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2 6
COTS ANB 1HEIB CUSTOMS.
About this time, one Lord Holies, who probably
represented the total abstainers of Che age, invented a
drink termed Hydromel, made of honeys spring-water,
and ginger
i
and a cup of this taken at nighty said he,
te
will cure thee of all troubles/'—thus acknowledging
the stomachic virtues of cups, though some warping of
his senses would not let him believe, to a curable ex-
tent^ in more potent draughts: being in charity with
him, we hope his was a saving faith j but we have our
doubts of it, he died so young. Another recipe of the
same nature was,
st
The Ale of health and strength/* by
the Duchess of St. Albans, which appears to have been
a decoction of all the aromatic herbs in the garden
(whether agreeable or otherwise), boiled up in small
beer j and, thinking this account of its composition is
sufficient we will not indulge our readers with the
various items or proportions. One of the most amusing
descriptions of old English cheer we ever met with is
that of Master Stephen. Perlin, a French physician,
who was in England during the reigns of Edward VI.
and Mary. He says, writing for the benefit of his coun-
trymen,
€i
The English, one with the other, are joyous,
and are very fond of music j likewise they are great
drinkers. Now remember, if you please, that in this
country they generally use vessels of silver when they
drink wine j and they will say to you usually at table,
€
Goude chere j * and also they will say to you more
than one hundred times, *Brind oui/ and you will
reply to them in their language,
f
Iplaigui/ They
drink their beer out of earthenware pots, of which the