Note 7 — Chapter III
Reading edition
Muscadel.—This species of wine was a common ingredient in the wassail-bowls, which were peculiarly in favour at Christmas.—Note to "the Pilgrim," by Beaumont and Fletcher, vol. V. p. 429. Muscadel is likewise noticed in the same volume in the play called "The Woman's Prize," p. 263.
"Sweet gentleman with muscadel."
Mr. Weber adds in a note, "This passage, perhaps, explains the reason why wine was offered immediately after the marriage ceremony to the bride and bridegroom generally before they left the church." The following passage occurs in Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew:"
"After many ceremonies done, He calls for wine. 'A health,' quoth he, as if He had been abroad carousing to his mates After a storm.——Quaffed off the muscadel, And threw the sops all in the sexton's face."