Thrice Welcome

<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN> <h3>THRICE WELCOME!</h3> <div class="stanza"> <span class="i0">Now thrice welcome, Christmas,<br/></span> <span class="i1">Which brings us good cheer,<br/></span> <span class="i0">Minced-pies and plum porridge,<br/></span> <span class="i1">Good ale and strong beer;<br/></span> <span class="i0">With pig, goose, and capon,<br/></span> <span class="i1">The best that may be,<br/></span> <span class="i0">So well doth the weather<br/></span> <span class="i1">And our stomachs agree.<br/></span></div> <div class="stanza"> <span class="i0">Observe how the chimneys<br/></span> <span class="i1">Do smoke all about;<br/></span> <span class="i0">The cooks are providing<br/></span> <span class="i1">For dinner, no doubt;<br/></span> <span class="i0">But those on whose tables<br/></span> <span class="i1">No victuals appear,<br/></span> <span class="i0">O may they keep Lent<br/></span> <span class="i1">All the rest of the year.<br/></span></div> <div class="stanza"> <span class="i0">With holly and ivy<br/></span> <span class="i1">So green and so gay,<br/></span> <span class="i0">We deck up our houses<br/></span> <span class="i1">As fresh as the day;<br/></span> <span class="i0">With bay and rosemary<br/></span> <span class="i1">And laurel complete;<br/></span> <span class="i0">And every one now<br/></span> <span class="i1">Is a king in conceit.<br/></span></div> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />