Made tow'rds the creek, where Philocel, unspied Of maid or shepherd that their May-games plied, Received his wished-for Cælia, and begun To steer his boat contrary to the sun, 56 Who could have wished another in his place To guide the car of light, or that his race Were to have end (so he might bless his hap) In Cælia's bosom, not in Thetis' lap. 60 The boat oft danced for joy of what it held: The hoist-up sail not quick but gently swelled, And often shook, as fearing what might fall, Ere she delivered what she went withal. Winged Argestes, fair Aurora's son, Licensed that day to leave his dungeon, Meekly attended and did never err, 65 Above an hour since: yet you not dressed; Nay! not so much as out of bed? When all the birds have matins said 10 And sung their thankful hymns, 't is sin, Nay, profanation, to keep in, Whenas a thousand virgins on this day Spring, sooner than the lark, to fetch in May. Rise, and put on your foliage, and be seen To come forth, like the spring-time, fresh and green, And sweet as Flora. Take no care 16 20 Gems in abundance upon you: Besides, the childhood of the day has kept, Against you come, some orient pearls unwept; 25 Come and receive them while the light Hangs on the dew-locks of the right: And Titan on the eastern hill Retires himself, or else stands still Till you come forth. Wash, dress, be brief in praying: Few beads are best when once we go a-Maying. Come, my Corinna, come; and, coming mark How each field turns a street, each street a |