were
great rejoicings over the return home of the Duke of Marlborough from
the continental wars. "He arrived in England in the middle of
December, carrying with him Marshal Tallard and the rest of the
distinguished officers, with the standards and other trophies of his
victories. He was received with acclaim by all classes, except a few
Ultra Tories, who threatened to impeach him for his rash march to the
Danube. As Parliament had assembled, Marlborough took his seat in the
House of Peers the day after his arrival, where he was complimented on
his magnificent success by the Lord Keeper. This was followed by a
deputation with a vote of thanks from the Commons, and by similar
honours from the City. But perhaps the most palpable triumph of
Marlborough was the transferring of the military trophies which he had
taken from the Tower, where they were first deposited, to Westminster
Hall. This was done by each soldier carrying a standard or other
trophy, amid the thunders of artillery and the hurrahs of the people;
such a spectacle never having been witnessed since the days of the
Spanish Armada. The Royal Manor of Woodstock was granted him, and
Blenheim Mansion erected at the cost of the nation."

CHRISTMAS-KEEPING IN THE COUNTRY.

The country squire of three hundred a year, an independent gentleman
in the reign of Queen Anne, is described as having "never played at
cards but at Christmas, when the family pack was produced from the
mantle-piece." "His chief drink the year round was generally ale,
except at this season, the 5th of November, or some gala days, when he
would make a bowl of strong brandy punch, garnished with a toast and
nutmeg. In the corner of his hall, by the fireside, stood a large
wooden two-armed chair, with a cushion, and within the chimney corner
were a couple of seats. Here, at Christmas, he entertained his
tenants, assembled round a glowing fire, made of the roots of trees,
and other great logs, and told and heard the traditionary tales of the
village, respecting ghosts and witches, till fear made them afraid to
move. In the meantime the jorum of ale was in continual
circulation."[76]

"This is Yuletide! Bring the holly boughs,
Deck the old mansion with its berries red;
Bring in the mistletoe, that lover's vows
Be sweetly sealed the while it hangs o'erhead.
Pile on the logs, fresh gathered from the wood,
And let the firelight dance upon the walls,
The while we tell the stories