"Rise and put on your foliage, and be seen
To come forth, like the spring-time, fresh and green,
And sweet as Flora. Take no care
For jewels for your gown or hair:
Fear not; the leaves will strew
Gems in abundance upon you:
Besides, the childhood of the day has kept,
Against you come, some orient pearls unwept.
Come, and receive them while the light
Hangs on the dew-locks of the night:
And Titan on the eastern hill
Retires himself, or else stands still
Till you come forth! Wash, dress, be brief in praying:
Few beads are best when once we go a -Maying."
~ Robert Herrick, an extract from 'Corinna's Going a -Maying' ~ 1648. The poem can be read in full here.
The very month of May has dawned fine and fair here and the garden has been refreshed by yesterday's drenching. More May poetry, prose and song over at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago, kindly hosted each month by Carolyn.
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