rivance, instead of being attended with good
effects, led to greater excess; for those who formerly strove to avoid
intoxication, were now, they thought, obliged to drink to the "pegs,"
it being understood that it was imperative to drain the vessel to the
pin.

From the use of peg or pin-cups or tankards, may be traced phrases yet
repeated. When a person is in a cheerful mood, he is said to be in a
merry pin. Speaking of bringing a man "down a peg," refers to a
regulation which deprived a troublesome fellow of his turn of
drinking. When a person is dull, he is described as being "a peg too
low." "Getting on peg by peg," means that a man is gradually emptying
his cup.

Anciently, confectionery was presented to the Fathers of Rome, made
up in the forms of crosses, infants, etc., to which has been ascribed
the origin of bakers presenting their customers with cakes, or, as
they are sometimes called, "Yule dough." It is supposed that the New
Year's ode composed by the Poet Laureate was originally regarded as a
Yule song or Wassail song. For such verses Christmas carols were
substituted, as being more appropriate for the season of the year,
observed with joy in honour of Christ's birth in Bethlehem.

MIRACLES PERFORMED BY SAINTS AND OTHER HOLY PERSONS, AND THE INFLUENCE
OF SACRED RELICS.

CHAPTER XV.

Introductory--St. Peter and Simon the
Magician--Clement's Miracles and Death--St. Agnes the
Innocent--A Miraculous Circumstance--St. Blase's Power
over Men and Beasts--St. Agatha's Holy Life, Tortures,
and Wonder-working Veil--St. Patrick's Missionary
Labours, and Expulsion of Reptiles from Ireland--St.
Germanus stilling the Raging of the Sea--St. David and
the Welsh Leeks--The Stirrup Cup, and Origin of
"Pledging"--Elfrida's Treachery and Remorse--St.
Benedict's Power over the Elements--St. Dunstan cured
by an Angel; his Encounter with Satan--The AEolian
Harp--St. Columba's Prophecy concerning Iona--The
Dream of Columba's Mother--Tragic Events--Prayer
answered--Sacred Ducks of Ireland--St. Paul binding a
Dragon--Saints and Frogs--Friars and Jesuits--Father
Mark proof against Fire--Virtue of Holy Water--St.
Noel's Imprecation--Men-wolves--Stories about
Bees--Strange Story about the Host--Blood-stained
Jews--Miracles--St. Boniface--Pope Silvester assisted
by Satan--Necromancing Popes--St. Janua