into a fit vessel or vessels to
cool. Then Tun it up in a strong and sweet cask, and let it stand in some
place, where there is some little warmth; (It will do as well without
warmth, but be longer growing ripe) This will make it work. At first a
course foul matter will work over; to which purpose it must be kept always
full with fresh Liquor of the same, as it worketh over. When it begins to
work more gently, and that which riseth at the top, is no more foul, but is
a white froth; then fill and stop it up close, and set it in a cool cellar,
where it is to stand continually.

After half a year or a year, you may draw it off from the Lees into a clean
vessel, or let it remain untouched. It is not fit to be drunk for it's
perfection till the sweetness be quite worn off, yet not to be sower, but
vinous. You may drink it at meals instead of wine, and is wholesomer and
better then wine.

To small Meath, that is to be drunk presently, you may put a little Ginger
to give it life, and work it with a little barm. If the Meath work not at
all, it will nevertheless be good, and peradventure better than that which
worketh; but it will be longer first, and the dregs will fall down to the
bottom, though it work not.

Small Meath of eight or nine parts of water to one of honey, will be very
good, though it never work, but be barrell'd up as soon as it is cold, and
stopped close: and after two or three months drunk from the barrel without
botteling. This is good for Meals.

TO MAKE WHITE MEATH

Take to every three Gallons of water, one Gallon of honey and set the water
over the fire, and let the honey melt, before the water be too hot; then
put in a New-laid-egg, and feel with your hand; if it comes half way the
water, it is strong enough; Then put into it these Herbs, Thyme,
Sweet-marjoram, Winter-savoury, Sweet-bryar, and Bay-leaves, in all a good
great handful; which a proportion for ten Gallons; Then with a quick-fire
boil it very fast half an hour, and no longer; and then take it from the
fire, and let it cool in two or three woodden vessels; and let it stand
without stirring twenty four hours. Then softly drain it out, leaving all
the dregs behind. Put the clear into your vessel; and if you like any
spice, take Ginger, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Mace and Cloves, and bruise them a
little, and put them in a bag, and let them hang in your vessel. Before you
put your Meath into the vessel, try if it will bear an Egg as broad as a
peny;