posted 09-27-2011 01:59 PM            

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TABLE MANNERS IN THE TIME OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

A reader of "Kenilworth" is apt to grow enthusiastic over the days of good Queen Bess and her brilliant Court. If, however, he wishes to know how thoroughly Scott's magic pen has bewildered him, let him read any history which reveals the style in which the Queen and her Court lived. He would be surprised to find that such were her surroundings that few of the laboring classes of today would endure them.

The serving was of the roughest kind. Huge joints of meat were brought to the table on the roasting spits. The carver held the meat with one hand while he cut it with the other, and the guests helped themselves with their fingers. After eating what they wished, they threw the remnants to the dogs and cats under the table.

There were no forks with which to take up the meat, and no plates to hold it. Huge slices of bread served for plates, and were called trenchers. Those became soaked with gravy, and were often eaten with relish. If left, they were gathered in a basket and given to the poor.

Yet they did a great deal of work in those days of rude living. It was the brilliant age of English literature and statesmanship. There was much "high thinking" then, showing that the mental and moral causes are more operative on men than physical causes.

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posted 09-29-2011 12:27 PM            

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TABLE MANNERS IN THE TIME OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

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