Summer Toil, And Winter Cheer

Words: "Poor Robin's Almanac," 1724

Source: Henry Vizetelly, Christmas With The Poets (London: David Bogue, 1851).

Now after all our slaving, toiling,
In harvest or hot weather broiling,
This scorching weather's gone and past,
And shivering winter's come at last.
Good fires will now do very well,
For Christmas cheer begins to smell.
Those that in summer laboured hard,
Are for a Christmas storm prepared;
And from their store are able now
To feast themselves, and neighbours too,
With pork and mutton, veal and beef,
Of country feasting these are chief;
But those that yet would farther go,
May have a hollow bit or so,
Pig, capon, turkey, goose, and coney,
Whatever may be had for money;
Plum-pudding, cheese, and furmity,
With pasty, tarts, and Christmas pie,
Good nappy ale, or humming beer,
Suits very well to such good cheer.
Such plenteous living's their enjoyment,
While slothful lurking idle drones
Do scarce deserve to pick the bones.

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