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

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

Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under
the sun, than to eat, and to read more

Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under
the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that
shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which
God giveth him under the sun.

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.

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.

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.]

Feast, and your halls are crowded;
Fast, and the world goes by.

Feast, and your halls are crowded;
Fast, and the world goes by.

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.]

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.