The ring around the moon tonight
Is rainbow-hued, and clear, and bright
Portends of snow ere to fly in the wind
And leave the vestiges of warmth
Soon unpinned
'Tis cold outside the castle wall
Our hearths waft heat inside the hall
Welcome sir, here, for thy chill to dispel
And please, impart to us thy tale
Please do tell
Minstrel, 'tis news do you bring?--
Or shall thee airs for us sing?
My good sir, well met, you and I
If thy lute for us, thou wouldst ply
And share thy tidings of travels and lore
Thy stay thereby with us
Thou hast earn'd therefore
And at our table shall thee dine
And I, myself, shall pour thy wine
Above the salt, where the minstrel should be
The finest of our victuals
Trencher'd for thee
For music brings forth such delight
It soothes the soul, and eases night
It speaks of things elsewise oft left unspoke
And so such tender mercies
Can it evoke
Minstrel, 'tis news do you bring?--
And shall thee airs for us sing?
'Tis cold outside the castle wall
The hearth is glowing in the hall
Welcome, sir, here for thy chill to dispel
And please, impart to us thy tale
Please do tell
