181
the best sort of strangers have taken their lodgings; and the porter must locke thedoores, and keep the keys.
Morning .—“ Let the servants attend by seaven of the clock in the morning inthe hall.
Breakfasts .—“ The clerk of the kitchen must appoynt the cooks, what must befor breakfasts for the ladyes in their chambers, and likewise for the gentlemen in thehall or parlour, which must be served by eight of the clock in the morninge, and notafter.
" Dinner must be ready by eleven of the clock, prayers after tenne, and theorders observed as is before said.
The Hall .—“ The great chamber being served, the steward and chaplaine mustsit down in the hall, and call unto them the gentlemen, if there be any unplacedabove, and then the servants of the strangers, as their masters be in degree.”
The Usher’s Words q/'13irttttonS.
“ First, when they go to cover, hee must go before them through the hall, crying‘ By your leaves, gentlemen, stand by.’
“ The coveringe done, hee must say, ‘ Gentlemen and yeomen for plate.”
“ Then he must warn to the dresser, ‘ Gentlemen and yeomen to dresser.’
“ And he must attend the meat going through the hall, crying, ‘ By your leaves,my masters.’ Likewise, he must warn for the second course, and attend it asaforesaid.
“ If bread or beere be wanting on the hall table, he must call aloud at the barre,‘ Bread or beere for the hall.’
“ If any unworthy fellow do unmannerly sett himself down before his betters, hemust take him up and place him lower.”
For the (Chamber.
“ Let the best-fashioned and apparelled servants attend above the salte, therest below.
“ If one servant have occasion to speak to another about service att the table, lethim whisper, for noyse is uncivil.
“ If any servant have occasion to go forth of the chamber for any thing, let himmake haste, and see that no more than twoe be absent. And for the prevention oferrands, let all sauces be ready at the door; for even one messe of mustard will takea man’s attendance from the table; but lest any thing happen unexpected, let theboy stand within the chamber door for errants. And see that your water and voyderbe ready soe soon as meat is served, and sett on the table without. Have a good