The antiquary George Nathan Maynard (c.1829-1904) of Whittlesford was fascinated by all aspects of local history, flora and fauna and social customs. In 1880 he was appointed the first paid curator of Saffron Walden Museum.
In 1856 he began collecting the material which was to be eventually compiled into twelve manuscript volumes of notes, essays, illustrations, cuttings and even original parish records.
This attractively illustrated poem is a light-hearted addition to his notes on mistletoe.
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Under the Mistletoe
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‘Sing a song of mistletoe!
Sing how Kitty flouts me!
When I fain would kiss her- so-
She eludes and scouts me
Cherry-sweet is Kitty’s smile
Cherry red her gown is
When I try a kiss to wile
Terrible her frown is….
Source:
The original poem appears in G.N. Maynard’s volume XIII "Botanical and Miscellaneous Notes re. Whittlesford and District," held at Cambridgeshire Archives, reference R58/5/12 pp 217.