It beginning to grow a little duskish, _Candlemas_ lustily bawled out for lights, which was opposed by all the _Days_, who protested against burning daylight. Then fair water was handed round in silver ewers, and the _same lady_ was observed to take an unusual time in _Washing_ herself. _May Day_, with that sweetness which is peculiar to her, in a neat speech proposing the health of the founder, crowned her goblet (and by her example the rest of the company) with garlands. This being done, the lordly _New Year_ from the upper end of the table, in a cordial but somewhat lofty tone, returned thanks. He felt proud on an occasion of meeting so many of his worthy father's late tenants, promised to improve their farms, and at the same time to abate (if any thing was found unreasonable) in their rents. At the mention of this, the four _Quarter Days_ involuntarily looked at each other, and smiled; _April Fool_ whistled to an old tune of "New Brooms;" and a surly old rebel at the farther end of the table (who was discovered to be no other than the _Fifth of November_,) muttered out, distinctly enough to be heard by the whole company, words to this effect, that, "when the old one is gone, he is a fool that looks for a better." Which rudeness of his, the guests resenting, unanimously voted his expulsion; and the male-content was thrust out neck and heels into the cellar, as the properest place for such a _boutefeu_ and firebrand as he had shown himself to be. Order being restored--the young lord (who to say truth, had been a little ruffled, and put beside his oratory) in as few, and yet as obliging words as possible, assured them of entire welcome; and, with a graceful turn, singling out poor _Twenty Ninth of February_, that had sate all this while mumchance at the side-board, begged to couple his health with that of the good company before him--which he drank accordingly; observing, that he had not seen his honest face any time these four years, with a number of endearing expressions besides. At the same time, removing the solitary _Day_ from the forlorn seat which had been assigned him, he stationed him at his own board, somewhere between the _Greek Calends_ and _Latter Lammas_. _Ash Wednesday_, being now called upon for a song, with his eyes fast stuck in his head, and as well as the Canary he had swallowed would give him leave, struck up a Carol, which _Christmas Day_ had taught him for the nonce; and was followed by the latter, who gave "Miserere" in fine style, hitting off the mumping notes and lengthened drawl of _Old Mortification_ with infinite humour. _April Fool_ swore they had exchanged conditions: but _Good Friday_ was observed to look extremely grave; and _Sunday_ held her fan before her face, that she might not be seen to smile. _Shrove-tide_, _Lord Mayor's Day_, and _April Fool_, next joined in a glee-- Which is the properest day to drink? in which all the _Days_ chiming in, made a merry burden.