Mumming in Literature

Sir Walter Scott, Marmion, 1808

Then came the merry masquers in,

And carols roared with blithesome din;

If unmelodious was the song,

It was a hearty note, and strong.

Heed, and in their mumming see

Traces of ancient mystery;

White shirts they wore for masquerade,

And smutted cheeks the visor made."

--Sir Walter Scott, Marmion, 1808