Page:Headlong Hall - Peacock (1816).djvu/151

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HEADLONG HALL.
143

CHAP. XI.

Among the dies albâ cretâ notandi, which the beau monde of the Cambrian mountains was in the habit of remembering with the greatest pleasure, and anticipating with the most lively satisfaction, was the Christmas ball which the ancient family of the Headlongs had been accustomed to give from time immemorial. Tradition attributed the honour of its foundation to Headlong Ap-Headlong Ap-Breakneck Ap-Headlong Ap-Cataract Ap-Pistyll[1] Ap-Rhaidr Ap-Headlong, who lived about the time of the Trojan war. Certain it is, at least, that a grand chorus was always sung


  1. Pistyll in Welch signifies a cataract, and Rhaidr a cascade.