Part 2 (2/2)
Surely we sing no little thing, In Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
Oak of the Clay lived many a day Or ever aeneas began; Ash of the Loam was a lady at home When Brut was an outlaw man.
Thorn of the Down saw New Troy Town (From which was London born); Witness hereby the ancientry Of Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
Yew that is old in churchyard mould, He breedeth a mighty bow; Alder for shoes do wise men choose, And beech for cups also.
But when ye have killed, and your bowl is spilled, And your shoes are clean outworn, Back ye must speed for all that ye need, To Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
Ellum she hateth mankind, and waiteth Till every gust be laid, To drop a limb on the head of him That anyway trusts her shade: But whether a lad be sober or sad, Or mellow with ale from the horn, He will take no wrong when he lieth along 'Neath Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
Oh, do not tell the Priest our plight, Or he would call it a sin; But--we have been out in the woods all night, A-conjuring Summer in!
And we bring you news by word of mouth-- Good news for cattle and corn-- Now is the Sun come up from the South, With Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
Sing Oak, and Ash, and Thorn, good sirs (All of a Midsummer morn)!
England shall bide till Judgment Tide, By Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!
CUCKOO SONG
Spring begins in Southern England on the 14th April, on which date the Old Woman lets the Cuckoo out of her basket at Heathfield Fair--locally known as Heffle Cuckoo Fair.
Tell it to the locked-up trees, Cuckoo, bring your song here!
Warrant, Act and Summons, please.
For Spring to pa.s.s along here!
Tell old Winter, if he doubt, Tell him squat and square--a!
Old Woman!
Old Woman!
Old Woman's let the Cuckoo out At Heffle Cuckoo Fair--a!
March has searched and April tried-- 'Tisn't long to May now, Not so far to Whitsuntide, And Cuckoo's come to stay now!
Hear the valiant fellow shout Down the orchard bare--a!
Old Woman!
Old Woman!
Old Woman's let the Cuckoo out At Heffle Cuckoo Fair--a!
When your heart is young and gay And the season rules it-- Work your works and play your play 'Fore the Autumn cools it!
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