The cook was in the kitchen, The feasters in the hall. A single lady slaving, Would attempt to feed them all. A family of newcomers Saw her cooking on her own Each one took a pot And swore she wouldn't cook alone! (chorus) The stone is in the kettle The water's on the boil, The work is always lighter, When there's many hands to toil! Next there came a countess, Always giving, always kind. She was set to chopping carrots, And she bent to task a**igned. Around the corner peering Came a shy and gentle man. "Forgive me for intruding,
But I'll help with what I can." The butcher's son declared That he would brave both cold and heat And spent the day outdoors To turn and baste the roasting meat. A mother said "I'd cook But I've my little one to feed... But we'd be happy to attend To any errands that you need!" So soon the fires were roaring up To meet that feasts' demand! And the single lady slaving Had a dozen cooks at hand! So though the work was frenzied When the servers hit the hall, The feast was bright and merry With food enough for all.