When a new-comer or fresh man arrived to keep the fair, he was required
to submit to the ceremony of christening, as it was called, which was
performed as follows:--On the night following the horse-fair day, which
was the principal day of the whole fair, a select party occupied the
parlour of the Robin Hood, or some other suttling booth, to which the
novice was introduced, as desirous of being admitted a member, and of
being initiated. He was then required to choose two of the company as
sponsors, and being placed in an arm-chair, his shoes were taken off,
and his head uncovered. The officiator, vested in a cantab's gown and
cap, with a book in one hand and a bell in the other, with a verger on
each side, robed, and holding staves (alias broomsticks) and candles,
preceded by the suttler, bearing a bowl of punch, entered the parlour,
and demanded "If there was an infidel present?" Being answered, "Yes,"
he asked, "What did he require?" Answer. "To be initiated." _Q._
"Where are the oddfathers?" _R._ "Here we are." He then proceeded
as follows:--


(_Plain chant_.)

"Over thy head I ring this bell,
[_Rings the bell_,
Because thou art an infidel,
And such I know thee by thy smell.

CHORUS.

With a hoccius proxius mandamus,
Let no vengeance light on him,
And so call upon him."