Proface,[40] welcome, welcome, proface,
This time is born a child of grace,
That for us mankind hath take.
Proface.
A king’s son and an emperor
Is comen out of a maiden’s tower,
With us to dwell with great honour.
Proface.
This holy time of Christës-mass,
All sorrow and sin we should release,
And cast away all heaviness.
Proface.
The good lord of this place entere
Saith welcome to all that now appear
Unto such fare as ye find here.
Proface.
Welcome be this New Year,
And look ye all be of good cheer;
Our Lord God be at our dinnere.
Proface.
[40] i. e. _proficiat_, may it do you good.