, it happens very well that

Christmas

should fall out in the Middle of the Winter. It

[is]

the most dead uncomfortable Time of the Year, when the poor People would suffer very much from their

Poverty and Cold

[3]

, if they had not good Cheer, warm Fires, and

Christmas

Gambols to support them. I love to rejoice their poor Hearts at this season, and to see the whole Village merry in my great Hall. I allow a double Quantity of Malt to my small Beer, and set it a running for twelve Days to every one that calls for it. I have always a Piece of cold Beef and a Mince-Pye upon the Table, and am wonderfully pleased to see my Tenants pass away a whole Evening in playing their innocent Tricks, and smutting one another. Our Friend