A Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert Herrick

26. THE MAYPOLE

     The May-pole is up,
     Now give me the cup;
     I'll drink to the garlands around it;
     But first unto those
     Whose hands did compose
     The glory of flowers that crown'd it.

     A health to my girls,
     Whose husbands may earls
     Or lords be, granting my wishes,
     And when that ye wed
     To the bridal bed,
     Then multiply all, like to fishes.