Part 20

Hush! hush! the nightingale begins to sing, And stops, as ill-contented with her note; Then breaks from out the bush with hurried wing, Restless and passionate. She tunes her throat, Laments awhile in wavering trills, and then Floods with a stream of sweetness all the glen.

Jean Ingelow.

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Dark winter is waning, Bright summer is reigning, The world is regaining, Its beauty in May.

The wild woods are ringing With birds sweetly singing, Where dewdrops are clinging To flowret and spray.

The sunshine entrances My heart when it dances, And glimmers and glances, Through greenwood so gay.

From Celtic Lyre.

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OLD MAY DAY. (May 11th.)

On! what a May-day--what a dear May-day! Feel what a breeze, love, Undulates o'er us; Meadow and trees, love, Glisten before us; Light, in all showers, Falls from the flowers, Hear how they ask us; "Come and sit down."

From Venetian. (Burrati.)

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Old May Day is the usual time for turning out cattle into the pastures, though frequently then very bare of grass.

Hone.

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The three most unpopular saints in the calender are Pancratius, Servatius, and Bonifacius, known both in Germany and Austria as the "three icemen"; and during May 12, 13, and 14 many gardeners keep nightly watch and light outdoor fires.

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Who shears his sheep before St. Gervatius' (or Servatius') Day loves more his wool than his sheep.

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When the corn is over the crow's back the frost is over.

Cheshire.

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Go and look at oats in May, You will see them blown away; Go and look again in June, You will sing another tune.

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The oak before the ash, Prepare your summer sash; The ash before the oak, Prepare your summer cloak.

Dorset.

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A windy May makes a fair year.