I give full power and authority to his lordship to
break all locks, bolts, bars, doors, and latches to come at all
those who presume to disobey his lordship's commands. God save
the King. SOMERSET."
[1] A Latin term signifying "in the first place," or "to commence
with," and used as the opening of legal or official directions.
It was Christmas Eve. The great hall of Hatfield House gleamed
with the light of many candles that flashed upon the sconce and
armor and polished floor. Holly and mistletoe, rosemary and bay,
and all the decorations of an old-time English Christmas were
tastefully arranged. A burst of laughter ran through the hall, as
through the ample doorway, and down the broad stair, trooped the
Motley train of the Lord of Misrule to open the Christmas revels.
A fierce and ferocious-looking fellow was he, with his great
green mustache and his ogre-like face. His dress was a gorgeous
parti-colored jerkin and half-hose, trunks, ruff, slouch-boots of
Cordova leather, and high befeathered steeple hat. His long
staff, topped with a fool's head, cap, and bells, rang loudly on
the floor, as, preceded by his diminutive but pompous page, he
led his train around and around the great hall, lustily singing
the chorus:
"Like prince and king he leads the ring;
Right merrily we go.
Pages:
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183