The brewer, he likewise may be of good cheer,
He shall have good trading for ale and strong beer ;
All trades shall be jolly, and have, for relief,
Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast
beef.

The holly and ivy about the walls wind,

And show that we ought to our neighbours be kind,
Inviting each other for pastime and sport,

And where we best fare, there we most do resort,
We fail not for victuals, and that of the chief,
Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast
beef.

The cooks shall be busied, by day and by night,
In roasting and boiling, for taste and delight;
Their senses in liquor that's nappy they'll steep,
Though they be afforded to have little sleep;

They still are employed for to dress us, in brief,
Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast

beef.

Although the cold weather doth hunger provoke, "Tis a comfort to see how the chimneys do smoke;

Provision is making for beer, ale, and wine,
For all that are willing or ready to dine;

Then haste to the kitchen, for diet the chiefPlum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast beef.

All travellers, as they do pass on their way,
At gentlemen's halls are invited to stay,
Themselves to refresh, and their horses to rest,
Since that he must be Old Christmas's guest;
Nay, the poor shall not wait, but have, for relief,
Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast
beef.

Now Mock-beggar Hall it no more shall stand empty,
But all shall be furnished with freedom and plenty;
The hoarding old misers, who used to preserve
The gold in their coffers, and see the poor starve,
Must now spread their tables, and give them, in brief,
Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast

beef.

The court, and the city, and country are glad

Old Christmas is come to cheer

up

the sad;

Broad pieces and guineas about now shall fly,
And hundreds be losers by cogging a die,

Whilst others are feasting with diet the chief— Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast beef.

Those that have no coin at the cards for to play,
May sit by the fire and pass time away,

And drink of their moisture contented and free

66

My honest good fellow, come here is to thee!" And when they are hungry, full to their relief,

Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast

beef.

Young gallants and ladies shall foot it along,
Each room in the house to the music shall throng,
Whilst jolly carouses about they shall pass,

And each country swain trip about with his lass;
Meantime goes the caterer to fetch in the chief-
Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast
beef.

The cooks and the scullion who toil in their frocks, Their hopes do depend upon their Christmas-box;

There are very few that do live on the earth
But enjoy at this time either profit or mirth;
Yea, those that are charged to find all relief,

Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast beef.

Then well may we welcome Old Christmas to town,
Who brings us good cheer and liquor so brown,
To pass the cold winter away with delight,
We feast it all day, and we frolic all night;

Both hunger and cold we keep out with relief, Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast beef.

Then let all curmudgeons, who dote on their wealth,
And value their treasure much more than their health,
Go hang themselves up, if they will be so kind,
Old Christmas with them but small welcome shall find:
They will not afford to themselves, without grief,
Plum-pudding, goose, capon, minced pies, and roast

beef.

NOW THRICE WELCOME CHRISTMAS.

[THE old almanacks often gave a new Carol in praise of the festive season. The following is taken from "Poor Robin's Almanack,” 1695.]

OW thrice welcome Christmas,
Which brings us good cheer,
Minced pies and plum-porridge,
Good ale and strong beer;

With pig, goose, and capon,

The best that can be:

So well doth the weather

And our stomachs agree.

Observe how the chimneys
Do smoke all about,
The cooks are providing

For dinner, no doubt;