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April 30.] may eve. 219
point to earlier times. The last line of this song appears to convey its object and to indicate a simple superstition that these songs were charms to draw or drive " these cold winters away." There are several lines in both songs, in which the sense, no less than the rhythm, seems to have been marred from the songs having been handed down by oral tradition alone, but I have not ventured on any alteration.
In the second, and more modern, song, the refrain in the fourth line of each stanza is again the most poetical and musical of the whole.
OLD MAY SONG.
All in this pleasant evening, together comers ( ? come are) we,
For the summer springs so fresh, green, and gay; We'll tell you of a blossom and buds on every tree,
Drawing near to the merry month of May, Rise up, the master of this house, put on your chain of gold,
For the summer springs so fresh, green, and gay ; We hope you're not offended, (with) your house we make so bold,
Drawing near to the merry month of May. Rise up, the mistress of this house, with gold along your breast,
For the summer springs so fresh, green, and gay ; And if your body be asleep, we hope your soul's at rest,
Drawing near to the merry month of May.
Rise up, the children of this house, all in your rich attire,
For the tummer springs so fresh, green, and gay; For every hair upon your head(s) shines like the silver wire,
Drawing near to the merry month of May. God bless this house and harbour, your riches and your store,
For the summer springs so fresh, green, and gay; We hope the Lord will prosper you. both now and evermore,
Drawing near to the merry month of May. So now we're going to leave you, in peace and plenty here,
For the summer springs &o fresh, green, and gay ; We shall not sing you May again until another year,
For to draw you these cold winters away.
NEW MAY SONG.
Come listen awhile to what we shall gay,
Concerning the season, the month we call May;
For the flowers they are springing, and the birds they do sing,
And the baziers* are sweet in the morning of May. |
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* The hazier is the name given in this part of Lancashire to the auricula, which is usually in full bloom in April. |
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