When the situation of things and persons seems to require it, the “bottle of wine” is sometimes compounded for by a modus of sundry glasses of “grog,” and in many cases a pot of porter.
There is one circumstance essential for a freeman of Highgate to remember, and “that is the first word of his oath,—mind that!” If he fail to recollect that, he is subject to be resworn from time to time, and so often, until he remember that. He is therefore never to forget the injunction before he swears, to take notice what is said, “for that is the first word of your oath—mind that!” Failure of memory is deemed want of comprehension, which is no plea in the high court of Highgate—“mind that!” That is, that that “that,” is “that.”
There is no other formality in the administration or taking of this oath, than what is already described; and the only other requisite for “a stranger in Highgate” to be told, is, that now in the year 1826, there are nineteen licensed houses in this village, and that at each of these houses the “horns” are kept, and the oath administered by the landlord or his deputy.
To note the capabilities of each house, their signs are here enumerated, with the quality of horns possessed by each.
1. The Gate-house is taken first in order, as being best entitled to priority, because it has the most respectable accommodation in Highgate. Besides the usual conveniences of stabling and beds, it has a coffee-room, and private rooms for parties, and a good assembly-room. The horns there are Stag’s.
2. Mitre, has Stag’s horns.
3. Green Dragon, Stag’s horns.
4. Red Lion and Sun, Bullock’s horns.