We bear hard these slights of the winters freeze,
With shov’lling of snow and cracking of ice.
Awaiting spring and her freshening breeze,
As wish and want, seem now doubled in price.
We try to keep warm our friendships embrace,
The years, as always, pass on their baton.
We’re implored (!); fast, and sweat, toil, and be chaste.
As hearts and hearths turn cold in frosty dawn.
Ahh, but Rejoice! Within halls of winter,
Oo’er scone, cake, beef, beer, and vege-tables,
With meals made warm; by bonds that shan’t splinter,
For refuge abounds at neighbours tables.
I call now to order (I shall be brief);
This; the society of cob’lers beef.