Drive the Cold Winter Away

when old jack frost has threatened his worst
and fallen from branch to briar
then welcome the nights that double delights
in the light of a good going fire
good fortune attend each merry man's friend
that does but as best as he may
to banish old wrong with a cup and a song
and drive the cold winter away

to mask and to mum your neighbours are come
with wassails of nut brown ale
to drink and carouse and may all in this house
be as merry as buck in the dale
it's good bread and cheese we ask for our fees
to make us the longer to stay
to banish old wrong with a cup and a song
and drive the cold winter away