Page:The Book of Scottish Song.djvu/244

226 The soft blue sky, the spangled earth,

The rich green woods, the streamlet's mirth—

All Nature's voice cries loud—Be gay!

Oh! 'tis the flowery month of May.

Hie to the woodlands, hie!

The lambs frisk on the lea,

And the little birds are singing blythe

From every brake and tree.

In every note that steals along

Is heard the tale of their sweet song;

'Tis love that bids them chant—Be gay!

Oh! 'tis the flowery month of May.

Hie to the woodlands, hie!

And gather honey flowers

On mossy bank and brackeny braes

The long sweet summer hours.

The cowslip and the sweet blue-bell,

The wild rose and the pimpernell,

And wild thyme too, all cry—Be gay!

Oh! 'tis the flowery month of May.

The happy hour is nigh—

I'll seek the shady grove,

With her my heart longs for its own,

And sing my notes of love.

The purest flower from earth that springs,

The sweetest bird on tree that sings,

Are nought to her I bid—Be gay!

Oh! 'tis the flowery month of May.

[ by, for Thomson's collection, and suited either for the tune of "Loch-Eroch side," or "Where'll bonnie Ann lie."]