Robert Herrick (1591–1674)

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 psaltries play,

That sweet luck may

Come while the log is a-teending.

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.