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CHRISTMAS IN THE OLDEN TIME.
The willow lake is frozen,
You will have such skaiting there;
And the trees, like lovelorn maidens,
Hang down their glittering hair.
The holly’s scarlet berries,
Amid the leaves appear;
It is an elfin armoury,
With banner and with spear.
Christmas is coming, my brother dear,
And Christmas comes, my brother, but once a year.
We shall gather every evening
Beside the ancient hearth,
But one vacant place beside it,
Would darken all its mirth.
At any time but Christmas
We give you leave to roam,
But now come back, my brother,
You are so missed at home.
Christmas is coming, my brother dear,
And Christmas comes, my brother, but once a year.
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