Category: History - Other
In the old life of rural England few things are more interesting than the ancient sports and pastimes, the strange superstitions, and curious customs which existed in the times of our forefathers. We remember that our land once rejoiced in the name of "Merry England," and perh...
In the old life of rural England few things are more interesting than the ancient sports and pastimes, the strange superstitions, and curious customs which existed in the times...
8. Chapter 8The fox-hounds often meet in our village during this cheerless month, and I am reminded by the red coats of the huntsmen, and by the sound of the cheerful horn, of the sportsmen...
9. Chapter 9"And he was clad in cote and hode of grene; A shefe of pecocke arrowes bryght and shene Under his belt he bare ful thriftely, Well could he dresse his tackle yomanly; His arrowe...
10. Chapter 10From the earliest days of Christianity Easter has always been celebrated with the greatest joy, and accounted the Queen of Festivals. Many curious customs are associated with th...
11. Chapter 11"'It is most fit,' replied the youth, 'That Sylvia should this first of May By me be taught that love and truth Can make of life a holiday.'"--LADY CRAVEN.
12. Chapter 12"The woods, or some near town That is a neighbour to the bordering down, Hath drawn them thither, 'bout some lusty sport, Or spiced wassel-bowl, to which resort All the young me...
13. Chapter 13At this time of the year all the cricket-clubs in town and village are very busy, and matches are being played everywhere. It may not therefore be inappropriate if I tell you in...
14. Chapter 14"Crowned with the ears of corn, now come, And to the pipe sing harvest home. Come forth, my lord, and see the cart Dressed up with all the country art: The horses, mares, and fr...
15. Chapter 15"Nor is there hawk which mantleth her on pearch, Whether high tow'ring or accoasting low, But I the measure of her flight do search, And all her prey, and all her diet know."--S...
16. Chapter 16"Rivet well each coat of mail; Blows shall fall like showers of hail; Merrily the harness rings, Of tilting lists and tournay sings, Honour to the valiant brings. Clink, clink,...
17. Chapter 17"The ploughman, though he labour hard, Yet on the holiday Heigh trolollie, lollie loe. No emperor so merrily Doth pass his time away; Then care away, And wend along with me."--_...
18. Chapter 18Now dark and chill December has arrived; and very dark and chill it must have seemed to our ancestors. No gaslights illuminated the streets, here and there a feeble oil lamp hel...