Mistletoe Bough Lyrics

The mistletoe bough, in the olden time,
Was honoured in many a sacred rhyme
By bards and by singers of high degree,
When cut from its place on the old oak tree
By white-robed Druid with golden knife
For they thought it a magical Tree of Life:
And many a promise and holy vow
There was solemnly sworn on the mistletoe bough.
The mistletoe bough in the Norseman's lay
Told ever of horrors, and love's dismay
When the old blind god, by a sportive blow,
Laid Balder, the beautiful sun god, low;
Thenceforth it was deemed an accursed thing;
But love out of sorrow could victory bring,
And the tears of Freja are shining now,
Like oriental pearls, on the mistletoe bough.
The mistletoe bough on the festive throng
Looks down amid echoes of mirthful song,
Where hearts they make music as old friends meet,
Whose pulse keeps time to the dancer's feet,
And eyes they are brighter with looks of love
Than gems outshining the lamps up above:
And who is she that will not allow
A kiss that's claimed under the mistletoe bough?
From the regions of the east
There came a strong and handsome beast.
Slow indeed his paces are,
None with donkey can compare.
For the load that he will bear,
Hail, Sir Donkey, hail.