May-Day

Rise up, fair maidens, fie, for shame,
For I’ve been four lang miles from hame;
I’ve been gathering my garlands gay;
Rise up, fair maids, and take in your May.

This old Newcastle May-day song is given by Brockett, ii. 32. At Islip, near Oxford, the children go round the village on this day with garlands of flowers, singing—

Good morning, missus and measter,
I wish you a happy day;
Please to smell my garland,
’Cause it is the first of May.