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[at]tended the fairs and markets. The capacity of the
dalesmen in this respect,- in the quantity of strong liquor
that they can carry - is remarkable; and they have only too
good a training. Spirits are introduced on all occasions. At
sales, of which there are many, every spring and autumn, in
the dales, and which are attended by all the inhabitants who
can go, for miles round,- glasses of spirit are handed round
among the purchasers, all day long. The settling of accounts
at Candlemas is attended by the same curse,- every debtor
expecting his creditor to offer him the compliment of a
glass of strong liquor. On that day, it is unpleasant to
ladies to be abroad, near settlements where the Candlemas
payments are making,- so many are the drunken people whom
they meet. It is common to swallow the strong liquor
undiluted, in considerable quantity. An old dalesman,
welcome in Ambleside for his shrewdness, simplicity and
originality, appeared one day at a house where the gentleman
was absent, but the lady at home. The lady asked the visitor
to sit down and await her husband's return, proposing to
offer him some spirit and water meantime. He replied he
wonnot be nice about t' first part e't' offer, but as tot'
watter, it could be gitten at ony gate (way) side.
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