_Martin Drunk_ (Vol. v., p. 587.).--I cannot find that this phrase has been
satisfactorily elucidated. Perhaps the following will throw some additional
light on the subject.
In an _Analysis of the Gospels for the Lord's Days_, by Conrad Dieteric,
edit. 1631, p. 465., I read:
"Tritum est illud veterum veriverbium:
'Festa _Martini_ iterata,
Absumunt anseres et prata.'
Id quod Germanicus hunc in modum effert:
'Wer all tag will S. Martin prassen,
Der muss endlich S. Nicias fasten.'"
It would seem from this, that not the English alone were wont to enjoy
themselves on St. Martin's Day. Baxter, in his _Saint's Rest_ (p. 116. 1st
edit.), seems to use the word _Martin_ as synonymous with a noisy tippler:
"The language of Martin is there a stranger, and the sound of his echo
is not heard."
Internal evidence clearly refers all these sayings to the unrestrained
mirth and jollity with which the feast of St. Martin was anciently
celebrated.