Henry Baker

1698-1774 / England

On The Month Of May.

I.
Wecome, ever--charming May!
Darling of the rolling Year!
Blest with Phoebus' kindest Ray,
Brightly--mild dost Thou appear;
Wanton Zephyrs gayly sporting,
Shed their fruitful Influences,
Flora still thy Favour courting,
Fragrant Odours round dispenses.

II.
Happy Month! in whom appear
The blooming Glories of the Year:
Nature fondly smiling on Thee,
Lavishes her Gifts upon Thee,
All her Treasures,
All her Pleasures,
All that's beautiful and gay,
All her Roses,
All her Posies,
She prepares, to strow thy Way.

III.
Ten thousand Flowers fair and sweet
Spring up, and blow, beneath thy Feet;
Ten thousand various Garlands spread
Their blended Lustre round thy Head;
Every Grove in praise of Thee.
Rings with melodious Harmony;
And list'ning Echoes, all around,
Repeat, and propagate the Sound.

IV.
O! how charming is the Scene!
The Sky serene,
The Meadows green,
The murm'ring Streams,
Which gently creep,
Inducing Sleep,
And pleasing Dreams:
Shades
Inviting,
Glades
Delig hting,
Fruitful Plains,
Where Nymphs and Swains
Free from anxious Cares, possess
Lasting Joy and Happiness.

V.
All Praise to Thee, Eternal May!
Ever youthful, ever gay!
To Thee the Poet tunes his Lyre,
To Thee who gav'st him all his Fire.
Lovely Month! for ever prove
Sacred to the God of Love;
Let still the Fair One learn by Thee,
How sweetly mild she ought to be;
May'st Thou her melting Heart dispose
To ease the pining Lover's Woes;
Make Her with open Arms receive him,
Fold him to her glowing Breast,
With Love's exalted Joys relieve him,
And in blessing him be blest.
Lovely Month! for ever prove,
Sacred to the God of Love:
May all thy joyful Moments be
Fill'd with sublime Felicity!
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