"Among the many buds proclaiming May,
Decking the field in holiday array,
Striving who shall surpass in braverie,
Mark the faire blooming of the Hawthorn tree,
Who, finely cloathed in a robe of white,
Fills full the wanton eye with May's delight.
Yet for the braverie that she is in
Doth neither handle card nor wheel to spin,
Nor changeth robes but twice; is never seen
In other colours but in white or green."
- my sources conflict as to the author of this poem so further research is needed. Edith Holden's 'The Country Diary of An Edwardian Lady' attributes to it to Geoffrey Chaucer, whilst online sources attribute it to William Browne. Will return to update if and when I remember.
Lovely photo. I wish the weather would behave now that May's here.
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty flower. It always reminds me of May queens! I like the poem too. I'd bet on William Browne. As far as I know Chaucer did not write such pretty poems!
ReplyDeleteChaucer'e english leaves a lot to be desired so I would bet on William Browne- Not that I've heard of him or this lovely poem. Something that mentions blossom falling like snow might be more appropriate now though.
ReplyDeleteFinally we have some May weather here in SW France. It's like everything is exploding after all the April rain.
ReplyDeleteSeems like the vote is going to William Browne.
Thanks for your comments. I'm leaning towards William Browne too! Glad to hear that there is some decent weather in South West France Rob - maybe it will filter down to the rest of us soon.
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