Proverb on the contagious nature of poverty on all levels of society

"After a famine in the stall. 
Comes a famine in the hall."  - Somerset

Ray 1768



[Easy to interpret - look after the lowly if you wish the wealthy to flourish.]

Bristol Christmas Brand

Fire - if you wish to use my pictures, please attribute this blog

 "The following is from "Christmas, a Poem, by Romaine Joseph Thorn," 8vo. Bristol, 1795, 1. 129 :

"
Thy welcome Eve, lov'd Christmas, now arriv'd,
The parish bells their tunefull peals resound,
And mirth and gladness every breast pervade.
The pondrous Ashen-faggot, from the yard,
The jolly farmer to his crowded hall
Conveys, with speed ; where, on the rising flame
(Already fed with store of massy brands)
It blazes soon ; nine bandages it bears,
And, as they each disjoin (so Custom wills),
A mighty jug of sparkling cyder's brought,
With brandy mixt, to elevate the guests."

Again:

"High on the cheerful fire
Is blazing seen th' enormous Christmas brand.""

Brand 1813

Map - Bristol

[Thorn appears to be a Bristol based poet, so was presumably reffering to a Bristol custom, although at this time he may also be using it as a romantic story he heard from else where - not a very secure story]