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.