¶ xxxvj butlers towell{is}, {th}e length of a towell an ell {& a
half}[3] // & q{uar}t{er} brode / {tha}t is, iiij towell{is} of an ell
{& a half},[3] of ell brode clothe.
¶ ffor {th}e mayres offessers.
¶ ffirst ffor sewers & carwers / iiij towell{is} of fyne clothe, ij
ell{is} longe, & half a yarde brode, {summa} iiij ell{is}.
[Sidenote: ffl C iij back]
ffor drawers of ale & wyne.
viij apurns, s{u}m{ma} viij ell{is} ¶ It{em} x portpayns to bere in
brede/ ¶ s{um}ma xxxviij ell{is}.
¶ wyne.
Rede wyne, a tonne / Claret wyne, a pipe; whit wyne, a hogg{is}hede /
ypocras xl. galons.
¶ Brede.
viij quarters of chet brede / In ma{n}chettis vij^s[4] In tre{n}char
brede viij^s / In ob[5] brede iiij; It{e}m in wafers ix^xx messe[6] /
& {th}e waferer must brynge Cou{er}payns for to s{er}ue owt his wafers.
¶ Ale pott{is} & Tappis.
xxviij barrell{is} ale / Ertheñ pott{is} for wyne & ale lx doz //
pychars xij doz / ij doz stenys[7] It{em} viij C assheñ cuppis / iiij
doz tappis.
¶ plate.
It{e}m iiij doz stondyng Cuppis / xxiiij doz boll{is}
It{em} v doz salt{is}: xl doz spones / ij doz gilt sponys / xviij basons
w{i}t{h} ewers / a payy{er} of gilt basons // xx silu{er} pott{is}.
Explic{i}t {th}e butlers charge
{tha}t he must spek{e} ffor.
pewt{er} at the feste
ffirst i{n} platters gret & small xij^xx x doze{n}[8]
It{e}m dyshis gret & small--xij^xx x doz{en}[8]
It{em} i{n} saws{er}s gret & small xij^xx x doz{en}[8]
It{em} i{n} chargers gret & small x doz{en}
At {th}e gyvyng vp of {th}e verder of {th}e wardmot Inquest{is}
aft{er} xij^th day.
In dishis xx doz{en} // In plat{er}s x doz{en} //
In saws{er}s iij doz{en} // In chargers j doz{en}
ffor the wacche at mydsomer
In platt{er}s xij doz{en} // In dyshes xxiiij doz{en}
all this was i_n th_e tyme of Iohñ wyngar, mayre of london.
for {th}e hire viij^d {th}e garnyshe of pew{ter}
Lord Mayor Whyngar was Richard Hill’s master. On ffl C lxxvj of the MS.
is the entry, “Iste liber p{er}tineth Rycardo Hill, s{er}uant w{i}t{h}
M{aster} Wyng{er} ald{er}ma{n} of londo{n}.”
At the back of ffl ijC xx of the MS., in the list of Mayres &
Sheryff{is}, is this entry:
[1]505 Johñ Wyngar Roger Acheley }
Will{ia}m brown } A^o xx^o
(Kyng Henry the vij^th).
[Footnote 1: Cp. Russell, l. 187, p. 13.]
[Footnote 2: See Russell’s _portpayne_, l. 262, p. 17.]
[Footnote 3: MS. ell d.]
[Footnote 4: I suppose this and the following s’es to mean
_shillings_.]
[Footnote 5: _ob_ bred is ha’penny bread. On ffl C xviij of the
MS. is
The Assise of Bred with-in London.
The q{uar}t{er} whet at iij^s //
aft{er} v^s.
The fferdyng whit loff coket / xvij oz & d [=½] & ob weight[*]
The ob [ha’penny] whit loff xxxv vnc{is} & j d weight
The q^a[†] symnell xv oz ij d ob in weight
The ob whet loff lij oz d. & j d ob weight
The peny whet loff Cv oz d & q{uar}t{er} & ob weight
The ob lof of all graynes lxx oz & ij d weight]
[Footnote 5*: Half a pennyweight.]
[Footnote 5†: ? _quadranta_, farthing.]
[Footnote 6: ix ^xx = 9 × 20, = 180. _messe_ may be _in effe_:
the long s’es are crossed like f’s.]
[Footnote 7: _Stean_, a stone vessel. ‘A great pot or _stean_,’
Hollyband’s Dictionarie, 1593. Halliwell.]
[Footnote 8: ? (12 × 20 + 10)12 = 3000.]
* * * * *
* * * *
The ordre of goyng or sittyng.[1]
[_Balliol MS. 354, ffl C lxxxxi, or leaf 203, back._]
A pope hath no pere[A]
An emprowr{e} A-lone
A kyng A-lone
An high cardynall
A p{ri}nce, A kyng{is} son
A duk{e} of blod royall
A busshop
A markes
An erle
A vycownt
A legate
A baroñ
An abbot mytered
the ij cheff Iugys
{th}e mayre of londoñ
{th}e chif baroñ of {th}e cheker //
An Abbot w{i}t{h}out myt{er}
A knyght
A pryour{e}
A deañe
An Arche-dekoñ
{th}e M{aste}r of {th}e rollis
{th}e vnder Iugis
{th}e vnd{er} barons of {th}e cheker
the mayre of caleis
A p{ro}vyncyall
A doct{ur} of diuinite
A p{ro}thonotory ys boue[B]
the popes colectour[C]
A doct{ur} of both lawes
A s{er}geant of lawe
the M{aste}rs of cha{n}nsery
A p{er}soñ of Chyrche
A seculer prest
A marchañt
A gentylmañ
An Artificer
A yema{n} of good name
[Textnotes:
A: This is struck through with a heavy black-line.
B: Last letter blotched.
C: Struck through with several thin lines.]
[Footnote 1: Compare with Russell, p. 70-71, and Wynkyn de Worde,
p. 170-1. It differs little from them.]
* * * * *
* * * *
Latin Graces.
(_From the Balliol MS. 354, leaf 2._)
[Transcriber’s Note:
Large boldface initials are marked with a double ++ before the letter.
Sidenotes are grouped after each paragraph; where a paragraph is long,
individual sidenotes are marked [a], [b] ... Aside from sidenotes and
footnotes and their markers, bracketed text is in the original.]
[“These graces are the usual ones still said in all colleges and
religious communities abroad, and are for some part those given at the
end of each of the four volumes into which our Roman Breviaries for the
year are divided. As a youth, while studying at Rome, I used to hear
them in our hall; and, knowing them by heart, never found them too
long.” --Daniel Rock, D.D.]
The grace {tha}t shuld be said affore mete & aft{er} mete /
ałł the tymes in the yere.
[Sidenote: _A general Grace._]
Benedicite; do{mi}n{u}s. Oculi o{mn}i{u}m i{n} te spera{n}t, domine /
et tu das esca{m} illor{um} i{n} tempore oportuno. Aperis tu manu{m}
tua{m} / & Imples omne A{n}i{m}al b{e}n{e}dicc{i}o{n}e.
[Sidenote: The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord.]
++Gloria p{a}tri & filio: & sp{irit}ui s{an}cto. Sicut erat i{n}
pri{n}cipio, & nu{n}c, et se{m}p{er}: & i{n} secula s{e}c{u}lor{um}.
Ame{n}. kyrieleyson, {christ}eleyson, kyrieleyson: pat{er} n{oste}r. Et
ne nos: Sed libera nos: Oremus.
[Sidenote: Glory be to the Father, &c. Lord, have mercy upon us.]
++B{e}n{e}dic, domine, nos, & dona tua que de tua largitate sum{us}
sumpturi / per / ++Iube d{omi}ne b{e}n{e}dicere.
[Sidenote: Lord, bless us.]
++Mense celest{is} p{ar}ticipes faciat nos Rex et{er}ne glorie /
Ame{n} / ++Deus caritas e{st}: & q{u}i manet in aritate, i{n} deo
manet, & deus i{n} eo: Sit de{us} in nobis, & nos maneam{us} in ipso.
Amen.
[Sidenote: Make us partakers of the heavenly table.]
post pra{n}diu{m}.
[Sidenote: _Grace after Dinner._]
++Deus pacis & dileccio{n}is maneat se{m}p{er} nobiscu{m}: Tu aut{em},
d{omi}ne, miserere n{ost}ri: Deo gr{aci}as / ++Confiteant{u}r t{ib}i,
d{omi}ne, o{mn}ia tua. Et s{an}cti tui b{e}n{e}dica{n}t tibi / Glo{r}ia:
++Agim{us} t{ib}i gr{aci}as, o{mn}ipote{n}s de{us}, p{ro} vniu{er}sis
b{e}n{e}ficijs tuis. Qui viuis & regnas de{us}: P{er} o{mn}ia secula
seculor{um}: Amen.
[Sidenote: May the God of peace be with us! We thank thee, O Lord,
for thy benefits.]
++Laudate d{omi}n{u}m, o{mn}es ge{n}tes: laudate eu{m}, o{mn}es populi.
Q{uonia}m co{n}firmata est sup{er} nos mi{sericordi}a eius: & veritas
d{omi}ni manet i{n} et{er}nu{m}. Gloria p{at}ri: Sicut erat:
kyrieleyson, {christ}eleyso{n}, kirieleyson / ++P{ate}r {nost}er / Et ne
nos. S{ed} libera.
[Sidenote: Lord, have mercy upon us! Christ, have mercy upon us!]
++Disp{er}sit, dedit pauperibus: ++Iusticia eius manet i{n} seculu{m}
s{e}c{u}li: [a] ++B{e}n{e}dica{m} d{omi}n{u}m i{n} o{mn}i te{m}pore:
Se{m}per laus ei{us} i{n} ore meo: ++In d{omi}no laudabitur a{n}i{m}a
mea: Audiant ma{n}sueti, & letent{u}r: ++Magnificate d{omi}n{u}m
mecu{m}. Et exaltem{us}[D] nome{n} ei{us} i{n} id ip{su}m: [b] ++Sit
nomen d{omi}ni b{e}n{e}dictu{m}: Ex hoc nu{n}c & vsq{ue} i{n}
s{e}c{u}l{u}m: Oremus: ++Retribuere dignare, d{omi}ne deus, o{mn}ib{us}
nobis bona ffacientib{us} p{ro}pt{er} nome{n} sanct{u}m, tuu{m}, vita{m}
et{er}nam: Amen: B{e}n{e}dicamus d{omi}no: Deo gra{cia}s. [c] ++Aue
regina celor{um}, mat{er} reg{is} angelor{um}: [d] O maria, flos
v{er}ginu{m}, velut rosa vel liliu{m}, fu{n}de p{re}ces ad filiu{m}
p{ro} salute fideliu{m}. Aue maria. ++Merit{is} & p{re}cib{us} sue pie
matris, b{e}n{e}dicat nos fili{us} dei p{at}ris / Ame{n}.
[Sidenote: [a] I will bless the Lord alway. [b] May the name of
the Lord be blessed for ever! [c] Hail, Queen of Heaven,
[d] flower of virgins! pray thy Son to save the faithful!]
[Textnote D: MS. exultem{us}.]
On ffisshe days.
[Sidenote: _Grace on Fish-Days._]
++B{e}n{e}dicite; d{omi}n{u}s. [a] Ede{n}t pauperes, & saturabu{n}t{u}r:
et laudabu{n}t d{omi}num q{u}i requiru{n}t eu{m}; viue{n}t corda eor{um}
in s{e}c{u}l{u}m s{e}c{u}li: [b] Gl{or}ia p{at}ri. Sicut erat &c.
kyrieleyson. {christ}eleyson / kyrieleyson / p{at}er n{ost}er. Et ne
nos: S{ed} libera: Orem{us}: ++Benedic d{omi}ne: ++Iube d{omi}ne:
++Cibo sp{irit}ualis alimonie reficiat nos rex eterne glorie / Ame{n}.
[c] ++Gracia d{omi}ni nostri Ih{es}u {christ}i, & caritas dei, &
co{m}municacio s{an}cti sp{irit}us [d] sit semp{er} cu{m} o{mn}ib{us}
nobis. Ame{n} / [e] & in lent leve / Gr{aci}a d{omi}ni // & say //
[f] ++Frange esurienti pane{m} tuu{m}, & egenos vagosq{u}e induc i{n}
domu{m} tua{m}: cu{m} videris nudu{m} operi eu{m}. [et c]arne{m} tua{m}
ne despexeris: ait d{omi}nus o{mni}pote[ns].
[Sidenote: [a] The poor shall eat and be satisfied. [b] Glory be
to the Father, &c. [c] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [d] be
with us all. [e] _In Lent._ [f] Break thy bread to the hungry,
and take the wanderer to thy home.]
Grace aft{er} dyner{e}.
[Sidenote: _Grace after Dinner._]
++Deus paci[s &c. Memori]a{m}[E] fecit mirabiliu{m} suoru{m} misericors
& [miserator d{omi}n{u}]s; esca{m} dedit time{n}tib{us} se. Gloria.
Sic[ut erat, &c.]
[Textnote E: Only half the ã is left.]
[Sidenote: _Four Short Graces._]
Short g{r}ace affore dyn{er}.
[Sidenote: 1. _Before Dinner._]
++B{e}n{e}dicite; d{omi}n{u}[s].[F] .... Apponenda b{e}n{e}dicat dei
dextera. [In nomine patris &] filii & sp{irit}us s{anc}ti / ame{n}.
[Textnote F: An inch of the MS. broken away.]
[Sidenote: [leaf 2, back.]]
Shorte grace aft{er} dyn{er} / & aft{er} sop{er} / bothe.
[Sidenote: 2. _After Meals._]
++Pro tali co{n}uiuio b{e}n{e}dicam{us} d{omi}no: Deo gr{aci}as.
++Mat{er}, ora filiu{m} vt post hoc exiliu{m} nobis donet
gaudiu{m} sine fine. ++Aue maria: / Oremus. Meritis & p{re}cibus.
[Sidenote: Bless the Lord for this meal. Mary, pray for us!]
Grace affore sop{er}.
[Sidenote: 3. _Before Supper._]
++Benedicite[G]; d{omi}n{u}s: Cena{m} sa{n}ctificet q{u}i nobis
o{mn}ia prebet: In no{m}i{n}e p{at}ris.
[Sidenote: Giver of all, sanctify this supper.]
[Textnote G: MS. Benedictus, _altered to_ Benedicite.]
¶ Grace aft{er} soper.
[Sidenote: 4. _After Supper._]
++Benedict{u}s deus in donis suis: Et s{an}ctus in o{mn}ib{us}
operib{us} suis / ++Adiutoriu{m} n{ost}r{u}m i{n} no{m}i{n}e d{omi}ni:
Qui fecit celu{m} et t{er}ra{m}. Sit nome{n} d{omi}ni b{e}n{e}dictu{m}
/ Ex hoc nu{n}c, et vsq{ue} in s{e}c{u}l{u}m / Oremus: Meritis et
p{re}cib{us} sue pie matris b{e}n{e}dicat nos fili{us} dei patris.
[Sidenote: The Lord is holy in all his works. Blessed be the name
of the Lord.]
¶ ++In vigilia pasche.
[Sidenote: _On Easter-Eve._]
++B{e}n{e}dicite; d{omi}n{u}s. ++Edent pauperes &c. ++Glo{r}ia
p{at}ri, Sicut erat: kirieleyson. {christ}eleyson. kyrieleyson.
P{ate}r n{oste}r: Et ne nos. Set libera. Orem{us} / Benedic
d{omi}ne: ++Iube d{omi}ne b{e}n{e}dicere / ++Cibo sp{irit}ualis
alimonie & c{etera} / leccio / Si co{n}surrexist{is} cu{m} {christo},
que sursu{m} su{n}t, querite vbi {christu}s est in dextera dei
sedens.
[Sidenote: Christ, have mercy upon us! Seek those things that are
above.]
post prandiu{m}.
[Sidenote: _Grace after Dinner._]
[a] ++Deus pacis & dileccionis: ++Memoria{m} fecit / Glo{r}ia p{at}ri
Sicut erat; [b] ++Agimus t{ib}i gracias. ++Laudate d{omin}um o{mn}es
gentes: Q{uonia}m co{n}firma[ta]: Glo{r}ia p{at}ri: Sicut erat.
D{omi}n{u}s vobiscu{m}: Et cu{m} sp{irit}u tuo. Orem{us} / [c]
Sp{iritu}m in nobis, d{omi}ne, tue caritat{is} infu{n}de, vt quos
sacrame{n}t{is} paschalib{us} saciasti: tua facias pietate
co{n}cordes // [d] Per eu{n}dem d{omin}um n{ost}r{u}m ih{esu}m
{christu}m, filiu{m} tuu{m}: q{u}i tecu{m} viuit & regnat i{n} vnitate
eiusdem sp{irit}uss{an}cti, deus / p{er} o{mn}ia s{e}c{u}la seculor{um}.
Ame{n}.
[Sidenote: [a] God of Peace, [b] We give thee thanks, O Lord.
[c] Pour into us thy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord.]
¶ ++In die pasche.
[Sidenote: _On Easter-Day._]
++B{e}n{e}dicite. d{omi}n{us}. [a] Hec dies qua{m} fecit d{omi}n{us},
exultem{us} & letemur in ea. Glo{r}ia p{at}ri. Sicut: kirieleyso{n}.
{christ}eleyson. kyrieleyson: P{ate}r n{oste}r / Et ne / Orem{us}.
[b] B{e}n{e}dic d{omi}ne: ++Iube d{omi}ne b{e}n{e}dicere /
++Mense celest{is} ++Expurgate vetus ferme{n}tum[H] vt sitis noua
co{n}sp{er}sio, sicut estis asimi: [c] Eteni{m} pascha n{ost}r{u}m
i{m}molatus est {christu}s, itaq{ue} epulemur in domino.
[Sidenote: [a] This is the day which the Lord hath made: Let us
rejoice and be glad in it. [b] Bless us, O Lord! [c] Our passover
is slain, even Christ.]
[Textnote H: MS. serme{n}tum.]
¶ post pra{n}diu{m}.
[Sidenote: _After Dinner._]
++Qui dat esca{m} o{mn}i carni, co{n}fitemini deo celi. ++Tu aute{m}:
++Laudate d{omin}um. Q{uonia}m co{n}firmata / Glo{r}ia p{at}ri.
++In resurreccione tua, {christ}e. Celi & t{er}ra lete{n}t{u}r /
all{elui}a. Orem{us}. Spiritu{m} in nobis &c{etera}. ++P{er} eu{n}de{m}:
++In vnitate eiusde{m}. B{e}n{e}dicam{us} domino, deo gracias /
¶ Eode{m} modo dicit{u}r p{er} tota{m} ebdomad{am}. ++Retribuere.
[Sidenote: Of thy resurrection, Christ, the heavens and the earth
are glad. Thanks be to God!]
Ante cenam.
[Sidenote: _Before Supper._]
B{e}n{e}dicite. d{omi}n{us}. cena{m} s{an}ctificet q{u}i nobis o{mn}ia
p{re}bet / ++In no{m}i{n}e p{at}ris & filii & sp{irit}uss{an}cti:
Ame{n}.
¶ post cenam.
[Sidenote: _After Supper._]
++Hec dies / : / v{er}s{us}. ++In resurreccione tua, {christ}e / Celi
& t{er}ra letent{u}r. all{elui}a. D{omi}n{us} vobiscu{m}: Et cu{m}
sp{irit}u tuo. Sp{iritu}m in nobis: B{e}n{e}dicamus d{omi}no: Deo
gr{aci}as.
[Sidenote: This is the day, &c. Hallelujah. Let us bless the
Lord!]
Explicit.
Having thus given the Graces as they stand in the Manuscript, I add the
scheme of them which Mr Bradshaw has had the kindness to draw out. He
says, “Here is a case in which nothing but parallel arrangement can
afford a clue to the apparent confusion. The people who used these
services were so thoroughly accustomed to them, that a word or two was
enough to remind them of what was to follow--sometimes a whole series of
prayers, or verses and responds, or suffrages. If your object is to give
people of the present day an idea of the meaning of these things, it is
almost useless to print them straight as they are in the MS. Even as I
have written them out, _inserting_ nothing whatever except the names of
the speakers in a bracket, you will perhaps not catch much of the
thread. You may remember that at Trinity even now it takes two people to
say what is substantially the same Grace as this.”
[Transcriber’s Note:
The following section was printed in columns on five sets of facing
pages, labeled 1.1, 1.2... In this e-text the four versions are
interlocked, distinguished by different indentations; notations such
as [[1.2, 1.3, 1.4 same]] in double brackets mean that the remaining
columns contain the same text. The designation [_blank_] and the
sets of four dots .... are in the original text. There are no numbered
footnotes.]
THE GRACE THAT SHULD BE SAID AFFORE METE AND AFTER METE
ALL THE TYMES IN THE YERE. 1.1
ON FISSHE DAYS. 1.2
IN VIGILIA PASCHE. 1.3
IN DIE PASCHE. 1.4
(_Sacerdos_) Benedicite.
(_Resp._) Dominus.
[[1.2, 1.3, 1.4 same]]
(_Psalm_) Oculi omnium in te sperant, domine: et tu das escam
illorum in tempore oportuno.
Aperis tu manum tuam: et imples omne animal benediccione.
(_Psalm_) Edent pauperes, et saturabuntur, et laudabunt dominum
qui requirunt eum: vivent corda eorum in seculum seculi.
(_Psalm_) Edent pauperes ....
(_Psalm_) Hec dies quam fecit dominus: exultemus et letemur
in ea.
Gloria patri et filio: et spiritui sancto.
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper: in secula seculorum.
Amen.
Kyrieleyson.
Christeleyson.
Kyrieleyson.
Pater noster .... [i.e. the Lord’s prayer.]
[[1.2, 1.3, 1.4 same]]
(_Sacerdos_) Et ne nos [inducas in tentationem.]
(_Resp._) Sed libera nos [a malo.]
[[1.2, 1.3, 1.4 same]]
(_Sacerdos_) Oremus.
Benedic, domine, nos, et dona tua que de tua largitate sumus sumpturi.
Per [christum dominum nostrum.]
[_Resp._ Amen.]
[[1.2, 1.3, 1.4 same]]
(_Lector_) Iube domine benedicere.
[[1.2, 1.3, 1.4 same]]
(_Sacerdos_) Mense celestis participes faciat nos rex eterne glorie.
Amen.
(_Sacerdos_) Cibo spiritualis alimonie reficiat nos rex eterne
glorie. Amen.
(_Sacerdos_) Cibo spiritualis alimonie, &c.
(_Sacerdos_) Mense celestis ....
(_Lectio_) Deus caritas est, et qui manet in caritate, in deo manet,
et deus in eo. Sit deus in nobis, et nos maneamus in ipso.
(_Resp._) Amen.
[*](_Lectio_) Gracia domini nostri ihesu christi, et caritas dei,
et communicatio sancti spiritus, sit semper cum omnibus nobis.
(_Resp._) Amen.
(_Leccio_) Si consurrexistis cum christo, que sursum sunt
querite, ubi christus est in dextera dei sedens.
[_Resp._ Amen.]
(_Lectio_) Expurgate vetus fermentum, ut sitis nova conspersio
sicut estis asimi: etenim pascha nostrum immolatus est christus.
Itaque epulemur in domino.
[_Resp._ Amen.]
[Footnote *: _And in lent leve_ ‘Gracia Domini,’ _and say_:
(_Lectio_) Frange esurienti panem tuum, et egenos vagosque induc
in domum tuam; cum videris nudum, operi eum, et carnem tuam ne
despexeris. Ait dominus omnipotens.
[_Resp._ Amen.]]
POST PRANDIUM. 2.1
[_On Fish Days._]
GRACE AFTER-DYNER. 2.2
[_On Easter Eve._]
POST PRANDIUM. 2.3
[_On Easter Day._]
POST PRANDIUM. 2.4
(_Sacerdos_) Deus pacis et dileccionis maneat semper nobiscum.
Tu autem domine, miserere nostri.
(_Resp._) Deo gracias.
(_Sacerdos_) Deus pacis ....
(_Sacerdos_) Deus pacis et dileccionis....
(_Sacerdos_) Qui dat escam omni carni: confitemini deo celi.
Tu autem ....
[_Resp._ Deo gracias.]
(_Psalm_) Confiteantur tibi, domine, omnia tua: et sancti tui
benedicant tibi.
Gloria [patri] ....
(_Psalm_) [Memoriam] fecit mirabilium suorum misericors, et
miserator dominus: escam dedit timentibus se.
Gloria ....
Sic[ut erat .... (_an inch of the MS. broken away._) ....]
(_Psalm_) Memoriam fecit....
Gloria....
Sicut erat....
....
(_Capitulum_) Agimus tibi gracias, omnipotens deus, pro universis
beneficiis tuis, qui vivis et regnas deus per omnia secula seculorum.
amen.
(_Capitulum_) Agimus tibi gracias ....
....
(_Psalm_) Laudate dominum omnes gentes: laudate eum omnes populi.
Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus: et veritas domini
manet in eternum.
[[1.3, 1.4 same]]
Gloria patri ....
Sicut erat ....
Kyrieleyson.
Christeleyson.
Kyrieleyson.
Pater noster ....
[[1.3, 1.4 same]]
(_Sacerdos_) Et ne nos ....
(_Resp._) Sed libera ....
....
....
(_Sacerdos_) Dispersit, dedit pauperibus:
(_Resp._) Iustitia ejus manet in seculum seculi.
....
(_Sacerdos_) In resurrectione tua, Christe:
(_Resp._) Celi et terra letentur. alleluia.
(_Sacerdos_) Benedicam dominum in omni tempore:
(_Resp._) Semper laus ejus in ore meo.
(_Sacerdos_) In domino laudabitur anima mea:
(_Resp._) Audiant mansueti, et letentur.
(_Sacerdos_) Magnificate dominum mecum:
(_Resp._) Et exaltemus nomen ejus in id ipsum.
[_After Dinner._] 3.1
[_On Fish Days._] 3.2
[_On Easter Eve._] 3.3
[_On Easter Day._] 3.4
(_Sacerdos_) Sit nomen domini benedictum:
(_Resp._) Ex hoc nunc, et usque in seculum.
[_Blank._]
....
(_Sacerdos_) Dominus vobiscum:
(_Resp._) Et cum spiritu tuo.
(_Sacerdos_) Oremus.
Retribuere dignare, domine deus, omnibus nobis bona facientibus,
propter nomen sanctum tuum, vitam eternam. amen.
(_Sacerdos_) Oremus.
Spiritum in nobis, domine, tue caritatis infunde, ut quos
sacramentis paschalibus saciasti, tua facias pietate concordes.
_Per eundem_ dominum nostrum ihesum christum, filium tuum, qui
tecum vivit et regnat _in unitate_ ejusdem spiritus sancti, deus
per omnia secula seculorum. amen.
(_Sacerdos_) Oremus.
Spiritum in nobis, &c. Per eundem &c., in unitate....
(_Sacerdos_) Benedicamus domino:
(_Resp._) Deo gracias.
....
(_Sacerdos_) Benedicamus domino:
(Resp.) Deo gracias.
_Et eodem modo dicitur per totam ebdomadam._
Retribuere....
(_Antiphona de sancta maria._)
Ave regina celorum
Mater regis angelorum
O maria flos verginum
Velut rosa vel lilium
Funde preces ad filium
Pro salute fidelium.
(_Vers._) Ave Maria....
(_Oratio_) Meritis et precibus sue pie matris, benedicat nos filius
dei patris. amen.
....
SHORT GRACE AFFORE DYNER. 4.1
[_On Fish Days._] 4.2
[_On Easter Eve._] 4.3
[_On Easter Day._] 4.4
(_Sacerdos_) Benedicite.
(_Resp._) Dominus.
[_Blank._]
[_Blank._]
[_Blank._]
(_Sacerdos_) .... apponenda benedicat dei dextera .... [In nomine
patris et] filii et spiritus sancti. amen.
SHORTE GRACE AFTER DYNER & AFTER SOPER BOTHE.
(_Sacerdos_) Pro tali convivio benedicamus domino.
(_Resp._) Deo gracias.
(_Antiphona de sancta maria_)
Mater ora filium
Ut post hoc exilium
Nobis donet gaudium
Sine fine.
(_Vers._) Ave Maria ....
(_Sacerdos_) Oremus Meritis et precibus....
GRACE AFFORE SOPER. 5.1
[_On Fish Days._] 5.2
[_On Easter Eve._] 5.3
[_On Easter Day._]
ANTE CENAM. 5.4
(_Sacerdos_) Benedicite.
(_Resp._) Dominus.
[_Blank._]
[_Blank._]
(_Sacerdos_) Benedicite.
(_Resp._) Dominus.
(_Sacerdos_) Cenam sanctificet qui nobis omnia prebet. In nomine
patris ....
(_Sacerdos_) Cenam sanctificet qui nobis omnia prebet. In
nomine patris, et filii, et spiritus sancti. amen.
GRACE AFTER SOPER.
POST CENAM.
(_Sacerdos_) Hec dies ....
(_Sacerdos_) Benedictus deus in donis suis:
(_Resp._) Et sanctus in omnibus operibus suis.
(_Sacerdos_) In resurrectione tua, christe:
(_Resp._) Celi et terra letentur. alleluia.
(_Sacerdos_) Adjutorium nostrum in nomine domini:
(_Resp._) Qui fecit celum et terram.
(_Sacerdos_) Sit nomen domini benedictum:
(_Resp._) Ex hoc nunc et usque in seculum.
....
(_Sacerdos_) Dominus vobiscum:
(_Resp._) Et cum spiritu tuo.
(_Sacerdos_) Oremus.
Meritis et precibus sue pie matris, benedicat nos filius dei patris.
(_Sacerdos._) Spiritum in nobis....
(_Sacerdos_) Benedicamus domino:
(_Resp._) Deo gracias.
EXPLICIT.
SCHEME OF THE LATIN GRACES.
Common Fast Easter Easter
Days. Days. Eve. Day.
+-------+-------+--------+---------+
Before | 1.1| 1.2| 1.3| 1.4| Before
dinner | A | D | H | L | dinner
| | | | |
+-------+-------+--------+---------+
| 2.1| 2.2| 2.3| 2.4|
| B | E | I | M |
{ | | | | |}
After { +-------+-------+--------+---------+} After
dinner { | 3.1| 3.2| 3.3| 3.4|} dinner
| C | blank | K | N |
| | | | |
+=======+=======+========+=========+
Short | 4.1| 4.2| 4.3| 4.4| Short Graces for
Graces | F | blank | blank | blank | either dinner
| | | | | or supper
+=======+=======+========+=========+
Before | 5.1| 5.2| 5.3| 5.4| Before
and after | G | blank | blank | O | and after
_supper_ | | | | | _supper_
+-------+-------+--------+---------+
Common Fast Easter Easter
Days. Days. Eve. Day.
The alphabetical order is that in which the matter is found written in
the manuscript.
HENRY BRADSHAW.
* * * * *
* * * *
Symon’s Lesson of Wysedome for all Maner Chyldryn.
[_From MS. Bodl. 832, leaf 174._]
[Transcriber’s Note:
This selection was printed with long “s” (ſ).]
[The Rev. J. R. Lumby has kindly sent me the following amusing ‘lesson
of wysedome’ to ‘all maner chyldryn’, signed Symon, which he found in
the Bodleian. Mr G. Parker has read the proof with the MS. Lydgate
sinned against most of its precepts. It makes the rod the great
persuader to learning and gentleness.]
[Sidenote: Children, attend. You’d be better unborn than
untaught.]
All man{er} chyldryn, ye lyſten & ler{e}
A leſſon of wyſedome þ{a}t ys wryte her{e}!
My chyld, y rede þ{e} be wys, and take hede of þ{i}s ryme!
Old men yn p{ro}u{er}be ſayde by old tyme 4
‘A chyld wer{e} bet{er} to be vnbor{e}
Than to be vntaught, and ſo be lor{e}.’[1]
[Sidenote: You mustn’t have your own way always.]
The chyld þ{a}t hath hys wyll alway
Shal thryve late, y thei[2] wel ſay, 8
And þ{er}-for eu{er}y gode ma{n}nys chyld
That is to wanton and to wyld,
Lerne wel this leſſon for ſ{er}tayn,
That thou may be þ^e bet{er} man. 12
Chyld, y warne þ{e}e yn al wyſe
[Sidenote: Tell the truth, don’t be froward, hold up your
head, take off your hood when you’re spoken to.]
That þu tel trowth & make no lyes.
Chyld, be not froward, be not prowde,
But hold vp þy hedde & ſpeke a-lowde; 16
And when eny man ſpekyth to the,
Do of þy hode and bow thy kne,
[Sidenote: Wash your hands and face. Be courteous.]
And wayſch thy hand{es} & þy face,
And be curteys yn eu{er}y place. 20
And wher{e} þ{o}u comyſt, w{i}t{h} gode chere
In halle or bowr{e}, bydde “god be her{e}!”
[Sidenote: Don’t throw stones at dogs and hogs. Mock at no
one. Don’t swear.]
Loke þ{o}u caſt to no ma{n}nes dogge,
W{i}t{h} ſtaff ne ſtone at hors ne hogge; 24
Loke þ{a}t þ{o}u not ſcorne ne iape
Noþ{er} w{i}t{h} man, maydyn, ne ape;
Lete no ma{n} of þ{e}e make playnt;
Swer{e} þ{o}u not by god noþ{er} by ſaynt. 28
[Sidenote: Eat what’s given you, and don’t ask for this and
that.]
Loke þ{o}u be c{ur}teys ſtondyng at mete;
And þ{a}t men ȝeuyth þ{e}e, þ{o}u take & ete;
And loke that þ{o}u nother crye ne crave,
And ſay “that and that wold y have;” 32
But ſtond þ{o}u ſtylle be-for{e} þ^e borde,
And loke þ{o}u ſpeke no lowde worde.
[Sidenote: Honour your father and mother: kneel and ask their
blessing. Keep your clothes clean.]
And, chyld, wyrſhep thy fad{er} and thy mod{er},
And loke þ{a}t þ{o}u greve noþ{er} on ne oþ{er}, 36
But eu{er} among þ{o}u ſhalt knele adowne,
And aſke her{e} bleſſyng and her{e} beneſowne.
And, chyld, kepe thy cl{o}þ{e}s fayr{e} & clene,
And lete no fowle fylth on hem be ſene. 40
[Sidenote: Don’t go bird’s-nesting, or steal fruit, or throw
stones at men’s windows, or play in church.]
Chyld, clem þ{o}u not ou{er} hows ne walle
For no frute[3], brydd{es}, ne balle;
And, chyld, caſt no ſtonys ou{er} men hows,
Ne caſt no ſtonys at no glas wyndowys; 44
Ne make no crying, yapis, ne playes,
In holy chyrche on holy dayes.
[Sidenote: Don’t chatter. Get home by daylight.]
And, chyld, y warne þ{e}e of anoþ{er} thynge,
Kepe þ{e}e fro many word{es} and yangelyng. 48
And, chyld, whan þ{o}u goſt to play,
Loke þ{o}u come home by lyght of day.
[Sidenote: Keep clear of fire and water, and the edges of
wells and brooks.]
And, chyld, I warne the of a-noþ{er} mat{er},
Loke þ{o}u kepe þ{e}e wel fro fyr{e} and wat{er}; 52
And be war{e} and wyſe how þ{a}t þ{o}u lokys
Ou{er} any brynk, welle, or brokys;
And when þ{o}u ſtondyſt at any ſchate[4],
By war{e} and wyſe þ{a}t þ{o}u cacche no ſtake, 56
For meny chyld w{i}t{h}-o{u}t drede
Ys dede or dyſſeyuyd throw ywell hede.
[Sidenote: (leaf 175.)]
[Sidenote: Take care of your book, cap, and gloves, or you’ll
be birched on your bare bottom.]
Chyld, kepe thy boke, cappe, and glouys,
And al thyng þ{a}t þ{e}e behouys; 60
And but þ{o}u do, þ{o}u ſhat far{e} the wors,
And þ{er}-to be bete on þe bar{e} ers.
[Sidenote: Don’t be a liar or thief, or make faces at any man.]
Chyld, be þ{o}u lyer noþ{er} no theffe;
Be þ{o}u no mecher[5] for myſcheffe. 64
Chyld, make þ{o}u no mowys ne knakk{es}
Be-for{e} no men, ne by-hynd her{e} bakk{es},
But be of fayr{e} ſemelaunt and co{n}tenaunce,
For by fayr{e} man{er}ys men may þ{e}e a-vaunce. 68
[Sidenote: When you meet any one, lower your hood and wish ’em
“god speed.”]
Chyld wha{n} þ{o}u goſt yn eny ſtrete,
Iff þ{o}u eny gode man or woma{n} mete,
Avale thy hode to hym or to her{e},
And bydde, “god ſpede dame or ſer{e}!” 72
And be they ſmalle or grete,
This leſſon þ{a}t þ{o}u not for-gete,--
For hyt is ſemely to eu{er}y ma{n}nys chylde,--
[Sidenote: Be meek to clerks. Rise early, go to school, and
learn fast if you want to be our bishop.]
And namely to clerk{es} to be meke & mylde. 76
And, chyld, ryſe by tyme and go to ſcole,
And far{e} not as Wanton fole,
And lerne as faſt as þ{o}u may and can,
For owr{e} byſchop is an old man, 80
And þ{er}-for þ{o}u moſt lerne faſt
Iff þ{o}u wolt be byſſhop when he is paſt.
Chyld, y bydde þe on my bleſſyng
That þ{o}u for-ȝete nat þ{i}s for no thyng, 84
[Sidenote: Attend to all these things, for a good child needs
learning, and he who hates the child spares the rod.]
But þ{o}u loke, hold hyt wel on þy mynde,
For þ^e beſt þu ſhalt hyt fynde;
For, as þe wyſe man ſayth and p{re}uyth,
A leve chyld, lor{e} he be-houyth; 88
[Sidenote: (leaf 175 b.)]
And as men ſayth þ{a}t ben leryd,
He hatyth þ^e chyld þ{a}t ſparyth þ^e rodde;
And as þe wyſe man ſayth yn his boke
Off p{ro}u{er}bis and wyſedomes, ho wol loke, 92
[Sidenote: As a spur makes a horse go, so a rod makes a child
learn and be mild.]
“As a ſharppe ſpor{e} makyth an hors to renne
Vnd{er} a man that ſhold werre wynne,
Ryȝt ſo a ȝerde may make a chyld
To lerne welle hys leſſon, and to be myld.” 96
Lo, chyldryn, her{e} may ȝe al her{e} and ſe
How al chyldryn chaſtyd ſhold be;
[Sidenote: So, children, do well, and you’ll not get a sound
beating. May God keep you good!]
And þ{er}for, chylder{e}, loke þ{a}t ye do well,
And no harde betyng ſhall ye be-falle: 100
Thys may ȝe al be ryght gode men.
God g{ra}unt yow g{ra}ce ſo to p{re}ſ{er}ue yow.
Amen!
------
Symon.
------
[Footnote 1: Compare “Better vnfedde then vntaughte” in _Seager’s
Schoole of Vertue_, above, p. 236, l. 725.]
[Footnote 2: thee]
[Footnote 3: Cp. Lydgate’s Tricks at School, _Forewords_,
p. xliv.]
[Footnote 4: ? meaning. _Skathie_, a fence. Jamieson. _Skaith_,
hurt, harm. Halliwell.]
[Footnote 5: A mychare seems to denote properly a sneaking thief.
Way. Prompt., p. 336. _Mychare_, a covetous, sordid fellow.
Jamieson. Fr. _pleure-pain_: m. A niggardlie wretch; a puling
_micher_ or miser. Cotgrave.]
* * * * *
* * * *
The Birched School-Boy
of about 1500 A.D.
(_From the Balliol MS. 354, ffl ij C xxx._)
[As old Symon talks of the rod (p. 383-4, ll. 62, 90), as Caxton in his
Book of Curtesye promises his ‘lytyl John’ a breechless feast, or as the
Oriel MS. reads it, a ‘byrchely’ one,[1] & as the Forewords have shown
that young people did get floggings in olden time, it may be as well to
give here the sketch of a boy flea-bitten, no doubt, with little bobs of
hazel twigs, that Richard Hill has preserved for us. Boys of the present
generation happily don’t know the sensation of unwelcome warmth that a
sound flogging produced, and how after it one had to sit on the bottom
of one’s spine on the edge of the hard form, in the position recommended
at College for getting well forward in rowing. But they may rest assured
that if their lot had fallen on a birching school, they’d have heartily
joined the school-boy of 1500 in wishing his and their masters at the
devil, even though they as truant boys had been ‘milking ducks, as their
mothers bade them.’]
hay! hay! by this day!
what avayleth it me thowgh I say nay?
[Sidenote: Learning is strange work; the birch twigs are so sharp.]
¶ I wold ffayñ be a clarke;
but yet hit is a strange werke;[2]
the byrchyñ twygg{is} be so sharpe,
hit makith me haue a faynt harte.
what avaylith it me thowgh I say nay?
[Sidenote: I’d sooner go 20 miles than go to school on Mondays.]
¶ On mo{n}day i{n} {th}e mornyng whañ I shall rise
at vj. of the clok,[3] hyt is the gise
to go to skole w{i}t{h}out a-vise
I had lever go xx^ti myle twyse!
what avaylith it me thowgh I say nay?
[Sidenote: My master asks where I’ve been. ‘Milking ducks,’
I tell him,]
¶ My master lokith as he were madde:
“wher hast {tho}u be, thow sory ladde?”
“Milked dukk{is}, my moder badde:”
hit was no m{er}vayle thow I were sadde.
what vaylith it me thowgh I say nay?
[Sidenote: and he gives me pepper for it.]
¶ My mast{er} pep{er}ed my ars w{i}t{h} well good spede:
hit was worse thañ ffynkll sede;
he wold not leve till it did blede.
Myche sorow haue be for his dede!
what vaylith it me thowgh I say nay?
[Sidenote: I only wish he was a hare, and my book a wild cat,]
¶ I wold my mast{er} were a watt[4]
& my boke a wyld Catt,
& a brase of grehownd{is} in his toppe:
I wold be glade for to se that!
what vayleth it me thowgh I say nay?
[Sidenote: and all his books dogs. Wouldn’t I blow my horn!
Don’t I wish he was dead!]
¶ I wold my mast{er} were an hare,
& all his bok{is} hownd{is} were,
& I my self a Ioly hontere:
to blowe my horñ I wold not spare!
ffor if he were dede I wold not care.
what vaylith me thowgh I say nay?
Explicit.
[Footnote 1: See Caxton’s Book of Curtesye, in the Society’s
Extra Series, 1868.]
[Footnote 2: Compare the very curious song on the difficulty of
learning singing, in _Reliquiæ Antiquæ_, i. 291, from Arundel MS.
292, leaf 71, back.]
[Footnote 3: See Rhodes, p. 72, l. 61; and Seager, p. 226, l. 58.]
[Footnote 4: a hare.]
* * * * *
* * * *
The Song of the School Boy at Christmas.
[Printed also in _Reliquiæ Antiquæ_, i. 116, ‘From MS. Sloane, No. 1584,
of the beginning of the sixteenth century, or latter part of the
fifteenth, fol. 33^ro., written in Lincolnshire or Nottinghamshire,
perhaps, to judge by the mention of persons and places, in the
neighbourhood of Grantham or Newark.’ J. O. Halliwell.]
+Ante ffine{m}+ t{er}mini Baculus portamus,
Caput hustiarii ffranger{e} debemus;
Si p{re}ceptor nos petit quo debemus Ire,
Breuiter respondem{us}, “no{n} est tibi scire.”
O p{ro} nobilis docter, Now we youe pray,
Vt velitis conceder{e} to gyff h{us} leff to play.
Nunc p{ro}ponimus Ire, w{i}t{h}out any ney,
Scolam dissolver{e}; I tell itt youe in fey,
Sicut istud festum, merth-is for to make,
Accipim{us} n{ost}ram diem, owr leve for to take.
Post natale festu{m}, full sor shall we qwake,
Qu{um} nos Revenim{us}, latens for to make.
Ergo nos Rogamus, hartly and holle,
Vt isto die possimus, to brek upe {th}e scole.
Non min{us} hic peccat q{u}i sens{um} condit in agro,
Qua{m} qui doctrinam Claudet in ore suo.
* * * * *
* * * *
The Boar’s Head.
[_Balliol MS. 354, ffl_ ij C xij, _or leaf 228._]
Caput Apri Refero, } fote[1]
Resonens laudes do{mi}no. }
The boris hed In hond{is} I brynge
with garlond{is} gay & byrd{is} syngynge;
I p{ra}y you all helpe me to synge,
Qui estis in conviuio.
The boris hede, I vnderstond,
ys cheff{e} s{er}uyce in all this londe:
wher-so-ever it may he fonde,
Seruitur cu{m} sinapio.
The boris hede, I dare well say,
anon after the xij^th day
he taketh his leve & goth a-way,
Exiuit tu{n}c de patria.
See other carols on the Boar’s Head, in _Songs and Carols_, Percy
Soc., p. 42, 25; Ritson’s _Ancient Songs_; Sandys’s _Carols_, and
_Christmastide_, p. 231, from Ritson,--a different version of the
present carol,--&c.
[Footnote 1: I suppose this means the _foot_, the burden.]
* * * * *
* * * *
Errata (noted by transcriber):
Ffor to serve a lord.
[Footnote 34: ... ‘Quynce, a frute, _pomme de quoyn_,’]
[_close quote missing_]
Latin Graces, col. 1.1.
(_Sacerdos_) Mense celestis participes faciat
[_opening parenthesis invisible_]
The Boar’s Head
wher-so-ever it may he fonde [_text unchanged_]
* * * * *
* * * *
* * * * *
_Collected Sidenotes_
[This section was added by the transcriber. It contains the editor’s
summaries of each selection, given in the form of sidenotes.]
Russell’s _Boke of Nurture_: Sidenotes
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, God keep me! I am an
Usher to a Prince, and delight in teaching the inexperienced.
It is charitable to teach ignorant youths.
If any such won’t learn, give them a toy.
One May I went to a forest, and by the Forester’s leave walked in the
woodland, where I saw three herds of deer in the sunshine.
A young man with a bow was going to stalk them, but I asked him to walk
with me, and inquired whom he served.
‘No one but myself, and I wish I was out of this world.’
‘Good son, despair is sin; tell me what the matter is. When the pain is
greatest the cure is nearest!’
‘Sir, I’ve tried everywhere for a master; but because I know nothing, no
one will take me.’
‘Will you learn if I’ll teach you? What do you want to be?’
‘A Butler, Sir, Panter, Chamberlain, and Carver. Teach me the duties of
these.’
‘I will, if you’ll love God and be true to your master.’
A Panter or Butler must have three knives:
1 to chop loaves, 1 to pare them, 1 to smooth the trenchers.
Give your Sovereign new bread, others one-day-old bread; for the house,
three-day bread; for trenchers four-day bread; Have your salt white, and
your salt-planer of ivory, two inches broad, three long.
Have your table linen sweet and clean, your knives bright, spoons well
washed, two wine-augers some box taps, a broaching gimlet, a pipe and
bung.
To broach a pipe, pierce it with an auger or gimlet, four fingers-
breadth over the lower rim, so that the dregs may not rise.
Serve Fruit according to the season, figs, dates, quince-marmalade,
ginger, &c.
Before dinner, plums and grapes after, pears, nuts, and hard cheese.
After supper, roast apples, &c.
In the evening don’t take cream, strawberries, or junket, unless you eat
hard cheese with them.
Hard cheese keeps your bowels open.
Butter is wholesome in youth and old age, anti-poisonous, and aperient.
Milk, Junket, Posset, &c., are binding.
Eat hard cheese after them.
Beware of green meat; it weakens your belly.
For food that sets your teeth on edge, eat almonds and cheese, but not
more than half an ounce.
If drinks have given you indigestion, eat a raw apple.
Moderation is best sometimes, at others abstinence.
Look every night that your wines don’t ferment or leak Always carry a
gimlet, adze, and linen cloths; and wash the heads of the pipes with
cold water.
If the wine boil over, put to it the lees of red wine, and that will
cure it.
Romney will bring round sick sweet wine.
_The names of Sweet Wines._
_Recipe for making Ypocras._
Take spices thus, Cinnamon, &c., long Pepper.
Have three basins and three straining-bags to them; hang ’em on a perch.
Let your ginger be well pared, hard, not worm-eaten, (Colombyne is
better than Valadyne or Maydelyne); your sticks of Cinnamon thin, hot
and sweet; Canel is not so good.
Cinnamon is hot and dry, Cardamons are hot and moist.
Take sugar or sugar candy, red wine, graines, ginger, pepper, cinnamon,
spice, and turnesole, and put each powder in a bladder by itself.
Hang your straining-bags so that they mayn’t touch,--first bag a gallon,
others a pottle.
Put the powders in two or three gallons of red wine; then into the
runner, the second bag, (tasting and trying it now and then), and the
third vessel.
If it’s not right, add cinnamon, ginger, or sugar, as wanted.
If it’s not right, add cinnamon, ginger, or sugar, as wanted.
Mind you keep tasting it.
Strain it through bags of fine cloth, hooped at the mouth, the first
holding a gallon, the others a pottle, and each with a basin under it.
The Ypocras is made.
Use the dregs in the kitchen.
Put the Ypocras in a tight clean vessel, and serve it with wafers.
_The Buttery._
Keep all cups, &c., clean.
Don’t serve ale till it’s five days old.
Be civil and obliging, and give no one stale drink.
_To lay the cloth_, &c.
Wipe the table.
Put a cloth on it (a cowche); you take one end, your mate the other; lay
the fold of the second cloth(?) on the outer edge of the table, that of
the third cloth(?) on the inner.
Cover your cupboard with a diaper towel, put one round your neck, one
side on your left arm with your sovereign’s napkin; on that, eight
loaves to eat, and three or four trencher loaves: in your left the
salt-cellar.
In your right hand, spoons and knives.
Put the Salt on the right of your lord; on its left, a trencher or two;
on their left, a knife, then white rolls, and beside them a spoon folded
in a napkin.
Cover all up.
At the other end set a Salt and two trenchers.
_How to wrap up your lord’s bread in a stately way._
Cut your loaves all equal.
Take a towel two and a half yards long by the ends, fold up a handful
from each end, and in the middle of the folds lay eight loaves or buns,
bottom to bottom; put a wrapper on the top, twist the ends of the towel
together, smooth your wrapper, and quickly open the end of it before
your lord.
After your lord’s lay the other tables.
Deck your cupboard with plate, your washing-table with basins, &c.
Have plenty of napkins, &c., and your pots clean.
Make the _Surnape_ with a cloth under a double napkin.
Fold the two ends of your towel, and one of the cloth, a foot over, and
lay it smooth for your lord to wash with.
The marshal must slip it along the table, and pull it smooth.
Then raise the upper part of the towel, and lay it even, so that the
Sewer (arranger of dishes) may make a state.
When your lord has washed, take up the Surnape with your two arms, and
carry it back to the Ewery.
Carry a towel round your neck.
Uncover your bread; see that all diners have knife, spoon, and napkin.
Bow when you leave your lord.
Take eight loaves from the bread-cloth, and put four at each end.
Lay for as many persons as the Sewer has set potages for, and have
plenty of bread and drink.
Be lively and soft-spoken, clean and well dressed.
Don’t spit or put your fingers into cups.
Stop all blaming and backbiting, and prevent complaints.
_General Directions for Behaviour._
Don’t claw your back as if after a flea; or your head, as if after a
louse.
See that your eyes are not blinking and watery.
Don’t pick your nose, or let it drop, or blow it too loud, or twist your
neck.
Don’t claw your cods, rub your hands, pick your ears, retch, or spit too
far.
Don’t tell lies, or squirt with your mouth, gape, pout, or put your
tongue in a dish to pick dust out.
Don’t cough, hiccup, or belch, straddle your legs, or scrub your body.
Don’t pick your teeth, cast stinking breath on your lord, fire your
stern guns, or expose your codware before your master.
Many other improprieties a good servant will avoid.’
‘Sir, pray teach me how to carve, handle a knife, and cut up birds,
fish, and flesh.’
‘Hold your knife tight, with two fingers and a thumb, in your midpalm.
Do your carving, lay your bread, and take off trenchers, with two
fingers and thumb.
Never touch others’ food with your right hand, but only with the left.
Don’t dirty your table or wipe your knives on it.
Take a loaf of trenchers, and with the edge of your knife raise a
trencher, and lay it before your lord; lay four trenchers four-square,
and another on the top.
Take a loaf of light bread, pare the edges, cut the upper crust for your
lord, and don’t touch it after it’s trimmed.
Keep your table clean.
_Indigestibilities._
You must know what meat is indigestible, and what sauces are wholesome.
These things are indigestible: Fat and Fried, Raw and Resty, Salt and
Sour, also sinews, skin, hair, feathers, crops, heads, pinions, &c.,
legs, outsides of thighs, skins; these destroy your lord’s rest.’
‘Thanks, father, I’ll put your teaching into practice, and pray for you.
But please tell me how to carve fish and flesh.’
_Carving of Meat._
Cut _brawn_ on the dish, and lift slices off with your knife; serve it
with mustard.
Venison with furmity.
Touch _Venison_ only with your knife, pare it, cross it with 12 scores,
cut a piece out, and put it in the furmity soup.
Touch with your left hand, pare it clean, put away the sinews, &c.
_Partridges_, &c.:
take up by the pinion, and mince them small in the sirrup.
Larger roast birds, as the _Osprey_, &c., raise up [? cut off] the legs,
then the wings, lay the body in the middle, with the wings and legs
round it, in the same dish.
_Capons:_ take off the wings and legs; pour on ale or wine, mince them
into the flavoured sauce.
Give your lord the left wing, and if he want it, the right one too.
_Pheasants_, &c.:
take off the wings, put them in the dish, then the legs.
_Woodcocks_, Heronshaws, Brew, &c.
break the pinions, neck, and beak.
Cut off the legs, then the wings, lay the body between them.
_Crane_: take off the wings, but not the trompe in his breast.
_Peacocks_, &c.:
carve like you do the Crane, keeping their feet on.
_Quails_, larks, pigeons: give your lord the legs first.
_Fawn_: serve the kidney first, then a rib.
Pick the fyxfax out of the neck.
_Pig_:
1. shoulder,
2. rib.
_Rabbit_: lay him on his back; pare off his skin; break his haunch bone,
cut him down each side of the back, lay him on his belly, separate the
sides from the chine, put them together again, cutting out the nape of
the neck; give your lord the sides.
Sucking rabbits: cut in two, then the hind part in two; pare the skin
off, serve the daintiest bit from the side.
Such is the way of carving gross meats.
Cut each piece into four slices (?) for your master to dip in his sauce.
Of large birds’ wings, put only three bits at once in the sauce.
Of small birds’ wings, scrape the flesh to the end of the bone, and put
it on your lord’s trencher.
_How to carve Baked Meats._
Open hot ones at the top of the crust, cold ones in the middle.
Take Teal, &c., out of their pie, and mince their wings, stir the
gravy in; your lord may eat it with a spoon.
Cut Venison, &c., in the pasty.
Custard: cut in squares with a knife.
Dowcets: pare away the sides; serve in a sawcer.
Payne-puff: pare the bottom, cut off the top.
Fried things are indigestible.
Poached-egg (?) fritters are best.
Tansey is good hot.
Don’t eat Leessez.
Cooks are always inventing new dishes that tempt people and endanger
their lives: Syrups Comedies, Jellies, that stop the bowels.
Some dishes are prepared with unclarified honey.
Cow-heels and Calves’ feet are sometimes mixed with unsugared leches and
Jellies.
Furmity with venison, mortrewes, jussell, &c., are good.
Other out-of-the-way soups set aside.
Such is a flesh feast in the English way.
Sauces.
Sauces provoke a fine appetite.
Have ready Mustard for brawn, &c.,
Verjuice for veal, &c.,
Chawdon for cygnet and swan,
Garlic, &c., for beef and goose, Ginger for fawn, &c.,
Mustard and sugar for pheasant, &c.,
Gamelyn for heronsew, &c.,
Sugar and Salt for brew, &c.,
Gamelyn for bustard, &c.,
Salt and Cinnamon for woodcock, thrushes, &c., and quails, &c.
_How to carve Fish._
With pea soup or furmity serve a Beaver’s tail, salt Porpoise, &c.
Split up Herrings, take out the roe and bones, eat with mustard.
Take the skin off salt fish, Salmon, Ling, &c., and let the sauce be
mustard, but for Mackarel, &c., butter of Claynes or Hackney (?)
Of Pike, the belly is best, with plenty of sauce.
Salt Lampreys, cut in seven gobbets, pick out the backbones, serve with
onions and galentine.
Plaice: cut off the fins, cross it with a knife, sauce with wine, &c.
Gurnard, Chub, Roach, Dace, Cod, &c., split up and spread on the dish.
Soles, Carp, &c., take off as served.
Whale, porpoise, congur, turbot, Halybut, &c., cut in the dish, and also
Tench in jelly.
On roast Lamprons cast vinegar, &c., and bone them.
Crabs are hard to carve: break every claw, put all the meat in the
body-shell, and then season it with _vinegar or verjuice_ and powder.
(?) Heat it, and give it to your lord.
Put the claws, broken, in a dish.
The sea Crayfish: cut it asunder, slit the belly of the back part, take
out the fish, clean out the _gowt_ in the middle of the sea Crayfish’s
back; pick it out, tear it off the fish, and put vinegar to it; break
the claws and set them on the table.
Treat the back like the crab, stopping both ends with bread.
The fresh-water Crayfish: serve with vinegar and powder.
Salt Sturgeon: slit its joll, or head, thin.
Whelk: cut off its head and tail, throw away its operculum, mantle, &c.,
cut it in two, and put it on the sturgeon, adding vinegar.
Carve Baked Lampreys thus: take off the piecrust, put thin slices of
bread on a Dish, pour galentyne over the bread, add cinnamon and red
wine.
Mince the lampreys, lay them on the sauce, &c., on a hot plate, serve up
to your lord.
White herrings fresh; the roe must be white and tender serve with salt
and wine.
Shrimps picked, lay them round a sawcer, and serve with vinegar.”
“Thanks, father, I know about Carving now, but I hardly dare ask you
about a Sewer’s duties, how he is to serve.”
_The Duties of a Sewer._
“Son, since you wish to learn, I will gladly teach you.
Let the Sewer, as soon as the Master begins to say grace, hie to the
kitchen.
I. Ask the Panter for fruits (as butter, grapes, &c.), if they are to be
served.
II. Ask the cook and Surveyor what dishes are prepared.
III. Let the Cook serve up the dishes, the Surveyor deliver them and
you, the Sewer, have skilful officers to prevent any dish being stolen.
IV. Have proper servants, Marshals, &c., to bring the dishes from the
kitchen.
V. You set them on the table yourself.
_A Meat Dinner._
_First Course._
1. Mustard and brawn.
2. Potage.
3. Stewed Pheasant and Swan, &c.
4. Baked Venison.
5. A Device of Gabriel greeting Mary.
_Second Course._
1. Blanc Mange (of Meat).
2. Roast Venison, &c.
3. Peacocks, heronsew, egrets, sucking rabbits, larks, bream, &c.
4. Dowcets, amber Leche, poached fritters.
5. A Device of an Angel appearing to three Shepherds on a hill.
_Third Course._
1. Almond cream.
2. Curlews, Snipes, &c.
3. Fresh-water crayfish, &c.
4. Baked Quinces, Sage fritters, &c.
5. Devices: The Mother of Christ, presented by the Kings of Cologne.
_Dessert._
White apples, caraways, wafers and Ypocras.
_Clear the Table._
_A Fish Dinner._
_First Course._
1. Minnows, &c.
2. Porpoise and peas.
3. Fresh Millwell.
4. Roast Pike.
5. A Divice: A young man piping on a cloud, and called _Sanguineus_,
or Spring.
_Second Course._
1. Dates and Jelly,
2. Doree in Syrup,
3. Turbot, &c.
4. Eels, Fritters,
5. A Device: A Man of War, red and angry called _Estas_, or Summer.
_Third Course._
1. Almond Cream, &c.,
2. Sturgeon, Whelks, Minnows,
3. Shrimps, &c.,
4. Fritters.
5. A Device: A Man with a Sickle, tired, called Harvest.
_Fourth Course._
Hot apples, Ginger, Wafers, Ypocras.
The last Device, _Yemps_ or Winter, with grey locks, sitting on a stone.
These Devices represent the Ages of Man:
_Sanguineus_, the 1st age, of pleasure.
_Colericus_, the 2nd, of quarrelling.
_Autumpnus_ the 3rd, of melancholy.
_Winter_, the 4th, of aches and troubles.
These Devices give great pleasure, when shown in a house.
_Inscriptions for the Devices._
_Spring._ Loving, laughing, singing, benign.
_Summer._ Prickly, angry, crafty, lean.
_Autumn._ Sleepy, dull, sluggish, fat, white-faced.
_Winter._ Envious, sad, timid, yellow-coloured.
_A Franklin’s Feast._
Brawn, bacon and pease, beef and boiled chickens, roast goose, capon,
and custade.
_Second Course._
Mortrewes, veal, rabbit, chicken, dowcettes, fritters, or leche, spiced
pears, bread and cheese, spiced cakes, bragot and mead.
_Dinners on Fish-days._
Gudgeons, minnows, venprides (?) musclade (?) of almonds, oysters
dressed, porpoise or seal, pike cullis, jelly, dates, quinces, pears,
houndfish, rice, mameny.
If you don’t like these potages, taste them only.
_Fish Sauces._
Mustard for salt herring, conger, mackerel, &c.
Vinegar for salt porpoise, swordfish, &c.
Sour wine for whale, with powder.
Wine for plaice.
Galantine for lamprey.
Verjuice for mullet.
Cinnamon for base, carp, and chub.
Garlic, verjuice, and pepper, for houndfish, stockfish, &c.
Vinegar, cinnamon, and ginger, for fresh-water crayfish, fresh porpoise,
sturgeon, &c.
Green Sauce for green fish (fresh ling): Mustard is best for every dish.
Other sauces are served at grand feasts, but the above will please
familiar guests.”
“Fair fall you, father! You have taught me lovesomely; but please
tell me, too, the duties of a Chamberlain.”
_The Chamberlain’s Duties._
He must be diligent, neatly dressed, clean-washed, careful of fire and
candle, attentive to his master, light of ear, looking out for things
that will please.
The Chamberlain must prepare for his lord a clean shirt, under and upper
coat and doublet, breeches, socks, and slippers as brown as a
water-leech.
In the morning, must have clean linen ready, warmed by a clear fire.
When his lord rises, he gets ready the foot-sheet; puts a cushioned
chair before the fire, a cushion for the feet, and over all spreads the
foot-sheet: has a comb and kerchief ready, and then asks his lord to
come to the fire and dress while he waits by.
1. Give your master his under coat,
2. His doublet,
3. Stomacher well warmed,
4. Vampeys and socks,
5. Draw on his socks, breeches, and shoes,
6. Pull up his breeches,
7. Tie ’em up,
8. Lace his doublet,
9. Put a kerchief round his neck,
10. Comb his head with an ivory comb,
11. Give him warm water to wash with,
12. Kneel down and ask him what gown he’ll wear:
13. Get the gown,
14. Hold it out to him;
15. Get his girdle,
16. His Robe.
17. His hood or hat.
18. Before he goes brush him carefully.
Before your lord goes to church, see that his pew is made ready,
cushion, curtain, &c.
Return to his bedroom, throw off the clothes, beat the featherbed, see
that the fustian and sheets are clean.
Cover the bed with a coverlet, spread out the bench covers and cushions,
set up the headsheet and pillow, remove the urinal and basin, lay
carpets round the bed, and with others dress the windows and cupboard,
have a fire laid.
Keep the Privy sweet and clean, cover the boards with green cloth, so
that no wood shows at the hole; put a cushion there, and have some
blanket, cotton, or linen to wipe on; have a basin, jug, and towel,
ready for your lord to wash when he leaves the privy.
In the Wardrobe take care to keep the clothes well, and brush ’em with a
soft brush at least once a week, for fear of moths.
Look after your Drapery and Skinnery.
If your lord will take a nap after his meal, have ready kerchief, comb,
pillow and headsheet (don’t let him sleep too long), water and towel.
When he goes to bed,
1. Spread out the footsheet,
2. Take off your lord’s Robe and put it away.
3. Put a cloak on his back,
4. Set him on his footsheet,
5. Pull off his shoes, socks, and breeches,
6. Throw the breeches over your arm,
7. Comb his head,
8. Put on his kerchief and nightcap,
9. Have the bed, and headsheet, &c., ready,
10. Draw the curtains,
11. Set the night-light,
12. Drive out dogs and cats,
13. Bow to your lord,
14. Keep the night-stool and urinal ready for whenever he calls, and
take it back when done with.
_How to prepare a Bath._
Hang round the roof, sheets full of sweet herbs, have five or six
sponges to sit or lean on, and one great sponge to sit on with a sheet
over and a sponge under his feet.
Mind the door’s shut.
With a basinful of hot herbs, wash him with a soft sponge, throw
rose-water on him; let him go to bed.
Put his socks and slippers on, stand him on his footsheet, wipe him dry,
take him to bed to cure his troubles.
_To make a Medicinal Bath._
Boil together hollyhock centaury, herb-benet, scabious, withy leaves;
throw them hot into a vessel, set your lord on it; let him bear it as
hot as he can, and whatever disease he has will certainly be cured, as
men say.
_The Duties of an Usher and Marshal._
He must know the rank and precedence of all people.
I.
1. The Pope.
2. Emperor.
3. King.
4. Cardinal.
5. Prince.
6. Archbishop.
7. Royal Duke.
II. Bishop, &c.
III.
1. Viscount.
2. Mitred abbot.
3. Three Chief Justices.
4. Mayor of London.
IV. (The Knight’s rank.)
1. Cathedral Prior, Knight Bachelor.
2. Dean, Archdeacon.
3. Master of the Rolls.
4. Puisné Judge.
5. Clerk of the Crown.
6. Mayor of Calais.
7. Doctor of Divinity.
8. Prothonotary.
9. Pope’s Legate.
V. (The Squire’s rank.)
1. Doctor of Laws.
2. Ex-Mayor of London.
3. Serjeant of Law.
4. Masters of Chancery.
5. Preacher.
6. Masters of Arts.
7. Other Religious.
8. Parsons and Vicars.
9. Parish Priests.
10. City Bailiffs.
11. Serjeant at Arms.
12. Heralds (the chief Herald has first place),
13. Merchants,
14. Gentlemen,
15. Gentlewomen may all eat with squires.
I have now told you the rank of every class, and now I’ll tell you how
they may be grouped at table.
I. Pope, King, Prince, Archbishop and Duke.
II. Bishop, Marquis, Viscount, Earl.
III. The Mayor of London, Baron, Mitred Abbot, three Chief Justices,
Speaker, may sit together, two or three at a mess.
IV. The other ranks (three or four to a mess) equal to a Knight,
unmitred Abbot, Dean, Master of the Rolls, under Judges, Doctor of
Divinity, Prothonotary, Mayor of Calais.
V. Other ranks equal to a Squire, four to a mess.
Serjeants of Law, ex-Mayor of London, Masters of Chancery, Preachers and
Parsons, Apprentices of Law, Merchants and Franklins.
Each estate or rank shall sit at meat by itself, not seeing another.
The Bishop of Canterbury shall be served apart from the Archbishop of
York, and the Metropolitan alone.
The Bishop of York must not eat before the Primate of England.
Sometimes a Marshal is puzzled by Lords of royal blood being poor, and
others not royal being rich; also by a Lady of royal blood marrying a
knight, and _vice versâ_.
The Lady of royal blood shall keep her rank; the Lady of low blood shall
take her husband’s rank.
Property is not so worthy as royal blood, so the latter prevails over
the former, for royal blood may become King.
The parents of a Pope or Cardinal must not presume to equality with
their son, and must not want to sit by him, but in a separate room.
A Marshal must look to the rank of every estate, and do honour to
_foreign visitors_ and residents.
A well-trained Marshal should think beforehand where to place strangers
at the table.
If the King sends any messenger to your Lord receive him one degree
higher than his rank.
The King’s groom may dine with a Knight or Marshal, A Marshal must also
understand the rank of County and Borough officers, and that a Knight of
blood and property is above a poor Knight, the Mayor of London above the
Mayor of Queenborough, the Abbot of Westminster above the poor Abbot of
Tintern, the Prior of Canterbury above the Prior of Dudley, the Prior
who is Prelate of a Cathedral Church above any Abbot or Prior of his
diocese, a Doctor of 12 years’ standing above one of 9 (though the
latter be the richer), the old Aldermen above the young ones, and
1. the Master of a craft,
2. the ex-warden.
Before every feast, then, think what people are coming, and settle what
their order of precedence is to be.
If in doubt, ask your lord or the chief officer, and then you’ll do
wrong to no one, but set all according to their birth and dignity.
Now I have told you of Court Manners, how to manage in Pantry, Buttery,
Carving, and as Sewer, and Marshal, as I learnt with a Royal Prince
whose Usher and Marshal I was.
All other officers have to obey me.
Our office is the chief, whether the Cook likes it or not.
All these offices may be filled by one man, but a Prince’s dignity
requires each office to have its officer, and a servant under him, (all
knowing their duties perfectly) to wait on their Lord and please his
guests.
Don’t fear to serve a prince; take good heed to your duties, watch, and
you need not fear.
_Tasting_ is done only for those of royal blood, as a Pope, King, Duke,
and Earl: not below.
Tasting is done for fear of poison; therefore keep your room secure, and
close your safe, for fear of tricks.
A Prince’s Steward and Chamberlain have the oversight of all offices and
of tasting, and they must tell the Marshal, Sewer, and Carver how to
do it.
I don’t propose to write more on this matter.
I tried this treatise myself, in my youth, and enjoyed these matters,
but now age compels me to leave the court; so try yourself.”
“Blessing on you, Father, for this your teaching of me! Now I shall dare
to serve where before I was afraid. I will try, and shall learn by
practice. May God reward you for teaching me!”
“Good son, and all readers of this _Boke of Nurture_, pray for the soul
of me, John Russell, (servant of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester;) also for
the Duke, my wife, father, and mother, that we may all go to bliss when
we die.”
Little book, commend me to all learners, and to the experienced, whom I
pray to correct its faults.
Any such, put to my copying, which I have done as I best could.
The transcriber is not to blame; he copied what was before him, and
neither of us wrote it, I only corrected the rhyme.
God! grant us grace to rule in Heaven with Thine elect!
* * * * *
* * * *
Andrewe, Extracts on Fish: Sidenotes
_Eel._ Is of no sex; is best roasted.
_Herring._ Is delicious when fresh, or salted. Dies when it feels the
air.
_Whale?_ Shipmen cast anchor on him, and make a fire
on him. He swims away, and drowns them.
_Ahuna._ When the Ahuna is in danger, he puts his head in his belly, and
eats a bit of himself.
_Balena._ (The woodcut is a big Merman. ? Whale.) Are seen most in
winter; breed in summer. In rough weather Balena puts her young in her
mouth.
_Crevice_ (Sea and Fresh Water Crayfish). How
they engender, and hybernate. How the Crayfish manages to eat Oysters.
Fresh-Water Crayfish is hard to digest.
_Carp._ Is difficult to net.
_Whale._ Likes Harmony. Gets harpooned, rubs the harpoon into himself,
and slays himself.
Phocas. Kills his wife and gets another.
Halata. Takes her young out of her womb to look at ’em.
_Pike:_ eats venomous beasts; is begotten by a West Wind.
Sea-Mouse Musculus is the cock of Balena.
_Lamprey._ Must be boiled in wine.
Mulus: has 2 beards.
Orchun. Is Balene’s deadly enemy.
Pecten: winks.
Pinna. How he catches small fishes.
Serra. Cuts through ships with his fins.
Siren. Siren is like an eagle below, sings sweet songs to mariners, and
tears them to pieces.
_Sturgeon._ Eats no food, has no mouth, grows fat on east wind. Has no
bones in his body.
* * * *
* * * * *
Wilyam Bulleyn on _Boxyng & Neckeweede_: Sidenotes
For saucy louts, the best cure is Boxing.
The names of Hemp.
Neckweed (a halter) is good for thievish apprentices, for swashbucklers
past grace, and all scamps.
Also for young spendthrifts who after their parents’ death waste their
all with harlots and in gambling which makes men beggars, or thieves.
A life of reckless debauchery and robbery ends with Hemp.
The use of Hemp to the Sailor, Plowman, Fisher and Archer.
* * * *
* * * * *
Andrew Borde on _Sleep, Rising, and Dress_: Sidenotes
After Dinner, sleep standing against a cupboard.
Before bedtime be merry.
Have a fire in your bedroom, but stand a good way off it.
Shut your windows.
Lie first on your left side.
To sleep groveling on the belly, is bad; on the back upright, is worse.
Wear a scarlet nightcap.
Have a flock bed over your featherbed.
On rising, remember God, brush your breeches, put on your hose, stretch,
go to stool.
Truss your points, comb your head, wash your hands and face, take a
stroll, pray to God.
Play at tennis, or wield weights.
At meals, eat only of 2 or 3 dishes; let supper-dishes be light.
Wear a scarlet petycote.
Line a jacket with white and black lambskin sewn diamond-wise.
Keep your neck warm.
Wear goatskin gloves.
Don’t stand long on grass or stones.
Don’t sleep in ratty rooms.
Don’t take cold in your feet.
* * * *
* * * * *
William Vaughan’s _Fifteen Directions to preserve Health_: Sidenotes
1. Stretch yourself.
2. Rub yourself.
3. Go to stool.
4. Put on your clothes.
5. Comb your head.
6. Clean your teeth.
(How to keep the teeth sound and the breath sweet. Use Vaughan’s
Water made after this recipe. It’s better than 1000 Dentrifices.)
7. Wash. The best remedy for dim sight.
8. Say your Prayers.
9. Set to work. Be honest.
10. Eat only three meals a day. Eat light food before heavy. Drink
hinders digestion. Use silver cups.
11. Don’t work directly after meals, but talk, wash, and clean your
teeth.
12. Undress by the fire in winter.
13. Before bed, chew Mastic, and
14. Pray to God. Look at your water in a Urinal. Have a hole in your
nightcap.
15. Against rheums, eat white pepper.
* * * *
* * * * *
Harington, _The Dyet for every Day_: Sidenotes
Stretch your limbs, rub your body and head; protect yourself from cold;
dress, washing in Summer, warming yourself in Winter.
In Summer wear deer’s and calves’ skins, in Winter, wolf and fox skins.
Comb your head 40 times, wash your face, clean your eyelids, rub your
neck well.
Harington, _On Rising, Diet, and Going to Bed_: Sidenotes
On rising, empty your bladder and belly, nose and lungs.
Cleanse your whole body.
Say your Prayers.
Walk gently, go to stool.
Work in the forenoon.
Always wear a precious stone in a ring; hold a crystal in your mouth;
for the virtue of precious stones is great.
Eat only twice a day.
Don’t drink between dinner and supper.
Don’t have one fixed hour for your meals.
In Winter eat in hot well-aired places.
Fast for a day now and then.
Eat more at supper than dinner.
After meals, wash your face, and clean your teeth, chat and walk
soberly.
Don’t sit up late.
Before bed, rub your body gently.
Undress by a fire in Winter, and warm your garments well
Put off your cares with your clothes, and take them up again in the
morning.
* * * *
* * * * *
_The Boke of Keruynge_: Sidenotes
_The Book of Carving and Arranging; and the Dishes for all the
Feasts in the year._
Terms of a Carver:
Slice brawn, spoil a hen, unbrace a mallard, untache a curlew, border a
pasty, thigh small birds, splat a pike, fin a chub, barb a lobster
The Butler has 3 knives:
1. a squarer, 2. a chipper, 3. a smoother.
Trencher-bread must be 4 days old; the Salt-Planer of ivory; table
cloths kept in a chest, or hung on a perch.
To broach a Pipe, have 2 augers, funnels, and tubes, and pierce the Pipe
4 inches from the bottom.
Always have ready fruits and hard cheese.
Beware of cow cream.
Hard cheese is aperient, and keeps off poison.
Milk and Junket close the Maw.
For food that sets your teeth on edge, eat an almond and hard cheese.
A raw apple will cure indigestion.
See every night that your wines don’t boil over or leak.
You’ll know their fermenting by their hissing.
_Names of Wines_ Campolet, Rhenish, &c
_To make Ypocras._
Take spices; put 6 bags on a perch, 6 pewter basins under, ginger and
cinnamon.
(Of the qualities of spices.) Pound each spice separately, put ’em in
bladders, and hang ’em in your bags, add a gallon of red wine to ’em,
stir it well, run it through two bags, taste it, pass it through 6
runners, and put it in a close vessel.
Keep the dregs for cooking.
Have your Compost clean, and your ale 5 days old, but not dead.
_To lay the Cloth._
Put on a _couch_, then a second cloth, the fold on the outer edge; a
third, the fold on the inner edge.
Cover your cupboard, put a towel round your neck, one side lying on your
left arm; on that, 7 loaves of eating bread and 4 trencher loaves.
In your left hand a saltcellar, in your right the towel.
Set the saltcellar on your lord’s right, and trenchers on the left of
it.
Lay knives, bread, spoons, napkins, and cover ’em up.
_To wrap your Lord’s bread stately._
Square the loaves; take a Reynes towel 2½ yards long by the ends; put it
on the table, pinch up a handful of one end, and lay it between 2
towels, and on it lay your 6 or 7 loaves bottom to bottom.
Put salt, cups, &c., on the other tables.
See that your _Ewery_ is properly supplied, and your ale-pots kept
clean.
_To arrange the Surnape._
Put a cloth under a double towel, hold 3 ends together, fold them in a
foot-broad pleat, and lay it smooth.
After washing, the Marshal must carry the surnape out.
Leave out half a yard to make estate.
When your lord has washed, remove the Surnape.
When he is seated, salute him, uncover your bread, kneel on your knee
till 8 loaves are served out (?) Provide as many cups as dishes.
The _Sewer_ or arranger of dishes must ascertain what dishes and fruits
are prepared daily for dinner; and he must have people ready to carry up
the dishes.
_The Succession of Dishes._
1. Brawn, &c.
2. Pheasant, &c.
3. Meat Fritters, &c
4. For a standard, a peacock with his tail.
5. Doucettes, Paynpuff, Brew, Snipe, Petyperuys and Fayge,
Caraways, &c.
Clear the table
_Keruynge of Flesshe._
Your hands must be clean; only two fingers and a thumb should be put on
your knife, or on fish, flesh, or fowl.
Wipe your knife on your napkin.
Lay 4 trenchers for your lord, with 2 or 4 on them and the upper crust
of a fine loaf.
Give heed to what is indigestible, as resty, fat things, feathers,
heads, legs, &c.
_Keruynge of Flesshe._
How to carve Brawn, Venison, (cut it in 12 bits and slice it into the
furmity,) Pheasant, Stockdoves, (mince the wings into the syrup,) Goose,
Teal, &c., (take off the legs and wings,) Capon, (mince the wing with
wine or ale,) Plover, Lapwing, Bittern, Egret.
How to carve a Crane, (mind the trump in his breast,) Shoveler, Quail,
Martins, Swallow, Fawn, Kid, Roast Venison, Cony, (lay him on his belly
with his two cut-off sides, on each side of him.)
Cut 4 strips to each bit of meat, for your lord to pick it up by.
Open hot Meat-Pies at the top; cold in the middle.
Cut Custards in inch blocks.
Doucettes, pare off sides and bottom.
Fritters hot are good, cold bad.
Tansey is good.
Jelly, Blanche Manger, Charlet, &c., are good, and no other potages.
_Sauces for all maner of Fowles._
Mustard for beef; Verjuice for boiled chickens; Cawdrons for swans;
Garlick, &c., for beef.
Ginger for lamb; Gamelyne for heronsewe, &c.; Salt, Sugar and Water of
Tame for brew, &c.
White salt for lapwings, &c.
Cinnamon and salt for thrushes &c.
_The Dinner Courses from Easter to Whitsunday._
From Easter to Pentecost, set bread, trenchers and spoons:
6 or 8 trenchers for a great lord, 3 for one of low degree.
Then cut bread for eating.
For Easter-day Feast: First Course:
A Calf, boiled and blessed; boiled Eggs and green sauce; Potage,
with beef, saffron-stained Capons.
Second Course: Mameny, Pigeons, Chewets, Flawnes.
Supper: Chickens, Veal, roast Kid, Pigs’-Feet, a Tansey fried.
Green Sauces of sorrel or vines, for the first course.
_Keruyng of all maner of Fowles._
_How to carve a Capon._ Sauce: green sauce or verjuice.
_Swan._ Chawdron is the sauce for him.
_Pheasant._ No sauce but Salt.
_Partridge._ Sauce for Partridges.
_How to carve a Quail._ Sauce: salt.
_Crane._ Sauce: ginger, mustard, vinegar, and salt.
_Heron._ Sauce as before.
_Rittern._ Salt, the sauce.
_Egret._ Salt, the sauce.
_Curlew._ Salt, as sauce.
_Brew._ Salt, as sauce.
_Cony (or Rabbit.)_ Sauce: vinegar and ginger.
_Sarcel or Teal._
_Plover._
_Snipe._
_Woodcock._
Sauces for the Second Course.
First Course: Beef and Capons.
How to sauce and carve a Roast capon: lay him out as if ready to fly.
Second Course: Potage, Charlet, young Geese, Payne Puff, &c.
How to carve a Goose.
Goose must be eaten with green garlic or verjuice.
_Dinner Courses from the Nativity of St John the Baptist_, (June 24,)
_to Michaelmas._
First Course: soups, vegetables, legs of Pork, &c.
Second Course: roast Mutton, glazed Pigeons, Fritters, &c.
Serve a Pheasant dry, with salt and ginger: a Heronsewe with salt and
powder (blanche?) Treat open-clawed birds like capons.
_Dinner Courses from Michaelmas to Christmas._
First Course: legs of Pork, &c.
Second Course: Widgeon,
Fieldfares, Chewets, Beef, with sauces Gelopere and Pegyll.
Cut the skin off boiled meats.
Carve carefully for Ladies; they soon get angry.
Carve Goose and Swan like other birds.
The skin of cloven-footed birds is unwholsome; of whole-footed birds
wholesome, because the water washes all corruption out of ’em.
Chicken’s skin is not so pure, because their nature is not to enter into
the river.
River birds cleanse their foul stink in the river.
Take off the heads of all field birds, for they eat worms, toads, and
the like.
_Sewynge of Fysshe._
_First Course:_
_Musculade._ Salens, &c., baked Gurnet.
_Second Course:_
Jelly, dates, &c. For a standard, Mullet, Chub, Seal, &c.
_Third Course:_
Bream, Perch, Whelks; and pears in sugar candy. Figs, dates capped with
minced ginger, &c.
All over! Clear the table.
_Carving and Dressing of Fish_
Put tails and livers in the pea broth and furmity.
How to carve Seal Turrentyne, baked Herring, white Herring, Green Fish,
Merling, Hake, Pike, salt Lamprey, Plaice.
Gurnard, Bream, Roach, Whiting, Codling.
Carp, Trout, Conger, Thornback, Halibut, Tench, and Crab.
How to dress and serve up a Crab.
How to dress and carve a Crayfish, a Joll of Sturgeon, a fresh Lamprey,
pasty.
(sauce, Galentyne with red wine and powdered cinnamon.) Fresh Herring,
&c.
Sprats, Musculade in worts, Oysters.
Dates, pears, Mortrewes of Dogfish.
_Sauces for Fish._
Mustard for Salmon, &c.; Vinegar for salt Whale, &c.; Galentyne for
Lamprey; Verjuice for Roach, &c.; Cinnamon for Chub, &c.; Green Sauce
for Halibut, &c.
_The Duties of a Chamberlain._
He must be cleanly, and comb his hair; see to his Lord’s clothes, and
brush his hose; in the morning warm his shirt, and prepare his
footsheet; warm his petycote, &c.; put on his shoes, tie up his hose,
comb his head, wash his hands, put on the robe he orders.
Make ready his Closet in the Church or Chapel, then come home to his
Bed-chamber, take off the bed-clothes.
Make his lord’s bed again with clean sheets, and lay hangings round the
bed, and windows, &c.
Keep the privy clean, and the board covered with green cloth, and
provide down or cotton for wiping.
When he goes to bed, let him wash; put him on a mantle, take off his
shoes, &c.
Comb his head, put on his night-cap, draw the curtains round him, drive
out the dogs and cats, set the urinal near, and then take leave.
_Of the Marshal and Usher._
He must know the orders of precedence of all ranks.
A Cardinal before a Prince.
The Mayor of London ranks with the 3 Chief Justices.
The Knight’s equals.
The ex-Mayor of London.
The Esquire’s equals. Who must dine alone, who 2 together, who 2 or 3,
who 3 or 4. The Marshall must know who are of royal blood, for that has
the reverence. He must take heed of the King’s officers, do honour to
strangers, and receive a Messenger from the King as if one degree higher
than he is, for a King’s groom may sit at a Knight’s table.
* * * *
* * * * *
The Boke of Curtasye: Sidenotes
In this book you may learn Courtesy. Every one needs it.
On reaching a Lord’s gate, give the Porter your weapon, and ask leave to
go in.
If the master is of low degree, he will come to you: if of high, the
Porter will take you to him.
At the Hall-door, take off your hood and gloves, greet the Steward, &c.,
at the dais, bow to the Gentlemen on each side of the hall both right
and left; notice the yeomen, then stand before the screen till the
Marshal or Usher leads you to the table.
Be sedate and courteous if you are set with the gentlemen.
Cut your loaf in two, the top from the bottom; cut the top crust in 4,
and the bottom in 3. cut the top crust in 4, and the bottom in 3.
Put your trencher before you, and don’t eat or drink till your Mess is
brought from the kitchen, lest you be thought starved or a glutton.
Have your nails clean.
Don’t bite your bread, but break it.
Don’t quarrel at table, or make grimaces.
Don’t cram your cheeks out with food like an ape, for if any one should
speak to you, you can’t answer, but must wait.
Don’t eat on both sides of your mouth.
Don’t laugh with your mouth full, or sup up your potage noisily.
Don’t leave your spoon in the dish or on its side, but clean your spoon.
Let no dirt off your fingers soil the cloth.
Don’t put into the dish bread that you have once bitten.
Dry your mouth before you drink.
Don’t call for a dish once removed, or spit on the table: that’s rude.
Don’t scratch your dog.
If you blow your nose, clean your hand; wipe it with your skirt or put
it through your tippet.
Don’t pick your teeth at meals, or drink with food in your mouth, as you
may get choked, or killed, by its stopping your wind.
Tell no tale to harm or shame your companions.
Don’t stroke the cat or dog.
Don’t dirty the table cloth with your knife.
Don’t blow on your food, or put your knife in your mouth, or wipe your
teeth or eyes with the table cloth.
If you sit by a good man, don’t put your knee under his thigh.
Don’t hand your cup to any one with your back towards him.
Don’t lean on your elbow, or dip your thumb into your drink, or your
food into the salt cellar:
That is a vice.
Don’t spit in the basin you wash in or loosely (?) before a man of God.
If you go to school you shall learn:
1. Cross of Christ,
2. Pater Noster,
3. Hail Mary and the Creed,
4. In the name of the Trinity,
5. of the Apostles,
6. the Confession.
Seek the kingdom of God, and worship Him.
At church, take holy water; pray for all Christian companions; kneel to
God on both knees, to man only on one.
At the Altar, serve the priest with both hands.
Speak gently to your father and mother, and honour them.
Do to others as you would they should do to you.
Don’t be foolishly meek.
The seed of the righteous shall never beg or be shamed.
Be ready forgive, and fond of peace.
If you cannot give an asker goods, give him good words.
Be willing to help every one.
Give your partner his fair share.
Go on the pilgrimages (?) you vow to saints, lest God take vengeance on
you.
Don’t believe all who speak fair: the Serpent spoke fair words (to Eve).
Be cautious with your words, except when angry.
Don’t lie, but keep your word.
Don’t laugh too often, or you’ll be called a shrew or a fool.
Man’s 3 enemies are: the Devil, the Flesh, and the World.
Destroy these, and be sure of heaven.
Don’t strive with your lord, or bet or play with him.
In a strange place don’t be too inquisitive or fussy.
If a man falls, don’t laugh, but help him up: your own head may fall to
your feet.
At the Mass, if the priest doesn’t please you, don’t blame him.
Don’t tell your secrets to a shrew.
Don’t beckon, point, or whisper.
When you meet a man, greet him, or answer him cheerily if he greets you:
don’t be dumb, lest men say you have no mouth.
Never speak improperly of women, for we and our fathers were all born of
women.
A wife should honour and obey her husband, and serve him.
Try to reconcile brothers if they quarrel.
At a gate, let your equal precede you; go behind your superior and your
master unless he bids you go beside him.
On a pilgrimage don’t be third man: 3 oxen can’t draw a plough.
Don’t drink all that’s in a cup offered you; take a little.
If you sleep with any man, ask what part of the bed he likes, and lie
far from him.
If you journey with any man, find out his name, who he is, where he is
going.
With friars on a pilgrimage, do as they do.
Don’t put up at a red (haired and faced) man or woman’s house.
Answer opponents meekly, but don’t tell lies.
Before your lord at table, keep your hands, feet, and fingers still.
Don’t stare about, or at the wall, or lean against the post.
Don’t pick your nose, scratch your arm, or stoop your head.
Listen when you’re spoken to.
Never harm child or beast with evil eye (?) Don’t blush when you’re
chaffed, or you’ll be accused of mischief.
Don’t make faces.
Wash before eating.
Sit where the host tells you; avoid the highest place unless you’re told
to take it.
_Of the Officers in Lords’ Courts._
Four bear rods; three wands:
1. Porter, the longest,
2. Marshal,
3. Usher, the shortest,
4. Steward, a staff, a finger thick, half a yard long.
_Of the Porter._
He keeps the Gate and Stocks, takes charge of misdoers till judged, also
of clothes, and warns strangers.
He is found in meat and drink.
On his lord’s removing, he hires horses at 4d. a piece, the statute
price.
_Of the Marshal of the Hall_
_How long Squires shall have allowances, and Fire shall burn in the
Hall._
He shall arrest rebels, when the steward is away.
Yeoman-Usher and Groom are under him.
The Groom gets fuel for the fire, and makes one in Hall for every meal;
looks after tables, trestles, forms, the cup-board, and hangings of the
Hall.
Fires last from Allsaints’ Day to Candlemas Eve, (Nov. 1 to Feb. 2.) and
thus long, Squires receive their daily candle?
The Marshal shall seat men in the Hall.
_Of the Butler, Panter, and Cooks serving him._
They are the Marshal’s servants.
He shall score up all messes served, and order bread and ale for men,
but wine for gentlemen.
Each mess shall be reckoned at 6d.
and be scored up to prevent the cook’s cheating.
If bread runs short, the Marshal orders more, ‘a reward.’
_Of the Butler’s duties._
He shall put a pot and loaf to each mess.
He is the panter’s mate.
The Marshal shall see to men’s lodging.
The Lord’s Chamber and Wardrobe are under the Usher of the Chamber.
_Of the Usher and Grooms of the Chamber._
1. Usher,
2. Yeoman-usher,
3. Two grooms and a Page.
_The Duties of the Grooms of the Chamber._
They shall make palets of litter 9 ft. long, 7 broad, watered, twisted,
trodden, with wisps at foot and side, twisted and turned back; from the
floor-level to the waist.
For lords, 2 beds, outer and inner, hung with hangings, hooks and eyes
set on the binding; the valance hanging on a rod (?), four curtains
reaching to the ground; these he takes up with a forked rod.
The counterpane is laid at the foot, cushions on the sides, tapestry on
the floor and sides of the room.
The Groom gets fuel, and screens.
The Groom keeps the table, trestles, and forms for dinner; and water in
a heater.
He puts 3 wax-lights over the chimney, all in different syces.
_The Usher of the Chamber_ walks about and sees that all is served
right,
orders the table to be set and removed, takes charge of the Wardrobe and
Bedchamber, bids the _Wardroper_ get all ready before the fire,
nightgown, carpet, 2 cushions, a form with a footsheet over it; on which
the lord changes his gown.
The Usher orders what’s wanted from the Buttery: a link from the
Chandler, and ale and wine.
(No meat shall be assayed except for King, Prince, Duke or
Heirs-apparent.)
From the Pantry the Usher takes fine and coarse bread, and a wax-light
that burns all night in a basin.
(The Yeoman-Usher removes the torches.)
The Usher puts lights on the Bedroom door, brings bread and wine, (the
lord washing first,) offers the drink kneeling; puts his lord to bed,
and then goes home himself.
The Yeoman-Usher sleeps at the Lord’s door.
_Of the Steward._
Few are true, but many false.
He, the clerk, cook and surveyor consult over their Lord’s dinner.
Any dainty that can be had, the Steward buys.
Before dishes are put on, the Steward enters first, then the Server.
The Steward shall post into books all accounts written on tablets, and
add them up.
_Of the Controller._
He puts down the receipt and consumption of every day.
_Of the Surveyor._
He, the steward, and controller, receive nothing, but see that all goes
straight.
The Controller checks daily the Clerk of the kitchen’s account.
_Of the Clerk of the Kitchen._
He shall keep account of all purchases, and payments, and wages, shall
preside at the Dresser, and keep the spices, stores, &c.,
and the clothes of the officers.
_Of the Chancellor._
He looks after the servants’ clothes, and horses, seals patents, and
grants of land, &c., for life, or during the lord’s pleasure.
He oversees the land too, and is a great man.
_Of the Treasurer._
He takes from the Receiver what is collected from bailiff and grieve,
courts and forfeits.
He gives the Kitchen clerk money to buy provisions with, and the clerk
gives some to the baker and butler.
The Treasurer pays all wages.
He, the Receiver, Chancellor, Grieves, &c.,
account once a year to the Auditor, from whom they can appeal to a Baron
of the Exchequer.
_Of the Receiver of Rents._
He gives receipts, and gets a fee of 6d.
He pays fees to park-keepers, and looks after castles and manor-houses.
_Of the Avener._
He shall give the horses in the stable two armsful of hay and a peck of
oats, daily.
A Squire is Master of the Horse; under him are Avener and Farrier, (the
Farrier has a halfpenny a day for every horse he shoes,) and grooms and
pages hired at 2d. a day, or 3 halfpence, and footmen who run by ladies’
bridles.
_Of the Baker._
Out of a London bushel he shall bake 20 loaves, fine and coarse.
_Of the Huntsman and his Hounds._
He gets a halfpenny a day for every hound.
The Feuterer 2 lots of bread if he has 2 leash of Greyhounds, and a bone
for each, besides perquisites of skins, &c.
_Of the Ewerer or Water-bringer._
He has all the candles and cloths and gives water to every one.
_Who may wash his hands, and where._
The bringer of Water shall kneel down.
The Ewerer shall cover the lord’s table with a double cloth, the lower
with the selvage to the lord’s side; the upper cloth shall be laid
double, the upper selvage turned back as if for a towel.
He shall put on cleaners for every one.
_Of the Panter._
He carries 3 loaves cut square for trenchers, and the covered
Saltcellar, 2 Carving-knives, and sets the 3rd, and a spoon to his lord.
_Of the Lord’s Knives, (Bread, and Washing.)_
The hafts of 2 are laid outwards, that of the 3rd inwards, and the spoon
handle by it.
More trencher loaves are set, and wine served to the Duchess.
2 Trencher-loaves, and salt, to the lord’s son; and 1 loaf and
saltcellar set at the end of the table.
Then 3 loaves of white bread are brought, and 1 coarse loaf is put in
the Alms-dish.
To assay bread, the Panter kneels, the Carver cuts him a slice, and he
eats it.
The Ewerer strains water into his basins, on the upper one of which is a
towel folded dodgily.
Then the water is assayed in a cup of white wood.
The Carver takes up the basins; a knight takes down the towel, and wipes
the cup, into which the Carver pours water; the knight hands it to him;
he assays it, and empties the cup.
Two knights hold the towel before the lord’s sleeves, and hold the upper
basin while the Carver pours water into the lower; then he puts the
lower into the upper, and empties both, takes them to the Ewerer,
returns to the lord’s table, lays 4 trenchers for him, with 1 above.
The Carver takes 3 to cut the lord’s messes on, and has a cloth round
his neck to wipe his knives on.
_Of the Almoner._
He says grace, sets down the Alms-dish, and the Carver puts the first
loaf in it.
The other loaves he pares round, cuts one in two, and gives the upper
half in halves to him.
The Almoner has a staff in his hand.
He keeps the broken food and wine left, for poor men at the gate, and is
sworn to give it all to them.
He distributes silver as he rides.
_Of the Sewer (or setter-on of Dishes)._
The Cook assays the meat before it’s dished.
The Sewer puts the cover on it, and the cover must never be raised for
fear of treason.
(A Dodge: If the silver dish burns you, put bits of bread under it.)
The Sewer assays all the food: potage with a piece of bread; fish or
flesh, he eats a piece; baked meats hot, he lifts up the crust, and dips
bread in the gravy; baked meats cold, he eats a bit.
The meat-bearer stands or kneels as the Sewer does.
When bread is wanted, the Butler puts one loaf on the table, the other
on the cupboard.
The Butler assays all the wine.
What is left in the lord’s cup goes to the Alms-dish.
The Carver fills the empty cup, assays it, and gives it the lord or puts
it down.
He carves the lord’s meat, and lays it on his trencher, putting a piece
of every thing in the Alms-dish, except any favourite piece or potage
sent to a stranger.
(To say more about the Carver would require another section, so I pass
it over.)
After dinner the Sewer brings the Surnape, a broad towel and a narrow,
and slides it down.
The Usher takes one end of the broad one, the Almoner the other, and
when it is laid, he folds the narrow towel double before his lord and
lady.
After grace removes them, lays the table on the floor, and takes away
the trestles.
_Of the Chandler._
He can make all kinds of candles, little and big, and mortars of wax.
He snuffs them with short scissors.
In bed-chambers wax lights only shall be burnt; in hall, Candles of
Paris, each mess having one from Nov. 1 to Feb. 2 (see l. 393), and
squires one too.
The Butler shall give Squires their daily bread and ale all the year,
and Knights their wine.
May Christ bring us to His dwelling-place. Amen!
* * * *
* * * * *
Bp. Grossetest’s Household Statutes: Sidenotes
All servants should serve truly God and their Master; doing fully all
that their Master orders, without answering.
The upper servants must be honest and diligent, and engage no untrusty
or unfit man.
iv. Dishonest, quarrelsome, and drunken servants must be turned out.
v. All must be of one accord, vi. obedient to those above them,
vii. dress in livery, and not wear old shoes.
viii. Order your Alms to be given to the poor and sick.
ix. Make all the household dine together in the Hall.
x. Let no woman dine with you.
Let the Master show himself to all.
Don’t allow grumbling.
xi. Let your servants go to their homes.
xii. Tell your Panter and Butler to come to the table before grace.
Tell off three yeomen to wait at table.
xiii. Tell the Steward to keep good order in the Hall, and serve every
one fairly.
xiv. Have your dish well filled that you may help others to it.
xv. Always admit your special friends, and show them you are glad to see
them.
xvi. Talk familiarly to your Bailiffs, ask how your tenants and store
do.
xvii. Allow no private meals; only those in Hall.
* * * *
* * * * *
Stanzas and Couplets of Counsel: Sidenotes
Never mistrust or fail your friend.
Don’t talk too much.
Spare your master’s goods as your own.
A lawless youth, a despised old age.
A Gentleman says the best he can of every one.
* * * *
* * * * *
The schoole of Vertue: Sidenotes
First, say this prayer: “O God! enable us to follow virtue. Defend us
this day. Let us abound with virtues, flee from vice, and go forward in
good doing to our live’s end.”
Repeat the Lord’s Prayer night and morning.
_How to wash and dress yourself._
Don’t sleep too long.
Rise early; cast up your bed, and don’t let it lie.
Go down, salute your parents, wash your hands, comb your head, brush
your cap and put it on.
Tie on your shirt-collar, fasten your girdle, rub your breeches, clean
your shoes, wipe your nose on a napkin, pare your nails, clean your
ears, wash your teeth.
Have your torn clothes mended, or new ones obtained.
Get your satchell and books, and haste to School, taking too pen, paper,
and ink, which are necessary for use at school.
Then start off.
_How to behave going to, and at, School._
Take off your cap to those you meet; give way to passers by.
Call your playmates on your road.
At School salute your master, and the scholars.
Go straight to your place, undo your satchell, take out your books and
learn your lesson; stick well to your books.
If you don’t work, you’ll repent it when you grow up.
Who could now speak of famous deeds of old, had not Letters preserved
them?
Work hard then, and you’ll be thought worthy to serve the state.
Men of low birth win honour by Learning, and then are doubly happy.
When you doubt, ask to be told.
Wish well to those who warn you.
On your way home walk two and two orderly (for which men will praise
you); don’t run in heaps like a swarm of bees like boys do now.
Don’t whoop or hallow as in fox-hunting don’t chatter, or stare at every
new fangle, but walk soberly, taking your cap off to all, and being
gentle.
Do no man harm; speak fair words.
On reaching home salute your parents reverently.
_How to wait at table._
Look your parents in the face, hold up your hands, and say
Grace before meate.
Grace before Meat.
Make a low curtesy; wish your parents’ food may do ’em good.
If you are big enough, bring the food to table.
Don’t fill dishes so full as to spill them on your parents’ dress, or
they’ll be angry.
Have spare trenchers ready for guests.
See there’s plenty of everything wanted.
Empty the Voiders often.
Be at hand if any one calls.
When the meat is over, clear the table:
1. cover the salt,
2. have a tray by you to carry things off on,
3. put the trenchers, &c., in one Voider,
4. sweep the crumbs into another,
5. set a clean trencher before every one,
6. put on Cheese, Fruit, Biscuits, and
7. serve Wine, Ale or Beer.
When these are finished, clear the table, and fold up the cloth.
Then spread a clean towel, bring bason and jug, and when your parents
are ready to wash, and when your parents are ready to wash, pour out the
water.
Clear the table; make a low curtsey.
_How to behave at your own dinner._
Let your betters sit above you.
See others served first, then wait a while before eating.
Take salt with your knife, cut your bread, don’t fill your spoon too
full, or sup your pottage.
Have your knife sharp.
Don’t smack your lips or gnaw your bones: avoid such beastliness.
Keep your fingers clean, wipe your mouth before drinking.
Don’t jabber or stuff.
Silence hurts no one, and is fitted for a child at table.
Don’t pick your teeth, or spit too much.
Behave properly.
Don’t laugh too much.
Learn all the good manners you can.
They are better than playing the fiddle, though that’s no harm, but
necessary; yet manners are more important.
_How to behave at Church._
Pray kneeling or standing.
Confess your sins to God.
He knows your disease.
Ask in faith, and what you ask you shall have; He is more merciful than
pen can tell.
Behave nicely in church, and don’t talk or chatter.
Behave reverently; the House of Prayer is not to be made a fair.
Avoid dicing and carding.
Delight in Knowledge, Virtue, and Learning.
Happy is he who cultivates Virtue.
Cursed is he who forsakes it.
Let reason rule you, and subdue your lusts.
These ills come from gambling: strife, murder, theft, cursing and
swearing.
_How to behave when conversing._
Understand a question before you answer it; let a man tell all his tale.
Then bow to him, look him in the face, and answer sensibly, not staring
about or laughing, but audibly and distinctly, your words in due order,
or you’ll straggle off, or stutter, or stammer, which is a foul crime.
Always keep your head uncovered.
Better unfed than untaught.
_How to take a Message._
Listen to it well; don’t go away not knowing it.
Then hurry away, give the message; get the answer, return home, and tell
it to your master exactly as it was told to you.
_Against Anger, &c._
The slave of Anger must fall.
Anger’s deeds are strange to wise men.
A hasty man is always in trouble.
Take no revenge, but forgive.
Envy no one.
An ill body breeds debate.
_The Fruits of Charity, &c._
Charity seeketh not her own, but bears patiently.
Charity seeketh not her own, but bears patiently.
Love incites to Mercy.
Patience teaches forbearance.
Pray God to give thee Charity and Patience, to lead thee to Virtue’s
School, and thence to Eternal Bliss.
_Against Swearing._
Take not God’s name in vain, or He will plague thee.
Beware of His wrath, and live well in thy vocation.
What is the good of swearing?
It kindles God’s wrath against thee.
God’s law forbids swearing, and so does the counsel of Philosophers.
_Against filthy talking._
Never talk dirt.
For every word we shall give account at the Day of Doom, and be judged
according to our deeds.
Let lewd livers then fear.
Keep your tongue from vain talking.
_Against Lying._
To speak the truth needs no study, therefore always practise it and
speak it.
Shame is the reward of lying.
Always speak the truth.
Who can trust a liar?
If a lie saves you once, it deceives you thrice.
_A bedward Prayer._
God of mercy, take us into Thy care.
Forgive us our sins.
Deliver us from evil, and our enemy the Devil.
Assist us to conquer him and ascribe all honour to Thee.
_Each one’s Duty._
The Duty of Princes, Judges, Prelates, Parents, Children, Masters,
Servants, Husbands.
The Duty of Wives, Parsons and Vicars, Men of Law, Craftsmen, Landlords,
Merchants, Subjects, Rich Men, Poor Men, Magistrates, Officers,
The Duty of all Men.
God grant us all to live and die well!
* * * *
* * * * *
Whate-ever thow sey, avyse thee welle: Sidenotes
A man must mind what he says; hearts are fickle and fell.
Take care what you say. A false friend may hear it, and after a year or
two will repeat it.
Hasty speech hurts hearer and speaker. In the beginning, think on the
end.
You tell a man a secret, and he’ll betray it for a drink of wine. Mind
what you say.
Avoid backbiting and flattering; refrain from malice, and bragging.
A venomous tongue causes sorrow. When words are said, regret is too
late.
Mind what you say.
Had men thought of this, many things done in England would never have
been begun.
To speak aright observe six things:
1. what; 2. of whom; 3. where; 4. to whom; 5. why; 6. when.
In every place mind what you say.
Almighty God, grant me grace to serve Thee!
Mary, mother, send me grace night and day!
* * * *
* * * * *
A Dogg Lardyner, & a Sowe Gardyner: Sidenotes
A dog in a larder, a sow in a garden, a fool with wise men, are ill
matcht.
* * * *
* * * * *
Roger Ascham’s Advice to Lord Warwick’s Servant: Sidenotes
Fear God, serve your lord faithfully, be courteous to your fellows.
Despise no poor man.
Carry no tales.
Tell no lies.
Don’t play at dice or cards.
Take to your lord’s favourite sport.
Beware of idleness.
Always be at hand when you’re wanted.
Diligence will get you praise.
God be with you!
* * * *
* * * * *
The Babees Book: Sidenotes
My God, support me while I translate this treatise from Latin. It shall
teach those of tender age.
To know and practise virtues is the most profitable thing in the world.
Young Babies, adorned with grace, I call on you to know this book (for
Nurture should accompany beauty), and not on aged men expert therein.
Why add pain to hell, water to the sea, or heat to fire?
Babies, my book is for you only, and so I hope no one will find fault
with it, but only amend it.
The only reward I seek is that my book may please all and improve you.
If you don’t know any word in it, ask till you do, and then keep hold of
it.
And do not wonder at this being in metre.
I must first describe how you Babies who dwell in households should
behave at meals, and be ready with lovely and benign words when you are
spoken to.
Lady Facetia, help me! Thou art the Mother of all Virtue.
Help the ignorance of me untaught!
Fair Babies, when you enter your lord’s place, say “God speed,” and
salute all there.
Kneel on one knee to your lord.
If any speak to you, look straight at them, and listen well till they
have finished; do not chatter or let your eyes wander about the house.
Answer sensibly, shortly, and easily.
Many words are a bore to a wise man.
Stand till you are told to sit: keep your head, hands, and feet quiet:
don’t scratch yourself, or lean against a post, or handle anything near.
Bow to your lord when you answer.
If any one better than yourself comes in, retire and give place to him.
Turn your back on no man.
Be silent while your lord drinks, not laughing, whispering, or joking.
If he tells you to sit down, do so at once.
Then don’t talk dirt, or scorn any one, but be meek and cheerful.
If your better praises you, rise up and thank him heartily.
When your lord or lady is speaking about the household, don’t you
interfere, but be always ready to serve at the proper time,
to bring drink, hold lights, or anything else, and so get a good name.
The best prayer you can make to God is to be well mannered.
If your lord offers you his cup, rise up, take it with both hands, offer
it to no one else, but give it back to him that brought it.
At Noon, when your lord is ready for dinner, some pour water on him,
some hold the towel for him till he has finished, and don’t leave till
grace is said.
Stand by your lord till he tells you to sit, then keep your knife clean
and sharp to cut your food.
Be silent, and tell no nasty stories.
Cut your bread, don’t break it.
Lay a clean trencher before you, and eat your broth with a spoon, don’t
sup it up.
Don’t leave your spoon in your dish.
Don’t lean on the table, or dirty the cloth.
Don’t hang your head over your dish, or eat with a full mouth, or pick
your nose, teeth, and nails, or stuff your mouth so that you can’t
speak.
Wipe your mouth when you drink, and don’t dirty the cup with your hands.
Don’t dip your meat in the salt-cellar,
or put your knife in your mouth.
Taste every dish that’s brought to you, and when once your plate is
taken away, don’t ask for it again.
If strangers dine with you, share all good food sent to you with them.
It’s not polite to keep it all to yourself.
Don’t cut your meat like field labourers, who have such an appetite they
don’t care how they hack their food.
Sweet children, let your delight be courtesy, and eschew rudeness.
Have a clean trencher and knife for your cheese, and eat properly.
Don’t chatter either, and you shall get a good repute for gentleness.
When the meal is over, clean your knives, and put them in their places;
keep your seats till you’ve washed; then rise up without laughing or
joking, and go to your lord’s table.
Stand there till grace is said.
Then some of you go for water, some hold the towel, some pour water over
his hands.
Other things I shall not put in this little Report,
but skip over, praying that no one will abuse me for this work.
Let readers add or take away: I address it to every one who likes to
correct it.
Sweet children, I beseech you know this book, and may God make you so
expert therein that you may attain endless bliss.
* * * *
* * * * *
Lerne or be Lewde: Sidenotes
Don’t be too loving or angry, bold or busy, courteous or cruel or
cowardly, and don’t drink too often, or be too lofty or anxious, but
friendly of cheer.
Hate jealousy, be not too hasty or daring; joke not too oft; ware
knaves’ tricks.
Don’t be too grudging or too liberal, too meddling, too particular,
new-fangled, or too daring.
Hate oaths and flattery.
Please well thy master.
Don’t be too rackety, or go out too much.
Don’t be too revengeful or wrathful, and wade not too deep.
The middle path is the best for us all.
* * * *
* * * * *
Urbanitatis: Sidenotes
When you come before a lord take off your cap or hood, and fall on your
right knee twice or thrice.
Keep your cap off till you’re told to put it on; hold up your chin; look
in the lord’s face; keep hand and foot still; don’t spit or snot; get
rid of it quietly; behave well.
When you go into the hall, don’t press up too high.
Don’t be shamefaced.
Wherever you go, good manners make the man.
Reverence your betters, but treat all equally whom you don’t know.
See that your hands are clean, and your knife sharp.
Let worthier men help themselves before you eat.
Don’t clutch at the best bit.
Keep your hands from dirtying the cloth, and don’t wipe your nose on it,
or dip too deep in your cup.
Have no meat in your mouth when you drink or speak; and stop talking
when your neighbour is drinking.
Scorn and reprove no man.
Keep your fingers from what would bring you to grief.
Among ladies, look, don’t talk.
Don’t laugh loud, or riot with ribalds.
Don’t repeat what you hear.
Words make or mar you.
If you follow a worthier man, let your right shoulder follow his back,
and don’t speak till he has done.
Be austere (?) in speech; don’t stop any man’s tale.
Christ gives us all wit to know this, and heaven as our reward.
Amen!
* * * *
* * * * *
The Lytylle Childrenes Lytil Boke or Edyllys be: Sidenotes
Clerks say that courtesy came from heaven when Gabriel greeted our Lady.
All virtues are included in it.
See that your hands and nails are clean.
Don’t eat till grace is said, or sit down till you’re told.
First, think on the poor; the full belly wots not what the hungry feels.
Don’t eat too quickly.
Touch nothing till you are fully helped.
Don’t break your bread in two, or put your pieces in your pocket, your
fingers in the dish, or your meat in the salt-cellar.
Don’t pick your ears or nose, or drink with your mouth full, or cram it
full.
Don’t pick your teeth with your knife.
Take your spoon out when you’ve finished soup.
Don’t spit over or on the table, that’s not proper.
Don’t put your elbows on the table, or belch as if you had a bean in
your throat.
Be careful of good food; and be courteous and cheerful.
Don’t whisper in any man’s ear.
Take your food with your fingers, and don’t waste it.
Don’t grin, or talk too much, or spill your food.
Keep your cloth before you.
Cut your meat, don’t bite it.
Don’t open your mouth too wide when you eat, or blow in your food.
If your lord drinks, always wait till he has done.
Keep your trencher clean.
Drink behind no man’s back.
Don’t rush at the cheese, or throw your bones on the floor.
Sit still till grace is said and you’ve washed your hands, and don’t
spit in the basin.
Rise quietly, don’t jabber, but thank your host and all the company, and
then men will say, ‘A gentleman was here!’
He who despises this teaching isn’t fit to sit at a good man’s table.
Children, love this little book, and pray that Jesus may help its author
to die among his friends, and not be troubled with devils, but be in joy
for ever.
Amen!
* * * *
* * * * *
The Young Children’s Book: Sidenotes
Whoever will thrive, must be courteous, and begin in his youth.
Courtesy came from heaven, and contains all virtues, as rudeness does
all vices.
Get up betimes; cross yourself; wash your hands and face; comb your
hair; say your prayers; go to church and hear Mass.
Say ‘Good Morning’ to every one you meet.
Then have breakfast, first crossing your mouth.
Say grace, thank Jesus for your food, and say an Ave for the souls in
pain.
Then set to work, and don’t be idle.
Scripture tells you, if you work, you must eat what you get with your
hands.
Be true in word and deed; truth keeps a man from blame.
Mercy and Truth are the two ways to heaven, fail not to go by them.
Make only proper promises, and keep them without falsehood.
Love God and your neighbours, and so fulfil all the Law.
Meddle only with what belongs to you.
Scorn not the poor; flatter no one; oppress (?) not servants.
Be meek, and wait till your better has spoken.
When you speak to a man, keep still, and look him in the face.
Don’t be a tale-bearer.
Thank all who speak well of you.
Use few words; don’t swear or lie in your dealings.
Earn money honestly, and keep out of debt.
Try to please; seek peace; mind whom you speak to and what you say.
Wherever you enter, say “God be here;” and speak courteously to master
and man.
Stand till you are told to sit at meat, and don’t leave your seat before
others.
Sit upright; be sociable, and share with your neighbours.
Take salt with a clean knife; talk no scandal, but speak well of all.
Hear and see; don’t talk.
Be satisfied with what’s set before you.
Wipe your mouth before you drink; keep your fingers and lips clean.
Don’t speak with your mouth full.
Praise your food for whether it’s good or bad, it must be taken in good
part.
Mind where you spit, and put your hand before your mouth.
Keep your knife clean, and don’t wipe it on the cloth.
Don’t put your spoon in the dish, or make a noise, like boys, when you
sup.
Don’t put meat off your plate into the dish, but into a voider.
If your superior hands you a cup, drink, but take the cup with two
hands.
When he speaks to you, doff your cap and bend your knee.
Don’t scratch yourself at table, wipe your nose, or play with your
spoon, &c.
This book is for young children who don’t stay long at school.
God grant them grace to be virtuous!
* * * *
* * * * *
Stans Puer ad Mensam (both versions): Sidenotes
When you stand before your sovereign, speak not recklessly, and keep
your hands still.
Don’t stare about, lean against a post, look at the wall, pick your
nose, or scratch yourself.
When spoken to, don’t lumpishly look at the ground.
Walk demurely in the streets, and don’t laugh before your lord.
Clean your nails and wash your hands.
Sit where you’re told to, and don’t be too hasty to begin eating.
Don’t grin, shout, or stuff your jaws with food, or drink too quickly.
Keep your lips clean, and wipe your spoon.
Don’t make sops of bread, or drink with a dirty mouth.
Don’t dirty the table linen, or pick your teeth with your knife.
Don’t swear or talk ribaldry, or take the best bits; share with your
fellows.
Eat up your pieces, and keep your nails clean.
It’s bad manners to bring up old complaints.
Don’t play with your knife, or shuffle your feet about.
Don’t spill your broth on your chest, or use dirty knives, or fill your
spoon too full. Be quick to do whatever your lord orders.
Take salt with your knife; don’t blow in your cup, or begin quarrels.
Interrupt no man in his story.
Drink wine and ale in moderation.
Don’t talk too much, but keep a middle course.
Be gentle and tractable, but not too soft.
Children must not be revengeful; their anger is appeased with a bit of
apple.
Children’s quarrels are first play, then crying; don’t believe their
complaints; give ’em the rod.
Spare that, and you’ll spoil all.
Young children, pray take heed to my little ballad, which shall lead you
into all virtues.
My mistakes I submit to correction.
* * * *
* * * * *
Ffor to serve a lord: Sidenotes
1. Have your table-cloths and napkins ready, also trenchers, salts, &c.
2. Bring your cloths folded, lay them on the table, then cover the
cupboard, the side-table, and the chief table.
3. Bring out the chief salt-cellar, and pared loaves, and hold the
carving-knives in your right hand.
4. Put your chief salt-cellar before the chief person’s seat, his bread
by it, and his trenchers before it.
5. Put the second salt-cellar at the lower end. If wooden trenchers are
used, bring them on.
6. Put salt-cellars on the side-tables.
7. Bring out your basins, &c., and set all your plate on the cupboard.
8. Let the chief servants have basins, &c., ready, and after Grace, hold
the best basin to the chief lord, with the towel under; and then let his
messmates wash.
9. The chief lord takes his seat, then his messmates theirs; then the
lower-mess people theirs. (When Grace begins, the bread cover is to be
taken away.)
10. The Carver takes 4 trenchers on his knife-point, and lays them
before the chief lord, (one to put his salt on,) and 3 or 2 before the
less people.
11. The Butler gives each man a spoon and a napkin.
12. The Carver pares 2 loaves, lays 2 before his lord, and 2 or 1 to the
rest.
13. Serve brawn, beef, swan, pheasant, fritters. As a change for beef,
have legs or chines of pork, or tongue of ox or hart.
14. Clear away the 1st course, crumbs, bones, and used trenchers.
15. Serve the Second Course: Small birds, lamb, kid, venison, rabbits,
meat pie, teal, woodcock. Great birds.
16. Fill men’s cups and remove their trenchers.
17. Collect the spoons.
18. Take up the lowest dishes at the side-tables, and then clear the
high table.
19. Sweep all the bits of bread, trenchers, &c., into a voyder.
20. Take away the cups, &c., from all the messes, putting the trenchers,
&c., in a voyder, and scraping the crumbs off with a carving-knife.
21. Serve wafers in towels laid on the table, and sweet wine. In holiday
time serve cheese, or fruit; in winter, roast apples.
22. Clear away all except the chief salt-cellar, whole bread, and
carving-knives; take these to the pantry.
23. Lay a fresh cloth all along the chief table.
24. Have ready basons and jugs with hot or cold water; and after Grace,
hand basins and water to the first mess, then the second.
25. Take off and fold up the towels and cloth, and give ’em to the
Panter.
26. Clear away tables, trestles, forms; and put cushions on other seats.
27. Butler, put the cups, &c., back into your office.
28. Serve knights and ladies with bread and wine, kneeling.
29. Conduct strangers to the Chamber.
30. Serve them with dainties: junket, pippins, or green ginger; and
sweet wines. How to carve a Swan, Goose, Wild-fowl, Crane, Heronsew,
Bittern, Egret, Partridge, Quail, Pheasant.
_A Bridal Feast._
_First Course._
Boar’s head, and a Device of Welcome. Venison and Custard, with a Device
of Meekness.
_Second Course._
Venison, Crane, &c., and a Device of Gladness and Loyalty.
_Third Course._
Sweets, &c., Game, with a Device of Thankfulness.
_Fourth Course._
Cheese and a cake with a Device of Child-bearing and a promise of
babies.
* * * *
* * * * *
Latin Graces: Sidenotes
_A general Grace._
The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord. Glory be to the Father, &c.
Lord, have mercy upon us. Lord, bless us. Make us partakers of the
heavenly table.
_Grace after Dinner._
May the God of peace be with us! We thank thee, O Lord, for thy
benefits. Lord, have mercy upon us! Christ, have mercy upon us! I will
bless the Lord alway. May the name of the Lord be blessed for ever!
Hail, Queen of Heaven, flower of virgins! pray thy Son to save the
faithful!
_Grace on Fish-Days._
The poor shall eat and be satisfied. Glory be to the Father, &c. The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all.
_In Lent._
Break thy bread to the hungry, and take the wanderer to thy home.
_Grace after Dinner._
_Four Short Graces._
1. _Before Dinner._
2. _After Meals._
Bless the Lord for this meal. Mary, pray for us!
3. _Before Supper._
Giver of all, sanctify this supper.
4. _After Supper._
The Lord is holy in all his works. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
_On Easter-Eve._
Christ, have mercy upon us! Seek those things that are above.
_Grace after Dinner._
God of Peace, We give thee thanks, O Lord. Pour into us thy Spirit,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
_On Easter-Day._
This is the day which the Lord hath made: Let us rejoice and be glad in
it. Bless us, O Lord! Our passover is slain, even Christ.
_After Dinner._
Of thy resurrection, Christ, the heavens and the earth are glad. Thanks
be to God!
_Before Supper._
_After Supper._ This is the day, &c. Hallelujah. Let us bless the Lord!
* * * *
* * * * *
Symon’s Lesson of Wysedome: Sidenotes
Children, attend.
You’d be better unborn than untaught.
You mustn’t have your own way always.
Tell the truth, don’t be froward, hold up your head, take off your hood
when you’re spoken to.
Wash your hands and face.
Be courteous.
Don’t throw stones at dogs and hogs.
Mock at no one.
Don’t swear.
Eat what’s given you, and don’t ask for this and that.
Honour your father and mother: kneel and ask their blessing.
Keep your clothes clean.
Don’t go bird’s-nesting, or steal fruit, or throw stones at men’s
windows, or play in church.
Don’t chatter.
Get home by daylight.
Keep clear of fire and water, and the edges of wells and brooks.
Take care of your book, cap, and gloves, or you’ll be birched on your
bare bottom.
Don’t be a liar or thief, or make faces at any man.
When you meet any one, lower your hood and wish ’em “god speed.” Be meek
to clerks.
Rise early, go to school, and learn fast if you want to be our bishop.
Attend to all these things, for a good child needs learning, and he who
hates the child spares the rod.
As a spur makes a horse go, so a rod makes a child learn and be mild.
So, children, do well, and you’ll not get a sound beating.
May God keep you good!
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The Birched School-Boy: Sidenotes
Learning is strange work; the birch twigs are so sharp.
I’d sooner go 20 miles than go to school on Mondays.
My master asks where I’ve been.
‘Milking ducks,’ I tell him, and he gives me pepper for it.
I only wish he was a hare, and my book a wild cat, and all his books
dogs.
Wouldn’t I blow my horn!
Don’t I wish he was dead!
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