29 — ¶ A Description of Apt Time to Spend
Chap. 27
1
Let such (so fantasticall) liking not this,
nor any thing honest that ancient is,
Giue place to the time that so meete we doo see
appointed of God as it seemeth to bee.
2
At Christmas good husbandsE139 haue corne on the ground,
in barne, and in soller, woorth many a pound,
With plentie of other things,1 cattle and sheepe,
all sent them (no doubt on) good houses to keepe.
3
At Christmas the hardnes of Winter doth rage,
a griper of all things and specially age:
Then lightlyE140 poore people, the yoong with the old,
be sorest oppressed with hunger and cold.
4
At Christmas by labour is little to get,
that wanting, the poorest in danger are set.
What season then better, of all the whole yeere,
thy needie poore neighbour to comfort and cheere?
Notes
1 Things plentie in house. 1577.