May-Day at Islington

Here's a rabble, here's a rout,

Here's a merry song and shout,

Here's a crown down every way,

At Islington on May-day!

Lassies young in charming frocks,

Farmer boys in caps and smocks,

London lads whose work is done,

One and all just out for fun.

Seeking all a day of leisure,

Hours of mirth and love's sweet treasure,

Filling high life's cup of pleasure

At Islington on May-day!

Some come to the Fair with a hey down derry O!

Life's a song that is blithe and merry O!

Step it out with a hey ho nonny no!

Choose a lass that is young and bonny O!

Leave afar your care and pain,

All dark thoughts and dreams disdain,

Greet the merry spring again,

At Islington on May-day!

Here's a rabble, here's a shout,

What's the happy throng about?

Here's a lad with frowning face,

Duck him in the pond apace!

Here's a gipsy who foretells,

If you've money, wedding bells!

There is Parson Jack you see,

Rush him round the Maypole tree!

All the world a Fair is seeming,

Golden skies above are gleaming,

Life's a dream that's worth the dreaming

At Islington on May-day!