The Pauper's Christmas Carol.

By Thomas Hood

Full of drink and full of meat, On our SAVIOUR'S natal day, CHARITY'S perennial treat; Thus I heard a Pauper say: - "Ought not I to dance and sing Thus supplied with famous cheer? Heigho! I hardly know - Christmas comes but once a year. "After labor's long turmoil, Sorry fare and frequent fast, Two-and-fifty weeks of toil, Pudding-time is come at last! But are raisins high or low, Flour and suet cheap or dear? Heigho! I hardly know - Christmas comes but once a year. "Fed upon the coarsest fare Three hundred days and sixty-four, But for one on viands rare, Just as if I wasn't poor! Ought not I to bless my stars, Warden, clerk, and overseer? Heigho! I hardly know - Christmas comes but once a year. "Treated like a welcome guest, One of Nature's social chain, Seated, tended on, and press'd - But when shall I be press'd again, Twice to pudding, thrice to beef, A dozen times to ale and beer? Heigho! I hardly know - Christmas comes but once a year. "Come to-morrow how it will; Diet scant and usage rough, Hunger once has had its fill, Thirst for once has had enough, But shall I ever dine again? Or see another feast appear? Heigho! I only know - Christmas comes but once a year! "Frozen cares begin to melt, Hopes revive and spirits flow - Feeling as I have not felt Since a dozen months ago - Glad enough to sing a song - To-morrow shall I volunteer? Heigho! I hardly know - Christmas comes but once a year. "Bright and blessed is the time, Sorrows end and joys begin, While the bells with merry chime Ring the Day of Plenty in! But the happy tide to hail, With a sigh or with or a tear, Heigho! I hardly know - Christmas comes but once a year!"