And, whilst thus inspired, we sing, Let all the streets with echoes ring, Woods, and hills, and everything Bear witness we are merry.

_George Wither._

CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOMS.

I.

Come, guard this night the Christmas-pie, That the thief, though ne'er so sly, With his flesh-hooks, don't come nigh To catch it,

From him, who alone sits there, Having his eyes still in his ear, And a deal of nightly fear To watch it!

II.

Wash your hands, or else the fire Will not teend[D] to your desire; Unwashed hands, ye maidens, know, Dead the fire, though ye blow.

_Robert Herrick._

FOOTNOTE:

[D] Burn.

MERRY SOULS.

O you merry, merry Souls, Christmas is a-coming, We shall have flowing bowls, Dancing, piping, drumming.

Delicate minced pies To feast every virgin, Capon and goose likewise, Brawn and a dish of sturgeon.

Then, for your Christmas box, Sweet plum-cakes and money, Delicate Holland smocks, Kisses sweet as honey.

Hey for the Christmas ball, Where we shall be jolly Jigging short and tall, Kate, d.i.c.k, Ralph, and Molly.

Then to the hop we'll go Where we'll jig and caper; Maidens all-a-row; Will shall pay the sc.r.a.per.

Hodge shall dance with Prue, Keeping time with kisses; We'll have a jovial crew Of sweet smirking misses.

_Round About Our Coal Fire._

[Ill.u.s.tration The Baron's Hall]

CHRISTMAS IN THE OLDEN TIME.

The damsel donned her kirtle sheen; The hall was dressed with holly green; Forth to the wood did merry-men go To gather in the mistletoe.

Then opened wide the baron's hall To va.s.sal, tenant, serf, and all; Power laid his rod of rule aside, And ceremony doffed his pride.

The heir, with roses in his shoes, That night might village partner choose; The lord underogating share The vulgar game of post-and-pair.

All hailed with uncontrolled delight And general voice, the happy night, That to the cottage as the crown Brought tidings of salvation down.

The fire with well-dried logs supplied Went roaring up the chimney wide; The huge hall-table's oaken face, Scrubbed till it shone, the day to grace, Bore then upon its ma.s.sive board No mark to part the squire and lord.

Then was brought in the l.u.s.ty brawn By old blue-coated serving-man; Then the grim boar's head frowned on high, Crested with bay and rosemary.

Well can the green-garbed ranger tell How, when, and where the monster fell; What dogs before his death he tore, And all the baiting of the boar.

The wa.s.sail round, in good brown bowls, Garnished with ribbons blithely trowls.

There the huge sirloin reeked; hard by Plum-porridge stood and Christmas-pie; Nor failed old Scotland to produce At such high tide her savory goose.

Then came the merry masquers in And carols roared with blithesome din; If unmelodious was the song, It was a hearty note and strong.

Who lists may in their mumming see Traces of ancient mystery.

While shirts supplied the masquerade, And s.m.u.tted cheeks the visors made: But, oh! what masquers richly dight Can boast of bosoms half so light!

England was merry England when Old Christmas brought his sports again.

'Twas Christmas broached the mightiest ale, 'Twas Christmas told the merriest tale; A Christmas gambol oft would cheer The poor man's heart through half the year.

_Sir Walter Scott._

CEREMONIES FOR CHRISTMAS.

Come, bring with a noise, My merry, merry boys, The Christmas-log to the firing, While my good dame, she Bids ye all be free, And drink to your heart's desiring.

With the last year's brand Light the new block, and, For good success in his spending, On your psalteries play, That sweet luck may Come while the log is a-teending.[E]

Drink now the strong beer, Cut the white loaf here, The while the meat is a-shredding; For the rare mince-pie And the plums stand by, To fill the paste that's a-kneading.

_Robert Herrick._

FOOTNOTE:

[E] Burning.

BRINGING IN THE BOAR'S HEAD.