Here We Come a Wassailing


Here we come a wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a wandering
So fair to be seen.

Chorus

Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you a happy New Year.
And God send you a happy New Year.

Our wassail cup is made
Of the rosemary tree,
And so is your beer
Of the best barley.

Chorus

We are not daily beggars
That beg from door to door,
But we are neighbours' children
Whom you have seen before.

Chorus

Good Master and good Mistress,
As you sit by the fire,
Pray think of us poor children
Are wandering in the mire.

Chorus

We have a little purse
Made of ratching leather skin;1
We want some of your small change
To line it well within.

Chorus

Call up the Butler of this house,
Put on his golden ring;
Let him bring us a glass of beer,
And the better we shall sing.

Chorus

Bring us out a table,
And spread it with a cloth;
Bring us out a mouldy cheese,
And some of your Christmas loaf.

Chorus

God bless the Master of this house,
Likewise the Mistress too;
And all the little children
That round the table go.

Chorus