Masters of the Revels singeth a
+song with the assistance of others there present.
+
+"At Supper the Hall is to be served in all solemnity, as upon
+Christmas Day, both the first and second course to the highest table.
+Supper ended the Constable-Marshall presenteth himself with drums
+afore him, mounted upon a scaffold, born by four men; and goeth three
+times round about the harthe, crying out aloud, 'A Lord, a lord,' &c.
+Then he descendeth and goeth to dance, &c. And after he calleth his
+Court every one by name, one by one, in this manner:
+
+"Sir _Francis Flatterer_ of _Fowlehurst_, in the county of
+_Buckingham_.
+
+"Sir _Randle Rakabite_, of _Rascall-Hall_, in the county of
+_Rakehell_.
+
+"Sir _Morgan Mumchance_, of _Much Monkery_, in the county of _Mad
+Mopery_.
+
+"Sir _Bartholomew Baldbreech_, of _Buttocks-bury_, in the county of
+_Brekeneck_.
+
+"This done the Lord of Misrule addresseth himself to the banquet;
+which ended with some minstralsye, mirth and dancing every man
+departeth to rest.
+
+"At every mess is a pot of wine allowed.
+
+"Every repast is 6d.
+
+"_St. John's Day._--About seaven of the clock in the morning, the Lord
+of Misrule is abroad, and if he lack any officer or attendant, he
+repaireth to their chambers, and compelleth them to attend in person
+upon him after service in the church, to breakfast, with brawn,
+mustard, and malmsey. After breakfast ended, his Lordship's power is
+in suspense, until his personal presence at night; and then his power
+is most potent.
+
+"At dinner and supper is observed the diet and service performed on
+St. Stephen's Day. After the second course served in, the King's
+Serjeant, orator-like, declareth the disorder of the
+Constable-Marshall, and of the Common-Serjeant: which complaint is
+answered by the Common-Serjeant; who defendeth himself and the
+Constable-Marshall with words of great efficacy. Hereto the King's
+Serjeant replyeth. They rejoyn, &c., and who so is found faulty is
+committed to the Tower, &c.
+
+"If any officer be absent at dinner or supper times; if it be
+complained of, he that sitteth in his place is adjudged to have like
+punishment as the officer should have had being present: and then
+withal he is enjoyned to supply the office of the true absent officer,
+in all pointe. If any offendor escape from the Lieutenant into the
+Buttery, and bring into the Hall a manchet upon the point of a knife,
+he is pardoned: for the buttry in that case is a sanctuary. After
+cheese served to the table not any is commanded to sing.
+
+"_Childermas Day._--In the morning, as afore on Monday, the Hall is
+served; saving that the Sewer, Carver, and Cup-bearer, do not attend
+any service. Also like ceremony at supper.
+
+"_Thursday._--At breakfast, brawn, mustard, and malmsey. At dinner,
+roast beef, venison-pasties, with like solemnities as afore. And at
+supper, mutton and hens roasted.
+
+"_New Year's Day._--In the morning, breakfast as formerly. At dinner
+like solemnity as on Christmas Eve.
+
+"_The Banquetting Night._--It is proper to the Butler's office, to
+give warning to every House of Court, of this banquet; to the end that
+they and the Innes of Chancery, be invited thereto to see a play and
+mask. The hall is to be furnished with scaffolds to sit on, for Ladies
+to behold the sports, on each side. Which ended the ladyes are to be
+brought into the Library, unto the Banquet there; and a table is to be
+covered and furnished with all banquetting dishes, for the Lord
+Chancellor, in the Hall; where he is to call to him the Ancients of
+other Houses, as many as may be on the one side of the table. The
+Banquet is to be served in by the Gentlemen of the House.
+
+"The Marshall and Steward are to come before the Lord Chancellour's
+mess. The Butlers for Christmas must serve wine; and the Butlers of
+the House beer and ale, &c. When the banquet is ended, then cometh
+into the Hall the Constable-Marshall, fairly mounted on his mule; and
+deviseth some sport for passing away the rest of the night.
+
+"_Twelf Day._--At breakfast, brawn, mustard, and malmsey, after
+morning prayer ended. And at dinner, the Hall is to be served as upon
+St. John's Day."
+
+              *     *     *     *     *
+
+The performance of "Gorboduc" at the Inner Temple was received with
+such great applause, and the services of Lord Robert Dudley, first
+favourite of the Queen, so highly appreciated at that particular
+"grand Christmasse," that Queen Elizabeth commanded a repetition of
+the play about a fortnight later, before herself, at her Court at
+Whitehall. A contemporary MS. note (Cotton MSS., Vit. F. v.) says of
+
+
+THE PERFORMANCE BEFORE THE QUEEN,
+
+that "on the 18th of January, 1562, there was a play in the Queen's
+Hall at Westminster by the gentlemen of the Temple after a great mask,
+for there was a great scaffold in the hall, with great triumph as has
+been seen; and the morrow after, the scaffold was taken down." An
+unauthorised edition of the play was first published, in September of
+that year, by William Griffith, a bookseller in St. Dunstan's
+Churchyard; but nine years afterwards an authorised and "true copy" of
+the play was published by John Day, of Aldersgate, the title being
+then altered from "Gorboduc" (in which name the spurious edition had
+been issued) to "Ferrex and Porrex." The title of this edition set
+forth that the play was "without addition or alteration, but
+altogether as the same was shewed on stage before the Queen's
+Majestie, by the gentlemen of the Inner Temple." The argument of the
+play was taken from Geoffrey of Monmouth's "History of British Kings,"
+and was a call to Englishmen to cease from strife among themselves and
+become an united people, obedient to one undisputed rule:--
+
+ "Within one land one single rule is best:
+  Divided reigns do make divided hearts;
+  But peace preserves the country and the prince."
+
+It recalled the horrors of the civil wars, and forbade the like
+again:--
+
+ "What princes slain before their timely hour!
+  What waste of towns and people in the land!
+  What treasons heap'd on murders and on spoils!
+  Whose just revenge e'en yet is scarcely ceas'd:
+  Ruthful remembrance is yet raw in mind.
+  The gods forbid the like to chance again."
+
+A good description of the play, with copious extracts, is published in
+Morley's "English Plays," from which it also appears that "Queen
+Mary's expenditure on players and musicians had been between two and
+three thousand pounds a year in salaries. Elizabeth reduced this
+establishment, but still paid salaries to interlude players and
+musicians, to a keeper of bears and mastiffs, as well as to the
+gentlemen and children of the chapel. The Master of the Children had a
+salary of forty pounds a year; the children had largesse at high
+feasts, and when additional use was made of their services; and each
+Gentleman of the Chapel had nineteenpence a day, with board and
+clothing. The Master of the Chapel who at this time had the training
+of the children was Richard Edwards, who had written lighter pieces
+for them to act before her Majesty, and now applied his skill to the
+writing of English comedies, and teaching his boys to act them for the
+pleasure of the Queen. The new form of entertainment made its way at
+Court and through the country."
+
+[Illustration: THE FOOL OF THE OLD PLAY.
+(_From a Print by Breughel._)]
+
+At this period
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS REVELS AT THE INNS OF COURT
+
+were observed with much zest and jollity. Sandys (writing in 1833 of
+Elizabeth's time) says:--
+
+"The order of the usual Christmas amusements at the Inns of Court at
+this period would cause some curious scenes if carried into effect in
+the present day. Barristers singing and dancing before the judges,
+serjeants and benchers, would 'draw a house' if spectators were
+admitted. Of so serious import was this dancing considered, that by an
+order in Lincoln's Inn of February, 7th James I., the under barristers
+were by decimation put out of commons because the whole bar offended
+by not dancing on Candlemas Day preceding, according to the ancient
+order of the society, when the judges were present; with a threat that
+if the fault were repeated, they should be fined or disbarred."
+
+Sir William Dugdale makes the following reference to
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS REVELS OF THE INNER TEMPLE:--
+
+"First, the solemn Revells (after dinner, and the play ended,) are
+begun by the whole House, Judges, Sergeants at Law, Benchers; the
+Utter and Inner Barr; and they led by the _Master of the Revells_: and
+one of the Gentlemen of the Utter Barr are chosen to sing a song to
+the Judges, Serjeants, or Masters of the Bench; which is usually
+performed; and in default thereof, there may be an amerciament. Then
+the Judges and Benchers take their places, and sit down at the upper
+end of the Hall. Which done, the _Utter-Barristers_ and
+_Inner-Barristers_, perform a second solemn Revell before them. Which
+ended, the _Utter-Barristers_ take their places and sit down. Some of
+the Gentlemen of the _Inner-Barr_, do present the House with dancing,
+which is called the _Post Revells_, and continue their Dances, till
+the Judges or Bench think meet to rise and depart."
+
+
+THE HARD FROST OF 1564
+
+gave the citizens of London an opportunity of keeping Christmas on the
+ice. An old chronicler says: "From 21st December, 1564, a hard frost
+prevailed, and on new year's eve, people went over and alongst the
+Thames on the ise from London Bridge to Westminster. Some plaied at
+the football as boldlie there, as if it had been on the drie land;
+divers of the Court, being then at Westminster shot dailie at prickes
+set upon the Thames, and tradition says, Queen Elizabeth herself
+walked upon the ise. The people both men and women, went on the Thames
+in greater numbers than in any street of the City of London. On the
+third daie of January, 1565, at night it began to thaw, and on the
+fifth there was no ise to be seene between London Bridge and Lambeth,
+which sudden thaw caused great floods, and high waters, that bore
+downe bridges and houses and drowned Manie people in England."
+
+
+HOW QUEEN ELIZABETH WENT TO WORSHIP, CHRISTMAS, 1565.
+
+Nichols[55] gives the following particular account of Queen
+Elizabeth's attendance at Divine worship, at the "Chappell of
+Whitehall, Westminster," Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 1565:--
+
+"Item, on Monday, the 24th of December, the Officers of Arms being
+there present, the Queen's Majesty came to the evening prayer, the
+sword borne by the Earle of Warwick, her trayn borne by the Lady
+Strange.
+
+"Item, on Christmas Day her Majesty came to service very richly
+apparelled in a gown of purple velvet embroidered with silver very
+richly set with stones, with a rich collar set with stones; the Earl
+of Warwick bare the sword, the Lady Strange the trayn. After the
+Creed, the Queene's Majesty went down to the offering, and having a
+short forme with a carpet, and a cushion laid by a gentleman usher,
+the ... taken by the Lord Chamberlain, her Majesty kneeled down, her
+offering given her by the Marquis of Northampton; after which she went
+into her traverse, where she abode till the time of the communion, and
+then came forth, and kneeled down at the cushion and carpet aforesaid;
+the Gentlemen Ushers delivered the towel to the Lord Chamberlain, who
+delivered the same to be holden by the Earl of Sussex on the right
+hand, and the Earl of Leicester on the left hand; the Bishop of
+Rochester served the Queen both of wine and bread; then the Queen went
+into the traverse again; and the Ladie Cicilie, wife of the Marquis of
+Baden, came out of the traverse, and kneeled at the place where the
+Queen kneeled, but she had no cushion, but one to kneel on; after she
+had received she returned to the traverse again; then the Archbishop
+of Canterbury and the Lord Chamberlain received the Communion with the
+Mother of the Maids; after which the service proceeded to the end, and
+the Queen returned again to the Chamber of presence strait, and not
+the closet. Her Majesty dined not abroad; the said Officers of Arms
+had a mess of meat of seven dishes, with bread, beer, ale, and wine."
+
+
+ROYAL CHRISTMASES AT HAMPTON COURT.
+
+In 1568, the Earl of Shrewsbury, writing from Hampton Court to his
+countess, says, "The Plage is disposed far abrode in London, so that
+the Queene kepes hur Kyrsomas her, and goth not to Grenwych as it was
+mete." Meet or not, Elizabeth kept many Christmases at Hampton Court,
+banqueting, dancing, and dicing--the last being a favourite amusement
+with her, because she generally won, thanks to her dice being so
+loaded as to throw up the higher numbers. Writing from Hampton Court
+at Christmas, 1572, Sir Thomas Smith says: "If ye would what we do
+here, we play at tables, dance, and keep Christmasse."
+
+[Illustration: Coat of Arms.]
+
+
+QUEEN ELIZABETH'S SINGERS AND PLAYERS.
+
+The Christmas entertainments of Queen Elizabeth were enlivened by the
+beautiful singing of the children of her Majesty's Chapel. From the
+notes to Gascoigne's _Princely Pleasures_ (1821) it appears that Queen
+Elizabeth retained on her Royal establishment four sets of singing
+boys; which belonged to the Cathedral of St. Paul, the Abbey of
+Westminster, St. George's Chapel, Windsor, and the Household Chapel.
+For the support and reinforcement of her musical bands, Elizabeth,
+like the other English Sovereigns, issued warrants for taking "up
+suche apt and meete children, as are fitt to be instructed and framed
+in the Art and Science of Musicke and Singing." Thomas Tusser, the
+well-known author of "Five Hundreth Points of Good Husbandrye," was in
+his youth a choir boy of St. Paul's. Nor is it astonishing, that
+although masses had ceased to be performed, the Queen should yet
+endeavour to preserve sacred melody in a high state of perfection;
+since, according to Burney, she was herself greatly skilled in musical
+learning. "If her Majesty," says that eminent author, "was ever able
+to execute any of the pieces that are preserved in a MS. which goes
+under the name of Queen Elizabeth's Virginal-book, she must have been
+a very great player, as some of the pieces which were composed by
+Tallis, Bird, Giles, Farnaby, Dr. Bull, and others, are so difficult
+that it would be hardly possible to find a master in Europe who would
+undertake to play any of them at the end of a month's practice."[56]
+But the children of the chapel were also employed in the theatrical
+exhibitions represented at Court, for which their musical education
+had peculiarly qualified them. Richard Edwards, an eminent poet and
+musician of the sixteenth century, had written two comedies; Damon and
+Pythias, and Palemon and Arcite, which, according to Wood, were often
+acted before the Queen, both at Court and at Oxford.
+
+[Illustration: THE ACTING OF ONE OF SHAKESPEARE'S PLAYS IN THE TIME OF
+QUEEN ELIZABETH.
+(_By permission, from Messrs Cassell & Co's "Illustrated History of
+England_")]
+
+With the latter of these Queen Elizabeth was so much delighted that
+she promised Edwards a reward, which she subsequently gave him by
+making him first Gentleman of her Chapel, and in 1561 Master of the
+Children on the death of Richard Bowyer. As the Queen was particularly
+attached to dramatic entertainments, about 1569 she formed the
+children of the Royal Chapel into a company of theatrical performers,
+and placed them under the superintendence of Edwards. Not long after
+she formed a second society of players under the title of the
+"Children of the Revels," and by these two companies all Lyly's plays,
+and many of Shakespeare's and Jonson's, were first performed. Jonson
+has celebrated one of the chapel children, named Salathiel Pavy, who
+was famous for his performance of old men, but who died about 1601,
+under the age of thirteen. In his beautiful epitaph of Pavy, Jonson
+says:--
+
+ "'Twas a child that did so thrive
+    In grace and feature,
+  As heaven and nature seem'd to strive
+    Which own'd the creature.
+  Years he number'd scarce thirteen
+    When fates turn'd cruel,
+  Yet three fill'd Zodiacs had he been
+    The stage's jewel;
+  And did act, what now we moan.
+    Old men so duly,
+  That the Parcoe thought him one
+    He played so truly."
+
+The Shakespearian period had its grand Christmases, for
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS PLAYERS
+
+at the Court of Queen Elizabeth included England's greatest dramatist,
+William Shakespeare; and the Queen not only took delight in witnessing
+Shakespeare's plays, but also admired the poet as a player. The
+histrionic ability of Shakespeare was by no means contemptible, though
+probably not such as to have transmitted his name to posterity had he
+confined himself exclusively to acting. Rowe informs us that "the
+tip-top of his performances was the ghost in his own _Hamlet_;" but
+Aubrey states that he "did act exceedingly well"; and Cheetle, a
+contemporary of the poet, who had seen him perform, assures us that he
+was "excellent in the quality he professed." An anecdote is preserved
+in connection with Shakespeare's playing before Queen Elizabeth. While
+he was taking the part of a king, in the presence of the Queen,
+Elizabeth rose, and, in crossing the stage, dropped her glove as she
+passed the poet. No notice was taken by him of the incident; and the
+Queen, desirous of finding out whether this was the result of
+inadvertence, or a determination to preserve the consistency of his
+part, moved again towards him, and again dropped her glove.
+Shakespeare then stooped down to pick it up, saying, in the character
+of the monarch whom he was playing--
+
+ "And though now bent on this high embassy,
+  Yet stoop we to take up our cousin's glove."
+
+He then retired and presented the glove to the Queen, who was highly
+pleased with his courtly performance.
+
+
+GRAND CHRISTMAS AT GRAY'S INN.
+
+In 1594 there was a celebrated Christmas at Gray's Inn, of which an
+account was published in 1688 under the following title:--
+
+"Gesta Grayorum: or the History of the High and Mighty Prince, Henry
+Prince of Purpoole, Arch-Duke of Stapulia and Bernardia, Duke of High
+and Nether Holborn, Marquis of St. Giles and Tottenham, Count
+Palatine of Bloomsbury and Clerkenwell, Great Lord of the Cantons of
+Islington, Kentish-Town, Paddington, and Knights-bridge, Knight of the
+most Heroical Order of the Helmet, and Sovereign of the same; Who
+Reigned and Died, A.D. 1594. Together with a Masque, as it was
+presented (by his Highness's Command) for the entertainment of Q.
+Elizabeth; who, with the Nobles of both Courts, was present thereat.
+London, Printed for W. Canning, at his shop in the Temple-Cloysters,
+MDCLXXXVIII. Price one shilling." 4to nine sheets, dedicated "To the
+most honourable Matthew Smyth, Esq., Comptroller of the honourable
+society of the Inner Temple."
+
+The Prince of Purpoole was Mr. Henry Helmes, a Norfolk gentleman, "who
+was thought to be accomplished with all good parts, fit for so great a
+dignity; and was also a very proper man of personage, and very active
+in dancing and revelling." His coffers were filled by voluntary
+contributors, amongst whom the lord treasurer, Sir William Cecil, sent
+him ten pounds, and a purse of rich needlework.
+
+The performers were highly applauded by Queen Elizabeth, who expressed
+satisfaction in her own peculiar style. When the actors had performed
+their Masque, some of her Majesty's courtiers danced a measure,
+whereupon the Queen exclaimed: "What! shall we have bread and cheese
+after a banquet?" Finally the Prince and his Officers of State were
+honoured by kissing her fair hands, and receiving the most flattering
+commendations. The whole amusement terminated in fighting at barriers;
+the Earl of Essex, and others, challengers; the Earl of Cumberland and
+company defendants, "into which number," says the narrator, "our
+Prince was taken, and behaved himself so valiantly and skilfully
+therein, that he had the prize adjudged due unto him, which it pleased
+her Majesty to deliver him with her own hands; telling him, that it
+was not her gift, for if it had, it should have been better; but she
+gave it to him, as that prize which was due to his desert, and good
+behaviour in those exercises; and that hereafter he should be
+remembered with a better reward from herself. The prize was a jewel,
+set with seventeen diamonds and four rubies; in value accounted worth
+a hundred marks."
+
+The following is the Gray's Inn list of performers, which included
+some gentlemen who were afterwards "distinguished members in the law."
+
+[From "Gesta Grayorum," page 6.]
+
+"The order of the Prince of Purpoole's proceedings, with his
+officers and attendants at his honourable inthronization; which
+was likewise observed in all his solemn marches on grand days,
+and like occasions; which place every officer did duly attend,
+during the reign of his highness's government.
+
+                 A Marshal.}      {A Marshal.
+                 Trumpets. }      {Trumpets.
+
+Pursuevant at Arms         _Lanye._
+
+Townsmen in the Prince's Livery}      {Yeomen of the Guard
+      with Halberts.           }      {three couples.
+
+Captain of the Guard                         _Grimes._
+
+Baron of the Grand Port                      _Dudley._
+
+Baron of the Base Port                       _Grante._
+
+Gentlemen for Entertainment, three couples   _Binge, &c._
+
+Baron of the Petty Port                      _Williams._
+
+Baron of the New Port                        _Lovel._
+
+                                            {_Wentworth._
+Gentlemen for Entertainment, three couples  {_Zukenden._
+                                            {_Forrest._
+
+Lieutenant of the Pensioners      _Tonstal._
+
+Gentlemen Pensioners, twelve couples, viz.:
+      Lawson.   }      {Rotts.   }      {Davison.
+      Devereux. }      {Anderson.}      {
+      Stapleton.}      {Glascott.}      {
+      Daniel.   }      {Elken.   }      {cum reliquis.
+
+Chief Ranger and Master of the Game          _Forrest._
+
+Master of the Revels                         _Lambert._
+
+Master of the Revellers                      _Tevery._
+
+Captain of the Pensioners                    _Cooke._
+
+Sewer                                        _Archer._
+
+Carver                                       _Moseley._
+
+Another Sewer                                _Drewery._
+
+Cup-bearer                                   _Painter._
+
+Groom-porter                                 _Bennet._
+
+Sheriff                                      _Leach._
+
+Clerk of the Council                         _Jones._
+
+Clerk of the Parliament.
+
+Clerk of the Crown                           _Downes._
+
+Orator                                       _Heke._
+
+Recorder                                     _Starkey._
+
+Solicitor                                    _Dunne._
+
+Serjeant                                     _Goldsmith._
+
+Speaker of the Parliament                    _Bellen._
+
+Commissary                                   _Greenwood._
+
+Attorney                                     _Holt._
+
+Serjeant                                     _Hitchcombe._
+
+Master of the Requests                       _Faldo._
+
+Chancellor of the Exchequer                  _Kitts._
+
+Master of the Wards and Idiots               _Ellis._
+
+Reader                                       _Cobb._
+
+Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer            _Briggs._
+
+Master of the Rolls                          _Hetlen._
+
+Lord Chief Baron of the Common Pleas         _Damporte._
+
+Lord Chief Justice of the Princes Bench      _Crew._
+
+Master of the Ordnance                       _Fitz-Williams._
+
+Lieutenant of the Tower                      _Lloyd._
+
+Master of the Jewel-house                    _Darlen._
+
+Treasurer of the House-hold                  _Smith._
+
+Knight Marshal                               _Bell._
+
+Master of the Ward-robe                      _Conney._
+
+Comptroller of the House-hold                _Bouthe._
+
+Bishop of St. Giles's in the Fie             _Dandye._
+
+Steward of the House-hold                    _Smith._
+
+Lord Warden of the four Ports                _Damporte._
+
+Secretary of State                           _Jones._
+
+Lord Admiral                                 _Cecil (Richard)._
+
+Lord Treasurer                               _Morrey._
+
+Lord Great Chamberlain                       _Southworth._
+
+Lord High Constable.
+
+Lord Marshal                                 _Knapolck._
+
+Lord Privy Seal                              _Lamphew._
+
+Lord Chamberlain of the House-hold           _Markham._
+
+Lord High Steward                            _Kempe._
+
+Lord Chancellor                              _Johnson._
+
+Archbishop of St. Andrews in Holborn         _Bush._
+
+Serjeant at Arms, with the Mace              _Flemming._
+
+Gentleman-Usher                              _Chevett._
+
+The Shield of Pegasus, for the Inner-Temple  _Scevington._
+
+Serjeant at Arms, with the Sword             _Glascott._
+
+Gentleman-Usher                              _Paylor._
+
+The Shield of the Griffin, for Gray's-Inn    _Wickliffe._
+
+The King at Arms                             _Perkinson._
+
+The great Shield of the Prince's Arms        _Cobley._
+
+The Prince of Purpoole                       _Helmes._
+
+A Page of Honour                             _Wandforde._
+
+Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber, six couples.
+
+A Page of Honour                             _Butler (Roger)._
+
+Vice-Chamberlain                             _Butler (Thomas)._
+
+Master of the Horse                          _Fitz-Hugh._
+
+Yeomen of the Guard, three couples.
+Townsmen in Liveries.
+
+        The Family and Followers."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS'S LAMENTATION
+
+is the subject of an old song preserved in the Roxburgh Collection of
+Ballads in the British Museum. The full title is: "Christmas's
+Lamentation for the losse of his acquaintance; showing how he is forst
+to leave the country and come to London." It appears to have been
+published at the end of the sixteenth or the beginning of the
+seventeenth century. The burden of the song is that Christmas "charity
+from the country is fled," and the first verse will sufficiently
+indicate the style of the writing:--
+
+  Christmas is my name, far have I gone,
+  Have I gone, have I gone, have I gone, without regard,
+  Whereas great men by flocks there be flown,
+  There be flown, there be flown, there be flown, to London-ward;
+  Where they in pomp and pleasure do waste
+  That which Christmas was wonted to feast, Welladay!
+  Houses where music was wont for to ring
+  Nothing but bats and owlets do sing.
+      Welladay! Welladay! Welladay! where should I stay?
+
+
+OLD CHRISTMAS RETURNED
+
+is the title of a lively Christmas ditty which is a kind of reply to
+the preceding ballad. It is preserved in the collection formed by
+Samuel Pepys, some time Secretary to the Admiralty, and author of the
+famous diary, and by him bequeathed to Magdalene College, Cambridge.
+The full title and first verse of the old song are as follows:--
+
+"Old Christmas returned, or Hospitality revived; being a Looking-glass
+for Rich Misers, wherein they may see (if they be not blind) how much
+they are to blame for their penurious house-keeping, and likewise an
+encouragement to those noble-minded gentry, who lay out a great part
+of their estates in hospitality, relieving such persons as have need
+thereof:
+
+ 'Who feasts the poor, a true reward shall find,
+  Or helps the old, the feeble, lame, and blind.'"
+
+ "All you that to feasting and mirth are inclined,
+  Come, here is good news for to pleasure your mind;
+  Old Christmas is come for to keep open house,
+  He scorns to be guilty of starving a mouse;
+  Then come, boys, and welcome, for diet the chief,
+  Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minc'd pies, and roast beef."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN THE COUNTRY
+
+was revived in accordance with the commands of Queen Elizabeth, who
+listened sympathetically to the "Lamentations" of her lowlier
+subjects. Their complaint was that the royal and public pageants at
+Christmastide allured to the metropolis many country gentlemen, who,
+neglecting the comforts of their dependents in the country at this
+season, dissipated in town part of their means for assisting them, and
+incapacitated themselves from continuing that hospitality for which
+the country had been so long noted. In order to check this practice,
+the gentlemen of Norfolk and Suffolk were commanded by Queen Elizabeth
+to depart from London before Christmas, and "to repair to their
+counties, and there to keep hospitality amongst their neighbours." The
+presence of the higher classes was needed among the country people to
+give that assistance which was quaintly recommended by Tusser in his
+"Hundreth good Points of Husbandrie":
+
+ "At Christmas be mery, and thanke God of all:
+  And feast thy pore neighbours, the great with the small.
+  Yea al the yere long have an eie to the poore:
+  And God shall sende luck to kepe open thy doore."
+
+Henry Lord Berkeley, who had a seat in Warwickshire,
+appears to have set a good example in this respect to the
+noblemen of the period, for, according to Dugdale, "the greatest
+part of this lord's abydinge after his mother's death, happenynge
+in the sixth yeare of Queen Elizabeth, was at Callowdon, till his
+own death in the eleventh of Kinge James, from whence, once
+in two or three yeares, hee used in July to come to Berkeley."
+The historic house of Berkeley essentially belongs to Gloucestershire;
+but on the death of Edward VI., Henry Lord Berkeley,
+
+[Illustration:
+
+ "With a good old fashion, when Christmas was come,
+  To call in all his old neighbours with bagpipe and drum."]
+
+by descent from the Mowbrays and the Segraves, became possessed of the
+ancient Manor and castellated mansion of Caludon, near Coventry, where
+he lived in splendour, and kept a grand retinue, being profuse in his
+hospitalities at Christmas, as well as in his alms to the poor
+throughout the year. "As touchinge the Almes to the poore of 5 & six
+country p'ishes & villages hard adjoyninge to Callowdon were relieved,
+with each of them a neepe of holsome pottage, with a peece of beoffe
+or mutton therin, halfe a cheate loafe, & a kan of beere, besides the
+private Almes that dayly went out of his purse never without eight or
+ten shillings in single money of ijd iijd & groates, & besides
+his Maundy & Thursday before Ester day, wherein many poore men and
+women were clothed by the liberality of this lord and his first wife,
+whilest they lived; and besides twenty markes, or twenty pound, or
+more, which thrice each yeare, against the feaste of Christmas, Ester,
+and Whitsontide, was sent by this Lord to two or three of the chiefest
+Inhabitants of these villages, and of Gosford Street at Coventry, to
+bee distributed amongst the poore accordinge to their discretions.
+Such was the humanity of this Lord, that in tymes of Christmas and
+other festyvalls, when his neighbor townships were invited and feasted
+in his Hall, hee would, in the midst of their dynner, ryse from his
+owne, & goynge to each of their tables in his Hall, cheerfully bid
+them welcome. And his further order was, having guests of Honour or
+remarkable ranke that filled his owne table, to seate himselfe at the
+lower end; and when such guests filled but half his bord, & a meaner
+degree the rest of his table, then to seate himselfe the last of the
+first ranke, & the first of the later, which was about the midst of
+his large tables, neare the salt."
+
+Another home of Christmas hospitality in the days of "Good Queen Bess"
+was Penshurst in Kent, the birthplace of the distinguished and
+chivalrous Sir Philip Sidney. "All who enjoyed the hospitality of
+Penshurst," says Mills's _History of Chivalry_, "were equal in
+consideration of the host; there were no odious distinctions of rank
+or fortune; 'the dishes did not grow coarser as they receded from the
+head of the table,' and no huge salt-cellar divided the noble from the
+ignoble guests." That hospitality was the honourable distinction of
+the Sidney family in general is also evident from Ben Jonson's lines
+on Penshurst:
+
+              "Whose liberal board doth flow
+  With all that hospitality doth know!
+  Where comes no guest but is allow'd to eat,
+  Without his fear, and of thy Lord's own meat
+  Where the same beer and bread, and self-same wine,
+  That is His Lordship's, shall be also mine."[57]
+
+A reviewer of "The Sidneys of Penshurst," by Philip Sidney, says there
+is a tradition that the Black Prince and his Fair Maid of Kent once
+spent their Christmastide at Penshurst, whose banqueting hall, one of
+the finest in England, dates back to that age of chivalry. At
+Penshurst Spenser wrote part of his "Shepherd's Calendar," and Ben
+Jonson drank and rhymed and revelled in this stateliest of English
+manor houses.
+
+[Illustration: CHRISTMAS IN THE HALL.
+
+  "A man might then behold,
+    At Christmas, in each hall,
+  Good fires to curb the cold,
+    And meat for great and small."]
+
+Queen Elizabeth died on March 23, 1603, after nominating James VI. of
+Scotland as her successor, and
+
+
+THE ACCESSION OF KING JAMES,
+
+as James I. of England, united the crowns of England and Scotland,
+which had been the aim of Mary Queen of Scots before her death.
+
+    [49] Cassell's "History of England."
+
+    [50] "Domestic Memoirs of the Royal Family."
+
+    [51] "History of the English People."
+
+    [52] "Progresses."
+
+    [53] "English Plays."
+
+    [54] Sir William Dugdale's "Origines Juridiciales."
+
+    [55] "Progresses."
+
+    [56] "History of Music," vol iii. p. 15.
+
+    [57] Gifford's "Ben Jonson," vol. viii. p. 254.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER VIII._
+
+CHRISTMAS UNDER JAMES I.
+
+(1603-1625.)
+
+
+COURT MASQUES.
+
+The Court entertainments of Christmastide in the reign of James the
+First consisted chiefly of the magnificent masques of Ben Jonson and
+others, who, by their training in the preceding reign, had acquired a
+mastery of the dramatic art. The company to which Shakespeare belonged
+(that of Lord Chamberlain's players) became the King's players on the
+accession of James, and several of Shakespeare's plays were produced
+at Court. But very early in this reign plays gave place to the more
+costly and elaborate entertainments called masques, but which were
+very different from the dumb-show masques of Elizabeth's reign, the
+masquerades of Henry the Eighth, and the low-buffoonery masques of
+earlier times. At the Court of James thousands of pounds were
+sometimes expended on the production of a single masque. To the aid of
+poetry, composed by poets of the first rank, came the most skilful
+musicians and the most ingenious machinists. Inigo Jones, who became
+architect to the Court in 1606, shared honours with Ben Jonson in the
+production of the Court masques, as did also Henry Lawes, the eminent
+musician. In some of the masques the devices of attire were the work
+of "Master Jones," as well as the invention and the architecture of
+the whole of the scenery. D'Israeli[58] says:--"That the moveable
+scenery of these masques formed as perfect a scenical illusion as any
+that our own age, with all its perfection and decoration, has attained
+to, will not be denied by those who have read the few masques that
+have been printed. They usually contrived a double division of the
+scene; one part was for some time concealed from the spectator, which
+produced surprise and variety. Thus in the Lord's Masque, at the
+marriage of the Palatine, the scene was divided into two parts from
+the roof to the floor; the lower part being first discovered, there
+appeared a wood in perspective, the innermost part being of "releeve
+or whole round," the rest painted. On the left a cave, and on the
+right a thicket from which issued Orpheus. At the back of the scene,
+at the sudden fall of a curtain, the upper part broke on the
+spectators, a heaven of clouds of all hues; the stars suddenly
+vanished, the clouds dispersed; an element of artificial fire played
+about the house of Prometheus--a bright and transparent cloud reaching
+from the heavens to the earth, whence the eight maskers descended with
+the music of a full song; and at the end of their descent the cloud
+broke in twain, and one part of it, as with a wind, was blown athwart
+the scene. While this cloud was vanishing, the wood, being the under
+part of the scene, was insensibly changing: a perspective view opened,
+with porticoes on each side, and female statues of silver, accompanied
+with ornaments of architecture, filled the end of the house of
+Prometheus, and seemed all of goldsmith's work. The women of
+Prometheus descended from their niches till the anger of Jupiter
+turned them again into statues. It is evident, too, that the size of
+the procenium accorded with the magnificence of the scene; for I find
+choruses described, 'and changeable conveyances of the song,' in
+manner of an echo, performed by more than forty different voices and
+instruments in various parts of the scene."
+
+The masque, as Lord Bacon says, was composed for princes, and by
+princes it was played. The King and Queen, Prince Henry, and Prince
+Charles (afterwards Charles the First) all appeared in Court masques,
+as did also the nobility and gentry of the Court, foreign ambassadors,
+and other eminent personages.
+
+In his notes to "The Masque of Queens," Ben Jonson refers several
+times to "the King's Majesty's book (our sovereign) of Demonology."
+The goat ridden was said to be often the devil himself, but "of the
+green cock, we have no other ground (to confess ingenuously) than a
+vulgar fable of a witch, that with a cock of that colour, and a bottom
+of blue thread, would transport herself through the air; and so
+escaped (at the time of her being brought to execution) from the hand
+of justice. It was a tale when I went to school."
+
+That there was no lack of ability for carrying out the Court commands
+in regard to the Christmas entertainments of this period is evident
+from the company of eminent men who used to meet at the "Mermaid."
+"Sir Walter Raleigh," says Gifford,[59] "previously to his unfortunate
+engagement with the wretched Cobham and others, had instituted a
+meeting of _beaux esprits_ at the Mermaid, a celebrated tavern in
+Friday Street. Of this club, which combined more talent and genius,
+perhaps, than ever met together before or since, Jonson was a member;
+and here, for many years, he regularly repaired with Shakespeare,
+Beaumont, Fletcher, Selden, Cotton, Carew, Martin, Donne, and many
+others, whose names, even at this distant period, call up a mingled
+feeling of reverence and respect." Here, in the full flow and
+confidence of friendship, the lively and interesting "wit-combats"
+took place between Shakespeare and Jonson; and hither, in probable
+allusion to them, Beaumont fondly lets his thoughts wander in his
+letter to Jonson from the country.
+
+                   "What things have we seen,
+  Done at the Mermaid? heard words that have been,
+  So nimble, and so full of subtle flame,
+  As if that every one from whom they came,
+  Had meant to put his whole wit in a jest," &c.
+
+Masques, however, were not the only Christmas diversions of royalty at
+this period, for James I. was very fond of hunting, and Nichols[60]
+says that, in 1604, the King kept
+
+
+A ROYAL CHRISTMAS AT ROYSTON,
+
+at his new hunting seat there, and "between the 18th of December and
+22nd of January he there knighted Sir Richard Hussey, of Salop; Sir
+Edward Bushell, of Gloucestershire; Sir John Fenwick, of
+Northumberland; Sir John Huet, of London; Sir Robert Jermyn, of
+Suffolk; Sir Isaac Jermyn, of Suffolk; Sir John Rowse; Sir Thomas
+Muschamp, of Surrey. Mr. Chamberlaine, in a letter to Mr. Winwood from
+London, December 18th, says: 'The King came back from Royston on
+Saturday; but so far from being weary or satisfyed with those sports,
+that presently after the holy-days he makes reckoning to be there
+againe, or, as some say, to go further towards Lincolnshire, to a
+place called _Ancaster Heath_.'"
+
+In this letter Mr. Chamberlaine also refers to
+
+
+OTHER COURT AMUSEMENTS OF CHRISTMASTIDE,
+
+for, proceeding, he says:--
+
+"In the meantime here is great provision for Cockpit, to entertaine
+him at home, and of Masks and Revells against the marriage of Sir
+Philip Herbert and the Lady Susan Vere, which is to be celebrated on
+St. John's Day. The Queen hath likewise a great Mask in hand against
+Twelfth-tide, for which there was L3,000 delivered a month ago. Her
+brother, the Duke of Holst, is here still, procuring a levy of men to
+carry into Hungary. The Tragedy of 'Gowry,' with all the action and
+actors, hath been twice represented by the King's Players, with
+exceeding concourse of all sorts of people; but whether the matter or
+manner be not well handled, or that it be thought unfit that Princes
+should be played on the stage in their lifetime, I hear that some
+great Councellors are much displeased with it, and so 'tis thought
+shall be forbidden. And so wishing a merry Christmas and many a good
+year to you and Mrs. Winwood, I committ you to God. Yours, most
+assuredly, John Chamberlaine."
+
+"On the 26th of January, Mr. Chamberlaine writes thus to Mr. Winwood:
+'I doubt not but Dudley Carleton hath acquainted you with all their
+Christmas-games at Court, for he was a spectator of all the sports and
+shows. The King went to Royston two days after Twelfth-tide, where and
+thereabout he hath continued ever since, and finds such felicity in
+that hunting life, that he hath written to the Councill that it is the
+only means to maintain his health, which being the health and welfare
+of us all, he desires them to take the charge and burden of affairs,
+and foresee that he be not interrupted or _troubled with too much
+business_.'"
+
+Campion's Masque in honour of Lord Hayes and his bride was presented
+before King James, at Whitehall, on Twelfth Night, 1606; and in
+reference to the Christmas festivities at Court the following year
+(1607), Mr. Chamberlaine, writing to Sir D. Carleton, on the 5th of
+January, says:
+
+"The Masque goes forward at Court for Twelfth-day, though I doubt the
+New Room will be scant ready. All the Holidays there were Plays; but
+with so little concourse of strangers, that they say they wanted
+company. The King was very earnest to have one on Christmas-night; but
+the Lords told him it was not the fashion. Which answer pleased him
+not a whit; but he said, 'What do you tell me of the fashion? I will
+make it a fashion.' Yesterday he dined in the Presence in great pomp,
+with two rich cupboards of plate, the one gold, the other that of the
+House of Burgundy pawned to Queen Elizabeth by the States of Brabant,
+and hath seldom been seen abroad, being exceeding massy, fair, and
+sumptuous. I could learn no reason of this extraordinary bravery, but
+that he would show himself in glory to certain Scots that were never
+here before, as they say there be many lately come, and that the Court
+is full of new and strange faces. Yesterday there were to be shewn
+certain rare fire-works contrived by a Dane, two Dutchmen, and Sir
+Thomas Challoner, in concert."
+
+On January 8th, another letter of Mr. Chamberlaine thus refers to
+gaming at Court: "On the Twelfth-eve there was great golden play at
+Court. No Gamester admitted that brought not L300 at least. Montgomery
+played the King's money, and won him L750, which he had for his
+labour. The Lord Montegle lost the Queen L400. Sir Robert Cary, for
+the Prince, L300; and the Earl Salisbury, L300; the Lord Buckhurst,
+L500; _et sic de caeteris_. So that I heard of no winner but the King
+and Sir Francis Wolley, who got above L800. The King went a
+hawking-journey yesterday to Theobalds and returns to-morrow.
+
+"Above Westminster the Thames is quite frozen over; and the Archbishop
+came from Lambeth, on Twelfth-day, over the ice to Court. Many
+fanciful experiments are daily put in practice; as certain youths
+burnt a gallon of wine upon the ice, and made all the passengers
+partakers. But the best is, of an honest woman (they say) that had a
+great longing to encrease her family on the Thames" (Nichols's
+"Progresses").
+
+
+THE REIGN OF JAMES I.'S FAVOURITES
+
+dates from Christmas Day, 1607, when he knighted Robert Carr, or Ker,
+a young border Scot of the Kers of Fernihurst, the first of the
+favourites who ruled both the King and the kingdom. Carr had been some
+years in France, and being a handsome youth--"straight-limbed,
+well-formed, strong-shouldered, and smooth-faced"--he had been led to
+believe that if he cultivated his personal appearance and a
+courtliness of address, he was sure of making his fortune at the Court
+of James. "Accordingly he managed to appear as page to Lord Dingwall
+at a grand tilting match at Westminster, in 1606. According to
+chivalric usage it became his duty to present his lord's shield to his
+Majesty; but in manoeuvring his horse on the occasion it fell and
+broke his leg. That fall was his rise. James was immediately struck
+with the beauty of the youth who lay disabled at his feet, and had him
+straightway carried into a house near Charing Cross, and sent his own
+surgeon to him.... On Christmas Day, 1607, James knighted him and made
+him a gentleman of the bedchamber, so as to have him constantly about
+his person. Such was his favour that every one pressed around him to
+obtain their suits with the King. He received rich presents; the
+ladies courted his attention; the greatest lords did him the most
+obsequious and disgusting homage."[61] He afterwards formed that
+connection with Frances Howard, Countess of Essex, which resulted in
+her divorce from her husband, and, subsequently, on his marrying Lady
+Essex, the King made him Earl of Somerset, that the lady might not
+lose in rank. On the circumstances attending the murder of Sir Thomas
+Overbury being brought to light, the complicity of Somerset was
+thought to be involved in the ascertained guilt of his wife. In May,
+1616, the Countess was convicted; a week later her husband shared her
+fate. After a long imprisonment Somerset was pardoned, and ended his
+life in obscurity.
+
+In this reign the Court revels and shows of Christmas were imitated at
+the country seats of the nobility and gentry, and at the Colleges of
+Oxford and Cambridge. An account has been preserved of one of the most
+remarkable exhibitions of this kind, entitled--
+
+
+"THE CHRISTMAS PRINCE."
+
+It took place in the year 1607, at St. John's College, Oxford, and the
+authentic account was published from the original manuscript, in 1816,
+by Robert Tripbook, of 23, Old Bond Street, London: "To the
+President, Fellows, and Scholars of St. John Baptist College, in the
+University of Oxford, this curious Record of an ancient custom in
+their Society, is respectfully inscribed by the Publisher." Of the
+authenticity of this description the Publisher says "no doubt can
+possibly exist, it was written by an eye-witness of, and performer in,
+the sports; and is now printed, for the first time, from the original
+manuscript preserved in the College Library.
+
+"From the Boy Bishop, the Christmas Prince may be supposed to derive
+his origin. Whilst the former was bearing sway in the ecclesiastical
+foundations, the latter was elected to celebrate the festivities of
+Christmas in the King's palace, at the seats of the nobility, at the
+universities, and in the Inns of Court. The custom prevailed till the
+ascendancy of the Puritans during the civil war; and some idea of the
+expense, and general support it received, may be formed from the
+account of the Gray's Inn Prince and an extract from one of the
+Strafford Papers. The latter is from a letter written by the Rev. G.
+Garrard to the Earl of Strafford, dated Jan. 8, 1635: 'The Middle
+Temple House have set up a prince, who carries himself in great state;
+one Mr. Vivian a Cornish gentleman, whose father Sir Francis Vivian
+was fined in the Star-Chamber about a castle he held in Cornwall,
+about three years since. He hath all his great officers attending him,
+lord keeper, lord treasurer, eight white staves at the least, captain
+of his pensioners, captain of his guard, two chaplains, who on Sunday
+last preached before him, and in the pulpit made three low legs to his
+excellency before they began, which is much laughed at. My lord
+chamberlain lent him two fair cloths of state, one hung up in the hall
+under which he dines, the other in his privy chamber; he is served on
+the knee, and all that come to see him kiss his hand on their knee. My
+lord of Salisbury hath sent him pole-axes for his pensioners. He sent
+to my lord of Holland, his justice in Eyre, for venison, which he
+willingly sends him; to the lord mayor and sheriffs of London for
+wine, all obey. Twelfth-day was a great day, going to the chapel many
+petitions were delivered him, which he gave to his masters of the
+requests. He hath a favourite, whom with some others, gentlemen of
+great quality, he knighted at his return from church, and dined in
+great state; at the going out of the chambers into the garden, when he
+drank the King's health, the glass being at his mouth he let it fall,
+which much defaced his purple satten suit, for so he was clothed that
+day, having a cloak of the same down to his foot, for he mourns for
+his father who lately died. It cost this prince L2,000 out of his own
+purse. I hear of no other design, but that all this is done to make
+them fit to give the prince elector a royal entertainment with masks,
+dancings, and some other exercises of wit, in orations or
+arraignments, that day that they invite him.'
+
+"The writer, or narrator, of the events connected with the Christmas
+Prince of St. John's was Griffin Higgs, who was descended of a
+respectable and opulent family in Gloucestershire, though he was
+himself born at Stoke Abbat, near Henley on Thames, in 1589. He was
+educated at St. John's, and thence, in 1611, elected fellow of Merton
+college, where he distinguished himself, in the execution of the
+procuratorial duties, as a man of great courage, though, says Wood, of
+little stature. In 1627 he was appointed chaplain to the Queen of
+Bohemia, by her brother Charles the First, and during his absence, in
+the performance of his duties, was created a doctor of divinity at
+Leyden by the learned Andrew Rivet. He returned, after a residence
+abroad of about twelve years, when he had the valuable rectory of
+Clive or Cliff, near Dover, and shortly after the deanery of
+Lichfield, conferred upon him. During the civil wars he was a sufferer
+for the royal cause, and, losing his preferment, retired to the place
+of his birth, where he died in the year 1659, and was buried in the
+chancel of the church of South Stoke.
+
+"Thomas Tucker, the elected Prince, was born in London, in 1586,
+entered at St. John's in 1601, became fellow of that house and took
+holy orders. He afterwards had the vicarage of Pipping-burge, or
+Pemberge, in Kent, and the rectory of Portshead, near Bristol, and
+finally obtained the third stall in the cathedral church of Bristol,
+in which he was succeeded, August 25, 1660, by Richard Standfast."
+
+The following explanation is given of "the apparently strange titles
+of the Prince of St. John's: 'The most magnificent and renowned
+Thomas, by the favour of Fortune, Prince of _Alba Fortunata_, Lord St.
+Johns, high Regent of the Hall, Duke of St. Giles, Marquis of
+Magdalens, Landgrave of the Grove, County Palatine of the Cloisters,
+Chief Bailiff of the Beaumonts, High Ruler of Rome, Master of the
+Manor of Waltham, Governor of Gloucester Green, Sole Commander of all
+Tilts,' &c. The Prince of _Alba Fortunata_ alludes, as may be readily
+conjectured, to the name of the founder, Sir Thomas _White_; St.
+John's, and the Hall, are equally clear; Magdalens is the parish in
+which a portion of the college stands, and a part of which belongs to
+the society; the Grove and the Cloisters are again parts of the home
+domain of the college; Beaumonts is the name of a portion of land
+belonging to the college, on which stands the ruin of the palace of
+Beaumonts, built about the year 1128 by King Henry the First; Rome is
+a piece of land so called, near to the end of the walk called _Non
+Ultra_, on the north side of Oxford. The manor of Waltham, or Walton,
+is situate in the north suburb of Oxford, and is the property of the
+college, as is a considerable portion of Gloucester-green, which
+though now better known as the site of an extensive bridewell, was in
+1607 literally a meadow, and without any building more contiguous than
+Gloucester-hall, from which house it derived its name."
+
+Then follows "A true and faithfull relation of the rising and fall of
+Thomas Tucker, Prince of _Alba Fortunata_, Lord St. Johns, &c., with
+all the occurrents which happened throughout his whole domination."
+
+"It happened in the yeare of our Lord 1607, the 31 of October, beinge
+All Sayntes Eve, that at night a fier was made in the Hall of St. John
+Baptist's Colledge, in Oxon, accordinge to the custome and statuts of
+the same place, at which time the whole companye or most parte of the
+Students of the same house mette together to beginne their Christmas,
+of which some came to see sports, to witte the Seniors as well
+Graduates, as Under-graduates. Others to make sports, viz., Studentes
+of the seconde yeare, whom they call Poulderlings, others to make
+sporte with all, of this last sorte were they whome they call
+Fresh-menn, Punies of the first yeare, who are by no meanes admitted
+to be agents or behoulders of those sports, before themselves have
+been patient perfourmers of them. But (as it often falleth out) the
+Freshmen or patients, thinkinge the Poulderlings or Agentes too buysie
+and nimble, They them too dull and backwarde in theyr duety, the
+standers by findinge both of them too forwarde and violente, the
+sportes for that night for feare of tumultes weare broken upp, everye
+mann betakinge himself to his reste.
+
+"The next night followinge, beinge the feast of All Sayntes, at nighte
+they mett agayne together; And whereas it was hoped a night's sleepe
+would have somewhat abated their rage, it contraryewise sett a greater
+edge on theyr furye, they havinge all this while but consulted how to
+gett more strength one agaynst another, and consequently to breed newe
+quarrells and contradictions, in so much that the strife and
+contentions of youthes and children had like to have sett Men together
+by the eares, to the utter annihilatinge of all Christmas sportes for
+the whole yeare followinge.
+
+"Wherfore for the avoydinge both the one, and the other, some who
+studied the quiet of all, mentioned the choosinge of a Christmas Lord,
+or Prince of the Revells, who should have authorytie both to appoynt &
+moderate all such games, and pastimes as should ensue, & to punishe
+all offenders which should any way hinder or interrupte the free &
+quiet passage of any antient & allowed sporte.
+
+"This motion (for that the person of a Prince or Lorde of the Revells
+had not been knowen amongst them for thirty yeares before, and so
+consequentlye the danger, charge and trouble of such jestinge was
+cleane forgotten) was presentlye allowed and greedilye apprehended of
+all; Wher upon 13 of the senior Under graduates (7 of the bodye of the
+House & 6 Comoners, Electors in such a case) withdrew themselves into
+the parlour, where after longe debatinge whether they should chouse a
+Graduate or an Under Graduate, thinkinge the former would not
+vouchsafe to undertake it at theyr appoyntmentes, the latter should
+not be upheld & backed as it was meete & necessary for such a place,
+they came forth rather to make triall what would be done, than to
+resolve what should be done. And therefore at their first entrance
+into the Hall meeting Sir Towse a younge man (as they thought) fitt
+for the choyse, they laid handes on him, and by maine strength
+liftinge him upp, _viva voce_, pronounced him Lord. But hee as
+stronglye refusinge the place as they violentlye thrust it upon him,
+shewing with all reasons why hee could by no meanes undergoe such a
+charge, they gott onlye this good by their first attempt, that they
+understood heer by how that the whole Colledge was rather willinge a
+Seniour Batchelour at least, if not a junior Master should be chosen
+in to the place rather than any Under graduate, because they would
+rather an earnest sporte than a scoffinge jest should be made of it.
+Wher fore the Electors returninge againe into the Parlour and
+shuttinge the dore close upon themselves begaune more seriously to
+consult of the matter, and findinge some unable, some unwillinge to
+take the place, at length they concluded to make the 2 weird printing
+error?] assay but with more formalitie and deliberation; resolvinge,
+if they were not now seconded of all handes, to meddle no more with
+it. Wherfore, enteringe the second time in to the Hall they desired
+one of the 10 Seniors & one of the Deanes of the Colledge to hold the
+Scrutinye and the Vice-President to sitt by as overseer, who willingly
+harkeninge to their request, sate all 3 downe at the highe table: Then
+the Electors went up one by one in senioritye to give their voyce by
+writinge. In the meane time there was great expectation who should bee
+the Man. Some in the lower ende of the Hall, to make sporte, had theyr
+Names loudest in their mouthes whome they least thought of in their
+mindes, & whome they knew should come shortest of the place. At length
+all the voyces being given and, accordinge to custome, the Scrutinie
+at large being burned, the Vice-president with the rest stoode upp,
+and out of the abstract the Deane read distinctly in the hearinge of
+all present as followeth
+
+ "_Nominantur in hoc Scrutinio duo quorum_
+    { 1 Joanes Towse, _habet suffragia sex_.
+    { 2us Thomas Tucker, _habet suffragia septem_.
+
+"These wordes were not out of his mouthe before a generall and loud
+crie was made of Tucker, Tucker, Vivat, Vivat, &ct. After which all
+the younger sorte rane forth of the Colledge crieinge the same in the
+streets; which Sir Tucker beinge then howsde not farr from the
+Colledge, over hearinge, kept himself close till the companye were
+past, and then, as soone and secretly as he could, gott him to his
+Chamber; where (after he had been longe sought for abroad in the
+Towne, and at home in the Colledge, haste and desire out runinge it
+self, and seekinge there last where it might first finde) he was in a
+manner surprised, and more by violence than any will of his owne,
+taken upp & with continuall & joyfull outcries, carried about the
+Hall, and so backe to his Chamber, as his owne request was, where for
+that night he rested, dismissinge the Company and desiringe some time
+to think of their loves and goodwill, and to consider of his owne
+charge and place.
+
+"About 3 or 4 dayes after, on the 5 of November the Lord Elect with
+the Batchelours, and some of the Senior Under-graduates came into the
+Hall where every man beinge seated in his order, many speaches were
+made by diverse of diverse matters, some commendinge a monarchicall
+state of Governmente, and the sometimes suddayne necessitye of
+Dictators, others discommendinge both. Some again extollinge sportes &
+revells, others mainely disallowinge them, all of them drawinge some
+conclusion concerninge the like or dislike of the government newly
+begune, and like for a little space to continue amongst them. In the
+ende the Lord Elect himselfe, to conclude all, delivered his owne
+minde in manner followinge:--
+
+"Quae beneficia (Viri Electores clarissimi) plus difficultatis atque,
+oneris apportant collacata, qu[=a] debite administrata; poterunt honoris,
+caute magis primo in limine credo excipienda qu[=a] aut imensae dignitatis
+expectatione appetenda auide, aut boni incogniti coeco appetitu
+app'hendenda temere. Quor[=u] in albo (Electores conscripti) c[=u] semper
+dignitates istiusmodi serio retulerim, Vos (pace dic[=a] vestrae
+diligentiae) non tam mihi videmini gratias debere expectare, qua ipse istud
+onus suscepturus videor promereri. N[=a] illud demum gratijs excipitur
+benefici[=u] (pro tempor[=u] ratione loquor) quod nec sollicitudo vrget nec
+offici[=u]--Infinitae autem adeo sunt anxietates, quae vel istam dominatus
+[Greek: anatyposin] circumcingunt, vt pauci velint ipsas c[=u] dominatu
+lubenter amplecti, nulli possint euitare, nulli sustinere. N[=a] vbi veri
+imperij facies est repraesentanda expectanda semper est aliqua curar[=u]
+proportio. Veru cum dignitas Electoria, amicitia suffragatoria, populi
+applausus, [=o]ni[=u] consensus Democratiae tollendae causa ad primatum
+euocauerint, lubens animi nostri strenuae renuentis temperabo impet[=u],
+et sedulo impenda curam, vt Reip: (si vobis minus possim singulis) toti
+satisfaci[=a]. Hic ego non ita existimo opportun[=u] progressu[=u]
+nostror[=u] aduersarijs cur[=a] imperij promiscuam et indigestam
+collaudantibus respondere, aut status Monarchici necessitat[=e]
+efferentibus assentari: Disceptation[=u] vestrar[=u] non accessi judex,
+accersor imperator; Amori vestro (Viri nobis ad prime chari) lubens
+tribuo gloriae nostrae ort[=u]; progress[=u] august[=u] atque, gloriosu a
+vobis ex officio vestro exigere, praeter amor[=e] nostrum fore no arbitror.
+Tyra[=u]idem non profiteor, imperi[=u] exercebo. Cujus foeliciores
+processus vt promoueantur, atque indies stabiliant aeris magis quam oris
+debetis esse prodigi. Quare primitias amoris, atque officij vestri statuo
+extemplo exigendas, ne aut ipse sine authoritate imperare, aut imperium
+sine gloria capessisse videar [Greek: Politeian] Atheniensem sequimur,
+cujus ad norman Ego ad munus regui jam suffectus, Mineruae, Vulcano et
+Prometheo sacra c[=u] ludorum curatoribus pro moris vsu, prima mea in his
+sacris authoritate fieri curabo. Interim vero (Viri nostra authoritate
+adhuc majores) juxta praedictae Reipublicae jmagin[=e] choragos, seu
+adjutores desidero, qui n[=o] tantum ludis praeponantur, sed et
+liberalitate pro op[=u] ratione in Reipublicae impensas vtentes, ex aere
+publico praemia partim proponant, partim de suo insumant, hoc nomine
+quod illor[=u] sint praefecti. Quae alia vestri sunt officij moniti
+praestabitis, quae amoris, vltro (vti Spero) offeretis.
+
+"This was counted sufficient for his private installmente, but with
+all it was thought necessary that some more publicke notice hereof
+should be given to the whole Universitie, with more solemnitie and
+better fashion; yet before they would venter to publish their private
+intendements, they were desirous to knowe what authoritie and
+jurisdiction would be graunted to them, what money allowed them
+towards the better going through with that they had begune. And not
+long after the whole company of the Batchelours sent 2 bills to the
+Masters fire, the one cravinge duety and alleageance, the other money
+and maintenance in manner & forme followinge:
+
+  "The coppye of a Bill sent by the Lord Elect, and the whole
+     Company of the Batchelours to the Masters fire, cravinge their
+     duety and alleageance.
+
+"Not doubtinge of those ceremonious and outward duetyes which
+yourselves (for example sake) will performe, Wee _Thomas Tucker_ with
+the rest of the Bacchelours are bold to entreat, but as _Thomas, Lord
+Elect_, with the rest of our Councell are ready to expect, that no
+Tutor or Officer whatsoever shall at any time, or upon any occasion,
+intermeddle, or partake with any scholler, or youth whatsoever, but
+leavinge all matters to the discretion of our selves, stand to those
+censures and judgementes which wee shall give of all offenders that
+are under our govermente in causes appertaininge to our government.
+All wayes promisinge a carefull readinesse to see schollerlike
+excercise performed, and orderly quietnesse mayntained in all sortes;
+This as Wee promise for our owne partes, so Wee would willingly desire
+that you should promise the performance of the rest of your partes,
+accordinge to that bountye & love which allready you have shewed us.
+
+      Yours,    Thomas Tucker
+  Joseph Fletcher     Thomas Downer
+  John Smith          Rouland Juxon
+  Richard Baylye      John Huckstepp
+  Richard Holbrooke   James Bearblocke
+  John Towse          John English
+
+"This Bill subscribed with all their handes was seene and allowed by
+all the Masters, who promised rather more than lesse than that which
+was demanded. But concerninge the other Bill for Subsidyes, it was
+answered that it was not in their power to grant it without the
+President, whose cominge home was every day expected: against which
+time it was provided, and delivered unto him; who together with the 10
+Seniors, was loath to grant any thinge till they were certified what
+sportes should bee, of what quality & charge, that so they might the
+better proportion the one to the other, the meanes to the matter: They
+were allso willinge to knowe what particular Men would take upon them
+the care of furnishinge particular nightes. For they would by no
+meanes relye upon generall promises because they were not ignorant how
+that which concerneth all in generall is by no man in speciall
+regarded. Wherfore they beinge somewhat, although not fully, satisfied
+in their demaundes by some of the Masters, whom they seemed cheefly to
+trust with the whole businesse, the Bill was againe perused, and every
+man ceazed in manner and forme followinge:
+
+ "'The coppye of an auncient Act for taxes and subsidyes made in the
+     raygne of our Predecessor of famous memorye, in this Parliament
+     held in Aula Regni the vi^{th} of November 1577 and now for Our
+     Self new ratified and published, anno regni j November 7 1607.
+
+"'Because all lovinge & loyall Subjects doe owe not onely themselves,
+but allso their landes, livinges, goodes, and what soever they call
+theirs, to the good of the Commonwealth, and estate under which they
+peaceably enjoy all, It is further enacted that no man dissemble his
+estate, or hide his abilitye, but be willinge at all times to pay such
+duetyes, taxes, and subsidies, as shall be lawfully demaunded &
+thought reasonable without the hinderance of his owne estate, upon
+payne of forfettinge himself and his goodes whatsoever.'
+
+  [List of contributions amounting to 52^{li} xiii^{s.} vii]
+
+"Though the whole company had thus largely contributed towards the
+ensuinge sportes, yet it was found that when all thinges necessary
+should be layed toegether, a great sum of money would be wantinge, and
+therfore a course was thought upon of sendinge out privie Seales to
+able & willinge Gentlemen which had been sometimes Fellowes or
+commoners of the Colledge that it would please them to better the
+stocke, and out of their good will contribute somewhat towardes the
+Prince's Revells."
+
+Then followed the form of the writ issued, "To our trustye and
+welbeloved Knight, or Esquire," &c. "Given under our privye Seale at
+our Pallace of St. John's in Oxen, the seventh of December in the
+first yeare of our rayne, 1607." Then follow "the names of those who
+were served with this writt, and who most willingly obeyed upon the
+receipt thereof," contributing altogether xvi^{li} x^{s} 0.
+"Others were served and bragd of it, as though they had given, but
+sent nothing."
+
+"For all these Subsidies at home, and helpes abroad, yet it was founde
+that in the ende there would rather be want (as indeed it happened)
+than any superfluitye, and therfore the Prince tooke order with the
+Bowsers to send out warrantes to all the Tenantes & other friendes of
+the Colledge, that they should send in extraordinary provision against
+every Feast, which accordingly was performed; some sendinge money,
+some wine, some venison, some other provision, every one accordinge to
+his abilitye.
+
+"All thinges beinge thus sufficiently (as it was thought) provided
+for, the Councell table, with the Lord himself, mett together to
+nominate officers & to appoint the day of the Prince's publike
+installment which was agreed should be on St. Andrews Day at night;
+because at that time the Colledge allso was to chouse their new
+officers for the yeare followinge.
+
+"Now for that they would not playnely and barely install him without
+any farther ceremonies, it was thought fitt that his whole ensuinge
+Regiment (for good lucke sake) should be consecrated to the _Deitie of
+Fortune_, as the sole Mistres and Patronesse of his estate, and
+therfore a schollerlike devise called _Ara Fortunae_ was provided for
+his installment; which was performed in manner & forme followinge:
+
+
+ARA FORTUNAE.
+
+_Inter-locutores._
+
+Princeps.
+Fortuna.
+Tolmaea.
+Thesaurarius.
+Camerarius.
+Jurisconsultus.
+Philosophus.
+Rusticus.
+Stultus.
+Rebellis Primus.
+---- Secundus.
+---- Tertius.
+---- Quartus.
+Nuncius.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+[The Drama is not given on account of its length. And it will be
+remarked that, whenever asterisks are substituted, some portion of the
+MS. has been omitted.]
+
+"This showe by ourselves was not thought worthye of a stage or
+scaffoldes, and therfore after supper the tables were onlye sett
+together, which was not done with out great toyle & difficulty, by
+reason of the great multitude of people (which, by the default of the
+dorekeepers, and divers others, every man bringinge in his friends)
+had filled the Hall before wee thought of it. But for all this it
+began before 8 of clock, and was well liked by the whole audience,
+who, how unrulye so ever they meante to bee afterwardes, resolved I
+think at first with their good applause and quiet behaviour to drawe
+us on so farr, as wee should not bee able to returne backwardes
+without shame & discreditt. They gave us at the ende 4 severall &
+generall plaudites; at the 2 wherof the Canopie which hunge over the
+Altare of Fortune (as it had been frighted with the noise, or meante
+to signifie that 2 plaudites were as much as it deserved) suddenly
+fell downe; but it was cleanly supported by some of the standers by
+till the company was voyded, that none but our selves took notice of
+it.
+
+"Some upon the sight of this Showe (for the better enoblinge of his
+person, and drawinge his pedigree even from the Godes because the
+Prince's name was Tucker, and the last Prince before him was Dr. Case)
+made this conceipt that _Casus et Fortuna genuerunt [Greek: Tycheron]
+Principem Fortunatum_--so the one his father, and the other his
+mother.
+
+"Another accident worthy observation (and which was allso then
+observed) was that the Foole carelesly sittinge downe at the Prince's
+feete brake his staff in the midst, whence wee could not but directly
+gather a verye ill omen, that the default and follye of some would bee
+the very breaknecke of our ensueing sports, which how it fell out, I
+leave to the censures of others; our selves (I am sure) were guilty to
+our selves of many weaknesses and faultes, the number wherof were
+increased by the crossinge untowardnesse, and backwardnesse of divers
+of the Prince's neerest followers, nay the Prince himself had some
+weaknesses which did much prejudice his state, wherof the chiefest
+weere his openesse, and familiaritye with all sortes, beinge
+unwillinge to displease eny, yet not able to please all. But to
+proceede:--On St. Thomas day at night the officers before elect were
+solemnly proclaimed by a Sergeant at armes, and an Herauld, the
+trumpetts soundinge beetwixt every title. This proclamation after it
+was read, was for a time hunge up in the Hall, that every man might
+the better understande the qualitie of his owne place, and they that
+were of lower, or no place, might learne what duety to performe to
+others.
+
+"The manner wherof was as followeth:
+
+ "Whereas by the contagious poyson, and spreadinge malice
+  of some ill disposed persons, hath been threatned not
+  onelye the danger of subvertinge peaceable & orderlye proceedinges,
+  but the allmost utter annihilatinge of auncient &
+  laudable customes--It hath been thought convenient, or
+  rather absolutely necessarye for the avoydinge of a most
+  dangerous ensuinge Anarchie, a more settled order of
+  goverment, for the better safetye of all well meaninge
+  Subjects, and curbinge of discontented, headstronge persons,
+  should bee established. And whereas through wante of good
+  lawes by wise and discreet Magistrates to bee duely and
+  truely executed, a giddye conceipt hath possest the
+  mindes of manye turbulent spirites, of endueringe no
+  superiour, hardly an equall, whereby the common-wealth
+  might growe to bee a manye-headed monster--It hath
+  been provided by the staide and mature deliberations of
+  well-experienced governours and provident counsellours, that
+  one whose highe deserts might answere his high advancement
+  should bee sett over all to the rulinge and directinge
+  of all--Therefore by these presentes bee it knowne unto
+  all of what estate or condicion soever whome it shall
+  concerne that Thomas Tucker, an honorable wise & learned
+  Gentleman to the great comeforte of the weale-publique from
+  hence-forth to be reputed, taken and obayed for the true,
+  onely and undoubted Monarche of this revellinge Climate,
+  whom the generall consent and joynte approbation of the
+  whole Common-wealth hath invested and crowned with
+  these honours and titles followinge:
+
+ "The most magnificent and renowned Thomas by the favour
+  of Fortune, Prince of Alba Fortunata, Lord St. Johns,
+  high Regent of the Hall, Duke of St. Giles, Marquesse
+  of Magdalens, Landgrave of the Grove, County Palatine
+  of the Cloisters, Chiefe Bailiffe of the Beaumonts, high
+  Ruler of Rome, Maister of the Manor of Waltham, Governour
+  of Gloster-greene, sole Commaunder of all Titles, Tourneaments,
+  and Triumphes, Superintendent in all Solemnities
+  whatsoever.
+
+"Now because they whom the unknowne cares, & unweildie burdens of a
+sole regiment shall relie upon, neede extraordinary helpe in the more
+than ordinarye affaires, Hee hath as well for the better discharge &
+ease of those royall duetyes (as it were) which attend on his place,
+as for the avoidinge the odious & ingratefull suspition of a single
+dominion, and private Tyranye, selected and chosen unto himself a
+grave and learned assistance both for Councell and government, whom,
+and every of which, his princely will is, shall in their severall
+places & dignities bee both honoured and obeid, with no lesse respect
+and observance than if himself were there present in person. And that
+carelesse ignorance may bee no lawfull excuse for the breach of his
+will therin hee hath appointed their severall names and titles, with
+their subordinate officers and deputies to be signified & proclaimed
+to all his lovinge and leige Subjects, in manner followinge:
+
+"The right gracious John Duke of Groveland, Earle de Bello-Monte,
+  Baron Smith, chiefe Ranger of the Woods & Forests, great Master of
+  the Prince's Game, hath for his subordinate officers--
+
+    Sir Frauncis Hudson, Keeper of the Parkes, & Warder of the
+      Warrens.
+
+    Sir Thomas Grice, Forrester & Sargeaunt of the Woodhowse.
+
+"The right honourable Rowland Lord Juxon, Lord Chauncelour, Keeper of
+  the Great Seale, Signer of all publicke Charters, Allower of all
+  Priviledges, hath for his subordinate officers.
+
+    Sir William Dickenson, Master of the Requests, & the Prince's
+      Remembrancer.
+
+    Sir Owen Vertue, Clerke of the Signet, and Chafer of Waxe.
+
+"The right honourable Thomas Lord Downer, Lord high Treasurer,
+  Receaver General of all Rents, Revenues, Subsidies, belonginge by
+  Nature, custome or accident to the Prince; the great Payemaster
+  of all necessary charges appertayninge to the Court, hath for his
+  subordinate Officers--
+
+    Sir John Williamson, Steward of the Household, Disburser for the
+      Familye.
+
+    Sir Christopher Wren, Cofferer, and Clerke of the Exchequer.
+
+"The right honourable Joseph Lord Fletcher, Lord high Admirall,
+  great Commaunder of all the narrow seas, floods and passages;
+  Surveyor of the Navye, Mayster of the Ordinance, hath for his
+  subordinate Officers,
+
+    Sir Stephen Angier, Warden of the Cinque Ports, and
+      Victualler of the Fleet.
+
+    Sir Anthony Steevens, Captayne of the Guard.
+
+"The right honourable Richard Lord Baylie, Lord high Marshall,
+  President of all Titles, and Tourneaments, Commander in all
+  Triumphes, Suppressor of suddayne tumultes, Supervisor of all
+  games, and publique pastimes, hath for his subordinate Officers,
+
+    Sir William Blagrove, Master of the Revells.
+
+    Sir John Hungerford, Knight Marshall, severe Commander of the
+      Wayes for the Prince's passage.
+
+"The right honourable John Lord Towse, Lord high Chamberlayne,
+  Purveyor for the Prince's pallace, Overseer of all feasts and
+  banquets, furnisher of all Chambers, and Galleries, Examiner
+  of all private pastimes, hath for his subordinate Officers,
+
+    Sir Richard Swinerton} the Prince's Wards and
+    Sir William Cheyney  } Squiers of his bodye.
+
+    Mr. Edward Cooper, Groome-Porter.
+
+"The right honourable Richard Lord Holbrooke, Comptroller
+  Generall, Chiefe overseer of all Purseavants, Orderer of all
+  household Servaunts, hath for his subordinate officers,
+
+    Sir Thomas Stanley} Sergeaunts at Armes & Gentlemen Ushers
+    Mr. John Alford   } to the Prince
+
+    Mr. Brian Nailor, Master of the Robes of State, Keeper of the
+      Wardrobe, and Surveyor of Liveries.
+
+"The right honourable James Lord Berbloke, principall Secretarye,
+  Lord privye Seale, designer of all Embasies, Drawer of all Edicts
+  and Letters, Scribe to the State, hath for his subordinate Officers,
+
+    Sir Thomas Clarke, Master of the Roles, & Prothonotarye.
+
+    Mr. Marcheaumount Nedham, Clerke of the Councell-table.
+
+"The right honourable John Lord English, Lord Chiefe Justice, Examiner
+  of all causes Capitall; Sessor upon life and death, Judge of
+  controversies criminall, hath for his subordinate Officers,
+
+    Sir John Alder, Attourney Generall, and the Prince's Solicitor.
+
+    Mr. John Sackevile, Baylife Erraunt.
+
+"Now because good Governours without good laws, carefull Magistrates
+without wholesome Statutes are like dumb (though paynted) images, or
+unweapon'd soldiers--Hee of his absolute authoritye, conferred upon
+him in the late free election, doth ratifie and establish all such
+Decrees and Statutes, as Hee now findeth wisely and warely ordayned of
+his famous Predecessor; promisinge onely by a full and severe
+execution to put life in their dead remembrance, Adding moreover some
+few cautions to be observed in his ensuinge Triumphs."
+
+These statutes were ratified and established by the Prince "at our
+Manor of Whites-Hall, December the 21st in the first of our Raygne."
+
+"The same night the Prince, with the rest of his Councell meetinge at
+the high table in the Hall, a Bill was preferred by the Lord Treasurer
+for the advancement of Mr. Henery Swinarton to the Earldome of
+Cloyster-sheere, and the over-seeinge of the Princes great Librarye."
+After due consideration, "the Prince at length graunted the request,
+and his title was presently drawne by the Clerke of the
+Councell-table, and pronounced in manner followinge:
+
+"The right honourable Henry Lord Swinarton, Earle of Cloister-Sheer,
+  Barron of the Garden, chiefe Master of the Presse, and overseer of
+  the Prince's great Librarye, hath for his subordinate Officers,
+
+    Mr. William Rippin, Surveyor of the Walkes.
+
+    Mr. Christopher Riley, Corrector of the Printe.
+
+"From this time forward, and not before, the Prince was thought fully
+to be instal'd, and the forme of government fully established,
+in-so-much that none might or durst contradict anything which was
+appoynted by himself, or any of his officers.
+
+"The Holy-dayes beinge now at hand, his privye-chamber was provided
+and furnisht, wherein a chayre of state was placed upon a carpett with
+a cloth of state hanged over it, newly made for the same purpose. On
+Christmas Day in the morninge he was attended on to prayers by the
+whole companye of the Bacchelours, and some others of his Gentlemen
+Ushers, bare before him. At dinner beinge sett downe in the Hall at
+the high table in the Vice-president's place (for the President
+himself was then allso present) he was served with 20 dishes to a
+messe, all which were brought in by Gentlemen of the Howse attired in
+his Guard's coats, ushered in by the Lord Comptroller, and other
+Officers of the Hall. The first messe was a Boar's Head, which was
+carried by the tallest and lustiest of all the Guard, before whom (as
+attendants) wente first, one attired in a horseman's coate, with a
+Boars-speare in his hande, next to him an other Huntsman in greene,
+with a bloody faucion drawne; next to him 2 Pages in tafatye sarcenet,
+each of them with a messe of mustard; next to whome came hee that
+carried the Boares-head crost with a greene silk scarfe, by which
+hunge the empty scabbard of the faulcion which was carried before him.
+As they entered the Hall, he sang this Christmas Caroll, the three
+last verses of everie staffe beinge repeated after him by the whole
+companye:
+
+  1. The Boare is dead,
+     Loe, here is his head,
+       What man could have done more
+     Than his head off to strike,
+     Meleager like,
+       And bringe it as I doe before?
+
+  2. He livinge spoyled
+     Where good men toyled,
+       Which made kinde Ceres sorrye;
+     But now dead and drawne,
+     Is very good brawne,
+       And wee have brought it for you.
+
+  3. Then sett downe the Swineyard,
+     The foe to the Vineyard,
+       Lett Bacchus crowne his fall,
+     Lett this Boare's-head and mustard
+     Stand for Pigg, Goose, and Custard,
+       And so you are wellcome all.
+
+"At this time, as on all other Holy-dayes, the Princes allowed
+Musitions (which were sent for from Readinge, because our owne Town
+Musick had given us the slipp, as they use to doe at that time when we
+had most need of them) played all dinner time, and allso at supper.
+The Prince as ofte as hee satt in the Hall was attended on by a
+Commoner and Scholler of the Colledge in tafaty sarcenett. After
+supper there was a private Showe performed in the manner of an
+Interlude, contayninge the order of the Saturnalls, and shewinge the
+first cause of Christmas-candles, and in the ende there was an
+application made to the Day and Nativitie of Christ, all which was
+performed in manner followinge:
+
+SATURNALIA.
+
+Hercules
+Curius
+Doulus
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"This shew was very well liked of our selves, and the better: first,
+because itt was the voluntary service of a younge youth; nexte,
+because there were no strangers to trouble us.
+
+"St. Steevens day was past over in silence, and so had St. John's day
+also; butt that some of the Prince's honest neighbours of St. Giles's
+presented him with a maske, or morris, which though it were but
+rudely performed, yet itt being so freely and lovingly profered, it
+could not but bee as lovingly received.
+
+"The same nighte, the twelve daies were suddenly, and as it were
+extempore, brought in, to offer their service to the Prince, the
+holy-daies speaking Latine, and the working-daies English, the
+transition was this:
+
+  Yee see these working-daies they weare no satten,
+  And I assure you they can speake no Latten;
+  But if you please to stay a-while,
+  Some shepheard for them will change the style.
+
+"After some few daunces the Prince, not much liking the sporte (for
+that most of them were out both in their speeches and measures, having
+but thought of this devise some few houres before) rose, and lefte the
+hall, after whose departure, an honest fellow to breake of the sportes
+for that night, and to void the company made suddenly this Epilogue:
+
+  These daunces were perform'd of yore
+  By many worthy Elfes,
+  Now if you will have any more
+  Pray shake your heeles your selves.
+
+"The next day being Innocents-day, it was expected, and partly
+determined by our selves, that the Tragedy of _Philomela_ should have
+been publickly acted, which (as wee thought) would well have fitted
+the day, by reason of the murder of Innocent Itis. But the carpenters
+being no way ready with the stage, or scaffolds (whereof
+notwithstanding some were made before Christmas), wee were constrained
+to deferre it till the nexte day, which was the 29th of December.
+
+PHILOMELA.
+
+Tereus, Rex Thraciae.
+Progne, Regina, Uxor Terei,
+Eugenes, a consilijs Terei.
+Phaulus, Seruus Terei,
+Tres Socii Terei a Classe,
+Ancilla Prognes.
+Philomela, Soror Prognes
+Itis, Filius Pronges et Terei
+Ancilla Philomelae.
+Faustulus, Pastor Regius.
+Faustula, Pastoris Filia.
+
+Chorus.
+
+Terra
+Mare.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"The whole play was wel acted and wel liked.
+
+"New-yeare's eve was wholly spent in preparation for the Prince's
+triumphs, so that nothing was done or expected that night.
+
+"Next day in the morning (beeing New-yeare's-day) the Prince sent Mr.
+Richard Swinnerton, one of the Squires of his body to Mr. President
+with a paire of gloves, charging him to say nothing but these two
+verses:
+
+  The Prince and his Councell, in signe of their loves,
+  Present you, their President, with these paire of gloves.
+
+"There was some what else written in the paper which covered them, but
+what it is uncertaine.
+
+"At night were celebrated the Prince's triumphs, at which time onely
+and never before nor after he was carryed in full state from his
+pallace to the hall, where in the sight of the whole University a
+supplication was presented unto him by Time and seconded with a shew
+called _Times Complaint_. It was performed in manner and forme
+following:
+
+TIME'S COMPLAINT.
+
+Time.
+Veritas, the Daughter of Time.
+Opinion } Seducers of Veritas.
+Error   }
+Studioso, a Scholler.
+Manco, a lame Souldiour.
+Clinias, a poore Country-man.
+Humphry Swallow, a drunken Cob
+Goodwife Spiggot, an Ale-wife.
+Philonices, a rangling Lawyer.
+Seruus Philonices.
+Bellicoso, a Casheere Corporall.
+
+PROLOGUE.[62]
+
+  "Worthelie heere wee bring you Time's Complaint
+  Whom we have most just cause for to complaine of,
+  For hee hath lent us such a little space
+  That what wee doe wants much of its true grace.
+  Yet let your wonted love that kindelie take,
+  Which we could wish were better for your sake.
+
+_Enter_ Time _with the Musicians to place them._
+
+Time.
+
+  O wellsaid, wellsaid; wellcome, wellcome, faith!
+  It doth mee good to see I have some friends.
+  Come, true observers of due time, come on:
+  A fitt of musicke, but keepe time, keepe time
+  In your remembrance still, or else you jarre:
+  These for my sake too much neglected are.
+  The world termes them beggars, fidling roagues,
+  But come my fidling friends, I like you well,
+  And for my sake I hope this company,
+  Naie more the Prince himselfe, will like your tunes.
+  Here take your place and shew your greatest skill,
+  All now is well that is not verie ill.
+
+Time _expecting the comming of the Prince (to whom hee preferreth a
+petition) placeth himselfe on the stage till the traine bee past._
+
+  This waie hee comes, here will I place my selfe,
+  They saie hee is an honourable Prince,
+  Respectfull, curteous, liberall, and learn'd:
+  If hee bee soe hee will not choose but heare mee.
+  Poore aged Time was never so abused,
+  And in these daies Princes themselves are wrong'd.
+  If not for my sake, yet for his owne good,
+  Hee will read over my petition.
+  Oft hath the like beene drawne and given up
+  To his nobilitie; But carelesse they
+  In theire deepe pockets swallow good men's praiers.
+  This his owne hand shall have, or I will keepe it:--
+  But here they come, stand close and viewe the traine.
+
+Enter first six Knighte Marshalls men in suitable liveries with
+  links and truncheons two by two.
+
+Next the Knighte Marshall alone in armour and bases with a truncheon.
+
+Then fower other of his men as before.
+
+After these fower Knightes in rich apparell with hats and feathers,
+  rapiers and daggers, bootes and spurres, everie one his Lackie
+  attending on him with torch-light, all two by two.
+
+After these the Master of the Requests, the Master of the Robes in
+  vaste velvet gownes, with Lackies and torches before them.
+
+After these fower Barons in velvet cloakes, likewise attended with
+  Lackies and torches.
+
+After these an Herald at Armes bare, with two Lackies attendant
+  bearing torches.
+
+After these six of the privie Counsell in Schollars gownes and civill
+  hoods, everie one attended on by a Footman bearing on his jacket both
+  behind and before his Lord's armes according to his office (as it is
+  before mentioned) with torches alsoe in theire hands.
+
+After those two Sergeants at armes, with great Maces, and two Squiers
+  before them with torches, all bare.
+
+After these two Hench-men, the one with a sword, the other with a
+  scepter, likewise attended by two Squiers with torch lights, all
+  bare.
+
+After these the Prince himselfe in a scholler's gowne and civill hood,
+  with a coronett of laurell about his hat, attended on by fower
+  footmen in suitable liveries with torches.
+
+After these the Captaine of the guard alone in hose and dublett, hatt
+  and feather, etc., and following him, twenty of the guard in suitable
+  guards' coats and halberds in their hands, and lightes intermingled
+  here and there.
+
+"When this traine first entered out of the Prince's palace there was a
+volye of shotte to the number of fiftie or three-score gunnes, and
+once againe as it passed through the quadrangle, and the third time
+when the Prince was readie to enter uppon the stage in the hall, after
+which third peale ended, the nobilitie having past along some parte of
+the stage, the rest of the traine disposed in places provided for
+them, and the Prince himselfe newlie entered, the showe went forward.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"It hath beene observed if they which performe much in these kinde of
+sportes must needs doe something amisse, or at the least such is the
+danger and trouble of them, that something in the doing will miscarry,
+and so be taken amisse, and such was our fortune at this time; for the
+Prologue (to the great prejudice of that which followed) was most
+shamefully out, and having but halfe a verse to say, so that by the
+very sense the audience was able to prompt him in that which followed,
+yet hee could not goe forward, but after long stay and silence, was
+compelled abruptly to leave the stage, whereupon beeing to play
+another part, hee was so dasht, that hee did nothing well that night.
+
+"After him Good-wife Spiggot, comming forth before her time, was most
+miserably at a non plus & made others so also, whilst her selfe
+staulked in the middest like a great Harry-Lion (as it pleased the
+audience to terme it), either saying nothing at all, or nothing to the
+purpose.
+
+"The drunken-man, which in the repetitions had much pleased and done
+very well, was now so ambitious of his action, that he would needs
+make his part much longer than it was, and stood so long upon it all,
+that he grew most tedious, whereuppon it was well observed and said by
+one that
+
+      ----'twas pitty there should bee
+  In any pleasing thing satiety.
+
+"To make up the messe of absurdities the company had so fil'd the
+stage, that there was no roome to doe any thing well, to bee sure many
+thinges were mistaken and therefore could not but bee very
+distastfull, for it was thought that particular men were aymed at, and
+disciphered by the drunken-man, and Justice Bryar, though it was fully
+knowne to our-selves that the author had no such purpose.
+
+"In fine, expectation the devourer of all good endeavours had
+swallowed more in the very name and title of the interlude than was
+either provided or intended in the whole matter, for wee onely
+proposed to our selves a shew, but the towne expected a perfect and
+absolute play, so that all things mett to make us unhappy that night,
+and had not Time him selfe (whose lines and actions were thought good)
+somewhat pleased them, they would never have endured us without
+hissing, howsoever in the end they gave us two or three cold
+plaudites, though they departed no way satisfyed, unlesse it were in
+the shew about the quadrangle, wherein the Prince was carryd to his
+chamber in the same state that hee came from thence in the beginning
+(as is above mentioned), the whole company of actors beeing added to
+his traine who immediately followed him before the guard in this
+order:
+
+First, Time alone, attended, with two pages and lightes.
+
+Next, Veritas alone, likewise attended.
+
+Then Error and Opinion, which all the way they went pull'd Veritas by
+  the sleeve, one by one and the other by the other, but shee would not
+  harken to them.
+
+After these came Studioso and Philonices, both pleading the case, one
+  upon his ringers and the other with both his hands.
+
+Then came Manco, the lame souldiour and Philonices his man; the
+  souldiour haulting without his cruch, the other beating him with the
+  cruch for counterfeyting.
+
+After these came Clinias and Bellicoso houlding the halter betwixt
+  them, which Bellicoso had found in Clinias his pocket.
+
+Last after these came Humphry Swallow and good wife Spiggot, hee
+  reeling uppon her, she pulling and hayling him for the money he
+  ought her.
+
+After these came the guard as before, and so the Prince in full state
+  was conveyed to his pallace.
+
+"Here wee were all so discouraged that wee could have found in our
+heartes to have gone no farther. But then consulting with our selves
+wee thought it no way fitt to leave when thinges were at the worst,
+and therefore resolved by more industry and better care of those
+things which should follow, to sue out a fine of recovery for our
+credites. Whereuppon the comedy which was already a foote and
+appointed to bee done on 12 day, was revewed and corrected by the best
+judgments in the house, & a Chorus by their direction inserted, to
+excuse former faults, all which was a cause that Twelfe eve & Twelfe
+day past away in silence, because the comedy beeing wholy altered
+could not bee so soone acted, neyther could any other thing bee so
+suddenly provided to furnish those nights.
+
+"Heere the Lord-treasurer made a complaint to the King and the rest of
+his councell that his treasure was poore and almost exhausted, so that
+without a fresh supply or new subsidy nothing more could bee done. And
+that this might not seem an idle complaint, a bill of some of the
+particulars and chiefe expences was exhibited, wherein it might
+appeare how costly the presedent revels had beene."
+
+The "Bill of Expences" amounted to lxiiij^{li} v^{s} o^{d}.
+
+"This bill beeing seene and allowed, they begane to cast about for
+more money, whereuppon a new privy seale was drawn in Latin." "Those
+which were served with this writte and obey'd" contributed a total sum
+of 5^{li}.
+
+"This beeing not as yet sufficient there was a new subsedy levyed by
+the Junior Masters and the rest of the Colledge to the summe of Six
+Poundes three shillings, whereuppon finding themselves againe before
+hand, and resolving to save nothing for a deare yeare, they proceeded
+to new expences and new troubles.
+
+"The Suneday after, beeing the last day of the Vacation and tenth day
+of the moneth, two shewes were privately performed in the Lodging, the
+one presently after dinner called _Somnium Fundatoris_, viz., the
+tradition that wee have concearning the three trees that wee have in
+the President his garden. This interlude by the reason of the death of
+him that made it, not long after was lost, and so could not bee heere
+inserted; but it was very well liked, and so wel deserved, for that it
+was both wel penned and well acted.
+
+"Now because before were divers youths whose voyces or personages
+would not suffer them to act any thing in publicke, yet withall it was
+thought fitt, that in so publicke a buisnes every one should doe some
+thing, therefore a mocke play was provided called _The 7 Dayes of the
+Weeke_, which was to be performed by them which could do nothing in
+earnest, and, that they should bee sure to spoyle nothing, every man's
+part was sorted to his person, and it was resolved that the worse it
+was done, the better it would be liked, and so it fell out; for the
+same day after supper it was presented by one who bore the name of the
+Clerke of St. Gyleses, and acted privately in the lodging in manner
+and forme following:
+
+
+THE SEVEN DAYES OF THE WEEKE.
+
+
+_Interloqutores._
+
+The Clerke of St. Gyleses.
+Mooneday.
+Tuseday.
+Wenesday.
+Thurseday.
+Frieday.
+Satterday.
+Suneday.
+Night.
+
+
+Chorus.
+
+A Woman
+A Paire of Snuffers.
+
+_Enter the Clerke with all his Acteurs._
+
+
+Prologue
+
+Clerke.
+
+  "I am the poore, though not unlettered, Clerke,
+  And these your subjects of St. Gyles his parishe,
+  Who in this officious season would not sharke
+  But thought to greet your highnesse with a morrice,
+    Which since my riper judgement thought not fitt,
+    They have layd down their wisedomes to my witt.
+
+  And that you might perceive (though seeminge rude)
+  Wee savour somewhat of the Academie,
+  Wee had adventur'd on an enterlude
+  But then of actors wee did lacke a manye;
+    Therefore we clipt our play into a showe,
+    Yet bigg enough to speake more than wee knowe.
+
+  The subject of it was not farr to seeke
+  Fine witts worke mickle matter out of nifle:
+  Nam'd it I have _The Seven Dayes of the Weeke_,
+  Which though perchaunce grave heads may judge a trifle,
+    Yet if their action answere but my penninge,
+    You shall heare that, that will deserve a hemminge.
+
+  To tell the argument, were to forstalle
+  And sour the licquour of our sweete conceate;
+  Here are good fellowes that will tell you all
+  When wee begin once, you shall quickely ha'te,
+    Which if your grace will grace with your attention,
+    You shall soone sounde the depth of our invention."
+
+[Then follows the mock play in seven Acts.]
+
+"Nothing, throughout the whole yeare, was better liked and more
+pleasant than this shewe, in so much that, although it were more
+privately done before our selves onely or some few friends, yet the
+report of it went about all the towne, till it came to the
+Vice-chauncellours and L. Clifford's eares, who were very desyrous to
+see it acted againe, and so it was as heereafter shal bee specifyed.
+
+"The next day beeing Munday the 11 of January the terme should have
+begun in the house, but because of the extreame cold and froast which
+had now continued full six weekes and better without any intermission,
+as also by reason the hall was still pestered with the stage and
+scaffolds which were suffered to stand still in expectation of the
+Comedy, therefore it was agreed by the President and the officers that
+the terme should bee prorogued for 7 dayes longer in which time it was
+agreed the Comedy should bee publickely acted on Friday, the 15th day
+of January.
+
+"But heere the President and some of the Seniors in abundance of care
+were affrayd to put any thing againe to the publicke view of the
+University, because their last paines at _The Complaint of Time_ had
+so ill thriving. Besides the season was so severe and tempestuous with
+wind and snow, which had continued some dayes without ceasing, and the
+complaint of the poore was so grievious for want of wood and meate,
+which by this time were growne very scant and deere, that they urged
+it was a time rather to lament and weepe than make sports in,
+whereupon a streight inhibition was sent out from the officers, that
+no man should thinke of playing that night or any time after, till the
+weather should breake up and bee more temperate, for they thought it
+no way fitt publickly to revell at a time of such generall wo and
+calamity.
+
+"But yet because all thinges were in a readinesse and the expectation
+of the whole towne was set uppon that night, the younger men of the
+Colledge went forward with their buisnes, intending to take no notice
+of what the officers had aggreed uppon, wherefore some of the officers
+were fayne to come in person to forbid the worke-men, and to undo some
+things which were already done, to the great griefe and discouragement
+of all the youth, who, though the weather was extreame cold, were
+themselves most hotte uppon the matter in hand, resolving now or never
+to recover their losse credit.
+
+"And, as though the heavens had favoured their designes, so it
+happened that about noone the weather brake up and it begann to thaw,
+whereuppon the President was agayne importun'd by the Prince himselfe
+and his councell for the performance of the Comedy that night; who
+(seeing they were all so earnest) did not so much graunt, as not deny
+them, their request, whereuppon they begann againe to sett forward the
+buisnes, and what they wanted in time they made up by their
+willingnesse and paynes, so that for all these crosses they begann the
+play before 7 a clocke and performed it in manner following:
+
+
+PHILOMATHES.
+
+INTERLOQUTORES.
+
+Chorus.
+
+Janus.
+Tempus.
+
+Motus       Locus.
+Quies       Vacuum.
+
+Philomathes.                                  Sophia.
+Chrysophilos, Senex Avarus.                   Antarchia.
+Phantasta, Stolidus Generosus.                Anthadia.
+[Greek: Aphronios], Filius Chrysophili.       Anaea, Mulier Inepta.
+
+Chrestophilos, Socius Philomathis.
+Crito, Senex, Pater Sophiae.
+Critonis Seruus.
+Cerdoos, Seruus Chrysophili.
+Petinus, Seruus Phantastae.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"This play was very well acted, but especially the Chorus, the stage
+was never more free, the audience never more quiett and contented, so
+that they went away many of them crieing--_Abunde satisfactum est!_
+itt was so well liked and applauded of all that saw itt.
+
+"Here the stage & scaffold were pul'd downe which had stood from
+Cristmas, and it was resolved that upon the chaunge of the weather,
+the terme should begin on the Munday following.
+
+"But in the meane time on Sunday nighte, being the Seventeenth of
+January, the Vice-chancelor, and the L. Clifford, with many other
+Doctors and Gentlemen were invited to supper in the President's
+lodging, where after supper they were entertained with a shew before
+mentioned, to witt, _The Seven Dayes in the Weeke_, to which, by this
+time, there was somewhat added, but not much: all was most kindly
+accepted, and the nighte was spent in great mirth. For the straungenes
+of the matter, and rarity of the fashion of their action pleased above
+expectation.
+
+"At the end of this shew for the more rarity, there was one brought in
+my Lord's Stockes with this speech made uppon itt:
+
+"'My Lord, I which am the lowest, am now become the lowdest, though
+(I hope) not the lewdest of your Lordshippe's servauntes. And though I
+come _pridie Calendas_, before I am cald, yet (I hope) my audacity
+shall have audience, and my faithfulnes favor. I am your Lordshippe's
+Elephaunt and heere is your castell, so that where other Lords are
+brought to their castells, heere your castell is brought to you. _Est
+locus in carcere_, there is a locke upon your Lordshippe's castell,
+which was committed unto my trust, how faithfull I have been therein
+they can tell who have taken an exact measure of my office by the
+foote: the matter of which your castell is builded is so precious,
+that there is none amongst company but is contented to wear of it
+within his buttons, the end for which it was builded is very
+commendable, that they may bee kepte in order with wood, which
+otherwise would not bee kepte in order, heere is _fons latus pedibus
+tribus_, a fountaine to wash three mens legs, that they which have
+bene _aurium tenus_, over shoes, heere may be _crurum tenus_ over
+bootes too, This your Lordshippe's oracle or Tripos, out of which
+malefactors tell the truth and foretell of their amendment. Nay, I wil
+bee bould to compare it to your Lordshippe's braine, for what is there
+designed is heere executed. In these sells or ventricles are fancy,
+understanding, and memory. For such as your Lordshippe doth not fancy
+are put in the first hole, such as were dull and without understanding
+were put in the second hole, but such as your Lordshippe threatned
+(remember this) or I'le remember you, were put in the last and lowest
+dungeon, _cum nemini obtrudi potest itur ad me_. When they cannot bee
+ruled otherwise they are brought unto mee, and my entertainment is
+_strato discumbitur ostro_, they straite sett downe att this oister
+table, where they are fast and doe fast, ffor _vinitur exiguo melius_,
+they make small meales, till the flames of clemency doe mitigate the
+Salamanders of your Lordshippe's severity. Now, my Lord, since I have
+told you what I am, I will bee bold to tell you what you may bee--You
+are mortall--Ergo you must die, the three sisters will not spare you,
+though you were their owne brother, and therefore while you have your
+good witts about you, _fac quid vobis_, make your will, that wee may
+know amongst so many well deserving men, that doe lay claime to this
+your castell, to whome as rightfull heire itt shall lawfully descend,
+that so all controversies being ended, before your Lordshippe's
+deceasse, hereafter your bones may ly, and wee your subjects live, in
+all rest and quietnes.
+
+"'Dixi.'
+
+"To make an end of this nighte's sporte, all departed merry and very
+well pleased, the actors were much commended, and the terme for their
+sakes prorogued one day longer.
+
+"On the Thursday following the Prince was solemnly invited by the
+Canons of Christchurch to a comedy called _Yuletide_, where many
+thinges were either ill ment by them, or ill taken by us, but wee had
+very good reason to think the former, both for that the whole towne
+thought so, and the whole play was a medley of Christmas sportes, by
+which occasion Christmas Lords were much jested at, and our Prince was
+soe placed that many thinges were acted upon him, but yet, Mr. Deane
+himselfe, then vice-chancelor, very kindly sent for the Prince and
+some others of our howse, and laboured to satisfie us, protesting that
+no such thing was mente, as was reported, whereupon wee went away
+contented, and forebore the speaking of many things which otherwise
+were afterwards intended, for aunswering of them in their owne kind.
+
+"On Candlemas nighte it was thoughte by our selves, and reported in
+the towne, that the Prince should resigne his place, but nothing being
+in readines for that purpose itt was deferred, but yet, least nothing
+should bee done, there was a Vigilate (as they terme it) a watching
+nighte procured by the Prince and his Counsell, and graunted by the
+officers of the Colledge, which was performed in manner following.
+
+
+"THE VIGILATE.
+
+"First, about eighte of the Clocke (for then itt was to begin, and to
+continue till fowre in the morning) the Colledge gates were shutt, and
+all the students summon'd by the sounding of a Trumpett three times,
+to make their personall appearance in the greate Hall, where after
+they were all come together, that the Prince's pleasure might bee the
+better knowne, this proclamation was publikely pronounced by a
+Serjeant att Armes, in the hearing of them all.
+
+"The high and mighty Thomas by the favour of Fortune Prince of Alba
+  Fortunata, Lord St. Johns, High Regent of the Hall, &c. To all
+  Presidents, Vice Presidents, Officers, Readers, Masters, Batchelors,
+  Felowes, Schollers, Commoners, Under-commoners, Servaunts, Scruitors,
+  sendeth greeting.
+
+Whereas of late by the turbulent spirits of seditious minded persons
+hath bene buzzed into the eares of many of our loving and liege
+subjectes a fearefull and dangerous report of our sudden downefall,
+which according to their libelling speeches should att this nighte
+fall upon us--We have thought it necessary not so much for our owne
+feares which are none at all, as for satisfieing and strengthening our
+welmeaning friends in their love and duty, to publish and by these
+presents to all our loyal subjects of what state and condicion soever,
+that they make their personall appearance to the setting and
+furnishing of a most strong guarde and carefull watch as well for
+their security as the safety of our owne royall person, & the whole
+Common-wealth; In the which generall watch for the better comfort and
+ease of all men, our selfe, with our honourable privy Counsell, and
+the rest of our Nobility, intend to bee personally present.
+
+"But because wee are no way minded to oppresse any man above his
+power, on our princely bounty, wee give licence to such as (for age or
+infirmity) are not able to perform that duty, to forfaite for their
+absence, yf they plead age ijs. vi^{d}.; if infirmity, xii^{d}., towards
+the furnishing of his Highnes with a tall and sufficient watchman.
+
+"Now because that which wee have wisely thought, and for our peace and
+safety, may not proove the cause of new troubles and dissentions, wee
+have thought good to adjoine some few cautions, in way of admonitions
+to bee observed.
+
+"First, for that the disorders of an unruly and mutinous watch
+   doe often open as it were the gate of danger and outrage,
+   our princely will and pleasure is, that each man keepe his
+   station with out murmuring, performing cheerefully all such
+   offices and duties, as shal bee lawfully enjoin'd by us, or
+   our offices, upon paine of forfeiting ijs. vi^{d}., as for age.
+
+"Secondly, because sloth is a kind of disease in a well-ordered
+   Common-wealth wee further charge and command by the
+   vertue of our absolute authority, that no man bee found
+   winking, or pincking, or nodding, much lesse snorting,
+   upon paine of forfaiting twelve pence, as for infirmity.
+
+"Thirdly, for the avoiding of a sudden dearth, or lingring famine
+   which may ensue and justly follow the free and undoubted
+   liberty of a riotous and luxurious time, yt is by us thought
+   necessary that no man should in hugger mugger eate or
+   drincke more than is publickly seene and allowed by the
+   face of the body civill and politicke, upon paine of paieing
+   twise, for such is in a manner stolen provision, and the
+   second paiement to bee arbitrary.
+
+        "Given att our Mannor of Whites-hall, the seacond of
+            February, and in the first of our Raigne.
+
+"This proclamation being read and set up in the great hall, the Prince
+called for his officers and servants about him, charging every man
+carefully to execute his office. First the steward and buttler (who
+for their auncient fidelity kept their places according as they had
+long before beene appointed by the Colledge) were commaunded to bring
+their bookes, and by them to call up all the howse, whereupon (every
+one beeing first charged to aunswere to his name) it presently
+appeared who were present and who were absent.
+
+"After this the Master of the Revels and the Knight Marshall were
+willed to appoint severall sportes that no man might bee seene idle
+upon payne of the Prince's high displeasure whereupon presently some
+went to cardes, some to dice, some to dauncing, every one to some
+thing.
+
+"Not long after, for more variety sake, there was brought in a maske;
+the devise was sudden and extempore, videl: a little page attired in
+his long coats, with these six verses which were spoke as soone as he
+entered the hall.
+
+ "These are six carpet knights, and I one page
+  Can easily bring in six that bee of age,
+  They come to visite this your highnes court,
+  And if they can, to make your honour sport.
+  Nay, this is all, for I have seene the day
+  A richer maske had not so much to say.
+
+"After these maskers had finished the measures, and some few other
+daunces, the said page waved them forth with his wan, and spake these
+two verses:
+
+ "There are three they say would shew you an anticke,
+  But when you see them, you'll thinke them franticke.
+
+"Then there came in three in an anticke which were well attyred for
+that purpose, and daunced well to the great delite of the beholders.
+
+"After these had stollen away one by one, as the manner is, it pleased
+the Prince to aske what was a clocke, it beeing aunswered almost
+twelve hee presently called in for supper. But first the bill of those
+which were before noted to bee absent was called, to see whether any
+of them would yet appeare, and the Prince would deale favourably with
+them. It was also examined whether any of those which were present
+before were now gon to bed, and accordingly authority was given by the
+Prince to the marshalls of the hall and other officers to search the
+chambers for sleepers, and where they made aunswere to aske the reason
+of their slothfull neglect or wilfull contempt of the Prince's
+commands, and if they pleaded either infirmity or age to take their
+fine, and so quietly to depart, first causing them faithfull to give
+their words that they harboured no other idle or suspicious parsons.
+But if they knoct at any of the chambers of those that were absent and
+nobody would answer, then they had full authority to breake open the
+dores and to make a privy search, and if they found any abed they
+tooke them as they were in their shirts and carryed them downe in
+state to the hall after this manner:--
+
+"First went the marshals with lights to make room.
+
+Then came one squire carrying the goune of him whom they
+     brought and another that carryed his hatt & band.
+
+Then came two other squires whereof one carryed his dublet
+     the other his breeches.
+
+Then came two with lights.
+
+Next came he that was in his shirt carryed by two in a chaire
+     and covered with a blanket.
+
+Last behind came one squire more that carryed his shoes &
+     stockings.
+
+"All these beeing entered the hall, the squires made their attendance
+about him, with great observance, every one reaching him his apparrell
+as it pleased him to call for it, and then also helping him on with
+it. And this was the punishment of those that were found a bed.
+
+"Others which were found up in their chambers & would not answer were
+violently brought downe with bills and staves as malefactors and by
+the Knight Marshals appointment were committed close prisoners to the
+Prince's castle, videl. the stocks, which were placed upon a table to
+that purpose, that those which were punished might bee seene to the
+terrour of others.
+
+"By this time supper was ready and the sewer called to the
+dresser whereupon the buttery bell was presently rung, as it
+uses to bee at other ordinary meales, besides a trumpet was
+sounded at the kitchen hatch to call the wayters together.
+
+"After the first messe was served in, the Prince with the rest
+of his councell satt downe, then all the rest of the howse in
+seniority.
+
+"Towardes the end of supper two gentlemen of the second table fell out,
+wee could never distinctly know about what, it was verely supposed
+themselves scarsly knew, but from wordes they fell suddenly to blowes,
+and ere any man was aware, one of them had stabbed the other into the
+arme with his knife to the great prejudice of the mirth, which should or
+would have followed that night. But the offender was presently
+apprehended (and though a gentleman of some worth) put into my Lord's
+stocks, where hee lay most part of that night with shame and blame
+enough. And yet for all that punishment the next day he was convented
+before the officers of the Colledge, and there agayne more grievously
+punished; for the fault was much agravated by the circumstances of the
+time, place and person that was hurt, who was a very worshipfull
+knight's sonne and heyre.
+
+"After this the Prince with some of the better sort of the
+howse beeing much disconted with the mischaunce that had
+happened, retyred themselves into the president lodging, where
+privatly they made themselves merry, with a wassall called the
+five bells of Magdalen Church, because it was an auncient note
+of those bells, that they were almost never silent. This shew
+for the better grace of the night was performed by some of the
+Masters and officers themselves in manner following:
+
+"_Enter the Clerke of Magdalens alone,_
+
+ "Your kind acceptance of the late devise
+  Presented by St. Gyles's clerke, my neighbour,
+  Hath hartned mee to furnish in a trice
+  This nights up sitting with a two houres labour:
+      For any thing I hope, though ne're so naghty
+      Wil be accepted in a Vigilate.
+
+  I have observed as your sportes did passe all
+  (A fault of mine to bee too curious)
+  The twelfe night slipt away without a wassall,
+  A great defect, to custome most injurious:
+      Which I to mend have done my best endeavour
+      To bring it in, for better late than never.
+
+  And more, for our more tuneable proceeding,
+  I have ta'ne downe the five bells in our towre,
+  Which will performe it, if you give them heeding,
+  Most musically, though they ring an houre.--
+      Now I go in to oyle my bells and pruin them,
+      When I come downe Ile bring them downe & tune them.
+
+_Exit._
+
+"After a while he returned with five others presenting his five bells,
+and tyed with five bell-ropes, which after he had pulled one by one,
+they all began a peale, and sang in Latin as followeth:--
+
+
+ "Jam sumus laetis dapibus repleti,
+  Copiam vobis ferimus fluentem,
+  Gaudium vobis canimus jocose
+                          Vivite laeti.
+
+  Te deum dicunt (venerande Bacche)
+  Te deum dicunt (reverenda mater)
+  Vos graves vobis removete luctus:
+                          Vivite laeti.
+
+  Dat Ceres vires, hominumque firmat
+  Corpora, et Bacchus pater ille vini
+  Liberat curis animos molestis:
+                          Vivite laeti.
+
+  Ne dolor vestros animos fatiget,
+  Vos jubet laeta haec removere curas
+  Turba, laetari feriaeque suadent
+                          Vivite laeti.
+
+  En Ceres laetae segetis creatrix,
+  Et pater vini placidique somni
+  Pocula haec vobis hilares ministrant
+                               (monarcha
+                          Sume (
+                               (magister.
+
+
+_Bibunt omnes ordine dum, actores haec ultima carmina saepius repetunt;
+max singuli toti conventui sic ordine gratulantur._
+
+_Tenor._
+
+  Reddere faelicem si quemquam copia possit
+    Copia faelicis nomen habere jubet,
+  Copia laete jubet tristes depellere curas,
+    Copia quam cingit Bacchus et alma Ceres.
+
+_Counter._
+
+  Quem non delectant moderate pocula sumpta?
+
+_Tenor._
+
+    Cujus non animum dulcia vina juvant?
+  Dulcia vina juvant dulcem dant vina soporem,
+    Magnificas ornant dulcia vina dapes.
+
+_Meane._
+
+  Frugibus alma Ceres mortalia pectora nutrit,
+    Exornant campurn frugibus alma Ceres.
+  Si cuiquam desint Cerelia dona, nec illi
+    Lenaei patris munera grata placent.
+
+  Nec vobis Cereris nec Bacchi munera desint,
+    Annuat et votis Jupiter ipse meis.
+
+_Treble._
+
+  Alma Ceres vestris epulis laetatur, et ecce
+    Copia cum Baccho gaudia laeta canunt
+                 _Mox omnes cantantes Exeunt._
+
+  Gaudium laetum canimus, canemus
+  Hoc idem semper, nec enim dolere
+  Jam licet, laetae feriae hic aguntur
+                              Vivite laeti.
+
+  Saepius nobis reriae revertant,
+  Saepius vinum liceat potare,
+  Saepius vobis hilares canamus
+                            Vivite laeti.
+
+"This then was suddenly and extempore clapt together for want of a
+better, but notwithstanding was as willingly and chearefully receaved
+as it was proferd.
+
+"By this time it was foure a clocke and liberty was given to every one
+to goe to bed or stay up as long as they pleased. The Prince with his
+councell brake up their watch, so did most of the Masters of the
+house, but the younger sort stayed up till prayers time, and durst not
+goe to bed for feare of one another. For some, after they had licence
+to depart, were fetcht out of their beds by their fellowes, and not
+suffered to put on their clothes till they came into the hall. And
+thus the day came and made an end of the night's sport.
+
+"On the sixt of February, beeing egge Satterday, it pleased some
+gentlemen schollers in the towne to make a dauncing night of it. They
+had provided many new and curious daunces for the maske of Penelope's
+Woers, but the yeare beeing far spent and Lent drawing on and many
+other thinges to bee performed, the Prince was not able to bestow that
+state upon them which their love & skill deserved. But their good will
+was very kindely received by the Prince in this night's private
+travels. They had some apparell suddenly provided for them, and these
+few Latin verses for their induction:
+
+ "Isti fuere credo Penelopes proci
+  Quos justa forsan ira Telemachi domo
+  Expulit Ulyssis.
+
+"After all this sport was ended the Prince entertayned them very
+royally with good store of wine and a banquet, where they were very
+merry and well pleased all that night.
+
+"Against the next Tuesday following, beeing Shrovetuesday, the great
+stage was againe set up and the scaffolds built about the hall for the
+Prince's resignation, which was performed that night with great state
+and solemnity in manner and forme following:
+
+IRA SEU TUMULUS FORTUNE.
+
+INTERLOCUTORES.
+
+Princeps.
+Admiralius.
+Thesaurarius.
+Comptrollarius.
+Cancellarius.
+Justitiarius.
+Marescallus.
+Camerarius.
+Philosophus.
+Cynicus.
+Momus.
+Polycrates.
+Philadelphus.
+Juridicus.
+Magister Ludorem.
+Anteambulo Primus.
+Anteambulo Secundus.
+Stultus.
+
+CHORUS.
+
+Minerva
+Euphemia
+Fortuna.
+Tolmaea.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"Many straungers of all sorts were invited to this shew, and many more
+came together, for the name's sake only of a resignacon, to see the
+manner and solemnity of it, for that it was reported (and truly) that
+there was nothing els to bee done or seene beside the resignacon and
+no man thought so much could have beene said of so little matter.
+
+"The stage was never so oppressed with company, insomuch that it was
+verely thought it could not bee performed that night for want of
+roome; but the audience was so favourable as to stand as close and
+yeeld as much backe as was possible; so that for all tumults it began
+about 7 a clocke, and was very well liked of all.
+
+"Only some few, more upon their owne guilty suspicion than our plaine
+intention, thinking themselves toucht at that verse of _Momus_:
+
+ "Dixi et quem dederat cursum fortuna peregi,
+
+laboured to raise an hissing, but it was soon smothered, and the whole
+company in the end gave us good applause and departed very well
+pleased.
+
+"After the shew was ended, the sometimes Lord was carried in state to
+his owne private chamber after this manner:
+
+First went two Squires with lights.
+
+Next Euphemia and Tolmaea.
+
+Then 2 other Squires with lightes.
+
+Next Minerva and Fortuna.
+
+Then came 4 other Squires with lightes, and in the midst of
+    them 4 schollers bearing on their shoulders a tombe
+    or sepulcher adorned with scutchions and little flagges,
+    wherein all the Prince's honours had bene buried before.
+
+After this came the Prince alone in his schollers gowne and
+    hood as the chiefe mourner.
+
+Then all the rest of his Counsell and company likewise in
+    blacke gownes and hoodes, like mourners, two by two.
+
+"All these were said to goe to the Temple of Minerva there to
+consecrate and erecte the sepulcher, and this state was very well
+liked of all that saw itt.
+
+"Heere wee thought to have made an end of all, and to have puld downe
+the scaffolds and stage, but then many said that so much preparacon
+was too much for so small a show. Besides there was an English Tragedy
+almost ready, which they were very earnest should bee performed, but
+many arguments were alledged against it: first, for the time, because
+it was neere Lent, and consequently a season unfitt for
+plaies--Secondly, the stile for that itt was English, a language
+unfitt for the Universitie, especially to end so much late sporte with
+all--Thirdly, the suspicon of some did more hinder it than all the
+rest, for that it was thought that some particulars were aimed att in
+the Chorus, which must needs bee distastfull--Lastly, the ill lucke,
+which wee had before with English, made many very loth to have any
+thing done againe in that straine.
+
+"But these objections being aunswered all well as might bee, and
+faithfull promise being made and taken that if any word were thought
+personall, it should be presently put out, the stage was suffered to
+stand, and the scaffolds somewhat enlarged against the Saturday
+following. Att which time such a concourse of people from all places,
+and of all sorts came together presently after dinner, that itt was
+thought impossible any thing should have beene done that night for
+tumults. Yet in the beginning such order and care was taken (every one
+being willing att the last cast to helpe towardes the making a good
+end,) that the stage was kept voide of all company, and the scaffoldes
+were reserved for straungers and men sorte, better than ever they were
+before, so that it began very peaceably somewhat before six a clocke,
+and was performed in manner following:
+
+PERIANDER.
+
+CHORUS
+
+The Master of the Revels.         Detraction.
+The Master of the Revels Boy.     Resolution.
+          Ingenuity a Doctor of Physicke.
+
+INTERLOCUTORES.
+
+Periander, Tyrannus Corinthi.
+Cypsilus, Haeres Periandri, Stultus.
+Lycophron Frater Cypsili.
+Neotinos, Puer, Satelles Lycoph.
+Lysimachos}
+Aristhaeus } Nobiles et a Consilijs Periandri.
+
+Philarches}
+Eriterus  } Juuenes Nobiles in Aula Periandri.
+Symphilus }
+
+Crataea Mater Periandri.
+Melissa Uxor Periandri.
+Melissae Umbra.
+Eugenia Filia Periandri.
+
+Pronaea }
+Zona   } Duae Meritriculae Periandri.
+
+Larissaea Soror Philarchis.
+Europe Aristhaei Filia.
+Faeminae Quatuor Corinthiae cum 4 or Pueris Inseruientibus.
+Arion Celebris Musicus.
+Nantae Quatuor.
+Cines Duo Togati.
+Vigiles Duo.
+Calistus   }
+Stratocles } Satellites Periandri.
+Borius     }
+Tres Aut 4 or Alij Satellites.
+Epilogus.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"EPILOGUE.
+
+      "Gentlemen, welcome! our great promises
+  Wee would make upp, your selves must needs confesse,
+  But our small timbred actors, narrow roome,
+  Necessity of thrifte make all short come
+  Of our first apprehensions; wee must keepe
+  Our auntient customes though wee after creepe.
+  But wee forgett times limitts, Nowe tis Lente--
+  Old store this weeke may lawfully be spente
+  Our former shewes were giv'n to our cal'd Lorde,
+  This, and att his request, for you was storde.
+          By many hands was Periander slaine,
+          Your gentler hands will give him live againe.
+
+FINIS.
+
+"A certain gentlewoman, upon the hearing of these two last verses,
+made two other verses, and in way of an aunswer sent them to the
+Prince, who having first plaied Periander afterwards himselfe also
+pronounced the Epilogue.
+
+"The verses were these
+
+  If that my hand or hart him life could give,
+  By hand and hart should Periander live.
+
+"But it is almost incredible to thinke how well this Tragedy was
+performed of all parties, and how well liked of the whole, which (as
+many of them as were within the hall) were very quiet and attentive.
+But those that were without and could not get in made such an hideous
+noice, and raised such a tumult with breaking of windows all about the
+colledge, throwinge of stones into the hall and such like ryott, that
+the officers of the coll: (beeing first dar'd to appeare) were faine
+to rush forth in the beginning of the play, with about a dozen
+whiflers well armed and swords drawne, whereat the whole company
+(which were gathered together before the chapell doore to try whether
+they could breake it open) seeing them come behind them out of the
+lodging, presently gave backe, and ranne away though itt was thought
+they were not so few as 4 or 500.
+
+"The officers gave some faire words and some fowle as they saw
+occasion, the whiflers were very heedfull to marke who were the
+ringleaders of the rest, and having some notice given of them by some
+of our friendes, they took some of them and committed them to the
+Porter's lodge, where they lay close prisoners till the play was done,
+and then they were brought forth and punished, and so sente home.
+
+"After this all was quiet only some were so thrust in the hall, that
+they were carried forth for dead but soone recovered, when they came
+into the aire.
+
+"The Chorus of this Tragedy much pleased for the rarity of it.
+_Detraction_ beeing taken from among the company, where hee had liked
+to have been beaten for his sawsines (as it was supposed) for nobody
+at first toke him for an actor. The chiefest in the hall commaunded
+that notice should be taken of him, that hee might afterwards bee
+punished for his boldnes;--but as soone as it at once appeared that he
+was an actor, their disdaine and anger turned to much pleasure and
+content.
+
+"All were so pleased att the whole course of this play, that there
+were at least eight generall plaudites given in the midst of it in
+divers places and to divers persons.
+
+"In the end, they clapped their hands so long, that they went forth of
+the colledge clapping.
+
+"But in the midst of all this good liking wee were neere two
+mischaunces, the one from Lycophron who lost a faire gold ring from
+his finger, which notwithstanding all the hurleburly in the end of the
+play, was soone found againe; the other from Periander, who, going to
+kill his daughter Eugenia, did not so couch his dagger within his
+hand, but that hee prickt her through all her attire, but (as God
+would have it) it was onely a scratch and so it passed.
+
+
+THE CONCLUSION.
+
+"Many other thinges were in this yeare intended which neither were nor
+could be performed. As the maske of Penelope's Wooer, with the State
+of Telemachus, with a Controversie of Jrus and his ragged Company,
+whereof a great parte was made. The devise of the Embassage from
+Lubber-land, whereof also a parte was made. The Creation of White
+Knights of the order of Aristotle's Well, which should bee sworne to
+defend Aristotle against all authors, water against wine, footemen
+against horsemen, and many more such like injunctions. A lottery for
+those of the colledge or straungers as itt pleased them to draw, not
+for matters of wealth, but only of mirth and witt. The triumph of all
+the founders of the colledges in Oxford, a devise much thought on, but
+it required more invention, more cost than the time would affoord. The
+holding of a court leet and baron for the Prince, wherein there should
+have beene leasses drawne, copies taken, surrenders made, all which
+were not so much neglected as prevented by the shortnes of time and
+want of money, better wits and richer daies may hereafter make upp
+which was then lefte unperfect.
+
+"Here some letters might be inserted, and other gratulatory messages
+from divers friends to the Prince, but it is high time to make an end
+of this tedious and fruitelesse relation, unlesse the knowledge of
+trouble and vanity bee fruitefull.
+
+"Wee intended in these exercises the practise and audacity of our
+youth, the credit and good name of our colledge, the love and favor of
+the University; but instead of all these (so easie a thing it is to be
+deceived in a good meaning) wee met with peevishnesse at home,
+perversnes abroad, contradictions everywhere; some never thought
+themselves entreated enough to their owne good and creditt; others
+thought themselves able to doe nothing if they could not thwarte and
+hinder something; most stood by and gave aime, willing to see much and
+doe nothing, nay perchaunce they were ready to procure most trouble,
+which would bee sure to yield least helpe. And yet wee may not so much
+grudge at faults at home as wee may justly complaine of hard measure
+abroad; for instead of the love and favour of the Universitie, wee
+found our selves (wee will say justly) taxed for any the least error
+(though ingenious spirits would have pardoned many things, where all
+things were intended for their owne pleasure) but most unjustly
+censured, and envied for that which was done (wee dare say)
+indifferently well: so that, in a word, wee paide deere for trouble,
+and in a manner hired and sent for men to doe us wrong.
+
+"Let others herafter take heed how they attempte the like, unlesse
+they find better meanes at home, and better mindes abroad. And yet wee
+cannot complaine of all, some ment well and said well, and those tooke
+good will for good paiment, good endevors for good performaunce, and
+such (in this kind) shall deserve a private favour, when other shal
+bee denied a common benefitt.
+
+ "_Seria vix recte agnoscit, qui ludicra nescit._
+
+FINIS."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENTS.
+
+During the reign of James the First there was a revival of chivalric
+exercises, especially in connection with the training of the young
+Prince Henry. Almost as soon as he could wield a lance and manage his
+horse when clothed in complete armour, he insisted on taking his place
+at the lists; and from this time no great tournament took place in
+England in which his Royal Highness did not take part. The most
+important of these exhibitions was
+
+
+THE GRAND "FEAT OF ARMES"
+
+which took place on Twelfth Night, 1610, at the palace of Whitehall,
+in the presence of King James I. and his queen, and a brilliant
+assemblage of lords, ladies, and gentlemen, among whom were several
+foreign ambassadors, when the heir-apparent, Prince Henry, was in the
+16th year of his age, and therefore arrived at the period for claiming
+the principality of Wales and the duchy of Cornwall. It was granted to
+him by the king and the High Court of Parliament, and the 4th of June
+following appointed for his investiture: "the Christmas before which,"
+Sir Charles Cornwallis says, "his highnesse, not onely for his owne
+recreation, but also that the world might know what a brave prince
+they were likely to enjoy, under the name of Meliades, lord of the
+isles, (an ancient title due to the first born of Scotland,) did, in
+his name, by some appointed for the same purpose, strangely attired,
+accompanied with drummes and trumpets, in the presence, before the
+king and queene, and in the presence of the whole Court, deliver a
+challenge to all knights of Great Britaine." The challenge was to this
+effect, "That Meliades, their noble master, burning with an earnest
+desire to trie the valour of his young yeares in foraigne countryes,
+and to know where vertue triumphed most, had sent them abroad to espy
+the same, who, after their long travailes in all countreys, and
+returne," had nowhere discovered it, "save in the fortunate isle of
+Great Britaine: which ministring matter of exceeding joy to their
+young Meliades, who (as they said) could lineally derive his pedegree
+from the famous knights of this isle, was the cause that he had now
+sent to present the first fruits of his chivalrie at his majesties'
+feete: then after returning with a short speech to her majestie, next
+to the earles, lords, and knights, excusing their lord in this their
+so sudden and short warning, and, lastly, to the ladies; they, after
+humble delivery of their chartle concerning time, place, conditions,
+number of weapons and assailants, tooke their leave, departing
+solemnly as they entered."
+
+Then preparations began to be made for this great fight, and each was
+happy who found himself admitted for a defendant, much more an
+assailant. "At last to encounter his highness, six assailants, and
+fifty-eight defendants, consisting of earles, barons, knights, and
+esquires, were appointed and chosen; eight defendants to one
+assailant, every assailant being to fight by turnes eight several
+times fighting, two every time with push and pike of sword, twelve
+strokes at a time; after which, the barre for separation was to be let
+downe until a fresh onset." The summons ran in these words:
+
+"To our verie loving good ffreind sir Gilbert Loughton, knight, geave
+theis with speed:
+
+"After our hartie commendacions unto you. The prince, his highnes,
+hath commanded us to signifie to you that whereas he doth intend to
+make a challenge in his owne person at the Barriers, with six other
+assistants, to bee performed some tyme this Christmas; and that he
+hath made choice of you for one of the defendants (whereof wee have
+comandement to give you knowledge), that theruppon you may so repaire
+hither to prepare yourselfe, as you may bee fitt to attend him.
+Hereunto expecting your speedie answer wee rest, from Whitehall this
+25th of December, 1609. Your very loving friends,
+
+Nottingham.    T. Suffolke.    E. Worcester."
+
+On New Year's Day, 1610, or the day after, the Prince's challenge was
+proclaimed at court, and "his highnesse, in his own lodging, in the
+Christmas, did feast the earles, barons, and knights, assailants and
+defendants, until the great Twelfth appointed night, on which this
+great fight was to be performed."
+
+On the 6th of January, in the evening, "the barriers" were held at the
+palace of Whitehall, in the presence of the king and queen, the
+ambassadors of Spain and Venice, and the peers and ladies of the land,
+with a multitude of others assembled in the banquetting-house: at the
+upper end whereof was the king's chair of state, and on the right a
+sumptuous pavilion for the prince and his associates, whence, "with
+great bravery and ingenious devices, they descended into the middell
+of the roome, and there the prince performed his first feates of
+armes, that is to say, at _Barriers_, against all commers, being
+assisted onlie with six others, viz., the duke of Lenox, the earle of
+Arundell, the earle of Southampton, the lord Hay, sir Thomas Somerset,
+and sir Richard Preston, who was shortly afterwards created lord
+Dingwell."
+
+To answer these challengers came fifty-six earles, barons, knights,
+and esquiers. They were at "the lower end of the roome, where was
+erected a very delicat and pleasant place, where in privat manner they
+and their traine remained, which was so very great that no man
+imagined that the place could have concealed halfe so many." Thence
+they issued in comely order, "to the middell of the roome, where sate
+the king and the queene, and the court, to behold the barriers, with
+the several showes and devices of each combatant." Every challenger
+fought with eight several defendants two several combats at two
+several weapons, viz. at push of pike, and with single sword. "The
+prince performed this challenge with wonderous skill and courage, to
+the great joy and admiration of the beholders," he "not being full
+sixteene yeeres of age until the 19th of February." These feats, and
+other "triumphant shewes," began before ten o'clock at night, and
+continued until three o'clock in the morning, "being Sonday." The
+speeches at "the barriers" were written by Ben Jonson. The next day
+(Sunday) the prince rode in great pomp to convoy the king to St.
+James', whither he had invited him and all the court to supper, the
+queen alone being absent; and then the prince bestowed prizes to the
+three combatants best deserving; namely, the Earl of Montgomery, Sir
+Thomas Darey (son of Lord Darey), and Sir Robert Gourdon. Thus ended
+the Twelftide court festivities in 1610.
+
+During the early years of James's reign tournaments divided with
+masques the favour of the Court; and, as we have just seen when Prince
+Henry reached his sixteenth year, he put himself forth in a more
+heroic manner than usual with princes of his time to engage in "feats
+of armes" and chivalric exercises; but after his death (1612) these
+sports fell quite out of fashion, and George Wither, a poet of the
+period, expresses, in the person of Britannia, the feelings of the
+nation:--
+
+ "Alas! who now shall grace my tournaments,
+  Or honour me with deeds of chivalry?
+  What shall become of all my merriments,
+  My ceremonies, shows of heraldry,
+  And other rites?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Religious matters received a good deal of attention from James I. in
+the later years of his reign, and his Majesty's proposals raised the
+question of the observance of
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IN SCOTLAND.
+
+In 1617 the King made a journey to Scotland with the object of
+establishing the English Church in all its forms and authority as the
+State Church of Scotland for ever. One of the famous Five Articles in
+which the King set forth his will proposed "That the festivals of
+Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension Day, and Whit Sunday, should
+be observed in Scotland just as in England." The Articles were
+received with unequivocal marks of displeasure, many of the churches
+refusing to obey the royal command, and the revival of the festival of
+Christmas was denounced as the return of the ancient Saturnalia. Three
+years later the King obtained an Act of Parliament enforcing the
+Articles on the repugnant spirit of the people. "Dr. Laud, whose name
+we now meet for the first time, afterwards to become so notorious,
+even urged James to go further lengths; but his fatal advice was
+destined to act with more force on the next generation."[63]
+
+The King returned to London very much displeased with the religious
+views of his Scotch subjects, and his sourness seems to have
+manifested itself even at Christmastide, for on December 20th of this
+year Mr. Chamberlaine thus wrote to Sir Dudley Carleton: "The King
+hath been at Theobald's ever since Wednesday, and came to town this
+day. I am sorry to hear that he grows every day more froward, and with
+such a kind of morosity, that doth either argue a great discontent in
+mind, or a distemper of humours in his body. Yet he is never so out of
+tune but the very sight of my Lord of Buckingham doth settle and quiet
+all."[64]
+
+So soothed and softened was the King by "my Lord of Buckingham" that
+Mr. Chamberlaine, writing again on the 3rd of January, says that on
+New Year's Day the earl was created "Marquis of Buckingham, a dignity
+the King hath not bestowed since his coming to this crown." And, says
+the same writer, "This night was the Lord Marquiss's [Buckingham's]
+great
+
+
+FEAST, WHERE WERE THE KING AND PRINCE,
+
+with Lords and Ladies _sans nombre_. You may guess at the rest of the
+cheer by this scantling, that there were said to be seventeen dozen of
+pheasants, and twelve partridges in a dish throughout; which methinks
+was rather spoil than largess; yet for all the plenty of presents, the
+supper cost L600. Sir Thomas Edmondes undertook the providing and
+managing of all, so that it was much after the French. The King was
+exceedingly pleased, and could not be satisfied with commending the
+meat and the Master; and yet some stick not to say, that young Sir
+Henry Mildmay, a son of George Brooke, that was executed at
+Winchester, and a son of Sir William Monson's, begins to come into
+consideration."
+
+
+THE FAILING HEALTH OF THE KING
+
+interfered somewhat with the celebration of the subsequent Royal
+Christmases of this reign; and Nichols, referring to the Court
+celebrations of Twelfth Day, 1620-1, says:
+
+"'On Twelfth Day the King went to Chappel, but they had much ado to
+support him. He offered gold, frankincence, and myrrhe, and touched 80
+of the evil.'[65] In the evening 'the French Ambassador and his choise
+followers were brought to court by the Earle of Warwick to be present
+at a Maske; he seated as before with the King, the better sort of the
+other on a fourme behind the Lords, the Lord Treasurer onely and the
+Marquesse of Hamilton sitting at the upper end of it, and all the rest
+in a box, and in the best places of the scaffolds on the right hand of
+his Majesty. No other Ambassadors were at that time present or
+invited.'"
+
+As to
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
+
+of the next year (1621-2) Nichols[66] says Mr. Meade wrote thus to Sir
+Martin Stuteville:--
+
+"'The Lieutenant of Middle Temple played a game this Christmas-time,
+whereat his Majesty was highly displeased. He made choise of some
+thirty of the civillest and best-fashioned gentlemen of the House to
+sup with him; and, being at supper, took a cup of wine in one hand,
+and held his sword drawn in the other, and so began a health to the
+distressed Lady Elizabeth [the Queen of Bohemia], and having drunk,
+kissed his sword, and laying his hand upon it, took an oath to live
+and die in her service; then delivered the cup and sword to the next,
+and so the health and ceremonie went round.
+
+"'The Gentlemen of Graye's Inne, to make an end of Christmas on
+Twelfe-night, in the dead time of the night, shot off all the chambers
+they had borrowed from the Tower, being as many as filled four carts.
+The King, awakened with this noise, started out of his bed, and cryed,
+"Treason, treason," &c., and that the Cittie was in an uprore, in such
+sort (as it is told) that the whole court was raised and almost in
+armes, the Earle of Arundell running to the Bed-chamber with his sword
+drawne as to rescue the King's person.'"
+
+In this reign many accomplished writers assisted in the Christmas
+festivities. Professor Henry Morley[67] mentions that in December,
+1623, the name of Philip Massinger, poet and dramatist, first appeared
+in the office book of the Master of the Revells, when his "Bondman"
+was acted, and the play was first printed in 1624.
+
+King James I. died at Theobald's, Herts, on the 27th March, 1625, and
+was buried in Westminster Abbey.
+
+
+KING JAMES I. AND BISHOP ANDREWES ON CHRISTMAS DAYS.
+
+The remarkable fact that Bishop Andrewes preached seventeen sermons on
+the Nativity before James I. gives an unusual interest to the
+Christmas Day services of this reign. Nichols makes the following
+references to them:--
+
+1605. "On Christmas Day the King attended Divine Service at Whitehall,
+where Dr Lancelot Andrews, then recently promoted to the Bishoprick of
+Chichester, preached before his Majesty, on the Epistle of St. Paul to
+the Hebrews, ii. 16."
+
+1606. "On Christmas Day, the King attended Divine Service at
+Whitehall, where Bishop Andrews, now decidedly the King's favourite
+Preacher, discoursed on Esaias ix. 6."
+
+1607. "On Thursday, being Christmas Day, the King attended Divine
+Service at Whitehall, and there heard Bishop Andrews preach on 1 Tim.
+iii. 16."
+
+1609. "Monday, December 25, being Christmas Day, the King attended
+Divine Service at Whitehall, and there heard the Bishop of Ely, Dr.
+Andrews, on Galat. iv. 4, 5." In a note Nichols says: "This sermon was
+much admired by the King. This was probably the reason that it was
+printed in 1610, together with that the Bishop preached on the same
+occasion in that year, under the following title: 'Two Sermons
+preached before the King's Majestie at Whitehall; of the Birth of
+Christ; the one on Christmas Day, anno 1609, the other on Christmas
+Day last, anno 1610. By the Bishop of Elie, his Majestie's Almoner.
+Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, Printer to the King's most
+excellent Majestie, anno 1610.'"
+
+1610. "On Tuesday, the 25th December, Christmas Day, the King attended
+Divine Service at Whitehall, where Bishop Andrews preached on Luke ii.
+9, 10."
+
+1611. "On Christmas Day the King attended Divine Service at Whitehall,
+and Bishop Andrews preached on John. i. 14."
+
+1612. "On Friday, 25th December, Christmas Day was kept as usual at
+Whitehall; where the King attended Divine Service, and Bishop Andrews
+(as usual) preached."
+
+1613. "Saturday, 25th December, being Christmas Day, was kept with the
+usual solemnities; the King attended Divine service at Whitehall, and
+Bishop Andrews preached."
+
+1614. "His Majesty returned to keep Christmas Day, as was customary,
+at Whitehall. Bishop Andrews addressed him from the pulpit as usual."
+
+1615. "'On Christmas Day, the King, being sorely troubled with the
+gout, was not able to go to Divine service; but heard a sermon in
+private, and took the Sacrament.' The Preacher was, as usual, Bishop
+Andrews."
+
+1616. "On Christmas Day, Thomas, Earl of Arundel, who was educated
+from his youth in the Popish Religion, and had lately travelled all
+over Italy detesting the abuses of the Papists, embraced the
+Protestant religion, and received the Sacrament in the King's Chapel
+at Whitehall, where Bishop Andrews preached, as was customary, a
+sermon suited to the Festival of the Nativity."
+
+1618. "On the 25th [December], Bishop Andrews resumed his post as
+preacher on Christmas Day, before the King at Whitehall. His text was
+from Luke ii. 12, 13."
+
+1619. "Christmas was kept by the King at Whitehall, as had ever been
+his practice; and Bishop Andrews preached then before him, on
+Saturday, the 25th."
+
+1620. "During the month of December, before the King left the country,
+he knighted at Newmarket, Sir Francis Michell, afterward degraded in
+June 1621; and at Theobalds, Sir Gilbert Cornwall. On the 23rd, his
+Majestie 'came to Westminster, but went not to Chappel, being
+prevented by the gout.' On Monday, the 25th, however, being Christmas
+Day, Bishop Andrews preached before him at Whitehall, on Matt. ii. 1,
+2; and during Christmas, Sir Clement Cotterell and Sir Henry Carvell
+were there knighted."
+
+1622. "On the 25th [December] Bishop Andrews resumed his Christmas
+station in the pulpit at Whitehall, and thence preached to the King
+and his Court on the same text as he had adopted on the same occasion
+two years before, Matt. ii. 1, 2."
+
+1623. "The King kept inviolate his old custom of being at Whitehall on
+Christmas Day, and hearing there a sermon from Bishop Andrews, who
+this year preached on Ephes. i. 10."
+
+1624. "On Saturday, the 25th of December, Bishop Andrews preached
+before his Majesty at Whitehall, on Psalm ii. 7, it being at least the
+seventeenth, as it was the last, Christmas Day on which King James
+heard that favourite preacher."
+
+The unique series of "Seventeen Sermons on the Nativity, preached
+before King James I. at Whitehall, by the Right Honourable and
+Reverend Father in God, Lancelot Andrewes, sometime Lord Bishop of
+Winchester," were preserved to posterity by an order of Charles I.,
+who, after Bishop Andrewes's death, commanded Bishops Laud and
+Buckeridge to collect and publish his sermons. This series of sermons
+on the Nativity have recently been reprinted in "The Ancient and
+Modern Library of Theological Literature," and the editor, after
+referring to the ability and integrity of Bishop Andrewes, says: "An
+interest apart from that which must be created by his genius,
+learning, and character, belongs to him as the exponent of the mind
+and practice of the English Church in the years that intervened
+between the Reformation and the Revolution."
+
+
+THE POPULAR AMUSEMENTS OF CHRISTMASTIDE
+
+at this period are thus enumerated by Robert Burton in his "Anatomy of
+Melancholy," published in 1621:--
+
+"The ordinary recreations which we have in winter are cards, tables
+and dice, shovelboard, chess-play, the philosopher's game, small
+trunks, billiards, music, masks, singing, dancing, ule games, catches,
+purposes, questions; merry tales of errant knights, kings, queens,
+lovers, lords, ladies, giants, dwarfs, thieves, fairies, goblins,
+friars, witches, and the rest."
+
+The following curious cut is from the title-page of the amusing story
+of the great "Giant Gargantua" of this period:--
+
+[Illustration: "Giant Gargantua"]
+
+The legends of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Bevis of
+Southampton, Guy of Warwick, Adam Bell, and Clymme of Clough, were
+favourites among the lovers of romance; but the people of this age,
+being very superstitious, were very fond of stories about ghosts and
+goblins, believing them to be founded on fact, and also attributing
+feats performed by conjurors and jugglers to supernatural agency. The
+King himself was equally superstitious, for Strutt in describing the
+tricks of jugglers says: "Our learned monarch, James I., was perfectly
+convinced that these, and other inferior feats exhibited by the
+tregetours, could only be performed by the agency of the devil, 'who,'
+says he, 'will learne them many juglarie tricks, at cardes and dice,
+to deceive men's senses thereby, and such innumerable false
+practiques, which are proved by over-many in this age.'"[68]
+
+Looking back to the ancient superstitions about ghosts and fairies,
+Dryden, the poet, has some lines which may fitly close this chapter:--
+
+ "I speak of ancient times, for now the swain
+  Returning late may pass the woods in vain,
+  And never hope to see the mighty train;
+  In vain the dairy now with mint is dressed,
+  The dairy-maid expects no fairy guest,
+  To skim the bowls and after pay the feast.
+  She sighs and shakes her empty shoes in vain,
+  No silver penny to reward her pain:
+  For priests, with prayers and other godly gear,
+  Have made the merry goblins disappear."
+
+    [58] "Curiosities of Literature."
+
+    [59] "Memoirs of Ben Jonson."
+
+    [60] "Progresses of King James the First."
+
+    [61] Cassell's "History of England."
+
+    [62] This portion is inserted to introduce _the Prince's
+    Triumph_, as they are termed.
+
+    [63] Cassell's "History of England."
+
+    [64] Nichols's "Progresses."
+
+    [65] "Camden's Annals."
+
+    [66] "Progresses."
+
+    [67] "Library of English Literature."
+
+    [68] "Daemonologie," by King James I.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+CHRISTMAS UNDER CHARLES I. AND THE
+COMMONWEALTH.
+
+(1625-1660.)
+
+
+KING CHARLES THE FIRST
+
+was the second son of James I. and of Anne, daughter of Frederick
+III., King of Denmark, and he came to the throne on the death of his
+father in March 1625. As Prince Charles he had taken part in the Court
+entertainments of Christmastide, and had particularly distinguished
+himself in Ben Jonson's masque, "The Vision of Delight." These
+magnificent Christmas masques were continued after Charles's accession
+to the throne until the troubles of his reign stopped them.
+Gifford[69] mentions that Jonson's "Masque of Owls" was presented at
+Kenilworth Castle, "By the Ghost of Captain Cox mounted on his
+Hobby-horse, in 1626":--
+
+"_Enter_ Captain Cox, _on his Hobby-horse._
+
+  Room! room! for my horse will wince,
+  If he come within so many yards of a prince;
+  And though he have not on his wings,
+  He will do strange things,
+  He is the Pegasus that uses
+  To wait on Warwick Muses;
+  And on gaudy-days he paces
+  Before the Coventry Graces;
+  For to tell you true, and in rhyme,
+  He was foal'd in Queen Elizabeth's time,
+  When the great Earl of Lester
+  In this castle did feast her."
+
+[Illustration: THE HOBBY-HORSE.]
+
+Jonson's "The Fortunate Isles, and Their Union," a masque designed for
+the Court, was presented on Twelfth Night, 1626; and "Love's Triumph
+through Callipolis" (a masque invented by Ben Jonson and Inigo Jones)
+was presented at Court in 1630.
+
+
+THE LORD OF MISRULE
+
+also made merry at Christmas at this period; but it sometimes happened
+that when he went forth with his band of merry men, they got into
+trouble. An instance of this, which occurred in 1627, is recorded in
+one of Meade's letters to Sir Martin Stuteville. The letter is worth
+reprinting as an illustration of the manners of the age, and as
+relating to what was probably the last Lord of Misrule elected by the
+barristers. Meade writes:--"On Saturday the Templars chose one Mr.
+Palmer their Lord of Misrule, who, on Twelfth-eve, late in the night,
+sent out to gather up his rents at five shillings a house in Ram-alley
+and Fleet Street. At every door they came to they winded the
+Temple-horn, and if at the second blast or summons they within opened
+not the door, then the Lord of Misrule cried out, 'Give fire, gunner!'
+His gunner was a robustious Vulcan, and the gun or petard itself was a
+huge overgrown smith's hammer. This being complained of to my Lord
+Mayor, he said he would be with them about eleven o'clock on Sunday
+night last; willing that all that ward should attend him with their
+halberds, and that himself, besides those that came out of his house,
+should bring the watches along with him. His lordship, thus attended,
+advanced as high as Ram-alley in martial equipage: when forth came the
+Lord of Misrule, attended by his gallants, out of the Temple-gate,
+with their swords all armed _in cuerpo_. A halberdier bade the Lord of
+Misrule come to my Lord Mayor. He answered, No! let the Lord Mayor
+come to me! At length they agreed to meet halfway: and, as the
+interview of rival princes is never without danger of some ill
+accident, so it happened in this: for first, Mr. Palmer being
+quarrelled with for not pulling off his hat to my Lord Mayor, and
+giving cross answers, the halberds began to fly about his ears, and he
+and his company to brandish their swords. At last being beaten to the
+ground, and the Lord of Misrule sore wounded, they were fain to yield
+to the longer and more numerous weapon. My Lord Mayor taking Mr.
+Palmer by the shoulder, led him to the Compter, and thrust him in at
+the prison-gate with a kind of indignation; and so, notwithstanding
+his hurts, he was forced to lie among the common prisoners for two
+nights. On Tuesday the King's attorney became a suitor to my Lord
+Mayor for their liberty: which his lordship granted, upon condition
+that they should repay the gathered rents, and do reparations upon
+broken doors. Thus the game ended. Mr. Attorney-General, being of the
+same house, fetched them in his own coach, and carried them to the
+court, where the King himself reconciled my Lord Mayor and them
+together with joining all hands; the gentlemen of the Temple being
+this Shrovetide to present a Mask to their majesties, over and besides
+the King's own great Mask, to be performed at the Banquetting-house by
+an hundred actors."
+
+We get other glances at
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES IN THE 17TH CENTURY
+
+through contemporary writers of the period. Nicholas Breton,[70]
+writing in merry mood, says: "It is now Christmas, and not a cup of
+drink must pass without a carol; the beasts, fowl, and fish come to a
+general execution, and the corn is ground to dust for the bakehouse
+and the pastry: cards and dice purge many a purse, and the youth show
+their agility in shoeing of the wild mare: now, good cheer, and
+welcome, and God be with you, and I thank you:--and against the New
+Year provide for the presents:--The Lord of Misrule is no mean man for
+his time, and the guests of the high table must lack no wine: the
+lusty bloods must look about them like men, and piping and dancing
+puts away much melancholy: stolen venison is sweet, and a fat coney is
+worth money: pit-falls are now set for small birds, and a woodcock
+hangs himself in a gin: a good fire heats all the house, and a full
+alms-basket makes the beggar's prayers:--the maskers and the mummers
+make the merry sport, but if they lose their money their drum goes
+dead: swearers and swaggerers are sent away to the ale-house, and
+unruly wenches go in danger of judgment; musicians now make their
+instruments speak out, and a good song is worth the hearing. In sum it
+is a holy time, a duty in Christians for the remembrance of Christ and
+custom among friends for the maintenance of good fellowship. In brief
+I thus conclude it: I hold it a memory of the Heaven's love and the
+world's peace, the mirth of the honest, and the meeting of the
+friendly. Farewell."
+
+In 1633, William Prynne, a Puritan lawyer, published his
+"Histriomastix," against plays, masques, balls, the decking of houses
+with evergreens at Christmas, &c., for which he was committed to the
+Tower, prosecuted in the Star Chamber, and sentenced to pay a fine to
+the King of L5,000, to be expelled from the University of Oxford, from
+the Society of Lincoln's Inn, and from his profession of the law; to
+stand twice in the pillory, each time losing an ear; to have his book
+burnt before his face by the hangman; and to suffer perpetual
+imprisonment: a most barbarous sentence, which Green[71] says, "showed
+the hard cruelty of the Primate."
+
+Milton's masque of "Comus" was produced the following year (1634) for
+performance at Ludlow Castle, in Shropshire, which was the seat of
+government for the Principality of Wales, the Earl of Bridgewater
+being then the Lord President, and having a jurisdiction and military
+command that comprised the English counties of Gloucester, Worcester,
+Hereford and Shropshire. Ludlow Castle was to the Lord President of
+Wales of that period what Dublin Castle is to the Lord Lieutenant of
+Ireland in the present day; and, as hospitality was one of the duties
+of the Lord President's office, the Earl and Countess of Bridgewater
+gave a grand entertainment to the country people, in which the masque
+of "Comus" was an important feature. The music was composed by the
+eminent musician Henry Lawes, and the masque was adapted for
+performance by the family of the earl and countess, who then had ten
+children--eight daughters and two sons.
+
+It is quite refreshing to think of the author of "Paradise Lost," with
+his friend Lawes, the musician, among the country dancers, listening
+to the song of the attendant spirit:--
+
+ "Back, shepherds, back; enough your play
+  Till next sun-shine holiday:
+  Here be, without duck or nod,
+  Other trippings to be trod
+  Of lighter toes, and such court guise
+  As Mercury did first devise
+  With the mincing Dryades,
+  On the lawns, and on the leas."
+
+"But Milton was a courtier when he wrote the Masque at Ludlow Castle,"
+says Charles Lamb, "and still more of a courtier when he composed the
+'Arcades'" (a masque, or entertainment presented to the Countess
+Dowager of Derby, at Harefield, by some noble persons of her family).
+"When the national struggle was to begin, he becomingly cast these
+varieties behind him."
+
+From "Archaeologia" (vol. xviii. p. 335), we learn that "Richard
+Evelyn, Esq., High Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex in 1634, held a
+splendid Christmas at his mansion at Wotton, having a regular Lord of
+Misrule for the occasion: and it appears it was then the custom for
+the neighbours to send presents of eatables to provide for the great
+consumption consequent upon such entertainments. The following is a
+list of those sent on this occasion: two sides of venison, two half
+brawns, three pigs, ninety capons, five geese, six turkeys, four
+rabbits, eight partridges, two pullets, five sugar loaves, half a
+pound of nutmeg, one basket of apples, two baskets of pears."
+
+Hone[72] states that "in the ninth year of King Charles I. the four
+Inns of Court provided a Christmas mask, which cost L2,400, and the
+King invited a hundred and twenty gentlemen of the four Inns to a mask
+at Whitehall on Shrove Tuesday following." And Sandys says that on the
+13th December, 1637, a warrant under Privy Seal was issued to George
+Kirke, for L150 to provide masking apparel for the King; and on the
+1st of the same month Edmund Taverner had a warrant for L1,400 towards
+the charge of a mask to be presented at Whitehall the next Twelfth
+Night. A similar sum for a similar purpose was granted to Michael
+Oldisworth on the 3rd of January, 1639.
+
+In connection with the entertainments at the Inns of Court, Sandys
+mentions that by an order, 17th November, 4th Charles I., all playing
+at dice, cards, or otherwise was forbidden at Gray's Inn, except
+during the 20 days in Christmas.
+
+As indicating the prolongation of the Christmas revels at this period,
+it is recorded that in February, 1633, there was a celebrated masque,
+called "The Triumph of Peace," presented jointly by the two Temples,
+Lincoln's Inn and Gray's Inn, which cost the Societies about L20,000.
+Evelyn, in his "Memoirs," relates, that on the 15th December, 1641, he
+was elected one of the Comptrollers of the Middle Temple revellers,
+"as the custom of ye young students and gentlemen was, the Christmas
+being kept this yeare with greate solemnity"; but he got excused.
+
+An order still existed directing the nobility and gentry who had
+mansions in the country "to repair to them to keep hospitality meet to
+their degrees;" for a note in Collier's History states that Sir J.
+Astley, on the 20th of March, 1637, in consequence of ill-health,
+obtained a license to reside in London, or where he pleased, at
+Christmas, or any other times; which proves such license to have been
+requisite.
+
+At this period noblemen and gentlemen lived like petty princes, and in
+the arrangement of their households copied their sovereign, having
+officers of the same import, and even heralds wearing their coat of
+arms at Christmas, and other solemn feasts, crying largesse thrice at
+the proper times. They feasted in their halls where many of the
+Christmas sports were performed. When coals were introduced the hearth
+was commonly in the middle, whence, according to Aubrey, is the
+saying, "Round about our coal-fire." Christmas was considered as the
+commemoration of a holy festival, to be observed with cheerfulness as
+well as devotion. The comforts and personal gratification of their
+dependants were provided for by the landlords, their merriment
+encouraged, and their sports joined. The working man looked forward to
+Christmas as the time which repaid his former toils; and gratitude for
+worldly comforts then received caused him to reflect on the eternal
+blessings bestowed on mankind by the event then commemorated.
+
+[Illustration: SERVANTS' CHRISTMAS FEAST.]
+
+Of all our English poets, Robert Herrick, a writer of the seventeenth
+century, has left us the most complete contemporary picture of the
+Christmas season. He was born in Cheapside, London, and received his
+early education, it is supposed, at Westminster School, whence he
+removed to Cambridge, and after taking his M.A. degree in 1620, left
+Cambridge. He afterwards spent some years in London in familiar
+intercourse with the wits and writers of the age, enjoying those
+"lyric feasts" which are celebrated in his "Ode to Ben Jonson":--
+
+                 "Ah Ben!
+             Say how or when
+           Shall we, thy guests
+         Meet at those lyric feasts
+             Made at the Sun,
+        The Dog, the Triple Tun;
+       Where we such clusters had
+     As made us nobly wild, not mad?
+       And yet each verse of thine
+   Outdid the meat, outdid the frolic wine."
+
+In 1629 he accepted the living of Dean Prior, in Devonshire, where he
+lived as a bachelor Vicar, being ejected by the Long Parliament,
+returning on the Restoration under Charles the Second, and dying at
+length at the age of eighty-four. He was buried in the Church at Dean
+Prior, where a memorial tablet has latterly been erected to his
+memory. And it is fitting that he should die and be buried in the
+quiet Devonshire hamlet from which he drew so much of his happiest
+inspiration, and which will always be associated now with the endless
+charm of the "Hesperides."
+
+In "A New Year's Gift, sent to Sir Simeon Steward," included in his
+"Hesperides," Herrick refers to the Christmas sports of the time, and
+says:--
+
+ "No new device or late-found trick
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  We send you; but here a jolly
+  Verse crowned with ivy and with holly;
+  That tells of winter's tales and mirth,
+  That milk-maids make about the hearth,
+  Of Christmas sports, the Wassail bowl,
+  That's tossed up after Fox-i'-th'-hole;
+  Of Blind-man's-buff, and of the care
+  That young men have to shoe the Mare;
+  Of Twelfth-tide cake, of peas and beans,
+  Wherewith ye make those merry scenes,
+  When as ye choose your king and queen,
+  And cry out, 'Hey for our town green.'
+  Of ash-heaps in the which ye use
+  Husbands and wives by streaks to choose:
+  Of crackling laurel, which fore-sounds
+  A plenteous harvest to your grounds;
+  Of these, and such like things, for shift,
+  We send instead of New-year's gift.
+  Read then, and when your faces shine
+  With bucksome meat and cap'ring wine,
+  Remember us in cups full crowned,
+  And let our city's health go round,
+  Quite through the young maids and the men,
+  To the ninth number, if not ten,
+  Until the fired chestnuts leap
+  For joy to see the fruits ye reap,
+  From the plump chalice and the cup
+  That tempts till it be tossed up.
+  Then as ye sit about your embers,
+  Call not to mind those fled Decembers;
+  But think on these, that are t' appear,
+  As daughters to the instant year;
+  Sit crowned with rose-buds and carouse,
+  Till _Liber Pater_ twirls the house
+  About your ears, and lay upon
+  The year, your cares, that's fled and gone.
+  And let the russet swains the plough
+  And harrow hang up resting now;
+  And to the bagpipe all address
+  Till sleep takes place of weariness.
+  And thus, throughout, with Christmas plays,
+  Frolic the full twelve holy-days."
+
+
+SIR ISAAC NEWTON'S BIRTH, ON CHRISTMAS DAY,
+
+at Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire, was the most important Christmas event
+of the memorable year which saw the outbreak of the Civil War (1642).
+In the year of the Restoration he entered Cambridge, where the
+teaching of Isaac Barrow quickened his genius for mathematics, and
+from the time he left College his life became a series of wonderful
+physical discoveries. As early as 1666, he discovered the law of
+gravitation, but it was not till the eve of the Revolution that his
+"Principia" revealed to the world his new theory of the universe.
+
+
+THE CUSTOMS OF CHRISTMASTIDE IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.
+
+"A Christmas Carol," by George Wither, a well-known poet of this
+period, contains many allusions to the customs of Christmastide:--
+
+  So, now is come our joyful'st feast;
+    Let every man be jolly;
+  Each room with ivy leaves is drest,
+    And every post with holly.
+  Though some churls at our mirth repine,
+  Round your foreheads garlands twine;
+  Drown sorrow in a cup of wine,
+    And let us all be merry.
+
+  Now all our neighbours' chimneys smoke,
+    And Christmas blocks are burning;
+  Their ovens they with baked 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 pie,
+    And ever more be merry.
+
+  Now every lad is wondrous trim,
+    And no man minds his labour;
+  Our lasses have provided them
+    A bag-pipe and a tabour;
+  Young men and maids, and girls and boys,
+  Give life to one another's joys;
+  And you anon shall by their noise
+    Perceive that they are merry.
+
+  Rank misers now do sparing shun;
+    Their hall of music soundeth;
+  And dogs thence with whole shoulders run,
+    So all things there aboundeth.
+  The country folks themselves advance
+  With crowdy-muttons[73] out of France;
+  And Jack shall pipe, and Jill shall dance,
+    And all the town be merry.
+
+  Ned Squash hath fetched his bands from pawn,
+    And all his best apparel;
+  Brisk Nell hath bought a ruff of lawn
+    With droppings of the barrel;
+  And those that hardly all the year
+  Had bread to eat, or rags to wear,
+  Will have both clothes and dainty fare,
+    And all the day be merry.
+
+  Now poor men to the justices
+    With capons make their errants;
+  And if they hap to fail of these;
+    They plague them with their warrants;
+  But now they feed them with good cheer.
+  And what they want they take in beer;
+  For Christmas comes but once a year,
+    And then they shall be merry.
+
+  Good farmers in the country nurse
+    The poor that else were undone;
+  Some landlords spend their money worse,
+    On lust and pride at London.
+  There the roys'ters they do play,
+  Drab and dice their lands away,
+  Which may be ours another day;
+    And therefore let's be merry.
+
+  The client now his suit forbears,
+    The prisoner's heart is eased:
+  The debtor drinks away his cares,
+    And for the time is pleased.
+  Though other purses be more fat,
+  Why should we pine or grieve at that?
+  Hang sorrow! care will kill a cat,
+    And therefore let's be merry.
+
+  Hark! how the wags abroad do call
+    Each other forth to rambling:
+  Anon you'll see them in the hall
+    For nuts and apples scrambling.
+  Hark! how the roofs with laughter sound!
+  Anon they'll think the house goes round,
+  For they the cellar's depth have found,
+    And there they will be merry.
+
+  The wenches with their wassail bowls
+    About the streets are singing;
+  The boys are come to catch the owls,
+    The wild mare in is bringing.
+  Our kitchen-boy hath broke his box,[74]
+  And to the dealing of the ox
+  Our honest neighbours come by flocks,
+    And here they will be merry.
+
+  Now kings and queens poor sheep cotes have,
+    And mate with everybody;
+  The honest now may play the knave,
+    And wise men play the noddy.
+  Some youths will now a mumming go,
+  Some others play at Rowland-ho
+  And twenty other gambols mo,
+    Because they will be merry.
+
+  Then wherefore in these merry days
+    Should we, I pray, be duller?
+  No, let us sing some roundelays,
+    To make our mirth the fuller.
+  And, whilst thus inspired we sing,
+  Let all the streets with echoes ring,
+  Woods and hills, and everything,
+    Bear witness we are merry.
+
+The preceding poem was evidently written by Wither before the Civil
+War troubles of the reign of Charles the First had interfered to damp
+the national hilarity, or check the rejoicings at the festive season
+of Christmas.
+
+
+THE DEFEAT OF THE ROYALISTS,
+
+the overthrow of the monarchy, and the changes resulting therefrom at
+Christmastide are alluded to in "The Complaint of Christmas, written
+after Twelftide, and printed before Candlemas, 1646," by old John
+Taylor, the Water Poet, who says: "All the liberty and harmless
+sports, the merry gambols, dances and friscols, with which the toiling
+ploughman and labourer once a year were wont to be recreated, and
+their spirits and hopes revived for a whole twelvemonth, are now
+extinct and put out of use, in such a fashion as if they never had
+been. Thus are the merry lords of bad rule at Westminster; nay, more,
+their madness hath extended itself to the very vegetables; senseless
+trees, herbs, and weeds, are in a profane estimation amongst
+them--holly, ivy, mistletoe, rosemary, bays, are accounted ungodly
+branches of superstition for your entertainment. And to roast a
+sirloin of beef, to touch a collar of brawn, to take a pie, to put a
+plum in the pottage pot, to burn a great candle, or to lay one block
+the more in the fire for your sake, Master Christmas, is enough to
+make a man to be suspected and taken for a Christian, for which he
+shall be apprehended for committing high Parliament Treason and mighty
+malignancy against the general Council of the Directorian private
+Presbyterian Conventicle."
+
+With the success of the Parliamentarians, certain changes came in the
+ruling manners of the age; but
+
+
+THE ATTEMPT TO ABOLISH CHRISTMAS DAY
+
+was, of course, a signal failure. The event commemorated made it
+impossible for the commemoration to cease. Men may differ as to the
+mode of celebration, but the Christ must and will be celebrated.
+
+"In 1642," says Sandys, "the first ordinances were issued to suppress
+the performance of plays, and hesitation was expressed as to the
+manner of keeping Christmas. Some shops in London were even opened on
+Christmas Day, 1643, part of the people being fearful of a Popish
+observance of the day. The Puritans gradually prevailed, and in 1647
+some parish officers were committed for permitting ministers to preach
+upon Christmas Day, and for adorning the church. On the 3rd of June in
+the same year, it was ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament
+that the feast of the Nativity of Christ, with other holidays, should
+be no longer observed, and that all scholars, apprentices, and other
+servants, with the leave and approbation of their masters, should have
+such relaxation from labour on the second Tuesday in every month as
+they used to have from such festivals and holy days; and in
+Canterbury, on the 22nd of December following, the crier went round by
+direction of the Mayor, and proclaimed that Christmas Day and all
+other superstitious festivals should be put down, and a market kept
+upon that day."
+
+In describing "The First Christmas under the Puritan Directory," the
+_Saturday Review_ (December 27, 1884) says:--"It must have been taken
+as a piece of good luck by the Parliamentary and Puritanical masters
+of England, or, as they would have said, as 'a providence,' that the
+Christmas Day of 1645 fell upon a week-day. It was the first Christmas
+Day after the legislative abolition of the Anglican Prayer-book and
+the establishment of 'the Directory' in its stead; and, if it had
+fallen upon a Sunday, the Churches must have been opened. A 'Sabbath'
+could not be ignored, even though it chanced to be the 25th of
+December. There can be small doubt that, if the Presbyterian and
+Independent preachers who held all the English parishes subject to the
+Parliament had been obliged to go into the pulpits on the 25th of
+December 1645, they would again have irritated the masses of the
+people by ferociously 'improving the occasion.' The Parliament had not
+the courage to repeat the brutal experiment of the previous year. It
+was easy to abolish the feast by an ordinance; but it was risky to
+insist by an ordinance that the English people and English families
+should keep the dearest and most sacred of their festivals as a fast.
+The rulers knew that such an ordinance would not be obeyed. They
+resolved simply to ignore the day, or treat it as any ordinary
+Thursday. Doubtless many of the members kept up some sort of
+celebration of the old family festival in their own private houses.
+But the legislators marched solemnly to the Lower House, and the
+'divines' marched as solemnly to the Assembly in the Jerusalem
+Chamber, affecting to take no notice of the unusual aspect of the
+shops and streets, which everywhere bore witness to the fact that
+there was a deep and fundamental estrangement between 'the State' and
+'the people,' and that the people were actually keeping the festival
+which the 'Synod' had declared to be profane and superstitious, and
+which the Parliament to please the Scots, the Nonconformists, and the
+Sectaries, had abolished by law. 'Notwithstanding the Ordinance,'
+wrote a Member of the House of Commons, the Erastian Whitelock, in his
+'Memorials,' 'yet generally this day, in London, the shops were shut
+and the day observed.' The Christmas number of the _Mercurius
+Academicus_ (December 25 to 31, 1645), states that General Browne, who
+was a Presbyterian zealot, 'proclaimed' the abolition of Christmas
+Day at Abingdon, and 'sent out his warrants for men to work on
+that day especially.' ... The Parliamentary newspaper, _The Weekly
+Account_, (LIII. week, 1645), has the bald record: 'Thursday, Decemb.
+25. The Commons sate in a Grand Committee concerning the privileges of
+members of their House.' The news in the Tuesday paper, _The
+Kingdome's Weekly Intelligencer_ (No. 152), is equally thin:
+'Thursday, Decemb. 25, vulgarly known by the name of Christmas Day,
+both Houses sate. The House of Commons more especially debated some
+things in reference to the privileges of that House, and made some
+orders therein.' ... The Presbyterian and Independent divines spent
+Christmas Day in the 'Synod' of Westminster. December the 25th, 1645,
+was entered in their minutes as 'Session 561.' ... The City newspaper
+of that period, _Mercurius Civicus, or London's Intelligencer_, in
+what we may call its Christmas number (No. 135, December 18 to
+December 24, 1645), printed an article explaining to the citizens of
+London the absurdity, if not the impiety, of keeping Christmas Day.
+Every good citizen was expected to open his shop as usual on the
+coming Thursday, and compel his apprentices to keep behind the
+counter. The City newspaper stated, that it was more probable that the
+Saviour was born in September than in December, and quotes 'a late
+reverend minister's opinion, that God did conceale the time when
+Christ was borne, upon the same reason that He tooke away the body of
+Moses, that they might not put an holinesse upon that day.' If the
+apprentices want a holiday, 'let them keep the fift of November, and
+other dayes of that nature, or the late great mercy of God in the
+taking of Hereford, which deserves an especiall day of thanksgiving.'
+The mass of the English folk meanwhile protested by all such ways as
+were open to them against the outlandish new religion which was being
+invented for them. The _Mercuricus Civicus_ complained that, 'Many
+people in these times are too much addicted to the superstitious
+observance of this day, December 25th, and other saints days, as they
+are called.' It was asked in a 'Hue and Cry after Christmas,'
+published anonymously at the end of the year 1645, 'Where may
+Christmas be found?' The answer is, 'In the corner of a translator's
+shop, where the cobbler was wont so merrily to chant his carols.' _The
+Moderate Intelligencer_, which devoted itself to 'impartially
+communicating martiall affaires,' in its forty-third number (December
+25, 1645, to January 1, 1646), expressed itself as scandalized at the
+zeal with which the English people, in spite of Parliament and the
+Assembly, had kept their Christmas. Social phenomena lay beyond the
+usual ken of the military chroniclers; but 'we shall only observe,'
+they wrote, 'the loathnesse of the People to part with it, which
+certainly argues a greater adoration than should have been. Hardly
+forty shops were open within the lines upon that day. The State hath
+done well to null it out of this respect, as Moses did the Brazen
+Serpent.' The Scriptural knowledge of the Puritan military newsmen was
+curiously at fault; they evidently confounded Moses with Hezekiah,
+unless they substituted the lawgiver for the king, because they
+thought it unwise to represent the King as the foe of idolatry. The
+traditional scorn of the Pharisee for the common people which know not
+the law comes out in the ironical passage with which the 'martiall'
+organ concludes its reference to the distressing social symptom; 'Sure
+if there were an ordinance for recreation and labour upon the Lord's
+Day, or Sabbath (like the prelatical Book of Sports), these would want
+no observers. Unwillingness to obey, in a multitude, argues generally
+the goodnesse of a law, readinesse the contrary, especially in those
+laws which have anything of religion in them.' Hence the puritanical
+tyrants thought the observation of Christmas Day should be visited in
+future years with more severe penalties. A few days after Christmas a
+pamphlet was issued under the title of 'The Arraignment, Conviction,
+and Imprisonment of Christmas.' A letter from a 'Malignant scholar' in
+Oxford, where Christmas had been observed as usual, to 'a Malignant
+lady in London,' had contained the promise or threat, according to the
+pamphleteer, that the King would shortly appear in London, and restore
+to his poor people their old social and religious liberties. 'We shall
+soon be in London, and have all things as they were wont.' There was
+small chance, six months after Naseby, of the fulfilment of the
+prediction. The puritanical pamphleteer, however, owns that it would
+be welcome to 'every 'prentice boy,' because the return of the King
+would have meant the return of a free Christmas, which he sorely
+missed. 'All popish, prelatical, Jesuitical, ignorant, Judaical, and
+superstitious persons,' said he, 'ask after the old, old, old, very
+old grey-bearded gentleman called Christmas, who was wont to be a very
+familiar ghest (_sic_). Whoever finds him again shall be rewarded with
+a benediction from the Pope, a hundred oaths from the Cavaliers, forty
+kisses from the wanton wenches, and be made pursuivant to the next
+Archbishop.' 'The poor,' he added, 'are sorry for it. They go to every
+door a-begging, as they were wont to do, 'Good Mistress, somewhat
+against this good time.' Instead of going to the alehouse to be
+drunke, they are fain to work all the holy dayes.' Again, 'The
+schollars come into the hall, where their hungry stomacks had thought
+to have found good brawne and Christmas pie, roast-beef and
+plum-porridge. But no such matter. Away, ye profane! These are
+superstitious meats; your stomacks must be fed with sound doctrine.'"
+
+In the _National Magazine_ (1857), Dr. Doran, on "The Ups and Downs of
+Christmas," remarks upon the stout resistance given by the citizens of
+London to the order of the Puritan Parliament, that shops should be
+opened and churches closed on Christmas Day. "We may have a sermon on
+any other day," said the London apprentices, who did not always go to
+hear it, "why should we be deprived on this day?" "It is no longer
+lawful for the day to be kept," was the reply. "Nay," exclaimed the
+sharp-witted fellows, "you keep it yourselves by thus distinguishing
+it by desecration." "They declared," says Dr. Doran, "they would go to
+church; numerous preachers promised to be ready for them with prayer
+and lecture; and the porters of Cornhill swore they would dress up
+their conduit with holly, if it were only to prove that in that
+orthodox and heavily-enduring body there was some respect yet left for
+Christianity and hard drinking--for the raising of the holly was ever
+accompanied by the lifting of tankards.
+
+"Nor was the gallant Christmas spirit less lively in the country than
+in the capital. At Oxford there was a world of skull-breaking; and at
+Ipswich the festival was celebrated by some loss of life. Canterbury
+especially distinguished itself by its violent opposition to the
+municipal order to be mirthless. There was a combat there, which was
+most rudely maintained, and in which the mayor got pummelled until he
+was as senseless as a pocket of hops. The mob mauled him terribly,
+broke all his windows, as well as his bones, and, as we are told,
+'burnt the stoupes at the coming in of his door.' So serious was the
+riot, so complete the popular victory, and so jubilant the exultation,
+that thousands of the never-conquered men of Kent and Kentish men met
+in Canterbury, and passed a solemn resolution that if they could not
+have their Christmas Day, they were determined to have the King on his
+throne again."
+
+Of the Canterbury riot an account is given in a rare tract, published
+in 1647 (preserved in the British Museum), and entitled--
+
+"The Declaration of many thousands of the city of Canterbury, or
+county of Kent. Concerning the late tumult in the city of Canterbury,
+provokt by the Mayor's violent proceedings against those who desired
+to continue the celebration of the Feast of Christ's Nativity, 1,500
+years and upwards maintained in the Church. Together with their
+Resolutions for the restitution of His Majestie to his Crown and
+dignity, whereby Religion may be restored to its ancient splendour,
+and the known Laws of this Kingdom maintained. As also their desires
+to all His Majesties loyall subjects within his Dominions, for their
+concurrence and assistance in this so good and pious a work."
+
+The resolutions of the Canterbury citizens were not couched in the
+choicest terms, for the tract states that the two Houses of Parliament
+"have sate above seven years to hatch Cocatrices and Vipers, they have
+filled the kingdom with Serpents, bloodthirsty Souldiers, extorting
+Committees, Sequestrators, Excisemen; all the Rogues and scumme of the
+kingdom have they set on work to torment and vex the people, to rob
+them, and to eat the bread out of their mouthes; they have raised a
+causelesse and unnaturall Warre against their own Soveraigne Lord and
+King, a most pious Christian Prince, contrary to their allegiance and
+duty, and have shed innocent blood in this Land. Religion is onely
+talkt of, nothing done; they have put down what is good," &c., &c. And
+further on the tract says:--"The cause of this so sudden a posture of
+defence which we have put our selves into was the violent proceedings
+of the Mayor of this city of Canterbury and his uncivill carriage in
+persuance of some petty order of the House of Commons for hindering
+the celebration of Christ's Nativity so long continued in the Church
+of God. That which we so much desired that day was but a Sermon, which
+any other day of the weeke was tollerable by the orders and practise
+of the two Houses and all their adherents, but that day (because it
+was Christ's birth day) we must have none; that which is good all the
+yeer long, yet is this day superstitious. The Mayor causing some of us
+to be beaten contrary to his oath and office, who ought to preserve
+the peace, and to that purpose chiefly is the sword of justice put
+into his hands, and wrongfully imprisoned divers of us, because we did
+assemble ourselves to hear the Word of God, which he was pleased to
+interpret a Ryot; yet we were unarmed, behaved ourselves civilly,
+intended no such tumult as afterwards we were forc'd unto; but at
+last, seeing the manifest wrong done to our children, servants, and
+neighbours, by beating, wounding, and imprisoning them, and to release
+them that were imprisoned, and did call unto our assistance our
+brethren of the county of Kent, who very readily came in to us, as
+have associated themselves to us in this our just and lawfull defence,
+and do concurre with us in this our Remonstrance concerning the King
+Majestie, and the settlement of the peace in this Kingdome." And the
+tract afterwards expresses the desire that "all his Majesties loyall
+subjects within his Dominions" will "readily and cheerfully concurre
+and assist in this so good and pious a work."
+
+Among the single sheets in the British Museum is an order of
+Parliament, dated the 24th of December, 1652, directing,
+
+"That no observation shall be had of the five and twentieth day of
+December, commonly called Christmas Day; nor any solemnity used or
+exercised in churches upon that day in respect thereof."
+
+Referring to the celebration of Christmas Day in 1657, Evelyn says:--
+
+"I went to London with my wife to celebrate Christmas Day, Mr. Gunning
+preaching in Exeter Chapel, on Micah vii. 2. Sermon ended; as he was
+giving us the Holy Sacrament the chapel was surrounded with soldiers,
+and all the communicants and assembly surprised and kept prisoners by
+them, some in the house, others carried away. It fell to my share to
+be confined to a room in the house, where yet I was permitted to dine
+with the master of it, the Countess of Dorset, Lady Hatton, and some
+others of quality who invited me. In the afternoon came Colonel
+Whalley, Goffe, and others from Whitehall to examine us one by one;
+some they committed to the Marshal, some to prison. When I came before
+them they took my name and abode, examined me why, contrary to the
+ordinance made that none should any longer observe the superstitious
+time of the Nativity (as esteemed by them), I durst offend, and
+particularly be at Common Prayers, which they told me was but the mass
+in English, and particularly pray for Charles Stuart, for which we had
+no Scripture. I told them we did not pray for Charles Stuart, but for
+all Christian kings, princes, and governors. They replied, in so doing
+we prayed for the King of Spain too, who was their enemy and a Papist;
+with other frivolous and ensnaring questions and much threatening,
+and, finding no colour to detain me, they dismissed me with much pity
+of my ignorance. These were men of high flight and above ordinances,
+and spake spiteful things of our Lord's Nativity. As we went up to
+receive the sacrament the miscreants held their muskets against us, as
+if they would have shot us at the altar, but yet suffering us to
+finish the office of communion, as perhaps not having instructions
+what to do in case they found us in that action; so I got home late
+the next day, blessed be God!"
+
+Notwithstanding the adverse acts of the Puritans, however, and the
+suppression of Christmas observances in high places, the old customs
+and festivities were still observed in different parts of the country,
+though with less ostentation than formerly; and various publications
+appeared which plainly showed that the popular sentiments were in
+favour of the festivities. The motto of No. 37 of _Mercurius
+Democritus_, from December 22, 1652, begins:
+
+ "Old Christmas now is come to town
+    Though few do him regard,
+  He laughs to see them going down
+    That have put down his Lord."
+
+In "The Vindication of Father Christmas," 1653, a mock complaint in
+the character of Father Christmas, he laments the treatment he had
+received for the last twelve years, and that he was even then but
+coolly received. "But welcome, or not welcome, I am come," he says,
+and then states that his "best and freest welcome was with some kinde
+of country farmers in Devonshire," thus describing his entertainment
+among them:--"After dinner we arose from the boord, and sate by the
+fire, where the harth was imbrodered all over with roasted apples,
+piping hot, expecting a bole of ale for a cooler, which immediately
+was transformed into warm lamb wool. After which we discoursed merily,
+without either prophaneness or obscenity; some went to cards; others
+sung carols and pleasant songs (suitable to the times), and then the
+poor laboring Hinds, and maid-servants, with the plow-boys, went
+nimbly to dancing; the poor toyling wretches being glad of my
+company, because they had little or no sport at all till I came
+amongst them; and therefore they skipped and leaped for joy, singing a
+carol to the tune of hey,
+
+ "Let's dance and sing, and make good chear,
+    For Christmas comes but once a year:
+  Draw hogsheads dry, let flagons fly,
+    For now the bells shall ring;
+  Whilst we endeavour to make good
+    The title 'gainst a King.
+
+"Thus at active games, and gambols of hot cockles, shooing the wild
+mare, and the like harmless sports, some part of the tedious night was
+spent."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE NATIONAL TROUBLES
+
+were not brought to an end by the execution of Charles I. on the 30th
+of January, 1649. In addition to the rioting caused by the attempt to
+abolish the festival of Christmas by law, the Lord Protector (Oliver
+Cromwell) had to struggle against discontented republicans and also
+against fresh outbreaks of the Royalists; and, although able to carry
+on the Protectorate to the end of his own life, Cromwell was unable to
+secure a strong successor. He died on September 3, 1658, having on his
+deathbed nominated his son Richard to succeed him. Richard Cromwell
+was accepted in England and by the European Powers, and carried
+himself discreetly in his new position. A Parliament was assembled on
+January 17, 1659, which recognised the new Protector, but the
+republican minority, headed by Vane and Haselrig, united with the
+officers of the army, headed by Lambert, Fleetwood, and Desborough, to
+force him to dissolve Parliament (April 22, 1659). The Protector's
+supporters urged him to meet force by force, but he replied, "I will
+not have a drop of blood spilt for the preservation of my greatness,
+which is a burden to me." He signed a formal abdication (May, 1659),
+in return for which the restored Rump undertook the discharge of his
+debts. After the Restoration Richard Cromwell fled to the Continent,
+where he remained for many years, returning to England in 1680. A
+portion of his property was afterwards restored to him. He died at
+Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, in 1712.
+
+On Richard Cromwell declining to uphold the Protectorate by force of
+arms, the only hope of establishing a settled form of government and
+of saving the country from a military despotism seemed to be in the
+restoration of the monarchy; therefore, chiefly through the
+instrumentality of General Monk, Charles, the son of Charles I. and
+Henrietta Maria, was invited to return to England. He at once
+responded, and entered London in triumph as Charles II., on May 29,
+1660, having previously signed the declaration of Breda. By this
+declaration the King granted a free and general pardon to all "who
+within forty days after the publishing hereof shall lay hold upon this
+our grace and favour, and shall by any public act declare their doing
+so," except such as the Parliament of both houses should except.
+
+    [69] "Works of Ben Jonson."
+
+    [70] "Fantasticks," 1626.
+
+    [71] "History of the English People."
+
+    [72] "Year Book."
+
+    [73] Fiddlers.
+
+    [74] An allusion to the Christmas money-box, made of
+    earthenware which required to be broken to obtain
+    possession of the money it held.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+CHRISTMAS FROM THE RESTORATION TO
+THE DEATH OF GEORGE II.
+
+(1660-1760.)
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE RESTORATION OF THE MONARCHY
+
+under Charles II., sometimes styled the "Merry Monarch," was an
+occasion of great rejoicing, and the spirit in which the
+so-long-fugitive Prince, who once eluded his pursuers by hiding in an
+oak, was now welcomed as "Charles our King" by "the roaring, ranting"
+portion of the populace is set forth in the following ballad, written
+for the first Christmas after the Restoration, printed in London, the
+same year, and now copied from a collection of illustrated broadsides
+preserved in the Library of the British Museum:--
+
+
+MERRY BOYS OF CHRISTMAS,
+
+OR
+
+The Milk-maid's New Year's Gift.
+
+  When Lads and Lasses take delight,
+    together for to be;
+  They pass away the Winter night,
+    and live most merrily.
+
+    To the tune of, _Hey boys up go we_.
+
+  Come, come my roaring ranting boys
+    lets never be cast down,
+  We'l never mind the female toys,
+    but Loyal be to th' Crown:
+  We'l never break our hearts with care,
+    nor be cast down with fear,
+  Our bellys then let us prepare
+    to drink some Christmas Beer.
+
+  Then here's a health to Charles our King,
+    throughout the world admir'd,
+  Let us his great applauses sing,
+    that we so much desir'd,
+  And wisht amongst us for to reign,
+    when Oliver rul'd here,
+  But since he's home return'd again,
+    come fill some Christmas Beer.
+
+  These holidays we'l briskly drink,
+    all mirth we will devise,
+  No Treason we will speak or think,
+    then bring us brave minc'd pies
+  Roast Beef and brave Plum porridge,
+    our Loyal hearts to chear,
+  Then prithee make no more ado,
+    but bring us Christmas Beer.
+
+[Illustration: "THE HACKIN"]
+
+[In these Times all the Spits were sparkling the _Hackin_ must be boiled
+by Daybreak or else two young Men took the Maiden by the Arms and run
+her round the Market Place till she was ashamed of her laziness.--_Round
+about our Coal Fire or Christmas Entertainments_ published in 1740.]
+
+Many of the popular songs of this period complain of the decline of
+the Christmas celebrations during the time of the Commonwealth, and
+some of them contrast the present with former celebrations. In a
+ballad called "The Old and Young Courtier," printed in 1670, comparing
+the times of Queen Elizabeth with those of her successors, the fifth
+and twelfth verses contain the following parallel respecting
+Christmas--
+
+V
+
+ "With a good old fashion, when Christmasse was come,
+  To call in all his old neighbours with bagpipe and drum,
+  With good chear enough to furnish every old room,
+  And old liquor, able to make a cat speak, and man dumb
+          Like an old Courtier of the Queen's,
+          And the Queen's old Courtier"
+
+XII
+
+ "With a new fashion, when Christmas is drawing on,
+  On a new journey to London straight we all must begone,
+  And leave none to keep house, but our new porter John,
+  Who relieves the poor with a thump on the back with a stone,
+          Like a young courtier of the King's,
+          And the King's young courtier"
+
+(_Percy's Reliques_)
+
+Another called "Time's Alteration, or, the Old Man's Rehearsal, what
+brave dayes he knew a great while agone, when his old cap was new,"
+says--
+
+ "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
+
+  Black jacks to every man
+    Were filled with wine and beer,
+  No pewter pot nor can
+    In those days did appear
+  Good cheer in a nobleman's house
+    Was counted a seemly shew,
+  We wanted no brawn nor souse,
+     When this old cap was new."
+
+(_Evans's Ballads_)
+
+Referring to the Restoration of the monarchy, and contrasting it with
+the Protectorate period, _Poor Robin's Almanack_, 1685, says--
+
+ "Now thanks to God for Charles' return,
+  Whose absence made old Christmas mourn,
+  For then we scarcely did it know,
+  Whether it Christmas were or no
+
+*    *    *    *    *
+
+  To feast the poor was counted sin,
+  When treason that great praise did win
+  May we ne'er see the like again,
+  The roguish Rump should o'er us reign."
+
+After the Restoration an effort was made to revive the Christmas
+entertainments of the Court at Whitehall, but they do not appear to
+have recovered their former splendour. The habits of Charles the
+Second were of too sensual a nature to induce him to interest himself
+in such pursuits; besides which the manners of the country had been
+changed during the sway of the Puritans. Pepys states that Charles II.
+visited Lincoln's Inn to see the Christmas revels of 1661, "there
+being, according to an old custom, a Prince and all his nobles, and
+other matters of sport and charge." And the diary of the Rev. John
+Ward, vicar of Stratford-upon-Avon, extending from 1648 to 1679,
+states: "The Duke of Norfolk expended L20,000 in keeping Christmas.
+Charles II. gave over keeping that festival on this account; his
+munificence gave great offence at Court." Sandys mentions that a
+pastoral called _Calisto_, written by Crowne, was acted by the
+daughters of the Duke of York and the young nobility. About the same
+time the Lady Anne, afterwards Queen, acted the part of Semandra in
+Lee's "Mithridates." Betterton and his wife instructed the performers,
+in remembrance of which, when Anne came to the throne, she gave the
+latter a pension of L100 a year.
+
+The Inns of Court also had their Christmas feasts; but the conduct of
+them was evidently not so much coveted as in former times, for there
+is an entry in the records of Gray's Inn on November 3, 1682, "That
+Mr. Richard Gipps, on his promise to perform the office of Master of
+the Revels, this and the next Term, be called to the Bar of Grace,"
+_i.e._, without payment of the usual fees: thus holding out a reward
+for his services, instead of allowing him, as in former times, to
+spend a large portion of his private fortune unrequited, except by the
+honour of the temporary office.
+
+Among the principal of the royal amusements in the time of Charles the
+Second were horse-racing and theatrical performances. The King kept an
+establishment at Newmarket, where, according to Strutt, "he entered
+horses and ran them in his name." And the author of some doggerel
+verses, referring to Burford Downs, says:--
+
+ "Next for the glory of the place,
+  Here has been rode many a race,--
+  King Charles the Second I saw here;
+  But I've forgotten in what year."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT SEA IN 1675.
+
+The Rev. Henry Teonge, chaplain of an English ship of war, gives in
+his diary a description of the manner in which the Christmas was spent
+on board, in 1675:--"Dec. 25, 1675.--Crismas day wee keepe thus. At 4
+in the morning our trumpeters all doe flatt their trumpetts, and begin
+at our Captain's cabin, and thence to all the officers' and
+gentlemen's cabins; playing a levite at each cabine door, and bidding
+good morrow, wishing a merry Crismas. After they goe to their station,
+viz., on the poope, and sound 3 levitts in honour of the morning. At
+10 wee goe to prayers and sermon; text, Zacc. ix. 9. Our Captaine had
+all his officers and gentlemen to dinner with him, where wee had
+excellent good fayre: a ribb of beife, plumb-puddings, minct pyes, &c.
+and plenty of good wines of severall sorts; dranke healths to the
+King, to our wives and friends, and ended the day with much civill
+myrth."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN THE COUNTRY,
+
+at this period, is referred to by different writers.
+
+Among the Garrick Plays in the British Museum is "_The Christmas
+Ordinary, a Private Show_; wherein is expressed the jovial Freedom of
+that Festival: as it was acted at a Gentleman's House among other
+Revels. By W. R., Master of Arts, 4 to. London, 1682."
+
+The Memoirs of the hospitable Sir John Reresby (Camden Society)
+contain references to the Christmas festivities at Thrybergh. In 1682,
+there assembled on Christmas Eve nineteen of the poorer tenants from
+Denby and Hooton; on Christmas Day twenty-six of the poorer tenants
+from Thrybergh, Brinsford, and Mexborough; on St. Stephen's Day
+farmers and better sort of tenants to the number of fifty-four; on St.
+John's-day forty five of the chief tenants; on the 30th of December
+eighteen gentlemen of the neighbourhood with their wives; on the 1st
+of January sixteen gentlemen; on the 4th twelve of the neighbouring
+clergymen; and on the 6th seven gentlemen and tradesmen. Among the
+guests who lodged at the house were "Mr. Rigden, merchant of York, and
+his wife, a handsome woman," and "Mr. Belton, an ingenious clergyman,
+but too much a good fellow." How the "ingenious clergyman" became "too
+much of a good fellow" may be easily guessed from Sir John's further
+observation that "_the expense of liquor_, _both of wine & others, was
+considerable_, as of other provisions, and my friends appeared well
+satisfied." In 1684, writes Sir John, "I returned to Thrybergh, by
+God's mercy, in safety, to keep Christmas amongst my neighbours and
+tenants. I had more company this Christmas than heretofore. The four
+first days of the new year all my tenants of Thrybergh, Brinsford,
+Denby, Mexborough, Hooton Roberts, and Rotterham dined with me; the
+rest of the time some four-score of gentlemen and yeomen with their
+wives were invited, besides some that came from York; so that all the
+beds in the house and most in the town were taken up. There were
+seldom less than four-score, counting all sorts of people, that dined
+in the house every day, and some days many more. On New Year's-day
+chiefly there dined above three hundred, so that whole sheep were
+roasted and served up to feed them. For music I had four violins,
+besides bagpipes, drums, and trumpets."
+
+At Houghton Chapel, Nottinghamshire, says an old writer, "the good Sir
+William Hollis kept his house in great splendour and hospitality. He
+began Christmas at All Hallowtide, and continued it till Candlemas,
+during which time any man was permitted to stay three days without
+being asked who he was, or from whence he came." This generous knight
+had many guests who rejoiced in the couplet:--
+
+  "If I ask'not my guest whence and whither his way,
+  'Tis because I would have him here with me to stay."
+
+It is no part of our purpose to enter into details of the events which
+led up to the Revolution. Suffice it to say, that during the reign of
+Charles II. began the great struggle between the King and the people,
+but Charles steadily refused to alter the succession by excluding his
+brother James. He died on the 6th of February, 1685, and
+
+
+JAMES II. CAME TO THE THRONE
+
+in the midst of an unsettled state of affairs. James made a bold, but
+unsuccessful, attempt to restore the power of Romanism in England,
+and, ultimately, consulted his own safety by fleeing to France,
+landing at Ambleteuse, in Brittany, on Christmas Day, 1688,
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS OF THE REVOLUTION.
+
+The flight of James put an end to the struggle between Crown and
+people, and the offering of the Crown, with constitutional
+limitations, to William, Prince of Orange, and his wife Mary, daughter
+of King James II. and granddaughter of King Charles I. of England,
+speedily followed.
+
+
+WILLIAM AND MARY
+
+accepted the invitation of the English people, and began their reign
+on February 13, 1689. They both took an interest in the sports and
+pastimes of the people. Strutt says William patronised horse-racing,
+"and established an academy for riding; and his queen not only
+continued the bounty of her predecessors, but added several plates to
+the former donations." The death of Queen Mary, from small-pox, on the
+28th of December, 1694, cast a gloom over the Christmas festivities,
+and left King William almost heart-broken at her loss. As to
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
+
+Brand says that in "Batt upon Batt," a Poem by a Person of Quality
+(1694), speaking of Batt's carving knives and other implements, the
+author asks:--
+
+
+ "Without their help, who can good Christmas keep?
+  Our teeth would chatter and our eyes would weep;
+  Hunger and dullness would invade our feasts,
+  Did not Batt find us arms against such guests.
+  He is the cunning engineer, whose skill
+  Makes fools to carve the goose, and shape the quill:
+  Fancy and wit unto our meals supplies:
+  Carols, and not minc'd-meat, make Christmas pies.
+  'Tis mirth, not dishes, sets a table off;
+  Brutes and Phanaticks eat, and never laugh.
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  When _brawn, with powdred wig_, comes swaggering in,
+  And mighty serjeant ushers in the Chine,
+  What ought a wise man first to think upon?
+  Have I my Tools? if not, I am undone:
+  For 'tis a law concerns both saint and sinner,
+  He that hath no knife must have no dinner.
+  So he falls on; pig, goose, and capon, feel
+  The goodness of his stomach and Batt's steel.
+  In such fierce frays, alas! there no remorse is;
+  All flesh is grass, which makes men feed like horses:
+  But when the battle's done, _off goes the hat_,
+  And each man sheaths, with God-a-mercy Batt.'"
+
+"Batt upon Batt" also gives the following account of the Christmas
+Gambols in 1694:--
+
+ "O mortal man! is eating all you do
+  At Christ-Tide? or the making Sing-songs? No:
+  Our Batt can _dance_, play at _high Jinks with Dice_,
+  At any primitive, orthodoxal Vice.
+  _Shooing the wild Mare, tumbling the young Wenches,
+  Drinking all Night_, and sleeping on the Benches.
+  Shew me a man can _shuffle fair and cut_,
+  Yet always _have three Trays in hand at Putt_:
+  Shew me a man can _turn up Noddy_ still,
+  And _deal himself three Fives too_ when he will:
+  Conclude with _one and thirty, and a Pair_,
+  Never fail _Ten in stock_, and yet play fair,
+  If Batt be not that Wight, I lose my aim."
+
+Another enumeration of the festive sports of this season occurs (says
+Brand) in a poem entitled Christmas--
+
+              "Young Men and Maidens, now
+  At _Feed the Dove_ (with laurel leaf in mouth)
+  Or _Blindman's Buff_, or _Hunt the Slipper_ play,
+  Replete with glee. Some, haply, _Cards_ adopt;
+  Of it to _Forfeits_ they the Sport confine,
+  The happy Folk, adjacent to the fire,
+  Their Stations take; excepting one alone.
+  (Sometimes the social Mistress of the house)
+  Who sits within the centre of the room,
+  To cry the pawns; much is the laughter, now,
+  Of such as can't the Christmas Catch repeat,
+  And who, perchance, are sentenc'd to salute
+  The jetty beauties of the chimney black,
+  Or Lady's shoe: others, more lucky far,
+  By hap or favour, meet a sweeter doom,
+  And on each fair-one's lovely lips imprint
+  The ardent kiss."
+
+_Poor Robin's Almanack_ (1695) thus rejoices at the return of the
+festival:--
+
+ "Now thrice welcome, Christmas,
+    Which brings us good cheer,
+  Minc'd-pies and plumb-porridge,
+    Good ale and strong beer;
+  With pig, goose, and capon,
+    The best that may be,
+  So well doth the weather
+    And our stomachs agree.
+
+  Observe how the chimneys
+    Do smoak all about,
+  The cooks are providing
+    For dinner, no doubt;
+  But those on whose tables
+    No victuals appear,
+  O may they keep Lent
+    All the rest of the year!
+
+  With holly and ivy
+    So green and so gay;
+  We deck up our houses
+    As fresh as the day,
+  With bays and rosemary,
+    And laurel compleat,
+  And every one now
+    Is a king in conceit.
+
+  *     *     *    *    *
+
+  But as for curmudgeons,
+    Who will not be free,
+  I wish they may die
+    On the three-legged tree."
+
+At Christmastide, 1696, an Act of Attainder was passed against Sir
+John Fenwick, one of the most ardent of the Jacobite conspirators who
+took part in the plot to assassinate the King. He was executed on
+Tower Hill, January 28, 1697. This was the last instance in English
+history in which a person was attainted by Act of Parliament, and
+Hallam's opinion of this Act of Attainder is that "it did not, like
+some acts of attainder, inflict a punishment beyond the offence, but
+supplied the deficiency of legal evidence."
+
+Peter the Great, of Russia, kept the Christmas of 1697 in England,
+residing at Sayes Court, a house of the celebrated John Evelyn, close
+to Deptford Dockyard.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS, 1701.
+
+[From _Poor Robin's Almanack_.]
+
+  Now enter Christmas like a man,
+  Armed with spit and dripping-pan,
+  Attended with pasty, plum-pie,
+  Puddings, plum-porridge, furmity;
+  With beef, pork, mutton of each sort
+  More than my pen can make report;
+  Pig, swan, goose, rabbits, partridge, teal,
+  With legs and loins and breasts of veal:
+  But above all the minced pies
+  Must mention'd be in any wise,
+  Or else my Muse were much to blame,
+  Since they from Christmas take their name.
+  With these, or any one of these,
+  A man may dine well if he please;
+  Yet this must well be understood,--
+  Though one of these be singly good,
+  Yet more the merrier is the best
+  As well of dishes as of guest.
+    But the times are grown so bad
+  Scarce one dish for the poor is had;
+  Good housekeeping is laid aside,
+  And all is spent to maintain pride;
+  Good works are counted popish, and
+  Small charity is in the land.
+  A man may sooner (truth I tell ye)
+  Break his own neck than fill his belly.
+  Good God amend what is amiss
+  And send a remedy to this,
+  That Christmas day again may rise
+  And we enjoy our Christmas pies.
+
+The Christmas customs of this period are thus referred to by the
+"Bellman, on Christmas Eve":--
+
+ "This night (you may my Almanack believe)
+  Is the return of famous Christmas Eve:
+  Ye virgins then your cleanly rooms prepare,
+  And let the windows bays and laurels wear;
+  Your _Rosemary_ preserve to dress your _Beef_,
+  Not forget me, which I advise in chief."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS, AT HADDON HALL,
+
+was magnificently kept in the early part of the eighteenth century.
+The amount of good cheer that was required for the table may be
+readily imagined from the magnitude of the culinary furniture in the
+kitchen--two vast fireplaces, with irons for sustaining a surprising
+number of spits, and several enormous chopping-blocks--which survived
+to the nineteenth century. John, the ninth Earl and first Duke of
+Rutland (created Marquis of Granby and Duke of Rutland in 1703),
+revived in the ancient spirit the hospitality of Christmastide. He
+kept sevenscore servants, and his twelve days' feasts at Christmas
+recalled the bountiful celebrations of the "King of the Peak," Sir
+George Vernon--the last male heir of the Vernon family in Derbyshire
+who inherited the manor of Haddon, and who died in the seventh year of
+Queen Elizabeth's reign. "The King of the Peak" was the father of the
+charming Dorothy Vernon, the fair heiress, whose romantic elopement is
+thus depicted in "Picturesque Europe":--"In the fullness of time
+Dorothy loved, but her father did not approve. She determined to
+elope; and now we must fill, in fancy, the Long Gallery with the
+splendour of a revel and the stately joy of a great ball in the time
+of Elizabeth. In the midst of the noise and excitement the fair young
+daughter of the house steals unobserved away. She issues from _her_
+door, and her light feet fly with tremulous speed along the darkling
+Terrace, flecked with light from the blazing ball-room, till they
+reach a postern in the wall, which opens upon the void of the night
+outside dancing Haddon. At that postern some one is waiting eagerly
+for her; waiting with swift horses. That some one is young Sir John
+Manners, second son of the House of Rutland, and her own true love.
+The anxious lovers mount, and ride rapidly and silently away; and so
+Dorothy Vernon transfers Haddon to the owners of Belvoir; and the
+boar's head of Vernon becomes mingled, at Haddon, with the peacock of
+Manners. We fancy with sympathetic pleasure that night-ride and the
+hurried marriage; and--forgetting that the thing happened 'ages long
+agone'--we wish, with full hearts, all happiness to the dear and
+charming Dorothy!"
+
+From the boar's head of Vernon and the peacock of Manners, thought
+passes quite naturally to the boar's head and peacock, which were
+principal items of Christmas fare in the olden time.
+
+In her "Collected Writings," Janetta, Duchess of Rutland, gives an
+interesting account of a revival of some of the ancient glories of
+Haddon:
+
+"In the winter of 1872 the late Duke entertained the Prince and
+Princess of Wales in the banqueting hall at luncheon, when the boar's
+head and peacock in pride were carried in, and formed part of the
+fare, as in olden days: while once more musicians filled the
+minstrels' gallery, great logs blazed in the huge fireplace, and
+scarlet hangings were spread over the walls."
+
+[Illustration: AN ANCIENT FIREPLACE.]
+
+On the 20th of February, 1702, King William III. fell from his horse,
+breaking his collar-bone and sustaining other serious injuries, which
+terminated fatally on Sunday, the 8th of March. He was succeeded by
+Queen Anne, who was the second daughter of King James II., and the
+last of the Stuart sovereigns.
+
+
+QUEEN ANNE KEPT A ROYAL CHRISTMAS
+
+at Windsor, in 1703, and entertained the new King of Spain, who
+arrived at Spithead on the 26th of December. "The Queen dispatched the
+Dukes of Somerset and Marlborough to conduct him to Windsor, and
+Prince George met him on the way at Petworth, the seat of the Duke of
+Somerset, and conducted him to Windsor on the 29th. The King was
+entertained in great state for three days at Windsor, during which
+time he was politic enough to ingratiate himself with the Duchess of
+Marlborough. When the Duchess presented the basin and napkin after
+supper to the Queen for her to wash her hands, the King gallantly took
+the napkin and held it himself, and on returning it to the Queen's
+great favourite, he presented her with a superb diamond ring. After
+three days the King returned to Portsmouth, and on the 4th of January,
+1704, he embarked on board the fleet commanded by Sir George Rooke,
+for Portugal, accompanied by a body of land forces under the Duke of
+Schomberg. The voyage was, however, a most stormy one, and when the
+fleet had nearly reached Cape Finisterre, it was compelled to put back
+to Spithead, where it remained till the middle of February. His next
+attempt was more successful, and he landed in Lisbon amid much popular
+demonstration, though the court itself was sunk in sorrow by the death
+of the Infanta, whom he went to marry."[75]
+
+At the Christmas festivities the following year (1704) there were
+great rejoicings over the return home of the Duke of Marlborough from
+the continental wars. "He arrived in England in the middle of
+December, carrying with him Marshal Tallard and the rest of the
+distinguished officers, with the standards and other trophies of his
+victories. He was received with acclaim by all classes, except a few
+Ultra Tories, who threatened to impeach him for his rash march to the
+Danube. As Parliament had assembled, Marlborough took his seat in the
+House of Peers the day after his arrival, where he was complimented on
+his magnificent success by the Lord Keeper. This was followed by a
+deputation with a vote of thanks from the Commons, and by similar
+honours from the City. But perhaps the most palpable triumph of
+Marlborough was the transferring of the military trophies which he had
+taken from the Tower, where they were first deposited, to Westminster
+Hall. This was done by each soldier carrying a standard or other
+trophy, amid the thunders of artillery and the hurrahs of the people;
+such a spectacle never having been witnessed since the days of the
+Spanish Armada. The Royal Manor of Woodstock was granted him, and
+Blenheim Mansion erected at the cost of the nation."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN THE COUNTRY.
+
+The country squire of three hundred a year, an independent gentleman
+in the reign of Queen Anne, is described as having "never played at
+cards but at Christmas, when the family pack was produced from the
+mantle-piece." "His chief drink the year round was generally ale,
+except at this season, the 5th of November, or some gala days, when he
+would make a bowl of strong brandy punch, garnished with a toast and
+nutmeg. In the corner of his hall, by the fireside, stood a large
+wooden two-armed chair, with a cushion, and within the chimney corner
+were a couple of seats. Here, at Christmas, he entertained his
+tenants, assembled round a glowing fire, made of the roots of trees,
+and other great logs, and told and heard the traditionary tales of the
+village, respecting ghosts and witches, till fear made them afraid to
+move. In the meantime the jorum of ale was in continual
+circulation."[76]
+
+ "This is Yuletide! Bring the holly boughs,
+    Deck the old mansion with its berries red;
+  Bring in the mistletoe, that lover's vows
+    Be sweetly sealed the while it hangs o'erhead.
+  Pile on the logs, fresh gathered from the wood,
+    And let the firelight dance upon the walls,
+  The while we tell the stories of the good,
+    The brave, the noble, that the past recalls."[77]
+
+Many interesting tales respecting the manners and customs of the
+eighteenth century are given by Steele and Addison in their well-known
+series of papers entitled the _Spectator_. Charity and hospitality are
+conspicuous traits of the typical country gentleman of the period, Sir
+Roger de Coverley. "Sir Roger," says the _Spectator_, "after the
+laudable custom of his ancestors, always keeps open house at
+Christmas. I learned from him, that he had killed eight fat hogs for
+this season; that he had dealt about his chines very liberally amongst
+his neighbours; and that in particular he had sent a string of hog's
+puddings with a pack of cards to every poor family in the parish. 'I
+have often thought,' says Sir Roger, 'it happens well that Christmas
+should fall out in the middle of winter. It is the most dead
+uncomfortable time of the year, when the poor people would suffer very
+much from their poverty and cold, if they had not good cheer, warm
+fires, and Christmas gambols to support them. I love to rejoice their
+poor hearts at this season, and to see the whole village merry in my
+great hall. I allow a double quantity of malt to my small beer, and
+set it running for twelve days to every one that calls for it. I have
+always a piece of cold beef and a mince-pie upon the table, and am
+wonderfully pleased to see my tenants pass away a whole evening in
+playing their innocent tricks, and smutting one another. Our friend
+Will Wimble is as merry as any of them, and shows a thousand roguish
+tricks upon these occasions."
+
+Puppet-shows and other scenic exhibitions with moving figures were
+among the Christmas amusements in the reign of Queen Anne. Strutt
+quotes a description of such an exhibition "by the manager of a show
+exhibited at the great house in the Strand, over against the Globe
+Tavern, near Hungerford Market; the best places at one shilling and
+the others at sixpence each: 'To be seen, the greatest Piece of
+Curiosity that ever arrived in England, being made by a famous
+engineer from the camp before Lisle, who, with great labour and
+industry, has collected into a moving picture the following figures:
+first, it doth represent the confederate camp, and the army lying
+intrenched before the town; secondly, the convoys and the mules with
+Prince Eugene's baggage; thirdly, the English forces commanded by the
+Duke of Marlborough; likewise, several vessels laden with provisions
+for the army, which are so artificially done as to seem to drive the
+water before them. The city and the citadel are very fine, with all
+its outworks, ravelins, horn-works, counter-scarps, half-moons, and
+palisades; the French horse marching out at one gate, and the
+confederate army marching in at the other; the prince's travelling
+coach with two generals in it, one saluting the company as it passes
+by; then a trumpeter sounds a call as he rides, at the noise whereof a
+sleeping sentinel starts, and lifts up his head, but, not being
+espied, lies down to sleep again; beside abundance more admirable
+curiosities too tedious to be inserted here.' He then modestly adds,
+'In short, the whole piece is so contrived by art that it seems to be
+life and nature.'"
+
+[Illustration: A DRUID PRIESTESS BEARING MISTLETOE.]
+
+Tumbling and feats of agility were also fashionable during the
+Christmas festival at this period, for in one of the _Tatlers_ (No.
+115, dated January 3, 1709) the following passage occurs: "I went on
+Friday last to the Opera, and was surprised to find a thin house at
+so noble an entertainment, 'till I heard that the tumbler was not to
+make his appearance that night." The sword-dance--dancing "among the
+points of swords and spears with most wonderful agility, and even with
+the most elegant and graceful motions"--rope-dancing, feats of
+balancing, leaping and vaulting, tricks by horses and other animals,
+and bull-baiting and bear-baiting were also among the public
+amusements. And _Hot Cockles_ was one of the favourite indoor
+amusements of Christmastide. Strutt, in his "Sports and Pastimes,"
+says, _Hot Cockles_ is from the French _hautes-coquilles_, "a play in
+which one kneels, and covering his eyes, lays his head in another's
+lap and guesses who struck him." John Gay, a poet of the time, thus
+pleasantly writes of the game:--
+
+ "As at Hot Cockles once I laid me down,
+  And felt the weighty hand of many a clown,
+  Buxoma gave a gentle tap, and I
+  Quick rose, and read soft mischief in her eye."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+On the death of Queen Anne (August 11, 1714) Prince George Louis of
+Hanover was proclaimed King of England as
+
+
+GEORGE THE FIRST.
+
+There was little change in the Christmas festivities in this reign,
+for, as Mr. Thackeray says in his lively sketch of George I.: "He was
+a moderate ruler of England. His aim was to leave it to itself as much
+as possible, and to live out of it as much as he could. His heart was
+in Hanover." The most important addition to the plays of the period
+was
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME.
+
+[Illustration: A NEST OF FOOLS]
+
+In his "English Plays," Professor Henry Morley thus records the
+introduction of the modern English pantomime, which has since been the
+great show of Christmastide:--
+
+"The theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields, which Christopher Rich had been
+restoring, his son, John Rich, was allowed to open on the 18th of
+December, 1714. John Rich was a clever mimic, and after a year or two
+he found it to his advantage to compete with the actors in a fashion
+of his own. He was the inventor of the modern English form of
+pantomime, with a serious part that he took from Ovid's Metamorphosis
+or any fabulous history, and a comic addition of the courtship of
+harlequin and columbine, with surprising tricks and transformations.
+He introduced the old Italian characters of pantomime under changed
+conditions, and beginning with 'Harlequin Sorcerer' in 1717, continued
+to produce these entertainments until a year before his death in 1761.
+They have since been retained as Christmas shows upon the English
+stage."
+
+In a note to "The Dunciad," Pope complains of "the extravagancies
+introduced on the stage, and frequented by persons of the first
+quality in England to the twentieth and thirtieth time," and states
+that "_all_ the extravagances" in the following lines of the poem
+actually appeared on the stage:--
+
+ "See now, what Dulness and her sons admire!
+  See what the charms, that smite the simple heart
+  Not touch'd by nature, and not reach'd by art.
+  His never-blushing head he turn'd aside,
+  (Not half so pleased when Goodman prophesied)
+  And look'd, and saw a sable Sorcerer rise,
+  Swift to whose hand a winged volume flies:
+  All sudden, gorgons hiss, and dragons glare,
+  And ten-horn'd fiends and giants rush to war.
+  Hell rises, Heaven descends, and dance on earth:
+  Gods, imps, and monsters, music, rage, and mirth,
+  A fire, a jig, a battle, and a ball,
+  Till one wide conflagration swallows all.
+    Thence a new world, to nature's laws unknown,
+  Breaks out refulgent, with a heaven its own:
+  Another Cynthia her new journey runs,
+  And other planets circle other suns.
+  The forests dance, the rivers upward rise,
+  Whales sport in woods, and dolphins in the skies;
+  And last, to give the whole creation grace,
+  Lo! one vast egg produces human race."
+
+David Garrick, the eminent actor, wrote in a similar strain, finding
+it hard to hold his own against the patrons of the pantomime:--
+
+ "They in the drama find no joys,
+  But doat on mimicry and toys.
+  Thus, when a dance is in my bill,
+  Nobility my boxes fill;
+  Or send three days before the time,
+  To crowd a new-made pantomime."
+
+
+"OLD MERRY PLENTIFUL CHRISTMAS,"
+
+at this period, is sketched by a writer in _Poor Robin's Almanack_,
+for 1723, thus:--"Now comes on old merry plentiful Christmas. The
+Husbandman lays his great Log behind the fire, and with a few of his
+neighbours, over a good fire, taps his Christmas beer, cuts his
+Christmas cheese, and sets forward for a merry Christmas. The Landlord
+(for we hope there are yet some generous ones left) invites his
+Tenants and Labourers, and with a good Sirloin of Roast Beef, and a
+few pitchers of nappy ale or beer, he wisheth them all a merry
+Christmas. The beggar begs his bread, sells some of it for money to
+buy drink, and without fear of being arrested, or call'd upon for
+parish duties, has as merry a Christmas as any of them all."
+
+[Illustration: "THE MASK DANCE."]
+
+So the people made merry at Christmas throughout the reign of George
+I., who died on June 10, 1727, and was succeeded by his son,
+
+
+GEORGE THE SECOND.
+
+In this reign the customs of Christmas were kept up with unabated
+heartiness, and liberality to the poor was not forgotten. The
+customary distributions of creature comforts on Christmas Eve were
+continued, and, in some instances, provision for the maintenance of
+them was made in the wills of worthy parishioners. An instance of this
+kind is recorded in Devonshire. "It appears, from a statement of
+charities in an old book, that John Martyn, by will, 28th of November,
+1729, gave to the churchwardens and overseers of the poor of the
+parish of St. Mary Major, Exeter, twenty pounds, to be put out at
+interest, and the profits thereof to be laid out every Christmas Eve
+in twenty pieces of beef, to be distributed to twenty poor people of
+the parish, such as had no relief on that day, for ever."[78]
+
+That
+
+
+CHRISTMAS HOUSEKEEPING IN LONDON,
+
+at this period, was excellent, both as to quantity and quality, is
+evident, from a contribution made to _Read's Weekly Journal_, of
+Saturday, January 9, 1731, by Mr. Thomas North, who thus describes the
+Christmas entertainment and good cheer he met with in London at the
+house of a friend: "It was the house of an eminent and worthy
+merchant, and tho', sir, I have been accustomed in my own country to
+what may very well be called good housekeeping, yet I assure you I
+should have taken this dinner to have been provided for a whole
+parish, rather than for about a dozen gentlemen: 'Tis impossible for
+me to give you half our bill of fare, so you must be content to know
+that we had turkies, geese, capons, puddings of a dozen sorts more
+than I had ever seen in my life, besides brawn, roast beef, and many
+things of which I know not the names, minc'd pyes in abundance, and a
+thing they call plumb pottage, which may be good for ought I know,
+though it seems to me to have 50 different tastes. Our wines were of
+the best, as were all the rest of our liquors; in short, the God of
+plenty seemed to reign here, and to make everything perfect, our
+company was polite and every way agreeable; nothing but mirth and
+loyal healths went round. If a stranger were to have made an estimate
+of London from this place, he would imagine it not only the most rich
+but the most happy city in the world."
+
+Another interesting item of this period is the following--
+
+
+CURIOUS CHRISTMAS ADVERTISEMENT,
+
+which has been cut from some publication and (by the late Mr. Joseph
+Haslewood) inserted between pages 358 and 359 of the British Museum
+large paper copy of Brand's "Antiquities," and dated December, 1739:--
+
+"This day is published, Price 6d.
+
+"THE TRIAL OF OLD FATHER CHRISTMAS for encouraging his Majesty's
+subjects in Idleness, Drunkenness, Gaming, Rioting, and all manner of
+Extravagance and Debauchery, at the Assizes held in the city of
+Profusion before the Lord Chief Justice Churchman, Mr. Justice Feast,
+Mr. Justice Gambol, and several other his Majesty's Justices of Oyer
+and Terminer, and Gaol-Delivery.
+
+"To which is added a Diary found in the Pocket of Old Father
+Christmas, with Directions to all Lovers of him how to welcome their
+neighbours; likewise the Judge's sentence and Opinion how Christmas
+ought to be kept; and further Witty Tales and Merry Stories designed
+for Christmas Evenings Diversion, when round about our Coal Fire.
+
+By Josiah King,
+
+Printer for T. Cooper, at the Globe in Pater-noster Row; and sold by
+the Pamphlet-shops of London and Westminster."
+
+Now we come to a quaintly interesting account of
+
+
+CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT IN THE OLDEN TIME.
+
+The manner of observing the Christmas festival in the time of George
+the Second is described in an amusing little book entitled "Round
+about our Coal Fire, or Christmas Entertainments," published in 1740,
+and "illustrated with many diverting cuts." We quote the following
+extracts:--
+
+
+PROLOGUE.
+
+I.
+
+ "O you merry, merry souls,
+    Christmas is a coming,
+  We shall have flowing Bowls,
+    Dancing, piping, drumming.
+
+II.
+
+ "Delicate minced Pies,
+    To feast every Virgin,
+  Capon and Goose likewise,
+    Brawn and a dish of Sturgeon.
+
+III.
+
+ "Then for your Christmas Box,
+    Sweet Plumb-cakes and money,
+  Delicate Holland Smocks,
+    Kisses sweet as Honey.
+
+IV.
+
+ "Hey for the Christmas Ball,
+    Where we shall be jolly,
+  Jigging short and tall,
+    Kate, Dick, Ralph, and Molly.
+
+V.
+
+ "Then to the Hop we'll go,
+    Where we'll jig and caper,
+  Maidens all-a-row,
+    Will shall pay the Scraper.
+
+VI.
+
+ "Hodge shall dance with Prue,
+    Keeping Time with Kisses
+  We'll have a jovial Crew,
+    Of sweet smirking Misses.
+
+[Illustration: THE CHRISTMAS MUMMERS.]
+
+"First acknowledging the sacredness of the Holy Time of _Christmas_, I
+proceed to set forth the Rejoicings which are generally made at that
+great Festival.
+
+"You must understand, good People, that the manner of celebrating this
+great Course of Holydays is vastly different now to what it was in
+former days: There was once upon a time Hospitality in the land; an
+_English_ gentleman at the opening of the great Day, had all his
+Tenants and Neighbours enter'd his Hall by Day-break, the strong Beer
+was broach'd, and the Black Jacks went plentifully about with Toast,
+Sugar, Nutmeg, and good Cheshire Cheese; the Rooms were embower'd with
+Holly, Ivy, Cypress, Bays, Laurel, and Missleto, and a bouncing
+_Christmas_ Log in the Chimney glowing like the cheeks of a country
+Milk-maid; then was the pewter as bright as _Clarinda_, and every bit
+of Brass as polished as the most refined Gentleman; the Servants were
+then running here and there, with merry Hearts and jolly Countenances;
+every one was busy welcoming of Guests, and look'd as smug as
+new-lick'd Puppies; the Lasses as blithe and buxom as the maids in
+good Queen _Bess's_ Days, when they eat Sir-Loins of Roast Beef for
+Breakfast; _Peg_ would scuttle about to make a Toast for _John_, while
+_Tom_ run _harum scarum_ to draw a Jug of Ale for _Margery_: Gaffer
+_Spriggins_ was bid thrice welcome by the 'Squire, and Gooddy _Goose_
+did not fail of a smacking Buss from his Worship while his Son and
+Heir did the Honours of the House: in a word, the Spirit of Generosity
+ran thro' the whole House.
+
+"In these Times all the Spits were sparkling, the _Hackin_ must be
+boiled by Day-break, or else two young Men took the Maiden by the
+Arms, and run her round the Market-place, till she was ashamed of her
+Laziness. And what was worse than this, she must not play with the
+Young Fellows that Day, but stand Neuter, like a Girl doing penance in
+a Winding-sheet at a Church-door.
+
+"But now let us enquire a little farther, to arrive at the Sense of
+the Thing; this great Festival was in former Times kept with so much
+Freedom and Openness of Heart, that every one in the Country where a
+Gentleman resided, possessed at least a Day of Pleasure in the
+_Christmas_ Holydays; the Tables were all spread from the first to the
+last, the Sir-Loyns of Beef, the Minc'd-Pies, the Plumb-Porridge, the
+Capons, Turkeys, Geese, and Plumb-Puddings, were all brought upon the
+board; and all those who had sharp stomachs and sharp Knives eat
+heartily and were welcome, which gave rise to the Proverb--
+
+  _Merry in the Hall, when Beards wag all._"
+
+"There were then Turnspits employed, who by the time Dinner was over,
+would look as black and as greasy as a Welch Porridge-pot, but the
+Jacks have since turned them all out of Doors. The Geese which used to
+be fatted for the honest Neighbours, have been of late sent to
+_London_, and the Quills made into Pens to convey away the Landlord's
+Estate; the Sheep are drove away to raise Money to answer the Loss of
+a Game at Dice or Cards, and their Skins made into Parchment for Deeds
+and Indentures; nay even the poor innocent Bee, who used to pay its
+Tribute to the Lord once a Year at least in good Metheglin, for the
+Entertainment of the Guests, and its Wax converted into beneficial
+Plaisters for sick Neighbours, is now used for the sealing of Deeds to
+his Disadvantage.
+
+"But give me the Man _who has a good Heart_, and has Spirit enough to
+keep up the Old way of Hospitality, feeds his People till they are as
+plump as Partridges, and as fat as Porpoises that every Servant may
+appear as jolly as the late Bishop of _Winchester's_ Porter at
+_Chelsea_.
+
+"The News-Papers however inform us, that the Spirit of Hospitality has
+not quite forsaken us; for three or four of them tell us, that several
+of the Gentry are gone down to their respective Seats in the Country,
+in order to keep their _Christmas_ in the Old Way, and entertain their
+Tenants and Trades-folks as their Ancestors used to do and I wish them
+a merry _Christmas_ accordingly. I must also take notice to the stingy
+Tribe, that if they don't at least make their Tenants or Tradesmen
+drink when they come to see them in the Christmas Holydays, they have
+Liberty of retaliating which is a Law of very ancient Date.
+
+"A merry Gentleman of my Acquaintance desires I will insert, that the
+old Folks in Days of yore kept open House at _Christmas_ out of
+Interest; for then, says he, they receive the greatest Part of their
+Rent in Kind; such as Wheat, Barley or Malt, Oxen, Calves, Sheep,
+Swine, Turkeys, Capon, Geese, and such like; and they not having Room
+enough to preserve their Grain, or Fodder enough to preserve their
+Cattle or Poultry, nor Markets to sell off the Overplus, they were
+obliged to use them in their own Houses; and by treating the People of
+the Country, gained Credit amongst them, and riveted the Minds and
+Goodwill of their Neighbours so firmly in them, that no one durst
+venture to oppose them. The 'Squire's Will was done whatever came on
+it; for if he happened to ask a Neighbour what it was a Clock, they
+returned with a low Scrape, it is what your Worship pleases.
+
+"The Dancing and Singing of the Benchers in the great Inns of Court in
+_Christmas_, is in some sort founded upon Interest; for they hold, as
+I am informed, some Priviledge by Dancing about the Fire in the middle
+of their Hall, and singing the Song of _Round about our Coal Fire_,
+&c.
+
+"This time of year being cold and frosty generally speaking, or when
+Jack-Frost commonly takes us by the Nose, the Diversions are within
+Doors, either in Exercise or by the Fire-side.
+
+"Country-Dancing is one of the chief Exercises....
+
+"Then comes Mumming or Masquerading, when the 'Squire's Wardrobe is
+ransacked for Dresses of all Kinds, and the coal-hole searched
+around, or corks burnt to black the Faces of the Fair, or make
+Deputy-Mustaches, and every one in the Family except the 'Squire
+himself must be transformed from what they were....
+
+"Or else there is a Match at _Blind-Man's-Buff_, and then it is lawful
+to set anything in the way for Folks to tumble over....
+
+"As for _Puss in the Corner_, that is a very harmless Sport, and one
+may romp at it as much as one will....
+
+"The next game to this is _Questions and Commands_, when the Commander
+may oblige his Subject to answer any lawful Question, and make the
+same obey him instantly, under the penalty of being smutted, or paying
+such Forfeit as may be laid on the Aggressor; but the Forfeits being
+generally fixed at some certain Price, as a Shilling, Half a Crown,
+&c., so every one knowing what to do if they should be too stubborn to
+submit, make themselves easy at discretion.
+
+"As for the Game of _Hoop and Hide_, the Parties have the Liberty of
+hiding where they will, in any part of the House; and if they happen
+to be caught, the Dispute ends in Kissing, &c.
+
+"Most of the other Diversions are Cards and Dice, but they are seldom
+set on foot, unless a Lawyer is at hand, to breed some dispute for him
+to decide, or at least have some Party in.
+
+"And now I come to another Entertainment frequently used, which is of
+the Story-telling Order, _viz._ of Hobgoblins, Witches, Conjurers,
+Ghosts, Fairies, and such like common Disturbers."
+
+At this period
+
+
+DAVID GARRICK'S CHRISTMAS ACTING
+
+won him great applause. At Christmas, 1741, he brought out at
+Goodman's Fields a Christmas Farce, written by himself, entitled "The
+Lying Valet," wherein the great actor took the part of "Sharp." It was
+thought the most diverting farce ever performed. "There was a general
+roar from beginning to end. So great was his versatility that people
+were not able to determine whether he was best in tragedy or comedy."
+On his benefit, when his real name was placed on the bills for the
+first time, there was an immense gathering, and the applause was quite
+extraordinary.
+
+The Christmas festivities of 1745 were marred by the
+
+
+DISTURBANCES OF THE JACOBITES,
+
+under the romantic "Prince Charlie," whose attempted invasion of
+England speedily collapsed.
+
+Pointer, in his _Oxoniensis Academia_ (1749) refers to
+
+
+AN OLD CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
+
+of this period. He states that at Merton College, Oxford, the Fellows
+meet together in the Hall, on Christmas Eve, to sing a Psalm and drink
+a grace-cup to one another (called _Poculum Charitatis_), wishing one
+another health and happiness.
+
+The Christmas of 1752 was
+
+
+THE FIRST CHRISTMAS UNDER THE "NEW STYLE,"
+
+and many refused to observe the festival eleven days earlier than
+usual, but insisted on keeping "Old Christmas Day." Why should they be
+robbed of eleven days by a new Act of Parliament? It was of no use to
+tell them that it had been discovered that the fractional few minutes
+which are tailed on to the days and hours which make up the year had,
+by neglect through many centuries, brought us into a wrong condition,
+and that to set us right it would be necessary to give credit for
+eleven days which nobody was conscious of having enjoyed. The law,
+however, had said that it should be so. Accordingly, the day after the
+2nd of September, 1752, was called the 14th, to the great indignation
+of thousands, who reckoned that they had thus been cut off from nearly
+a fortnight of life which honestly belonged to them. These persons
+sturdily refused to acknowledge the Christmas Eve and Day of the new
+calendar. They averred that the true festival was that which now began
+on the 5th of January _next year_. They would go to church, they said,
+on no other day; nor eat mince-pies nor drink punch but in reference
+to this one day. The clergy had a hard time of it with these
+recusants. It will be well, therefore, to quote one singular example
+to show how this recusancy was encountered. It is from a collection of
+pamphlet-sermons preserved by George III., none of which, however,
+have anything curious or particularly meritorious about them save this
+one, which was preached on Friday, January 5, 1753, "Old Christmas
+Day." Mr. Francis Blackburne, "one of the candid disquisitors," opened
+his church on that day, which was crowded by a congregation anxious to
+see the day celebrated as that of the anniversary of the Nativity. The
+service for Christmas Day, however, was not used. "I will answer your
+expectations so far," said the preacher in his sermon, "as to give you
+a _sermon on the day_; and the rather because I perceive you are
+disappointed of _something else_ that you expected." The purport of
+the discourse is to show that the change of style was desirable, and
+that it having been effected by Act of Parliament, with the sanction
+of the King, there was nothing for it but acquiescence. "For," says
+the preacher, "had I, to oblige you, disobeyed this Act of Parliament,
+it is very probable I might have lost my benefice, which, you know, is
+all the subsistence I have in the world; and I should have been
+rightly served; for who am I that I should fly in the face of his
+Majesty and the Parliament? These things are left to be ordered by the
+higher powers; and in any such case as that, I hope not to think
+myself wiser than the King, the whole nobility, and principal gentry
+of Great Britain"!!
+
+The peasants of Buckinghamshire, however, pitched upon a very pretty
+method to settle the question of Christmas, left so meekly by Mr.
+Blackburne to the King, nobility, and most of the gentry. They
+bethought themselves of a blackthorn near one of their villages; and
+this thorn was for the nonce declared to be the growth of a slip from
+the Christmas-flowering thorn at Glastonbury. If the Buckinghamshire
+thorn, so argued the peasants, will only blossom in the night of the
+24th of December, we will go to church next day, and allow that the
+Christmas by Act of Parliament is the true Christmas; but no blossom
+no feast, and there shall be no revel till the eve of old Christmas
+Day. They watched the thorn and drank to its budding; but as it
+produced no promise of a flower by the morning, they turned to go
+homewards as best they might, perfectly satisfied with the success of
+the experiment. Some were interrupted in their way by their respective
+"vicars," who took them by the arm and would fain have persuaded them
+to go to church. They argued the question by field, stile, and
+church-gate; but not a Bucks peasant would consent to enter a pew till
+the parson had promised to preach a sermon to, and smoke a pipe with,
+them on the only Christmas Day they chose to acknowledge.
+
+Now, however, this old prejudice has been conquered, and the "new
+style" has maintained its ground. It has even done more, for its
+authors have so arranged the years and leap years that a confusion in
+the time of Christmas or any other festival is not likely to occur
+again.
+
+    [75] Cassell's "History of England."
+
+    [76] Grose.
+
+    [77] Herbert H. Adams.
+
+    [78] "Old English Customs and Charities," 1842.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER XI._
+
+MODERN CHRISTMASES AT HOME.
+
+[Illustration: THE WAITS.]
+
+
+KING GEORGE THE THIRD
+
+came to the throne on the death of his grandfather, George II.
+(October 25, 1760), and the first Christmas of his reign "was a high
+festival at Court, when his Majesty, preceded by heralds, pursuivants,
+&c., went with their usual state to the Chapel Royal, and heard a
+sermon preached by his Grace the Archbishop of York; and it being a
+collar day, the Knights of the Garter, Thistle and Bath, appeared in
+the collars of their respective orders. After the sermon was over,
+his Majesty, Prince Edward and Princess Augusta went into the Chapel
+Royal, and received the sacrament from the hands of the Bishop of
+Durham; and the King offered the byzant, or wedge of gold, in a purse,
+for the benefit of the poor, and the royal family all made offerings.
+His Majesty afterwards dined with his royal mother at Leicester House,
+and in the evening returned to St. James's."[79]
+
+At this period
+
+
+THE FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS DIVERSION
+
+was card-playing. The King himself spent a great deal of his time in
+playing at cards with the ladies and gentlemen of his court. In doing
+so, however, he was but following the example of George II., of whom
+the biographer already quoted (Mr. Huish) says:--
+
+"After the death of Queen Caroline, the King was very fond of a game
+at cards with the Countess of Pembroke, Albemarle, and other
+distinguished ladies. His attachment to cards was transferred to his
+attachment for the ladies, and it was said that what he gained by the
+one he lost by the other." Cards were very much resorted to at the
+family parties and other social gatherings held during the twelve days
+of Christmas. Hone makes various allusions to card-playing at
+Christmastide, and Washington Irving, in his "Life of Oliver
+Goldsmith," pictures the poet "keeping the card-table in an uproar."
+Mrs. Bunbury invited Goldsmith down to Barton to pass the Christmas
+holidays. Irving regrets "that we have no record of this Christmas
+visit to Barton; that the poet had no Boswell to follow at his heels,
+and take notes of all his sayings and doings. We can only picture him
+in our minds, casting off all care; enacting the Lord of Misrule;
+presiding at the Christmas revels; providing all kinds of merriment;
+keeping the card-table in an uproar, and finally opening the ball on
+the first day of the year in his spring-velvet suit, with the Jessamy
+Bride for a partner."
+
+From the reprint additions made in the British Museum large paper copy
+of Brand's "Antiquities," by the late Mr. Joseph Haslewood, and dated
+January, 1779, we quote the following verses descriptive of the
+concluding portion of the Christmas festivities at this period:--
+
+TWELFTH DAY.
+
+  Now the jovial girls and boys,
+    Struggling for the cake and plumbs,
+  Testify their eager joys,
+    And lick their fingers and their thumbs.
+
+  Statesmen like, they struggle still,
+    Scarcely hands kept out of dishes,
+  And yet, when they have had their fill,
+    Still anxious for the loaves and fishes.
+
+  Kings and Queens, in petty state,
+    Now their sovereign will declare,
+  But other sovereigns' plans they hate,
+    Full fond of peace--detesting war.
+
+  One moral from this tale appears,
+    Worth notice when a world's at stake;
+  That all our hopes and all our fears,
+    Are but a _struggling for the_ Cake.
+
+Other particulars of the
+
+
+POPULAR CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
+
+in the latter part of the eighteenth century are gleaned from
+contemporary writers:--
+
+"At Ripon, on Christmas Eve, the grocers, send each of their customers
+a pound or half of currants and raisins to make a Christmas pudding.
+The chandlers also send large mould candles, and the coopers logs of
+wood, generally called _Yule clogs_, which are always used on
+Christmas Eve; but should it be so large as not to be all burnt that
+night, which is frequently the case, the remains are kept till old
+Christmas Eve."[80]
+
+In Sinclair's Account of Scotland, parish of Kirkden, county of Angus
+(1792), Christmas is said to be held as a great festival in the
+neighbourhood. "The servant is free from his master, and goes about
+visiting his friends and acquaintance. The poorest must have beef or
+mutton on the table, and what they call a dinner with their friends.
+Many amuse themselves with various diversions, particularly with
+shooting for prizes, called here _wad-shooting_; and many do but
+little business all the Christmas week; the evening of almost every
+day being spent in amusement." And in the account of Keith, in
+Banffshire, the inhabitants are said to "have no pastimes or holidays,
+except dancing on Christmas and New Year's Day."
+
+Boyhood's Christmas Breaking-up is thus described in a poem entitled
+"Christmas" (Bristol, 1795):--
+
+ "A school there was, within a well-known town,
+  (Bridgwater call'd), in which the boys were wont,
+  At _breaking-up_ for Christmas' lov'd recess,
+  To meet the master, on the happy morn,
+  At early hour; the custom, too, prevail'd,
+  That he who first the seminary reach'd
+  Should, instantly, perambulate the streets
+  With sounding horn, to rouse his fellows up;
+  And, as a compensation for his care,
+  His flourish'd copies, and his chapter-task,
+  Before the rest, he from the master had.
+  For many days, ere breaking-up commenced,
+  Much was the clamour, 'mongst the beardless crowd,
+  Who first would dare his well-warm'd bed forego,
+  And, round the town, with horn of ox equipp'd,
+  His schoolmates call. Great emulation glow'd
+  In all their breasts; but, when the morning came,
+  Straightway was heard, resounding through the streets,
+  The pleasing blast (more welcome far, to them,
+  Than is, to sportsmen, the delightful cry
+  Of hounds on chase), which soon together brought
+  A tribe of boys, who, thund'ring at the doors
+  Of those, their fellows, sunk in Somnus' arms,
+  Great hubbub made, and much the town alarm'd.
+  At length the gladsome, congregated throng,
+  Toward the school their willing progress bent,
+  With loud huzzas, and, crowded round the desk,
+  Where sat the master busy at his books,
+  In reg'lar order, each receiv'd his own,
+  The youngsters then, enfranchised from the school,
+  Their fav'rite sports pursued."
+
+A writer in the _Gentleman's Magazine_ for February, 1795, gives the
+following account of a Christmas Eve custom at the house of Sir ----
+Holt, Bart., of Aston, near Birmingham:
+
+"As soon as supper is over, a table is set in the hall. On it is
+placed a brown loaf, with twenty silver threepences stuck on the top
+of it, a tankard of ale, with pipes and tobacco; and the two oldest
+servants have chairs behind it, to sit as judges if they please. The
+steward brings the servants, both men and women, by one at a time,
+covered with a winnow-sheet, and lays their right hand on the loaf,
+exposing no other part of the body. The oldest of the two judges
+guesses at the person, by naming a name, then the younger judge, and
+lastly the oldest again. If they hit upon the right name, the steward
+leads the person back again; but, if they do not, he takes off the
+winnow-sheet, and the person receives a threepence, makes a low
+obeisance to the judges, but speaks not a word. When the second
+servant was brought, the younger judge guessed first and third; and
+this they did alternately, till all the money was given away. Whatever
+servant had not slept in the house the preceding night forfeited his
+right to the money. No account is given of the origin of this strange
+custom, but it has been practised ever since the family lived there.
+When the money is gone, the servants have full liberty to drink,
+dance, sing, and go to bed when they please."
+
+Brand quotes the foregoing paragraph and asks: "Can this be what
+Aubrey calls the sport of 'Cob-loaf stealing'?"
+
+THE DELIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS.
+
+A New Song by R. P.
+
+(Tune--"Since Love is my Plan.")
+
+_In the Poor Soldier._
+
+  When Christmas approaches each bosom is gay,
+  That festival banishes sorrow away,
+  While Richard he kisses both Susan and Dolly,
+  When tricking the house up with ivy and holly;
+  For never as yet it was counted a crime,
+  To be merry and cherry at that happy time.
+                            For never as yet, &c.
+
+  Then comes turkey and chine, with the famous roast beef,
+  Of English provisions still reckon'd the chief;
+  Roger whispers the cook-maid his wishes to crown,
+  O Dolly! pray give me a bit of the brown;
+  For never as yet it was counted a crime,
+  To be merry and cherry at that happy time.
+                            For never as yet, &c.
+
+  The luscious plum-pudding does smoking appear,
+  And the charming mince pye is not far in the rear,
+  Then each licks his chops to behold such a sight,
+  But to taste it affords him superior delight;
+  For never as yet it was counted a crime,
+  To be merry and cherry at that happy time.
+                            For never as yet, &c.
+
+  Now the humming October goes merrily round,
+  And each with good humour is happily crown'd,
+  The song and the dance, and the mirth-giving jest,
+  Alike without harm by each one is expressed;
+  For never as yet it was counted a crime,
+  To be merry and cherry at that happy time.
+                            For never as yet, &c.
+
+  Twelfth Day next approaches, to give you delight,
+  And the sugar'd rich cake is display'd to the sight,
+  Then sloven and slut and the king and the queen,
+  Alike must be present to add to the scene;
+  For never as yet it was counted a crime,
+  To be merry and cherry at that happy time.
+                            For never as yet, &c.
+
+  May each be found thus as the year circles round,
+  With mirth and good humour each Christmas be crown'd,
+  And may all who have plenty of riches in store
+  With their bountiful blessings make happy the poor;
+  For never as yet it was counted a crime,
+  To be merry and cherry at that happy time.
+                            For never as yet, &c.[81]
+
+
+CHARLES LAMB ON CHRISTMAS.
+
+In his essay on "Recollections of Christ's Hospital," Charles Lamb
+thus refers to the Christmas festivities of his schoolboy days:--
+
+"Let me have leave to remember the festivities at Christmas, when the
+richest of us would club our stock to have a gaudy day, sitting round
+the fire, replenished to the height with logs, and the pennyless, and
+he that could contribute nothing, partook in all the mirth, and in
+some of the substantialities of the feasting; the carol sung by night
+at that time of the year, which, when a young boy, I have so often
+lain awake to hear from seven (the hour of going to bed) till ten when
+it was sung by the older boys and monitors, and have listened to it,
+in their rude chaunting, till I have been transported in fancy to the
+fields of Bethlehem, and the song which was sung at that season, by
+angels' voices to the shepherds."
+
+In a sonnet sent to Coleridge, in 1797, Lamb says:--
+
+ "It were unwisely done, should we refuse
+  To cheer our path, as featly as we may--
+  Our lonely path to cheer, as travellers use,
+  With merry song, quaint tale, or roundelay.
+  And we will sometimes talk past troubles o'er,
+  Of mercies shown, and all our sickness heal'd,
+  And in His judgments God remembering love:
+  And we will learn to praise God evermore,
+  For those 'glad tidings of great joy,' reveal'd
+  By that sooth messenger, sent from above."
+
+
+[Illustration: THE CHRISTMAS PLUM-PUDDING.
+(_From an old print._)]
+
+Writing to Southey, in 1798, Lamb tells the poet that Christmas is a
+"glorious theme"; and addressing his "dear old friend and absentee,"
+Mr. Manning, at Canton, on December 25, 1815, Lamb says:--"This is
+Christmas Day, 1815, with us; what it may be with you I don't know,
+the 12th of June next year perhaps; and if it should be the
+consecrated season with you, I don't see how you can keep it. You have
+no turkeys; you would not desecrate the festival by offering up a
+withered Chinese bantam, instead of the savoury grand Norfolcian
+holocaust, that smokes all around my nostrils at this moment from a
+thousand firesides. Then what puddings have you? Where will you get
+holly to stick in your churches, or churches to stick your dried
+tea-leaves (that must be the substitute) in? Come out of Babylon, O my
+friend."
+
+[Illustration: ITALIAN MINSTRELS IN LONDON, AT CHRISTMAS, 1825.
+(_From a sketch of that period._)]
+
+ "Ranged in a row, with guitars slung
+  Before them thus, they played and sung:
+  Their instruments and choral voice
+  Bid each glad guest still more rejoice;
+  And each guest wish'd again to hear
+  Their wild guitars and voices clear."[82]
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS GAMES
+
+at the beginning of the nineteenth century include the old Christmas
+game of _Forfeits_, for every breach of the rules of which the players
+have to deposit some little article as a forfeit, to be redeemed by
+some sportive penalty, imposed by the "Crier of the Forfeits" (usually
+a bonnie lassie). The "crying of the forfeits" and paying of the
+penalties creates much merriment, particularly when a bashful youth is
+sentenced to "kiss through the fire-tongs" some beautiful romp of a
+girl, who delights playing him tricks while the room rings with
+laughter.
+
+Some of the old pastimes, however, have fallen into disuse, as, for
+instance, the once popular game of _Hot Cockles_, _Hunt the Slipper_,
+and "the vulgar game of _Post and Pair_"; but _Cards_ are still
+popular, and Snapdragon continues such Christmas merriment as is set
+forth in the following verses:--
+
+[Illustration]
+
+SNAP DRAGON.
+
+ "Here he comes with flaming bowl,
+  Don't he mean to take his toll,
+                    Snip! Snap! Dragon!
+  Take care you don't take too much,
+  Be not greedy in your clutch,
+                    Snip! Snap! Dragon!
+
+  With his blue and lapping tongue
+  Many of you will be stung,
+                    Snip! Snap! Dragon!
+  For he snaps at all that comes
+  Snatching at his feast of plums,
+                    Snip! Snap! Dragon!
+
+  But old Christmas makes him come,
+  Though he looks so fee! fa! fum!
+                    Snip! Snap! Dragon!
+  Don't 'ee fear him, be but bold--
+  Out he goes, his flames are cold,
+                    Snip! Snap! Dragon!"
+
+"Don't 'ee fear him, be but bold," accords with the advice of a writer
+in "Pantalogia," in 1813, who says that when the brandy in the bowl is
+set on fire, and raisins thrown into it, those who are unused to the
+sport are afraid to take out, but the raisins may be safely snatched
+by a quick motion and put blazing into the mouth, which being closed,
+the fire is at once extinguished. The game requires both courage and
+rapidity of action, and a good deal of merriment is caused by the
+unsuccessful efforts of competitors for the raisins in the flaming
+bowl.
+
+
+BLINDMAN'S BUFF.
+
+A favourite game of Christmastide, is thus described by Thomas
+Miller, in his "Sports and Pastimes of Merry England":--
+
+"The very youngest of our brothers and sisters can join in this old
+English game: and it is selfish to select only such sports as they
+cannot become sharers of. Its ancient name is 'hoodman-blind'; and
+when hoods were worn by both men and women--centuries before hats and
+caps were so common as they are now--the hood was reversed, placed
+hind-before, and was, no doubt, a much surer way of blinding the
+player than that now adopted--for we have seen Charley try to catch
+his pretty cousin Caroline, by chasing her behind chairs and into all
+sorts of corners, to our strong conviction that he was not half so
+well blinded as he ought to have been. Some said he could see through
+the black silk handkerchief; others that it ought to have been tied
+clean over his nose, for that when he looked down he could see her
+feet, wherever she moved; and Charley had often been heard to say that
+she had the prettiest foot and ankle he had ever seen. But there he
+goes, head over heels across a chair, tearing off Caroline's gown
+skirt in his fall, as he clutches it in the hope of saving himself.
+Now, that is what I call retributive justice; for she threw down the
+chair for him to stumble over, and, if he has grazed his knees, she
+suffers under a torn dress, and must retire until one of the maids
+darn up the rent. But now the mirth and glee grow 'fast and furious,'
+for hoodman blind has imprisoned three or four of the youngest boys in
+a corner, and can place his hand on whichever he likes. Into what a
+small compass they have forced themselves! But the one behind has the
+wall at his back, and, taking advantage of so good a purchase, he
+sends his three laughing companions sprawling on the floor, and is
+himself caught through their having fallen, as his shoulder is the
+first that is grasped by Blindman-buff--so that he must now submit to
+be hooded."
+
+[Illustration: BLINDMAN'S BUFF.
+(_In the last century_.)]
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS DANCE.
+
+ "Again the ball-room is wide open thrown,
+    The oak beams festooned with the garlands gay;
+  The red dais where the fiddlers sit alone,
+    Where, flushed with pride, the good old tunes they play.
+  Strike, fiddlers, strike! we're ready for the set;
+    The young folks' feet are eager for the dance;
+  We'll trip Sir Roger and the minuet,
+    And revel in the latest games from France."[83]
+
+"Man should be called a dancing animal," said _Old Florentine_; and
+Burton, in his "Anatomy of Melancholy," says, "Young lasses are never
+better pleased than when, upon a holiday, after _even-song_, they may
+meet their sweethearts and dance." And dancing is just as popular at
+Christmas in the present day, as it was in that mediaeval age when
+(according to William of Malmesbury) the priest Rathbertus, being
+disturbed at his Christmas mass by young men and women dancing outside
+the church, prayed God and St. Magnus that they might continue to
+dance for a whole year without cessation--a prayer which the old
+chronicler gravely assures us was answered.
+
+[Illustration: THE CHRISTMAS DANCE.]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE OLDEN TIME.
+
+    And well our Christian sires of old
+  Loved when the year its course had roll'd,
+  And brought blithe Christmas back again,
+  With all his hospitable train.
+  Domestic and religious rite
+  Gave honour to the holy night:
+
+  On Christmas Eve the bells were rung;
+  On Christmas Eve the mass was sung:
+  That only night in all the year,
+  Saw the stoled priest the chalice rear.
+  The damsel donn'd her kirtle sheen;
+  The hall was dress'd with holly green;
+  Forth to the wood did merry-men go,
+  To gather in the mistletoe.
+  Then open'd wide the Baron's hall
+  To vassal, tenant, serf, and all;
+  Power laid his rod of rule aside,
+  And Ceremony doffed his pride.
+  The heir, with roses in his shoes,
+  That night might village partner choose.
+  The lord, underogating, share
+  The vulgar game of "post and pair."
+
+  All hail'd, with uncontroll'd delight,
+  And general voice, the happy night
+  That to the cottage, as the crown,
+  Brought tidings of salvation down!
+
+    The fire, with well-dried logs supplied,
+  Went roaring up the chimney wide;
+  The huge hall-table's oaken face,
+  Scrubb'd till it shone, the day to grace
+  Bore then upon its massive board
+  No mark to part the squire and lord.
+
+  Then was brought in the lusty brawn
+  By old blue-coated serving man;
+  Then the grim boar's-head frowned on high,
+  Crested with bays and rosemary.
+  Well can the green-garbed ranger tell
+  How, when, and where the monster fell;
+  What dogs before his death he tore,
+  And all the baiting of the boar.
+  The wassail round in good brown bowls,
+  Garnish'd with ribbons, blithely trowls.
+  There the huge sirloin reek'd; hard by
+  Plum-porridge stood, and Christmas-pye;
+  Nor fail'd old Scotland to produce,
+  At such high tide, her savoury goose.
+  Then came the merry masquers in,
+  And carols roar'd with blithesome din
+  If unmelodious was the song,
+  It was a hearty note, and strong.
+  Who lists may in their mumming see
+  Traces of ancient mystery;
+  White shirts supplied the masquerade,
+  And smutted cheeks the visors made;
+  But oh! what masquers, richly dight,
+  Can boast of bosoms half so light!
+  England was merry England when
+  Old Christmas brought his sports again.
+  'Twas Christmas broached the mightiest ale,
+  'Twas Christmas told the merriest tale;
+  A Christmas gambol oft could cheer
+  The poor man's heart through half the year.
+
+  SIR WALTER SCOTT, 1808.
+
+Lyson's "Magna Britannia" (1813) states the following as an
+
+
+OLD ENGLISH CUSTOM.
+
+"At Cumnor the parishioners, who paid vicarial tithes, claimed a
+custom of being entertained at the vicarage on the afternoon of
+Christmas Day, with four bushels of malt brewed into ale and beer, two
+bushels of wheat made into bread, and half a hundred weight of cheese.
+The remainder was given to the poor the next morning after divine
+service."
+
+Mason ("Statistical Account of Ireland," 1814) records the following
+
+IRISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS:--
+
+"At Culdaff, previous to Christmas, it is customary with the labouring
+classes to raffle for mutton, when a sufficient number can subscribe
+to defray the cost of a sheep. During the Christmas holidays they
+amuse themselves with a game of kamman, which consists in impelling a
+wooden ball with a crooked stick to a given point, while an adversary
+endeavours to drive it in a contrary direction."
+
+YORKSHIRE.
+
+A writer in "Time's Telescope" (1822) states that in Yorkshire at
+eight o'clock on Christmas Eve the bells greet "Old Father Christmas"
+with a merry peal, the children parade the streets with drums,
+trumpets, bells, or perhaps, in their absence, with the poker and
+shovel, taken from their humble cottage fire; the yule candle is
+lighted, and--
+
+        "High on the cheerful fire
+  Is blazing seen th' enormous Christmas brand."
+
+Supper is served, of which one dish, from the lordly mansion to the
+humblest shed, is invariably furmety; yule cake, one of which is
+always made for each individual in the family, and other more
+substantial viands are also added.
+
+
+SOME SOCIAL FESTIVITIES
+
+of Christmastide are sketched by a contributor to the _New Monthly
+Magazine_, December 1, 1825, who says:--
+
+"On the north side of the church at M. are a great many holly-trees.
+It is from these that our dining and bed-rooms are furnished with
+boughs. Families take it by turns to entertain their friends. They
+meet early; the beef and pudding are noble; the mince-pies--peculiar;
+the nuts half play-things and half-eatables; the oranges as cold and
+acid as they ought to be, furnishing us with a superfluity which we
+can afford to laugh at; the cakes indestructible; the wassail bowls
+generous, old English, huge, demanding ladles, threatening overflow as
+they come in, solid with roasted apples when set down. Towards
+bed-time you hear of elder-wine, and not seldom of punch. At the
+manorhouse it is pretty much the same as elsewhere. Girls, although
+they be ladies, are kissed under the mistletoe. If any family among us
+happen to have hit upon an exquisite brewing, they send some of it
+round about, the squire's house included; and he does the same by the
+rest. Riddles, hot-cockles, forfeits, music, dances sudden and not to
+be suppressed, prevail among great and small; and from two o'clock in
+the day to midnight, M. looks like a deserted place out of doors, but
+is full of life and merriment within. Playing at knights and ladies
+last year, a jade of a charming creature must needs send me out for a
+piece of ice to put in her wine. It was evening and a hard frost. I
+shall never forget the cold, cutting, dreary, dead look of every thing
+out of doors, with a wind through the wiry trees, and the snow on the
+ground, contrasted with the sudden return to warmth, light, and
+joviality.
+
+"I remember we had a discussion that time as to what was the great
+point and crowning glory of Christmas. Many were for mince-pie; some
+for the beef and plum-pudding; more for the wassail-bowl; a maiden
+lady timidly said the mistletoe; but we agreed at last, that although
+all these were prodigious, and some of them exclusively belonging to
+the season, the _fire_ was the great indispensable. Upon which we all
+turned our faces towards it, and began warming our already scorched
+hands. A great blazing fire, too big, is the visible heart and soul
+of Christmas. You may do without beef and plum-pudding; even the
+absence of mince-pie may be tolerated; there must be a bowl,
+poetically speaking, but it need not be absolutely wassail. The bowl
+may give place to the bottle. But a huge, heaped-up, _over_ heaped-up,
+all-attracting fire, with a semicircle of faces about it, is not to be
+denied us. It is the _lar_ and genius of the meeting; the proof
+positive of the season; the representative of all our warm emotions
+and bright thoughts; the glorious eye of the room; the inciter to
+mirth, yet the retainer of order; the amalgamater of the age and sex;
+the universal relish. Tastes may differ even on a mince-pie; but who
+gainsays a fire? The absence of other luxuries still leaves you in
+possession of that; but
+
+ 'Who can hold a fire in his hand
+  With thinking on the frostiest twelfth-cake?'
+
+"Let me have a dinner of some sort, no matter what, and then give me
+my fire, and my friends, the humblest glass of wine, and a few
+penn'orths of chestnuts, and I will still make out my Christmas. What!
+Have we not Burgundy in our blood? Have we not joke, laughter,
+repartee, bright eyes, comedies of other people, and comedies of our
+own; songs, memories, hopes? [An organ strikes up in the street at
+this word, as if to answer me in the affirmative. Right thou old
+spirit of harmony, wandering about in that ark of thine, and touching
+the public ear with sweetness and an abstraction! Let the multitude
+bustle on, but not unarrested by thee and by others, and not
+unreminded of the happiness of renewing a wise childhood.] As to our
+old friends the chestnuts, if anybody wants an excuse to his dignity
+for roasting them, let him take the authority of Milton. 'Who now,'
+says he lamenting the loss of his friend Deodati,--'who now will help
+to soothe my cares for me, and make the long night seem short with his
+conversation; while the roasting pear hisses tenderly on the fire, and
+the nuts burst away with a noise,--
+
+ 'And out of doors a washing storm o'erwhelms
+  Nature pitch-dark, and rides the thundering elms?'"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN THE HIGHLANDS.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+From Grant's "Popular Superstitions of the Highlands" Hone gathered
+the following account:--
+
+"As soon as the brightening glow of the eastern sky warns the anxious
+house-maid of the approach of Christmas Day, she rises full of
+anxiety at the prospect of her morning labours. The meal, which was
+steeped in the _sowans-bowie_ a fortnight ago, to make the
+_Prechdachdan sour_, or _sour scones_, is the first object of her
+attention. The gridiron is put on the fire, and the sour scones are
+soon followed by hard cakes, soft cakes, buttered cakes, brandered
+bannocks, and pannich perm. The baking being once over, the sowans pot
+succeeds the gridiron, full of new sowans, which are to be given to
+the family, agreeably to custom, this day in their beds. The
+sowans are boiled into the consistence of molasses, when the
+_Lagan-le-vrich_, or yeast bread, to distinguish it from boiled
+sowans, is ready. It is then poured into as many bickers as there are
+individuals to partake of it, and presently served to the whole, old
+and young. It would suit well the pen of a Burns, or the pencil of a
+Hogarth, to paint the scene which follows. The ambrosial food is
+despatched in aspiring draughts by the family, who soon give evident
+proofs of the enlivening effects of the _Lagan-le-vrich_. As soon as
+each despatches his bicker, he jumps out of bed--the elder branches to
+examine the ominous signs of the day,[84] and the younger to enter on
+its amusements. Flocking to the swing, a favourite amusement on this
+occasion, the youngest of the family get the first '_shoulder_,' and
+the next oldest in regular succession. In order to add the more to the
+spirit of the exercise, it is a common practice with the person in the
+_swing_, and the person appointed to swing him, to enter into a very
+warm and humorous altercation. As the swinged person approaches the
+swinger, he exclaims, _Ei mi tu chal_, 'I'll eat your kail.' To this
+the swinger replies, with a violent shove, _Cha ni u mu chal_, 'You
+shan't eat my kail.' These threats and repulses are sometimes carried
+to such a height, as to break down or capsize the threatener, which
+generally puts an end to the quarrel.
+
+"As the day advances, those minor amusements are terminated at the
+report of the gun, or the rattle of the ball clubs--the gun inviting
+the marksman to the '_Kiavamuchd_,' or prize-shooting, and the latter
+to '_Luchd-vouil_,' or the ball combatants--both the principal sports
+of the day. Tired at length of the active amusements of the field,
+they exchange them for the substantial entertainments of the table.
+Groaning under the '_sonsy haggis_,'[85] and many other savoury
+dainties, unseen for twelve months before, the relish communicated to
+the company, by the appearance of the festive board, is more easily
+conceived than described. The dinner once despatched, the flowing bowl
+succeeds, and the sparkling glass flies to and fro like a weaver's
+shuttle. As it continues its rounds, the spirits of the company become
+more jovial and happy. Animated by its cheering influence, even old
+decrepitude no longer feels his habitual pains--the fire of youth is
+in his eye, as he details to the company the exploits which
+distinguished him in the days of '_auld langsyne_;' while the young,
+with hearts inflamed with '_love and glory_,' long to mingle in the
+more lively scenes of mirth, to display their prowess and agility.
+Leaving the patriarchs to finish those professions of friendship for
+each other, in which they are so devoutly engaged, the younger part of
+the company will shape their course to the ball-room, or the
+card-table, as their individual inclinations suggest; and the
+remainder of the evening is spent with the greatest pleasure of which
+human nature is susceptible."
+
+
+SWORD DANCING AT CHRISTMAS.
+
+Hone's "Table Book" (vol. i.), 1827, contains a letter descriptive of
+the pitmen of Northumberland, which says:--
+
+"The ancient custom of sword-dancing at Christmas is kept up in
+Northumberland exclusively by these people. They may be constantly
+seen at that festive season with their fiddler, bands of swordsmen,
+Tommy and Bessy, most grotesquely dressed, performing their annual
+routine of warlike evolutions."
+
+And the present writer heard of similar festivities at Christmastide
+in the Madeley district of Shropshire, accompanied by grotesque
+imitations of the ancient hobby-horse.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CUMBERLAND.
+
+"A. W. R.," writing to Hone's "Year Book," December 8,
+1827, says:--
+
+"Nowhere does the Christmas season produce more heart-inspiring
+mirth than among the inhabitants of Cumberland.
+
+"With Christmas Eve commences a regular series of 'festivities and
+merry makings.' Night after night, if you want the farmer or his
+family, you must look for them anywhere but at home; and in the
+different houses that you pass at one, two, or three in the morning,
+should you happen to be out so late, you will find candles and fires
+still unextinguished. At Christmas, every farmer gives two 'feasts,'
+one called 't' ould foaks neet,' which is for those who are married,
+and the other 't' young foaks neet,' for those who are single. Suppose
+you and I, sir, take the liberty of attending one of these feasts
+unasked (which by the bye is considered no liberty at all in
+Cumberland) and see what is going on. Upon entering the room we behold
+several card parties, some at 'whist,' others at 'loo' (there called
+'lant'), or any other game that may suit their fancy. You will be
+surprised on looking over the company to find that there is no
+distinction of persons. Masters and servants, rich and poor, humble
+and lofty, all mingle together without restraint--all cares are
+forgotten--and each one seems to glory in his own enjoyment and in
+that of his fellow-creatures. It is pleasant to find ourselves in such
+society, especially as it is rarely in one's life that such
+opportunities offer. Cast your eyes towards the sideboard, and there
+see that large bowl of punch, which the good wife is inviting her
+guests to partake of, with apples, oranges, biscuits, and other
+agreeable eatables in plenty. The hospitable master welcomes us with a
+smiling countenance and requests us to take seats and join one of the
+tables.
+
+"In due time some one enters to tell the company that supper is
+waiting in the next room. Thither we adjourn, and find the raised and
+mince pies, all sorts of tarts, and all cold--except the welcomes and
+entreaties--with cream, ale, &c., in abundance; in the midst of all a
+large goose pie, which seems to say 'Come and cut again.'
+
+"After supper the party return to the card room, sit there for two or
+three hours longer, and afterwards make the best of their way home, to
+take a good long nap, and prepare for the same scene the next night.
+At these 'feasts' intoxication is entirely out of the question--it
+never happens.
+
+"Such are the innocent amusements of these people."
+
+ "With gentle deeds and kindly thoughts,
+    And loving words withal,
+  Welcome the merry Christmas in
+    And hear a brother's call."[86]
+
+
+PROVISION FOR THE POOR ON CHRISTMAS DAY.
+
+[Illustration: THE GIVING AWAY OF CHRISTMAS DOLES.]
+
+By the will of John Popple, dated the 12th of March, 1830, L4 yearly
+is to be paid unto the vicar, churchwardens, and overseers of the poor
+of the parish of Burnham, Buckinghamshire, to provide for the poor
+people who should be residing in the poorhouse, a dinner, with a
+proper quantity of good ale and likewise with tobacco and snuff on
+Christmas Day.[87]
+
+This kindly provision of Mr. Popple for the poor shows that he wished
+to keep up the good old Christmas customs which are so much admired by
+the "old man" in Southey's "The Old Mansion" (a poem of this period).
+In recalling the good doings at the mansion "in my lady's time" the
+"old man" says:--
+
+                        "A woful day
+ 'Twas for the poor when to her grave she went!
+
+          *     *     *     *     *
+
+                         Were they sick?
+  She had rare cordial waters, and for herbs
+  She could have taught the doctors. Then at winter,
+  When weekly she distributed the bread
+  In the poor old porch, to see her and to hear
+  The blessings on her! And I warrant them
+  They were a blessing to her when her wealth
+  Had been no comfort else. At Christmas, sir!
+  It would have warmed your heart if you had seen
+  Her Christmas kitchen; how the blazing fire
+  Made her fine pewter shine, and holly boughs
+  So cheerful red; and as for mistletoe,
+  The finest bough that grew in the country round
+  Was mark'd for madam. Then her old ale went
+  So bountiful about! a Christmas cask,--
+  And 'twas a noble one!--God help me, sir!
+  But I shall never see such days again."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+THE ROYAL CHRISTMASES
+
+In the reigns of George IV. and William IV., though not kept with the
+grandeur of earlier reigns, were observed with much rejoicing and
+festivity, and the Royal Bounties to the poor of the metropolis and
+the country districts surrounding Windsor and the other Royal Palaces
+were dispensed with the customary generosity. In his "Sketch Book,"
+Washington Irving, who was born in the reign of George III. (1783),
+and lived on through the reigns of George IV., and William IV., and
+the first two decades of the reign of Queen Victoria, gives delightful
+descriptions of the
+
+
+FESTIVITIES OF THE NOBILITY AND GENTRY
+
+of the period, recalling the times when 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. He had travelled
+a good deal on both sides of the Atlantic and he gives a picturesque
+account of an old English stage coach journey "on the day preceding
+Christmas." The coach was crowded with passengers. "It was also loaded
+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 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."
+
+Then follows Irving's graphic sketch of the English stage coachman,
+and the incidents of the journey, during which it seemed "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 house-wives 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."
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"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.... The scene completely realised poor Robin's [1684]
+humble idea of the comforts of mid-winter:
+
+ '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.'"
+
+Mr. Irving afterwards depicts, in his own graphic style, the Christmas
+festivities observed at an old-fashioned English hall, and tells how
+the generous squire pointed with pleasure to the indications of good
+cheer reeking from the chimneys of the comfortable farmhouses, and low
+thatched cottages. "I love," said he, "to see this day well kept by
+rich and poor; it is a great thing to have one day in the year, at
+least, when you are sure of being welcome wherever you go, and of
+having, as it were, the world all thrown open to you; and I am almost
+disposed to join with poor Robin, in his malediction on 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. '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 CHRISTMASES OF QUEEN VICTORIA
+
+have been kept with much bountifulness, but after the gracious manner
+of a Christian Queen who cares more for the welfare of her beloved
+subjects than for ostentatious display. Her Majesty's Royal bounties
+to the poor of the metropolis and its environs, and also to others in
+the country districts surrounding the several Royal Palaces are well
+known, the ancient Christmas and New Year's gifts being dispensed with
+great generosity. The number of aged and afflicted persons usually
+relieved by the Lord High Almoner in sums of 5s. and 13s. exceeds an
+aggregate of 1,200. Then there is the distribution of the beef--a most
+interesting feature of the Royal Bounty--which takes place in the
+Riding School at Windsor Castle, under the superintendence of the
+several Court officials. The meat, divided into portions of from three
+pounds to seven pounds, and decorated with sprigs of holly, is
+arranged upon a table placed in the middle of the Riding School, and
+covered with white cloths from the Lord Steward's department of the
+palace. During the distribution the bells of St. John's Church ring a
+merry peal. There are usually many hundreds of recipients and the
+weight of the beef allotted amounts to many thousands of pounds. Coals
+and clothing and other creature comforts are liberally dispensed,
+according to the needs of the poor. In times of war and seasons of
+distress hospitable entertainments, Christmas-trees, &c., are also
+provided for the wives and children of soldiers and sailors on active
+service; and in many other ways the Royal Bounty is extended to the
+poor and needy at Christmastide.
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS AT WINDSOR CASTLE, IN 1841,
+
+is thus referred to in the "Life of the Prince Consort" (by Theodore
+Martin):--
+
+"When Christmas came round with its pleasant festivities and its
+shining Christmas-trees, it had within it a new source of delight for
+the Royal parents. 'To think,' says the Queen's 'Journal,' 'that we
+have two children now, and one who enjoys the sight already, is like a
+dream!' And in writing to his father the Prince expresses the same
+feeling. 'This,' he says, 'is the dear Christmas Eve, on which I have
+so often listened with impatience for your step, which was to usher us
+into the present-room. To-day I have two children of my own to give
+presents to, who, they know not why, are full of happy wonder at the
+German Christmas-tree and its radiant candles.'
+
+"The coming year was danced into in good old English fashion. In the
+middle of the dance, as the clock finished striking twelve, a flourish
+of trumpets was blown, in accordance with a German custom. This, the
+Queen's 'Journal' records, 'had a fine solemn effect, and quite
+affected dear Albert, who turned pale, and had tears in his eyes, and
+pressed my hand very warmly. It touched me too, for I felt that he
+must think of his dear native country, which he has left for me.'"
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT OSBORNE.
+
+Writing from Cowes, on Christmas Eve, in reference to the Christmas
+festivities at Osborne in the last decade of the nineteenth century, a
+correspondent says:--
+
+"After transacting business the Queen drove out this afternoon,
+returning to Osborne just as the setting sun illumines with its rosy
+rays the Paladin Towers of her Majesty's marine residence. The Queen
+desires to live, as far as the cares of State permit, the life of a
+private lady. Her Majesty loves the seclusion of this lordly estate,
+and here at Christmas time she enjoys the society of her children and
+grandchildren, who meet together as less exalted families do at this
+merry season to reciprocate the same homely delights as those which
+are experienced throughout the land.
+
+"This afternoon a pleasant little festivity has been celebrated at
+Osborne House, where her Majesty, with an ever-kindly interest in her
+servants and dependants, has for many years inaugurated Christmas in a
+similar way, the children of her tenantry and the old and infirm
+enjoying by the Royal bounty the first taste of Christmas fare. The
+Osborne estate now comprises 5,000 acres, and it includes the Prince
+Consort's model farm. The children of the labourers--who are housed in
+excellent cottages--attend the Whippingham National Schools, a pretty
+block of buildings, distant one mile from Osborne. About half the
+number of scholars live upon the Queen's estate, and, in accordance
+with annual custom, the mistresses of the schools, the Misses Thomas,
+accompanied by the staff of teachers, have conducted a little band of
+boys and girls--fifty-four in all--to the house, there to take tea and
+to receive the customary Christmas gifts. Until very recently the
+Queen herself presided at the distribution; but the Princess Beatrice
+has lately relieved her mother of the fatigue involved; for the
+ceremony is no mere formality, it is made the occasion of many a
+kindly word the remembrance of which far outlasts the gifts. All sorts
+of rumours are current on the estate for weeks before this Christmas
+Eve gathering as to the nature of the presents to be bestowed, for no
+one is supposed to know beforehand what they will be; but there was a
+pretty shrewd guess to-day that the boys would be given gloves, and
+the girls cloaks. In some cases the former had had scarves or cloth
+for suits, and the latter dresses or shawls. Whatever the Christmas
+presents may be, here they are, arranged upon tables in two long
+lines, in the servants' hall. To this holly-decorated apartment the
+expectant youngsters are brought, and their delighted gaze falls upon
+a huge Christmas-tree laden with beautiful toys. Everybody knows that
+the tree will be there, and moreover that its summit will be crowned
+with a splendid doll. Now, the ultimate ownership of this doll is a
+matter of much concern; it needs deliberation, as it is awarded to the
+best child, and the judges are the children themselves. The trophy is
+handed to the keeping of Miss Thomas, and on the next 1st of May the
+children select by their votes the most popular girl in the school to
+be elected May Queen. To her the gift goes, and no fairer way could be
+devised. The Princess Beatrice always makes a point of knowing to whom
+the prize has been awarded. Her Royal Highness is so constantly a
+visitor to the cottagers and to the school that she has many an
+inquiry to make of the little ones as they come forward to receive
+their gifts.
+
+"The girls are called up first by the mistress, and Mr. Andrew Blake,
+the steward, introduces each child to the Princess Beatrice, to whom
+Mr. Blake hands the presents that her Royal Highness may bestow them
+upon the recipients with a word of good will, which makes the day
+memorable. Then the boys are summoned to participate in the
+distribution of good things, which, it should be explained, consist
+not only of seasonable and sensible clothing, but toys from the tree,
+presented by the Queen's grandchildren, who, with their parents, grace
+the ceremony with their presence and make the occasion one of family
+interest. The Ladies-in-Waiting also attend. Each boy and girl gets in
+addition a nicely-bound story-book and a large slice of plum pudding
+neatly packed in paper, and if any little one is sick at home its
+portion is carefully reserved. But the hospitality of the Queen is not
+limited to the children. On alternate years the old men and women
+resident on the estate are given, under the same pleasant auspices,
+presents of blankets or clothing. To-day it was the turn of the men,
+and they received tweed for suits. The aged people have their pudding
+as well. For the farm labourers and boys, who are not bidden to this
+entertainment, there is a distribution of tickets, each representing a
+goodly joint of beef for the Christmas dinner. The festivity this
+afternoon was brought to a close by the children singing the National
+Anthem in the courtyard.
+
+"The Queen is accustomed to spend Christmas Day very quietly,
+attending service at the Chapel at Osborne in the morning, and in the
+evening the Royal family meeting at dinner. There are Christmas trees
+for the children, and for the servants too, but the houshold reserves
+its principal festivity for the New Year--a day which is specially set
+aside for their entertainment."
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES AT SANDRINGHAM
+
+are observed with generous hospitality by their Royal Highnesses the
+Prince and Princess of Wales, who take special interest in the
+enjoyment of their tenants, and also remember the poor. A
+time-honoured custom on Christmas Eve is the distribution of prime
+joints of meat to the labourers employed on the Royal estate, and to
+the poor of the five parishes of Sandringham, West Newton, Babingley,
+Dersingham, and Wolferton. From twelve to fifteen hundred pounds of
+meat are usually distributed, and such other gifts are made as the
+inclemency of the season and the necessities of the poor require. In
+Sandringham "Past and Present," 1888, Mrs. Herbert Jones
+says:--"Sandringham, which is the centre of a generous hospitality,
+has not only been in every way raised, benefited, and enriched since
+it passed into the royal hands, which may be said to have created it
+afresh, but rests under the happy glow shed over it by the preference
+of a princess
+
+ "'Whose peerless feature joined with her birth,
+   Approve her fit for none but for a king.'
+                         Shakespeare's _Henry VI_."
+
+The Christmas Generosity of the late Duke of Edinburgh.
+
+In a letter to the press a lieutenant of Marines makes the following
+reference to a Christmas entertainment given by H.R.H. the Duke of
+Edinburgh, in 1886: "Last night a large party, consisting of many
+officers of the Fleet, including all the 'old ships' of the Duke, and
+three or four midshipmen from every ship in the Fleet, were invited to
+a Christmas-tree at S. Antonio Palace. In the course of the evening
+two lotteries were drawn, all the numbers being prizes, each guest
+consequently getting two. I have had an opportunity of seeing many of
+these, and they are all most beautiful and useful objects, ranging in
+value from five shillings to perhaps three or four pounds. I should
+think that at least half the prizes I have seen were worth over one
+pound."
+
+
+OTHER SEASONABLE HOSPITALITY AND BENEVOLENCE.
+
+The good example set by royalty is followed throughout the land.
+Friendly hospitalities are general at Christmastide, and in London and
+other large centres of population many thousands of poor people are
+provided with free breakfasts, dinners, teas, and suppers on Christmas
+Day, public halls and school-rooms being utilised for purposes of
+entertainment; children in hospitals are plentifully supplied with
+toys, and Christmas parties are also given to the poor at the private
+residences of benevolent people. As an illustrative instance of
+generous Christmas hospitality by a landowner we cite the following:--
+
+
+CHRISTMAS DINNER TO FIVE THOUSAND POOR.
+
+On Christmas Eve, 1887, Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., the largest
+landowner in the Principality of Wales, gave his annual Christmas
+gifts to the aged and deserving poor throughout the extensive mining
+districts of Ruabon, Rhosllanerchrugog, Cern, and Rhosymedre,
+Denbighshire, where much distress prevailed in consequence of the
+depression in trade. Several fine oxen were slain in Wynnstay Park,
+and the beef was distributed in pieces ranging from 4lb. to 7lb.,
+according to the number of members in each family. A Christmas dinner
+was thus provided for upwards of 5,000 persons. In addition to this,
+Lady Williams Wynn provided thousands of yards of flannel and cloth
+for clothing, together with a large number of blankets, the aged men
+and women also receiving a shilling with the gift. The hon. baronet
+had also erected an elaborate spacious hospital to the memory of his
+uncle, the late Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, M.P., and presented it to
+the parish.
+
+
+DISTRIBUTIONS OF CHRISTMAS FARE TO THE POOR
+
+are liberally made from various centres in different parts of London,
+and thus many thousands of those who have fallen below the poverty
+line share in the festivities of Christmastide.
+
+This illustration of Christian caterers dispensing creature comforts
+to the poor children may be taken as representative of many such
+Christmas scenes in the metropolis. For over forty years the St.
+Giles' Christian Mission, now under the superintendence of Mr. W. M.
+Wheatley, has been exercising a beneficial influence among the needy
+poor, and, it is stated, that at least 104,000 people have through
+this Mission been enabled to make a fresh start in life. Many other
+Church Missions are doing similar work. In addition to treats to poor
+children and aged people at Christmastide, there are also great
+distributions of Christmas fare:--Joints of roasting meat,
+plum-puddings, cakes, groceries, warm clothing, toys, &c., &c.
+
+[Illustration: POOR CHILDREN'S TREAT IN MODERN TIMES.]
+
+At a recent distribution of a Christmas charity at Millbrook,
+Southampton, the Rev. A. C. Blunt stated that one of the recipients
+had nearly reached her 102nd year. She was born in Hampshire, and down
+to a very recent period had been able to do needlework.
+
+In many cities and towns Christmas gifts are distributed on St.
+Thomas's Day, and as an example we cite the Brighton distribution in
+1886, on which occasion the Brighton Police Court was filled by a
+congregation of some of the "oldest inhabitants." And there was a
+distribution from the magistrates poor-box of a Christmas gift of half
+a sovereign to 150 of the aged poor whose claims to the bounty had
+been inquired into by the police. Formerly 100 used to be cheered in
+this way, but the contributions to the box this year enabled a wider
+circle to share in the dole. There was a wonderful collection of old
+people, for the average age was over 83 years. The oldest was a
+venerable widow, who confessed to being 96 years old, the next was
+another lady of 94 years, and then came two old fellows who had each
+attained 93 years. Many of the recipients were too infirm to appear,
+but the oldest of them all, the lady of 96 came into court despite the
+sharpness of the wind and the frozen roads.
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS AT BELVOIR CASTLE,
+
+kept with generous liberality by the Duke of Rutland, in 1883, may be
+cited as an example of Christmas customs continued by the head of a
+noble house:
+
+"The usual Christmas gifts were given to the poor of Knipton,
+Woolsthorpe, and Redmile--nearly two hundred in number--consisting of
+calico, flannel dresses, stockings, and handkerchiefs, each person at
+the same time receiving a loaf of bread and a pint of ale. Twenty-one
+bales of goods, containing counterpanes, blankets, and sheets, were
+also sent to the clergy of as many different villages for distribution
+amongst the poor. The servants at the Castle and workmen of the
+establishment had their Christmas dinner, tea, and supper, the servants'
+hall having been beautifully decorated. At one end of the room was a
+coronet, with the letter 'R'; and at the opposite end three coronets,
+with the 'peacock in pride,' being the crest of the Rutland family.
+The following mottoes, in large letters, were conspicuous, 'Long live
+the Duke of Rutland,' 'Long live Lord and Lady John Manners and
+family,' and 'A Merry Christmas to you all.' These were enclosed in a
+neat border. From the top of the room were suspended long festoons of
+linked ribbons of red, white, blue, and orange. All present thoroughly
+enjoyed themselves, as it was the wish of his Grace they should do."
+
+Similar hospitalities are dispensed by other noblemen and gentlemen in
+different parts of the country at Christmas.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+The lordly hospitality of Lincolnshire is depicted in
+
+
+"THE BARON'S YULE FEAST:
+
+A Christmas Rhyme; by Thomas Cooper, the Chartist" (1846); which is
+inscribed to the Countess of Blessington, and in the advertisement the
+author offers "but one apology for the production of a metrical essay,
+composed chiefly of imperfect and immature pieces: The ambition to
+contribute towards the fund of Christmas entertainment." The scene of
+the Baron's Yule Feast is depicted in Torksey's Hall, Torksey being
+one of the first towns in Lincolnshire in the Saxon period. After some
+introductory verses the writer says:
+
+ "It is the season when our sires
+    Kept jocund holiday;
+  And, now, around our charier fires,
+    Old Yule shall have a lay:--
+  A prison-bard is once more free;
+  And, ere he yields his voice to thee,
+  His song a merry-song shall be!
+
+  Sir Wilfrid de Thorold freely holds
+    What his stout sires held before--
+  Broad lands for plough and fruitful folds,--
+    Though by gold he sets no store;
+  And he saith, from fen and woodland wolds
+    From marish, heath, and moor,--
+      To feast in his hall
+      Both free and thrall,
+    Shall come as they came of yore.
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  Now merrily ring the lady-bells
+    Of the nunnery by the Fosse:--
+  Say the hinds their silver music swells
+  'Like the blessed angels' syllables,
+    At His birth who bore the cross.'
+
+  And solemnly swells Saint Leonard's chime
+    And the great bell loud and deep:--
+  Say the gossips, 'Let's talk of the holy time
+    When the shepherds watched their sheep;
+  And the Babe was born for all souls' crime
+    In the weakness of flesh to weep.'--
+  But, anon, shrills the pipe of the merry mime
+    And their simple hearts upleap.
+
+  'God save your souls, good Christian folk!
+    God save your souls from sin!--
+  Blythe Yule is come--let us blythely joke!'--
+    Cry the mummers ere they begin.
+
+  Then, plough-boy Jack, in kirtle gay,--
+    Though shod with clouted shoon,--
+  Stands forth the wilful maid to play
+  Who ever saith to her lover, 'Nay'--
+    When he sues for a lover's boon.
+
+  While Hob the smith with sturdy arm
+    Circleth the feigned maid;
+  And, spite of Jack's assumed alarm,
+  Busseth his lips, like a lover warm,
+    And will not 'Nay' be said
+
+  Then loffe the gossips, as if wit
+    Were mingled with the joke:
+  Gentles,--they were with folly smit,--
+  Natheless, their memories acquit
+    Of crime--these simple folk!
+
+  No harmful thoughts their revels blight,--
+  Devoid of bitter hate and spite,
+    They hold their merriment;--
+  And, till the chimes tell noon at night,
+    Their joy shall be unspent!
+
+  Come haste ye to bold Thorold's hall,
+    And crowd his kitchen wide;
+  For there, he saith, both free and thrall
+    Shall sport this good Yule-tide."
+
+In subsequent verses the writer depicts the bringing in of the yule
+log to the Baron's Hall,
+
+            "Where its brave old heart
+            A glow shall impart
+  To the heart of each guest at the festival.
+
+       *     *     *     *     *
+
+  They pile the Yule-log on the hearth,--
+    Soak toasted crabs in ale;
+  And while they sip, their homely mirth
+  Is joyous as if all the earth
+    For man were void of bale!
+
+  And why should fears for future years,
+  Mix jolly ale with thoughts of tears
+    When in the horn 'tis poured?
+  And why should ghost of sorrow fright
+  The bold heart of an English knight
+    When beef is on the board?
+
+  De Thorold's guests are wiser than
+    The men of mopish lore;
+  For round they push the smiling can
+    And slice the plattered store.
+
+  And round they thrust the ponderous cheese,
+    And the loaves of wheat and rye;
+  None stinteth him for lack of ease--
+  For each a stintless welcome sees
+    In the Baron's blythesome eye.
+
+  The Baron joineth the joyous feast--
+    But not in pomp or pride;
+  He smileth on the humblest guest
+  So gladsomely--all feel that rest
+    Of heart which doth abide
+  Where deeds of generousness attest
+  The welcome of the tongue professed
+    Is not within belied."
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+In subsequent verses a stranger minstrel appears on the festive scene,
+and tells his tale of love in song, acquitting himself
+
+ "So rare and gentle, that the hall
+  Rings with applause which one and all
+  Render who share the festival."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Some of the poets of this period have dealt playfully with the
+festivities of Christmastide, as, for example, Laman Blanchard (1845)
+in the following effusion:--
+
+
+CHRISTMAS CHIT-CHAT.
+
+In a Large Family Circle.
+
+  "The day of all days we have seen
+  Is Christmas," said Sue to Eugene;
+  "More welcome in village and city
+  Than Mayday," said Andrew to Kitty.
+  "Why 'Mistletoe's' twenty times sweeter
+  Than 'May,'" said Matilda to Peter;
+  "And so you will find it, if I'm a
+  True prophet," said James to Jemima.
+  "I'll stay up to supper, no bed,"
+  Then lisped little Laura to Ned.
+  "The girls all good-natured and dressy,
+  And bright-cheeked," said Arthur to Jessie;
+  "Yes, hoping ere next year to marry,
+  The madcaps!" said Charlotte to Harry.
+  "So steaming, so savoury, so juicy,
+  The feast," said fat Charley to Lucy.
+  "Quadrilles and Charades might come on
+  Before dinner," said Martha to John.
+  "You'll find the roast beef when you're dizzy,
+  A settler," said Walter to Lizzy.
+  "Oh, horrid! one wing of a wren,
+  With a pea," said Belinda to Ben.
+  "Sublime!" said--displaying his leg--
+  George Frederick Augustus to Peg.
+  "At Christmas refinement is all fuss
+  And nonsense," said Fan to Adolphus.
+  "Would romps--or a tale of a fairy--
+  Best suit you," said Robert to Mary.
+  "At stories that work ghost and witch hard,
+  I tremble," said Rosa to Richard.
+  "A ghostly hair-standing dilemma
+  Needs 'bishop,'" said Alfred to Emma;
+  "What fun when with fear a stout crony
+  Turns pale," said Maria to Tony;
+  "And Hector, unable to rally,
+  Runs screaming," said Jacob to Sally.
+  "While you and I dance in the dark
+  The polka," said Ruth unto Mark:
+  "Each catching, according to fancy,
+  His neighbour," said wild Tom to Nancy;
+  "Till candles, to show what we can do,
+  Are brought in," said Ann to Orlando;
+  "And then we all laugh what is truly a
+  Heart's laugh," said William to Julia.
+  "Then sofas and chairs are put even,
+  And carpets," said Helen to Stephen;
+  "And so we all sit down again,
+  Supping twice," said sly Joseph to Jane.
+  "Now bring me my clogs and my spaniel,
+  And light me," said Dinah to Daniel.
+  "My dearest, you've emptied that chalice
+  Six times," said fond Edmund to Alice.
+  "We are going home tealess and coffeeless
+  Shabby!" said Soph to Theophilus;
+  "To meet again under the holly,
+  _Et cetera_," said Paul to fair Polly.
+  "Dear Uncle, has ordered his chariot;
+  All's over," said Matthew to Harriet.
+  "And pray now be all going to bedward,"
+  Said kind Aunt Rebecca to Edward!
+
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE, 1849,
+
+is the time of Robert Browning's beautiful poem of "Christmas Eve and
+Easter Day," in which the poet sings the song of man's immortality,
+proclaiming, as Easter Day breaks and Christ rises, that
+
+  "Mercy every way is infinite."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+And, in his beautiful poem of "In Memoriam," Lord Tennyson
+associates some of his finest verses with the ringing of
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS BELLS.
+
+ "Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
+    The flying cloud, the frosty light:
+    The year is dying in the night;
+  Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
+
+  Ring out the old, ring in the new,
+    Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
+    The year is going, let him go;
+  Ring out the false, ring in the true.
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
+    Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
+    Ring out the thousand wars of old,
+  Ring in the thousand years of peace.
+
+  Ring in the valiant man and free,
+    The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
+    Ring out the darkness of the land,
+  Ring in the Christ that is to be."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration: THE CHRISTMAS BELLS.]
+
+As the poet Longfellow stood on the lofty tower of Bruges
+Cathedral the belfry chimes set him musing, and of those
+chimes he says:
+
+  "Then most musical and solemn, bringing back the olden times,
+  With their strange, unearthly changes, rang the melancholy chimes,
+  Like the psalms from some old cloister, when the nuns sing in the
+    choir;
+  And the great bell tolled among them, like the chanting of a friar.
+  Visions of the days departed, shadowy phantoms filled my brain:
+  They who live in history only seemed to walk the earth again."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CARDS
+
+were first circulated in England in 1846. That year not more than a
+thousand copies were printed, and that was considered a large sale.
+The numbers distributed annually soon increased to tens and hundreds
+of thousands, and now there are millions of them. Mr. J. C. Horsley,
+a member of the Royal Academy, designed this first card which
+was sent out in 1846. It represents a family party of three
+generations--grandfather and grandmother, father and mother, and
+little children--and all are supposed to be joining in the sentiment,
+"A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you." The card was issued
+from the office of one of the periodicals of the time, _Felix
+Summerley's Home Treasury_. It was first lithographed, and then it was
+coloured by hand.
+
+Christmas and New Year Cards became very popular in the decade
+1870-1880. But then, however, simple cards alone did not suffice. Like
+many other things, they felt the influence of the latter-day
+_renaissance_ of art, and by a sort of evolutionary process developed
+cards monochrome and coloured, "Christmas Bell" cards, palettes,
+scrolls, circular and oval panels, stars, fans, crescents, and other
+shaped novelties; embossed cards, the iridescent series, the rustic
+and frosted cards, the folding series, the jewel cards, the crayons,
+and private cards on which the sender's name and sentiments are
+printed in gold, silver, or colours; hand-painted cards with
+landscapes, seascapes, and floral decorations; paintings on porcelain;
+satin cards, fringed silk, plush, Broche, and other artistically
+made-up novelties; "art-gem" panels; elaborate booklets, and other
+elegant souvenirs of the festive season. Many of the Christmas
+booklets are beautifully illustrated editions of popular poems and
+carols.
+
+"Quartette" cards, "Snap" cards, and other cards of games for the
+diversion of social gatherings are also extensively used at
+Christmastide.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+RUSTIC CHRISTMAS MASQUE.
+
+In compliance with a wish expressed by the Lady Londesborough, a
+Masque, entitled, "Recollections of Old Christmas," was performed at
+Grimston at Christmas, 1850, the following prologue being contributed
+by Barry Cornwall:--
+
+ "When winter nights grow long,
+   And winds without blow cold,
+  We sit in a ring round the warm wood-fire,
+   And listen to stories old!
+  And we try to look grave (as maids should be),
+  When the men bring in boughs of the laurel tree.
+      O the laurel, the evergreen tree!
+      The poets have laurels--and why not we?
+
+  How pleasant when night falls down,
+   And hides the wintry sun,
+  To see them come in to the blazing fire,
+   And know that their work is done;
+  Whilst many bring in, with a laugh or rhyme,
+  Green branches of holly for Christmas time!
+      O the holly, the bright green holly!
+      It tells (like a tongue) that the times are jolly!
+
+  Sometimes--(in _our_ grave house
+    Observe this happeneth not;)
+  But at times, the evergreen laurel boughs,
+    And the holly are all forgot!
+  And then! what then? Why the men laugh low,
+  And hang up a branch of--the misletoe!
+      Oh, brave is the laurel! and brave is the holly!
+      But the misletoe banisheth melancholy!
+  Ah, nobody knows, nor ever _shall_ know,
+  What is done under the misletoe!"
+
+A printed copy of the Masque, which bears date, "Tuesday, XXIV
+December, MDCCCL.," is preserved in the British Museum.
+
+
+"CHARACTERS
+
+(Which speak)
+
+"Old Father Christmas         Hon. Mr. Thelluson
+Young Grimston                Hon. Mr. Denison
+Baron of Beef                 Hon. Miss Thelluson
+Plum-Pudding                  Hon. Miss Denison
+Mince-Pie                     Hon. Miss Selina Denison
+Wassail-Bowl                  Hon. Miss Isabella Denison
+
+"CHARACTERS
+
+(Which do not speak, or say as little as possible--all that they are
+requested to do)
+
+Ursa Minor                     Hon. Miss Ursula Denison
+Baby Cake                      Hon. Henry Charles Denison."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+UNDER THE HOLLY BOUGH.
+
+  Ye who have scorn'd each other
+  Or injured friend or brother,
+    In this fast fading year;
+  Ye who, by word or deed,
+  Have made a kind heart bleed,
+    Come gather here.
+  Let sinn'd against and sinning,
+  Forget their strife's beginning;
+  Be links no longer broken,
+  Be sweet forgiveness spoken,
+    Under the holly bough.
+
+  Ye who have lov'd each other,
+  Sister and friend and brother,
+    In this fast fading year:
+  Mother, and sire, and child,
+  Young man and maiden mild,
+    Come gather here;
+  And let your hearts grow fonder,
+  As memory shall ponder
+    Each past unbroken vow.
+  Old loves and younger wooing,
+  Are sweet in the renewing,
+    Under the holly bough.
+
+  Ye who have nourished sadness,
+  Estranged from hope and gladness,
+    In this fast fading year.
+  Ye with o'er-burdened mind
+  Made aliens from your kind,
+    Come gather here.
+  Let not the useless sorrow
+  Pursue you night and morrow,
+    If e'er you hoped--hope now--
+  Take heart: uncloud your faces,
+  And join in our embraces
+    Under the holly bough.
+
+_Charles Mackay, LL.D._
+
+The author of this beautiful poem (Dr. Charles Mackay) was born at
+Perth in 1814, and died on Christmas Eve, 1889, at his residence,
+Longridge Road, Earl's Court, Brompton.
+
+
+GHOST STORIES.
+
+Everybody knows that Christmas is the time for ghost stories, and that
+Charles Dickens and other writers have supplied us with tales of the
+true blood-curdling type. Thomas Hood's "Haunted House," S. T.
+Coleridge's "Ancient Mariner," and some other weird works of poetry
+have also been found serviceable in producing that strange chill of
+the blood, that creeping kind of feeling all over you, which is one of
+the enjoyments of Christmastide. Coleridge (says the late Mr. George
+Dawson)[88] "holds the first place amongst English poets in this
+objective teaching of the vague, the mystic, the dreamy, and the
+imaginative. I defy any man of imagination or sensibility to have
+'The Ancient Mariner' read to him, by the flickering firelight on
+Christmas night, by a master mind possessed by the mystic spirit of
+the poem, and not find himself taken away from the good regions of
+'ability to account for,' and taken into some far-off dreamland, and
+made even to start at his own footfall, and almost to shudder at his
+own shadow. You shall sit round the fire at Christmas time, good men
+and true every one of you; you shall come there armed with your patent
+philosophy; that creak you have heard, it is only the door--the list
+is not carefully put round the door, and it is the wintry wind that
+whistles through the crevices. Ghosts and spectres belong to the olden
+times; science has waved its wand and laid them all. We have no
+superstition about us; we walk enlightened nineteenth-century men; it
+is quite beneath us to be superstitious. By and bye, one begins to
+tell tales of ghosts and spirits; and another begins, and it goes all
+round; and there comes over you a curious feeling--a very
+unphilosophical feeling, in fact, because the pulsations of air from
+the tongue of the storyteller ought not to bring over you that
+peculiar feeling. You have only heard words, tales--confessedly by the
+storyteller himself only tales, such as may figure in the next monthly
+magazine for pure entertainment and amusement. But why do you feel so,
+then? If you say that these things are mere hallucinations, vague
+air-beating or tale-telling, why, good philosopher, do you feel so
+curious, so all-overish, as it were? Again, you are a man without the
+least terror in you, as brave and bold a man as ever stepped: living
+man cannot frighten you, and verily the dead rise not with you. But
+you are brought, towards midnight, to the stile over which is gained a
+view of the village churchyard, where sleep the dead in quietness.
+Your manhood begins just to ooze away a little; you are caught
+occasionally whistling to keep your courage up; you do not expect to
+see a ghost, but you are ready to see one, or to make one." At such a
+moment, think of the scene depicted by Coleridge:--
+
+"'Twas night, calm night, the moon was high;
+  The dead men stood together.
+
+  All stood together on the deck,
+    For a charnel-dungeon fitter:
+  All fixed on me their stony eyes,
+    That in the moon did glitter.
+
+  The pang, the curse, with which they died,
+    Had never passed away:
+  I could not draw my eyes from theirs,
+    Nor turn them up to pray."
+
+With this weird tale in his mind in the mystic stillness of midnight
+would an imaginative man be likely to deny the reality of the spirit
+world? The chances are that he would be spellbound; or, if he had
+breath enough, would cry out--
+
+  "Angels and ministers of grace, defend us!"
+
+"In the year 1421, the widow of Ralph Cranbourne, of Dipmore End, in
+the parish of Sandhurst, Berks, was one midnight alarmed by a noise in
+her bedchamber, and, looking up, she saw at her bedfoot the appearance
+of a skeleton (which she verily believed was her husband) nodding and
+talking to her upon its fingers, or finger bones, after the manner of
+a dumb person. Whereupon she was so terrified, that after striving to
+scream aloud, which she could not, for her tongue clave to her mouth,
+she fell backward as in a swoon; yet not so insensible withal but she
+could see that at this the figure became greatly agitated and
+distressed, and would have clasped her, but upon her appearance of
+loathing it desisted, only moving its jaw upward and downward, as if
+it would cry for help but could not for want of its parts of speech.
+At length, she growing more and more faint, and likely to die of fear,
+the spectre suddenly, as if at a thought, began to swing round its
+hand, which was loose at the wrist, with a brisk motion, and the
+finger bones being long and hard, and striking sharply against each
+other, made a loud noise like to the springing of a watchman's rattle.
+At which alarm, the neighbours running in, stoutly armed, as against
+thieves or murderers, the spectre suddenly departed."[89]
+
+ "His shoes they were coffins, his dim eye reveal'd
+    The gleam of a grave-lamp with vapours oppress'd;
+  And a dark crimson necklace of blood-drops congeal'd
+    Reflected each bone that jagg'd out of his breast."[90]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS.
+
+By MARY HOWITT.
+
+  He comes--the brave old Christmas!
+    His sturdy steps I hear;
+  We will give him a hearty welcome,
+    For he comes but once a year!
+
+  And of all our old acquaintance
+    'Tis he we like the best;
+  There's a jolly old way about him--
+    There's a warm heart in his breast.
+
+  He is not too proud to enter
+    Your house though it be mean;
+  Yet is company fit for a courtier,
+    And is welcomed by the Queen!
+
+  He can tell you a hundred stories
+    Of the Old World's whims and ways,
+  And how they merrily wish'd him joy
+    In our fathers' courting days.
+
+  He laughs with the heartiest laughter
+    That does one good to hear;
+  'Tis a pity so brave an old fellow
+    Should come but once a year!
+
+  But once, then, let us be ready,
+    With all that he can desire--
+  With plenty of holly and ivy,
+    And a huge log for the fire;
+
+  With plenty of noble actions,
+    And plenty of warm good-will;
+  With our hearts as full of kindness
+    As the board we mean to fill.
+
+  With plenty of store in the larder,
+    And plenty of wine in the bin;
+  And plenty of mirth for the kitchen;
+    Then open and let him in!
+
+  Oh, he is a fine old fellow--
+    His heart's in the truest place;
+  You may know that at once by the children,
+    Who glory to see his face.
+
+  For he never forgets the children,
+    They all are dear to him;
+  You'll see that with wonderful presents
+    His pockets are cramm'd to the brim.
+
+  Nor will he forget the servants,
+    Whether you've many or one;
+  Nor the poor old man at the corner;
+    Nor the widow who lives alone.
+
+  He is rich as a Jew, is Old Christmas,
+    I wish he would make me his heir;
+  But he has plenty to do with his money,
+    And he is not given to spare.
+
+  Not he--bless the good old fellow!
+    He hates to hoard his pelf;
+  He wishes to make all people
+    As gay as he is himself.
+
+  So he goes to the parish unions--
+    North, south, and west and east--
+  And there he gives the paupers,
+    At his own expense a feast.
+
+  He gives the old men tobacco,
+    And the women a cup of tea;
+  And he takes the pauper children,
+    And dances them on his knee.
+
+  I wish you could see those paupers
+    Sit down to his noble cheer,
+  You would wish, like them, and no wonder,
+    That he stay'd the livelong year.
+
+  Yes, he is the best old fellow
+    That ever on earth you met;
+  And he gave us a boon when first he came
+    Which we can never forget.
+
+  So we will give him a welcome
+    Shall gladden his old heart's core!
+  And let us in good and gracious deeds
+    Resemble him more and more!
+
+_December 21, 1850._
+
+
+WASSAILING THE APPLE-TREES.
+
+Writing on this subject, in the _Antiquary_, March, 1895, Mr. Harry
+Hems, of Exeter, introduces the reduced copy of an illustration which
+appears on the following page, and which he states was published in
+the _Illustrated London News_, January 11, 1851.
+
+The picture (says Mr. Hems) "presents, as will be seen, a frosty,
+moonlight night, with a brilliantly-lit old farmhouse in the
+background. In the fore are leafless fruit-trees, and three men firing
+guns at them, whilst the jovial farmer and another man drink success
+to the year's crop from glasses evidently filled from a jug of cider,
+which the latter also holds a-high. A crowd of peasants--men, women
+and children--are gathered around, and the following description is
+appended:--
+
+"'Amongst the scenes of jocund hospitality in this holiday season,
+that are handed down to us, is one which not only presents an
+enlivening picture, but offers proof of the superstition that still
+prevails in the Western counties. On Twelfth-even, in Devonshire, it
+is customary for the farmer to leave his warm fireside, accompanied by
+a band of rustics, with guns, blunderbusses, &c., presenting an
+appearance which at other times would be somewhat alarming. Thus
+armed, the band proceeds to an adjoining orchard, where is selected
+one of the most fruitful and aged of the apple-trees, grouping round
+which they stand and offer up their invocations in the following
+quaint doggerel rhyme:--
+
+    "'Here's to thee,
+      Old apple-tree!
+  Whence thou mayst bud,
+  And whence thou mayst blow,
+  And whence thou mayst bear
+      Apples enow:
+      Hats full,
+      Caps full,
+  Bushels, bushels, sacks full,
+  And my pockets full too!
+      Huzza! huzza!'"
+
+[Illustration: WASSAILING THE APPLE-TREES IN DEVONSHIRE.]
+
+The cider-jug is then passed round, and, with many a hearty shout, the
+party fire off their guns, charged with powder only, amidst the
+branches, sometimes frightening the owl from its midnight haunt. With
+confident hopes they return to the farmhouse, and are refused
+admittance, in spite of all weather, till some lucky wight guesses
+aright the peculiar roast the maidens are preparing for their comfort.
+This done, all enter, and soon right merrily the jovial glass goes
+round, that man who gained admittance receiving the honour of King for
+the evening, and till a late hour he reigns, amidst laughter, fun, and
+jollity. The origin of this custom is not known, but it is supposed to
+be one of great antiquity.
+
+"'The illustration is from a sketch by Mr. Colebrooke, Stockdale.'"
+
+We may add that, in the seventeenth century, a similar custom seems to
+have been observed in some places on Christmas Eve, for in Herrick's
+_Hesperides_ the wassailing of fruit trees is among the Christmas Eve
+ceremonies:--
+
+ "Wassail the trees, that they may beare
+  You many a plum, and many a peare;
+  For more or less fruits they will bring,
+  As you do give them wassailing."
+
+CHRISTMAS MORNING IN EXETER CATHEDRAL.
+
+Writing from Exeter, in 1852, a correspondent says "the custom of
+welcoming this season of holy joy with 'psalms and hymns and spiritual
+songs' lingers in the cathedral city of Exeter; where, during
+Christmas Eve, the parish choirs perambulate the streets singing
+anthems, with instrumental accompaniments. The singing is protracted
+through the night, when the celebration often assumes a more secular
+character than is strictly in accordance with the festival. A more
+sacred commemoration is, however, at hand.
+
+"At a quarter-past seven o'clock on Christmas morning the assemblage
+of persons in the nave of Exeter Cathedral is usually very numerous:
+there are the remnants of the previous vigil, with unwashed faces and
+sleepy eyes; but a large number are early risers, who have left their
+beds for better purposes than a revel. There is a great muster of the
+choir, and the fine Old Hundredth Psalm is sung from the gallery to a
+full organ, whose billows of sound roll through the vaulted edifice.
+The scene is strikingly picturesque: all is dim and shadowy; the red
+light from the flaring candles falling upon upturned faces, and here
+and there falling upon a piece of grave sculpture, whilst the grey
+light of day begins to stream through the antique windows, adding to
+the solemnity of the scene. As the last verse of the psalm peals
+forth, the crowd begins to move, and the spacious cathedral is soon
+left to the more devout few who remain to attend the morning service
+in the Lady-chapel."
+
+
+A WELSH CHRISTMAS.
+
+From the "Christmas Chronicles of Llanfairpwllycrochon," by R. P.
+Hampton Roberts, in _Notes and Queries_, December 21, 1878, we quote
+the following:
+
+"Now Thomas Thomas, and Mary Jones, and all their neighbours, had
+great veneration for Christmas, and enjoyed much pleasure in
+looking forward to the annual recurrence of the feast. Not that
+they looked upon it as a feast in any ecclesiastical sense, for
+Llanfairpwllycrochon was decidedly Calvinistically Methodist, and
+rejected all such things as mere popish superstition.
+
+"The Christmas goose was a great institution at Llanfairpwllycrochon.
+The annual goose club had no existence there, it is true, but the
+annual goose had nevertheless. Thomas Thomas, after his memorable
+visit to London, came home imbued with one English idea which startled
+the villagers more than anything had done since the famous bonfire on
+the outlying hill when the heir came of age, and it was a long time
+before they recovered from their surprise. It was nothing less
+than a proposition to substitute beef for the Christmas dinner
+instead of a goose. Here was a sad falling off from the ways of
+Llanfairpwllycrochon! And Thomas Thomas was a man who persisted in an
+idea once it entered his mind--an event of rare occurrence, it is
+true, and consequently all the more stubborn whenever it did occur.
+Thomas Thomas had, however, sufficient respect for the opinion of his
+neighbours to make him compromise matters by providing for himself
+alone a small beefsteak as an adjunct to the time-honoured goose.
+
+"Another Christmas institution at Llanfairpwllycrochon was the
+universal pudding, mixed as is wont by every member of the family.
+Then there was the bun-loaf, or _barabrith_, one of the grand
+institutions of Llanfairpwllycrochon. Many were the pains taken over
+this huge loaf--made large enough to last a week or fortnight,
+according to the appetites of the juvenile partakers--and the combined
+"Christmas-boxes" of the grocer and baker went to make up the
+appetising whole, with much more in addition.
+
+"Christmas Eve was a day of exceeding joy at Llanfairpwllycrochon. The
+manufacture of paper ornaments and 'kissing bushes,' radiant with
+oranges, apples, paper roses, and such like fanciful additions as
+might suit the taste or means of the house-holder, occupied most of
+the day. And then they had to be put up, and the house in its
+Christmas decorations looked more resplendent than the imagination of
+the most advanced villager--at present at school, and of the mature
+age of five and a half years, the rising hope of the schoolmaster, and
+a Lord Chancellor in embryo in fine--could have pictured. As a reward
+for the day's toil came the night's sweet task of making _cyflath_,
+_i.e._, toffee. Thomas Thomas, and those who spoke the Saxon tongue
+among the villagers, called it 'taffy.' Once had Thomas Thomas been
+corrected in his pronunciation, but the hardy Saxon who ventured on
+the bold proceeding was silenced when he heard that he was not to
+think he was going to persuade a reasonable man into mutilating the
+English tongue. 'Taffy it iss, and taffy I says,' and there was an end
+of the matter. Without taffy the inhabitants of Llanfairpwllycrochon,
+it was firmly believed by the vicar, would not have known the
+difference between Christmas and another time, and it is not therefore
+matter for surprise that they should so tenaciously cling to its
+annual making. At midnight, when the syrupy stuff was sufficiently
+boiled, it would be poured into a pan and put into the open air to
+cool. Here was an opportunity for the beaux of the village which could
+not be missed. They would steal, if possible, the whole, pan and all,
+and entail a second making on the unfortunate victims of their
+practical joke.
+
+"Sometimes the Christmas Eve proceedings would be varied by holding a
+large evening party, continued all night, the principal amusement of
+which would be the boiling of toffee, one arm taking, when another was
+tired, the large wooden spoon, and turning the boiling mass of sugar
+and treacle, this process being continued for many hours, until
+nothing would be left to partake of but a black, burnt sort of crisp,
+sugary cinder. Sometimes the long boiling would only result in a soft
+mass, disagreeable to the taste and awkward to the hand, the combined
+efforts of each member of the party failing to secure consistency or
+strength in the mixed ingredients.
+
+"And then there were the carols at midnight, and many more were the
+Christmas customs at Llanfairpwllycrochon."
+
+
+EFFECTS OF THE SEASON.
+
+  "These Christmas decorations are _so_ jolly!"
+     She cried, zeal shining in her orbs of blue.
+  "_Don't_ you like laurel gleaming under holly?"
+     He answered, "_I_ love mistletoe over _yew_!"--_Punch._
+
+[Illustration: "ST. GEORGE" IN COMBAT WITH "ST. PETER."]
+
+
+YORKSHIRE SWORD-ACTORS.
+
+Under this title, Mr. T. M. Fallow, M.A., F.S.A., writing in the
+_Antiquary_, May, 1895, gives an account of rustic performances which
+were witnessed at Christmastide in the neighbourhood of Leeds about
+fifteen years earlier, and he illustrates the subject with a series of
+pictures from photographs taken at the time, which are here
+reproduced. The play depicted is that of the "Seven Champions of
+Christendom," and in the picture on the preceding page "St. George" is
+shown engaged in combat with "St. Peter," while "St. Andrew" and "St.
+Denys" are each kneeling on one knee, a sign of their having been
+vanquished.
+
+"It may be well to point out," says Mr. Fallow, "that in the West
+Riding, or at any rate in the neighbourhood of Leeds, the sword-actors
+were quite distinct from the 'mummers.' They generally numbered nine
+or ten lads, who, disguised by false beards as men, were dressed in
+costume as appropriate to the occasion as their knowledge and finances
+would permit, and who acted, with more or less skill, a short play,
+which, as a rule, was either the 'Peace Egg' or the 'Seven Champions
+of Christendom.' The following illustration shows two of the
+'champions,' as photographed at the time stated:--
+
+[Illustration: "ST. PETER." "ST. DENYS."]
+
+"There was a little indefiniteness," says Mr. Fallow, "as to the
+characters represented in the play, but usually they were the King of
+Egypt, his daughter, a fool or jester, St. George, St. Andrew, St.
+Patrick, St. David, St. Denys, St. James, and a St. Thewhs, who
+represented a Northern nation--Russia, or sometimes Denmark--and whose
+exact identity seems obscure. The seven champions occasionally
+included St. Peter of Rome, as in the group whose photograph is given.
+St. George engaged in mortal combat with each champion in succession,
+fighting for the hand of the King of Egypt's daughter. When at length
+each of the six was slain, St. George, having vanquished them all, won
+the fair lady, amid the applause of the bystanders. Then, at the
+conclusion, after a general clashing and crossing of swords, the fool
+or jester stepped forward, and wound up the performance with an appeal
+for pecuniary recognition."
+
+
+OTHER CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCES.
+
+In a Christmas article, published in 1869, Dr. Rimbault mentions the
+performance of "St. George and the Dragon" in the extreme western and
+northern parts of the country. The following five characters are
+given: Father Christmas, Turkish Knight, King of Egypt, St. George,
+Doctor. Other writers mention similar plays, with variations of
+characters, as seen in the rural parts of Northamptonshire,
+Warwickshire, and Staffordshire, and the present writer has himself
+seen such plays at Madeley, in Shropshire.
+
+S. Arnott, of Turnham Green, writing in _Notes and Queries_, December
+21, 1878, says: "When I was living at Hollington, near Hastings, in
+the year 1869, the village boys were in the habit of visiting the
+houses of the gentry at Christmas time to perform a play, which had
+been handed down by tradition." The description of the play which then
+followed shows that it was another variation of the well-known
+Christmas play, and included the "Turkish Knight," the "Bold Slasher,"
+and other familiar characters.
+
+
+A SCOTCH FIRST FOOTING.
+
+Writing on "Mid-winter Customs in the North," Mr. Edward Garrett says
+"it is not easy to write of 'Christmas customs in the North,' because
+many of them, even though connected with the Christmas festival, do
+not take place till January 6th, that being Christmas Day, Old Style,
+while most of them are associated with the New Year, either Old or New
+Style, one of the most striking celebrations coming off on January
+11th, regarded as 'New Year's Eve.'
+
+"Christmas itself has never been a national Scottish festival since
+the Reformation. On its purely festive side, it has become somewhat of
+a 'fashion' of late years, but its ancient customs have only lingered
+on in those districts where Episcopacy has taken deep root. Such a
+district is 'Buchan'--a track of country in the north-east of
+Aberdeenshire--a place which cannot be better described than in the
+words of one of its own gifted sons, Dr. Walter Smith:--
+
+ "'A treeless land, where beeves are good,
+     And men have quaint, old-fashioned ways,
+   And every burn has ballad lore,
+     And every hamlet has its song,
+   And on its surf-beat, rocky shore
+     The eerie legend lingers long.
+   Old customs live there, unaware
+     That they are garments cast away,
+   And what of light is lingering there
+     Is lingering light of yesterday.'"
+
+[Illustration: A SCOTCH FIRST FOOTING.]
+
+
+YULETIDE CUSTOMS IN SHETLAND.
+
+The inherent Scandinavianism of the Shetlander, which leads him to
+repudiate the appellation of Scotchman, and to cherish in secret the
+old customs and superstitions of his ancestors, asserts itself yearly
+in the high jinks with which he continues to honour the old holy days
+of Yule. Until within the last two or three years, he pertinaciously
+adhered to the old style in his observance of these festivities. On
+Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Uphelya--the twenty-fourth day
+after Yule, and that on which the holy or holidays are supposed to be
+"up"--the youths of Lerwick, attired in fantastic dresses, go
+"guising" about the town in bands, visiting their friends and
+acquaintances and reproducing in miniature the carnival of more
+southern climes. On one or other of these occasions a torchlight
+procession forms part of the revelry. Formerly blazing tar barrels
+were dragged about the town, and afterwards, with the first break of
+morning, dashed over the Knab into the sea. But this ancient and
+dangerous custom has very properly been discontinued. The dresses of
+the guisers are often of the most expensive and fanciful description.
+Highlanders, Spanish cavaliers, negro minstrels, soldiers in the
+peaked caps, kerseymere breeches, and scarlet coats turned up with
+buff, of the reign of George II., Robin Hoods, and Maid Marians were
+found in the motley throng. Some, with a boldness worthy of
+Aristophanes himself, caricature the dress, the walk, or some other
+eccentricity of leading personages in the town; others--for the spirit
+of "the Happy Land" has reached these hyperborean regions--make
+pleasant game of well-known political characters. Each band of guisers
+has its fiddler, who walks before it, playing "Scalloway Lasses," or
+"The Foula Reel," or "The Nippin' Grund," or some other archaic tune.
+Thus conducted, and blowing a horn to give notice of their approach,
+the maskers enter the doors of all houses which they find open, dance
+a measure with the inmates, partake of and offer refreshment, and then
+depart to repeat the same courtesies elsewhere. At daylight the horn
+of the Most Worthy Grand Guiser, a mysterious personage, whose
+personality and functions are enveloped in the deepest concealment, is
+heard summoning all the bands to end their revels, and when, in the
+cold grey dawn of the winter morning, the worthy citizens of Lerwick
+awake to pursue their wonted avocations, not a trace remains of the
+saturnalia of the night before.--Sheriff Rampini, in _Good Words_.
+
+Now, passing from the islands to the sea itself, it is pleasant to
+note that in recent years Christian hearts have carried
+
+
+CHRISTMAS CHEER TO THE NORTH SEA FISHERMEN.
+
+Through the "Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen" twelve thousand brave and
+hardy fishermen have been cheered at Christmastide, for to their
+fleets the Mission's vessels now take medical and surgical aid, books
+and magazines, woollen garments and tobacco, which, as adjuncts to
+higher religious aid, are turning the once wild and desperate
+ocean roughs into clean-living sailors and good husbands and
+fathers--therefore are these days on the North Sea better far than
+those that are gone. Thousands of these brave men turn at Christmas to
+the M.D.S.F. flag as to the one bright link which binds them to
+friendly hearts ashore, assuring them that in England's Christmas
+festivities they and their like have a real part, and are no longer
+forgotten.
+
+Some facts recorded by the Rev. John Sinclair[91] illustrate the
+dangers of the wild winter sea, and also set forth some
+
+
+CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES IN THE ORKNEY ISLES.
+
+They were related to Mr. Sinclair by Mr. Traill, chief of the clan,
+with whom he stayed on the occasion of his visit to the island of
+Pappa Westra. The first of the two incidents was as follows:--"One
+Christmas Day," says Mr. Traill, "during a heavy gale, I wrapped my
+cloak about me, and started off with my telescope to walk upon the
+cliffs. Coming to the other side of the island, on which the surf was
+beating violently, I observed a vessel a few miles off fire a signal
+of distress. I hastened to the nearest point, and with the help of my
+glass perceived that she was Dutch built, and that, having lost her
+rudder, she was quite unmanageable. She fired several guns at short
+intervals, and my people came in large numbers to give assistance. But
+the surf was so fearful that nothing could be done. No boat could have
+lived a moment in such a sea. We were all utterly helpless. As the
+vessel drifted towards us, I could see the whole tragedy as distinctly
+as if it had been acted on the stage. Immediately below me were a
+number of my fellow-creatures, now alive and in health, and in a few
+moments they would all be mangled corpses. I could make out the
+expression of their features, and see in what manner each was
+preparing for inevitable death. But whether they climbed up into the
+shrouds, or held by ropes on deck while the sea was washing over the
+bulwarks, their fate was the same. The first wave lifted the vessel so
+high that I almost thought it would have placed her upon the land. She
+fell back, keel upwards. The next wave struck her with such terrific
+force against the cliffs that she was shivered at once into a thousand
+pieces; hardly two planks held together. It seemed as if she had been
+made of glass. Not a soul escaped. One or two bodies, with a few
+planks and casks, were all that ever reached the shore." Well might
+Mr. Traill add, "I was haunted for months by the remembrance of that
+heartrending sight."
+
+The other story related by Mr. Traill shows that a Christmas party may
+be detained indefinitely in one of these remote islands, should the
+weather prove unfavourable. At Christmastide, a former Laird of Westra
+"collected a numerous party from all the neighbouring islands to
+celebrate the christening of his eldest son." His hospitalities cost
+him dear. A storm arose; his guests could not get away; instead of
+enjoying their society for a few days, he was obliged to entertain
+them at a ruinous expense for many weeks. His larder, his cellar, and
+his barns, were by degrees exhausted. His farm stock had all
+
+been slaughtered, except the old bull, which he was reserving as a
+last resource, when at length the wind abated, and a calm delivered
+him from this ruinous situation.
+
+Thus it appears that in these remote islands of Scotland Christmas is
+not forgotten. But a writer in a well-known Scotch journal says the
+surest sign of the general joy is "Christmas in the Workhouse":--
+
+ "Christmas was gay in the old squire's hall,
+    Gay at the village inn,
+  Cheery and loud by the farmer's fire,
+    Happy the manse within;
+  But the surest signs of the general joy,
+    And that all the world was happy--very,
+  Were the sounds that proved at the workhouse door
+    That even 'the paupers' were merry."
+
+
+A REMARKABLE CHRISTMAS GATHERING.
+
+The Greenwich Hospital for Sick Seamen of all Nations presented on
+Christmas Day, 1880, a remarkable gathering of national
+representatives. There were 179 sailors, representing 31
+nationalities, belonging to ships of 19 distinct nations. They were
+summed up thus:--England, 77; Wales, 3; Scotland, 9; Ireland, 11;
+Norway, 10; Sweden, 9; Finland, 6; United States, 5; Denmark, 5;
+British India, 4; France, 3; Germany, 3; Nova Scotia, 3; Russia, 2;
+Austria, 2; Italy, 2; Cape de Verd Islands, 2; Chili, 2; Jamaica, 2;
+Barbadoes, 2; St. Thomas, 2; Spain, 1; Portugal, 1; Canada, 1; New
+Brunswick, 1; Transvaal, 1; Gold Coast, 1; Brazil, 1; St. Kitts, 1;
+Mauritius, 1; Society Islands, 1. The mercantile marines represented
+were no bad index to the proportion of the carrying trade of the world
+each nation undertakes:--England, 96 vessels; Ireland, 3; Scotland,
+16; Wales, 4; Norway, 7; Sweden, 5; United States, 6; Denmark, 2;
+France, 2; Germany, 3; Nova Scotia, 7; Russia, 2; Netherlands, 4;
+Channel Islands, 2; New Brunswick, 2; Italy, 1; Zanzibar, 1; Spain, 1.
+
+The early morning brought warm Christmas wishes to the patients. Each
+found by his bedside a packet addressed to him by name. Some good lady
+had taken the enormous pains to work a pretty, and, at the same time,
+stout and serviceable wallet, with the inscription, "My letters,"
+embroidered thereupon, and to accompany this little gift, in every
+case, with a short and seasonable letter of Christmas wishes, using
+other languages than English, to suit the convenience of every
+recipient. The initials under which these offerings came were "N. C.
+H." Other gifts, Christmas cards and Christmas reading, in the shape
+of magazines and illustrated papers were gladly welcomed.
+
+The decorations of the corridors and rooms had given occupation to the
+sick sailors for several days, and sentiments of loyalty to the Queen
+and the Royal Family were abundantly displayed, together with
+portraits of members of the Royal Family which had been drawn from
+fancy.
+
+The officers and nurses had dedicated to them some specimens of real
+sailor poetry, combining the names of the staff. With grim humour, the
+"operation room" bore above it "Nil desperandum"; and the decorated
+walls of the hospital told the onlookers that "small vessels should
+keep in shore," that "windmills are not turned by a pair of bellows,"
+that "good things are not found in heaps," that "hasty people fish in
+empty ponds," that "plenty, like want, ruins many," &c.
+
+The dinner at one o'clock was a great success. All who could get out
+of bed made it a point of honour to be present. But for adverse winds
+keeping ships from entering the Thames, the guests would have been
+more numerous. But, as it was, the patients under the roof numbered
+179. There were, of course, difficulties of language; but no "Jack"
+ever ploughed the sea who does not understand a Christmas dinner; and,
+besides, the hospital in its nurses and staff possesses the means of
+conversing in seventeen different languages.
+
+The scene was a thoroughly Christmas one; and many other festive
+scenes, almost as interesting, were seen in all parts of England.
+Whether recorded or unrecorded, who does not rejoice in such efforts
+to promote "goodwill amongst men," and long for the time--
+
+ "When peace shall over all the earth
+    Its ancient splendours fling,
+  And the whole world send back the song,
+    Which now the angels sing."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS CRACKERS.
+
+One of the popular institutions inseparable from the festivities of
+Christmastide has long been the "cracker." The satisfaction which young
+people especially experience in pulling the opposite ends of a gelatine
+and paper cylinder is of the keenest, accompanied as the operation is by
+a mixed anticipation--half fearful as to the explosion that is to
+follow, and wholly delightful with regard to the bonbon or motto which
+will thus be brought to light. Much amusement is afforded to the lads
+and lassies by the fortune-telling verses which some of the crackers
+contain. But the cracker of our early days was something far different
+from what it is now. The sharp "crack" with which the article exploded,
+and from which it took its name, was then its principal, and, in some
+cases, its only feature; and the exclamation, "I know I shall scream,"
+which John Leech, in one of his sketches, puts into the mouth of two
+pretty girls engaged in cracker-pulling, indicated about the all of
+delight which that occupation afforded. Since then, however, the cracker
+has undergone a gradual development. Becoming by degrees a receptacle
+for bon-bons, rhymed mottoes, little paper caps and aprons, and similar
+toys, it has passed on to another and higher stage, and is even made a
+vehicle for high art illustrations. Considerable artistic talent has
+been introduced in the adornment of these novelties. For instance, the
+"Silhouette" crackers are illustrated with black figures, comprising
+portraits of well-known characters in the political, military, and
+social world, exquisitely executed, while appropriate designs have been
+adapted to other varieties, respectively designated "Cameos,"
+"Bric-a-brac," "Musical Toys," &c.; and it is quite evident that the
+education of the young in matters of good taste is not overlooked in the
+provision of opportunities for merriment.
+
+SANTA CLAUS AND THE STOCKING.
+
+  Hang up the baby's stocking! Be
+   sure you don't forget! The dear
+    little dimpled darling, she never
+     saw   Christmas   yet!   But   I've
+     told her all about it, and she opened
+     her  big  blue  eyes; and I'm sure
+     she understood it--she  looked so
+     funny and wise. * * *  Dear, what
+    a tiny stocking!  It doesn't take
+   much to hold such little pink toes
+  as baby's away from the frost and
+ cold.  But then,  for  the baby's
+ Christmas, it will never do at all.
+  Why! Santa wouldn't be looking
+   for    anything    half   so
+    small.  * * *  I know what
+     will do for the baby. I've
+      thought of the very best
+       plan.   I'll  borrow  a
+        stocking  of Grandma's,
+         the longest that ever
+          I can.  And  you'll
+          hang  it  by  mine,
+          dear mother, right
+         here in the corner,
+        so!   And  leave  a
+       letter to Santa, and
+      fasten   it on to the
+     toe. * * * Write--this
+    is the baby's stocking,
+   that hangs in the corner
+    here.  You  never have
+     seen her, Santa, for
+      she only came this
+       year.   But  she's
+        just the blessed'st
+         baby.   And  now
+          before  you  go,
+           just  cram  her
+            stocking  with
+            goodies, from
+             the top clean
+               down to
+                 the
+                  toe!
+
+
+FATALLY BURNT IN CHRISTMAS COSTUMES.
+
+The Christmastide of 1885-6 was marred by two fatal accidents which
+again illustrate the danger of dressing for entertainments in
+highly-inflammable materials. In the first case a London lady, on
+Boxing Night, was entertaining some friends, and appeared herself in
+the costume of _Winter_. She was dressed in a white robe of thin
+fabric, and stood under a canopy from which fell pieces of cotton wool
+to represent snowflakes, and in their descent one of them caught light
+at the candelabra, and fell at deceased's feet. In trying to put it
+out with her foot her dress caught fire, and she was immediately
+enveloped in flames. So inflammable was the material that, although
+prompt assistance was rendered, she was so severely burnt as to become
+unconscious. A medical man was sent for, and everything possible was
+done for her; but she sank gradually, and died from exhaustion. The
+second of these tragical incidents plunged a Paris family in deep
+sorrow. The parents, who lived in a beautiful detached house in the
+Rue de la Bienfaisance, had arranged that their children and some
+youthful cousins were to play before a party of friends on New Year's
+Night on the stage of a little theatre which had just been added to
+their house. The play was to represent the decrepit old year going out
+and the new one coming in. The eldest daughter, a charming girl of
+fourteen, was to be the good genius of 1886, and to be dressed in a
+loose transparent robe. On the appointed evening, after the company
+had assembled, she donned her stage costume and ran into her mother's
+bedroom to see how it became her. While looking at herself in a mirror
+on the toilette table her loose sleeve came in contact with the flame
+of a candle and blazed up. She screamed for help and tried to roll
+herself in the bed clothes; but the bed, being covered with a lace
+coverlet and curtained with muslin was also set on fire, and soon the
+whole room was ablaze. By the time help arrived the girl's clothes
+were all burning into the flesh; but such was her vitality that, in
+spite of the dreadful state in which every inch of her body was, she
+survived the accident many hours.
+
+Similar disasters occurred at Christmas festivities in 1889, at
+Detroit, and in 1891, at Wortley, Leeds. In the former several little
+children were fatally burnt, and in the latter fifteen children were
+set on fire, eleven of them fatally.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS LITERATURE
+
+is too large a subject to enter upon at length, for a bulky volume
+would scarcely suffice to describe the numerous Christmas annuals,
+illustrated Christmas numbers, newspaper supplements and variety
+papers which have become popular at Christmastide since the first
+appearance of Dickens's "Christmas Stories." The development of the
+Christmas trade in this light literature has been marvellous, and it
+is increasing year by year. And the same may be said of the charming
+gift-books which are published annually just before Christmas.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS LETTER MISSIONS.
+
+Through the various letter missions that have been established
+thousands of Christmas letters and illustrated missives, bright with
+anecdote, are despatched annually to the inmates of convalescent homes
+and hospitals, and are heartily welcomed by the recipients, for every
+one likes to be remembered on Christmas Day.
+
+
+THE POST-OFFICE OFFICIALS AND POSTMEN
+
+have, however, been very heavily weighted with these new Christmas
+customs. They have inflicted upon postmen and letter-sorters an amount
+of extra labour that is almost incredible. The postal-parcel work is
+also very heavy at the festive season.
+
+
+THE RAILWAYS AT CHRISTMAS.
+
+ "Home for the holidays, here we go;
+  Bless me, the train is exceedingly slow!
+  Pray, Mr. Engineer, get up your steam,
+  And let us be off, with a puff and a scream!
+  We have two long hours to travel, you say;
+  Come, Mr. Engineer, gallop away!"[92]
+
+This familiar verse recalls the eagerness of the schoolboy to be home
+for the Christmas holidays. And adults are no less eager to join their
+friends at the festive season; many travel long journeys in order to
+do so. Hence the great pressure of work on railway employes, and the
+congested state of the traffic at Christmastide. Two or three days
+before Christmas Day the newspapers publish what are called "railway
+arrangements," detailing the privileges granted by this and that
+company, and presenting the holiday traveller with a sort of
+appetising programme; and any one who will spend an hour at any of the
+great termini of the metropolis at this period can see the remarkable
+extent to which the public avail themselves of the facilities offered.
+The growth of railway travelling at Christmastide has, indeed, been
+marvellous in recent years, and it becomes greater every year. The
+crowded state of the railway stations, and the trains that roll out of
+them heavily laden with men, women, and children, wedged together by
+parcels bursting with good cheer, show most unmistakably that we have
+not forgotten the traditions of Christmas as a time of happy
+gatherings in the family circles of Old England.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+But, as there is also much Christmas-keeping in other parts of the
+world, we pass now to--
+
+    [79] Huish's "Life of George the Third."
+
+    [80] _Gentleman's Magazine_, 1790.
+
+    [81] Copied from an undated leaflet inserted in the
+    British Museum copy of Brand's "Antiquities," by the late
+    Mr Joseph Hazlewood.
+
+    [82] Hone's "Every-day Book," 1826.
+
+    [83] Herbert H. Adams.
+
+    [84] "A black Christmas makes a fat kirk-yard." A windy
+    Christmas and a calm Candlemas are signs of a good year.
+
+    [85] The "savoury haggis" (from _hag_ to chop) is a dish
+    commonly made in a sheep's maw, of its lungs, heart, and
+    liver, mixed with suet, onions, salt, and pepper; or of
+    oatmeal mixed with the latter, without any animal food.
+
+    [86] F. Lawrence.
+
+    [87] "Old English Customs and Charities," 1842.
+
+    [88] "Biographical Lectures."
+
+    [89] "History of Berks," vol. xxv.
+
+    [90] "Grim, King of the Ghosts."
+
+    [91] "Old Times and Distant Places," 1875.
+
+    [92] Eliza Cook.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER XII._
+
+MODERN CHRISTMASES ABROAD.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN THE ARCTIC REGIONS, 1850-1.
+
+"The bluejackets are generally better hands than the red-coats at
+improvising a jollification--Jack, at any rate, does not take his
+pleasures sadly. The gallant bands that have from time to time gone
+forth to a bloodless campaign in the icy north, have always managed to
+keep their Christmas right joyously. Certainly they could not complain
+of uncongenial skies or unseasonable temperatures; while, so far as
+snow and ice are necessary to thorough enjoyment, the supply in the
+Arctic regions is on a scale sufficient to satisfy the most ardent
+admirer of an old-fashioned Christmas. The frozen-in Investigators
+under McClure kept their first Arctic Christmas soberly, cheerfully,
+and in good fellowship, round tables groaning with good cheer, in the
+shape of Sandwich Island beef, musk veal from the Prince of Wales's
+Strait, mince-meat from England, splendid preserves from the Green
+Isle, and dainty dishes from Scotland. Every one talked of home, and
+speculated respecting the doings of dear ones there; and healths were
+drunk, not omitting those of their fellow-labourers sauntering
+somewhere in the regions about, but how near or how far away none
+could tell. When the festival came round again, the _Investigator_ and
+_Enterprise_ were alone in their glory, and they were separated by
+miles of frozen sea; but they had solved the great problem.[93] On
+board the _Investigator_, frost-bound in the Bay of Mercy, things went
+as merry as the proverbial marriage-bell. After divine service,
+everybody took a constitutional on the ice until dinner-time; then the
+officers sat down to a meal of which the _piece de resistance_ was a
+haunch of Banks' Island reindeer, weighing twenty pounds, with fat two
+inches thick, and a most delicious flavour; while the crew were
+regaling upon venison and other good things, double allowance of grog
+included; and dinner discussed, dancing, singing, and skylarking
+filled up the holiday hours till bedtime; the fun being kept up with
+unflagging humour, and with such propriety withal as to make their
+leader wish the anxious folks at home could have witnessed the scene
+created amidst so many gloomy influences, by the crew of a ship after
+two years' sojourn in those ice-bound regions upon their own
+resources. Another Christmas found the brave fellows still confined in
+their snowy prison; but their table boasted plum-pudding rich enough
+for Arctic appetites, Banks' Land venison, Mercy Bay hare-soup,
+ptarmigan pasties, and musk-ox beef--hung-beef, surely, seeing it had
+been dangling in the rigging above two years. The poets among the men
+wrote songs making light of the hardships they had endured; the
+painters exhibited pictures of past perils; comic actors were not
+wanting; and the whole company, casting all anxiety to the winds,
+enjoyed themselves to the utmost."[94]
+
+In the spring of 1870, before the breaking out of the Franco-German
+war, Germany sent out two ships, the _Germania_ and the _Hansa_, with
+the hope of reaching the North Pole. As is usually the case in Arctic
+expeditions, little could be done during the first season, and the
+ships were obliged to take up their winter-quarters off the east coast
+of Greenland. They had already been separated, so that the crew of one
+vessel, had no idea of the condition of the other. An officer upon the
+_Germania_ gives the following interesting account of their Christmas
+festivities in the Arctic regions:--
+
+"To the men who have already lived many weary months among the
+icebergs, Christmas signifies, in addition to its other associations,
+that the half of their long night--with its fearful storms, its
+enforced cessation of all energy, its discomfort and sadness--has
+passed, and that the sun will soon again shed its life and
+warmth-giving beams on the long-deserted North. From this time the
+grim twilight, during which noon has been hardly distinguishable from
+the other hours, grows daily lighter, until at length all hearts are
+gladdened, and a cheerful activity is once again called forth by the
+first glimpse of the sun. Christmas, the midnight of the Arctic
+explorer, thus marks a period in his life which he has good cause to
+consider a joyful one.
+
+"For days before the festival, an unusual activity was observable all
+over the ship; and as soon as the severe storm which raged from
+December 16th to the 21st had abated, parties were organised, under
+our botanist, Dr. Pansch, to certain points of Sabine Island, near to
+which we were anchored, where, in a strangely sheltered nook, several
+varieties of a native Greenland evergreen plant, _Andromeda
+tetragona_, were to be found. A great quantity of this plant was
+conveyed on board, to be converted into a Christmas-tree. Under the
+orders of Dr. Pansch, the Andromeda was wound round small pieces of
+wood, several of which were attached, like fir-twigs, to a large
+bough; and when these boughs were fastened to a pole, they formed a
+very respectable fir-tree.
+
+"After dinner on Christmas Day, the cabin was cleared for the
+completion of the preparations; and on our recall at six o'clock, we
+found that all had assumed an unwontedly festive appearance. The walls
+were decorated with the signal-flags and our national eagle; and the
+large cabin table, somewhat enlarged to make room to seat seventeen
+men, was covered with a clean white cloth, which had been reserved for
+the occasion. On the table stood the 'fir' tree, shining in the
+splendour of many little wax-lights, and ornaments with all sorts of
+little treasures, some of which, such as the gilded walnuts, had
+already seen a Christmas in Germany; below the tree was a small
+present for each of us, provided long beforehand, in readiness for
+the day, by loving friends and relatives at home. There was a packet
+too for each of the crew, containing some little joking gift, prepared
+by the mirth-loving Dr. Pansch, and a useful present also; while the
+officers were each and all remembered.
+
+"When the lights burned down, and the resinous Andromeda was beginning
+to take fire, the tree was put aside, and a feast began, at which full
+justice was done to the costly Sicilian wine with which a friend had
+generously supplied us before we left home. We had a dish of roast
+seal! Some cakes were made by the cook, and the steward produced his
+best stores. For the evening, the division between the fore and aft
+cabins was removed, and there was free intercourse between officers
+and men; many a toast was drunk to the memory of friends at home, and
+at midnight a polar ball was improvised by a dance on the ice. The
+boatswain, the best musician of the party, seated himself with his
+hand-organ between the antlers of a reindeer which lay near the ship,
+and the men danced two and two on their novel flooring of hard ice!
+
+"Such was our experience of a Christmas in the north polar circle; but
+the uncertainties of Arctic voyaging are great, and the two ships of
+our expedition made trial of the widely different fates which await
+the travellers in those frozen regions: and while we on the _Germania_
+were singularly fortunate in escaping accidents and in keeping our
+crew, in spite of some hardships, in sound health and good spirits,
+the _Hansa_ was crushed by the ice, and her crew, after facing
+unheard-of dangers, and passing two hundred days on a block of ice,
+were barely rescued to return home."
+
+Yet even to the crew of the ill-fated _Hansa_ Christmas brought some
+festivities. The tremendous gale which had raged for many days ceased
+just before the day, and the heavy fall of snow with which it
+terminated, and which had almost buried the black huts that the
+shipwrecked men had constructed for themselves upon the drifting
+icebergs from the _debris_ of the wreck, had produced a considerable
+rise in the temperature, and there was every indication that a season
+of calm might now be anticipated.
+
+The log-book of the _Hansa_ thus describes the celebration of the
+festival:--"The tree was erected in the afternoon, while the greater
+part of the crew took a walk; and the lonely hut shone with wonderful
+brightness amid the snow. Christmas upon a Greenland iceberg! The tree
+was artistically put together of firwood and mat-weed, and Dr. Laube
+had saved a twist of wax-taper for the illumination. Chains of
+coloured paper and newly-baked cakes were not wanting, and the men had
+made a knapsack and a revolver case as a present for the captain. We
+opened the leaden chests of presents from Professor Hochstetter and
+the Geological Society, and were much amused by their contents. Each
+man had a glass of port wine; and we then turned over the old
+newspapers which we found in the chests, and drew lots for the
+presents, which consisted of small musical instruments such as fifes,
+jew's-harps, trumpets, &c., with draughts and other games, puppets,
+crackers, &c. In the evening we feasted on chocolate and gingerbread."
+
+"We observed the day very quietly," writes Dr. Laube in his diary. "If
+this Christmas be the last we are to see, it was at least a cheerful
+one; but should a happy return home be decreed for us, the next will,
+we trust, be far brighter. May God so grant!"
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN THE CRIMEA.
+
+The Christmas of 1854 was a dismal one for the soldiers in the Crimea,
+witnessing and enduring what Lord John Russell spoke of as "the
+horrible and heartrending scenes of that Crimean winter."
+
+"Thanks to General Muddle," says a journal of the period, "the Crimean
+Christmas of 1854 was anything but what it ought to and might have
+been; and the knowledge that plenty of good things had been provided
+by thoughtful hearts at home, but which were anywhere but where they
+were wanted, did not add to the merriment of our poor overworked,
+underfed army; and although some desperate efforts were made to be
+jolly on dreary outpost and in uncomfortable trenches, they only
+resulted in miserable failure. The following Christmas was doubly
+enjoyable by comparison. The stubborn fortress (Sebastopol) had fallen
+at last to its more stubborn assailants; habit had deprived frost and
+snow of their terrors, and every hut ran over with hams, preserves,
+vegetables, and mysterious tins, till it resembled a grocer's store.
+The valleys of Miscomia, too, were rich in mistletoe, to be had for
+the trouble of gathering; but few cared to undergo that trouble for
+the sake of what only reminded them of unattainable sweets, and made
+them sigh for the girls they had left behind them."
+
+In 1855, Messrs. Macmillan & Co. published a poem by H. R. F.,
+entitled "Christmas Dawn, 1854," in which the writer pictures the
+festivities marred by war:--
+
+                    "A happy Christmas!
+  Happy! to whom? Perchance to infancy,
+  And innocent childhood, while the germ of sin,
+  Yet undeveloped, leaves a virgin soil
+  For joy, and Death and Sorrow are but names.
+  But who, that bears a mind matured to thought,
+  A heart to feel, shall look abroad this day
+  And speak of happiness? The church is deckt
+  With festive garlands, and the sunbeams glance
+  From glossy evergreens; the mistletoe
+  Pearl-studded, and the holly's lustrous bough
+  Gleaming with coral fruitage; but we muse
+  Of laurel blent with cypress. Gaze we down
+  Yon crowded aisle? the mourner's dusky weeds
+  Sadden the eye; and they who wear them not
+  Have mourning in their hearts, or lavish tears
+  Of sympathy on griefs too deeply lodged
+  For man's weak ministry.
+                           A happy Christmas!
+  Ah me! how many hearths are desolate!
+  How many a vacant seat awaits in vain
+  The loved one who returns not! Shall we drain
+  The cheerful cup--a health to absent friends?
+  Whom do we pledge? the living or the dead?"
+
+Thus did the poet, "sick at heart," explore "the realm of sorrow"; and
+then again he mused:
+
+ "In humbler mood to hail the auspicious day,
+  Shine forth rejoicing in thy strength, O sun,
+  Shine through the dubious mists and tearful show'rs
+  That darken Hope's clear azure! Christ is born,
+  The life of those who wake, and those who sleep--
+  The Day-spring from on high hath looked on us;
+  And we, who linger militant on earth,
+  Are one in Him, with those, the loved and lost,
+  Whose early graves keep the red field they won
+  Upon a stranger shore. Ah! not in vain
+  Went up from many a wild Crimean ridge
+  The soldier's pray'r, responsive to the vows
+  Breathed far away in many an English home.
+  Not vain the awakened charities, that gush
+  Through countless channels--Christian brotherhoods
+  Of mercy; and that glorious sister-band
+  Who sow by Death's chill waters!--Not in vain,
+  My country! ever loved, but dearest now
+  In this thine hour of sorrow, hast thou learnt
+  To bow to Him who chastens. We must weep--
+  We may rejoice in weeping"
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN ABYSSINIA.
+
+Wherever Englishmen are on the 25th of December, there is Christmas.
+Whether it be in the icy regions of the Arctic zone, or in the
+sweltering heat of tropical sunshine, the coming round of the great
+feast brings with it to every Englishman a hearty desire to celebrate
+it duly. And if this cannot be done in exactly home-fashion, the
+festival is kept as happily as circumstances will allow. In this
+spirit did our soldiers keep Christmas in Abyssinia, in 1867, with the
+thermometer at seventy-five in the shade, and even here the edibles
+included at least one traditional dish--a joint of roast beef. There
+was also an abundance of spur-fowls, guinea-fowls, venison, mutton,
+&c., and the place in which the festive board was spread was decorated
+with branches of fir and such other substitutes for holly and
+mistletoe as could be found.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN INDIA
+
+at different periods shows the same determination of our British
+soldiers to honour the Christmas festival.
+
+In 1857, the saviours of our Indian Empire very nearly lost their
+Christmas. The army was encamped at Intha, within sight of Nepaul,
+waiting for the rain to clear off and the tents to dry, ere it moved
+on to drive the Sepoys into the Raptee. The skies cleared on Christmas
+morning, and Lord Clyde was for marching at once, but relented in time
+to save the men's puddings from being spoiled--not only relented, but
+himself gave a Christmas banquet, at which the favoured guests sat
+down to well-served tables laden with barons of beef, turkeys, mutton,
+game, fish, fowls, plum-puddings, mince-pies, &c. To allay the thirst
+such substantial fare created, appeared beakers of pale ale from
+Burton and Glasgow; porter from London and Dublin; champagne, moselle,
+sherry, and old port, 'rather bothered by travelling twenty miles a
+day on a camel back.' Following the chief's example, each regiment had
+a glorious spread, and throughout the wide expanse of tents sounds of
+rejoicing were heard, for the soldiers kept Christmas right merrily.
+
+Similarly,
+
+
+THE BRITISH SOLDIERS AND SAILORS IN SOUTH AFRICA
+
+did their best to observe the Christmas festival in good old English
+style, even during the sieges of Ladysmith, Kimberley, and Mafeking,
+when provisions were to be had only at famine prices. The ingenious
+Tommy Atkins, in distant lands, has often found sylvan substitutes for
+mistletoe and holly, and native viands to take the place of
+plum-puddings and mince-pies, but it is not so easy to find
+substitutes for the social circles in old England, and when the time
+comes round for the Christmas dance Tommy's thoughts "Return again to
+the girl I've left behind me."
+
+Moreover, it sometimes falls to the lot of soldiers and war
+correspondents to spend their Christmas in most outlandish places. Mr.
+Archibald Forbes has left on record (in the _English Illustrated
+Magazine_, 1885) an interesting account of his own Christmastide in
+the Khyber Pass.
+
+In his graphic style the intrepid war correspondent describes the
+"ride long and hard" which Kinloch and he had through the Khyber to
+Jelalabad plain to fulfil "the tryst they had made to spend Christmas
+Day with the cheery comrades of Sir Sam Browne's headquarter staff."
+They had an adventurous journey together from the Dakka camp to
+Jumrood, where Forbes left Kinloch with Maude's division.
+
+Further on, Mr. Forbes says: "I am not prepared to be definite, after
+five years, as to the number of plum-puddings forming that little
+hillock on the top of my dak-gharry between Jhelum and Peshawur, on
+the apex of which sat the faithful John amidst a whirl of dust. At
+Peshawur the heap of Christmas gifts were loaded into the panniers of
+a camel, and the ship of the desert started on its measured solemn
+tramp up through the defiles of the Khyber." Then Mr. Forbes tells us
+how he joined Kinloch again at General Maude's headquarters at
+Jumrood. Kinloch "had not forgotten his tryst, but meanwhile there
+were military duties to be done." After the discharge of these
+"military duties," which included a night march to surprise a
+barbarous clan called Zukkur-Kehls, Forbes and Kinloch joined General
+Tytler's column on its return march to Dakka, because at Dakka they
+would be nearer to their friends of Sir Sam Browne's headquarters.
+"Tytler determined to make his exit from the Zukkur-Kahl Valley by a
+previously unexplored pass, toward which the force moved for its
+night's bivouac. About the entrance to the glen there was a fine
+forest of ilex and holly, large, sturdy, spreading trees, whence
+dangled long sprays of mistletoe; the mistletoe bough was here indeed,
+and Christmas was close, but where the fair ones whom, under other
+circumstances, the amorous youth of our column would have so
+enthusiastically led under that spray which accords so sweet a
+license? The young ones prattled of those impossible joys; but the
+seniors, less frivolous, were concerned by the increasing narrowness
+of the gorge, and by the dropping fire that hung on our skirts as we
+entered it. However, there was but one casualty--a poor fellow of the
+17th Regiment had his thigh smashed by a bullet--and we spent the
+night under the ilex trees without further molestation.... It was
+Christmas Eve when we sat chatting with young Beatson in his lonely
+post by the Chardai streamlet; but a few hours of morning riding would
+carry us to Jellalabad whither Sir Sam Browne's camp had been
+advanced, and we were easy on the score of being true to tryst. As in
+the cold grey dawn we resumed our journey, leaving the young officer
+who had been our host to concern himself with the watchfulness of his
+picquets and the vigilance of his patrols, there was a sound of
+unintentional mockery in the conventional wish of a 'Merry Christmas'
+to the gallant lad, and there was a wistfulness in his answering
+smile.... The road to the encampment, the white canvas of whose
+tents showed through the intervening hills, was traversed at a hand
+gallop; and presently Kinloch and myself found ourselves in the street
+of the headquarter camp, shaking hands with friends and comrades, and
+trying to reply to a medley of disjointed questions. The bugles were
+sounding for the Christmas Day Church Parade as we finished a hurried
+breakfast. Out there on the plain the British troops of the division
+were standing in hollow square, the officers grouped in the centre....
+The headquarter street we found swept and garnished, the flagstaff
+bedecked with holly, and a regimental band playing 'Home, Sweet Home.'
+Dear old Sir Sam Browne did not believe in luxury when on campaign,
+but now for the first time I saw him at least comfortable.... The mess
+anteroom was the camp street outside the dining tent; and at the
+fashionable late hour of eight we 'went in' to dinner, to the strains
+of the _Roast Beef of Old England_. It was a right jovial feast, and
+the most cordial good-fellowship prevailed. He would have been a
+cynical epicurean who would have criticised the appointments; the
+banquet itself was above all cavil. Rummaging among some old papers
+the other day, I found the _menu_, which deserves to be quoted:
+'Soup--Julienne. Fish--Whitebait (from the Cabul River).
+Entrees--Cotelettes aux Champignons, Poulets a la Mayonaise.
+Joints--Ham and fowls, roast beef, roast saddle of mutton, boiled
+brisket of beef, boiled leg of mutton and caper sauce. Curry--chicken.
+Sweets--Lemon jelly, blancmange, apricot tart, plum-pudding. Grilled
+sardines, cheese fritters, cheese, dessert.' Truth compels the avowal
+that there was no table-linen, nor was the board resplendent with
+plate or gay with flowers. Table crockery was deficient, or to be more
+accurate, there was none. All the dishes were of metal, and the soup
+was eaten, or rather drunk, out of mugs and iron teacups. But it
+tasted none the worse on this account, and let it be recorded that
+there _were_ champagne glasses, while between every two guests a
+portly magnum reared its golden head. Except 'The Queen,' of course,
+there were but two toasts after the feast--one was 'Absent Friends,'
+drunk in a wistful silence, and the other, the caterer's health,
+greeted with vociferous enthusiasm. A few fields off the wood had been
+collecting all day for the Christmas camp-fire of the 10th Hussars,
+and by ten o'clock the blaze of it was mounting high into the murky
+gloom. A right merry and social gathering it was round the bright glow
+of this Yule log in a far-off land. The flames danced on the wide
+circle of bearded faces, on the tangled fleeces of the postheens, on
+the gold braid of the forage caps, on the sombre hoods of beshliks....
+The songs ranged from gay to grave; the former mood in the ascendency.
+But occasionally there was sung a ditty, the associations with which
+brought it about that there came something strangely like a tear into
+the voice of the singer, and that a yearning wistfulness fell upon the
+faces of the listeners. The bronzed troopers in the background shaded
+with their hands the fire-flash from their eyes; and as the familiar
+homely strain ceased that recalled home and love and trailed at the
+heart strings till the breast felt to heave and the tears to rise,
+there would be a little pause of eloquent silence which told how
+thoughts had gone astraying half across the globe to the loved ones in
+dear old England, and were loath to come back again to the rum and the
+camp fire in Jellalabad plain. Ah, how many stood or sat around that
+camp fire that were never to see old England more? The snow had not
+melted on the Sufed Koh when half a squadron of the troopers were
+drowned in the treacherous Cabul river. No brighter soul or sweeter
+singer round that fire than Monty Slade; but the life went out of
+Monty Slade with his face to the foe and his wet sword grasped in a
+soldier-grip; and he lies under the palm trees by the wells of El
+Teb."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN CANADA.
+
+In Canada the severe and long-continued frosts convert a good deal of
+land and water into fields of ice, and skating is a very popular
+amusement of Christmastide. Sleighing is also very fashionable, and
+the large tracts of country covered with snow afford ample scope for
+the pastime. The jingle of the sleigh bells is heard in all the
+principal thoroughfares which at the season of the great winter
+festival present quite an animated appearance. The ears of the sleigh
+drivers are usually covered either by the cap or with a comforter,
+which in very cold weather is also wrapped over the mouth and nose.
+
+"Christmas Day," says an English Colonist, "is spent quietly in our
+own houses. New Year's Day is the day of general rejoicing, when every
+one either visits or receives their friends: and so, thinking of the
+merry times we have had in Old England, and comparing them with the
+quietness of to-day, we feel more like strangers in a strange land
+than ever before.
+
+"As a special treat, we are to have a real English Christmas dinner
+to-day, and our housekeeper has made a wonderful plum-pudding. The
+turkey is already steaming upon the table, and we soon fall to work
+upon him. He is well cooked, but there seems to be something wrong
+with his legs, which are so tough and sinewy that we come to the
+conclusion that he must have been training for a walking match. The
+rest of the dinner passes off very well, with the exception of the
+plum-pudding, which has to be brought to the table in a basin, as it
+firmly refuses to bind.
+
+"After dinner we retire to the sitting-room, and sit round the stove
+talking, while those of us addicted to the fragrant weed have a quiet
+smoke. Thus passes Christmas afternoon.
+
+"Tea-time soon comes round, and after we have refreshed ourselves, we
+resolve to end the day by paying a visit to a neighbour who possesses
+an American organ, and Christmas evening closes in to the music of
+those sweet old carols which that evening are heard over the whole
+world wherever an English colony is to be found."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRALIA.
+
+Christmas festivities in Australia are carried on in what we should
+call "summer weather." There is no lack of good cheer and good living,
+but cold and snow are at this season unknown, and skating and
+snowballing, as a consequence, are sports unheard of at Christmastide
+by the youth in the Antipodes. Large parties and excursions are often
+arranged for spending a short time in the parks and fields, and
+Christmas picnics partake much of the character of English
+"gipsy-parties." The inhabitants being chiefly English, many of the
+ceremonies customary in English homes are observed, and the changes
+that are made are enforced for the most part by the difference in
+climate, and by the altered circumstances under which the various
+festivities are arranged.
+
+In "A Summer Christmas," Douglas B. W. Sladen thus describes the
+Australian festivities:--
+
+ "The Christmas dinner was at two,
+  And all that wealth or pains could do
+  Was done to make it a success;
+  And marks of female tastefulness,
+  And traces of a lady's care,
+  Were noticeable everywhere.
+  The port was old, the champagne dry,
+  And every kind of luxury
+  Which Melbourne could supply was there.
+  They had the staple Christmas fare,
+  Roast beef and turkey (this was wild),
+  Mince-pies, plum-pudding, rich and mild,
+  One for the ladies, one designed
+  For Mr. Forte's severer mind,
+  Were on the board, yet in a way
+  It did not seem like Christmas day
+  With no gigantic beech yule-logs
+  Blazing between the brass fire-dogs,
+  And with 100 deg. in the shade
+  On the thermometer displayed.
+  Nor were there Christmas offerings
+  Of tasteful inexpensive things,
+  Like those which one in England sends
+  At Christmas to his kin and friends,
+  Though the Professor with him took
+  A present of a recent book
+  For Lil and Madge and Mrs. Forte,
+  And though a card of some new sort
+  Had been arranged by Lil to face
+  At breakfast everybody's place.
+  When dinner ended nearly all
+  Stole off to lounges in the hall.
+
+  *     *     *     *     *
+
+  All save the two old folks and Lil,
+  Who made their hearts expand and thrill
+  By playing snatches, slow and clear,
+  Of carols they'd been used to hear
+  Some half a century ago
+  At High Wick Manor, when the two
+  Were bashful maidens: they talked on,
+  Of England and what they had done
+  On byegone Christmas nights at home,
+  Of friends beyond the Northern foam,
+  And friends beyond that other sea,
+  Yet further--whither ceaselessly
+  Travellers follow the old track,
+  But whence no messenger comes back."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN NEW ZEALAND.
+
+In 1887, we received a letter from Mr. W. M. Stanton, of Nelson, New
+Zealand, giving the following interesting account of the colonists'
+observance of Christmas:--
+
+"And now, as to Christmas, I wish I could express all I feel on this
+peculiarly English season of 'peace and goodwill.' I remember the
+picturesque snow (seen here only on the distant blue mountain tops),
+the icy stalactites pendant from the leafless branches, the twitter of
+the robin redbreast, the holly, and the mistletoe, decorated homes,
+redolent with the effects of the festive cooking, and the warm blazing
+firelight, the meeting of families and of friends, the waits, the
+grand old peals from the belfries; but, alas, here these childhood
+associations are dispelled, half broken, and we acclimatised denizens
+adapt our festivities to other modes--not that we forget the Christmas
+season, but enjoy it differently, as I will briefly tell you, as you
+ask, 'how we spend Christmas in New Zealand.' First, our ladies
+decorate the churches for the Christmas services, not with the
+evergreens of old exclusively; they do indeed affect the holly, ivy,
+and (New Zealand) mistletoe, but they make up with umbrageous and rich
+ferns, lachipoden, lauristinas, Portugal laurels, and our own
+beautiful evergreen, Ngaio, and with all the midsummer flowers at
+command; then the clerk, the storeman, the merchant, and the mechanic
+indulge in 'trips,' or day excursions, in small steamboats, to the
+neighbouring bays surrounding small townships, and villages on the
+coast. Others again, take the train for a day's outing and play
+quoits, rounders, lawn tennis, and the like; the sportsman, perhaps,
+preferring his gun and his dog; families, again, are picnic-mad, for
+your colonist can rival the Cockney any day for making his holiday in
+the country. It may be to 'the rocks' he goes to watch his youngsters
+paddling in the rolling tide, or to the toil of clambering up the 'dim
+mountain,' which seems to suit their hardy lungs better than the shade
+of the 'fern glen,' and a journey of eighteen miles to the Maori Pa is
+as nothing. The Union Company's fine coasting steamships run
+passengers at half fares at this season, and the result is an
+interchange of visits between the dwellers in Nelson, Wellington,
+Marlboro', and Wanjani, amongst whom there is much rivalry and more
+friendship. Then there is the Christmas regatta, the performance of
+the 'Messiah' by the musical societies, and the inevitable evening
+dances, and thus the New Zealand Christmas is spent.
+
+"I am reminded, by my young clerk, that the mail is about closing, and
+that this letter must also close, if it is to go to-day, and thus I
+must omit the mention of the new year's festivities, which properly
+belong to our numerous Scottish fellow settlers who in their own
+country ignore Christmas as a popish superstition; they are, however,
+now becoming anglicised ('Englified' they call it) in their habits,
+and similarly the Midland county men of England enter into their
+Caledonian custom, from the harmless orgies of 'Hagmenae' to the
+frantic capers of 'Gillie Cullum,' to the skirl of the panting piper."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.
+
+In "A Voyage in the _Sunbeam_," Lady Brassey gives an interesting
+account of the keeping of Christmas, 1876, on the Sandwich Islands. We
+quote the following extracts:--
+
+"Twenty minutes' hard riding brought us to the door of the 'Volcano
+House,' from which issued the comforting light of a large wood fire,
+reaching half way up the chimney.
+
+"Everything at this inn is most comfortable, though the style is rough
+and ready. The interior is just now decorated for Christmas, with
+wreaths, and evergreens, and ferns, and branches of white plumes, not
+unlike _reva-reva_, made from the path of the silver grass.
+
+"The grandeur of the view in the direction of the volcano increased as
+the evening wore on. The fiery cloud above the present crater grew in
+size and depth of colour; the extinct crater glowed red in thirty or
+forty different places; and clouds of white vapour issued from every
+crack and crevice in the ground, adding to the sulphurous smell with
+which the atmosphere was laden. Our room faced the volcano: there were
+no blinds, and I drew back the curtains and lay watching the splendid
+scene until I fell asleep.
+
+"_Sunday, December 24th (Christmas Eve)_--I was up at four o'clock to
+gaze once more on the wondrous spectacle that lay before me. The
+molten lava still glowed in many places, the red cloud over the fiery
+lake was bright as ever, and steam was slowly ascending in every
+direction over hill and valley, till, as the sun rose, it became
+difficult to distinguish clearly the sulphurous vapours from the
+morning mists. We walked down to the Sulphur Banks, about a quarter of
+a mile from the 'Volcano House,' and burnt our gloves and boots in our
+endeavours to procure crystals, the beauty of which generally
+disappeared after a very short exposure to the air. We succeeded,
+however, in finding a few good specimens, and, by wrapping them at
+once in paper and cotton-wool and putting them into a bottle, hope to
+bring them home uninjured.
+
+"_Monday, December 25th (Christmas Day)_--Turning in last night was
+the work of a very few minutes, and this morning I awoke perfectly
+refreshed and ready to appreciate anew the wonders of the prospect
+that met my eyes. The pillar of fire was still distinctly visible,
+when I looked out from my window, though it was not so bright as when
+I had last seen it, but even as I looked it began to fade and
+gradually disappeared. At the same moment a river of glowing lava
+issued from the side of the bank we had climbed with so much
+difficulty yesterday, and slowly but surely overflowed the ground we
+had walked over. You may imagine the feelings with which we gazed upon
+this startling phenomenon, which had it occurred a few hours earlier,
+might have caused the destruction of the whole party.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"It would, I think, be difficult to imagine a more interesting and
+exciting mode of spending Christmas Eve than yesterday has taught us,
+or a stranger situation in which to exchange our Christmas greetings
+than beneath the grass roof of an inn on the edge of a volcano in the
+remote Sandwich Islands.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"The ride down to Hilo was as dull and monotonous as our upward
+journey had been. At last we reached the pier, where we found the
+usual little crowd waiting to see us off. The girls who had followed
+us when we first landed came forward shyly when they thought they were
+unobserved, and again encircled me with _leis_ of gay and fragrant
+flowers. The custom of decorating themselves with wreaths on every
+possible occasion is in my eyes a charming one, and I like the
+inhabitants of Polynesia for their love of flowers.
+
+"The whole town was _en fete_ to-day. Natives were riding about in
+pairs, in the cleanest of bright cotton dresses and the freshest of
+_leis_ and garlands. Our own men from the yacht contributed not a
+little to the gaiety of the scene. They were all on shore, and the
+greater part of them were galloping about on horseback, tumbling off,
+scrambling on again, laughing, flirting, joking, and enjoying
+themselves generally after a fashion peculiar to English sailors. As
+far as we know the only evil result of all this merriment was that the
+doctor received a good many applications for diachylon plaster in the
+course of the evening, to repair various 'abrasions of the cuticle,'
+as he expressed it.
+
+"I think at least half the population of Hilo had been on board the
+yacht in the course of the day, as a Christmas treat. At last we took
+a boat and went off too, accompanied by Mr. Lyman. The appearance of
+the 'Sunbeam' from the shore was very gay, and as we approached it
+became more festive still. All her masts were tipped with sugar-canes
+in bloom. Her stern was adorned with flowers, and in the arms of the
+figurehead was a large bouquet. She was surrounded with boats, the
+occupants of which cheered us heartily as we rode alongside. The whole
+deck was festooned with tropical plants and flowers, and the
+decorations of the cabins were even more beautiful and elaborate. I
+believe all hands had been hard at work ever since we left to produce
+this wonderful effect, and every garden in Hilo had furnished a
+contribution to please and surprise us on our return.
+
+"The choir from Hilo came out in boats in the evening, sang all sorts
+of songs, sacred and secular, and cheered everybody till they were
+hoarse. After this, having had a cold dinner, in order to save
+trouble, and having duly drunk the health of our friends at home, we
+all adjourned to the saloon, to assist in the distribution of some
+Christmas presents--a ceremony which afforded great delight to the
+children, and which was equally pleasing to the elder people and to
+the crew, if one may judge from their behaviour on the occasion.
+
+"Then we sat on deck, gazing at the cloud of fire over Kilauea, and
+wondering if the appearance of the crater could ever be grander than
+it was last night, when we were standing on its brim.
+
+"So ended Christmas Day, 1876, at Hilo, in Hawaii. God grant that
+there may be many more as pleasant for us in the future!"
+
+
+CHRISTMAS ON BOARD THE "SUNBEAM," 1879.
+
+                "The wind is chill,
+  But let it whistle as it will
+  We'll keep our Christmas merry still."
+
+In "Sunshine and Storm in the East, or Cruises to Cyprus and
+Constantinople," Lady Brassey gives an interesting account of the
+celebration of Christmas on board the _Sunbeam_, between Malta and
+Marseilles, December 25, 1879:--"We had service early and then spent a
+long busy morning in arranging all the presents for the children,
+servants, and crew, and in decorating the cabin. We could not manage
+any holly, but we had carefully preserved one bough of mistletoe from
+Artaki Bay, and had brought on board at Malta baskets full of flowers,
+so that all the pictures, lamps, and even walls, were wreathed with
+festoons of bougainvillaea, ivy, and other creeping plants; while in
+every available corner were placed, vases, bowls, and soup-plates,
+containing flowers. If not exactly 'gay with holly-berries,' so dear
+to English hearts from their association with yule-tide at home, the
+general appearance of the cabins was highly satisfactory. In the
+meantime they had been busy in the kitchen and pantry departments,
+preparing all sorts of good things for dinner, and pretty things for
+dessert, in order that the crew and servants might enjoy a more
+sumptuous repast than usual. A Christmas tree, a snow man, or an ice
+cave, for the distribution of presents, was not within the limit of
+our resources; but we decorated our tables and sideboards with bright
+shawls and scarves, and wreathed and divided the surface of each with
+garlands of flowers, placing in every division a pretty Christmas
+card, bearing the name of the recipient of the present, which was
+hidden away among the flowers beneath.... For the men there was plenty
+of tobacco, besides books and useful things; for the children toys;
+and for ourselves, slippers and little remembrances of various kinds,
+some sent from home to meet us, others recent purchases. The
+distribution over, one or two speeches were made, and mutual
+congratulations and good wishes were exchanged. Then the crew and
+servants retired to enjoy the, to them, all-important event of the
+day--dinner and dessert. After our own late dinner, we thought of
+those near and dear to us at home, and drank to the health of 'absent
+friends.'"
+
+
+A MISSIONARY'S CHRISTMAS IN CHINA.
+
+In a letter from Tsing Cheu Fu Chefoo, December 24, 1887, the Rev. A.
+G. Jones, Baptist missionary, says:--
+
+"Mr. Dawson asks how Englishmen spend Christmas in China. Well, it
+depends. Some spend it at the ports dog-racing and eating
+pudding--having a night of it. The missionaries generally take no
+notice of it. In our mission we hold one of the semi-annual
+dedication-of-children services on Christmas. We think it a very
+appropriate day for the recognition of the sacredness of the gift of
+trust of children. The idea is a Chinese one, originating with one of
+our Christians, and we adopted it as the day for the custom.
+Tomorrow will be Christmas Day, and I have come out twenty miles
+this evening to hold a service of that kind with the semi-annual
+communion as it happens. It will be a cold, cheerless room in a
+clay-built cabin down in the corner of a bare valley in a trap and
+basalt district with sparse vegetation and a bare aspect. A cold spot
+with a handful of Christians, bearing their testimony alone out on the
+margin of our field of work. I hope to see 40 or 50 patients up to
+sundown, and then have worship with them at night. That will be my
+Christmas. This evening--in the city--all the children and our wives
+are having a Christmas tree in the theological lecture-room, and on
+Tuesday next I guess we'll have our dinner. John Bull, Paddy, Sandy,
+and Taffy all seem to agree in _that_ feature. My Sunday will only be
+a sample of others. So it goes--working away. Now I must say goodbye.
+Many thanks and many good wishes."
+
+
+A VISIT TO CHRISTMAS ISLAND.
+
+Letters were received in December, 1887, from H.M.S. _Egeria_,
+Commander Pelham Aldrich, containing particulars of a visit she had
+recently made to Christmas Island, which she was ordered to explore
+for scientific purposes. Christmas Island is situated in the Indian
+Ocean, in latitude 11 deg. south, longitude 105 deg. 30' east; it is 1,100
+feet above the sea, is twelve miles long and eight miles broad. The
+officers and men told off for exploring purposes found that the whole
+place was composed of coral and rock; notwithstanding this, however,
+it is covered almost completely with trees and shrubs, the trees,
+which are of large dimensions, seeming to grow literally out of the
+rock itself, earth surfaces being conspicuous by their absence. It is
+uninhabited by human beings, nor could any traces of animals be
+discovered, but seabirds swarm over every part of the island, and
+about four hundred wood pigeons were shot by the explorers while they
+remained there. No fruits or vegetable matter fit for consumption
+could, however, be found, nor the existence of any supply of fresh
+water, and the belief is that the vegetation of the island is
+dependent for nourishment on the dews and the heavy rains that fall.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA.
+
+Writing just before the Christmas festival of 1855, Mr. Howard Paul
+says the general manner of celebrating Christmas Day is much the same
+wherever professors of the Christian faith are found; and the United
+States, as the great Transatlantic offshoot of Saxon principles, would
+be the first to conserve the traditional ceremonies handed down from
+time immemorial by our canonical progenitors of the East. But every
+nation has its idiocratic notions, minute and otherwise, and it is not
+strange that the Americans, as a creative people, have peculiar and
+varied ways of their own in keeping this, the most remarkable day in
+the calendar. Now and then they add a supplemental form to the
+accepted code--characteristic of the mutable and progressive spirit of
+the people--though there still exists the Church service, the
+conventional carol, the evergreen decorations, the plum-puddings, the
+pantomime, and a score of other "demonstrations" that never can
+legitimately be forgotten.
+
+Society generally seems to apportion the day thus: Church in the
+morning, dinner in the afternoon, and amusements in the evening. The
+Christmas dinners concentrate the scattered members of families, who
+meet together to break bread in social harmony, and exchange those
+home sentiments that cement the happiness of kindred. To-day the
+prodigal once more returns to the paternal roof; the spendthrift
+forsakes his boon companions; the convivialist deserts the wine-cup.
+The beautiful genius of domestic love has triumphed, and who can
+foresee the blessed results?
+
+Parties, balls, and fetes, with their endless routine of gaieties, are
+looked forward to, as pleasures are, the wide world over; and all
+classes, from highest to lowest, have their modes of enjoyment marked
+out. Preparation follows preparation in festal succession. Sorrow
+hides her Gorgon head, care may betake itself to any dreary recesses,
+for Christmas must be a gala!
+
+There is generally snow on the ground at this time; if Nature is
+amiable, there is sure to be; and a Christmas sleigh-ride is one of
+those American delights that defy rivalry. There is no withstanding
+the merry chime of the bells and a fleet passage over the snow-skirted
+roads. Town and country look as if they had arisen in the morning in
+robes of unsullied white. Every housetop is spangled with the bright
+element; soft flakes are coquetting in the atmosphere, and a pure
+mantle has been spread on all sides, that fairly invites one to
+disport upon its gleaming surface.
+
+We abide quietly within our pleasant home on either the eve or night
+of Christmas. How the sleighs glide by in rapid glee, the music of the
+bells and the songs of the excursionists falling on our ears in very
+wildness. We strive in vain to content ourselves. We glance at the
+cheerful fire, and hearken to the genial voices around us. We
+philosophise, and struggle against the tokens of merriment without;
+but the restraint is torture. We, too, must join the revellers, and
+have a sleigh-ride. Girls, get on your fur; wrap yourselves up warmly
+in the old bear-skin; hunt up the old guitar; the sleigh is at the
+door, the moon is beaming. The bells tinkle and away we go!
+
+An old English legend was transplanted many years ago on the shores of
+America, that took root and flourished with wonderful luxuriance,
+considering it was not indigenous to the country. Probably it was
+taken over to New York by one of the primitive Knickerbockers, or it
+might have clung to some of the drowsy burgomasters who had forsaken
+the pictorial tiles of dear old Amsterdam about the time of Peter de
+Laar, or Il Bombaccia, as the Italians call him, got into disgrace in
+Rome. However this may be, certain it is that Santa Claus, or St.
+Nicholas, the kind Patron-saint of the Juveniles, makes his annual
+appearance on Christmas Eve, for the purpose of dispensing gifts to
+all good children. This festive elf is supposed to be a queer little
+creature that descends the chimney, viewlessly, in the deep hours of
+night, laden with gifts and presents, which he bestows with no sparing
+hand, reserving to himself a supernatural discrimination that he seems
+to exercise with every satisfaction. Before going to bed the children
+hang their newest stockings near the chimney, or pin them to the
+curtains of the bed. Midnight finds a world of hosiery waiting for
+favours; and the only wonder is that a single Santa Claus can get
+around among them all. The story goes that he never misses one,
+provided it belongs to a deserving youngster, and morning is sure to
+bring no reproach that the Christmas Wizard has not nobly performed
+his wondrous duties. We need scarcely enlighten the reader as to who
+the real Santa Claus is. Every indulgent parent contributes to the
+pleasing deception, though the juveniles are strong in their faith of
+their generous holiday patron. The following favourite lines
+graphically describe a visit of St. Nicholas, and, being in great
+vogue with the young people of America, are fondly reproduced from
+year to year:--
+
+"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
+  Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
+  The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
+  In the hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
+  The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
+  While visions of sugar plums danced through their heads;
+  And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
+  Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,
+  When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
+  I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
+  The way to the window, I flew like a flash,
+  Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash;
+  The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
+  Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
+  When what to my wondering eyes should appear
+  But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer;
+  With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
+  I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
+  More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
+  And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
+  Now Dasher! now Dancer! Now Prancer! now Vixen!
+  On Comet! on Cupid! on Donder and Blixen!
+  To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!
+  Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!'
+  As the leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
+  When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
+  So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
+  With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
+  And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof,
+  The prancing and pawing of each little hoof;
+  As I drew in my head and was turning around,
+  Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
+  He was dressed all in furs from his head to his foot
+  And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
+  A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
+  And he looked like a pedlar just opening his pack.
+  His eyes, how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!
+  His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;
+  His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
+  And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
+  The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
+  And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
+  He had a broad face and a little round belly
+  That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
+  He was chubby and plump--a right jolly old elf;
+  And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
+  A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
+  Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
+  He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
+  And filled all the stockings--then turned with a jerk,
+  And laying his finger aside of his nose,
+  And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
+  He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
+  And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
+  But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
+  'Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!'"
+
+A curious feature of an American Christmas is the egg-nogg and free
+lunch, distributed at all the hotels and cafes. A week at least
+before the 25th fanciful signs are suspended over the fountains of the
+bars (the hotel-keepers are quite classic in their ideas) announcing
+superb lunch and egg-noggs on Christmas Day. This invitation is sure
+to meet with a large response from the amateur epicures about town,
+who, ever on the _qui vive_ for a banquet gratis, flock to the festive
+standard, since it has never been found a difficult matter to give
+things away, from the time old Heliogabalus gastronomed in Phoenicia
+up to the present hour. A splendid hall in one of the principal
+hotels, at this moment, occurs to us. A table, the length of the
+apartment, is spread and furnished with twenty made dishes peculiar to
+the Christmas _cuisine_. There are _chorodens_ and _fricassees_,
+_ragouts_ and _calipee_, of rapturous delicacy. Each dish is labelled,
+and attended by a black servant, who serves its contents on very small
+white gilt-edged plates. At the head of the table a vast bowl,
+ornamented with indescribable Chinese figures, contains the
+egg-nogg--a palatable compound of milk, eggs, brandy, and spices,
+nankeenish in colour, with froth enough on its surface to generate any
+number of Venuses, if the old Peloponnesian anecdote is worth
+remembering at all. Over the egg-nogg mine host usually officiates,
+all smiles and benignity, pouring the rich draught with miraculous
+dexterity into cut-glass goblets, and passing it to the surrounding
+guests with profuse hand. On this occasion the long range of fancy
+drinks are forgotten. Sherry-cobblers, mint-juleps, gin-slings, and
+punches, are set aside in order that the sway of the Christmas draught
+may be supreme. Free lunches are extremely common in the United
+States, what are called "eleven o'clock snacks" especially; but the
+accompaniment of egg-nogg belongs unequivocally to the death of the
+year.
+
+The presentation of "boxes" and souvenirs is the same in America as in
+England, the token of remembrance having an inseparable alliance with
+the same period. Everybody expects to give and receive. A month before
+the event the fancy stores are crowded all day long with old and young
+in search of suitable _souvenirs_, and every object is purchased, from
+costliest gems to the tawdriest _babiole_ that may get into the
+market. If the weather should be fine, the principal streets are
+thronged with ladies shopping in sleighs; and hither and thither sleds
+shoot by, laden with parcels of painted toys, instruments of mock
+music and septuagenarian dread, from a penny trumpet to a sheepskin
+drum.
+
+Christmas seems to be a popular period among the young folk for being
+mated, and a surprising number approach the altar this morning.
+Whether it is that orange-flowers and bridal gifts are admirably
+adapted to the time, or that a longer lease of happiness is ensured
+from the joyous character of the occasion, we are not sufficiently
+learned in hymeneal lore to announce. The Christmas week, however, is
+a merry one for the honeymoon, as little is thought of but mirth and
+gaiety until the dawning New Year soberly suggests that we should put
+aside our masquerade manners.
+
+In drawing-room amusements society has a wealth of pleasing indoor
+pastimes. We remember the sententious Question _reunions_, the
+hilarious Surprise parties, Fairy-bowl, and Hunt-the-slipper. We can
+never forget the vagabond Calathumpians, who employ in their bands
+everything inharmonious, from a fire-shovel to a stewpan, causing more
+din than the demons down under the sea ever dreamed of.
+
+What, then, between the sleigh-rides, the bell-melodies, old Santa
+Claus and his fictions, the egg-nogg and lunches, the weddings and the
+willingness to be entertained, the Americans find no difficulty in
+enjoying Christmas Day. Old forms and new notions come in for a share
+of observances; and the young country, in a glow of good humour, with
+one voice exclaims, "Le bon temps vienara!"
+
+
+PRESIDENT HARRISON AS "SANTA CLAUS."
+
+Writing from New York on December 22, 1891, a correspondent says:
+"President Harrison was seen by your correspondent at the White House
+yesterday, and was asked what he thought about Christmas and its
+religious and social influences. The President expressed himself
+willing to offer his opinions, and said: 'Christmas is the most sacred
+religious festival of the year, and should be an occasion of general
+rejoicing throughout the land, from the humblest citizen to the
+highest official, who, for the time being, should forget or put behind
+him his cares and annoyances, and participate in the spirit of
+seasonable festivity. We intend to make it a happy day at the White
+House--all the members of my family, representing four generations,
+will gather around the big table in the State dining-room to have an
+old-fashioned Christmas dinner. Besides Mrs. Harrison, there will be
+her father, Dr. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. M'Kee and their children, Mrs.
+Dimmick and Lieutenant and Mrs. Parker. I am an ardent believer in the
+duty we owe to ourselves as Christians to make merry for children at
+Christmas time, and we shall have an old-fashioned Christmas tree for
+the grandchildren upstairs; and I shall be their Santa Claus myself.
+If my influence goes for aught in this busy world let me hope that my
+example may be followed in every family in the land.'
+
+"Christmas is made as much of in this country as it is in England, if
+not more. The plum-pudding is not universal, but the Christmas tree is
+in almost every home. Even in the tenement districts of the East side,
+inhabited by the labouring and poorer classes, these vernal emblems of
+the anniversary are quite as much in demand as in other quarters, and
+if they and the gifts hung upon them are less elaborate than their
+West side congeners, the household enthusiasm which welcomes them is
+quite as marked. As in London, the streets are flooded with Christmas
+numbers of the periodicals, which, it may be remarked, are this year
+more elaborate in design and execution than ever. The use of Christmas
+cards has also obtained surprising proportions. A marked feature of
+this year's Christmas is the variety and elegance of offerings after
+the Paris fashion, which are of a purely ornamental and but slight
+utilitarian character. There are bonbonnieres in a variety of forms,
+some of them very magnificent and expensive; while the Christmas cards
+range in prices from a cent to ten dollars each. These bonbonnieres,
+decked with expensive ribbon or hand-painted with designs of the
+season, attain prices as high as forty dollars each, and are in great
+favour among the wealthy classes. Flowers are also much used, and,
+just now, are exceedingly costly.
+
+"While the usual religious ceremonies of the day are generally
+observed here, the mass of the community are inclined to treat the
+occasion as a festive rather than a solemn occasion, and upon
+festivity the whole population at the present time seems bent."
+
+
+"MERRY CHRISTMAS" WITH THE NEGROES.
+
+A journalist who has been amongst the negroes in the Southern States
+of America thus describes their Christmas festivities:--
+
+"Christmas in the South of the United States is a time-honoured
+holiday season, as ancient as the settlement of the Cavalier colonies
+themselves. We may imagine it to have been imported from 'merrie
+England' by the large-hearted Papist, Lord Baltimore, into Maryland,
+and by that chivalric group of Virginian colonists, of whom the
+central historical figure is the famous Captain John Smith, of
+Pocahontas memory. Perhaps Christmas was even the more heartily
+celebrated among these true Papist and Church of England settlers from
+the disgust which they felt at the stern contempt in which the Natal
+Day was held by 'stiff-necked Puritans' of New England. At least,
+while in New England the pilgrims were wont to work with exceptional
+might on Christmas Day, to show their detestation of it, traditions
+are still extant of the jovial Southern merrymaking of the festival.
+Christmas, with many of the Old England customs imported to the new
+soil, derived new spirit and enjoyment from customs which had their
+origin in the Colonies themselves. Above all was it the gala
+season--the period to be looked forward to and revelled in--of the
+negroes. Slavery, with all its horrors and wickedness, had at least
+some genial features; and the latitude which the masters gave to the
+slaves at Christmas time, the freedom with which the blacks were wont
+to concentrate a year's enjoyment into the Christmas week, was one of
+these. In Washington, where until the war slavery existed in a mild
+and more civilised form, the negro celebrations of Christmas were the
+peculiar and amusing feature of the season. And many of these customs,
+which grew up amid slavery, have survived that institution. The
+Washington negroes, free, have pretty much the same zest for their
+time-honoured amusements which they had when under the dominion of the
+oligarchy. Christmas is still their great gala and occasion for
+merry-making, and the sable creatures thoroughly understand the art of
+having a good time, being superior, at least in this respect, to many
+a _blase_ Prince and Court noble distracted with _ennui_. Those who
+have seen the 'Minstrels' may derive some idea, though but a slight
+one, of the negro pastimes and peculiarities. They are, above all, a
+social, enthusiastic, whole-souled race; they have their own ideas of
+rank and social caste, and they have a humour which is homely, but
+thoroughly genial, and quite the monopoly of their race. They insist
+on the whole of Christmas week for a holiday. 'Missus' must manage how
+she can. To insist on chaining them down in the kitchen during that
+halcyon time would stir up blank rebellion. Dancing and music are
+their favourite Christmas recreations; they manage both with a will.
+In the city suburbs there are many modest little frame-houses
+inhabited by the blacks; now and then a homely inn kept by a dusky
+landlord. Here in Christmas time you will witness many jolly and
+infectiously pleasant scenes. There is a 'sound of revelry by night.'
+You are free to enter, and observe near by the countless gyrations of
+the negro cotillon, the intricate and deftly executed jig, the rude
+melody of banjos and 'cornstalk fiddles.' They are always proud to
+have 'de white folks' for spectators and applauders, and will give
+you the best seat, and will outdo themselves in their anxiety to show
+off at their best before you. You will be astonished to observe the
+scrupulous neatness of the men, the gaudy and ostentatious habiliments
+of 'de ladies.' The negroes have an intense ambition to imitate the
+upper classes of white society. They will study the apparel of a
+well-dressed gentleman, and squander their money on 'swallow-tail'
+coats, high dickeys, white neckties, and the most elaborate arts of
+their dusky barbers. The women are even more imitative of their
+mistresses. Ribbons, laces, and silks adorn them, on festive
+occasions, of the most painfully vivid colours, and fashioned in all
+the extravagance of negro taste. Not less anxious are they to imitate
+the manners of aristocracy. The excessive chivalry and overwhelming
+politeness of the men towards the women is amazing. They make gallant
+speeches in which they insert as many of the longest and most learned
+words as they can master, picked up at random, and not always
+peculiarly adapted to the use made of them. Their excitement in the
+dance, and at the sound of music, grows as intense as does their furor
+in a Methodist revival meeting. They have, too, dances and music
+peculiar to themselves--jigs and country dances which seem to have no
+method, yet which are perfectly adapted to and rhythmic with the
+inspiring abrupt thud of the banjo and the bones. As they dance, they
+shout and sing, slap their hands and knees, and lose themselves in the
+enthusiasm of the moment. The negroes look forward to Christmas not
+less as the season for present-giving than that of frolicking and
+jollity. Early in the morning they hasten upstairs, and catch 'massa'
+and 'missus' and 'de chillun' with a respectful but eager 'Merry
+Christmas,' and are sure to get in return a new coat or pair of boots,
+a gingham dress, or ear-rings more showy than expensive. They have
+saved up, too, a pittance from their wages, to expend in a souvenir
+for 'Dinah' or 'Pompey,' the never-to-be-forgotten belle or
+sweetheart."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE.
+
+The following account of Christmas in France, in 1823, is given by an
+English writer of the period:--
+
+"The habits and customs of Parisians vary much from those of our own
+metropolis at all times, but at no time more than at this festive
+season. An Englishman in Paris, who had been for some time without
+referring to his almanac, would not know Christmas Day from another
+day by the appearance of the capital. It is indeed set down as a _jour
+de fete_ in the calendar, but all the ordinary business life is
+transacted; the streets are as usual, crowded with waggons and
+coaches; the shops, with few exceptions, are open, although on other
+_fete_ days the order for closing them is rigorously enforced, and if
+not attended to, a fine levied; and at the churches nothing
+extraordinary is going forward. All this is surprising in a Catholic
+country, which professes to pay much attention to the outward rites of
+religion.
+
+"On _Christmas Eve_, indeed, there is some bustle for a midnight mass,
+to which immense numbers flock, as the priests, on this occasion, get
+up a showy spectacle which rivals the theatres. The altars are dressed
+with flowers, and the churches decorated profusely; but there is
+little in all this to please men who have been accustomed to the John
+Bull mode of spending the evening. The good English habit of meeting
+together to forgive offences and injuries, and to cement
+reconciliations, is here unknown. The French listen to the Church
+music, and to the singing of their choirs, which is generally
+excellent, but they know nothing of the origin of the day and of the
+duties which it imposes. The English residents in Paris, however, do
+not forget our mode of celebrating this day. Acts of charity from the
+rich to the needy, religious attendance at church, and a full
+observance of hospitable rites, are there witnessed. Paris furnishes
+all the requisites for a good pudding, and the turkeys are excellent,
+though the beef is not to be displayed as a prize production.
+
+"On _Christmas Day_ all the English cooks in Paris are in full
+business. The queen of cooks, however, is Harriet Dunn, of the
+Boulevard. As Sir Astley Cooper among the cutters of limbs, and
+d'Egville among the cutters of capers, so is Harriet Dunn among the
+professors of one of the most necessary, and in its results most
+gratifying professions in existence; her services are secured
+beforehand by special retainers; and happy is the peer who can point
+to his pudding, and declare that it is of the true Dunn composition.
+Her fame has even extended to the provinces. For some time previous to
+Christmas Day, she forwards puddings in cases to all parts of the
+country, ready cooked and fit for the table, after the necessary
+warming. All this is, of course, for the English. No prejudice can be
+stronger than that of the French against plum-pudding--a Frenchman
+will dress like an Englishman, swear like an Englishman, and get drunk
+like an Englishman; but if you would offend him for ever compel him to
+eat plum-pudding. A few of the leading restaurateurs, wishing to
+appear extraordinary, have _plomb-pooding_ upon their cartes, but in
+no instance is it ever ordered by a Frenchman. Everybody has heard the
+story of St. Louis--Henri Qautre, or whoever else it might be--who,
+wishing to regale the English ambassador on Christmas Day with a
+plum-pudding, procured an excellent recipe for making one, which he
+gave to his cook, with strict injunctions that it should be prepared
+with due attention to all particulars. The weight of the ingredients,
+the size of the copper, the quantity of water, the duration of time,
+everything was attended to except one trifle--the king forgot the
+cloth, and the pudding was served up, like so much soup in immense
+tureens, to the surprise of the ambassador, who was, however, too well
+bred to express his astonishment. Louis XVIII., either to show his
+contempt of the prejudices of his countrymen, or to keep up a custom
+which suits his palate, has always an enormous pudding on Christmas
+Day, the remains of which, when it leaves the table, he requires to be
+eaten by the servants, _bon gre, mauvais gre_; but in this instance
+even the commands of sovereignty are disregarded, except by the
+numerous English in his service, consisting of several valets, grooms,
+coachmen, &c., besides a great number of ladies' maids in the service
+of the duchesses of Angouleme and Berri, who very frequently partake
+of the dainties of the king's table."
+
+In his "Year Book, 1832," Hone says that at Rouen, after the _Te
+Deum_, in the nocturnal office or vigil of Christmas, the
+ecclesiastics celebrated the "office of the shepherds" in the
+following manner:--
+
+"The image of the Virgin Mary was placed in a stable prepared behind
+the altar. A boy from above, before the choir, in the likeness of an
+angel, announced the nativity to certain canons or vicars, who entered
+as shepherds through the great door of the choir, clothed in tunicks
+and amesses. Many boys in the vaults of the church, like angels, then
+began the '_gloria in excelsis_.' The shepherds, hearing this,
+advanced to the stable, singing '_peace, goodwill_,' &c. As soon as
+they entered it, two priests in dalmaticks, as if women (quasi
+obstetrices) who were stationed at the stable, said, 'Whom seek ye?'
+The shepherds answered, according to the angelic annunciation, 'Our
+Saviour Christ.' The women then opening the curtain exhibited the boy,
+saying, 'The little one is here as the Prophet Isaiah said.' They then
+showed the mother, saying, 'Behold the Virgin,' &c. Upon these
+exhibitions they bowed and worshipped the boy, and saluted his mother.
+The office ended by their returning to the choir, and singing,
+Alleluia, &c."[95]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS DAY IN BESIEGED PARIS.
+
+"Christmas, Paris,
+"_Sunday, Dec. 25, 1870, 98th day of the Siege._
+
+"Never has a sadder Christmas dawned on any city. Cold, hunger, agony,
+grief, and despair sit enthroned at every habitation in Paris. It is
+the coldest day of the season and the fuel is very short; and the
+government has had to take hold of the fuel question, and the
+magnificent shade-trees that have for ages adorned the avenues of this
+city are all likely to go in the vain struggle to save France. So says
+the Official Journal of this morning. The sufferings of the past week
+exceed by far anything we have seen. There is scarcely any meat but
+horse-meat, and the government is now rationing. It carries out its
+work with impartiality. The omnibus-horse, the cab-horse, the
+work-horse, and the fancy-horse, all go alike in the mournful
+procession to the butchery shops--the magnificent blooded steed of the
+Rothschilds by the side of the old plug of the cabman. Fresh beef,
+mutton, pork are now out of the question. A little poultry yet remains
+at fabulous prices. In walking through the Rue St. Lazare I saw a
+middling-sized goose and chicken for sale in a shop-window, and I had
+the curiosity to step in and inquire the price (rash man that I was).
+The price of the goose was $25, and the chicken $7."[96]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN PARIS IN 1886.
+
+The Paris correspondent of the _Daily Telegraph_ writes:--"Although
+New Year's Day is the great French festival, the fashion of
+celebrating Christmas something after the English custom is gaining
+ground in Paris every year. Thus a good deal of mistletoe now makes
+its appearance on the boulevards and in the shop windows, and it is
+evident that the famous Druidical plant, which is shipped in such
+large quantities every year to England from Normandy and Brittany, is
+fast becoming popular among Parisians. Another custom, that of
+decorating Christmas trees in the English and German style, has
+become quite an annual solemnity here since the influx of Alsatians
+and Lorrainers, while it is considered _chic_, in many quarters, to
+eat approximate plum-pudding on the 25th of December. Unfortunately,
+the Parisian 'blom budding,' unless prepared by British hands, is
+generally a concoction of culinary atrocities, tasting, let us say,
+like saveloy soup and ginger-bread porridge. In a few instances the
+'Angleesh blom budding' has been served at French tables in a soup
+tureen; and guests have been known to direct fearful and furtive
+glances towards it, just as an Englishman might regard with mingled
+feelings of surprise and suspicion a fricassee of frogs. But
+independently of foreign innovations, Parisians have their own way of
+celebrating Noel. To-night (Christmas Eve) for instance, there will be
+midnight masses in the principal churches, when appropriate canticles
+and Adam's popular 'Noel' will be sung. In many private houses the
+_boudin_ will also be eaten after the midnight mass, the rich
+baptising it in champagne, and the _petit bourgeois_, who has not a
+wine cellar, in a cheap concoction of bottled stuff with a Bordeaux
+label but a strong Paris flavour. The feast of Noel is, however, more
+archaically, and at the same time more earnestly, celebrated in
+provincial France. In the south the head of the family kindles the
+yule-log, or _buche-de-Noel_, which is supposed to continue burning
+until the arrival of spring. Paterfamilias also lights the _calen_, or
+Christmas lamp, which represents the Star of Bethlehem, and then all
+repair to the midnight mass in those picturesque groups which painters
+have delighted to commit to canvas. The inevitable _baraques_, or
+booths, which are allowed to remain on the great boulevards from
+Christmas Eve until the Feast of the Kings, on January 6, have made
+their appearance. They extend from the Place de la Madeleine to the
+Place de la Republique, and are also visible on some of the other
+boulevards of the metropolis. Their glittering contents are the same
+as usual, and, despite their want of novelty, crowds of people lounged
+along the boulevards this afternoon and inspected them with as much
+curiosity as if they formed part of a Russian fair which had been
+temporarily transported from Nijni Novgorod to Paris. What was more
+attractive, however, was the show of holly, mistletoe, fir-trees,
+camellias, tea-roses, and tulips in the famous flower-market outside
+the Madeleine. A large tent has been erected, which protects the
+sellers of winter flowers from the rain, and this gives the market a
+gayer and more brilliant appearance than usual. What strikes one more
+than anything else, however, is the number of French people whom one
+sees purchasing holly bushes and mistletoe, which they carry home in
+huge bundles, after the good old English fashion. Notwithstanding the
+dampness and gloom of the weather, which hovers between frost and
+rain, the general aspect of Paris to-day is one of cheerful and
+picturesque animation, and the laughing crowds with whom one jostles
+in the streets are thoroughly imbued with the festive character of the
+season."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN NORMANDY.
+
+In describing the old-custom-loving people of Lower Normandy, a writer
+on "Calvados," in 1884-5, thus refers to the season of Christmas and
+Twelfth-tide: "Now Christmas arrives, and young and old go up to greet
+the little child Jesus, lying on his bed of straw at the Virgin
+Mother's feet and smiling to all the world. Overhead the old cracked
+bell clangs exultant, answering to other bells faint and far on the
+midnight air; a hundred candles are burning and every church window
+shines through the darkness like the gates of that holy New Jerusalem
+'whose light was as a stone most precious--a jasper-stone clear as
+crystal.' With Twelfth-tide this fair vision suffers a metamorphosis,
+blazoning out into the paganish saturnalia of bonfires, which in
+Calvados is transferred from St. John's Eve _le jour des Rois_. Red
+flames leap skyward, fed by dry pine fagots, and our erstwhile devout
+peasants, throwing moderation to the winds, join hands, dance, and
+leap for good luck through blinding smoke and embers, shouting their
+rude doggerel:
+
+"'Adieu les Rois
+  Jusqu'a douze mois,
+  Douze mois passes
+  Les _bougelees_.'"
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN PROVENCE.
+
+[Illustration: PROVENCAL PLAYS AT CHRISTMASTIDE.]
+
+Heinrich Heine delighted in the infantile childishness of a Provencal
+Christmas. He never saw anything prettier in his life, he said, than a
+Noel procession on the coast of the Mediterranean. A beautiful young
+woman and an equally lovely child sat on a donkey, which an old
+fisherman in a flowing brown gown was supposed to be leading into
+Egypt. Young girls robed in white muslin were supposed to be angels,
+and hovered near the child and its mother to supply to him sweetmeats
+and other refreshments. At a respectful distance there was a
+procession of nuns and village children, and then a band of vocalists
+and instrumentalists. Flowers and streaming banners were unsparingly
+used. Bright sunshine played upon them, and the deep blue sea formed a
+background. The seafaring people who looked on, not knowing whether to
+venerate or laugh, did both. Falling upon their knees they went
+through a short devotional exercise, and then rose to join the
+procession and give themselves up to unrestricted mirth. In the
+chateaux of the South of France _creches_ are still exhibited, and
+_creche_ suppers given to the poorer neighbours, and to some of the
+rich, who are placed at a table "above the salt." There are also
+"Bethlehem Stable" puppet-shows, at which the Holy Family, their
+visitors, and four-footed associates are brought forward as _dramatis
+personae_. St. Joseph, the wise men, and the shepherds are made to
+speak in _patois_. But the Virgin says what she has to say in
+classical French. In the refinement of her diction, her elevation
+above those with her is expressed. At Marseilles an annual fair of
+statuettes is held, the profits of which are spent in setting up
+Bethlehem _creches_ in the churches and other places. Each statuette
+represents a contemporaneous celebrity, and is contained in the hollow
+part of the wax bust of some saint. Gambetta, Thiers, Cavour, Queen
+Victoria, Grevy, the Pope, Paul Bert, Rouvier (who is a Marseillais),
+the late Czar and other celebrities have appeared among the
+_figurines_ hidden within the saintly busts.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN CORSICA.
+
+"A Winter in Corsica," by "Two Ladies," published in 1868, contains an
+interesting account of the celebration of Christmas in that
+picturesque island of the Mediterranean which is known as the
+birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte--"One day shortly before Christmas
+our hostess, or landlady, was very busy with an old body in the
+kitchen, who had come to make sundry cakes in preparation for that
+festive season. We were all called down to see what was going on, and
+our attention was particularly directed to the great oven which was
+heated on purpose to bake them. One kind of cake was made of chesnut
+flour, another of eggs and _broche_ (a kind of curds made from goats'
+milk), but the principal sort was composed chiefly of almonds,
+extremely good and not unlike macaroons, but thicker and more
+substantial. For several days previously, everybody in the house had
+been busy blanching and pounding almonds; not only the two servants,
+but Rose and Clara, the young work-women who were so often staying in
+the house, and who, indeed, at one time seemed to form part of the
+establishment. The old cook herself, a stout and dumpy person, was
+worth looking at, as she stood surrounded by these young women, who
+did very little but watch her operations; and the whole formed quite
+an animated picture of a foreign _menage_, which one rarely has the
+opportunity of seeing.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"Towards Christmas, considerable preparations began to be made in the
+shops for the coming season, but chiefly, perhaps, for New Year's Day,
+which is kept throughout France as a grand _fete_ day. Sweetmeats in
+great variety filled the windows, and especially what were called
+_pralines_--an almond comfit covered with rough sugar, and of a
+peculiar flavour. They are very good, and cost three francs per pound.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"It seemed strange writing to friends at home wishing them 'a happy
+Christmas,' when we seemed scarcely to have done with summer.
+
+"There was certainly a good deal of novelty in our mode of passing
+Christmas-time in Ajaccio.
+
+"We had expressed the wish to be present at midnight mass, in the
+cathedral, on Christmas Eve, and our kind hostess readily promised to
+take us, and also said we should have a _petit souper_ with her on our
+return. She told us afterwards that she had spoken to the organist,
+and obtained permission for us to go into the organ-loft, where we
+should have a good view over the church, and not be inconvenienced by
+the crowd. Accordingly, a little before eleven o'clock, we all went
+downstairs, and, accompanied by madame, as well as by a gentleman and
+his daughter, friends of hers, proceeded to the cathedral.
+
+"As there is no gas in Ajaccio, the church of course is lighted only
+with candles, and very dim and gloomy it looked, especially at first,
+and during a dull monotonous kind of chanting, which we were told were
+the offices to the Virgin.
+
+"By and by, as midnight drew near, and the mass was about to commence,
+a great number of candles were lighted on the high altar and in the
+side chapels, and the scene became more brilliant and animated. We
+looked down upon a perfect sea of heads, the women all wearing the
+national handkerchiefs, many of these of bright colours, and making
+them conspicuous among the men, of whom there were also a very large
+number.
+
+"At length the organ struck up, the higher priests entered, wearing
+their richest robes, followed by numerous attendants. Each bowed and
+knelt as he passed the altar, and took his allotted place, and then
+the service began. At one point, supposed to be the moment of our
+Saviour's birth, there was quite an uproar. The people clapped their
+hands, and stamped, and shouted, trumpets sounded, and the organ
+pealed forth its loudest tones.
+
+"Then there was a very sweet hymn-tune played, and some beautiful
+voices sang Adeste Fideles, which was by far the most pleasing part of
+the service to our minds. Next came the reading of the Gospel, with
+much formality of kissing and bowing, and incensing; the book was
+moved from side to side and from place to place; then one priest on
+his knees held it up above his head, while another, sitting, read a
+short passage, and a third came forward to the front of the enclosed
+space near the altar, flinging the censer round and about. Then the
+little bell tinkled, and all that mass of heads bowed down lower, the
+Host was raised, the communion taken by the priests, and at one
+o'clock all was over.
+
+"We gladly regained the fresh air, which, though rather cold, was much
+needed after the close atmosphere of the crowded cathedral. The moon
+was very bright, and we hastened home with appetites sharpened by our
+walk, for what proved to be a handsome dinner, rather than a _petit
+souper_.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"For ourselves, we did not forget the old home custom of Christmas
+decorations, and took some pains to dress our _salon_ with evergreens,
+which we brought down from the hills the previous day. Although we had
+neither holly nor mistletoe, we found good substitutes for them in the
+elegant-leaved lentiscus, the tree heath and sweetly perfumed myrtle;
+while round the mirror and a picture of the Virgin on the opposite
+wall we twined garlands of the graceful sarsaparilla. The whole looked
+extremely pretty, and gave quite a festive appearance to the room.
+
+"On Christmas Day we joined some English friends for a walk, about
+eleven o'clock. It was a charming morning, bright and hot, as we
+strolled along the shore to the orange-garden of Barbacaja, where we
+gathered oranges fresh from the trees.
+
+"On returning home to dinner no plum-pudding or mince-pies awaited us
+certainly, but we had tolerably good beef, for a wonder, and lamb,
+_merles_, and new potatoes.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+"Christmas Day in Corsica is observed by the people as a religious
+festival, but not as a social one; and there are no family gatherings
+as in England and Germany. This arises, no doubt, from that
+non-existence of true domestic life which must strike all English
+taking up a temporary residence in France.
+
+"There was a succession of _fete_ days throughout Christmas week, when
+the shops were shut and the people dressed in holiday attire. But the
+great day to which every one seems to look forward is the first of the
+year, _le Jour de l'An_. Presents are then made by everybody to
+everybody, and visits of congratulation, or merely of ceremony,
+received and expected. The gifts are sometimes costly and handsome,
+but generally they are trifling, merely valuable as works of
+remembrance, consisting chiefly of bonbons, boxes of crystallised
+fruits, and other confectionery."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN CHIOS.
+
+[Illustration: From an ivory, Byzantine. British Museum ]
+
+The preceding illustration of Eastern art belongs to the same period
+as many of the Christmas customs which have survived in Chios, and it
+carries our thoughts back to the time when Byzantium was the capital
+of the Greek Empire in the east. From an interesting account by an
+English writer in the _Cornhill Magazine_, for December, 1886, who
+spent a Christmas amongst the Greeks of this once prosperous isle of
+Chios, it appears that, two days before Christmas, he took up his
+quarters at "the village of St. George, a good day's journey from the
+town, on the slopes of a backbone of mountains, which divides Chios
+from north to south." On the morning following the arrival at St.
+George, "echoes of home" were heard which caused the writer to
+exclaim: "Surely they don't have Christmas waits here." Outside the
+house stood a crowd of children singing songs and carrying baskets.
+From the window, the mistress of the house was seen standing amongst
+the children "talking hard, and putting handfuls of something into
+each basket out of a bag." "On descending," says the writer, "I
+inquired the cause of this early invasion, and learnt that it is
+customary on the day before Christmas for children to go round to the
+houses of the village early, before the celebration of the liturgy,
+and collect what is called 'the luck of Christ'--that is to say,
+walnuts, almonds, figs, raisins, and the like. Every housewife is
+careful to have a large stock of these things ready overnight, and if
+children come after her stock is exhausted she says, 'Christ has taken
+them and passed by.' The urchins, who are not always willing to accept
+this excuse, revile her with uncomplimentary remarks, and wish her
+cloven feet, and other disagreeable things."
+
+The writer visited the chief inhabitants of St. George, and was
+regaled with "spoonfuls of jam, cups of coffee, and glasses of mastic
+liquer"; and, in a farmyard, "saw oxen with scarlet horns," it being
+the custom, on the day before Christmas, for "every man to kill his
+pig, and if he has cattle to anoint their horns with blood, thereby
+securing their health for the coming year.
+
+"It is very interesting to see the birthplace of our own Christmas
+customs here in Greece, for it is an undoubted fact that all we see
+now in Greek islands has survived since Byzantine days. Turkish rule
+has in no way interfered with religious observances, and during four
+or five centuries of isolation from the civilised world the
+conservative spirit of the East has preserved intact for us customs as
+they were in the early days of Christianity; inasmuch as the Eastern
+Church was the first Christian Church, it was the parent of all
+Christian customs. Many of these customs were mere adaptations of the
+pagan to the Christian ceremonial--a necessary measure, doubtless, at
+a time when a new religion was forced on a deeply superstitious
+population. The saints of the Christian took the place of the gods of
+the "Iliad." Old customs attending religious observances have been
+peculiarly tenacious in these islands, and here it is that we must
+look for the pedigree of our own quaint Christian habits. We have seen
+the children of St. George collecting their Christmas-boxes, we have
+spoken of pig-killing, and we will now introduce ourselves to Chiote
+Christmas-trees, the _rhamnae_, as they are called here, which take the
+form of an offering of fruits of the earth and flowers by tenants to
+their landlords.
+
+"The form of these offerings is varied: one tenant we saw chose to
+make his in the shape of a tripod; others merely adorn poles, but all
+of them effect this decoration in a similar fashion, more gaudily than
+artistically. The pole is over a yard in height, and around it are
+bound wreaths of myrtle, olive, and orange leaves; to these are fixed
+any flowers that may be found, geraniums, anemones, and the like, and,
+by way of further decoration, oranges, lemons, and strips of gold and
+coloured paper are added.
+
+"On Christmas morning the tenants of the numerous gardens of Chios
+proceed to the houses of their landlords, riding on mules and carrying
+a _rhamna_ in front of them and a pair of fowls behind. As many as
+three hundred of these may be seen entering the capital of Chios on
+this day, and I was told the sight is very imposing. At St. George we
+had not so many of them, but sufficient for our purpose. On reaching
+his landlord's house the peasant sets up the trophy in the outer room,
+to be admired by all who come; the fowls he hands over to the
+housewife; and then he takes the large family jars or _amphorae_, as
+they still call them, to the well, and draws the drinking water for
+his landlord's Christmas necessities.
+
+"In the afternoon each landlord gives 'a table' to his tenants, a good
+substantial meal, at which many healths are drunk, compliments
+exchanged, and songs sung, and before returning home each man receives
+a present of money in return for his offerings. A Greek never gives a
+present without expecting an equivalent in return."
+
+Another Christmas custom in Chios which reminded the writer of the
+English custom of carol-singing is thus described: "There are five
+parishes in the village of St. George, each supplied with a church,
+priests, acolytes, and candle-lighters, who answer to our vergers, and
+who are responsible for the lighting of the many lamps and candles
+which adorn an Eastern church. These good people assemble together on
+Christmas Day, after the liturgy is over, and form what is called 'a
+musical company'; one man is secured to play the lyre, another the
+harp, another the cymbals, and another leads the singing--if the
+monotonous chanting in which they indulge can be dignified by the
+title of singing. The candle-lighter, armed with a brass tray, is the
+recognised leader of this musical company, and all day long he
+conducts them from one house to another in the parish to play, sing,
+and collect alms. These musicians of St. George have far more
+consideration for the feelings of their fellow-creatures than English
+carol-singers, for the candle-lighter is always sent on ahead to
+inquire of the household they propose to visit if there is mourning in
+the house, or any other valid reason why the musicians should not
+play, in which case the candle-lighter merely presents his tray,
+receives his offering, and passes on. Never, if they can help it, will
+a family refuse admission to the musicians. They have not many
+amusements, poor things, and their Christmas entertainment pleases
+them vastly.
+
+"The carols of these islands are exceedingly old-world and quaint.
+When permission is given the troupe advance towards the door, singing
+a sort of greeting as follows: 'Come now and open your gates to our
+party; we have one or two sweet words to sing to you.' The door is
+then opened by the master of the house; he greets them and begs them
+to come in, whilst the other members of the family place chairs at one
+end of the room, on which the musicians seat themselves. The first
+carol is a genuine Christmas one, a sort of religious recognition of
+the occasion, according to our notions fraught with a frivolity almost
+bordering on blasphemy; but then it must be remembered that these
+peasants have formed their own simple ideas of the life of Christ, the
+Virgin, and the saints, to which they have given utterance in their
+songs. A priest of St. George kindly supplied me with the words of
+some of their carols, and this is a translation of one of the
+prefatory songs with which the musical company commence:--
+
+
+"'Christmas, Christmas! Christ is born;
+  Saints rejoice and devils mourn.
+  Christmas, Christmas! Christ was fed
+  On sweet honey, milk, and bread,
+  Just as now our rulers eat
+  Bread and milk, and honey sweet.'
+
+After this the company sing a series of songs addressed to the various
+members of the family, to the father, to the mother, to the daughters,
+to the sons; if there chances to be a betrothed couple there, they are
+sure to be greeted with a special song; the little children, too, are
+exhorted in song to be good and diligent at school. Of these songs
+there are an infinite number, and many of them give us curious
+glimpses into the life, not of to-day, but of ages which have long
+since passed away.
+
+"The following song is addressed to the master of the house, and has
+doubtless been sung for centuries of Christmases since the old
+Byzantine days when such things as are mentioned in the song really
+existed in the houses. This is a word-for-word translation:--
+
+"'We have come to our venerable master;
+  To his lofty house with marble halls.
+  His walls are decorated with mosaic;
+  With the lathe his doors are turned.
+  Angels and archangels are around his windows,
+  And in the midst of his house is spread a golden carpet
+  And from the ceiling the golden chandelier sheds light.
+  It lights the guests as they come and go.
+  It lights our venerable master.'
+
+On the conclusion of their carols the musicians pause for rest, the
+cymbal-player throws his cymbal on the floor, and the candle-lighter
+does the same thing with his tray, and into these the master of the
+house deposits his gifts to his parish church, and if they are a
+newly-married couple they tie up presents of food for the musicians in
+a handkerchief--figs, almonds, &c., which the cymbal-player fastens
+round his neck or ties to his girdle.
+
+"Before the musicians take their departure the housewife hurries off
+to her cupboard and produces a tray with the inevitable jam thereon.
+Coffee and mastic are served, and the compliments of the season are
+exchanged. Whilst the candle-lighter is absent looking for another
+house at which to sing, the musicians sing their farewell, 'We wish
+health to your family, and health to yourself. We go to join the
+_pallicari_.'
+
+"In villages where the singing of carols has fallen into disuse the
+inhabitants are content with the priestly blessing only. To distribute
+this the priest of each parish starts off on Christmas morning with
+the candle-lighter and his tray, and an acolyte to wave the censer; he
+blesses the shops, he sprinkles holy water over the commodities, and
+then he does the same by the houses; the smell of incense perfumes the
+air, and the candle-lighter rattles his tray ostentatiously to show
+what a lot of coppers he has got."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN A GREEK CHURCH.
+
+"Swan's Journal of a Voyage up the Mediterranean, 1826," gives the
+following account of Christmas in a Greek Church:--
+
+"Thursday, January 6th, this being Christmas Day with the Greek
+Catholics, their 'churches are adorned in the gayest manner. I entered
+one, in which a sort of raree-show had been set up, illumed with a
+multitude of candles: the subject of it was the birth of Christ, who
+was represented in the background by a little waxen figure wrapped up
+in embroidery, and reclining upon an embroidered cushion, which rested
+upon another of pink satin. This was supposed to be the manger where
+he was born. Behind the image two paper bulls' heads looked
+unutterable things. On the right was the Virgin Mary, and on the left
+one of the eastern Magi. Paper clouds, in which the paper heads of
+numberless cherubs appeared, enveloped the whole; while from a
+pasteboard cottage stalked a wooden monk, with dogs, and sheep, and
+camels, goats, lions, and lambs; here walked a maiden upon a stratum
+of sods and dried earth, and there a shepherd flourishing aloft his
+pastoral staff. The construction of these august figures was chiefly
+Dutch: they were intermixed with china images and miserable daubs on
+paper. In the centre a real fountain, in miniature, squirted forth
+water to the ineffable delight of crowds of prostrate worshippers."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN ROME.
+
+Hone[97] states that after Christmas Day, during the remainder of
+December, there is a Presepio, or representation of the manger, in
+which our Saviour was laid, to be seen in many of the churches at
+Rome. That of the Ara Coeli is the best worth seeing, which church
+occupies the site of the temple of Jupiter, and is adorned with some
+of its beautiful pillars. On entering, we found daylight completely
+excluded from the church; and until we advanced, we did not perceive
+the artificial light, which was so managed as to stream in fluctuating
+rays, from intervening silvery clouds, and shed a radiance over the
+lovely babe and bending mother, who, in the most graceful attitude,
+lightly holds up the drapery which half conceals her sleeping infant
+from the bystanders. He lies in richly embroidered swaddling clothes,
+and his person, as well as that of his virgin mother, is ornamented
+with diamonds and other precious stones; for which purpose, we are
+informed, the princesses and ladies of high rank lend their jewels.
+Groups of cattle grazing, peasantry engaged in different occupations,
+and other objects, enliven the picturesque scenery; every living
+creature in the group, with eyes directed towards the Presepio, falls
+prostrate in adoration. In the front of this theatrical representation
+a little girl, about six or eight years old, stood on a bench,
+preaching extempore, as it appeared, to the persons who filled the
+church, with all the gesticulation of a little actress, probably in
+commemoration of those words of the psalmist, quoted by our blessed
+Lord--"Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected
+praise." In this manner the Scriptures are _acted_; not "read, marked,
+and inwardly digested." The whole scene had, however, a striking
+effect, well calculated to work upon the minds of a people whose
+religion consists so largely in outward show. [From "A Narrative of
+Three Years in Italy."]
+
+[Illustration: CALABRIAN SHEPHERDS PLAYING IN ROME AT CHRISTMAS.
+(_From Hone's "Every-day Book_," 1826)]
+
+As at the beginning, so in the latter part of the nineteenth century,
+the church celebrations of Christmas continue to be great Christmas
+attractions in the Eternal City.
+
+From the description of one who was present at the Christmas
+celebration of 1883, we quote the following extracts:--
+
+"On Christmas morning, at ten o'clock, when all the world was not only
+awake, but up and doing, mass was being said and sung in the principal
+churches, but the great string of visitors to the Imperial City bent
+their steps towards St. Peter's to witness the celebration of this the
+greatest feast in the greatest Christian Church.
+
+"As the heavy leather curtain which hangs before the door fell behind
+one, this sacred building seemed indeed the world's cathedral; for
+here were various crowds from various nations, and men and women
+followers of all forms of faiths, and men and women of no faith at
+all. The great church was full of light and colour--of light that came
+in broad yellow beams through the great dome and the high eastern
+windows, making the candles on the side altars and the hundred
+ever-burning lamps around the St. Peter's shrine look dim and yellow
+in the fulness of its radiance; and of colour combined of friezes of
+burnished gold, and brilliant frescoes, and rich altar pieces, and
+bronze statues, and slabs of oriental alabaster, and blocks of red
+porphyry and lapis lazuli, and guilded vaulted ceiling, and walls of
+inlaid marbles.
+
+"In the large choir chapel, containing the tomb of Clement IX., three
+successive High Masses were celebrated, the full choir of St. Peter's
+attending. In the handsomely carved old oak stalls sat bishops in
+purple and rich lace, canons in white, and minor canons in grey fur
+capes, priests and deacons, and a hundred acolytes wearing
+silver-buckled shoes and surplices. This chapel, with its life-size
+marble figures resting on the cornices, has two organs, and here the
+choicest music is frequently heard.
+
+"Of course the choir chapel was much too small to hold the great
+crowd, which, therefore, overflowed into the aisles and nave of the
+vast church, where the music could be heard likewise. This crowd broke
+up into groups, each worthy of a study, and all combining to afford an
+effect at once strange and picturesque. There are groups of Americans,
+English, French, Germans, and Italians promenading round the church,
+talking in their respective native tongues, gesticulating, and now and
+then pausing to admire a picture or examine a statue. Acquaintances
+meet and greet; friends introduce mutual friends; compliments are
+exchanged, and appointments made. Meanwhile masses are being said at
+all the side altars, which are surrounded by knots of people who fall
+on their knees at the sound of a little bell, and say their prayers
+quite undisturbed by the general murmur going on around them.
+
+"Presently there is a stir in the crowd surrounding the choir chapel;
+the organ is at its loudest, and then comes a long procession of
+vergers in purple and scarlet facings, and cross and torch bearers,
+and censer bearers, and acolytes and deacons and priests and canons
+and bishops, and a red-robed cardinal in vestments of cloth of gold
+wrought and figured with many a sacred sign, and, moreover, adorned
+with precious stones; and High Mass at St. Peter's, on Christmas Day,
+is at an end.
+
+"During the day most of the shops and all the Government offices were
+open. Soldiers were drilled all day long in the Piazza Vittorio
+Emanuele, and were formally marched to their various barracks, headed
+by bands discoursing martial music; whilst the postmen delivered their
+freight of letters as on ordinary days of the week. In the afternoon
+most of those who were at St. Peter's in the morning assembled to hear
+Grand Vespers at the handsome and famous church of San Maria Maggiore,
+one of the oldest in Christendom, the Mosaics on the chancel arch
+dating from the fifth century. The church was illuminated with
+hundreds of candles and hung with scarlet drapery, the effect being
+very fine; the music such as can alone be heard in Rome. On the high
+altar was exhibited in a massive case of gold and crystal two staves
+said to have been taken from the manger in which Christ was laid, this
+being carried round the church at the conclusion of Vespers. Almost
+every English visitor in Rome was present."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT MONTE CARLO.
+
+"Every one has heard of the tiny principality of Monaco, with its six
+square miles of territory facing the Mediterranean, and lying below
+the wonderful Corniche-road, which has been for ages the great highway
+south of the Alps, connecting the South of France with Northern Italy.
+Of course many visitors come here to gamble, but an increasing number
+are attracted by the beauty of the scenery and the charm of the
+climate; and here some hundreds of Englishmen and Englishwomen spent
+their Christmas Day and ate the conventional plum-pudding. Christmas
+had been ushered in by a salvo of artillery and a High Mass at the
+cathedral at eleven on Christmas Eve, and holly and mistletoe (which
+seemed strangely out of place amongst the yellow roses and hedges of
+geraniums) were in many hands. As illustrating the mildness of the
+climate and the natural beauty of the district, the following flowers
+were in full bloom in the open air on Christmas Day: roses of every
+variety, geraniums, primulas, heliotropes, carnations, anemones,
+narcissus, sweetwilliams, stocks, cactus, and pinks; and to these may
+be added lemon trees and orange trees laden with their golden fruit.
+As evening wore on a strong gale burst upon the shore, and Christmas
+Day closed amongst waving foliage and clanging doors and clouds of
+dust, and the fierce thud of angry surf upon the sea-shore below.
+
+"January 2, 1890.      J. S. B."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE FESTIVITIES IN GERMANY.
+
+In "The German Christmas Eve," 1846, Madame Apolline Flohr recalls her
+"childish recollections" of the Christmas festivities in the "happy
+family" of which she was a member. They met amid the glare of a
+hundred lights, and according to an old-established custom, they soon
+joined in chaunting the simple hymn which begins:--
+
+ "Now let us thank our God;
+    Uplift our hands and hearts:
+  Eternal be His praise,
+    Who all good things imparts!"
+
+After the singing (says the writer), I ventured for the first time, to
+approach the pile of Christmas gifts intended for my sisters, my
+brothers, and myself.
+
+The Christmas tree, always the common property of the children of the
+house, bore gilded fruits of every species; and as we gazed with
+childish delight on these sparkling treasures our dear parents wiped
+away the tears they had plentifully shed, while our young voices were
+ringing out the sweet hymn, led by our friend, Herr Von Clappart, with
+such deep and solemn emotion.
+
+Now, as the dear mother led each child to his or her own little
+table--for the gifts for each were laid out separately, and thus
+apportioned beforehand--all was joy and merriment.
+
+A large table stood in the midst, surrounded by smaller ones,
+literally laden with pretty and ingenious toys, the gifts of friends
+and kindred. We liked the toys very much indeed. We were, however, too
+happy to endure quiet pleasure very long, and all prepared to assemble
+around the Christmas tree. After a delightful dance around the tree,
+and around our dear parents, our presents were again examined; for the
+variety of offerings made on these occasions would much exceed the
+belief of a stranger to our customs. Every article for children's
+clothing was here to be found, both for ornament and use; nor were
+books forgotten. It was then I received my first Bible and
+Prayer-book; and at the moment the precious gift was placed in my
+hand, I resolved to accompany my parents to church the following
+morning at five o'clock. (This early attendance at public worship on
+Christmas morning is a custom observed in Central Germany, and is
+called Christ-Kirche.)
+
+The ceremony of withdrawing, in order to attire ourselves in some of
+our new dresses, having been performed, we re-entered the apartment,
+upon which the great folding-doors being thrown open, a second
+Christmas tree appeared, laden with hundreds of lights. This effect
+was produced by the tree being placed opposite some large
+looking-glasses, which reflected the lights and redoubled their
+brilliancy.
+
+Here hung the gifts prepared by the hands of the children for their
+beloved parents.
+
+My eldest sister, Charlotte, had knitted for her mother a beautiful
+evening cap, and a long purse for her father.
+
+Emily presented each one of the family with a pair of mittens; and the
+little Adolphine made similar offerings of open-worked stockings, her
+first attempt.
+
+Our parents were also surprised and delighted to receive some
+drawings, exceedingly well executed, by my brothers, accompanied by a
+letter of thanks from those dear boys, for the kind permission to take
+lessons which had been granted to them during the last half-year.
+
+The great bell had called us together at five o'clock in the
+afternoon, to receive our Christmas gifts; and though at eleven our
+eyes and hearts were still wide awake, yet were we obliged to retire,
+and leave all these objects of delight behind us. All remembered that,
+at least, the elder branches of the family must rise betimes the next
+morning to attend the Christ-Kirche, and to hear a sermon on the birth
+of the Saviour of Mankind.
+
+The great excitement of the previous evening, and the vision of
+delight that still hovered around my fancy, prevented my sleeping
+soundly; so that when the others were attempting to steal away the
+next morning to go to church, I was fully roused, and implored so
+earnestly to be taken with the rest of the family, that at length my
+prayer was granted; but on condition that I should keep perfectly
+still during the service.
+
+Arrived at the church we found it brilliantly illuminated, and
+decorated with the boughs of the holly and other evergreens.
+
+It is quite certain that a child of five years old could not
+understand the importance, beauty, and extreme fitness of the sublime
+service she so often witnessed in after life; yet I can recollect a
+peculiarly sweet, sacred, and mysterious feeling taking possession of
+me, as my infant mind received the one simple impression that this was
+the birthday of the Saviour I had been taught to love and pray to,
+since my infant lips could lisp a word.
+
+Since early impressions are likely to be permanent, it is considered
+most important in my fatherland to surround, Christmas with all joyous
+and holy associations. A day of days, indeed, it is with us--a day
+never to be forgotten.
+
+So far is this feeling carried, that it is no uncommon pastime, even
+at the beginning of the new year, to project plans and presents, happy
+surprises, and unlooked-for offerings, to be presented at the far-off
+time of Christmas festivity.
+
+*     *     *     *     *
+
+Another writer, at the latter end of the nineteenth century, gives the
+following account of the Christmas festivities at the German Court,
+from which it appears that the long-cherished Christmas customs are
+well preserved in the highest circle in Germany:--
+
+
+CHRISTMAS AT THE GERMAN COURT.
+
+In accordance with an old custom the Royal Family of Prussia celebrate
+Christmas in a private manner at the Emperor William's palace, where
+the "blue dining-hall" on the first floor is arranged as the Christmas
+room. Two long rows of tables are placed in this hall, and two smaller
+tables stand in the corners on either side of the pillared door
+leading to the ballroom. On these tables stand twelve of the finest
+and tallest fir-trees, reaching nearly to the ceiling, and covered
+with innumerable white wax candles placed in wire-holders, but without
+any other decoration.
+
+In the afternoon of the 24th great packages are brought into this room
+containing the presents for the members of the Imperial household, and
+in the presence of the Emperor his Chamberlain distributes them on the
+tables under the trees. The monarch always takes an active part in
+this work, and, walking about briskly from one table to the other,
+helps to place the objects in the most advantageous positions, and
+fastens on them slips of white paper on which he himself has written
+the names of the recipients. The Empress is also present, occupied
+with arranging the presents for the ladies of her own household. The
+two separate tables still remain empty, until the Emperor and the
+Empress have left the room, as they are destined to hold the presents
+for their Majesties.
+
+At four o'clock the entire Royal Family assemble in the large
+dining-hall of the Palace for their Christmas dinner. Besides all the
+Princes and Princesses without exception, the members of the Imperial
+household, the chiefs of the Emperor's military and civil Cabinets,
+and a number of adjutants are also present.
+
+Shortly after the termination of the dinner the double doors leading
+to the blue hall are thrown wide open at a sign from the Emperor, and
+the brilliant sight of the twelve great fir-trees bearing thousands of
+lighted tapers is disclosed to view. This is the great moment of the
+German Christmas Eve celebration. The Imperial couples then form in
+procession, and all proceed to the Christmas room. The Emperor and the
+Empress then personally lead the members of their households to the
+presents which are grouped in long rows on the tables, and which
+comprise hundreds of articles, both valuable and useful, objects of
+art, pictures, statuary, &c. Meanwhile, the two separate tables still
+remain hidden under white draperies. In other rooms all the officials
+and servants of the palace, down to the youngest stable-boy, are
+presented with their Christmas-boxes. At about nine o'clock the
+Imperial Family and their guests again return to the dining-room,
+where a plain supper is then served. According to old tradition, the
+menu always includes the following dishes: "Carp cooked in beer" (a
+Polish custom), and "Mohnpielen," an East Prussian dish, composed of
+poppy-seed, white bread, almonds and raisins, stewed in milk. After
+the supper all return once more to the Christmas room, where the
+second part of the celebration--the exchange of presents among the
+Royal Family--then comes off.
+
+The Emperor's table stands on the right side of the ballroom door, and
+every object placed on it bears a paper with an inscription intimating
+by whom the present is given. The presents for the Empress on the
+other table are arranged in the same manner. Among the objects never
+missing at the Emperor's Christmas are some large Nuremberg ginger
+cakes, with the inscription "Weihnachten" and the year. About
+half-an-hour later tea is taken, and this terminates the Christmas Eve
+of the first family of the German Empire.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS THROUGHOUT GERMANY,
+
+it may be added, is similarly observed in the year 1900. From the
+Imperial palace to the poor man's cottage there is not a family in
+Germany that has not its Christmas tree and "Weihnachts
+Bescheerung"--Christmas distribution of presents. For the very poor
+districts of Berlin provision is made by the municipal authorities or
+charitable societies to give the children this form of amusement,
+which they look forward to throughout the year.
+
+
+THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES IN AUSTRIA
+
+are similar to those in Germany, the prominent feature being the
+beautifully-adorned and splendidly-lighted Christmas-tree. At one of
+these celebrations, a few years ago, the numerous presents received by
+the young Princess Elizabeth included a speaking doll, fitted with a
+phonograph cylinder, which created no small astonishment. Among other
+things, the doll was able to recite a poem composed by the Archduchess
+Marie Valerie in honour of Christmas Eve.
+
+The poor and destitute of Vienna are not forgotten, for, in addition
+to the Christmas-tree which is set up at the palace for them, a large
+number of charitable associations in the various districts of Vienna
+have also Christmas-trees laden with presents for the poor.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS EVE IN ST. MARK'S, VENICE.
+
+You go into the Duomo late on Christmas Eve, and find the time-stained
+alabasters and dark aisles lit up with five hundreds of wax candles
+over seven feet high. The massive silver lamps suspended across the
+choir have the inner lamps all ablaze, as is also the graceful
+Byzantine chandelier in the centre of the nave that glitters like a
+cluster of stars from dozens of tiny glass cups with wick and oil
+within. In the solemn and mysterious gloom you pass figures of men and
+women kneeling in devotion before the many shrines. Some are
+accompanied by well-behaved and discreet dogs, who sit patiently
+waiting till their owners' prayer shall be over; whilst others less
+well trained, run about from group to group to smell out their friends
+or growl at foes. You slowly work your way through the throng to the
+high altar. That unique reredos, brought from Constantinople in early
+times--the magnificent "Pala d'Ora," an enamelled work wrought on
+plates of gold and silver, and studded with precious stones--is
+unveiled, and the front of the altar has a rich frontispiece of the
+thirteenth century, which is of silver washed with gold, and embossed
+figures. Numbers of ponderous candles throw a glimmer over the
+treasures with which St. Mark's is so richly endowed, that are
+profusely displayed on the altar. Bishops, canons and priests in full
+dress are standing and kneeling, and the handsome and much-beloved
+Patriarch of Venice officiates, in dress of gorgeous scarlet and
+cream-coloured old lace, and heavy-brocaded cope, that is afterwards
+exchanged for one of ermine, and flashing rings and jewelled cross.
+There is no music, but a deep quiet pervades the dim golden domes
+overhead and the faintly-lighted transepts. Stray rays of light catch
+the smooth surface of the mosaics, which throw off sparkles of
+brightness and cast deeper shadows beyond the uncertain radiance.
+After the midnight mass is celebrated you pass out with the stream of
+people into the cold, frosty night, with only the bright stars to
+guide you through the silent alleys to your rooms, where you wish each
+other "A Merry Christmas!" and retire to sleep, and to dream of the
+old home in England.--_Queen_.
+
+[Illustration: SASSOFERRATO (GIOVANNI BATTISTA SALVI) 1605-85
+museum naples]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN NAPLES.
+
+An English writer who spent a Christmas in Naples a few
+years ago, says:--
+
+"In the south Christmas is bright and gay, and in truth noisy. The
+_festa natalizie_, as it is called in Naples, is celebrated by fairs
+and bonfires and fireworks. In the Toledo, that famous street known
+to all the world, booths are erected beside the shops, flaming in
+colour, and filled with all sorts of tempting wares. Throughout
+Christmas Eve an immense crowd of men, women, and children throng this
+street, nearly a mile in length. The vendors shriek at the top of
+their voice, praising themselves and their goods, and then, with merry
+peals of laughter, exhibit with Neapolitan drollery all the arts of
+their trade. The crowd catch the contagious spirit of fun, and toss
+witticisms to and fro, until the welkin rings with shouts and
+laughter. A revolution in Paris could not create greater excitement,
+or greater noise, than the Christmas fair at Naples, the largest, and
+certainly the merriest, in the world. As night draws on the mirth
+grows uproarious; improvisations abound. Pulcinello attracts laughing
+crowds. The bagpipes strike with their ear-piercing sounds, and arise
+shrill above the universal din. Fireworks are let off at every street
+corner, flaming torches carried in procession parade the streets;
+rockets rise in the air, coloured lamps are hung over doorways, and in
+the midst of the blaze of light the church bells announce the midnight
+Mass, and the crowd leave the fair and the streets, and on bended knee
+are worshipping."
+
+[Illustration: Luis de Vargas 1502-1568 Seville Cathedral]
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN SPAIN.
+
+Spain in winter must be divided into Spain the frigid and Spain the
+semi-tropic; for while snow lies a foot deep at Christmas in the
+north, in the south the sun is shining brightly, and flowers of spring
+are peeping out, and a nosegay of heliotrope and open-air geraniums is
+the Christmas-holly and mistletoe of Andalusia. There is no chill in
+the air, there is no frost on the window-pane.
+
+When Christmas Eve comes the two days' holiday commences. At twelve
+the labourers leave their work, repair home, and dress in their best.
+Then the shops are all ablaze with lights, ribbons and streamers, with
+tempting fare of sweets and sausages, with red and yellow serge to
+make warm petticoats; with cymbals, drums, and _zambombas_. The chief
+sweetmeats, peculiar to Christmas, and bought alike by rich and poor,
+are the various kinds of preserved fruits, incrusted with sugar, and
+the famous _turrni_. This last, which is of four kinds, and may be
+called in English phraseology, "almond rock," is brought to your door,
+and buy it you must. A coarse kind is sold to the poor at a cheap
+rate. Other comestibles, peculiar to Christmas, are almond soup,
+truffled turkey, roasted chestnuts, and nuts of every sort.
+
+Before the _Noche-buena_, or Christmas Eve, however, one or two good
+deeds have been done by the civil and military authorities. On the
+twenty-third or twenty-fourth the custom is for the military governor
+to visit all the soldier prisoners, in company with their respective
+defensores, or advocates; and, _de officio_, there and then, he
+liberates all who are in gaol for light offences. This plan is also
+pursued in the civil prisons; and thus a beautiful custom is kept up
+in classic, romantic, Old-world Spain, and a ray of hope enters into
+and illuminates even the bitter darkness of a Spanish prisoners' den.
+
+It is Christmas Eve. The poor man has his relations round him, over
+his humble _puchero_ (stew): the rich man likewise. _Friends_ have not
+come, "for it is not the custom." In Spain only blood relations eat
+and drink in the house as invited guests. Families meet as in England.
+Two per cent. of the soldiers get a fortnight's leave of absence and a
+free pass; and there is joy in peasant homes over peasant charcoal
+pans. The dusky shades of evening are stealing over olive grove and
+withering vineyard, and every house lights up its tiny oil lamp, and
+every image of the Virgin is illuminated with a taper. In Eija, near
+Cordova, an image or portrait of the Virgin and the Babe new-born,
+hangs in well-nigh every room in every house. And why? Because the
+beautiful belief is rooted in those simple minds, that, on Christmas
+Eve, ere the clock strikes twelve, the Virgin, bringing blessings in
+her train, visits every house where she can find an image or portrait
+of _her Son_. And many a girl kneels down in robes of white before her
+humble portrait of the Babe and prays; and hears a rustle in the room,
+and thinks, "the Virgin comes: she brings me my Christmas Eve
+blessing;" and turns, and lo! it is _her mother_, and the Virgin's
+blessing is the mother's kiss!
+
+In Northern Andalusia you have the _zambomba_, a flower-pot perforated
+by a hollow reed, which, wetted and rubbed with the finger, gives out
+a hollow, scraping, monotonous sound. In Southern Andalusia the
+_panderita_, or tambourine, is the chief instrument. It is wreathed
+with gaudy ribbons, and decked with bells, and beaten, shaken, and
+tossed in the air with graceful abandon to the strains of the
+Christmas hymn:
+
+ "This night is the good night,
+  And therefore is no night of rest!"
+
+Or, perhaps, the Church chant is sung, called "The child of God was
+born."
+
+Then also men click the castanet in wine-shop and cottage; and in such
+old-world towns as Eija, where no railway has penetrated, a
+breast-plate of eccentrically strung bones--slung round the neck and
+played with sticks--is still seen and heard.
+
+The turkeys have been slaughtered and are smoking on the fire. The
+night is drawing on and now the meal is over. Twelve o'clock strikes,
+and in one moment every bell from every belfrey clangs out its
+summons. Poltroon were he who had gone to bed before twelve on
+_Noche-buena_. From every house the inmates hurry to the gaily-lit
+church and throng its aisles, a dark-robed crowd of worshippers. The
+organ peals out, the priests and choir chant at this midnight hour the
+Christmas hymn, and at last (in some out-of-the-way towns) the
+priests, in gaudiest robes, bring out from under the altar and expose
+aloft to the crowds, in swaddling-clothes of gold and white, the Babe
+new-born, and all fall down and cross themselves in mute adoration.
+This service is universal, and is called the "Misa del Gallo," or
+Cock-crow Mass, and even in Madrid it is customary to attend it. There
+are three masses also on Christmas Day, and the Church rule, strictly
+observed, is that if a man fail to attend this Midnight Mass he must,
+to save his religious character, attend all three on Christmas Day. In
+antique towns, like Eija, there are two days' early mass (called "Misa
+di Luz") anterior to the "Misa del Gallo," at 4 a.m., and in the raw
+morning the churches are thronged with rich and poor. In that strange,
+old-world town, also, the chief dame goes to the Midnight Mass, all
+her men-servants in procession before her, each playing a different
+instrument.
+
+Christmas Eve is over. It is 1.30 a.m. on Christmas morning, and the
+crowds, orderly, devout, cheerful, are wending their way home. Then
+all is hushed; all have sought repose; there are no drunken riots; the
+dark streets are lit by the tiny oil lamps; the watchman's monotonous
+cry alone is heard, "Ave Maria purissima; las dos; y sereno."
+
+The three masses at the churches on Christmas Day are all chanted to
+joyous music. Then the poor come in to pay their rent of turkeys,
+pigs, olives, or what not, to their landlord, and he gives them a
+Christmas-box: such as a piece of salt fish, or money, or what may be.
+Then, when you enter your house, you will find on your table, with the
+heading, "A Happy Christmas," a book of little leaflets, printed with
+verses. These are the petitions of the postman, scavenger, telegraph
+man, newsboy, &c., asking you for a Christmas-box. Poor fellows! they
+get little enough, and a couple of francs is well bestowed on them
+once a year. After mid-day breakfast or luncheon is over, rich and
+poor walk out and take the air, and a gaudy, pompous crowd they form
+as a rule. As regards presents at Christmas, the rule is, in primitive
+Spain, to send a present to the _Cura_ (parish priest) and the doctor.
+Many Spaniards pay a fixed annual sum to their medical man, and he
+attends all the family, including servants. His salary is sent to him
+at Christmas, with the addition of a turkey, or a cake, or some fine
+sweetmeats.
+
+On Christmas Eve the provincial hospitals present one of their most
+striking aspects to the visitor. It is a feast-day, and instead of the
+usual stew, the soup called _caldo_--and very weak stuff it is--or the
+stir-about and fried bread, the sick have their good sound meats,
+cooked in savoury and most approved fashion, their tumbler of wine,
+their extra cigar. Visitors, kindly Spanish ladies, come in, their
+hands laden with sweets and tobacco, &c., and the sight of the black
+silk dresses trailing over the lowly hospital couches is most human
+and pathetic. At last _night_--the veritable Christmas Eve comes. The
+chapels in these hospitals are generally on the ground floor, and
+frequently sunk some feet below it, but open to the hospital; so that
+the poor inmates who can leave their beds can hobble to the railing
+and look down into the chapel--one mass of dazzling lights, glitter,
+colour, and music: and thus, without the fatigue of descending the
+stairs, can join in the service. At half-past eleven at night the
+chapel is gaily lit up; carriage after carriage, mule-cart after
+mule-cart rattles up to the hospital door, discharging crowds of
+ladies and gentlemen in evening dress; thus the common people, chiefly
+the young, with their tambourines and zambombas, pour into the chapel
+from _Campo_, and alley, and street, and soon the chapel is filled;
+while above, sitting, hobbling, lying all round the rails, and gazing
+down upon the motley and noisy throng below, are the inmates of the
+hospital. The priest begins the Midnight Mass, and the organs take up
+the service, the whole of which, for one hour, is chanted. Meanwhile,
+the tambourines and other musical instruments are busy, and join in
+the strains of the organ; and the din, glitter, and excitement are
+most exhilarating. And thus the occupants of the Spanish provincial
+hospitals join in the festivities of Christmastide, as seen by one
+who has dwelt "_Among the Spanish People_."
+
+
+CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS IN NORWAY.
+
+A writer who knows the manners and habits of the people of Norway, and
+their customs at Christmastide, says:--
+
+"At Christiania, and other Norwegian towns, there is, or used to be, a
+delicate Christmas custom of offering to a lady a brooch or a pair of
+earings in a truss of hay. The house-door of the person to be
+complimented is pushed open, and there is thrown into the house a
+truss of hay or straw, a sheaf of corn, or a bag of chaff. In some
+part of this "bottle of hay" envelope, there is a "needle" as a
+present to be hunted for. A friend of mine once received from her
+betrothed, according to the Christmas custom, an exceedingly large
+brown paper parcel, which, on being opened, revealed a second parcel
+with a loving motto on the cover. And so on, parcel within parcel,
+motto within motto, till the kernel of this paper husk--which was at
+length discovered to be a delicate piece of minute jewellery--was
+arrived at."
+
+One of the prettiest of Christmas customs is the Norwegian practice of
+giving, on Christmas Day, a dinner to the birds. On Christmas morning
+every gable, gateway, or barn-door, is decorated with a sheaf of corn
+fixed on the top of a tall pole, wherefrom it is intended that the
+birds should make their Christmas dinner. Even the peasants contrive
+to have a handful set by for this purpose, and what the birds do not
+eat on Christmas Day, remains for them to finish at their leisure
+during the winter.
+
+On New Year's Day in Norway, friends and acquaintances exchange calls
+and good wishes. In the corner of each reception-room is placed a
+little table, furnished all through the day with wine and cakes for
+the refreshment of the visitors; who talk, and compliment, and flirt,
+and sip wine, and nibble cake from house to house, with great
+perseverance.
+
+Between Christmas and Twelfth Day mummers are in season. They are
+called "Julebukker," or Christmas goblins. They invariably appear
+after dark, and in masks and fancy dresses. A host may therefore have
+to entertain in the course of the season, a Punch, Mephistopheles,
+Charlemagne, Number, Nip, Gustavus, Oberon, and whole companies of
+other fanciful and historic characters; but, as their antics are
+performed in silence, they are not particularly cheerful company.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS IN RUSSIA.
+
+With Christmas Eve begins the festive season known in Russia as
+_Svyatki_ or _Svyatuie Vechera_ (Holy Evenings), which lasts till the
+Epiphany. The numerous sportive ceremonies which are associated with
+it resemble, in many respects, those with which we are familiar, but
+they are rendered specially interesting and valuable by the relics of
+the past which they have been the means of preserving--the fragments
+of ritual song which refer to the ancient paganism of the land, the
+time-honoured customs which originally belonged to the feasts with
+which the heathen Slavs greeted each year the return of the sun. On
+Christmas Eve commences the singing of the songs called _Kolyadki_, a
+word, generally supposed to be akin to _Kalendae_, though reference is
+made in some of them to a mysterious being, apparently a solar
+goddess, named Kolyada. "Kolyada, Kolyada! Kolyada has come. We
+wandered about, we sought holy Kolyada in all the courtyards,"
+commences one of these old songs, for many a year, no doubt, solemnly
+sung by the young people who used in olden times to escort from
+homestead to homestead a sledge in which sat a girl dressed in white,
+who represented the benignant goddess. Nowadays these songs have in
+many places fallen into disuse, or are kept up only by the children
+who go from house to house, to congratulate the inhabitants on the
+arrival of Christmas, and to wish them a prosperous New Year. In every
+home, says one of these archaic poems, are three inner chambers. In
+one is the bright moon, in another the red sun, in a third many stars.
+The bright moon--that is the master of the house; the red sun--that is
+the housewife; the many stars--they are the little children.
+
+The Russian Church sternly sets its face against the old customs with
+which the Christmas season was associated, denouncing the "fiendish
+songs," and "devilish games," the "graceless talk," the "nocturnal
+gambols," and the various kinds of divination in which the faithful
+persisted in indulging. But, although repressed, they were not to be
+destroyed, and at various seasons of the year, but especially those of
+the summer and winter solstice, the "orthodox," in spite of their
+pastors, made merry with old heathenish sports, and, after listening
+to Christian psalms in church, went home and sang songs framed by
+their ancestors in honour of heathen divinities. Thus century after
+century went by, and the fortunes of Russia underwent great changes.
+But still in the villages were the old customs kept up, and when
+Christmas Day came round it was greeted by survivals of the ceremonies
+with which the ancient Slavs hailed the returning sun god, who caused
+the days to lengthen, and filled the minds of men with hopes of a new
+year rich in fruits and grain. One of the customs to which the Church
+most strongly objected was that of mumming. As in other lands, so in
+Russia it was customary for mummers to go about at Christmastide,
+visiting various homes in which the festivities of the season were
+being kept up, and there dancing, and performing all kinds of antics.
+Prominent parts were always played by human representatives of a goat
+and a bear. Some of the party would be disguised as "Lazaruses," that
+is, as the blind beggars who bear that name, and whose plaintive
+strains have resounded all over Russia from the earliest times to the
+present day. The rest disguised themselves as they best could, a
+certain number of them being generally supposed to play the part of
+thieves desirous to break in and steal. When, after a time, they were
+admitted into the room where the Christmas guests were assembled, the
+goat and the bear would dance a merry round together, the Lazaruses
+would sing their "dumps so dull and heavy," and the rest of the
+performers would exert themselves to produce exhilaration. Even among
+the upper classes it was long the custom at this time of year for the
+young people to dress up and visit their neighbours in disguise. Thus
+in Count Tolstoy's "Peace and War," a novel which aims at giving a
+true account of the Russia of the early part of the present century,
+there is a charming description of a visit of this kind paid by the
+younger members of one family to another. On a bright frosty night the
+sledges are suddenly ordered, and the young people dress up, and away
+they drive across the crackling snow to a country house six miles off,
+all the actors creating a great sensation, but especially the fair
+maiden Sonya, who proves irresistible when clad in her cousin's hussar
+uniform and adorned with an elegant moustache. Such mummers as these
+would lay aside their disguises with a light conscience, but the
+peasant was apt to feel a depressing qualm when the sports were over;
+and it is said that, even at the present day, there are rustics who do
+not venture to go to church, after having taken part in a mumming,
+until they have washed off their guilt by immersing themselves in the
+benumbing waters of an ice-hole.
+
+Next to the mumming, what the Church most objected to was the
+divination always practised at Christmas festivals. With one of its
+forms a number of songs have been associated, termed _podblyudnuiya_,
+as connected with a _blyudo_, a dish or bowl. Into some vessel of this
+kind the young people drop tokens. A cloth is then thrown over it, and
+the various objects are drawn out, one after another, to the sound of
+songs, from the tenor of which the owners deduce omens relative to
+their future happiness. As bread and salt are also thrown into the
+bowl, the ceremony may be supposed to have originally partaken of the
+nature of a sacrifice. After these songs are over ought to come the
+game known as the "burial of the gold." The last ring remaining in the
+prophetic bowl is taken out by one of the girls, who keeps it
+concealed in her hand. The others sit in a circle, resting their hands
+on their knees. She walks slowly round, while the first four lines are
+sung in chorus of the song beginning, "See here, gold I bury, I bury."
+Then she slips the ring into one of their hands, from which it is
+rapidly passed on to another, the song being continued the while. When
+it comes to an end the "gold burier" must try to guess in whose hand
+the ring is concealed. This game is a poetical form of our "hunt the
+slipper." Like many other Slavonic customs it is by some archaeologists
+traced home to Greece. By certain mythologists the "gold" is supposed
+to be an emblem of the sun, long hidden by envious wintry clouds, but
+at this time of year beginning to prolong the hours of daylight. To
+the sun really refer, in all probability, the bonfires with which
+Christmastide, as well as the New Year and Midsummer is greeted in
+Russia. In the Ukraine the sweepings from a cottage are carefully
+preserved from Christmas Day to New Year's Day, and are then burnt in
+a garden at sunrise. Among some of the Slavs, such as the Servians,
+Croatians, and Dalmatians, a _badnyak_, or piece of wood answering to
+the northern Yule-log, is solemnly burnt on Christmas Eve. But the
+significance originally attached to these practices has long been
+forgotten. Thus the grave attempts of olden times to search the
+secrets of futurity have degenerated into the sportive guesses of
+young people, who half believe that they may learn from omens at
+Christmas time what manner of marriages are in store for them.
+Divinings of this kind are known to all lands, and bear a strong
+family likeness; but it is, of course, only in a cold country that a
+spinster can find an opportunity of sitting beside a hole cut in the
+surface of a frozen river, listening to prophetic sounds proceeding
+from beneath the ice, and possibly seeing the image of the husband who
+she is to marry within the year trembling in the freezing water.
+Throughout the whole period of the _Svyatki_, the idea of marriage
+probably keeps possession of the minds of many Russian maidens, and on
+the eve of the Epiphany, the feast with which those Christmas holidays
+come to an end, it is still said to be the custom for the village
+girls to go out into the open air and to beseech the "stars, stars,
+dear little stars," to be so benignant as to
+
+ "Send forth through the christened world
+  Arrangers of weddings."
+
+W. R. S. Ralston, in _Notes and Queries_, Dec. 21, 1878.
+
+
+CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN AFRICA.
+
+"A certain young man about town" (says _Chambers's Journal_, December
+25, 1869), "once forsook the sweet shady side of Pall Mall for the
+sake of smoking his cigar in savage Africa; but when Christmas came,
+he was seized with a desire to spend it in Christian company, and this
+is how he did spend it: 'We English once possessed the Senegal; and
+there, every Christmas Eve, the Feast of Lanterns used to be held. The
+native women picked up the words and airs of the carols; the custom
+had descended to the Gambia, and even to the Casemanche, where it is
+still preserved. A few minutes after I had ridden up, sounds of music
+were heard, and a crowd of blacks came to the door, carrying the model
+of a ship made of paper, and illuminated within; and hollowed pumpkins
+also lighted up for the occasion. Then they sang some of our dear old
+Christmas carols, and among others, one which I had heard years ago
+on Christmas Eve at Oxford:
+
+  Nowel, Nowel, the angels did say,
+  To certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay--
+  In fields as they lay keeping their sheep,
+  One cold winter's night, which was so deep.
+          Nowel, Nowel, Nowel, Nowel,
+          Born is the King of Israel.
+
+You can imagine with what feelings I listened to those simple words,
+sung by negresses who knew not a phrase of English besides. You can
+imagine what recollections they called up, as I sat under an African
+sky, the palm-trees rustling above my head, and the crocodiles moaning
+in the river beyond. I thought of the snow lying thick upon the
+ground; of the keen, clear, frosty air. I thought of the ruddy fire
+which would be blazing in a room I knew; and of those young faces
+which would be beaming still more brightly by its side; I thought
+of--oh, of a hundred things, which I can laugh at now, because I am in
+England, but which, in Africa, made me more wretched than I can well
+express.'
+
+"Next day, sadness and sentiment gave way, for a while at least, to
+more prosaical feelings. When Mr. Reade sat down to his Christmas
+dinner, he must have wished, with Macbeth, 'May good digestion wait on
+appetite,' as he contemplated the fare awaiting discussion, and to
+which a boar's head grinned a welcome. Snails from France, oysters
+torn from trees, gazelle cutlets, stewed iguana, smoked elephant,
+fried locusts, manati-breasts, hippopotamus steaks, boiled alligator,
+roasted crocodile eggs, monkeys on toast, land crabs and Africa soles,
+carp, and mullet--detestable in themselves, but triumphant proof of
+the skill of the cook--furnished forth the festival-table, in company
+with potatoes, plantains, pine-apples, oranges, papaws, bananas, and
+various fruits rejoicing in extraordinary shapes, long native names,
+and very nasty flavours; and last, but not least, palm-cabbage stewed
+in white sauce, 'the ambrosia of the gods,' and a bottle of good
+Bordeaux at every's man's elbow. When evening came, Mr. Reade and a
+special friend sought the river: 'The rosy wine had rouged our yellow
+cheeks, and we lay back on the cushions, and watched the setting sun
+with languid, half-closed eyes. Four men, who might have served as
+models to Appelles, bent slowly to their stroke, and murmured forth a
+sweet and plaintive song. Their oars, obedient to their voice, rippled
+the still water, and dropped from their blades pearls, which the sun
+made rubies with its rays. Two beautiful girls, who sat before us in
+the bow, raised their rounded arms and tinkled their bracelets in the
+air. Then, gliding into the water, they brought us flowers from
+beneath the dark bushes, and kissed the hands which took them, with
+wet and laughing lips. Like a dark curtain, the warm night fell upon
+us; strange cries roused from the forest; beasts of the waters plunged
+around us, and my honest friend's hand pressed mine. And Christmas
+Day was over. We might seek long for a stranger contrast to an
+Englishman's Christmas at home, although--to adapt some seasonable
+lines--
+
+                                Where'er
+  An English heart exists to do and dare,
+  Where, amid Afric's sands, the lion roars,
+  Where endless winter chains the silent shores,
+  Where smiles the sea round coral islets bright,
+  Where Brahma's temple's sleep in glowing light--
+  In every spot where England's sons may roam,
+  Dear Christmas-tide still speaks to them of Home!"
+
+    [93] The discovery of the North-West Passage for
+    navigation from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, by the
+    northern coasts of the American continent; first
+    successfully traversed by Sir R. McClure in 1850-1.
+
+    [94] _Chambers's Journal_, December 25, 1869.
+
+    [95] Fosbroke's "British Monachism."
+
+    [96] "Reminiscences of the Siege and Commune of Paris," by
+    Ex-Minister E. B. Washburne.
+
+    [97] "Year Book."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration: SIMEON RECEIVED THE CHILD JESUS INTO HIS ARMS, AND
+BLESSED GOD
+
+_Luke_ 11 25-32]
+
+
+
+
+_CHAPTER XIII_
+
+
+CONCLUDING CAROL SERVICE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
+
+Now, returning from the celebrations of Christmas in distant parts of
+the world, we conclude our historic account of the great Christian
+festival by recording the pleasure with which we attended the
+
+
+CONCLUDING CAROL SERVICE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
+
+at a fine old English cathedral--the recently restored and beautiful
+cathedral at Lichfield, whose triple spires are seen and well known by
+travellers on the Trent valley portion of the London and North Western
+main line of railway which links London with the North.
+
+[Illustration: LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL
+(_By permission of Mr. A. C. Lomax's Successors
+Lichfield_)]
+
+Christmas carols have been sung at Lichfield from long before the time
+of "the mighty Offa," King of the Mercians, in whose days and by whose
+influence Lichfield became for a time an archiepiscopal see, being
+elevated to that dignity by Pope Adrian, in 785. And, in the
+seventeenth century, the Deanery of Lichfield was conferred upon the
+Rev. Griffin Higgs, the writer of the events connected with the
+exhibition of "The Christmas Prince" at St. John's College, Oxford, in
+1607, whose authentic account of these interesting historical events
+will be found in an earlier chapter of this work.
+
+The Christmas carols at Lichfield Cathedral, sung by the full choir at
+the special evening service on St. Stephen's Day (December 26th),
+have, for many years, attracted large and appreciative congregations,
+and the last of these celebrations in the nineteenth century (on
+December 26, 1900) was well sustained by the singers and attended by
+many hundreds of citizens and visitors. Eight Christmas Carols and an
+anthem were sung, the concluding Carol being "The First Nowell"; and
+the organist (Mr. J. B. Lott, Mus. Bac., Oxon) played the Pastoral
+Symphony from Sullivan's "Light of the World," Mendelssohn's March
+("Cornelius"), the Pastoral Symphony from Handel's "Messiah," and
+other exquisite voluntaries. From the anthem, E. H. Sears's beautiful
+verses beginning
+
+ "It came upon the midnight clear,
+  That glorious song of old,"
+
+set to Stainer's music and well sung, we quote the concluding
+predictive stanza:
+
+ "For lo, the days are hast'ning on,
+    By prophet-bards foretold,
+  When with the ever-circling years
+    Comes round the age of gold;
+  When peace shall over all the earth
+    Its ancient splendours fling,
+  And the whole world give back the song
+    Which now the angels sing."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+
+A
+
+Abbot of Misrule, 95 (_see_ also Lord of Misrule)
+
+Abbot of Westminster, 80
+
+Abdication of Richard Cromwell, 213
+
+Abingdon, 51, 208
+
+Aboard the _Sunbeam_, 307
+
+Abolition of Christmas celebration attempted, 206
+
+Abraham, 29
+
+Abyssinia, 298
+
+"Adam Bell," 195
+
+Adam's _Noel_, 319
+
+Adams, Herbert H., 227, 249
+
+Addison, 227
+
+_Adeste Fideles_, 323
+
+_Adieu les Rois_, 320
+
+Adrian, Pope, 350
+
+Advent of Christ, the, 5;
+  season of the, 12;
+  date of the, 14
+
+Advertisement, curious, 232
+
+"Aerra Geola" (December), 28
+
+Africa, 345
+
+Africa, South, 299
+
+Agincourt, 81
+
+Agrippina, wife of Claudius, 24
+
+Aidan, Columbian Monk, 27
+
+Ajaccio, 322
+
+Alban, St., 20
+
+Albert, Prince Consort, 261
+
+Albemarle, Lady, 241
+
+Aldrich, Commander Pelham, 308
+
+Ale, 26, 55, 57, 231, 251, 258, 259
+
+Alexander, King of the Scots, 64
+
+Alexander Severus, 29
+
+Alexandria, 54
+
+Alfred the Great, King, 36
+
+All Hallowtide, 73, 131
+
+Almaine accoutrements, 120
+
+"Almes" at Christmas, 148, 257-8
+
+Almoner, Lord High, 260
+
+Alsatians, 319
+
+Alwyn, Walter, 95
+
+Amadas, Rob, 100
+
+Ambassadors, foreign, 152
+
+Ambleteuse, Brittany, 220
+
+Ambrose, St., 21
+
+America, 309-316
+
+Amours of Henry VIII., 106
+
+Amusements, 33, 153, 195, 246-9
+
+Ancaster Heath, 153
+
+Andalusia, 339
+
+Andrew, St., 283
+
+Andrewes, Bishop, 193
+
+_Andromeda tetragona_, 295
+
+Angel, the, appears unto Joseph, 5;
+  unto the shepherds, 7
+
+Angels' Song, 10, 12
+
+Anger, 13
+
+"Angleesh blom-bodding," 319
+
+Angles, King of the, 34
+
+Anglo-Norman language, 57
+
+Anglo-Saxon Kings, 29
+
+Anglo-Saxons, 25, 28
+
+Angouleme, Duchess, 317
+
+Angus, Scotland, 242
+
+Anjou wine, 57
+
+Annan, Dumfriesshire, 71
+
+Anne, daughter of Frederick III., King of Denmark, 197
+
+Anne, Queen, 226
+
+Anne, wife of Richard III., 93
+
+Annunciation, the, 13, 15
+
+Anointing cattle, 325
+
+Anselm, Archbishop, 49
+
+Antioch, 59;
+  the church at, 11;
+  Prince of, 52
+
+Antiochus Epiphanes, 17
+
+Antipodes, 303
+
+Ara Coeli, Church of, 328
+
+"Archaeologia," 200
+
+Archbishops' Quarrel, 48
+
+Archduchess Marie Valerie, 335
+
+Arctic regions, 294-6
+
+Aristophanes, 286
+
+Armenian Church, the, 12
+
+Armour under robes, 118
+
+Arnot, S., 284
+
+"Arraignment of Christmas," the, 209
+
+Artaki Bay, 307
+
+Arthur, King, and his Knights, 30, 67, 195
+
+Arthur, Prince of Wales, 99
+
+Arundel, Earl of, 190, 193, 194
+
+Astley, Sir John, 201
+
+Aston, near Birmingham, 243
+
+Athelney, 36
+
+Attainder, 222
+
+Attire, magnificent, 99
+
+Attorney-General, 199
+
+Aubrey, 142, 201, 243
+
+Audley, Lord, 82
+
+Augusta, Princess, 241
+
+Augustine, St., 26, 28
+
+Australia, 303
+
+Austria, 288, 335
+
+Austria, Archduke of, 35;
+  Duke of, 58
+
+
+B
+
+"Babe Cake," 273
+
+Babingley, 263
+
+Babylon, 54, 59
+
+_Bacchanalia_, 13, 15, 19
+
+Bacchus, 19
+
+Bacon, Lord, 93, 94, 152
+
+Baden, Marquis of, 139
+
+Bagpipes, 220
+
+Baker, Chronicler, 105
+
+Balancing, feats of, 229
+
+Balliol, Edward, 71
+
+Balls, 249, 250, 309
+
+Baltimore, Lord, 314
+
+Banks Island reindeer, 294
+
+Banquetings, 31, 88, 126, 146-9, 219, 220, 232
+
+Banqueting-night ceremonies, 135
+
+_Barabrith_, 281
+
+Barbadoes, 288
+
+Barclay Alexander, 104
+
+Barne, Sir George, 117
+
+"Baron of Beef," 273
+
+"Baron's Yule Feast," 266
+
+Barons, 55, 60
+
+Barriers, at, 189
+
+Barristers singing and dancing, 137
+
+Barrow, Isaac, 204
+
+Barry, Sir Charles, 46
+
+Barthe, Master George, 88
+
+"Batt upon Batt," 221
+
+Bay of Mercy, 294
+
+Beamonde, Lord of, 70
+
+Bear-baiting, 119, 229
+
+Beatrice, Princess, 262
+
+Beaufitz, John, 93
+
+Beaumont, 152
+
+Beauties, Court, 99
+
+Becket, St. Thomas, 52
+
+Bedchambers, fifteenth century, 88
+
+Bede, the Venerable, 24
+
+Bedford, 64
+
+Bellman, the, 224
+
+Bells, Christmas, 270, 271
+
+Belshazzar, 78
+
+Belton, Mr., 219
+
+Belvoir Castle, 224, 266
+
+Benevolence, 260-6
+
+Bengel, 13
+
+Berkeley, 69, 146;
+  Lord Henry, 146
+
+Berkshire, 276
+
+Berlin, 335
+
+Bermondsey, 52
+
+Berners, Lord, 69, 88
+
+Berri, Duchess, 317
+
+Bertha, Queen, 27
+
+Berwick, 68
+
+Besieged Paris, 318
+
+Bethlehem, 7, 14
+
+Betterton, 218
+
+Bevis of Southampton, 195
+
+Billiards, 195
+
+Bills of fare, fifteenth century, 82
+
+Bird, 140
+
+Birds' dinner, 342
+
+Birth of Christ, 5;
+  date of, 14
+
+Blackborough Priory, 85
+
+Blackburn, Mr. Francis, 238
+
+Black Prince, 149
+
+Blake, Mr. Andrew, 262
+
+Blanchard, Laman, 268
+
+Blenheim Mansion, 226
+
+Blessington, Countess of, 266
+
+Blindman's Buff, 236, 248, 249
+
+Blue Jackets, 294
+
+Boar, wild, 32, 33, 45, 110
+
+Boar's Head ceremony, 109-11, 125, 167
+
+Bocking, John, 86
+
+Bohemia, Queen of, 193
+
+"Bold Slasher," 284
+
+Boleyn, Anne, 106
+
+Bolingbroke, Henry of, 80
+
+Bonbonnieres, 314
+
+Bonfires, 320, 336
+
+Bonner, Bishop, 122
+
+Boswell, 241
+
+Bosworth Field, 93, 101
+
+Bountifulness, 96, 260
+
+Bounty Royal, 260
+
+Bourchier, Archbishop, 94
+
+Bourchier, John, 69
+
+Bouvines, battle of, 60
+
+Bowyer, Richard, 141
+
+Boy Bishop, 68, 119, 156
+
+Boyhood's Christmas breaking-up, 242
+
+Boy-king taken to Tower, 92
+
+Brabant, States of, 154
+
+Brahmins, 28
+
+Brand, 221, 232, 243, 244
+
+Brandon, Charles, 101
+
+Brandon, Sir William, 101
+
+Brant, Sebastian, 104
+
+Brassey, Lady, 305
+
+Brave, blood of the, 73, 99, 190
+
+Brawn, 96, 232
+
+Brazil, 288
+
+Breda, 214
+
+Breton, Nicholas, 199
+
+Bridgewater, 242
+
+Bridgewater, Earl of, 200
+
+Brill, Vale of Aylesbury, 60
+
+Brilliant episodes, 59, 73, 84, 93, 99
+
+Brinsford, 219
+
+Bristol, 68, 242
+
+British India, 288
+
+British Museum, 114, 145, 210, 211, 232, 241, 244, 324
+
+Brito, Richard, 53
+
+Britons, Ancient, 23, 28
+
+Brittany, 318
+
+Brompton, 274
+
+Brooke, George, 192
+
+Brothers, Royal, at the Tower, 92
+
+Browne, General, 207
+
+Brown, Sir Sam., 300
+
+Browning, Robert, 66, 270
+
+Bruges, 116, 271
+
+Buchan, 285
+
+_Buche-de-Noel_, 319
+
+Buckeridge, Bishop, 195
+
+Buckhurst, Lord, 154
+
+Buckingham, Duke of, 88
+
+Buckingham, Lord, 191
+
+Buckinghamshire peasants, 238
+
+Bull, Dr., 140
+
+Bull-baiting, 229
+
+Bunbury, Mrs., 241
+
+Bun-loaf, 281
+
+Burford Downs, 218
+
+Burgundy, Duke of, 88
+
+Burgundy, House of, 154
+
+Burlesque Court, 126
+
+Burney, 140
+
+Burnham, Buckinghamshire, 257
+
+Burton, Robert, 195
+
+Bury, 68, 84
+
+Bushell, Sir Edward, 153
+
+Buttry, William, 100
+
+Bydnyak, or Yule-log, 345
+
+Byzantium, 324
+
+
+C
+
+Cabul River, 302
+
+Cade, John, 85
+
+Caer Caradoc, 24
+
+Caesars, the, 35
+
+Caesarea, the Church at, 11
+
+Cakes, 36, 265, 321
+
+Calais, 72, 81, 109
+
+Calathumpians, the Vagabond, 313
+
+Caledonian custom, 305
+
+"Caliburne," the "gude sword," 58
+
+Caludon, near Coventry, 146
+
+Calvados, 320
+
+Cambridge, 204
+
+Camden Society, 219
+
+Camp fire, 301
+
+Campion, 154
+
+Camulodunum, Bishop of, 25
+
+Canada, 288, 302
+
+Candle illuminations 168, 322, 331
+
+Candlemas, 80, 138, 178
+
+Canning, W., 143
+
+Canons of Christchurch, 177
+
+Canterbury, 63, 86, 210;
+  monks of, 56
+
+Canterbury Cathedral, 53
+
+Canterbury, Archbishop of, 60, 82, 99, 139
+
+Canute, King, 37
+
+Cape de Verd Islands, 288
+
+Cape Finisterre, 226
+
+Caradoc (called Caractacus), 24
+
+Card-playing, 87, 91, 97, 98, 108, 195, 237, 241, 247, 256, 313
+
+Carew, 152
+
+Carleton, Sir Dudley, 154, 191
+
+Carlisle, 68
+
+Carminow, John, 113
+
+Carnival, 286
+
+Carols, 57, 204, 327
+
+Carol service, 349, 350
+
+Carol-singer Luther, 106
+
+Carol-singing, 326
+
+Caroline, Queen, 241
+
+Car, or Ker, Robert, 155
+
+Carvell, Sir Henry, 194
+
+Cary, Sir Robert, 154
+
+Casemanche, 345
+
+Cassel, Dr., Germany, 16
+
+Castanet, 340
+
+Castellated mansion, 148
+
+Castles, 52, 55, 57, 58
+
+Catacombs of Rome, 19
+
+Catches, 195
+
+Catesby, 93
+
+Cawarden, Sir Thomas, 116, 124
+
+Cecil, Sir William, 143
+
+Celebrations in times of persecution, 18
+
+Central Germany, 333
+
+Ceremonies for Christmas Day, 167
+
+Ceremonies for Grand Christmas, 132
+
+Cern, 264
+
+Chaldeans, 28
+
+Challon, 67
+
+Challoner, Thomas, 154
+
+Chamberlain to the King, 88
+
+Chamberlain to the Queen, 88
+
+Chamberlaine, John, 153, 154, 191
+
+Chambers of Pleasance, 88
+
+Chamber of Presence, 139
+
+Champions of Diana, 102
+
+Channel Islands, 288
+
+Chapel Royal, 138, 140, 241
+
+Chardai, 300
+
+Charibert, King, 28
+
+Charlemagne, Emperor, 34, 342
+
+Charles Augustus, Emperor, 35
+
+Charles I., 152, 195, 197, 212, 213
+
+Charles II., 214
+
+Charles, Prince, hiding in an oak, 215
+
+Charles V. of Spain, 118
+
+Charter, The Great, signed, 61
+
+Chaucer, 9, 33, 73, 99
+
+Cheetle, 142
+
+Cherwell, 109
+
+Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, 214
+
+Chess, 33, 91, 195
+
+Chester, Earl of, 64
+
+Cheu Fu Chefoo, 308
+
+Chevalier, Rev. W. A. C, 71
+
+Chichester, Bishop of, 64, 193
+
+Childermas Day, 112, 135
+
+Children of the Chapel Royal, 100, 140, 141
+
+Children's Treat, 264, 265
+
+Chili, 288
+
+China, 308
+
+Chios, 324-8
+
+Chippenham, 35
+
+Chit-chat, 268, 269
+
+Chivalric usages, 59, 84, 155, 190
+
+Christiania, 342
+
+_Christ-Kirche_, 333
+
+Christmas--the origin and associations of, 5;
+  the word "Christmas," its orthography and meaning, 8;
+  words in Welsh, Scotch, French, Italian, and Spanish representing
+    Christmas, 9;
+  an acrostic spelling Christmas, 9;
+  the earlier celebrations of, 10;
+  fixing the date of, 12;
+  Christmas the _Festorum omnium metropolis_, 12;
+  its connection with ancient festivals, 14;
+  Christmas-boxes and presents, 15, 29, 30, 89, 90, 96, 148, 257, 258,
+    260-6, 300, 312, 325, 334-5, 341;
+  candles, 168, 322, 331;
+  cards, 271;
+  ceremonies, 132, 167;
+  customs depicted in a carol, 204;
+  Eve, 125, 131, 250-1, 286, 332-5;
+  "Grand," 125;
+  Island, 308;
+  Lord, 95, 100, 109, 112, 115, 126, 198, 200;
+  Prince, 155;
+  at sea, 95, 96, 218, 307;
+  Tree, 106, 261, 263, 264, 296, 313, 325, 332
+  (see also other items in the index arranged alphabetically).
+
+Chrysostom, St., 12
+
+Church Parade, 301
+
+Church reforms of Cardinal Wolsey, 106
+
+Church shows, 316
+
+Cicilie, Ladie, 139
+
+Cider, 55
+
+Cinque Ports, Barons of, 64
+
+City and country feasts compared, 112
+
+Civil war, 156
+
+Clappart, Herr Von, 332
+
+Clarence, Duke of, 86, 89
+
+Classical and Christian elements, 19
+
+Claudius, fourth Roman Emperor, 23
+
+Clement of Alexandria, 12
+
+Clement IX., tomb of, 330
+
+Clerical players, 77
+
+Cleves, Anne of, 108
+
+Clifford, Lord, 82, 86
+
+Closheys (ninepins), 88
+
+Clothing, 265
+
+Cloth of gold, 88
+
+Clyde, Lord, 299
+
+Clymme of Clough, 195
+
+Cnut, King, 37
+
+Cobham, Lord, 81
+
+"Cob-loaf stealing," 243
+
+Cockpit, 153
+
+Collar-day at Court, 240
+
+Colebrooke, Mr., 279
+
+Coleridge, S. T., 274
+
+Colleges' festivities, 109, 110, 111, 155
+
+Collier, 124, 201
+
+Colonist, English, 302
+
+Columbine, 230
+
+Columbus, Christopher, 95
+
+Combats, inspiriting, 99
+
+Comedies and Tragedies, Latin, 110
+
+Comedies, 112
+
+Comically cruel incident, 75
+
+Commonwealth, 197
+
+Communicants apprehended, 211
+
+"Complaint of Christmas," 206
+
+_Concilium Africanum_, 22
+
+Conger, 96
+
+Conjurors, 237
+
+Consort, Prince, 261-2
+
+Conspiracy against the King, 80
+
+Constable Marshal, 125
+
+Constantine the Great, 21;
+  Church of St. Constantine, 16
+
+Constantinople, 52, 54, 307;
+  Emperor of, 80
+
+Cooper, Sir Astley, 316
+
+Cooper, T., 233
+
+Cooper, Thomas, 266
+
+Corbeuil, Archbishop, 48
+
+Cordova, 339
+
+Cornelius, a Roman Centurion, 23
+
+Cornhill, London, 210
+
+Corniche Road, 331
+
+Cornisse, Mr., 100
+
+Cornwall, 113, 156
+
+Cornwall, the Duchy of, 188
+
+Cornwall, Barry, 272
+
+Cornwall, Sir Gilbert, 194
+
+Cornwallis, Sir Charles, 188
+
+Coronation of Edward III., 69
+
+_Corpus Christi_, festival of, 93
+
+Corsica, 321
+
+Costly garments, 116
+
+Costumes ablaze, 291
+
+Cottage Christmas-keeping, fourteenth century, 71
+
+Cotterell, Sir Clement, 194
+
+Cotton, 152
+
+Cotton MSS., 136
+
+Council of Arles, 25
+
+Council of Auxerre, 22
+
+Councils, Great, 41
+
+Country festivities, 219, 226, 227
+
+Courrieres, Lord of, 118
+
+Court entertainments, 151, 197. (See other items under Sovereigns' names.)
+
+Court Fool, 77, 113, 116
+
+Court Leet and Baron, 187
+
+Court Masques, 151-2
+
+Coventry, 85, 89, 93, 148, 198
+
+Cox, Captain, 197
+
+Crackers, 289
+
+Cranbourne, Ralph, 276
+
+Cranes' flesh, 55
+
+Cranmer, Archbishop, 117
+
+Crecy, 72
+
+Creighton, 74
+
+Crimean Christmas, 297
+
+Croatians, 345
+
+Cromwell, Oliver, 213
+
+Cromwell, Richard, 213
+
+Cromwell, Thomas, 107, 108
+
+Crowne, 218
+
+_Croyland Chronicler_, 87, 93
+
+Crusades, The, 58, 59
+
+Cuba, 96
+
+_Cuisine_, 312
+
+Cumberland, 256
+
+Cumberland, Earl of, 143
+
+Cumnor Custom, 251
+
+Cupids, 119
+
+_Cyflath_, 281
+
+Cymbals, 339
+
+Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, 22
+
+Cyprus, 307;
+  King of, 74
+
+Cyril, St., of Jerusalem, 12
+
+
+D
+
+Dacre, Lord, 86
+
+Dakka, 300
+
+Dalmatians, 345
+
+"Damon and Pythias," 140
+
+Dancers, 32, 49;
+  dancing, 74, 132, 195, 224, 236, 249, 250, 261, 294, 296
+
+Dane, a firework artificer, 154
+
+Danes, 29, 35, 36, 38
+
+Danube, 226
+
+Darey, Sir Thomas, 190
+
+David, City of, 7
+
+David, King of Scotland, 72, 74
+
+David, St., 284
+
+Dawson, Mr. George, 274
+
+Day, John, Aldersgate, 136
+
+Days of "Good Queen Bess," 148
+
+De Beauchamp, William, 64
+
+De Broc, The family of, 53
+
+December, 28, 29, 33
+
+Decking, 15, 204, 227, 273, 282, 305, 318
+
+Decline of Christmas, 217
+
+De Comines, Philip, 93
+
+Decorations, 323. (_See also_ "decking.")
+
+D'Egville, 316
+
+"Delights of Christmas," 243
+
+Dellegrout, 55
+
+De Molis, Sir Nicholas, 64
+
+Demonology, 152, 196
+
+De Montfort, Simon, 65
+
+Denby, 219
+
+Denison, Hon. Mr. and the Misses, 273
+
+Denis, St., 53, 283
+
+Denmark, 284, 288
+
+De Patteshall, Hugh, 64
+
+Dependents feasting, 202
+
+Deposition of Edward II., 69
+
+_De Praefecto Ludorum_, 110
+
+Deptford Dockyard, 223
+
+Derby, Countess Dowager of, 200
+
+Dersingham, 263
+
+Desborough, 213
+
+De Tracy, William, 53
+
+Detroit, 291
+
+Devon, Earl of, 87
+
+Devonshire, 213, 278
+
+De Worde, W., 91
+
+Diana, 102
+
+Diana Hunting, a masque, 120
+
+Dice, 195, 237
+
+Dickens, Charles, 274, 292
+
+Dieppe, 43
+
+Dimmick, Mrs., 313
+
+Dinah, 316
+
+Dingwell, Lord, 190
+
+Dinners to 5,000 poor, 264
+
+Diocletian's atrocities, 20
+
+Dionysius Exiguus, 13
+
+Dipmore End, 276
+
+Disguisings, 75, 76, 91, 95, 100
+
+D'Israeli, 151
+
+"Dissipation and Negligence," 112
+
+Dissolution of Monasteries, 108
+
+Distributions to the poor, 257, 260, 264
+
+Diversions, 76, 91, 95, 101, 119, 153, 205, 246-7, 251
+
+Diverting ditties, 233-7
+
+Divinings, 345
+
+"Doctor," 284;
+  medical, 341
+
+"Domesday Book," 45
+
+Donne, 152
+
+Doran, Dr., 209, 210
+
+Dorset, Countess of, 211
+
+Dorset, Marquis of, 101
+
+Dover, 63, 81
+
+Dragon's heads, &c, 73
+
+Dramatic displays, 123, 136-7, 140-2, 153
+
+Dramatist, England's greatest, 142
+
+Drinkhail, 58
+
+Drinks, 55 (see "Ale," "Mead," &c.)
+
+Druidical plant, 228, 318
+
+Druidism, 15, 28, 228
+
+Drums, 220, 339
+
+Dryden, 196
+
+Dublin, 52
+
+Dudley, Lord Robert, 126
+
+Dugdale, Sir William, 112, 125, 138, 146
+
+Dunn, Harriett, 316
+
+Dunois, 84
+
+Dunstan's Churchyard, St., 136
+
+Durham, 43
+
+Durham, Bishop of, 241
+
+Dutchmen display fireworks, 154
+
+Dwarfs, 195
+
+
+E
+
+Ealdred, Archbishop, 39
+
+Earl Marshal, 82
+
+Early celebrations in Britain, 23
+
+Eastern Churches, the, 11, 12, 325
+
+Edgar, King, 36
+
+Edinburgh, the late Duke of, 263
+
+Edmondes, Sir Thomas, 192
+
+Edmund, Archbishop, 63
+
+Edmundsbury, St., 60
+
+Edmund, son of Ethelred, 37
+
+Edric, the Saxon, 37
+
+Edric, Earl of Northumberland, 37
+
+Edward the Confessor, 38
+
+Edward, Prince, 241
+
+Edward, St., 86
+
+Edward I., 67
+
+Edward II., 68
+
+Edward III., 69
+
+Edward IV., 86, 87, 88, 89
+
+Edward V., 92
+
+Edward VI., 108, 115, 116, 117
+
+Edward the Black Prince, 74
+
+Edwards, Richard, 137, 140
+
+Edwin's Chiefs, King, 30
+
+Effect of Season, 282
+
+"Egeria," H.M.S., 308
+
+Egg-nogg, 311
+
+Egg Saturday, 183
+
+Egmont, Count of, 118
+
+Eija, 339, 340
+
+Eisenach, 106
+
+Eisleben, 106
+
+Eleanor of Aquitane, 58
+
+Eleanor of Castile, 68
+
+Eleanor of Provence, 62
+
+Eleutherius, Bishop of Rome, 24
+
+Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Edward IV. 88
+
+Elizabeth, Princess (afterwards Queen), 119, 120
+
+Elizabeth, Princess of Austria, 335
+
+Elizabeth, Queen, 122, 138, 140, 142, 150
+
+Elizabeth of York, 93
+
+Ellis, 105
+
+El Teb, 302
+
+Eltham, 78, 80, 81, 89, 104
+
+Ely, Bishop of, 193
+
+Ely, Monks of, 37
+
+Emma, the Lady, 37, 38
+
+England, 288
+
+English Court, 38
+
+English exiles, 93
+
+Entertainments, 30, 77, 112, 218, 233, 294
+
+Epiphany, 11, 60, 93, 97, 192, 345
+
+Episcopal cautions, 22
+
+Ernalton of Spayne, 75
+
+Errant, Knights, 195
+
+Essex, Earl of, 143
+
+Ethelbert, King of Kent, 28
+
+Ethelred, King, 36, 37, 38
+
+Ethelwine, Bishop, 43
+
+Eusebius, 13
+
+Evelyn, John, 201, 211, 223
+
+Evelyn, Richard, 200
+
+Ewald, 13
+
+Excursionists, 310
+
+Exeter, 232
+
+Exeter Cathedral, 280
+
+Exeter Chapel, 211
+
+Exeter, Duchess of, 88
+
+Excesses, Anglo-Saxon, 33;
+  Norman, 56
+
+Expenditure for Christmas-keeping, 100-1
+
+Experiences, Christmas, 287
+
+
+F
+
+Fabian, 81
+
+"Fabliau of Sir Cleges," 69
+
+Fair, Christmas, 337
+
+Fairies, 195, 237
+
+Fairy-bowl, 313
+
+Fallow, Mr. T. M., F.S.A., 282-3
+
+Fare, enormous, 65
+
+Farnaby, 140
+
+Farrar, Dean, 7
+
+Fatally Burnt in Christmas Costumes, 291
+
+"Father Christmas," 284
+
+Favourites of James I., 155
+
+Feast in the hall, 148
+
+Feats of arms, 59, 67, 72, 73, 81, 99, 188
+
+Fenwick, Sir John, 153, 222
+
+Ferrers, George, 115, 116
+
+"Ferrex and Porrex," 136
+
+_Festa Natalazie_, 336
+
+Festival in Scotland, the, 191
+
+Festivities in the seventeenth century, 199
+
+Fetes, 309
+
+Finland, 288
+
+Fire, the all-attracting, at Christmas, 201, 217, 253, 259
+
+Fire at King's Palace, 96
+
+Fire in middle of halls, 30, 201
+
+First English Tragedy, 125
+
+First Footing in Scotland, 285
+
+"First Nowell," the, 346, 350
+
+Fitzstephen, 45
+
+Fitz Urse, Reginald, 53
+
+Fitzwilliam, Lord Admiral, 109
+
+Fitzwilliam, Sir William, 122
+
+Five Articles of James I., 191
+
+"Five Bells of Magdalen Church," 182
+
+Fleet, the, 112
+
+Fleetwood, 213
+
+Flemings, 52
+
+Fletcher, 152
+
+Flodden Field, 98
+
+Flohr, Madame Appoline, 332
+
+_Florentine, Old,_ 249
+
+Flowers, 306, 307
+
+Foiz, Erle of, 75
+
+"Fool's Dance," the, 116
+
+Fool, or Jester, 77, 113, 116, 284
+
+Forbes, Mr. Archibald, 299
+
+Forest of Dean, 43
+
+Foresters, Lady, 75
+
+Foresters and huntsmen in play, 100, 102
+
+Forfeits, 246-7
+
+Forte, Mr., 303
+
+Fosse, the, 267
+
+Foster, Birket, illustrations by, 2, 32, 44, 57, 111, 202, 234, 240,
+  250, 257, 271
+
+"Foula Reel," the, 286
+
+France, 63, 72, 108, 288, 316-321
+
+Francis II., Emperor, 35
+
+Franco-German War, 35
+
+"Franklin's Tale," the, 33
+
+Fraser, Sir Simon, 71
+
+Free-lunches at hotels, 311
+
+Freeman, William, 25, 37, 43, 45
+
+French Embassy, 101
+
+Fretevel, 53
+
+Friars, 195, 271
+
+Friday Street Tavern, 152
+
+Friscobald, Leonard, 100
+
+Froissart, Sir John, 31, 69, 75
+
+Frost, hard, of 1564, 138
+
+Frozen regions, 296
+
+Fuller, 94
+
+Fur-clad revellers, 310
+
+
+G
+
+Gairdner, Mr. James, 86
+
+Gaities, 309
+
+Gala, 309
+
+Galerius, 20
+
+Gambia, 345
+
+Gambols, 213, 221, 228, 247, 251
+
+Games, 33, 88, 98, 102, 154, 205, 246
+
+Garden of pleasure, 88
+
+Garrard, Rev. G., 156
+
+Garret, Mr. Edward, 284
+
+Garrick, David, 219, 230, 237
+
+Gascoigne, 140
+
+Gascon wine, 57
+
+Gaul, 28
+
+Gaunt, John of, 94
+
+Gay, John, 229
+
+Geikie, Dr., 12
+
+Generosity, 31, 263
+
+Gentlemen of the Chapel Royal, 136, 141
+
+_Gentleman's Magazine_, 243
+
+Gentry, 55, 91. (_Also see_ items under names of "Gentry.")
+
+Geoffrey of Monmouth, 31, 49, 136
+
+Geological Society, 297
+
+George I., 229
+
+George II., 231
+
+George II., costumes, 286
+
+George III., 240
+
+George IV., 258
+
+George's Chapel, St., Windsor, 140
+
+George, King of Bohemia, 89
+
+George, Prince, 225
+
+George, St., village of, 324
+
+George, St., and the Dragon, 59, 284
+
+Germans, 33, 35, 288, 332, 333, 334
+
+Germany, Emperor and Empress of, 334
+
+"Germania," 295
+
+_Gesta Grayorum_, 142
+
+Ghost Stories, 33, 237, 274, 276
+
+Giants, 195
+
+Gifford, 152, 197
+
+Gifts, 30, 42, 69, 89, 96, 148, 170, 300, 323
+
+Giles, 140
+
+Giles's Christian Mission, St., 265
+
+Giles Fields, St., London, 81
+
+"Gillie Cullum," 305
+
+Gipps, Mr. Richard, 218
+
+Giraldus Cambrensis, 49
+
+Gleemen, 31, 69 (_Also see_ "Minstrels.")
+
+"_Gloria in Excelsis_," 317
+
+Gloucester, 38, 45
+
+Gloucester, Duke of, 92
+
+Gloucestershire, Sheriff of, 65
+
+Goblins of the "Iliad," 325
+
+Goddesses and huntresses, 119
+
+Godwin, House of, 38
+
+Goffe, 212
+
+Gold Coast, 288
+
+Golden play at Court, 154
+
+Goldsmith, Oliver, 241
+
+"Good old fashion," 146
+
+Googe, Barnaby, 121
+
+Goose-pie, 256
+
+"Gorboduc," 125, 136
+
+Gorgeous apparelling, 101
+
+Gosford Street, Coventry, 148
+
+Gospatric, 38
+
+Gourdon, Sir Robert, 190
+
+"Governance Lord," 112
+
+"Gracious time," a, 34
+
+Graduals, 22
+
+Grand entertainments, 99, 100-2
+
+"Grand Christmas" ceremonies, 132
+
+Grand Guiser, 286
+
+Grant, 254
+
+Granthuse, Lord of, 87
+
+Grape gathering, 16
+
+Grattan, 59
+
+Gray's Inn, 111, 112, 142, 143, 144, 145, 193, 218
+
+Gray's Inn List of Performers, 143-5
+
+Great houses, 111
+
+Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop, 22
+
+Gregory the Great--His _Antiphonary_, 22;
+  his story about English slaves, 27;
+  sends Augustine to England, 28
+
+Greek Church show, 328
+
+Greek Empire, 324
+
+Green, J. R., 122, 200
+
+Greenland, 295, 296
+
+Greenwich, 100, 108, 115, 119
+
+Greenwich Hospital Gathering, 288
+
+Grey de Ruthyn, Lord, 82
+
+Grey, Lady Jane, and her husband, 117
+
+Grey, Lord Richard, 92
+
+Griffiths, William, 136
+
+"Grimston, Young," 273
+
+Groceries, 265
+
+Grose, 227
+
+Guildford, 60, 73
+
+Guising, 286
+
+Gunhild, 37
+
+Gunning, Mr., 211
+
+Gustavus, 342
+
+Guy of Warwick, 195
+
+Gybson, Richard, 100
+
+
+H
+
+"Hackin, the," 216, 235
+
+Haddon Hall, 224, 225
+
+_Hagmenae_, 305
+
+"Halig monath" (Holy month), 29
+
+Hallam, 223
+
+Hall, chronicler, 100, 104
+
+Hall, a gentleman's, 30, 201
+
+Halstead, 93
+
+Hamilton, Marquesse of, 192
+
+"Hamlet," 34, 142
+
+Hampton Court, 108, 139
+
+Handel, 350
+
+Hanover, 229
+
+"Hansa," the, 295
+
+"Happy Land," the, 286
+
+Harefield, 200
+
+Harefleur, 93
+
+Hare soup, 295
+
+Harleian, MS., 30, 95
+
+Harlequin, 230
+
+"Harlequin Sorcerer," 230
+
+Harold I., son of Canute, 37
+
+Harold II., son of Godwin, 39
+
+Harpers, 31, 41, 91
+
+Harrison, President, and Mrs., 313
+
+Harthacnut, 37
+
+Haselrig, 213
+
+Haslewood, Mr. Joseph, 232, 241, 244
+
+Hastings, battle of, 39
+
+Hastings, Lord, 87, 88
+
+Hatfield House, 119, 120
+
+Hat of Estate, royal, 96
+
+Hatton, Lady, 211
+
+Hawaii, 307
+
+Hawking, 32, 154
+
+Hay, Lord, 190
+
+Heathenish practices, 26
+
+Hebrew and Hellenic elements, 19
+
+Heine, Henrich, 321
+
+Helena of York, 21
+
+Heliogabalus, 312
+
+Helmes, Mr. Henry, 143
+
+Hemans, Mrs., 47
+
+Hems, Mr. Harry, 278
+
+Hengest, 28
+
+Henley-on-Thames, 157
+
+Henrietta Maria, 214
+
+Henry, Cardinal of Winchester, 82
+
+Henry I., 47
+
+Henry II., 52, 56
+
+Henry III., 62, 64
+
+Henry IV., 79
+
+Henry V., 80;
+  widow of, 94
+
+Henry VI., 83, 85, 86, 87
+
+Henry of Richmond, 93
+
+Henry VII., marries Elizabeth of York, 94
+
+Henry VIII., 98;
+  becomes head of Church, 107
+
+Henry V. of Germany, 47
+
+Henry, Prince, Son of James I., 152, 188
+
+"Henry, Prince of Purpoole," 142
+
+Herald Angels, the (a poem), 3
+
+Heralds and pursuivants, 89
+
+Herbert, Sir Philip, 153
+
+Hereford, Duke of, 78
+
+Herod, King, 7
+
+Herons, 96
+
+Herrick, Robert, 202, 279
+
+"Hesperides," the, 203, 279
+
+Heton, 68
+
+Heynalte, Syr John, 70
+
+Heywood, a player, 108
+
+Higgs, Griffin, writer of the "Christmas Prince," 157, 350
+
+High Festival at Court, 240
+
+Highgate, 122
+
+Highlands, 254
+
+Hilary's Day, St., 73
+
+Hilo, 306
+
+Hinds' and maids' festivities, 213
+
+Hippodrome, 52
+
+Hobbyhorse, the, 197
+
+Hobgoblins, 237
+
+Hochstetter, Professor, 297
+
+Hogges, village of, 52
+
+Holbein, Hans, 109, 114
+
+Holinshed, 100, 115, 122
+
+Holland, Governor of, 87
+
+Holland, Lord, 156
+
+Hollington, near Hastings, 284
+
+Hollis, Sir William, 220
+
+Holst, Duke of, 153
+
+Holt, Sir, 243
+
+Holly, 273, 282
+
+"Holly Bough, under the," 274
+
+Holy evenings, 342
+
+Holy Land, 67
+
+Homage in the fifteenth century, 90
+
+Hone, 66, 241, 317
+
+Honey and wine, 55
+
+Hood, Thomas, 274
+
+Hoop and hide, 237
+
+Hooton Roberts, 220
+
+Horses gaily caparisoned, 99
+
+Hospitality, 30, 124, 145, 146, 220, 256, 260-6, 278
+
+Hostilities suspended for Christmas-day, 81, 84
+
+Hot cockles, 229, 247, 252
+
+Houghton Chapel, 220
+
+Household Book of Henry VII., 95
+
+Household Book of Henry VIII., 100
+
+Housekeeping, Christmas, 232
+
+House of Commons, 207
+
+House of Peers, 226
+
+Howard family, 101
+
+Howard, Frances, Countess of Essex, 155
+
+Howitt, Mary, 276
+
+"Hue and Cry after Christmas," 208
+
+Huet, Sir John, 153
+
+Huish, 241
+
+Humber, the, 43
+
+Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, 82
+
+Hungary, 153;
+  King of, 35
+
+Hunting, 32, 54
+
+Huntingdon, Earl of, 79;
+  Countess of, 82
+
+Hunt the Slipper, 247, 313
+
+Hussars, 10th, 301
+
+Hussey, Sir Richard, 153
+
+Hypocras, 55
+
+
+I
+
+Iceberg, Christmas upon an, 297
+
+Ice-bound regions, 295
+
+Ice sports, 45, 138, 154-5
+
+Ideler, 13
+
+Illuminations at Hampton Court, 120
+
+Immanuel, 5, 6
+
+India, 299
+
+Indian Ocean, 308
+
+Ingenuities and devices, 63
+
+Inner Temple, 125, 136, 138
+
+Innocents' Day, 38, 119, 169
+
+Inns of Court, 111, 112, 137, 201, 218
+
+Interludes, 103, 112
+
+Interruptions of festivities, 85, 206
+
+"Investigator," the, 294
+
+Iona, the monks of, 27
+
+Ipomydon, Romance of, 33
+
+Ipswich, 68, 210
+
+_Ira Seu Tumulus Fortune_, 183
+
+Ireland, 52, 288
+
+Irish customs, 251
+
+Irish Princes and Chieftains, 55
+
+Irving, Washington, 241, 258
+
+Isabel, Queen of France, 78
+
+Isabella, daughter of Edward III., 75
+
+Isaiah, the Prophet, 5
+
+Italy, 288
+
+Italian characters, 230
+
+Italian Masque, 100
+
+
+J
+
+"Jack Straw," a masque, 112
+
+Jacobites, 237
+
+Jade, a charming, 252
+
+Jamaica, 288
+
+James I., 138, 150, 191, 193, 196
+
+James II., 220, 225
+
+James III. of Scotland, 98
+
+James IV. of Scotland, 98
+
+James's, St., 241
+
+"Jane the Fool," 108
+
+Jellalabad Plain, 302
+
+Jermyn, Sir Isaac, 153;
+  Sir Robert, 153
+
+Jerome, St., 13, 21
+
+Jerusalem, the church at, 11
+
+Jerusalem Chamber, 207
+
+"Jesus, the Nazarene," 52
+
+Jhelum, 300
+
+Jinks, high, 285
+
+Joan of Arc, 84
+
+Joan of Kent, 76, 149
+
+Jocund holiday, 266
+
+John's College, St., Oxford, 111
+
+John III., Duke of Cleves, 109
+
+John's Day, St., 86, 134, 153, 219, 320
+
+John, King, 59
+
+John of Gaunt, 74
+
+John of Salisbury, 54
+
+John the Baptist, 13
+
+Joints of meats, 265
+
+Jones, Rev. A. G., 308
+
+Jones, Mr. Charles C., 102
+
+Jones, Mrs. Herbert, 85, 263
+
+Jones, Inigo, 151
+
+Jones, Mary, 280
+
+Jonson, Ben, 86, 141, 148, 149, 151, 152, 190, 197
+
+Jordan, 19
+
+Joseph, 5, 6
+
+Jousts, 32, 120
+
+Judas Maccabaeus, 17
+
+Judaean origin of Christmas, supposed, 17
+
+Jugglers, 31
+
+Jule (_see_ Yule)
+
+"Julebukker," 342
+
+Julius Agricola, 25
+
+Julius I., Bishop of Rome, 12
+
+Jupiter, 152
+
+Justin Martyr, 7
+
+Justiciars' extravagance, 59
+
+
+K
+
+Katherine of Arragon, 99
+
+Katherine, wife of Henry V., 81
+
+Kalends of January, 22
+
+Karumpie, 55
+
+Ken, Bishop, 11
+
+Kenilworth Castle, 67, 68, 69, 84, 93, 197
+
+Kent, 118
+
+Kent, earldom of, 46
+
+Kent, Countess of, 82;
+  Fair Maid of, 149
+
+"Kepe Open Court," 69
+
+"Kepe open thy door," 30, 146, 220
+
+Kilaue, 307
+
+Kimberley, 299
+
+King and Council, 117
+
+King at Lord Buckingham's, 192
+
+King, Josiah, 233
+
+King of Christmas, 112
+
+"King of the Cockneys," 112
+
+"King of the Peak," 224
+
+King of Egypt and his daughter, 284
+
+King's deer, 75
+
+King's Lynn, 85
+
+King's players, 151, 153
+
+King's singing men, 89
+
+King's train-bearer, 96
+
+"Kingdome's Weekly Intelligencer," 208
+
+Kinloch, 300
+
+Kirke, George, 201
+
+Kissing Bush, 250, 281
+
+Kitts, St., 288
+
+Knevet, Sir Thomas, 101
+
+Knights and Ladies, playing at, 252
+
+Knights of the Round Table, 30
+
+Knights in armour, 99
+
+Knight Templars, 60
+
+Knipton, 266
+
+Kyrie Eliesons, 22, 28
+
+
+L
+
+_La Blanche Nef,_ 47
+
+Ladies-in-waiting, 263
+
+Lady-bells ring, 267
+
+Lady-Mass, 88
+
+"Lady Public Weal," 112
+
+Ladysmith, 299
+
+Lalain, Count of, 118
+
+Lamb, Charles, 200, 244-6
+
+Lambeth, 38, 138
+
+"Lamentation," 145
+
+Lancastrians, 85, 86
+
+Lanfranc, Archbishop, 46, 49
+
+Lanterns, Feast of, 345
+
+"Largess," a, 129
+
+Latimer, Hugh, 113
+
+Latin and Greek verse, 111
+
+Laube, Dr., 297
+
+Laud, Dr. (Archbishop), 191, 195
+
+Launcelot, Sir, 32
+
+Laurel, 273, 282
+
+Laurel blent with cypress, 298
+
+Lavaine, Sir, 32
+
+Lavish entertainments, 59
+
+Law, Christmas, ancient, 35
+
+Lawes, Henry, 151
+
+Leaping, 32, 229
+
+Leech, John, 289
+
+Lee's "Mithridates," 218
+
+Leeds, 283, 291
+
+Legend of St. Nicholas, 310
+
+Leicester, Earl of, 66, 139
+
+Leigh, Gerard, 127
+
+Leland, 95
+
+Lenox, Duke of, 190
+
+Leo, Pope, 35
+
+Leon, King of Armenia, 78
+
+Leon von Rozmital, 89
+
+Leonard's chime, St., 267
+
+Lerwick, 286
+
+Letter Missions, 292
+
+Leyden, 157
+
+Library, St. John's College, 156
+
+Lichfield Cathedral, 349, 350;
+  Deanery of, 157, 350
+
+Lincoln, 51, 68
+
+Lincoln, Earl of, 64
+
+Lincoln's Inn, 111, 112, 138
+
+Lincolnshire, 266
+
+Linlithgow, 68
+
+Lion and antelope as performers, 102
+
+Lions' heads, 119
+
+Lisbon, 226
+
+Lists of combat, 101
+
+Literature, 292, 313
+
+Llanfairpyllycrochon, 280
+
+Llewellyn, Prince of Wales, 67
+
+Log-fires, 32, 301
+
+Lollards, 80
+
+London, 36, 38, 43, 45, 51, 60, 63, 71, 78, 138
+
+London, Bishop of, 25, 79
+
+Longchamps, William, Bishop of Ely, 59
+
+Longe, John, 71, 72
+
+Longfellow, 26, 43, 44, 271
+
+Lord Chamberlain, 87, 139
+
+Lord Chamberlain's players, 151
+
+Lord Mayor of London, 116
+
+Lord Mayor and Lord of Misrule at loggerheads, 198
+
+Lord of Misrule, 74, 95, 100, 105, 109, 112, 115, 125, 126, 198, 200,
+  218
+
+Lord President of Wales, 200
+
+Lord Treasurer, 192
+
+Lorrainers, 319
+
+Loseley, Surrey, 122
+
+Lott, Mr. J. B., 350
+
+Louis of France, 62
+
+Lambert, 213
+
+Louis, St., 317
+
+"Love's Triumph," 198
+
+Lucius Verus, 24
+
+"Luck of Christ," the, 325
+
+Ludlow, 92, 200
+
+Luke, St., 6, 7
+
+Luther, Martin, 106
+
+"Lying Valet," 237
+
+Lyly's Plays, 141
+
+Lyson's "Magna Britannia," 251
+
+
+M
+
+Macaulay, Lord, 40
+
+Machinists, ingenious, 151
+
+Mackay, Dr. Charles, 274
+
+Madden, Sir Frederick, 87
+
+Madeley, Shropshire, 255, 284
+
+Mafeking, 299
+
+Magdalen College, Oxford, 109, 110
+
+Magdalene College, Cambridge, 145
+
+Magi, the, 11, 19, 28
+
+_Magna Charta_, 60
+
+Magnificence, 40, 87
+
+Magnus, St., 49
+
+Maid of Kent, Fair, 76, 149
+
+Maid Marians, 286
+
+Mainard, John, 117
+
+Mallard, John, 114
+
+Malory, Sir Thomas, 32
+
+Malta, 307
+
+Manger, superb substitutes for, 328
+
+Manners, Lord and Lady John, 266
+
+Manners, Sir John, 224
+
+Manor, ancient, 148, 149
+
+Mansfeld, 106
+
+Mansions, 55
+
+Manuel, Emperor, 52
+
+Maori Pa, 304
+
+March, Earl of, 82
+
+Marcus Aurelius Antonius, 24
+
+Margaret, daughter of Henry III., 64
+
+Margaret of Anjou, 85, 86
+
+Margaret, daughter of Henry VII., 97
+
+Mark's, St., Venice, 336
+
+Marlboro', 304
+
+Marlborough, Duchess of, 225;
+  Duke of, 225
+
+"Marmion," 36
+
+Marriage festivities, 62, 63, 64, 81, 99, 151-2
+
+Marseilles, 307
+
+Marteaux (a game with balls), 88
+
+Martial music, 84
+
+Martigny, George, 88
+
+Martin, 152
+
+Martin's, St., Canterbury, 24
+
+Martyn, John, 231
+
+Martyrs, British, 20
+
+Mary, the mother of Jesus, 5, 6,
+
+Mary, St., 53
+
+Mary, Princess (afterwards Queen), 105;
+  her accession, 117;
+  Queen, 119, 136
+
+Maryland, 314
+
+Mary, Queen, wife of William III., 221
+
+Mason, 251
+
+Masquerade, 100, 102, 236
+
+Masques, 52, 99, 119, 120, 143, 151, 152, 153, 154, 168, 192, 195,
+  197, 201;
+  rustic masque, 272
+
+Massacres of Christians, 20
+
+Massinger, Philip, 112, 193
+
+"Master Christmas," 206
+
+Master of the Children, the, 136
+
+Master of the Revels, 74, 112, 125, 218 (_see also_ Lord of Misrule)
+
+Matilda, Empress, daughter of Henry I., 47, 51
+
+Matilda, Queen of Henry I., 49
+
+Matins, 88
+
+Matthew, St., 6
+
+Maud, General, 300
+
+Maupigyrum, 55
+
+Mauritius, 288
+
+Mayor and Aldermen of London, 74, 96
+
+Mayor of Canterbury mobbed, 210
+
+McClure, Sir R., 294
+
+Mead, 55
+
+Meade, Mr., 192, 198
+
+Mediterranean, 307, 321, 331
+
+Medley of Nymphs, savages, &c., 102
+
+Melbourne, 303
+
+"Meliades," 189
+
+Melrose, 98
+
+Memphis, 59
+
+Mendelssohn, 350
+
+Men of Kent, 210
+
+Mephistopheles, 342
+
+Mercia, 34, 35
+
+"Merciless Parliament," 78
+
+"_Mercurius Academicus_," 207
+
+"_Mercurius Civicus_," 208
+
+Mermaid Inn, 152
+
+"Merry Boys of Christmas," 215
+
+Merry Disports, Lord of, 117 (_see also_ Master of the Revels)
+
+"Merry in the hall," 235
+
+Merry tales, 195
+
+Merton College, Oxford, 237
+
+"Messiah," 304, 350
+
+Metrical Romance, 69
+
+Mexborough, 219
+
+Michell, Sir Francis, 194
+
+Middle Temple, 156, 192
+
+Middleton Tower, Norfolk, 84
+
+Midnight Mass, 316, 323
+
+Midwinter Customs in the north, 284
+
+Mildmay, Sir Henry, 192
+
+Milford Haven, 93
+
+Millbrook, Southampton, 265
+
+Miller, Thomas, 248
+
+Mills, 148
+
+Milner, Dr., 31
+
+Milton, 13, 200, 253
+
+Mimics, 69
+
+"Mince-pie," 273
+
+Minerva, the Goddess, 102
+
+Minstrels, 31, 41, 42, 43, 44, 58, 69, 315
+
+Miracles at Becket's Sepulchre, 54
+
+Miracle Plays, 52, 77
+
+"_Misa del Gallo_," 340
+
+"_Misa di Lux_," 340
+
+Miscomia, 297
+
+Misrule (_see_ "Lord of Misrule")
+
+Missionary's Christmas, 308
+
+Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, 286
+
+Mistletoe, 28, 228, 250, 273, 282, 307, 318, 319
+
+M'Kee, Mr. and Mrs., 313
+
+Modern Christmases at home, 240
+
+Modern Christmases abroad, 294
+
+"Modern Intelligencer," The, 208
+
+Mohnpielen, 335
+
+Monk, General, 214
+
+Monks, merry, 37, 56
+
+Monson, Sir William, 192
+
+Monstrelet, 81
+
+Monte Carlo, 331
+
+Montegele, Lord, 154
+
+Montgomery, 154, 190
+
+Morat, 55
+
+Moray, Earl of, 71
+
+More, Mr., of Loseley, 122
+
+Morley, Lady, 91
+
+Morley, Professor Henry, 69, 125, 136, 193, 229
+
+Morrice Dance, 102
+
+Mortimer, Anne, 86
+
+Morville, Hugh de, 53
+
+Mosaics, 16, 331
+
+Mother of the maids, 139
+
+Motley throng, 286
+
+Mowbrays, 148
+
+Moyle, Thomas, 112
+
+Muddle, General, 297
+
+Mumming, 52, 80, 121, 234, 236, 267
+
+Murray, Sir Andrew, 71
+
+Muschamp, Sir Thomas, 153
+
+Music, 195
+
+Musicians, 129
+
+Musk veal, 294
+
+Mysteries, 77
+
+
+N
+
+"_Naogeorgus_," 121
+
+Naples, 336
+
+Napoleon Bonaparte, 321
+
+Naseby, 209
+
+Nativity, place of the, 7;
+  Church and Convent of the, 7;
+  feast of the, 15;
+  massacres at the, 20;
+  sermons on the, 193-5
+
+Navarre, 63
+
+Navidad discovered, 96
+
+Negroes' merry Christmas, 314
+
+Negro minstrels, 286
+
+Neighbours and Tenants, 146, 220
+
+Nelson, New Zealand, 304
+
+Nero, 15, 20
+
+Netherlands, 288
+
+Neville's Cross, 74
+
+Neville, Sir Richard, 82
+
+Nevil, Lord, 86, 101
+
+Newark-on-Trent, 62
+
+New Brunswick, 288
+
+Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 68
+
+New England Puritans, 314
+
+New Forest, 47
+
+Newmarket, 194, 218
+
+New style, 237
+
+Newton, Sir Isaac, 14, 204
+
+New Year's Day, 93, 95, 96, 100, 130, 135, 169, 170, 189, 199, 203,
+  260, 263, 271, 284, 286, 291, 323, 342
+
+New Zealand, 304
+
+Nicholas's Day, St., 119
+
+Nichols, 120, 124, 126, 153, 155, 191, 192, 193-5
+
+Nicomedia, 20
+
+Nigellus, 53
+
+Novgorod, 319
+
+Nip, 342
+
+"Nippin Grund," the, 286
+
+Noblemen, 99, 124
+  (see others named)
+
+_Noche-buena_, 340
+
+Nocturnal Office, 317
+
+Noel or Nowell, 9, 33, 319, 321, 346, 350
+
+Nonconformists, 207
+
+Norfolk, 143, 146, 218
+
+"Norman Baron," the, 43-4
+
+Norman celebrations, 40, 41
+
+Norman Conquest helped, 37
+
+Norman-French customs, 38
+
+Normandy, dukedom of, 47
+
+Normandy, 42, 318, 320
+
+Northampton, Marquis of, 139
+
+Northamptonshire, 284
+
+North, Mr. Thomas, 232
+
+Northern nations, 15
+
+North Pole, 295
+
+North Sea fishermen, 286
+
+North West Passage, 294
+
+Northumberland, 43, 255
+
+Northumberland, Earl of, 37, 86;
+  earldom of, 43;
+  Duke of, 117
+
+Northumberland Household Book, 103
+
+Northumbrians, 27, 38
+
+Norton, Thomas, 125
+
+Norway, 288, 342
+
+Nottingham, 68, 189
+
+Nova Scotia, 288
+
+Nuns, 267, 271, 321
+
+
+O
+
+Oberon, 342
+
+Odo, Bishop, 46
+
+Offa, "the mighty," 34, 350
+
+Officers of "Grand Christmas," list of, 126;
+  of Christmas Prince, 165-6-7;
+  officers, Royal, of Arms, 139
+
+Oglethorpe, Bishop, 123
+
+Olaf, King, 26
+
+"Old Christmas," 145, 230, 273, 276
+
+"Old and Young Courtiers," 217
+
+Oldisworth, Michael, 201
+
+"Open Court" of Cardinal Wolsey, 104
+
+"Open House," 113, 220
+
+Opera, the, 228
+
+Order of the Garter instituted, 72
+
+Ordinances of the Puritans, 207
+
+Orkney Isles, 287
+
+Orleans, 84
+
+Orpheus, 19, 29, 152
+
+Osborne House, 261-3
+
+Othbert, 49
+
+Ovation to Henry V., 81
+
+Overbury, Sir Thomas, 155
+
+Ovid, 230
+
+Oxford, 38, 51, 68, 109, 140, 210
+
+
+P
+
+Paganism, 19, 20, 22, 28
+
+Pageantry, 31, 63, 122
+
+Paget, Lord, 120
+
+Palatine, marriage of, 151
+
+"Palemon and Arcite," 140
+
+Palestine, 54
+
+"Pallas, Knights of," 102
+
+Palmer, Mr., Lord of Misrule, 198
+
+Pansch, Dr., 295
+
+Panting Piper, 305
+
+Pantomime, 229, 230
+
+Papal Legate, 64
+
+Pappa Westra, 287
+
+Paris, 35, 291, 316, 317, 318
+
+Paris, Matthew, 54, 63
+
+Paris Tournament, 78
+
+Parker, Lieutenant and Mrs., 313
+
+"Parlement," 45
+
+Parliamentarians, 206
+
+Parliament, new Houses of, 46
+
+Parliament, the first English, 65
+
+Parson makes merry with parishioners, 113
+
+Parties, 309
+
+"Paston Letters," 86, 91
+
+Pastoral, "Calisto," 218
+
+Patriarch of Venice, 336
+
+Patrick, St., 284
+
+_Paulinus_, Missionary, 30
+
+Paul, Mr. Howard, 309
+
+Paul's Cathedral, St., 140
+
+Paul's Church, St., 119
+
+Paul's Cross, St., 92
+
+Paul St., Earl of, 79
+
+Paul's School, St., 77
+
+Paupers, merry, 288
+
+Pavy, Salathiel, 142
+
+Peacocks, 96, 97
+
+Pegasus, 198
+
+Pembroke, the Regent, 62
+
+Pembroke, Countess of, 241
+
+"Penelope's Wooer," 187
+
+Penshurst, Kent, 148-9
+
+Pepys, Samuel, 145, 218
+
+Perche, Countess of, 47
+
+Peres, William, 103
+
+Performers, various, 41, 77
+
+"Periander," a tragedy, 185
+
+Periodicals, 292, 313
+
+Period of Christmas, 12, 35, 111, 135, 227
+
+Perrers, Alice, 74, 75
+
+Perth, 274
+
+Perry, 55
+
+Peshawur, 300
+
+Petavius, 13
+
+Peter of Blois, 56
+
+Peter, St., 283
+
+Peter the Great, of Russia, 223
+
+Peter's, St., Rome, 330
+
+_Petit Souper_, 322
+
+Petworth, 225
+
+Philip of Spain, 118
+
+Philip and Mary, 119
+
+Philippa, Queen, 72
+
+"Philomathes," 176
+
+"Philomela," a tragedy, 169
+
+Philosopher's game, 195
+
+Phoenicia, 55
+
+Picnics, 304
+
+Picts and Scots, 26, 31
+
+"Picturesque Europe," 224
+
+_Piece de resistance_, 294
+
+Piers Gaveston, 68
+
+Pigment, 55
+
+Pilgrims, 59
+
+Pires Barnard, 68
+
+Pipers, 31, 89
+
+_Place de la Madeline_, 319
+
+_Place de la Republique_, 319
+
+Plague, the, 139
+
+Plantagenets, 68
+
+Plato's Dialogue, 17
+
+Plays, Christmas, 76-7, 84, 91, 95, 102, 112, 125, 136-7, 142, 284,
+  320-1
+
+Playing Cards, 90
+
+Plum-pudding, 245, 263, 265, 273, 317, 319
+
+Pocahontas, 314
+
+_Poculum charitatis_, 237
+
+Poetic pictures of Christmas, 33, 34, 43-4, 69, 203, 204-5, 217,
+  221-2, 227, 250, 258, 274, 276-8, 288, 298, 350
+
+Poictiers, 74
+
+Pointer, 237
+
+Poleaxes for Pensioners, 156
+
+Pole, Cardinal, 118, 119
+
+"Pompey," 36
+
+Pontefract, 87, 92
+
+"Poor Robin's Almanack," 217, 222, 223, 230
+
+Pope, poet, 46, 230
+
+"Popish Customs," so called, 109
+
+Popple, John, 257
+
+Popular festivities, 242
+
+Portugal, 226, 288
+
+Post and Pair, 247, 250
+
+Post-office and postmen, 292
+
+Poverty at Court, 86
+
+Prayer Books of Edward VI., 117
+
+Presbytery, 109
+
+Presents, 15, 42, 69, 88, 312, 323, 326, 335
+
+Presentation in the Temple, 348
+
+_Presepio_ (manger), 328
+
+Preston, Sir Richard, 190
+
+Priestess, Druid, 228
+
+Priests bearing relics, 90
+
+Priestly practices, 121, 317, 328
+
+Primate's cruelty, 200
+
+Primitive celebrations, 19
+
+"Prince Charlie," 237
+
+Prince of Wales, 85, 225, 263
+
+Prince of Wales's Strait, 294
+
+Princes of Germany, 35, 109
+
+Princes play in masques, 152, 197
+
+Privy Council, 117
+
+Prolongation of Revels, 201
+
+Promethus, 152
+
+Protectorate, the, 213
+
+Protestantism of Queen Elizabeth, 122
+
+Provencal Plays, 320-1
+
+Provence, 320, 321;
+  Eleanor of, 62-4
+
+Provision for the poor, 257-8, 260-6
+
+Prowess, 67, 72, 73, 84, 99, 190
+
+Prussian Royal Family, 334
+
+Prynne, William, 199
+
+Psyche, 19
+
+Ptarmigan pasties, 295
+
+_Punch_, 282, 342
+
+Puppet shows, 227, 321, 328
+
+Purification, the, 73
+
+Puritan Directory, 207
+
+Puritanism, 109
+
+Purposes, 195
+
+Puss-in-the-Corner, 236
+
+Pynson, printer, 104
+
+
+Q
+
+Quadrangle, Royal, 88
+
+"Quartette" cards, 272
+
+Queen's College, Oxford, 109
+
+Queen's Gentlewomen, 88
+
+Questions and Commands, 195, 236
+
+Quintin, 45, 59
+
+
+R
+
+Races, 218
+
+Railways, the, 292
+
+Raleigh, Sir Walter, 152
+
+Rampini, Sheriff, 286
+
+Ratcliffe, 93
+
+Rathbertus, a priest, 49
+
+Reade, Mr., 346
+
+"Read's Weekly Journal," 232
+
+"Recollections of old Christmas," 272
+
+Recreations, 195, 315
+
+Redcoats, 294
+
+Redmile, 266
+
+Roedwald, 29
+
+Reformation, 106, 109
+
+Regatta, the Christmas, 304
+
+"_Regis Orator et Calamo_," 114
+
+Regulations for a grand Christmas, 112
+
+Reindeer-sleigh of St. Nick, 311
+
+Rejoicings on French battle ground, 72
+
+Relics, sacred, 90, 331
+
+Religious matters, 117
+
+Rennes cloth, 88
+
+Reresby, Sir John, 219
+
+Restoration, the, 215
+
+Reunions, 313
+
+Revels resembling _Saturnalia_, 18
+
+Revels, called a Maskelyn, 100
+
+Revels, Master of the, 112 (_see also_ "Lord of Misrule")
+
+Revels, 132, 153, 180, 181, 192, 193, 218, 315
+
+Revolution, 220
+
+_Rex Fabarum_, 109
+
+Rhedon, 93
+
+Rheims Cathedral, 94
+
+Rhosllanerchrugog, 264
+
+Rhosymedre, Denbighshire, 264
+
+Rhys, brother of Gruffydd, 38
+
+Richard I. ("_Coeur de Lion_"), 58
+
+Richard II., 76
+
+Richard, Duke of Gloucester, 92
+
+Richard III., 93, 101
+
+Richard, Duke of York, 86, 87
+
+Richard the Good, of Normandy, 38
+
+Rich, Christopher, 229
+
+Rich, John, 229
+
+Richmond, 96, 98, 99, 102, 108, 119
+
+Richmond, Duke of, 105
+
+"Richemond Manor," open house at, 104
+
+Riding School, Windsor, 260
+
+Riddles, 252
+
+Rigden, Mr., 219
+
+Ripon, 242
+
+Rivers, Lady, 88;
+  Earl, 92
+
+Rivet, Andrew, 157
+
+"Roast Beef of Old England," 301
+
+Robert of Comines, 43
+
+Robes, costly, 75
+
+Robin Hood, 66
+
+Robin Hood and his foresters depicted, 100, 286
+
+Rochester, 118
+
+Rochester, Bishop of, 139
+
+Roe, Sergeant, 112
+
+Roger de Coverley, Sir, 227
+
+Roger Mortimer, 68
+
+Roland, Captain of Charlemagne, 41
+
+Roman Church, 62
+
+Roman Catholic reaction, 118
+
+Roman Empire, 35
+
+Roman invasion of Britain, 23
+
+Romantic days, 31
+
+Rome, early Church at, 11
+
+Rome, 328
+
+Romish priestly practices, 121
+
+Rooke, Sir George, 226
+
+Rope-dancing, 229
+
+Roses united in marriage, 94
+
+Rotterham, 220
+
+Rouen, 81, 317
+
+"Round about our Coal Fire," 201, 233
+
+Round Table, 30, 67, 73
+
+Royalists, 206, 215
+
+Royal Bounties, 258, 260
+
+Royal festivities, 54, 94, 99, 141, 261 (_see also_ other festivities
+  recorded under the names of different Sovereigns)
+
+Rowbotham, 28
+
+Rowe, 142
+
+Rowse, Sir John, 153
+
+Royston, 153
+
+Roxburgh Collection (British Museum), 145
+
+Ruabon, 264
+
+Rufus's revelries, 47
+
+Rump, the, 213, 217
+
+Running, 32
+
+Runnymede, 60
+
+Russell, Lord John, 297
+
+Russia, 284, 288, 342
+
+Rutland, Duke of, 224, 266;
+  Janetta, Duchess of, 225;
+  Lord, 80, 87
+
+
+S
+
+Sabine Island, 295
+
+Sackville, Thomas, 125
+
+Sailors' gathering, 288
+
+Salisbury, Earl of, 87, 154, 156
+
+Salom Moss, 101
+
+Sanctuary at Westminster, 92
+
+Sandal Castle, 87
+
+Sandhurst, Berkshire, 276
+
+Sandringham, 85, 263
+
+Sandwich Island, 294
+
+Sandwich Islands, 305
+
+Sandys, William, F.S.A., 15, 104, 137, 201, 206
+
+San Maria Maggiore Church, 331
+
+Saracens, 59
+
+Santa Claus, 290, 310
+
+"Saturday Review," 207
+
+_Saturnalia_, 13, 15, 19, 29, 168, 191, 320
+
+Saxon chiefs, 43
+
+Saxon sports, 44
+
+Scales, Lord and Lady, 84, 85
+
+Scaliger, 13
+
+"Scalloway Lasses," 286
+
+Scandinavianism, 285
+
+Scenic magnificence, 152
+
+Schomberg, Duke of, 226
+
+Scottish annals, 48, 68, 71, 82, 98, 154, 191, 207, 242, 254, 284-8
+
+Scotch first-footing, 285
+
+Scott, Dr., 313
+
+Scott, Sir Walter, 36, 98, 250
+
+Scripture history plays, 77
+
+Sea celebrations, 95, 218, 307
+
+Sears, E. H., 350
+
+Sectaries, 207
+
+Segraves, 148
+
+Selden, 152
+
+Seleucus Nicator, 13
+
+Senegal, 345
+
+Senlac, battle of, 39
+
+"Seven Champions of Christendom," 283
+
+"Seven Dayes of the Weeke," the, 174
+
+Sermons, Christmas, 193
+
+Servants' feasts, 202, 212-3, 263
+
+Servians, 345
+
+Settlers, English, 314
+
+Seville Cathedral, 338
+
+Seymour, Jane, 108
+
+Shaftesbury, 37
+
+Shakespeare, 34, 80, 81, 141, 142, 151, 152, 153, 263
+
+Shaw, Dr., 92
+
+Shene, 75, 96
+
+Shepherds, 7, 317
+
+Sherwood Forest, 66
+
+Shetland, 285
+
+"Shewes," triumphant, 190
+
+Shipwreck on Christmas-day, 287
+
+Shopping in sleighs, 312
+
+Shovelboard, 195
+
+Shrewsbury, Earl of, 139
+
+Shrine of St. Peter, 330
+
+Shropshire, 24, 118, 255, 284
+
+Shrove Tuesday, 183
+
+Sicily, King of, 59
+
+Sidney, Sir Philip, 148
+
+Sieur de Nigry, 118
+
+Silurians, King of, 24
+
+Simeon, 348
+
+Sinclair, Rev. John, 287
+
+Singing, 140, 195, 294, 326, 350
+
+Sirloin of roast beef, 231
+
+Siward, Sir Richard, 64
+
+Skating, 45 (see "Ice Sports")
+
+Skeleton at bed foot, 276
+
+Skinner's Wells, 76
+
+Skylarking, 294
+
+Slade, Monty, 302
+
+Sladen Douglas, B. W., 303
+
+Slavs, 345
+
+Sleighing, 302, 310
+
+Smith, Captain John, 314
+
+Smith, Dr. Walter, 285
+
+Smith, Sir Thomas, 139
+
+Smithfield, London, 79
+
+Smyth, John, court fool, 116
+
+Smyth, Matthew, 143
+
+"Snap" cards, 272
+
+Snapdragon, 247
+
+Social festivities, 252
+
+Society Islands, 288
+
+Somerset, Duke of, 87, 115, 225
+
+Somerset, Earl of, 155
+
+Somerset, Sir Thomas, 190
+
+Somersetshire, 31
+
+Somers, Will, king's jester, 113
+
+"Sonsy haggis" 255
+
+"_Sonya_," 344
+
+Southampton, Earl of, 190
+
+Southern merrymaking, 314
+
+Southey, 257
+
+Souvenirs, 312
+
+Spain, 75, 108, 120, 190, 212, 225, 288, 338
+
+Spanish cavaliers, 286
+
+Spectacular entertainments, 52, 99
+
+"Spectator," the, 227
+
+Speech from the throne, 87
+
+Spenser, 149
+
+Spithead, 225
+
+Sports, 33, 54, 154, 169, 198, 203, 247, 252
+
+Stacy, Louis, 88
+
+Staffordshire, 284, 349, 350
+
+Stained glass, modern, 348
+
+Stainer, 350
+
+Stanley, Dean, 17
+
+Stanton, Mr. W. M., 304
+
+Stapleton, Lady, 91
+
+Star of Bethlehem, 319
+
+Star Chamber, 156
+
+State meetings, 29, 38, 45, 54;
+  State worship, 96-7
+
+Steele, 227
+
+Stephen, King, 51
+
+Stephen's Day, St., 120, 126, 130, 133, 168, 219, 350
+
+Steward's Department, Lord, 260
+
+Steward, Sir John, 82
+
+"Still Christmas" of Henry VIII., 104
+
+Stoke Abbat, 157
+
+Stony Stratford, 92
+
+Stories of Christmastide, 48, 49, 237, 274, 275, 276, 287
+
+Stowe, 66, 74, 102, 112, 116
+
+Strafford papers, 156
+
+Strange, Lady, 139
+
+Stratford-upon-Avon, 218
+
+Strutt, 44, 76, 103, 119, 218
+
+Strype, 119
+
+Sturgeon, 96
+
+Stuteville, Sir Martin, 192, 198
+
+Subtleties, 83, 97
+
+Sufed Koh, 302
+
+Suffolk, 146
+
+Suffolk, Earl of, 84, 189
+
+Sullivan, 350
+
+Sumptuous feasts of Normans, 54
+
+Superstitions, 33, 34, 285
+
+Sussex, Earl of, 139
+
+Sussex, Sheriff of, 65
+
+Swans, 96
+
+Sweden, 288
+
+Sweetmeats, 322
+
+Swegen, King, 36
+
+Swein, King of Denmark, 43
+
+Swithin, St., Winchester, 56
+
+Sword-dance, 229, 255
+
+Sword actors, 282-4
+
+Sword of King Arthur, 58
+
+Swynford Catherine, 94
+
+"Synod of Westminster," 208
+
+Synod of Whitby, 27
+
+Syria, 55
+
+
+T
+
+Tacitus, 24, 33
+
+Taillefer, Norman minstrel, 41
+
+Talbot, Sir John, 84
+
+Tallard, Marshal, 226
+
+Tales, weird, 274-5
+
+Tallis, 140
+
+Tambourine, 340
+
+Tancred, King, 58
+
+"Tatler," the, 228
+
+Taverner, Edmund, 201
+
+Taylor, John, 206
+
+_Te Deum_, 317
+
+Telesphorus, St., Bishop of Rome, 13
+
+Tempest, great, 74
+
+Templars' sports, 198
+
+Temple-horn winded, 198
+
+Temple of Minerva, 184
+
+Temples, the, 111
+
+Tenants' and labourers' feast, 231
+
+Tennyson, 31, 270
+
+Teonge, Rev. Henry, 218
+
+Tetzel, 89
+
+Teuton forefathers, our, 26
+
+Teuton kinsmen, 34
+
+Tewkesbury, 94
+
+Thackeray, Mr., 229
+
+Thames, 108, 127
+
+Thanet, Isle of, 28
+
+Theatrical exhibitions, 141, 229, 230
+
+Thelluson, Hon. Mr. and Miss, 273
+
+Theobald, Archbishop, 53
+
+Theobalds, 154, 193, 194
+
+Theodosius the younger, 22
+
+Thewlis, St., 284
+
+Thomas, St., 54
+
+Thomas, St. (a place), 288
+
+Thomas's Day, St., 130, 164, 265
+
+Thomas, Thomas, 280
+
+Thomas, the Misses, 262
+
+Thor, 15, 26, 29
+
+Thorold, Sir Wilfrid de, 267
+
+Thunder (_see_ Thor), 29
+
+Thurstan, Archbishop, 48
+
+Thrybergh, 219
+
+Tilting, 155 (_see also_ Tournament)
+
+"Time's Alteration," 217
+
+"Time's Complaint," 170
+
+"Time's Telescope," 251
+
+Tobacco, 259, 278
+
+Toffee, 281
+
+Tommy Atkins, 299
+
+Torchlight procession, 286
+
+Torksey Hall, 266
+
+Tostig, Earl, 38
+
+Tournaments, 32, 52, 67, 73, 78, 99, 101, 155, 189, 190
+
+Tower of London, 79, 92, 117, 123, 223, 226
+
+Towton, 87
+
+Toys, 265
+
+Tragedy of "Gowry," the, 153
+
+Traill, Mr., 287
+
+Transatlantic Saxons, 309
+
+Transvaal, 288
+
+Travelling, ancient, 31
+
+"Treason! treason!" cried James I., 193
+
+Tricks by animals, 229
+
+Trinity College, Cambridge, 110
+
+Trinity Term, 131
+
+Triphook, Robert, 155
+
+Tripoli, 55
+
+Triumphs of the tournament, 101
+
+Trumpeters, 89
+
+Trumpets, 220, 261
+
+Trunks, small, 195
+
+"Truth," in pageantry, 122
+
+Tucker, Thomas, the elected Prince, 156
+
+Tudela, Benjamin of, 52
+
+Tudor, Edmund, Jasper, Owen, 94
+
+Tumbling, 119, 228
+
+Turkeys, 246, 340
+
+"Turkish Knight," 284
+
+"Turkish Magistrates," 119
+
+Turnham Green, 284
+
+Tusser, Thomas, 124, 140, 146
+
+Twelfthtide, 15, 35, 95, 97, 100, 102, 125, 135, 153, 154, 188, 190,
+  193, 198, 201, 241, 320, 342
+
+Twelve days of Christmas, 35, 111, 125, 227
+
+Tyrrel, Sir Walter, 47
+
+Tytler, General, 300
+
+
+U
+
+Udall, Nicholas, 119
+
+Ukraine, 345
+
+Ule (_see_ Yule)
+
+Uniformity, Act of, 117
+
+United States, 288, 309-316
+
+_Uphelya_, 286
+
+"Ups and Downs of Christmas," the, 209
+
+"_Ursa Minor_," 273
+
+Usher, 13
+
+Ushers, Gentlemen, 139
+
+Uvedale, Lord of Wickham Manor, 71
+
+
+V
+
+Valorous deeds, 59
+
+Vane, 213
+
+Variety of players, 63
+
+Vaughan, Master, 88
+
+Vawce, Sergeant, 117
+
+"Venetian Senators," 119
+
+Venice, 190, 336
+
+Vere, Earl of Oxford, 75
+
+Vere, Lady Susan, 153
+
+Vernon, Dorothy, 224
+
+Versailles, 35
+
+Vespers, 331
+
+Viands, 55
+
+Victoria, Queen, 258, 260-3
+
+Victoria's grandchildren, Queen, 262
+
+Vienna, 336
+
+Vigil of Christmas, 49, 317
+
+Vigilate, a, 178
+
+"Vindication of Father Christmas," the, 212
+
+Vineyard of pleasure, 88
+
+Vintage, the, 16
+
+Violins, 220
+
+Virgil's _Eclogues_, 17
+
+Virginian Colonists, 314
+
+Virgin Mary, image of the, 317
+
+Visors depicted in verse, 104
+
+Vivian, Sir Francis, 156;
+  Mr. Vivian, 156
+
+Volcano, 305
+
+
+W
+
+Waits, 44, 240
+
+Wakefield, battle of, 86
+
+Wales, 38, 188, 200, 280, 288
+
+Wales, Prince and Princess of, 85, 225, 263
+
+Wallingford, 51, 68
+
+Wanjani, 304
+
+Ward, Rev. John, 218
+
+Warning shots, 127
+
+Warren, Earl of, 64
+
+Warrior-King (Edward III.), 74
+
+Warriors rewarded, 42
+
+Wars of Barons, 65
+
+Wars of Roses, 85
+
+Wars of Roses ended, 93
+
+War suspended for Christmas, 81, 84
+
+Warton, author, 110
+
+Warwick, Earl of, 87, 93, 139, 192
+
+Warwick muses, 198
+
+Warwickshire, 146, 284
+
+Wash, the, 62
+
+Wassail, 15, 58, 97, 181
+
+"Wassail Bowl," 15, 273
+
+Wassailing the apple-trees, 278-9
+
+Washburn, Ex-Minister E. B., 318
+
+Washington negroes, 314
+
+Wattewille, Monsieur Robert, 68
+
+"Weekly Account," the, 208
+
+"_Weihnacten_," 335
+
+"_Weihnactt's Bescheerung_," 335
+
+"Welcome to Christmas," 276
+
+Welcome to all comers, 30, 148, 220, 256
+
+Wellington, 304
+
+Welsh border, 38, 43
+
+Welsh Christmas, 280-2
+
+Western Church, the, 12
+
+West Kington, 113
+
+Westminster, 46, 62, 64, 74, 87, 89, 123
+
+Westminster Abbey, 38, 51, 123, 140, 193
+
+Westminster Hall, 46, 60, 64, 68, 78, 93, 118, 123, 226
+
+Weston, Dr., 118
+
+West Riding of Yorkshire, 282-4
+
+West Newton, 263
+
+Whalley, Colonel, 212
+
+Wheatley, Mr. W. M., 265
+
+Whippingham, 262
+
+White, Sir Thomas, 118
+
+Whitehall, 118, 154
+
+Whitelock, 207
+
+"White Rose of York," 85
+
+Whittier, J. G., 37
+
+Wild Boar, 32, 33, 45, 110
+
+William, Prince of Orange, 220
+
+William and Mary, 221
+
+William IV., 258
+
+William the Almoner, 64
+
+William the Conqueror, 39
+
+William, King of Prussia, 35
+
+William Rufus, 46
+
+William, son of Henry I., 47
+
+William of Malmesbury, 49
+
+William of Ypres, 52
+
+Williams, 99
+
+Willoughby, Lord, 82
+
+Winchester, 31, 34, 37, 47, 65;
+  monks of, 56
+
+Winchester, Bishop of, 195
+
+Winchester Palace, 62, 65
+
+Winchester School, 71
+
+Windsor, 31, 47, 48, 54, 62, 75, 80, 87, 225, 261
+
+Wine and honey, 55
+
+Winer, 13
+
+Winters, hard, 67, 138, 154-5
+
+Winter solstice, 15, 29, 295
+
+Winwood, Mr., 153
+
+Wise Men (Magi), 11, 19, 28
+
+Wise Men (the King's), 29, 38, 45
+
+Witches, 195, 237
+
+"Wit-combats," 153
+
+Witenagemot, 29
+
+Wither, George, 190, 204
+
+Wizard of Christmas, 310
+
+Woden, 25, 29
+
+Wolf, 45
+
+Wolferton, 263
+
+Wolley, Sir Francis, 154
+
+Wolsey, Cardinal, 104, 106, 112
+
+Women masks, 119
+
+Wood, Mr., 109, 140, 157
+
+Woodstock, 226
+
+Woodville, Elizabeth, 89
+
+Woodville family, 92
+
+Woolsthorpe, 204, 266
+
+Worcester, 52, 60, 67;
+  Earl of, 82, 189
+
+Workhouse, Christmas at, 288
+
+Worksop, 87
+
+Worship in State, 96-7
+
+Wortley, near Leeds, 291
+
+Wotton, 200
+
+Wrestling, 32
+
+Wright, Thomas, F.S.A., 90
+
+Wyatt, Sir Thomas, 118
+
+Wykeham, William of, 71
+
+Wynh, Lady Williams, 264
+
+Wynn, Sir W. W., Bart., 264
+
+Wynnstay Park, 264
+
+_Wyrcester, William_, 87, 89
+
+
+X
+
+Xtemas, 9
+
+
+Y
+
+Yeoman, 124
+
+Yew, 282
+
+York, 31, 36, 43, 64, 68, 86
+
+York, Archbishop of, 65, 240
+
+York, Bishop of, 25
+
+York, Duchess of, 82
+
+York, Duke of, the young, 92
+
+York, wars of, 85
+
+Yorkshire, 251, 282-4
+
+Yule, Jule, or Ule, 9, 15, 195, 285
+
+Yule-log, 1, 268, 302, 319, 345
+
+"Yuletide," 177, 227, 267, 285
+
+
+Z
+
+_Zambombas_, 339
+
+Zanzibar, 288
+
+Zukkur Kehls, 300
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS: ITS ORIGIN AND
+ASSOCIATIONS***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 22042.txt or 22042.zip *******
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