The True Christmas
So stick up ivy 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 allBut your wild revels, and loose hall.Could you wear flowers, and roses strowBlushing upon your breasts' warm snow,That very dress your lightness willRebuke, and wither at the ill.The brightness of this day we oweNot unto music, masque, nor show: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 man's greatness you may seeCondemned by His humility.Then leave your open house and noise,To welcome Him with holy joys,And the poor shepherd's watchfulness:Whom light and hymns from heaven did bless.What you abound with, cast abroadTo those that want, and ease your load.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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