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
"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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account