HA WTHORN. 



of May. In the days of Chaucer (A.D. 1 328-1400) it was 

 the custom to go a-Maying, for, says that poet : 



" — forthe goeth alle the Courte, bothe moste and leste, 

 To fetch the flowirs freshe, and braunche and bloome, 

 And namely Hawthorne brought both page and groome, 

 With freshe garlantis partly blew and white ;" 



and Spenser (a.d. 15 53-1 599) : 



" Youngthes folke now flocken in everie where 

 To gather May buskets and smelling brere ; 

 And home they hasten the postes to dight, 

 And all the kirk pillours eare day-light 

 With Hawthorn buds." 



Herrick (born A.D. 1591) recounts very sweetly the festivi- 

 ties of May-day, and, as reproving his mistress for not rising 

 early on so joyous a morning, says : 



'• There's not a budding boy or girle, this day, 

 But is got up, and gone to bring in May. 

 A deale of youth, ere this, is come 

 Back, and with white thorn laden home." 



Here and there May-day is still observed. The May-pole is 

 decked with garlands of flowers ; the May Queen is chosen 

 and crowned. The young dance upon the village-green, and 

 flirt or coquet, as in days of yore; while they whose days 

 for dancing are fled, sit upon the benches or chairs under the 

 shady foliage, recounting what May-day was in their time. 

 Goldsmith, in his " Deserted Village," makes mention of 



" The Hawthorn bush, with seats beneath the shade, 

 For talking age and whispering lovers made ! " 



103 



