A feast not profuse but elegant; more of salt [refinement] than
of expense.
[Lat., Non ampliter, sed munditer read more

A feast not profuse but elegant; more of salt [refinement] than
of expense.
[Lat., Non ampliter, sed munditer convivium; plus salis quam
sumptus.]

On such an occasion as this,
All time and nonsense scorning,
Nothing shall come amiss,
read more

On such an occasion as this,
All time and nonsense scorning,
Nothing shall come amiss,
And we won't go home till morning.

As much valour is to be found in feasting as in fighting, and
some of our city captains and read more

As much valour is to be found in feasting as in fighting, and
some of our city captains and carpet knights will make this good,
and prove it.

There was a sound of revelry by night,
And Belgium's capital had gather'd then
Her Beauty and read more

There was a sound of revelry by night,
And Belgium's capital had gather'd then
Her Beauty and her Chivalry, and bright
The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men.

We keep the day. With festal cheer,
With books and music, surely we
Will drink to him, read more

We keep the day. With festal cheer,
With books and music, surely we
Will drink to him, whate'er he be,
And sing the songs he loved to hear.

This night I hold an old accustomed feast,
Whereto I have invited many a guest,
Such as read more

This night I hold an old accustomed feast,
Whereto I have invited many a guest,
Such as I love; and you among the store,
One more, most welcome, makes my number more.

Not fewer than three nor more than nine.
[Lat., Neque pauciores tribus, neque plures novem.]

Not fewer than three nor more than nine.
[Lat., Neque pauciores tribus, neque plures novem.]

Why should we break up
Our snug and pleasant party?
Time was made for slaves,
read more

Why should we break up
Our snug and pleasant party?
Time was made for slaves,
But never for us so hearty.

Oh, leave the gay and festive scenes,
The halls of dazzling light.

Oh, leave the gay and festive scenes,
The halls of dazzling light.