Page:Notes on the folk-lore of the northern counties of England and the borders.djvu/87

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We do not come to your house to beg nor to borrow, But we do come to your house to sing away all sorrow; The merry time of Christmas is drawing very near, And ’tis tidings of comfort and joy!

We do not come to your house to beg for bread and cheese, But we do come to your house to give us what you please; The merry time of Christmas is drawing very near, And ’tis tidings of comfort and joy!

God bless the master of this house, the mistress also, And all the little children that round the table go, And all their kith and kindred, that travel far and near; And we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Children carry about these figures through the West Riding of Yorkshire in what they call milly-boxes, a corruption of “My Lady.” The boxes are lined with spice, oranges, and sugar. They call this “going a-wassailing.” The wassail-cup hymn there in use runs thus:

Here we come a-wassailing Among the leaves so green, Here we come a-wandering So fair to be seen.

For it is Christmas time, Strangers travel far and near. So God bless you and send you A happy New Year.

We are not daily beggars That beg from door to door, But we are neighbours’ children, Whom you have seen before.

Call up the butler of this house, Put on his golden ring, Let him bring us a glass of beer, And the better we shall sing.

We have got a little purse, Made of stretching leather skin, We want a little o’ your money To line it well within.