Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE TRUE CHRISTMAS, by HENRY VAUGHAN


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THE TRUE CHRISTMAS, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: So stick up ivie and the bays
Last Line: And then you keep your christmas right.
Alternate Author Name(s): Silurist
Subject(s): Christmas; Nativity, The


So stick up Ivie and the Bays,
And then restore the heathen ways.
Green will remind you of the spring,
Though this great day denies the thing.
And mortifies the Earth and all
But your wild Revels, and loose Hall.
Could you wear Flow'rs, and Roses strow
Blushing upon your breasts warm Snow,
That very dress your lightness will
Rebuke, and wither at the Ill.
The brightness of this day we owe
Not unto Music, Masque nor Showe.
Nor gallant furniture, nor Plate,
But to the Manger's mean Estate.
His life while here, as well as birth,
Was but a check to pomp and mirth;
And all mans greatness you may see
Condemn'd by his humility.
Then leave your open house and noise,
To welcom him with holy Joys,
And the poor Shepherd's watchfulness:
Whom light and hymns from Heav'n did bless.
What you abound with, cast abroad
To those that want, and ease your loade.
Who empties thus, will bring more in;
But riot is both loss and Sin.
Dress finely what comes not in sight,
And then you keep your Christmas right.





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