Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under
the sun, than to eat, and to read more

Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under
the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that
shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which
God giveth him under the sun.

As much valour is to be found in feasting as in fighting, and
some of our city captains and read more

As much valour is to be found in feasting as in fighting, and
some of our city captains and carpet knights will make this good,
and prove it.

Feast, and your halls are crowded;
Fast, and the world goes by.

Feast, and your halls are crowded;
Fast, and the world goes by.

Oh, leave the gay and festive scenes,
The halls of dazzling light.

Oh, leave the gay and festive scenes,
The halls of dazzling light.

A feast not profuse but elegant; more of salt [refinement] than
of expense.
[Lat., Non ampliter, sed munditer read more

A feast not profuse but elegant; more of salt [refinement] than
of expense.
[Lat., Non ampliter, sed munditer convivium; plus salis quam
sumptus.]

This night I hold an old accustomed feast,
Whereto I have invited many a guest,
Such as read more

This night I hold an old accustomed feast,
Whereto I have invited many a guest,
Such as I love; and you among the store,
One more, most welcome, makes my number more.

On such an occasion as this,
All time and nonsense scorning,
Nothing shall come amiss,
read more

On such an occasion as this,
All time and nonsense scorning,
Nothing shall come amiss,
And we won't go home till morning.

The music, and the banquet, and the wine--
The garlands, the rose odors, and the flowers,
The read more

The music, and the banquet, and the wine--
The garlands, the rose odors, and the flowers,
The sparkling eyes, and flashing ornaments--
The white arms and the raven hair--the braids,
And bracelets; swan-like bosoms, and the necklace,
An India in itself, yet dazzling not.

The service was of great array,
That they were served with that day.
Thus they ate, and read more

The service was of great array,
That they were served with that day.
Thus they ate, and made them glad,
With such service as they had--
When they had dined, as I you say,
Lordis and ladies yede to play;
Some to tables and some to chess,
With other games more and less.