Winter Warmer

This bed-warmer has been in my husband's family for several generations.

TRIVIA ON TUESDAY

http://i-refuse-to-recede.blogspot.com/2010/03/tuesday-trivia-tie-in-3-lucky-charms.html?
WINTER WARMER

In England in the days of old

When nights were very chilly

They simply shivered in the cold

And that was rather silly.

So someone had a great idea

Which here you see portrayed.

*

When freezing-point was drawing near

And all the beds were made,

A servant took a normal brick

And set it in the fire

Stirring the embers with a stick

Until the flames burned higher.

And when the brick was nigh red-hot

In the warmer it was placed

Then the warmer rubbed around the spot

Where the cold night must be faced.

Up and down and up and down

The master's sheets it went

Then it stroked milady's ruffled gown

Till its heat was almost spent.

Then Milord and Lady leaped with haste

Among the cosy covers!

Not letting heating go to waste!

What joy! What bliss for lovers!

*

I like to think the servant too

Enjoyed the warmth remaining.

I hate to think that she turned blue

All shivers and 'chilblaning'!

I hope she rushed up to her room

And warmed her humble cot.

Some stolen comfort in the gloom

Would help her sorry lot.

*

More old ways here:

http://rinklyrimes.blogspot.com/2009/05/hospitality.html