Nowell. By P. Shaw Jeffrey. Ho ! crown the Wassel, gossip mine, With home-brew’d ale and brown, While masque and roundelay combine To keep dissension down. For sear and grim the woodlands go Beneath a random wind, And he that would contentment know Must leave the world behind. So when the merry bells ring out Across the frozen fell, In heart and voice alike be stout To hymn the first Nowell. Then join our gallant festival, Good people far and near, While page and portly seneschal Appoint the welcome cheer. And deep within the leathern jack Leave all untimely woe, Till Care, despondent of attack, Lies craven in the snow. So frolic with the motley rout, Beside the ruddy Yule, While dance and song take turn about In riotous Misrule. And as the midnight revels speed, We’ll pledge a lusty health, That honest purpose win its meed Of honour and of wealth. But for all rogues of little mind, Who true condition lack, May each unruly rascal find A cudgel to his back. Then crown the Wassel, gossip mine, With rosemary and bay ; So Heaven send each absent friend A merry Christmas Day.