Robert Herrick. Ceremonies for Christmas.

CEREMONIES FOR CHRISTMAS.
by Robert Herrick

       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.

Psaltries, a kind of guitar.
Teending, kindling.

Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol II.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891. 79.

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