loaded with the warmeſt and heavieſt Habits one upon another: in the ſame manner are thoſe who repreſent her Attendants dreſt, nor is ſhe without a Captain and Troop for her Defence. Both being equipt as proper Emblems of the Beauty of the Spring, and the Deformity of the Winter, they ſet forth from their respective Quarters; the one preceeded by Violins and Flutes, the other with the rough Muſick of the Tongs and Cleavers. Both Companies march till they meet on a Common, and then their Trains engage in a Mock-Battle. If the Queen of Winter's Forces get the better, ſo far as to take the Queen of May Priſoner, ſhe is ranſomed for as much as pays the Expences of the Day. After this Ceremony, Winter and her Company retire, and divert themſelves in a Barn, and the others remain on the Green, where having danced a conſiderable Time, they conclude the Evening with a Feaſt: the Queen at one Table with her Maids, the Captain with his Troop at another. There are ſeldom leſs than fifty or ſixty Perſons at each Board, but, as I ſaid before, not more than three or four Knives.
I
