laid in with paving stones differently coloured from
the rest in the street; these were taken up every time
the Maypole was planted, to be again relaid when
the merry-making was over. But a doctor who lived
in the house facing the pole objected, and so opposed
the planting of the Maypole and the dancing before
his door, that the merry-makers moved to an open
space somewhat higher up the street, which was
much less convenient. Opposition followed them
even there, and a few years ago the Maypole was
finally abandoned.
The "Hobby-horse Pairs," as it was called, i.e. a party of eight men, then repaired to the "Golden Lion," at that time the first inn in Padstow, and sat down to a hearty supper off leg of mutton and plum- pudding, given them by the landlord. After supper a great many young men joined the "Pairs," i.e. the peers, the lords of the merriment, and all started for the country, and went round from one farmhouse to another, singing at the doors of each, and soliciting contributions to the festivities of the morrow.
They returned into Padstow about three o'clock in the morning, and promenaded the streets singing the "Night Song." After that they retired to rest for a few hours. At ten o'clock in the morning the "Pairs" assembled at the "Golden Lion" again, and now was brought forth the hobby-horse. The drum and fife band was marshalled to precede, and then came the young girls of Padstow dressed in white, with garlands of flowers in their hair, and their white gowns pinned up with flowers. The men followed armed with pistols, loaded with a little
