Classic Poem

Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a-wandering,
So fair to be seen:

Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail too,
And God bless you, and send you
A happy new year.

Our wassail cup is made
Of the rosemary tree,
And so is your beer
Of the best barley:

We are not daily beggars
That beg from door to door,
But we are neighbours' children
Whom you have seen before:

Call up the butler of this house,
Put on his golden ring;
Let him bring us up a glass of beer,
And better we shall sing:

We have got a little purse
Of stretching leather skin;
We want a little of your money
To line it well within:

Bring us out a table,
And spread it with a cloth;
Bring us out a mouldy cheese,
And some of your Christmas loaf:

God bless the master of this house,
Likewise the mistress too;
And all the little children
That round the table go:

Good Master and good Mistress,
While you're sitting by the fire,
Pray think of us poor children
Who are wandering in the mire:

Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail too,
And God bless you, and send you
A happy new year.