Classic and Contemporary Poetry
OLD CHRISTMAS, by MARY HOWITT Poet's Biography First Line: Now he who knows old christmas Last Line: Than many a crowned king! Alternate Author Name(s): Botham, Mary Subject(s): Children; Christmas; Gifts & Giving; Childhood; Nativity, The | ||||||||
Now he who knows old Christmas, He knows a carle of worth; For he is as good a fellow, As any upon the earth! He comes warm cloked and coated, And buttoned up to the chin, And soon as he comes a-nigh the door, We open and let him in. We know that he will not fail us, So we sweep the hearth up clean; We set him the old armed chair, And a cushion whereon to lean. And with sprigs of holly and ivy We make the house look gay, Just out of an old regard to him, For it was his ancient way. We broach the strong ale barrel, And bring out wine and meat; And thus have all things ready, Our dear old friend to greet. And soon as the time wears round, The good old carle we see, Coming a-near;for a creditor Less punctual is than he! He comes with a cordial voice That does one good to hear; He shakes one heartily by the hand, As he hath done many a year. And after the little children He asks in a cheerful tone, Jack, Kate, and little Annie, He remembers them every one! What a fine old fellow he is! With his faculties all as clear, And his heart as warm and light As a man's in his fortieth year! What a fine old fellow, in troth! Not one of your griping elves, Who, with plenty of money to spare, Think only about themselves! Not he! for he loveth the children; And holiday begs for all; And comes with his pockets full of gifts, For the great ones and the small! With a present for every servant; For in giving he doth not tire; From the red-faced, jovial butler, To the girl by the kitchen-fire. And he tells us witty old stories; And singeth with might and main; And we talk of the old man's visit Till the day that he comes again! Oh he is a kind, old fellow For though that beef be dear, He giveth the parish paupers A good dinner once a year! And all the workhouse children He sets them down in a row, And giveth them rare plum-pudding, And two-pence a-piece also. Oh, could you have seen those paupers, Have heard those children young, You would wish with them that Christmas Came often and tarried long! He must be a rich old fellow, What money he gives away! There is not a lord in England Could equal him any day! Good luck unto old Christmas, And long life, let us sing, For he doth more good unto the poor Than many a crowned king! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DIFFERENT VIEWS; A CHRISMAS DUET by JOSEPH ASHBY-STERRY AN UNMERRY CHRISTMAS by AMBROSE BIERCE CHRISTMAS IN CHINATOWN by AUGUST KLEINZAHLER CHRISTMAS TREE by JOHN FREDERICK NIMS ISAIAH'S COAL by JOHN FREDERICK NIMS SOUNDS OF THE RESURRECTED DEAD MAN'S FOOTSTEPS (#3): 1. BEAST, PEACH.. by MARVIN BELL THE FAIRIES OF THE CALDON LOW; A MIDSUMMER LEGEND by MARY HOWITT |
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