Song on May Morning

(In this merry month of May, the poems sing “of brooks, of blossoms, birds and bowers.”)

SONG ON MAY MORNING

Now the bright morning Star, Day’s harbinger,
Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her
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.

~ John Milton (1608-1674), English author, defender of civil and religious rights, and poet, famous for his epic poem Paradise Lost.