1899 The Mixicologist by C F Lawlor

THE MIXICOLOGIST.

77

The Grace-cup and Loving-cup appear to be synony mous terms for a beverage, the drinking of which has been from time immemorial a great feature at the corporation dinners in London and other large towns, as also at the feasts of the varions trade companies and the Inns of Court—the mixture of which is a compound of wine and spices, formerly called "Sack," and is handed round the table, before the removal of the cloth, in large silver cnps, from which no one is allowed to drink before the gnest on either side of him has stood iq); the person who drinks then rises and bows to his neighbors. This custom is said to have originated in the precaution to keep the right or dagger hand employed, as it was a frequent practice with the Danes to stab their companions in the back at the time they were drinking. The most notable in stance of this was the treachery employed by Elfrida, who stabbed King Edward the Martyr at Corfe Castle whilst thus engaged.

Beer Cups.

These cups should always be made with good sound ale, but not too strong; and should invariably be drank from tbe tankard, and not poured into glasses, as they are generally more agreeable to the taste than to the sight,and it is imperative that they should be kept hot.