Happy May Day 2016

Song of May Morning (1632–33) by John Milton

NOW the bright morning-star, Day’s harbinger,    

Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her

Farnham, Surrey

The flowery May, who from her green lap throws              

The yellow cowslip and the pale primrose.             

  

Hail, bounteous May, that dost inspire           

  Mirth, and youth, and warm desire!        

  Woods and groves are of thy dressing;  

  Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing.      

.

Thus we salute thee with our early song, 

And welcome thee, and wish thee long

The Milkmaid's Life  

Upon the first of May,

With Garlands fresh and gay

They nimbly their feet do ply,

In honour of Th' milking paile

-c1640 (Anon.)

Children dance round the Maypole in Farnham , Surrey

The Humours of May Day

What Frolicks are here

So droll and so queer

How joyful appeareth the day

E'en Bunter and Bawd

Unite to applaud  

And celebrate first of the May

-1770 (Anon.)