Now the bright morning Star,
Dayes harbinger,
Comes dancing from the East, and leads with
The Flowry May, who from her green lap
The yellow Cowslip, and the pale Primrose.
Hail bounteous May that dost
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 welcom thee, and wish thee long.'This beautiful little Song has within these few years been set to music by Mr.
Festin, and performed at Ranelagh gardens. [1753](line 3: ---- who from her green lap throws,)&c.:
This image seems to be borrow'd from Shakespear.
Richard II.
Act 5.
Sc. 4."--- who are the violets
That strow the green lap of the new-come spring?"~ Th.
Newton,
Milton's Works, 2nd edition, 1753.
