The Cambridge Carol Book/Hob and Colin, Yule is come

by Bernard de la Monnoye

For other English-language translations of this work, see Patapan.

XV. HOB AND COLIN, YULE IS COME

1.Hob and Colin, Yule is come,
Calling forth your fife and drum;
If ye strike up, as ye can,
Turelurelu, patapatapan,
I will carol; so will Jan,
With a lassie, Joan or Nan.

2.Thus men gave, in olden days,
To the Prince of princes, praise:
Wherefore, an ye like my plan,
Turelurelu, patapatapan,
Dress your drum-stick, you; and span,
You, your reed, my piper Pan.

3.Christmas tolls the devil's knell;
Thankèd be Emmanuel.
So from England to Japan,
Turelurelu, patapatapan,
Whether town or country man,
Sing it, ring it, ran-tan-ran.

4.God and man accordant are:
Not so, fife and drum; ye jar,
Yet nought would I sooner than
Turelurelu, patapatapan.
Fore our Lady and Saint Ann,
'Tis high time the thing began.