Call a truce, then, to our labors - let us feast with friends and neighbors, And be merry as the custom of our caste; For if 'faint and forced the laughter,' and if sadness follow after, We are richer by one mocking Christmas past.

A fool there was and he made his prayer (Even as you and I!) To a rag and a bone and a hank of hair We called her the woman who did not care), But the fool he …

The toad beneath the harrow knows Exactly where each tooth point goes; The butterfly upon the road Preaches contentment to that toad.

I have written the tale of our life For a sheltered people's mirth, In jesting guise - but ye are wise, And ye know what the jest is worth.

Haste thee, Nymph, and bring with thee Jest, and youthful jollity, Quips and cranks and wanton wiles, Nods and becks and wreathed smiles.

Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'

A gloomy guest fits not a wedding feast.