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.

The service was of great array,
That they were served with that day.
Thus they ate, and read more

The service was of great array,
That they were served with that day.
Thus they ate, and made them glad,
With such service as they had--
When they had dined, as I you say,
Lordis and ladies yede to play;
Some to tables and some to chess,
With other games more and less.

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.]

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.

Let us have wine and woman, mirth and laughter,
Sermons and soda-water the day after.

Let us have wine and woman, mirth and laughter,
Sermons and soda-water the day after.

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.

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.