It was then a custom for parties of men or boys, for a month or so before and after Christmas, to go about as mummers. The first set I saw perform were from a neighbouring town, and were well got up, being fairly dressed in character; the speeches were given in rich, bombastic style, and they had been well practised in fencing, dancing, and singing. Such however was an exception to the rule, as generally the men were merely disguised with but little or no regard to the characters, and the words spoken with very little knowledge of their meanings.
The following is from an old written paper from which the performers evidently had to learn their parts, and this is probably from an older and more perfect paper, as the errors of the copyist are obvious.
COPY OF AN OLD MS.
Act I.—Father Christmas.
In comes I, old Father Christmas,
Welcome or welcome not.
I hope old father Christmas
Will never be forgot.
A room a room, I do presume,
For me and my brave gallant boys all.
Pray give me leave to act and rhyme,
Now this merry Christmas time.
I'll show you some of the finest plays
That ever were acted on Saint Mary Andrews stage.
Step in, King George.
Act II. — King George.
In comes I, King George, a man of courage bold,
With my broad s'word and shield I won ten thousand crowns in gold.
