138 THE COACHING ERA 



much fun and amusement. When the coaches stopped, 

 the question "Have you been sworn at Highgate?" was 

 put to the passengers. Those who had not, and confessed 

 to ignorance of the ceremony, were told: 



"It's the custom of Highgate, that all who go through 

 Must be sworn on the horns, sir — and so, sir, must you." 



The horns fixed on a long pole were then produced, and 

 the new-comers, instructed by the landlord of the inn 

 who acted as master of the ceremonies, took the fol- 

 lowing oath: 



"Never to kiss the maid when he could get the mistress. 

 Never to eat brown bread when he could get white. 

 Never to drink small beer when he could get strong — unless 

 he prefer it." 



