MAY.
Reading edition
The voice of one who goes before to make The paths of June more beautiful, is thine, Sweet May! Without an envy of her crown And bridal; patient stringing emeralds And shining rubies for the brows of birch And maple; flinging garlands of pure white And pink, which to their bloom add prophecy; Gold cups o'erfilling on a thousand hills And calling honey-bees; out of their sleep The tiny summer harpers with bright wings Awaking, teaching them their notes for noon— O, May, sweet-voiced one, going thus before, Forever June may pour her warm, red wine Of life and passion—sweeter days are thine! —H. H.