A Wassail Toast

The Wassail Cup is emptied, the Musicians and the Wassail Butler bid their farewells, the Orchards are illuminated in the glow of the bonfire's dying embers...

I have returned from a Wassail at Ragman's Lane Orchards in Gloucestershire.  A Wassail, literally "Be thou whole and healthy", is a celebration to awaken the orchards and invoke a bountiful harvest for the year to come.  In its name I propose a traditional Wassail Toast to the trees of Drove Orchards and all other orchards around the country.

Here's to thee, old Apple Tree,
Whence thou mayest bend,
And whence thou mayest blow,
And whence thou mayest bear apples enough.
Hats full, caps full, bushel-sacks full
And a little heap under the stairs.

WASSAIL!