3-011-742 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Carol-singing in Yorkshire - drawn by John Gilbert, 1864. 'In every corner of our island this "sort of holy song," though set to secular music, is still sung...a company of rustic children is here with the song of joy, some of them bearing evergreens...as emblems of their mission. Their loud notes, echoing through the snowy stillness of the landscape, have called to the window the well-to-do master of the house, who, "with spectacles on nose," eyes the young throng with the kindly approbation of age, which is well contrasted with the childish wonder of the little fellow peering out of the side window. The leader of the choir bears the "Christmas-tree"...his two vicegerents, with hollied sticks, are proportionally earnest. The little fellow in somebody else's jacket is evidently a learner. The girls are equally attentive. The variety of the expression of the several singers is admirable. The dog seems about to bark in chorus...The little choir have evidently trudged through the snow on their mission, which the lively satisfaction of the folk at the window promises to recompense'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.