A Christmas Catch

To shorten winter’s sadness,
  See where the nymphs with gladness
Disguisèd all are coming
Right wantonly a-mumming.
                Fa la.

Whilst youthful sports are lasting
To feasting turn our fasting;
With revels and with wassails
Make grief and care our vassals.
                Fa la.

For youth it well beseemeth
That pleasure he esteemeth;
And sullen age is hated
That mirth would have abated.
                Fa la.
                Unknown.