Christmas: Its Origin and Associations: Together with Its Historical Events and Festive Celebrations During Nineteen CenturiesDawson, W. F. (William Francis)
History
Christmas: Its Origin and Associations: Together with Its Historical Events and Festive Celebrations During Nineteen Centuries
Dawson, W. F. (William Francis)
Christmas -- History
"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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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