Full of drink and full of meat, On our SAVIOUR'S natal day, CHARITY'S perennial treat; Thus I heard a Pauper say:—
“Ought not I to dance and sing Thus supplied with famous cheer? Heigho! I hardly know —
Christmas comes but once a year. “After labor's long turmoil, Sorry fare and frequent fast, Two-and-fifty weeks of toil,
Pudding-time is come at last! But are raisins high or low, Flour and suet cheap or dear? Heigho!
I hardly know — Christmas comes but once a year. “Fed upon the coarsest fare Three hundred days and sixty-four,
But for one on viands rare, Just as if I was n't poor! Ought not I to bless my stars, Warden, clerk, and overseer?
Heigho! I hardly know — Christmas comes but once a year. “Treated like a welcome guest,
One of Nature's social chain, Seated, tended on, and press'd — But when shall I be press'd again, Twice to pudding, thrice to beef,
A dozen times to ale and beer? Heigho! I hardly know — Christmas comes but once a year.
“Come to-morrow how it will; Diet scant and usage rough, Hunger once has had its fill, Thirst for once has had enough,
But shall I ever dine again? Or see another feast appear? Heigho! I only know —
Christmas comes but once a year! “Frozen cares begin to melt, Hopes revive and spirits flow — Feeling as I have not felt
Since a dozen months ago — Glad enough to sing a song — To-morrow shall I volunteer? Heigho!
I hardly know — Christmas comes but once a year. “Bright and blessed is the time, Sorrows end and joys begin,
While the bells with merry chime Ring the Day of Plenty in! But the happy tide to hail, With a sigh or with or a tear,
Heigho! I hardly know — Christmas comes but once a year!”
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