Part 3 — FOR HALLOWEEN AND MIDSUMMER EVE

At eve last Midsummer, no sleep I sought, But to the field a bag of Hempseed brought; I scattered round the seed on every side, And three times in a trembling accent cried: “This Hempseed with my virgin hand I sow, Who shall my True-love be, the crop shall mow!” I straight looked back, and if my eyes speak truth, With his keen scythe behind me came the youth! With my sharp heel I three times mark the ground, And turn me thrice, around, around, around! Last May-day Fair, I searched to find a Snail, That might my secret Lover’s name reveal. Two Hazel-nuts I threw into the flame, And to each nut I gave a sweetheart’s name. This with the loudest bounce me sore amazed, That in a flame of brightest colour blazed. With my sharp heel, I three times mark the ground, And turn me thrice, around, around, around! This mellow Pippin which I pare around, My Shepherd’s name shall flourish on the ground. I fling the unbroken paring o’er my head, Upon the grass a perfect L is read. Yet on my heart a fairer L is seen Than what the paring marks upon the green. With my sharp heel, I three times mark the ground, And turn me thrice, around, around, around!