Let us by the fire

Ever higher

Sing them till the night expire.

Nuns in frigid cells

At this holy tide,

For want of something else,

Christmas songs at times have tried.

Let us by the fire

Ever higher

Sing them till the night expire!

Washerwomen old,

To the sound they beat,

Sing by rivers cold,

With uncovered heads and feet.

Let us by the fire

Ever higher

Sing them till the night expire.

Who by the fireside stands
Stamps his feet and sings;

But he who blows his hands

Not so gay a carol brings.

Let us by the fire

Ever higher

Sing them till the night expire!

NOTES.