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" 'Tis the merry month of Maying." — Page 13, note i. 



" It was anciently the custom for all ranks of people to go 

 out a-lMaying early on the 1 st of IMay." — Brands Popular 

 A'/Uiquities. 



" Hail, bounteous May ! that dost inspire 



Mirth, and youth, and fond desire ; 



Woods and groves are of thy dressing. 



Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing. 

 Thus we salute thee with our early song. 

 And welcome thee, and wish thee long." — Milton. 



" I have more than once been disturbed early on May- 

 morning, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, by a song which a woman 

 sang about the streets who had several garlands in her 

 hands : — 



* Rise up, maidens ! fye, for shame ! 

 For I've been four lang mUes from hame ; 

 I've been gathering my garlands gay : 

 Rise up, fau- maids, and take in your May.' " — Brand's Pop. Ant. 



" Children weave the garland gaily ." — Page 13, note i. 



" On May-day the young maids of every parish carry 

 about garlands of flowers, which afterwards they hang up in 

 their churches." — Awhrey. 



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