To shorten winter's sadness
See where the nymphs with gladness
Disguisèd all are coming,
Right wantonly a-mumming.
                   Fa la.

Though masks encloud their beauty,
Yet give the eye her duty,
When Heaven is dark it shineth
And unto love inclineth.
                   Fa la.

Whilst youthful sports are lasting,
To feasting turn our fasting;
With revels and with wassails
Make grief and care our vasals.
                   Fa la.

For youth it well beseemeth
That pleasure he esteemeth;
And sullen age is hated
That mirth would have abated.
                   Fa la.