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what was in it, which caused much laughter, to see our leiuetenant prove the coockold, and more to see us tumble one over the other in the cabin, by reason of the ruff weather." The celebrated Lord Peterborough, then a youth, was one of the party on board this ship, as Lord Mordaunt.
Poor Robin's almanack, for 1675, gives some notion of the bill of fare for Christmas at this time among the middle classes.
" Now the season of the year Bids thee to provide good cheer, For to feast thy needy neighbours, Who do live by their hard labours; Then thy coyn freely bestow For raisins, sun, and maligo ; No currans, prunes, nor sugar lack, Pepper, both the white and black, Nutmegs, ginger, cloves, and mace, Rice for porridge i' th' first place; Pork and mutton, veal and beef, For hungry stomachs good relief; Pig, goose, turkey, capon, coney, What may be had for thy money; Plum-pudding, and furmity, Mutton pasties, Christinas pye; Nappy ale, a full carouse To the master of the house; And instead of tobacco pipes, The fidler up an old dance strikes."
In following years there are descriptions somewhat similar.
New Year's Gifts were continued; and at court the^ seem to have been arranged according to rule, and were generally |
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