Page:A Selection of Original Songs, Scraps, Etc., by Ned Farmer (1st ed.).djvu/45



While the old fashioned country dance would enlist
 * The young, to enjoy its delight,

The old folks sat down to a rubber at whist,
 * And so passed the old Christmas night.

The mistletoe bough to the ceiling was hung,
 * Old excuse for the innocent kiss,

Nor Prudery's self would pronounce it as wrong
 * On a joyous occasion like this.

Each house had its party, each party was gay,
 * Good nature and cheerfulness lent

Their aid to induce you to lengthen your stay,
 * And regret only came when you went.

Those, those were the times, let them talk as they may,
 * When folks met to be and !

'Tis a pity such customs should e'er pass away.
 * However !

A is a living syringe filled with dirty water, with which he ever and anon doth defile his betters.