In the merry month of May, In a morn by break of day, With a troop of damsels playing Forth I rode, forsooth, a-maying, When anon by a woodside, Where as May was in his pride, I espièd, all alone, Phillida and Corydon. Much ado there was, God wot! He would love and she would not: She said, “Never man was true:” He says, “None was false to you.” He said he had loved her long: She says, “Love should have no wrong.” Corydon he would kiss her then. She says, “Maids must kiss no men Till they do for good and all.” Then she made the shepherd call All the heavens to witness, truth Never loved a truer youth. Thus, with many a pretty oath, Yea and nay, and faith and troth,— Such as silly shepherds use When they will not love abuse,— Love, which had been long deluded, Was with kisses sweet concluded; And Phillida, with garlands gay, Was made the lady of the May.
Phillida and Corydon
Collection:
1562
Sub Title:
IV. Wooing and Winning
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