A Christmas Carol
by George Wither, 1588-1667
So now is come our joyful feast,
Let every man be jolly;
Each room with ivy leaves is dressed,
And every post with holly.
Though some churls at our mirth repine,
Round your foreheads garlands twine,
Drown sorrow in a cup of wine,
And let us all be merry.
Now all our neighbors' chimneys smoke,
And Christmas blocks are burning;
Their ovens they with baked meats choke,
And all their spits are turning.
Without the door let sorrow lie,
And if for cold it hap to die,
We'll bury it in a Christmas pie,
And evermore be merry.
Let every man be jolly;
Each room with ivy leaves is dressed,
And every post with holly.
Though some churls at our mirth repine,
Round your foreheads garlands twine,
Drown sorrow in a cup of wine,
And let us all be merry.
Now all our neighbors' chimneys smoke,
And Christmas blocks are burning;
Their ovens they with baked meats choke,
And all their spits are turning.
Without the door let sorrow lie,
And if for cold it hap to die,
We'll bury it in a Christmas pie,
And evermore be merry.
Nice verses and a great illustration. Merry Christmas Susanna!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas. I've set out the table setting/cloths and snappers ready to decorate the table, the presents are under the tree. The turkey waits in the fridge and the pies are there too.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family, Susanna! --Mario
ReplyDeleteThank you all! My turkey is on the porch (it's plenty cold and there's no room in the fridge) and the pies are ready. Cookies too. Tomorrow is for feasting and making merry:)
ReplyDeleteThat was refreshing, to see how Christmas played out a few hundred years ago! I'm glad we hold onto some of the good old traditions! Susanne, the post office said your gift should arrive on Saturday. I hope it did and that it has given you a moment to enjoy a cozy little breakfast!
ReplyDeleteIt didn't come Saturday, Ronda, but we've had company so it will be a pleasure to look forward to when everyone is gone and the house is still echoing with their laughter. I am looking forward to tasting it!
ReplyDelete