Waiting December days to greet

The "Beauty's" snowy beard has grown;

Whilst all about his bulky form

Fir-hedge and holly sprout and twirl.

Sleeping he snoreth, snug and warm,

His breath scarce stirs his beard's crisp curl.

He sleeps: the jolly, brave Old Bird,

Ruddy of phiz as warm of heart,

Who, when he's annually stirred,

Is always good, and game to "part."