PHILLIDA AND CORYDON

In the merry month of May, In a morn by break of day, With a troop of damsels playing Forth I went forsooth a-maying. When anon by a wood side, Where, as May was in his pride, I espied, all alone, Phillida and Corydon. Much ado there was, God wot! He would love, and she would not, She said, never man was true: He says none was false to you; He said he had lov'd her long; She says love should have no wrong, Corydon would kiss her then; She says, maids must kiss no men, Till they do for good and all, When she made the shepherd call All the heavens to witness truth, Never lov'd a truer youth. Then with many a pretty oath, Yea and nay, faith and troth, Such as silly shepherds use, When they will not love abuse; Love, which had been long deluded, Was with kisses sweet concluded; And Phillida with garlands gay Was made the lady of May.