AN OLD CHRISTMAS

Shannon News, 24 December 1923, Page 3

AN OLD CHRISTMAS

A picture of what the streets or London wore like at Christmas time over 200 years ago is embalmed In thy works of the poet Gay, whose play " Beggar's Opera " lately revived has had such a marvellous success. In depicting the street cries of London of his time, he says:— '.,.,,- '• Hark ! how the streets with treble

voices ring. To sell the bounteous product of the

spring; Sweet smelling flowers, and elders early bud . , . • • And when June's thunder cools the sultry skies, Ev'n Sundays are piofained by mackrel cries. Walnuts the fruiterer's hand, in autumn, stain, Blue plums and juicy pears augment his gain; Next oranges the longing boys entice To trust their copper fortunes to the dice. When rosemary, and bays, and poet's crown Are bawled in frequent cries through all the town. Then judge, the festival of Christmas near. Christmas ! the joyous period of the year, Now with bright holly all your temples strow. With laurel green and sacred mistletoe."