[24] Yule-log. A great log of wood laid, in ancient times, across the hearth-fire on Christmas Eve.
[25] burden. refrain.
[26] seneschal. High-steward; the officer who had charge of feasts and other ceremonies.
[27] surcoat. A cloak worn over the armour of a knight. The surcoat of a Christian knight, was generally white, with a large red cross displayed conspicuously ("blazoned") upon it.
[28] He tried to forget the cold and snow, by calling to mind pictures of the hot desert.
[29] grewsome. horrible, hideous.
[30] tree. the cross.
[31] Beautiful Gate. See John, x, 7.
[32] temple of God in Man. "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?" I Cor., vi, 19.
[33] See Luke, xxii, 19, 20.