"The grooms shall not steal his highness's straw for bed, sufficient
being allowed to them.

"Coal only to be allowed to the king's, queen's, and lady Mary's
chambers.[2]

"The brewers not to put any brimstone in the ale.

"Twenty-four loaves a-day for his highness' greyhounds.

"Ordered--that all noblemen and gentlemen at the end of the session of
parliament, depart to their several counties, on pain of the royal
displeasure."

The following items contain nothing very remarkable, and if they did,
perhaps I have copied enough already for a specimen of this ludicrous
manuscript.

W. H. H.

[2] Hence it was found necessary for the pages and servants
to run about to warm themselves with different diversions
before going to bed.

* * * * *


FOUR THIEVES' VINEGAR.