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SHAKSPEARE AND HIS TIMES.

had been brought to a term, we may follow it in all its brilliant details. At Christmas, before the gates of the castles, the herald, bearing the arms of the family, thrice shouted Largesse!


“Then opened wide the baron’s hallTo 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, shareThe vulgar game of ‘post and pair.’”[1]


Who shall describe the general joy and hospitality, the roaring fire in the hall, the well-spread table, the beef and pudding, and the abundance of good cheer which was then to be found in the house of the farmer as well as in the mansion of the gentleman. The dance, when the head began to swim with wassail; the songs of minstrels, and tales of by-gone days, when the party had become tired of dancing, were the pleasures which then reigned throughout England, when


“All hail’d, with uncontroll’d delightAnd general voice, the happy night,That to the cottage, as the crown,Brought tidings of salvation down.****’T was Christmas broach’d the mightiest ale;’T was Christmas told the merriest tale;A Christmas gambol oft could cheerThe poor man’s heart through half the year.”[2]


These Christmas festivities lasted for twelve days, varied by a thousand pleasures, kindled by the good wishes and presents of New Year’s Day, and terminated by the Feast of Kings on Twelfth Day. But soon after came

  1. ↑ Scott’s “Marmion,” introduction to Canto sixth.
  2. ↑ Ibid.
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