The Christmas Goose

It was at an inn in Manchester, "The Cornstalks" was the sign,

A famous public house where tradesmen used to sleep and dine.

A traveler one Christmas eve, as long had been his use,

Called in to spend his holiday and choose his Christmas goose.

Chorus

All around the greenwood so early in the morn

The merry merry huntsman blows his silver bugle horn.

Well, he sipped his glass of sherry wine, he smoked his mild cigar

He chatted with the landlord and the people at the bar

And not a thought of wickedness did enter in his head

Until the chambermaid came down to light him to his bed

Chorus

He followed her right close behind, he squeezed her on the stairs

He kissed her by the chamber door before he said his prayers

He gave to her a guinea to prevent her bein' vexed

And then he blew the candle out, and you can guess the next.

Chorus

Next morn this gay lothario he paid his lodging bill

He tipped the boots and tossed the landlord for another gill

And where he went to afterwards I really couldn't say

Suffice he came to choose his goose the very next Christmas day.

Chorus

Next Christmas time came round again, which filled his heart with glee

He rambled 'round from town to town, and strange sights did he see

And then he came to Manchester to put up for the night

At "The Cornstalks", which twelve months before had filled him with delight.

Chorus

He strolled into the coffee room, as jaunty as could be

Where many a rooster like himself was waitin' for his tea

He ordered up the very best the landlord could produce

And called the waiter back to say, "Now don't forget the goose!"

Chorus

Right speedily a tray was brought with eatables galore

And by the selfsame chambermaid he'd kissed twelve months before

But when he looked beneath the cloth, no eatables were piled

Instead of all the food he found a big fat bouncing child.

Chorus

Enraged at seeing others laugh, "What is this here?" says he

"Come sit you down beside me, sir, and I'll tell you," says she.

"Last year you were so generous, pray, do not think it strange.

You gave to me a guinea and I've brought you back your change."

Chorus