CHESTNUT TliEE. 



103 



Roasted Chestnuts formerly accompanied the wassail- 

 bowl in the celebration of Christmas festivals. 



Remember us in cups full crowned, 



And let our city health go round. 



Quite through the young maids and the men. 



To the ninth number, if not ten ; 



Until the fired chestnuts leap 



For joy to see the fruits ye reap 



From the plump chalice, and the cup 



That tempts till it be tossed up." 



Herrick. 



Milton, writing on the death of his friend Deodati, 

 says — 



In whom shall I confide ? whose counsel find 



A balmy medicine for my troubled mind ? 



Or whose discourse, with innocent delight 



Shall fill me now, and cheat the wintry night — 



While hisses on my hearth the pulpy pear. 



And blackening chestnuts start and crackle there, 



^V^hile storms abroad the dreary meadows whelm. 



And the wind thunders through the neighbouring elm ?" 



