INCIDENTS IN HIGH LIFE FOUR HUNDRED YEARS AGO.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2769, 12 April 1890, Page 6 (Supplement)

INCIDENTS IN HIGH LIFE FOUR HUNDRED YEARS AGO.

This extract is made from tho journal of Elizibcth Woodville, who became Lady Grey, and afterwards Queen of Edward IV. " Monday Morning—Bose at four o'clock and helpsd Catherine to milk the cows, Rachel, the dairymaid, haviug Rcalded her hand in a bud manner the night before ; made a poultice and pave Robin b penny to get something from the apothecary. " 0 o'clock—The buttock of beef too much boilf-d and the beer u little stale. (Mem.) —To talk to the cook about the fhst fault, and mend the second myself by tapping a fresh barrel immediately. "7 o'clock—Went to walk with the lady my mother in the courtyard ; fed 2o men and women. Chid Roger for expressing some ill will atattendiug us with some broken meat. " 8 o'clock—Went into the paddoek behind the barn with my maid, Dorohy. Caught Thump, the pony, myself, and rode 10 miles without saddle or bridle. "10 o'olock—Went to dinner. John Grey, u most comely youth ; but what is that to me ? A virtuous maid should be entirely uuder the direction of her parents. John ate but little, but stole a great many tender glances at me. Said women never could be handsome in his eyes wh<» were not good tempered. I hope my temper is not intolerable; nobody finds fault with it but Roger, and he is the most disorderly youth in our house. John Grey likes white teeth ; my teeth are a pretty good colour. I think ray hair is as black as jet, tho' I say it, and John Grey, if I mistake not, is ot the same opinion. " 11 o'clock—Rose from the tablr. The company are all desirous of walking in the fields. John Grey lifted me over every stile, and twice squeezed my hand with much vehemence. I cannot say I should have much objection, for he plays at prison bars as well as auy of the country gentleman, is remarkably dutiful to his parents, my lord and lady, and never misses church on Sunday. " 3 o'clock—Poor Farmer Robinson's house burnt down by accidental fire. John Grey proposed a subscription among tho company for the relief of the farmer, and gave no less than four pounds for this benevolent intent. (Mem.) —Never saw him look so comely as at this moment. " 4 o'clock—Went to prayers. " 6 o'clock—Fed the hogs and poultry."