We've been a while a-wandering    

1) We've been a-while a-wandering
Amongst the leaves so green.
But now we come a wassailing
So plainly to be seen,

Ref.: For it's Christmas time, when we travel far and near;
May God bless you and send you a happy New Year.

2) We are not daily beggars
That beg from door to door;
We are your neighbors children,
For we've been here before;

3) We've got a little purse;
Made of leathern ratchin skin;
We want a little of your money
To line it well within;

4) Call up the butler of this house,
Likewise the mistress too,
And all the little children
That round the table go;

5) Bring us out a table
And spread it with a cloth,
Bring us out a mouldy cheese
And some of your Christmas loaf;

6) Good master and good mistress,
While you're sitting by the fire,
Pray think of us poor children
That's wandered in the mire;