Langland Bay

O haste, O haste to the fields away !
For dawneth now the month of May ;
O leave the city's crowded street,
And haste ye now sweet May to greet.

For May is come on fairy wings,
And thousand beauties with her brings ;
The fairest month of all the year,
Oh, well can she the sad heart cheer.

Nature her jewelry displays,
Unfolds her gems to meet our gaze ;
Bright leaves and buds of emerald hue,
Forget-me-nots of sapphire blue.

The pearly lily's drooping bells,
Listen ! a tale it sweetly tells :
'If God so clothe the lilies fair,
Much more may ye trust in His care.'

The turquoise gentianella bright,
The shining king-cup's golden light,
Carnation's ruby hues behold,
And silvery daisy set with gold.

Of these we'll twine a garland gay,
Meet for the brow of beauteous May ;
And see, they gain a brighter hue
By glittering drops of diamond dew.

Now hark ! what sound so sweetly floats
Upon the breeze ? The cuckoo's notes !
How far they come to welcome May,
And pour for us the simple lay !