The great hall was mostly the scene of these boisterous
festivities; where, from the gallery, the lord of the mansion and his
family might witness the sports, without being incommoded by the uncouth
and rustic manners of their guests. It was the custom to invite all who
were in any way dependent on the proprietor, and who owed him suit and
service.
The mansion of Sir Ralph had, like those of the neighbouring gentry, its
lofty and capacious hall. At one end was a gallery resting on the heads
of three or four gigantic figures carved in oak, perhaps originally
intended as rude representations of the ancient Caryatides.
The Christmas but one following the elevation of Richard to the throne,
in the year of our redemption 1483, was a season of unusual severity.
Many tenants of Sir Ralph were prevented from assembling at the Yule
feast. A storm had rendered the roads almost impassable, keeping most of
the aged and infirm from sharing in this glorious pastime.
The Yule-log was larger than ever, and the blaze kept continually on the
roar. No ordinary scale of consumption could withstand the attacks of
the enemy, and thaw the icicles from his beard.
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