"Harry Parry, when will you marry?
When apples and pears are ripe.
I'll come to your wedding, without any bidding,
And," &c. &c. &c.
Does this mean that I will come without an invitation, or without a
marriage-present? It will be observed that Parry is a Welsh name, and that
bidding is a Welsh custom, as is shown by MR. SPURRELL (Vol. iii., p.
114.). He has anticipated my intention of sending you a bidding-form, which
has been lying upon my table for some weeks, but which I have not had time
to transcribe; I now send it you, because it somewhat varies from MR.
SPURRELL'S, and yet so much resembles it as to show that the same formula
is preserved. Both show that the presents are considered as debts,
transferable or assignable to other parties. Is this the case in all
districts of Wales where the custom of bidding prevails? I think I have
heard that in some places the gift is to be returned only when the actual
donor "enters into the matrimonial state." It will be observed, too, in
these forms, relations only transfer to relations. Is it considered that
they may assign to persons not relations? Some of your Welsh correspondents
may reply to these questions, which may elucidate all the varieties of
practice in a custom which contributes much to the comfort of a young
couple, and, in many instances, is an incentive to prudence, because they
are aware that the debt is a debt of honour, not to be evaded without some
loss of character.
"December 26. 1806.
"As we intend to enter the Matrimonial State on _Tuesday_ the 20th of
_January_, 1807, we purpose to make a Bidding on the occasion the same
day for the young man at his father's house, in the village of
_Llansaint_, in the parish of _St. Ishmael_; and for the young {208}
woman, at her own house, in the said village of _Llansaint_; at either
of which places the favour of your good company on that day will be
deemed a peculiar obligation; and whatever donation you may be pleased
to confer on either of us then, will be gratefully received, and
cheerfully repaid whenever required on a similar occasion, by
Your humble servants,
SETH REES,
ANN JENKINS.
"The young man's father and mother, and also the young woman's father
and mother, and sister Amy, desire that all gifts of the above nature
due to them, may be returned on the same day; and will be thankful for
all favour shown the young couple."