On the Merry First of May

On the merry First of May

Maidens wash their faces;

Wash them in the dew they say,

On the merry First of May

Once a year at break of day

So, at least, in places

On the merry First of May

Maidens wash their faces.

On the merry First of May

Maidens all, beware you,

Man is full of guile, they say,

On the merry First of May;

Vain are all your arts today,

He it is will snare you,

On the merry First of May,

Maidens all, beware you!