Vlll 



Still mindful with our line and hook, 

 To tempt the monarch of the brook. 



Thee, goddess, every month reveres, 

 As Phoebus down the zodiac steers. 

 But chiefly May, if blithe she comes 

 Beneath thy smiles, and spreads her blooms 

 O'er hill and dale, and grove and field, 

 Which then their richest verdure yield 

 Whilst odoriferous sweets dispense 

 Their choicest fragrance to the sense : 

 But O ! conduct her by the hand. 

 Nor ling'ring let the virgin stand ; 

 Haste, haste, and' bid her quick display 

 Her bosom to the genial ray ; 

 The zephyr's balmy breath inhale. 

 And loose her tresses to the gale : 

 Then borne on joy's ecstatic wings 

 The mounting lark thro' ether sings ; 

 Then stream and forest, plain and grove. 

 Rejoicing in the month of love, 

 Shall nature's gifts profusely bear, 

 The promise of the ripening year. 



Thus bland and cheerful, led by you. 

 Let us our varied toils pursue : 

 Protect us summer's heats along. 

 And ere rich autumn claims the song, 

 (Waving on high his crops of gold) 

 The furze clad heath to us unfold, 



