Christmas Eve Customs

Christmas Eve Customs

Come, guard this night the Christmas-pie,
That the thief, though ne'er so sly,
With his flesh-hooks, don't come nigh
To catch it,

From him, who alone sits there,
Having his eyes still in his ear,
And a deal of nightly fear
To watch it!

II.

Wash your hands, or else the fire
Will not teend[D] to your desire;
Unwashed hands, ye maidens, know,
Dead the fire, though ye blow.

- Robert Herrick