Henry IV. came to the throne in 1399. A pageant of the kind already mentioned was held. Froissart notices that there were seven fountains in Cheapside, and other streets he passed through, which perpetually ran with white and red wines. Profusion reigned supreme in high quarters; among the articles which furnished the breakfast table of the nobility were--for a gentleman and his lady, in Lent, a quart of beer and the same quantity of wine. And a gallon of beer and a quart of wine at their _liveries_, a repast taken in their bedrooms immediately before going to roost. In looking through bills of entertainments at this period, one cannot help observing the contrast between the relative costs of the meats and drinks then and now. Then, the wine, ale, &c., were about one third of the entire cost, now the drink is oftener much the heavier item. This would be misleading, did we not take into consideration how much strong drink is made to yield to the revenue. The relative price of meats and drinks at that time wholly differ from the present relation. But wine was gradually becoming a dearer commodity. Malmsey in the reign of Henry IV. used to fetch the average price of 280 gallons for 5_l._ That sum would scarcely have bought half the amount in the reign of Richard III. The dissipated life led by the youth of the time appears in the reminiscences of the poet Occleve of his own conduct. If youth needs a warning against folly, he can do little better than study _La male regie de T. Hoccleve_, or _Occleve’s Misrule_. The tavern sign was to him an irresistible temptation. Westminster Gate was then noted for its taverns and cook-shops, at which the lavishness of Occleve made him a welcome guest. To this he alludes-- Wher was a greater maister eek than Y, Or bet acqweynted at Westmynster Gate, Among the taverners namely (especially) And cookes? Whan I cam, eerly or late, I pynchid nat at hem in mine acate (purchase of provisions), But paied hem as they axe wolde; Wherfore I was the welcomer algate (always), And for a verray gentilman yholde (regarded). And again-- The outward sign of Bacchus and his lure That at his doore hangeth day by day, Exciteth folks to taste of his moisture So often that men cannot well say nay.