Eve of St Agnes

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My favorite part of that poem is the bedesman at the beginning and end, who, as I understand it, is an old person basically paid to pray for the people of the house and all their ancestors. So while the master of the house is partying it up and getting drunk, he is paying some poor old guy a pittance to pray and do penance for him and for all the ancestors that the master of the house should be praying for himself. I can totally see that happening. I’m surprised people don’t do the same thing today.
 
I love that description too. Royalty also used to employ them nd gave them begging rights. Perhaps there’s a market for them again now! I wouldn’t mind.
Happy St Agnes’ Day!
 
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