Conclusion 171 



custom is to this day followed by popular tradition, 

 the poem is here subjoined. 



Down with Rosemary and Bayes, 

 Down with the Misleto ; 



In stead of Holly, now up-raise, 

 The greener Box, for show. 



The Holly hitherto did sway ; 



Let Box now domineere. 

 Until the dancing Easter Day ^, 



Or Easter's Eve appeare. 



2 February i. 



3 Referring to a popular error. It was formerly supposed 

 that the sun danced on Easter Day. This is mentioned by Sir 

 Thomas Browne, in his "Vulgar Errors;" and is also quaintly 

 alluded to in an old Ballad, found in a rare work called " Re- 

 creation for Ingenious Head-pieces," 1667, in the following 

 manner : — 



' ' But, Dick, she dances suck a way, 

 No Sun upon an Easter Day, , 

 Is half so fine a sight." 



