Words: English Traditional, Before 1536.

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 225-6.

1. Here have I dwelled with more and less
From Hallowtide¹ till Candlemas,²
And now must I from you hence pass:
    Now have good day!

2. I take my leave of king and knight,
And earl, baron and lady bright,
To wilderness I must be dight;
    Now have good day!

3. And at the good lord of this hall
I take my leave, and of guests all.
Methinks I hear, Lent doth call;
    Now have good day!

4. And at every worthy officer,
Marshall, panter and butler,
I take my leave as for this year;
    Now have good day!

5. Another year I trust I shall
Make merry in this hall,
If rest and peace in England may fall;
    Now have good day!

6. But oftentimes I have heard say
That he is loth to part away,
That often biddeth "have good day";
    Now have good day!

7. Now fare ye well, all in fere!
Now fare ye well for all this year!
Yet for my sake, have good cheer;
    Now have good day! 

Notes:

1. All Hallow's Eve (e.g., Halloween, October 31). Return

2. Candlemas is celebrated on February 2. See: Candlemas. Return