CHAPTER VIII.
"Look to't, think on't, I do not use to jest.
Thursday is near; lay hand on heart, advise; An' you be mine, I'll give you to my friend; An' you be not, hang, beg, starve, die i' the streets." ROMEO AND JULIET.
Wychecombe Hall, had most of the peculiarities of a bachelor's dwelling, in its internal government; nor was it, in any manner, behind, or, it might be better to say, before, the age, in its modes and customs connected with jollifications.

When its master relaxed a little, the servants quite uniformly imitated his example.

Sir Wycherly kept a plentiful table, and the servants' hall fared nearly as well as the dining-room; the single article of wine excepted.

In lieu of the latter, however, was an unlimited allowance of double-brewed ale; and the difference in the potations was far more in the name, than in the quality of the beverages.

The master drank port; for, in the middle of the last century, few Englishmen had better wine--and port, too, that was by no means of a very remarkable delicacy, but which, like those who used it, was rough, honest, and strong; while the servant had his malt liquor of the very highest stamp and flavour.