University of Virginia Library

“‘All ye on Oakly manor dwelling,
‘Farming, labouring, buying, selling,
‘Neighbours! banish gloomy looks,
‘My gray old steward shuts his books.
‘Let not a thought of winter's rent
‘Destroy one evening's merriment;
‘I ask not gold, but tribute found
‘Abundant on Parnassian ground.
‘Choose, ye who boast the gift, your themes
‘Of joy or pathos, tales or dreams,
‘Choose each a theme;—but, harkye, bring
‘No stupid ghost, no vulgar thing;
‘Fairies, indeed, may wind their way,
‘And sparkle through the brightest lay:
‘I love their pranks, their favourite green,
‘And, could the little sprites be seen,
‘Were I a king, I'd sport with them,
‘And dance beneath my diadem.
‘But surely fancy need not brood
‘O'er midnight darkness, crimes, and blood,
‘In magic cave or monk's retreat,
‘Whilst the bright world is at her feet;
‘Whilst to her boundless range is given,
‘By night, by day, the lights of heaven,
‘And all they shine upon; whilst Love
‘Still reigns the monarch of the grove,
‘And real life before her lies
‘In all its thousand, thousand dies.
‘Then bring me nature, bring me sense,
‘And joy shall be your recompense:
‘On Old May-day I hope to see
‘All happy:—leave the rest to me.
‘A general feast shall cheer us all
‘Upon the lawn that fronts the hall,
‘With tents for shelter, laurel boughs,
‘And wreaths of every flower that blows.
‘The months are wending fast away;
‘Farewell,—remember Old May-day.’”