Come Bravely On, My Masters

Words: From New Christmas Carols, 1642

Source: Edith Rickert, Ancient English Christmas Carols: 1400-1700 (London: Chatto & Windus, 1914), pp. 247-8.
See generally Wassailing - Notes On The Songs

1. Come bravely on, my masters,
For here we shall be tasters
    Of curious dishes that are brave and fine;
        Where they that do such cheer afford,
        I'll lay my knife upon the board,
    My master and my dame they do not pine.

2. Who is't will not be merry
And sing down, down-a-derry?
    For now it is a time of joy and mirth;
        'Tis said 'tis merry in the hall
        Whenas beards they do wag all;
    God's plenty's here, it doth not show a dearth.

3. Let him take all lives longest,
Come fill us of the strongest,
    And I will drink a health to honest John;
        Come pray thee, butler, fill the bowl,
        And let it round the table troll,
    When that is up I'll tell you more anon.

Also found in A. H. Bullen, A Christmas Garland (London: John C. Nimmo, 1885)k, p. 196, to the tune of "The King's going to Bulleine." From "New Christmas Carols."

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