I have found a wonderful 16th Century Christmas Carol that is quite secular but the words do not make good sense to me. If someone could shed some light, I would be appreciative. The lyrics are as follows with my questions all parenthesized. Christmas Hath Made and End – Essex's Last Farewell (16th Century Carol from the Virginal Book of Elizabeth Rogers) Christmas hath made an end, Well a day, well a day, Which was my dearest friend, More is the pity.(More is the pity?) For with a heavy heart must I from thee depart. To follow plough and cart All the year after. Lent is fast coming on, … That loves not any one, … For I doubt both my cheeks will look thin eating leeks; Wise is he then that seeks for a friend in a corner.(friend in a corner?) All our good cheer is gone. … And turned to a bone, …(turned to a bone?) In my good master's house I shall eat no more souce (southern potted meat?) Then give me one carouse, Gentle, kind butler. (one carouse?) It grieves me to the heart, … From my friend to depart, … Christmas I mean, 'tis thee that thus forsaketh me, Yet till one hour I see will I be merry.
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