The Good Merry Fellows All Under the Holly

Let ne'er a face be melancholy While underneath this verdant Holly, We must laugh while we can, Since life's but a span, And to yield to old Care's a folly.

To repine at one's fate is treason, Since fate has furnish'd us with reason, Let us ever be seen, Like this gay ever-green, In good health throughout the season.

When you're warm in conversation, 'Twere best avoid prevarication, And when matters grow wrong, Let's strike up a song, And drink to each kind relation.

When age with wrinkl'd brow approaches, And hoary Time on strength encroaches, May each wint'ry day, Like the Holly look gay, And our end be without reproaches.