The Cornish May song

Ye maids of Helston, gather dew,

While yet the morning breezes blow;

The fairy rings are fresh and new,

Then cautious mark them as ye go.

CHORUS.

Arise, arise, awake to joy!

The sky-lark hails the dawn of day,

Care, get thee hence, from Helston fly!

For mirth rules here the morn of May!

Ye youths, who own love's ardent power,

To yonder shelter'd bank repair,

There seek the early op'ning flower,

To deck the bosoms of the fair.

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CHORUS.

Tho' ages close, and manners fade,

And ancient revels pass away;

In Helston, let it not be said,

Forgotten is sweet Flora-day.

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CHORUS.