FEBRUARY

February

In February I give you gallant sport

Of harts and hinds and great wild boars; and all

Your company good foresters and tall,

With buskins strong, with jerkins close and short;

And in your leashes, hounds of brave report;

And from your purses, plenteous money-fall

In very spleen of misers' starveling gall,

Who at your generous customs snarl and snort.

At dusk wend homeward, ye and all your folk,

All laden from the wilds, to your carouse,

With merriment and songs accompanied:

And so draw wine and let the kitchen smoke;

And so be till the first watch glorious;

Then sound sleep to you till the day be wide.