p. [97]. Four pence apiece. Dr. Furnivall found statutes against excessive prices, but no stipulation of the sum mentioned. Perhaps it was the fixed price in the author’s shire. It is cheap enough, only four shillings, at the outside.
p. [97]. Cupboard. Probably that in which the canopies and curtains were stored when not in use.
p. [98]. Liveries. Not uniforms, but deliveries, i.e., of rations, or, as in this case, fuel for their own rooms.
p. [98]. Holly keen, i.e., it filled the fireplace like an arbour from Good Friday until All Hallows Day.
p. [99]. On his yard score, i.e., make notes by a sort of tally on the wood.
p. [99]. Six pence, about five shillings to-day. According to Russell, four ordinary persons made up a “mess.”
p. [99]. The cause he has it in score, i.e., if the cook quarrels about the expense, or the panter wants extra bread (reward) brought on. In cases of dispute, the steward was referred to.
p. [100]. Shall harbour, i.e., the marshal has charge of all other officers, except the usher in the chamber. John Russell combined the two functions.
p. [100]. Gentleman, yeoman-usher, i.e., two, of different social standing.
p. [100]. Make litter. The making of a pallet-bed I understand as follows. The mattress is nine feet by seven, made of loose straw, for the most part; but with a sort of framework on all four sides, made of bundles (wisps) of straw to keep the sides firm and the great mass of straw in its place; and the whole is to be kept level. Text: On legh unsunken, which seems to mean, not in hills and dales.