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-tending.

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.