Thomas Hood

The Pauper’s Christmas Carol

Full of drink and full of meat, 
On our SAVIOR’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 labour’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, 
Flower niul 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 a tear,
	Heigho!
	I hardly know — 
Christmas comes but once a year!”