The Mistletoe

Words: From "Fraser's Magazine," 1835

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

Of all the nights within the year,
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!
That's the night to lovers dear,
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!
When blushing lips, that smile at folly,
As red as berries on the holly,
Kiss, and banish melancholy.
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!

Ice was glittering on the farm,
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!
Woman's heart was beating warm,
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!
And woman's eyes, when frost is near,
And chilly dropping snows appear,
Can make the sunny time of year.
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!

Roger Rood the fiddle played,
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!
Mary at his elbow stayed,
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!
And, oh! we saw by each fond look,
And how his trembling quavers shook,
Her beauty was his music book.
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!

Much he tuned and much he sung,
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!
Mary still about him hung,
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!
Till, taking courage, he advanced,
And struck a jig; then how we danced,
But Mary for his partner chanced.
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!

Mary tripped with panting breath,
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!
Till the magic bough beneath,
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!
Then she feigned undone her shoe,
But the swain her mischief knew,
And seized a kiss — it might be two.
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!

Then the kissing time began,
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!
Men looked shy, and lasses fun,
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!
But honest men, whom girls believe,
Throughout the year would sigh and grieve,
Did they not kiss on Christmas-eve.
    Oh, oh, the mistletoe!

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