Page:The Romance of Nature; or, The Flower-Seasons Illustrated.djvu/117

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Though I have devoted so large a space to eulogies of the hawthorn, I cannot quit the subject without quoting a stanza from my graceful favourite, Herrick, also commemorating the ceremonies used in the merry olden-time on May-day. Much do I regret that such good and poetical festivities have become nearly obselete. Many of the sports and pastimes of our ancestors would now be unsuited to their more cultivated descendants; but such as bring us into close communion with Nature's loveliness and glory must, of necessity, be yet more highly enjoyed as our minds become more elevated and capable of comprehending, appreciating, and, above all, heartily feeling the delightful influence of the harmony and beauty of creation.

But let us hear Herrick.

TO CORINNA, GOING A MAYING.

Get up, get up, for shame, the blooming morne

Upon her wings presesents the god unshoroe.