Page:The Cambridge Carol Book.djvu/18

 The fire, with well-dried logs supplied, Went roaring up the chimney wide; The huge hall-table's oaken face, Scrubb'd till it shone, the day to grace, Bore then upon its massive board No mark to part the squire and lord, Then the grim boar's head frown'd on high, Crested with bays and rosemary.

The wassel round, in good brown bowls, Garnish'd with ribbons, blithely trowls; There the huge sirloin reek'd; hard by Plum-porridge stood, and Christmas pie. Then came the merry masquers in, And carols roar'd with blithesome din; If unmelodious was the song, It was a hearty note and strong.

England was Merry England, when Old Christmas brought his sports agen: 'Twas Christmas broach'd the mightiest ale; 'Twas Christmas told the merriest tale; A Christmas gambol oft would cheer The poor man's heart through half the year. England was Merry England, when Old Christmas brought his sports agen.

' steward, bid my servants Go forth, and hither call, For guests, my friends and neighbours, To sup with me in hall; That, at this blessed season, Which comes but once a year, We may, as folk in olden days, Rejoice, and make good cheer.'