Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 1 1883.djvu/360

352 my Mother's, bordered with white Fur. The object of my visit on that particular day was to see the Yule Block drawn in the house by a Horse, as a foundation for the Fire on Christmas Day, and according to the superstition of those times for the twelve days following, as the said Block was not to be entirely reduc'd to ashes till that time had passed by. On this subject being named in after years, my good Father said [that] as they were of opinion that such absurd practice would not be of long continuance, they sent me to see it to give me a chance at that early age of remembering that I had witness'd such a foolish ceremony; and the impression was so firmly stamp'd that even now in my 88th year it appears as visible to my mind's Eye as tho' it had been the transaction upon Xmas Eve now six weeks since. But the close of the days tale remains still to be told. When I had been carried round the Kitchen several times, and told much more than I could then understand, my good Grandmother took me into her little Parlour and set me on her knees by a good fire and without doubt gave me something very nice to eat, but this I do not retain, as my object seem'd to be gratified by their strange sights; but I well remember old Thomas having orders to tap the Christmas Barrel of old Stingo, and bringing up a very large glass full to shew the beauty of its appearance, and to drink to the health of good old Mistress and little Miss Sally [the narrator]. Whilst this ceremony was performing, Carrol singers were heard at the Door. On its being opened, two tall Women enterd, bearing between them a large Wassal Bowl, finely dress'd on the outside with Holly, Misseltoe, Ribbons, Laurustinus, and what other flowers could be had at that season. But what most delighted me was a pretty silver Cup with a handle on each side slung in the middle withinside, and movd about as it was carried round. They sang a long Carrol, with a chorus after each verse, repeating the word Mirth, &c. which I could not understand, and I well remember I was sadly puzzled to know the meaning, and ask'd my poor brother when I return'd home, who imediatly sang the whole of it to me, explaining this great difficulty, and asking me why I did not enquire of Grandma or old Thomas

"The 25 May 1760 was Whitsunday. On that morning my usual attendant came wispering into my room, and told me I had a little