Other players were however permitted and encouraged, and a Master of the Revells appointed to superintend. And “My lorde useth and accustomyth yerly to gyf hym which is ordynede to be the MASTER OF THE REVELLS yerly in my lordis hous in cristmas for the overseyinge and orderinge of his lordschips Playes, Interludes, and Dresinge that is plaid befor his lordship in his hous in the xijth dayes of Cristenmas, and they to have in rewarde for that caus yerly, xxs.”
In a volume of accounts of the Earl of Northumberland at the Chapter-house, quoted by Collier,[1] 18s. 4d. is the price paid to his chaplain, William Peres, in the 17th Henry VIII. “ for makyng an Enterlued to be playd this next Cristenmas.” The Princess (afterwards Queen) Mary was indulged from her childhood with the usual ceremonies and festivities in her own household, although as she grew up, and her temper got soured, she probably lost all enjoyment of such scenes. Before she had completed her sixth year, Christmas revels were exhibited for her entertainment, and she was accustomed to give presents to the King’s players, the children of the chapel, and others. Ellis, in his “Original Letters,”[2] gives the following curious application from the council for the household of the Lady Mary, to the all powerful Cardinal Wolsey about 1525, to obtain his directions and leave to celebrate the ensuing Christmas; so necessary was his sanction then to every public transaction.
“Please it youre grace for the great repaire of straungers supposed unto the Pryncesse honorable householde this solempne fest of Cristmas, We humbly
