light. It was of oak if possible, the oak being sacred to Thor, and
was rolled into place amidst song and merriment. In one of these songs
the first stanza is:

"Welcome be thou, heavenly King,
Welcome born on this morning,
Welcome for whom we shall sing,
_Welcome Yule._"

The third stanza is addressed to the crowd:

"Welcome be ye that are here,
Welcome all, and make good cheer,
Welcome all, another year;
_Welcome Yule._"

Each member of the family, seated in turn upon the log, saluted it,
hoping to receive good luck. It was considered unlucky to consume the
entire log during Yule; if good luck was to attend that household
during the coming twelve months, a piece ought to be left over with
which to start the next year's fire.

[Illustration: SERENADED BY THE WAITS.]

"Part must be kept wherewith to tende
The Christmas log next yeare,
And where 'tis safely kept, the fiend
Can do no mischiefe theere."

The boar's head held the principal place of honor at the dinner. So