The Cambridge Carol Book/Let such (so fantastical) liking not this

by Thomas Tusser

XVIII. LET SUCH (SO FANTASTICAL) LIKING NOT THIS

1.Let such (so fantastical) liking not this,
Nor any thing honest that anciënt is,
Give place to the time, that so meet we do see,
Appointed of God, as it seemeth to be.

2.At Christmas, good husbands have corn in the ground,
In barn and in cellar, worth many a pound,
Things plenty in house (beside cattle and sheep),
All sent them (no doubt on) good houses to keep.

3.At Christmas, the hardness of winter doth rage,
A griper of all things, especially age;
Then likely poor people, the young with the old,
Be sorest oppressèd 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 year,
Thy needy poor neighbour to comfort and cheer?