University of Virginia Library


99

[In the merry month of May]

In the merry month of May,
On a morn by break of day,
Forth I walkt the Wood so wide,
When as May was in her pride;
There I spy'd all alone
Philida and Coridon.
Much adoe there was, God wot,
He did love, but she could not;
He said his love was to woo,
She said none was false to you;
He said, he had lov'd her long,
She said, love should take no wrong.
Coridon would have kist her then,
She said, Maids must kisse no Men,
Till they kisse for good and all;
Then she bad the Shepherd call
All the Gods to witness truth,
Ne'r was loved so fair a youth.
Then with many a pretty Oath,
As Yea and Nay, and Faith and Troth;
Such as silly Shepherds use
When they would not love abuse;
Love which had been long deluded,
Was with kisses sweet concluded.
And Phillida with Garlands gay
Was Crowned the Lady May.