Cheshire May Day Song

On this pleasant morning together come are we, To tell you of a blossom that hangs on every tree. We have stayed up all evening to welcome in the day, Good people all, both great and small, it is the first of May. Good people all, both great and small, it is the first of May.

Rise up the master of this house, put on your chain of gold, And turn unto your loving wife, so comely to behold. Rise up the mistress of this house, with gold upon your breast, And if your body be asleep, we hope your souls are dressed.

Rise up Mister Wilbraham, all joys to you betide, Your horse is ready saddled, a-hunting for to ride. Your saddle is of silver, your bridle of the gold. Your wife shall ride beside you, so lovely to behold.

Rise up Mister Edgerton and take your pen in hand. For you're a learned scholar as we do understand. Oh rise up Mrs. Stoughton, put on your rich attire, For every hair upon your head shines like the silver wire.

Rise up the good house keeper, put on your gown of silk. And may you have a husband good, with twenty cows to milk. And where are all the pretty maids that live next door to you? Oh they have gone to bathe themselves, all in the morning dew.

God bless your house and arbour, your riches and your store. And may the good Lord prosper you, both now and evermore. So now we're going to leave you, in peace and plenty here. We will not sing this song again until another year. Good people all, both great and small, it is the first of May.