SONG IX. The PRIDE of MAY

Now gaily blooms each Field and Grove, In all the Pride of May, Now sweetly sounds the Voice of Love, In ev'ry Heav'n taught Lay

Cynthia, let us obey the Power, That lights these sacred Fires, Here Nature; seize the happy Hour, Nor baulk, what she inspires,

For Love, impassion'd Youth was made, For Joy, its Powers design'd: Too soon will tasteless age invade, And Care possess the Mind.

Let Wisdom then our Hearts engage, When past the Sense of Joy: Now every hour, we'll live an Age, In Bliss that ne'er can cloy.