Note 151:B — Chapter VI
Reading edition
That Hock-tide was generally observed in the days of Shakspeare, is evident from the following passage in Withers's "Abuses Stript and Whipt." 8vo. London. 1618.
"Who think (forsooth) because that once a yeare They can affoord the poore some slender cheere, Observe their country feasts, or common doles, And entertaine their Christmass Wassaile Boles, Or els because that, for the Churche's good, They in defence of Hocktide custome stood: A Whitsun-ale, or some such goodly motion, The better to procure young men's devotion: What will they do, I say, that think to please Their mighty God with such fond things as these? Sure, very ill."
P. 232.