( 64 ) 



A CHRISTMAS SONG. 

 33)) pivs. C. 33. tiliasJon. 



Nay ! turn not away, with a pout and a frown. 



Fair maidens ! ye all must allow 

 The privilege granted to 'squire and clown, 

 Under the MISLETOE BOUGH. 



Far hence be the Prude 



Who would fancy it rude. 

 And dislike to the custom avow ; 



Or in scorn turn away, 



With a heart- chilling " nav," 

 When under the MISLETOE ' BOUGH. 



In this age of improvement, in earth, air, and steam. 



Old customs are waning away : 

 Our grandsires' gay Christmas to us is a dream ; 

 So coldly 'tis kept in our day. 



But though Fashion's hand 



Has polisli'd our land. 

 And made us more elegant now ; 



Have we friends more sincere. 



Lips more tempting and dear 

 Than they had 'neath the MISLETOE BOUGH ? 



Then, let not the habits of England's past day 



Be so much softened down and refin'd, 

 That in taking the dross of rude ages away, 

 Wc leave nought of the silver behind. 



While our table is found 



With smiles circled round, 

 And good fellowship beams on each brow, 



Whac improvement can mend 



The heart of a friend. 

 Or love's kiss,— 'neath the MISLETOE BOUGH ? 



