THE CROWNING OF SYLVIA: PEASANT'S SONG by GEORGE DARLEY

HERE'S a bank with rich cowslips, and cuckoobuds strewn,
To exalt your bright looks, gentle Queen of the May;
Here's a cushion of moss for your delicate shoon,
And a woodbine to weave you a canopy gay!

Here's a garland of red maiden-roses for you,
Such a beautiful wreath is for Beauty alone!
Here's a golden king-cup, brimming over with dew,
To be kiss'd by a lip just as sweet as its own!

Here are bracelets of pearl from the fount in the dale,
That the Nymph of the wave on your wrists doth bestow;
Here's a lily-wrought scarf, your sweet blushes to veil,
Or to lie on that bosom like snow upon snow!

Here's a myrtle enwreath'd with a jessamine band,
To express the fond twining of Beauty and Youth;
Take this emblem of love in thy exquisite hand,
And do thou sway the evergreen sceptre of Truth!

Then around you we'll dance, and around you we'll sing!
To soft pipe, and sweet tabor we'll foot it away!
And the hills, and the vales, and the forests shall ring
While we hail you our lovely young Queen of the May!

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