lehem nineteen hundred years ago is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love? Then you can keep Christmas,
And if you keep it for a day, why not always?
But you can never keep it alone.
—————
MARK WELL MY HEAVY DOLEFUL TALE
ANONYMOUS
Mark well my heavy doleful tale,
For Twelfth-day now is come,
And now I must no longer sing,
And say no words but mum;
For I perforce must take my leave
Of all my dainty cheer,
Plum-porridge, roast beef, and minced pies,
My strong ale and my beer.
Kind-hearted Christmas, now adieu,
For I with thee must part,
And for to take my leave of thee
Doth grieve me at the heart;
Thou wert an ancient housekeeper,
And mirth with meat didst keep,
But thou art going out of town.
Which makes me for to weep.
God knoweth whether I again
Thy merry face shall see,
