The Yorkshire Wassail (Arr. Humphris)

We’ve been a while a-wandering

Amongst the leaves so green,

But now we come a-wassailing,

So plainly to be seen;

For it’s Christmas time, when we travel far and near;

May God bless you and send you a happy New Year.

We are not daily beggars

That beg from door to door;

We are your neighbours’ children,

For we’ve been here before;

For it’s Christmas time, when we travel far and near;

May God bless you and send you a happy New Year.

Call up the butler of this house,

Likewise the mistress too,

And all the little children

That round the table go;

For it’s Christmas time, when we travel far and near;

May God bless you and send you a happy New Year.

We’ve got a little purse

Made of leathern ratchin skin;

We want a little of your money

To line it well within;

For it’s Christmas time, when we travel far and near;

May God bless you and send you a happy New Year.

Bring us out a table

And spread it with a cloth,

Bring us out a mouldy cheese

And some of your Christmas loaf;

For it’s Christmas time, when we travel far and near;

May God bless you and send you a happy New Year.

Good master and good mistress,

While you’re sitting by the fire,

Pray think of us poor children

That’s wandered in the mire;

For it’s Christmas time, when we travel far and near;

May God bless you and send you a happy New Year.