Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, OLD MAY DAY, by ANONYMOUS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

OLD MAY DAY, by                    
First Line: "in london, thirty years ago"
Last Line: "for milkmaids, and their dance, are banish'd"
Subject(s): London - 19th Century;may Day


IN London, thirty years ago,
When pretty milkmaids went about,
It was a goodly sight to see
Their May-Day Pageant all drawn out.

Themselves in comely colours drest,
Their shining garland in the middle,
A pipe and tabor on before,
Or else the foot-inspiring fiddle.

They stopt at houses, where it was
Their custom to cry "Milk below!"
And while the music play'd, with smiles
Join'd hands, and pointed toe to toe.

Thus they tripp'd on, till—from the door
The hop'd-for annual present sent—
A signal came, to curtsey low,
And at that door cease merriment.

Such scenes and sounds once blest my eyes,
And charm'd my ears—but all have vanish'd!
On May Day, now, no garlands go,
For milkmaids, and their dance, are banish'd.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net