When the cloth was removed, the butler brought
in a huge silver vessel of rare and curious workmanship, which he placed
before the Squire. Its appearance was hailed with acclamation; being the
Wassail Bowl, so renowned in Christmas festivity. The contents had been
prepared by the Squire himself; for it was a beverage in the skilful
mixture of which he particularly prided himself, alleging that it was
too abstruse and complex for the comprehension of an ordinary servant.
It was a potation, indeed, that might well make the heart of a toper
leap within him; being composed of the richest and raciest wines, highly
spiced and sweetened, with roasted apples bobbing about the surface.*
*[7] See Note G.
The old gentleman's whole countenance beamed with a serene look of
indwelling delight, as he stirred this mighty bowl. Having raised it
to his lips, with a hearty wish of a merry Christmas to all present, he
sent it brimming, around the board, for every one to follow his example,
according to the primitive style; pronouncing it "the ancient fountain
of good feeling, where all hearts met together."*
*[8] See Note H.
There was much laughing and rallying, as the honest emblem of Christmas
joviality circulated, and was kissed rather coyly by the ladies. When it
reached Master Simon he raised it in both hands, and with the air of a
boon companion struck up an old Wassail chanson:
The browne bowle,
The merry browne bowle,
As it goes round about-a,
Fill
Still,
Let the world say what it will,
And drink your fill all out-a.
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