There the huge sirloin reek’d; hard by

Plum-porridge stood, and Christmas pie;

Nor fail’d old Scotland to produce,

At such high tide her savory goose.

Then came the merry maskers in,

And carols roar’d with blithesome din;

If unmelodious was the song,

It was a hearty note, and strong.

Who lists may in their mumming see

Traces of ancient mystery;