With flesh; where the whole wild-boar was roasted

And the dun-deer flanks and the roebuck haunches;

Fat tuns of ale, that the cellars boasted,

Old casks of wine were broached for paunches

Of the vassals that reveled in bower and stall;

Pale pages who diced and bluff henchmen who quarr'led

Or swore in their cups, while lean mastiffs all,

O'er bones of the feast in their kennels snarled;

For Hortense—drink! drink!—by the Virgin's leave,

Were wed to this Lovell this Christmas Eve.