To Drive the Cold Winter Away

An English folk song dating from the 17th century. The paintings behind me are by my mother-in-law, Sarah Barden. To Drive the Cold Winter Away All hail to the days that merit more praise Than all the rest of the year, And welcome the nights that double delights As well for the poor as the peer! Good fortune attend each merry man's friend, That doth but the best that he may; Forgetting old wrongs, with carols and songs, To drive the cold winter away. 'Tis ill for a mind to anger inclined To think of small injuries now; If wrath be to seek do not lend her thy cheek Nor let her inhabit thy brow. Cross out of thy books malevolent looks, Both beauty and youth's decay, And wholly consort with mirth and with sport To drive the cold winter away. This time of the year is spent in good cheer, And neighbours together do meet To sit by the fire, with friendly desire, Each other in love to greet; Old grudges forgot are put in the pot, All sorrows aside they lay; The old and the young doth caro