PERCH FISHING CLUB. 



Here's a health gnto our master, 

 The founder of the feast, 

 And I do hope with all my heart, 

 His soul in heav'n may rest ; 

 And that all things may prosper 

 Which he does take in hand, 

 For we are all his servants 

 Aud under his command. 



Then drink boys, and sing boys, 

 Take care, you do not spill, 

 For if you do, you must drink two, 

 And that's our master's will. 



These lines were probably the production of 

 some ' mute inglorious Milton' of the village. The 

 threat of any one^s being obliged to drink two tum- 

 blers of ale in case any of it was spilt, would most 

 likely lead many to commit the crime for the sake 

 of incurring the penalty 



\\hen the dinner was over, the whole party 

 adjourned to the great barn, which had been fitted 

 up for the occasion. Here they danced and sang 

 till a late hour in the morning, and then dispersed 

 full of gratitude and good wishes to their liberal 

 entertainer. 



I have mentioned this scene more particularly, 

 because it was one of those old customs which is 

 now falling into disuse. It helped to cement that 

 good understanding which should always exist 

 between a master and his labourers. It was one of 

 those ties which bind them together, and produced 



